Practical structural design course
Practical structural design course
(OP)
Hi all, does anybody know of any good postgraduate courses that are useful in practical design? I would like to continue my education, but I am unable to attend masters in a foreign country because of my work and family. I looked at some online masters in UK but still not sure if it's for me. Can anybody share any experiences? Also short courses are an option. I am limited to english language and course should involve eurocodes. Thank you






RE: Practical structural design course
Dik
RE: Practical structural design course
90% of university profs are academic only. The few that are also practicing are generally just infill professors for one term.
The college profs I found had significant design experience, but most were out of the gig now (hence being a college prof).
RE: Practical structural design course
Are you primarily looking to obtain a credential or practical design knowledge?
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Practical structural design course
P.S. I am primarily seeking practical design knowledge but if I can obtain a credential along the way even better. I have my license to design structures in my country but I want to deepen my knowledge so I will have more confidence in design situations where I have little or no experience.
RE: Practical structural design course
Why not ask around about the best textbooks in any given subject, and study them in a fairly serious manor? Then save them for your ref. book shelf. Certainly, some textbooks and authors are better and more respected than many others. Why not study the textbooks you learned from, and are fairly comfortable/familiar with and understand their layout? Without a doubt, there is much in them that you could still learn and understand more deeply. Why not study more thoroughly the codes you are using for design, particularly read their commentary sections so you have a better understanding of the reasons for the code particulars? Why not check out any various design guides which go with the various codes you use? Better practical knowledge and experience often makes you a better engineer than more Uni courses, given the way they are being taught these days. What areas of a particular subject cause you difficulty in you daily work, learn them better to improve your productivity and understanding. Study other experienced engineers design calcs., plans and details; why did they do it that way? Maybe you can even question them on their reasoning. Look for a good and experienced mentor, and work with him/her; sometimes you bring the bag lunches or the beer, and offer to be helpful in return.
RE: Practical structural design course
RE: Practical structural design course
This sounds good in theory, but I'm not convinced of it. You can't study everything, and the diverse range of problems structural engineers are faced with and 'expected to know' are just too great in number. Don't put structural theory on a pedestal - it doesn't deserve it. Take on the job and learn by doing when required, not by studying when it 'might be useful in the future'. If you're not confident in a design get help either within or by engaging an independent consultant to review.
Sorry that wasn't helpful. Rant over.
RE: Practical structural design course
KootK: Thank you for the link. Looks interesting.
dhengr: You gave some good examples. Some things I am doing already. It is a must to study and understand - books, codes, other engineers work etc. Our knowledge has to expand. I just wanted to check if anybody has taken some other route or has some invaluable advice like you have provided.
SAIL3: Probably everybody has a favourite course. In my case it was a mix of theory, practical examples and an experienced proffesor/engineer.
BowlingDanish: I understand you completely. One gets lost in all the theory, books, codes etc. It is getting harder and harder to master all common construction materials and techniques. I have most experience with timber construction and I learned most on complex jobs. University teaches little timber design so it was me, books, codes and some help from collegues. But we all had too much work to do, boss was never there when you needed him, so I was mostly on my own. Needless to say mentoring was almost non-existent.
Taking other counsultants on board when needed is good advice.
RE: Practical structural design course
Dik
RE: Practical structural design course
I've seen that page before but for some reason it didn't register that you could sign up and take the class over the internet - I thought it was in person.
Definitely looking into it. Thanks!
RE: Practical structural design course
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Practical structural design course
They also have a live, ongoing program (for a fee) titled "Night School". The next series begins in January 2017: Night School 13: Design of Industrial Buildings.
www.SlideRuleEra.net
www.VacuumTubeEra.net
RE: Practical structural design course
I think it's true that many universities have gravitated towards the theoretical side (and in some cases an overemphasis on mandatory environmental classes) at the expense of teaching design classes. I'd say "for better or worse" except that it's simply for worse, in my opinion.
Another possible explanation for it is that increasing code complexity has out-paced instruction, leaving those starting out feeling very unprepared.
RE: Practical structural design course
RE: Practical structural design course
Dik