Structural Design for Lateral Loads and Stability

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Calculate wind and seismic loads in accordance with the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) for use in structural design
• Design and detail lateral load–resisting systems, including braced frames and concrete shear walls
• Analyze the impact of lateral forces on structural stability, load paths, and internal force distribution
• Apply diaphragm action and foundation design principles to support lateral load transfer throughout a structure
• Select and justify appropriate lateral systems based on building configuration, materials, and loading conditions

Description

Buildings must safely resist lateral forces from wind and seismic activity, yet translating NBCC requirements into effective structural systems remains a persistent challenge in practice. Misapplication of lateral load principles can lead to inefficient designs, increased costs, or compromised structural performance, particularly when coordinating load paths across framing, diaphragms, and foundations.

This course provides a structured approach to analyzing and designing lateral load–resisting systems for steel and concrete buildings. You will work through practical design scenarios involving wind and seismic loading, braced frames, shear walls, and diaphragm action, with a focus on how these systems interact to maintain overall stability.

Through guided examples and applied workshops, you will develop the ability to evaluate design options, apply NBCC requirements confidently, and implement coordinated lateral systems that support safe, efficient, and compliant structures in real-world projects.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Structural and civil engineers involved in building design
• Engineers-in-training and early-career professionals developing structural design capabilities
• Consulting engineers and designers working with steel and concrete systems
• Professionals responsible for interpreting and applying NBCC structural load requirements
• Building officials and reviewers assessing structural compliance

Day I

• Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes, and Assessment Method
• National Building Code of Canada
• Wind Load Theory and Calculations
• Special Wind Cases
• Design Examples
• Earthquake Load Theory and Calculations
• Design Examples
• Layout Considerations of Lateral Resisting Systems
• Different Types of Lateral Bracing Systems in Steel Structures
• Types of Lateral Resisting Systems in Concrete Structures
• Workshop I

Under instructor guidance, participants work on case studies with given wind loads and lateral loads.

Day II

• Concrete Shear Walls Types and Analysis
• Design Example
• Steel Braced Frames Design
• Example
• Workshop II

Under instructor guidance, participants work on case studies with steel frames and concrete shear walls.

Day III

• Diaphragm Action and Analysis
• Design Examples
• Lateral Earth Pressure and Shoring Types
• Foundation Design Considerations
• Workshop III
• Conclusion and Review

Under instructor guidance, participants work on a case study on the diaphragm design of concrete floors, retaining walls, and foundations.