Introduction

This course serves as an introduction to the fundamental concepts of non-linear analysis in the context of reinforced concrete structures. As the construction and civil engineering industries face a multi-criteria demanding context, including requirements for safety, performance, and sustainability, understanding how reinforced concrete structures behaves in a more real manner – i.e., under non-linear conditions – becomes the natural step further and crucial for a more effective design and/or assessment of existing reinforced concrete structures.

Objetives

The primary aim of this course is to familiarize students with the key principles, methodologies, and applications of non-linear analysis in reinforced concrete structures. Participants will gain insight into how non-linear effects influence the structural response, allowing for more accurate modelling, design solutions and more real assessment of existing structures.

By participating in this course, students will:

• Develop a foundational understanding of non-linear analysis principles and their relevance in reinforced concrete
• Gain the ability to identify when non-linear analysis is necessary and
• Become familiar with practical tools and techniques used in non-linear modelling and

Limited places.

1. Definition and importance of Non-Linear Analysis:

• – Differentiating between linear and non-linear behaviour.
• – Understanding the significance of non-linear analysis in predicting real-world performance of reinforced concrete structures.

2.  Fundamental Concepts of Reinforced Concrete Behaviour:

• – Overview of concrete as a material, including its mechanical properties and failure mechanisms.
• – Introduction to the terms related to non-linear behaviour, such as cracking, yielding, and stress redistribution.

3.  Non-Linear Modelling Techniques:

• – Exploration of basic modelling approaches, including Finite Element Methods (FEM).
• – Discussion of various constitutive models that capture the non-linear response of concrete.

4.  Applications in Reinforced Concrete Structures:

• – How non-linear analysis is applied to evaluate the performance of beams, columns, slabs, and entire structural systems.
• – Importance of non-linear analysis in assessment of existing structures.

5.  Practical Tools and Software:

• – Introduction to commonly used software that facilitates non-linear analysis in reinforced concrete structures.
• – Hands-on demonstrations to build familiarity with tools for conducting simulations.

6.  Case Studies and Real-World Applications:

• – Review of examples that illustrate the successful application of non-linear analysis in engineering practices.
• – Highlighting the impact of non-linear analysis on safety and efficiency in structural engineering projects focussing on the assessment of existing structures.

Helder Sousa

Dr Helder Sousa is an expert, with 17 years of international experience and strong exposure to the industry sector, on Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applied on Civil Engineering infrastructures and Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey, UK.

With core expertise in Civil Engineering (PhD, 2012, http://repositorio-aberto.up.pt/handle/10216/68424), his scientific knowledge spans from (before PhD conclusion) advanced Finite Element Analysis of full-scale structures to (after PhD conclusion) Bayesian statistics and Value of Information theory, mainly single and sequential updating methods, passing through wide experience in tacking big-data streams collected by monitoring systems installed on full-scale bridges. Altogether makes Dr Sousa holding a holistic and singular profile with a comprehensive view and perception on the different levels of science, i.e. fundamental research and applied research.

With 42 conference papers, 15 scientific journal papers, 2 book chapters, more than 35 oral presentations in several countries of Europe and beyond, as well as 4 short-scientific missions at top leading R&D Institutes in Europe (ETH Zurich in Switzerland, TNO R&D institute in Netherlands, CEREMA in France and COWI in Denmark), makes Dr Sousa has one of the leading researchers in his research field.

Awarded with several research grants and consultancy funding, highlighting his Individual Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (2015-17, http://www.lostprecon.eu/) and his recent role as the leader of the Innovation Committee of the European COST Action TU1402 – Quantifying the Value of Structural Health Monitoring, as a legal representative of the BRISA Group (2014-19, http://www.cost-tu1402.eu/Action/Innovation-Committee). Currently, he is Guest Editor in the top-ranked scientific journal Structure & Infrastructure Engineering and (co-)leads two special sessions in the next European Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring (Italy, 2020) and in the 13th ASCE Specialty Conference on Probabilistic Mechanics and Reliability (New York, 2020). His enrolment in scientific committees at the European level and wide experience in acting as a reviewer for national and international science councils is also a clear demonstration of his leadership and independence skills.

In the context of this course, the following publications on international top-scientific journals in the field of Civil Engineering might be of relevance for interested people:

• – Sousa, H. (2020) “Advanced FE modelling supported by monitoring towards management of large civil infrastructures – The case study of Lezíria Bridge.” Structural Concrete, the official journal of the fib (accepted for publication, 18th March 2020).
• – Sousa, H., A. Rozsas, A. Slobbe and W. Courage (2020). “A novel pro-active approach towards SHM-based bridge management supported by FE analysis and Bayesian methods.” Structure and Infrastructure Engineering 16(2): 233-246. (http://doi.org/10.1080/15732479.2019.1649287)
• – Sousa, H., L. O. Santos and M. Chryssanthopoulos (2019). “Quantifying monitoring requirements for predicting creep deformations through Bayesian updating methods.” Structural Safety 76: 40-50. (http://doi.org/10.1016/j.strusafe.2018.06.002)
• – Sousa, H., B. J. A. Costa, A. A. Henriques, J. Bento and J. A. Figueiras (2016). “Assessment of traffic load events and structural effects on road bridges based on strain measurements.” Journal of Civil Engineering and Management 22(4): 457-469. (http://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2014.897991)
• – Sousa, H., J. Bento and J. Figueiras (2014). “Assessment and Management of Concrete Bridges Supported by Monitoring Data-Based Finite-Element Modeling.” Journal of Bridge Engineering 19(6): 05014002. (http://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000604)

All of our courses are offered 100% online, through our intuitive Virtual Campus. Topics are taught through:

• – Videos
• – Interactive multimedia content
• – Live classes
• – Texts
• – Case studies
• – Evaluation exercises
• – Additional documentation

The content is updated in each new course edition, so that knowledge is acquired around the latest news and state-of-the-art in the field.

One of the most interesting aspects of our courses is the use of live videoconferences, in which teachers and students interact in a continuous exchange of knowledge and problem solving. In addition to this, students can make use of the platform’s forum, a meeting point where they can interact with teachers and other students.

A tutoring system will also be established by email, which will resolve any possible doubts about the course, and which will serve as a point of connection for students with specific questions on each module.

Students can also download the course documentation, including texts, videos and exercises.

This introductory course is designed for undergraduate students in civil engineering, graduate students seeking a comprehensive introduction to non-linear concepts, and professionals aiming to expand their knowledge base in structural analysis. Hence, this course might be of interest to (but not limited, of course):

• – Graduated engineers with interest in getting into the subject to towards a postgraduate course in structural engineering,
• – Postgraduate engineers with interest to review concepts and improve skills related to advanced structural analysis methods,
• – Researchers aiming for deep learning on advanced structural analysis towards Finite Element Analysis

Once a student finishes the course and successfully completes the assignments and evaluation tests, they are sent an accreditation certificate. The certificate is issued by Ingeoexpert to verify that the student has passed the course. It is a digital certificate that is unique and tamper-proof – it is protected by Blockchain technology. This means it is possible for anyone to check that it is an authentic, original document.

You will be able to download the certificate in an electronic format from the Virtual Campus platform. The certificate can be forwarded by email, shared on social networks, and embedded on websites. To see an example, click

The field of structural analysis is of paramount importance in the context of Structural Engineering. Indeed, it is envisaged that in the XXI century, the structural problems become more and more complex and those with robust skills in the fundamentals of structural analysis will be in a better position in the job market. Taking into account the comprehensive approach of this course, the following job prospects are envisaged, mainly:

• – Expert for advanced design offices;
• – Consultant for concrete structure owners, insurance companies, professional associations, among others;
• – Advanced structural engineering towards the assessment of the effective structural behaviour of civil engineering