Steel & Concrete Structural Design Fundamental

Steel, Concrete & Masonry | Project-Based | North America Focus
Course Overview

If you have a background in civil or structural engineering and are planning to enter the design job market in Canada or the United States, theoretical knowledge alone is not enough. What truly matters is understanding how that knowledge is applied in real projects, based on North American standards and workflows.

This course is designed with that exact goal:
to provide a practical and realistic understanding of structural design in real-world projects.

Instead of focusing only on academic concepts, the course bridges the gap between analysis, design, codes, and real project execution, helping you see how everything connects in practice.

Learning Approach

This is a fully project-based course, where all topics are taught within the context of real-world projects.

Participants will not only learn design concepts but also understand how to apply them in actual project scenarios — from conceptual design to coordination and construction support.

Course Topics
1. Fundamental Structural Concepts
Structural systems and load paths
Material behavior
Stability concepts
Gravity and lateral loads (wind & seismic)
Strong column / weak beam philosophy
2. Seismic Performance & R Factors
Force modification factors (Rd, R₀)
Structural performance objectives
Conceptual seismic analysis
3. Structural Design Approaches
ASD vs LRFD comparison
Design considerations
Common design mistakes
4. Introduction to NBC (Canada)
National Building Code fundamentals
Loading and design requirements
Practical use of code in design
5. Steel Structure Design
Design of steel members under:
Axial force (P)
Bending moment (M)
Shear (V)
Combined loading
Use of Steel Design Handbook
6. Reinforced Concrete Design
Design of RC members under various loads
Application of Concrete Design Handbook
7. Masonry Structures
Overview of masonry systems
Typical sections and design concepts
8. Industrial & Prefabricated Systems
Open Web Steel Joists (OWSJ)
Steel deck systems
Hollow core slabs
Common prefabricated structural solutions
9. Software & Design Tools
Introduction to:
ETABS
RAM
PROFIS
Use of design handbooks and online tools
Course Projects (Core of the Program)

This course is centered around two real-world projects:

🔹 Project 1: Low-Rise Commercial Building
Complete structural design workflow
From conceptual design to construction support
Understanding design decisions and documentation
🔹 Project 2: Residential Building Adjacent to Existing Structure
Design under real-world constraints
Interaction with existing structures
Underpinning and coordination challenges
Multi-discipline coordination
Skills You Will Gain
Practical understanding of structural design in North America
Ability to work with design codes and standards
Familiarity with real project workflows (IFP, IFC, RFI, Shop Drawings)
Understanding the relationship between design and construction
Improved decision-making in real project scenarios
Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for:

Civil and structural engineers
Engineers new to the Canadian or U.S. market
Designers with prior experience who want to adapt to North American standards
Recent graduates with a background in structural design
Architects with structural design exposure
Professionals involved in construction who want deeper design understanding
Course Outcome

By the end of the course, you will:

Have a clear understanding of how structural design works in real projects
Be familiar with North American design practices and workflows
Be able to contribute to low-rise structural design projects
Reduce the gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations
Why This Course Matters

One of the biggest challenges for engineers entering the North American job market is this:

👉 They have knowledge, but not enough exposure to real project workflows

This course is designed to close that gap.

You will gain insight into:
How real projects are designed
How decisions are made
What your role as a structural designer actually looks like
Final Note

This is not just a design course.
It is a structured introduction to how structural design works in real projects in North America.