Structural Engineering for Non-Structural Engineers

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

• Interpret and apply fundamental structural analysis concepts to common building systems

• Evaluate the behaviour and basic design intent of concrete, steel, wood, and masonry structural elements

• Identify load paths and assess how loads are transferred through slabs, beams, columns, walls, and foundations

• Recognize common structural risks and limitations to support safer, more informed design and construction decisions

• Communicate more effectively with structural engineers using shared concepts, terminology, and expectations

Description

Many projects are affected by structural behaviour long before detailed structural design is complete. Early design decisions, layout choices, material selections, and coordination assumptions can significantly influence safety, performance, constructability, and cost. When the underlying structural implications of these decisions are not well understood, risks are often discovered late, leading to redesign, delays, or unanticipated compromises.

This course is designed to strengthen applied understanding of how building structures behave and how structural systems are intended to work in practice. It focuses on load behaviour, material performance, and the intent behind common structural solutions, without relying on advanced mathematics or full design calculations.

Through applied explanations, real‑world examples, and hands‑on problem‑solving exercises, this course provides a structured foundation in structural engineering concepts that can be applied immediately in project design, coordination, review, and field discussions.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Non‑structural engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical, mining, chemical, agricultural)

• Architects and architectural technologists

• Plant and facilities engineers

• Project engineers and construction professionals

• Fabricators and manufacturers of structural systems

• Building officials, inspectors, and field review personnel

• Technical professionals who work alongside structural engineers and want to strengthen their applied understanding

Day I

Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes, and Assessment Methods

Structural Loads and Procedures

• NBC section 4.0

• Specified loads

• Limit states design

Structural Analysis

• Applied loads

• Equilibrium and free body diagrams

• Determinant and in-determinant structures

• Axial load, shear, and bending

Structural Behaviour

• Slabs, beams, and trusses

• Walls and columns

• Frames

• Footings

• Retaining walls

• Load tracing

Day II

Reinforced Concrete Design

• Products, properties, and failure modes

• Design standards

• Slabs

• Beams

• Columns

• Shear walls

• Footings

• Retaining walls

• Concrete piles (caissons)

• Prestressed concrete

• Precast concrete

• Corrosion protection

• Fire resistance

• Concrete repairs

Day III

Structural Steel Design

• Products, properties and failure modes

• Design standards

• Beams

• Columns

• Tension members

• Connections

• Corrosion protection

• Fire protection

• Steel Repairs

Day IV

Wood Design

• Products, properties, and failure modes

• CSA 086.1 design standard

• Beams and joists

• Columns and studs

• Trusses

• Connections

• Wood frame construction

• Decay protection

• Fire protection

• Wood repair

Masonry Design

• Products, properties, and failure modes