CIEN E4100: Earthquake and Wind Engineering

Course Overview

This course teaches you to analyze and design structures capable of withstanding lateral forces from seismic activity and high winds. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical, code-based design methods, preparing you for critical work in engineering and construction. 

You will gain a fundamental understanding of the principles of structural dynamics, enabling you to analyze how structures respond to lateral forces such as seismic and wind loads. You will also learn to interpret and apply the code’s philosophy so that you can produce code-compliant designs of structural lateral systems.

The course is divided into two parts. In the first part, we review the core concepts of structural dynamics to develop an understanding of how structures respond to dynamic loading. We start from the definition of the response of a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) system and advance into the study of multiple DOFs systems. Concepts of seismic design, such as response spectra and non-linear behavior of structures are also introduced in this first phase of the program. The course then dives into how the U.S. codes apply this theory to lay out the minimum requirements for the design of structures under wind and seismic loading.

You will develop skills ranging from structural analysis to code-based design, and computational skills. Through the homework assignments in the second part of the class, you will also be able to practice the use of structural analysis software, such as SAP2000 or ETABS, which are standard in the industry for structural modeling and analysis.

Through discussions, you will be exposed to concepts of resilience, considering how code-compliant design can protect life. You will also explore how minimizing economic losses and preserving community infrastructure after a natural disaster can be integrated into the design process.

We highly recommend taking courses in structural dynamics prior to this course as we will be using these basic principles to analyze the behavior of the structure under lateral loading.

Course Instructors

Luciana Balsamo

Adjunct Professor & Structural Engineer and Analyst in the Forensics practice of Thornton Tomasetti

Dr Luciana Balsamo is a structural engineer and analyst in the Forensics practice of Thornton Tomasetti. Her experience covers investigations and numerical modeling to analyze structural behavior for buildings such as stadiums and bridges. She used findings from her investigations to support solutions to complex structural problems and form expert opinions for litigation. She brings knowledge of material properties, structural performance, and lab testing to expert witness work. Before joining Thornton Tomasetti in 2016, Luciana was a post-doctoral research assistant at Columbia University, doing research and teaching structural health monitoring. 

Athina Spyridaki

Adjunct Professor & Senior Associate in Thornton Tomasetti’s Forensics Group in New York

Dr Athina Spyridaki is a Senior Associate in Thornton Tomasetti’s Forensics Group in New York, specializing in seismic engineering, forensic investigations, advanced structural analysis, and building condition assessments. She holds a PhD and MS in Structural Engineering from Columbia University and a BS from the National Technical University of Athens. Her research focuses on seismic risk, structure resilience, progressive collapse, and probabilistic mechanics. She has managed and contributed to high-profile projects such as the Kansas City International Airport New Terminal, Manhattan West Central Plaza, and multiple investigative assignments.  Athina’s work is published in top conferences and journals on seismic isolation and progressive collapse.