Structural Design II: Materials & Analysis

This course introduces the fundamental principles of structural engineering and their application to building design and construction. Students examine gravity and lateral loads, develop code-based loading criteria, and explore the properties and applications of steel, reinforced concrete, masonry and timber. Students apply these concepts to the design of basic structural elements, including beams and columns, and learn to interpret structural construction documents and shop drawings. Through structural failure case studies, students investigate how design decisions, construction practices, material properties, and site conditions influence structural performance. The course also introduces shallow and deep foundation systems, including methods for calculating the capacity of spread footings and piles. Students learn to interpret geotechnical engineering reports and evaluate how subsurface soil conditions affect foundation design and overall structural performance.

Basic knowledge of statics and structural design is expected. Students are assumed to have taken "48-234: Structural Design I — Form & Forces" at CMU or an equivalent introductory structural design course from another institution. This is the second of three courses of the Structural Design curriculum offered at Carnegie Mellon Architecture.