Classes

I figure I should write a little something about the classes that I am taking to show that it is not just all fun and games.

Advanced Materials and Seismic Retrofit Technologies- This class is centered around different systems used to increase the strength or deformation capacities of existing structures in response to an earthquake or an additional loading. So far we have talked about the applications of fiber reinforced polymers (mostly carbon fiber) and their uses for beams and columns as well as different application techniques. This class is very interesting, especially due to the amazing strength characteristics of carbon fiber. It is 25 times stronger than steel by weight, pretty exciting!

Seismic Design of Concrete Structures- The professor is a little on the boring side but the course is introducing me to an entirely new way to think about a building's structural system. So far I have only thought about the gravity loads on a structure but now I am starting learn the different mechanisms used to dissipate the lateral forces imparted on a structure due to seismic accelerations.

Structural Dynamics- This is a class that apparently I should have taken in undergrad so I am a little behind but I am hanging in there. The most amazing thing to me so far is the idea that structures have a fundamental period and vibrate much like a tuning fork. These vibrations can be modeled and displacements calculated. I just got an assignment where I will have to calculate a structure's ultimate displacement given the acceleration data from an actual earthquake. I am very interested to see the results and worried about the amount of work it will require.

Dynamic Soil Structure Interaction- I think that this will be the most challenging class I will be taking. It combines the elements of structural dynamics with geotechnical engineering. I will learn how waves propagate through soil and influence the structural responses. Also once the structure begins to move how this motion affects its foundation. The professor is pretty young but apparently very distinguished. Last week we had to cancel class because he had to go to China so he could sit on a board at the international earthquake engineering summit.

All of the professors are pretty well known and taught in the US for many years before going back to Greece. The professor for my FRP class, Dr. Triantifilliou, knows Dr. Rizkalla who is one the most distinguished professors in Civil at NC State. I feel very fortunate to be studying under such amazing professors and surrounded by so many bright students.