Week 1 – Structural Analysis Fundamentals (12–15 hrs)
Focus: Focus on structural analysis concepts and load transfer.
Books & References:
• Leet – Fundamentals of Structural Analysis (theory + worked examples)
• Hibbeler – Structural Analysis (classic problem-oriented)
• Thandavamoorthy – Introduction to Structural Analysis (short practice exercises)
Free Resources:
• NPTEL IIT lectures – Structural Analysis
• YouTube: The Structural World
• YouTube: Structure Point
Expected Learning Outcomes:
• Load paths, shear/bending/deflection diagrams
• Frame analysis and stiffness concepts
• Ability to validate with hand checks
Weekly Summary & Key Takeaways
Core Concepts
• Trace load paths and sketch internal force/deflection diagrams for beams/frames.
• Use basic methods for indeterminate structures; reason with stiffness and stability.
• Perform independent hand checks to validate analysis outputs.
Application in Consultancy
Consultants rely on quick hand sketches and checks to sanity■check software models, explain
structural behavior in reviews, and catch modeling/input errors early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skipping explicit load■path reasoning; leaving members without a clear force path.
• Misrepresenting supports/connection fixity in models, leading to wrong forces.
• Ignoring serviceability (deflection/vibration) while focusing only on strength.
Recommended Resources
Work solved problems from Leet/Hibbeler; use Thandavamoorthy for drills. Supplement with
NPTEL Structural Analysis lectures; Schaum’s Outline can add extra practice.
Week 2 – Eurocode 1: Loads & Combinations (6–8 hrs)
Focus: Learn to calculate and apply loads according to EC1.
Books & References:
• Eurocode 1: Actions on Structures – EN 1991
• Worked Examples for Eurocode 1 Actions – JRC & ECCS
• Basis of Structural Design to Eurocodes – ICE
• Structural Eurocodes Extracts for Students – ICE
Free Resources:
• Official Eurocodes Online (JRC)
• YouTube: Civil MDC (EC1 loads & combos)
• NPTEL: Structural Design Concepts
• [Link] free guides
Expected Learning Outcomes:
• Dead, live, wind, snow, thermal loads
• ULS & SLS combinations
• Partial factors γ and ψ factors
• Wind & snow load calculations with exercises
Weekly Summary & Key Takeaways
Core Concepts
• Identify applicable actions and characteristic values (G, Q, wind, snow, thermal).
• Assemble EC0/EC1 ULS/SLS combinations with correct γ and ψ factors.
• Compute site■specific wind/snow and compile load tables/spreadsheets.
Application in Consultancy
Consultants derive load schedules and design combos for every project; manual wind/snow
calculations and combo tables underpin all downstream member design.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Misapplying/omitting combination factors or missing governing combinations.
• Underestimating environmental actions or using non■conservative site data.
• Unit/area application errors (kN vs kN/m², influence areas).
Recommended Resources
Practice with JRC/ECCS EC1 worked examples; use ICE ‘Basis’ commentary. Build a simple office
building load■combination sheet as an exercise.
Week 3 – Reinforced Concrete Design (Eurocode 2) (12–14 hrs)
Focus: Design RC members and reinforcement to EC2.
Books & References:
• Choo & Rennison – RC Design
• Concrete Centre – Worked Examples EC2
• Beeby & Narayanan – Reinforced Concrete Design to EC2
Free Resources:
• Concrete Centre free guides
• YouTube: Civil MDC RC Design
• NPTEL: Design of RC Structures
Expected Learning Outcomes:
• Design RC beams, slabs, columns
• ULS & SLS checks
• Reinforcement detailing to Eurocode 2
Weekly Summary & Key Takeaways
Core Concepts
• ULS design for bending/shear/axial; SLS checks for deflection and crack control.
• Detailing per EC2: min/max steel, anchorage/laps, spacing, cover/durability.
• Use interaction charts/approximations for columns.
Application in Consultancy
Consultants iterate member sizes and rebar with architects/contractors; serviceability often governs
slabs; detailing choices must be buildable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skipping SLS (deflection/crack width), leading to performance issues.
• Congested or poorly anchored reinforcement (laps/anchorage too short).
• Omitting special checks (punching shear around columns, torsion where needed).
Recommended Resources
Work Concrete Centre EC2 examples end■to■end; use Beeby & Narayanan for detailing pitfalls.
Design a slab/beam fully (calc + rebar sketch) as a capstone exercise.
Week 4 – Steel Design (Eurocode 3) (12–14 hrs)
Focus: Learn steel member design and buckling checks.
Books & References:
• SCI – Worked Examples EC3
• Alan Williams – Structural Engineering Reference Manual (steel)
• ICE Eurocode Extracts
Free Resources:
• Steel Construction Institute resources
• YouTube: The Structural World – EC3
• NPTEL: Design of Steel Structures
Expected Learning Outcomes:
• Steel beams & columns
• Buckling and lateral-torsional stability
• Connections
• Validation with formulas
Weekly Summary & Key Takeaways
Core Concepts
• Member resistance (bending/axial/shear) incl. section class & stability.
• Column buckling (effective length/curves) and beam LTB checks.
• Connection basics: bolts, welds, baseplates; capacity & detailing.
Application in Consultancy
Consultants iterate steel sizes fast and design practical connections; stability and serviceability
checks ensure efficient, buildable frames.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Ignoring buckling/insufficient bracing for slender members.
• Under■designed or mis■detailed connections (edge distances, bolt layout).
Recommended Resources
Study SCI EC3 worked examples (members & connections); use [Link] tables.
Hand■check a portal frame (member + baseplate + end■plate connection).
Week 5 – Validation & Quick Checks (10–12 hrs)
Focus: How to validate software results and use quick formulas.
Books & References:
• Alan Williams – SER Manual
• Tyler Hicks – Structural Engineering Formulas
• Ashok Jain – Building Analysis & Design Using ETABS
Free Resources:
• CSI ETABS tutorials (YouTube)
• Autodesk University free lectures
• YouTube: Structure Free Learning
Expected Learning Outcomes:
• Hand-check validation methods
• Quick formulas for deflection and bending
• Introduction to ETABS workflow
Weekly Summary & Key Takeaways
Core Concepts
• Independent ballpark checks for key forces/deflections.
• Use of common formulas with awareness of boundary conditions.
• Basic model setup and results interrogation in ETABS.
Application in Consultancy
Consultants pair hand estimates with software to catch errors, make quick site decisions, and
defend designs in reviews.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Blind trust in software; no manual cross■checks.
• Using the wrong quick formula for the boundary/loading case.
• No peer/alternate-method review on critical elements.
Recommended Resources
Drill Hicks’ formulas; replicate SER Manual spot■checks. Model a simple frame in ETABS and
compare outputs against hand calcs.
Week 6 – Revit + BIM + Documentation (12 hrs within 30 hrs)
Focus: Gain BIM and documentation skills for consultancy.
Books & References:
• Autodesk tutorials / Balkan Architect
• BIM Handbook – Eastman
• Hering – Technical Reports
Free Resources:
• Autodesk University – Revit courses
• YouTube: Balkan Architect
• ICE guidance notes
Expected Learning Outcomes:
• Revit families & rebar detailing
• Model linking & coordination
• Clash detection
• Professional report writing
Weekly Summary & Key Takeaways
Core Concepts
• Parametric structural modeling (families, rebar) and shared coordinates.
• Federated model coordination and clash detection workflow.
• Clear drawings and transparent calculation/report structure.
Application in Consultancy
Consultants coordinate with Arch/MEP using federated BIM, resolve clashes early, and produce
clear drawings and reports for construction and approvals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Working in siloed models (no federation/clash checks).
• Poor model standards/coordinates causing misalignment on site.
• Unclear drawings/reports that hinder review and construction.
Recommended Resources
Follow Autodesk AU Revit courses; practice Navisworks clash tests. Use Hering’s guide to structure
calc notes and design basis reports.
Week 7 – ETABS / Software Integration (12–15 hrs)
Focus: Practice complete RC frame project in ETABS.
Books & References:
• Ashok Jain – Building Analysis & Design Using ETABS
• Alan Williams / Hicks (validation)
• ICE Eurocode Extracts
Free Resources:
• CSI Knowledge Base
• YouTube: CSI America
• NPTEL: Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
Expected Learning Outcomes:
• Model and analyze RC frame
• Apply load combinations
• Extract and validate results
• Mini-project completion
Weekly Summary & Key Takeaways
Core Concepts
• Geometry/material/section definitions; correct supports/releases.
• Load cases & combinations; extracting governing forces/drifts.
• Manual verification of key results; iterative model–design loop.
Application in Consultancy
Consultants build/iterate building models, sanity■check totals and drifts, and integrate analysis
results with member and foundation design.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Incorrect releases/stiffness assumptions; over■simplified base conditions.
• No validation of reactions/forces vs hand estimates; equilibrium not checked.
• Not iterating model after member size changes; analysis/design inconsistency.
Recommended Resources
Recreate Ashok Jain’s building example; run CSI KB verification problems. Always compare total
reactions to applied loads and visualize deflected shapes.
Week 8 – Timber Design (Eurocode 5) (8–10 hrs, optional)
Focus: Learn basics of EC5 timber design.
Books & References:
• Design of Timber Structures to EC5 – Wiley
• TRADA Worked Examples EC5
Free Resources:
• TRADA timber guides
• YouTube: Timber Design EC5 lectures
• NPTEL: Timber/Steel overlap
Expected Learning Outcomes:
• Bending, shear, compression checks
• Connection design (bolts, nails, plates)
• Service class, creep, durability concepts
Weekly Summary & Key Takeaways
Core Concepts
• Timber member checks with k_mod/k_def factors for duration/creep.
• Connection capacity/spacing rules; end/edge distances in wood.
• Service class/durability and long■term deflection considerations.
Application in Consultancy
Consultants size timber joists and detail practical connections; specify grades/treatments and
manage long■term deflection/serviceability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Ignoring creep and long■term deflection (k_def).
• Poor joint detailing causing splitting/crushing; wrong spacing/end distances.
• Neglecting exposure class and durability/fire implications.
Recommended Resources
Study TRADA worked examples; use Wiley EC5 text for connection yield models. Design a small
timber deck/roof as a full practice problem.
Appendix – Optional Modules
A. Foundation Basics (Shallow Foundations) – ~6 hrs
Books: Foundation Design: Principles & Practices – Coduto
Free Resources: NPTEL: Foundation Engineering; YouTube: Civil MDC – Footing Design
Expected Learning Outcomes: Bearing capacity, settlement, isolated/pad footing design,
superstructure–foundation integration
Summary & Key Takeaways
Core Concepts
• Bearing capacity (Terzaghi/EC7 approaches) with partial factors; settlement checks
(immediate/consolidation).
• Pad footing design for bending and punching shear; reinforcement layout and anchorage to
columns.
• Integration with superstructure; tie■beams/raft considerations and soil–structure interaction.
Application in Consultancy
Consultants size pads/rafts from column reactions and geotechnical data, check settlements, and
coordinate ties/uplift with the global stability strategy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using generic soil values without site investigation; non■conservative assumptions.
• Choosing pad footings where raft/piles are warranted; ignoring interaction/settlement.
• No consideration of construction loads, frost depth, or tying footings for robustness.
Recommended Resources
Coduto’s worked examples; EC7/JRC worked examples; Concrete Centre pad foundation example
guides.
B. Seismic Design (Eurocode 8) – ~6–8 hrs
Books: Seismic Design to Eurocode 8 – Wiley (Mazzolani)
Free Resources: NPTEL: Earthquake Engineering; YouTube: Seismic Design of RC Frames –
EC8
Expected Learning Outcomes: EC8 load cases, ductility concepts, seismic detailing, integration
with ETABS models
Summary & Key Takeaways
Core Concepts
• Base shear via response spectra; period estimation; vertical/lateral distribution of forces.
• Ductility classes (DCL/DCM/DCH) and capacity design; strong■column/weak■beam
philosophy.
• Detailing for confinement, anchorage, and integrity; irregularity checks and accidental torsion.
Application in Consultancy
Consultants select lateral systems, run modal analyses, limit drifts, and implement EC8 ductile
detailing; foundations/anchors designed for overstrength where required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Claiming high ductility (high q) without complying with detailing rules.
• Overlooking soft■story/torsional irregularities and diaphragm/load■path continuity.
• Designing foundations/anchors to analysis forces instead of capacity■based demands.
Recommended Resources
JRC EC8 worked example reports; IStructE seismic guides; reproduce an EC8 example in ETABS
and hand■check a critical column.
