Two buildings can sit side by side after an earthquake, one still standing and one collapsed, and the structural difference between them is almost never the concrete strength or steel grade alone. It is how the engineers detailed the connections, columns, and load paths for ductility. This training course builds exactly that practical mindset, covering earthquake-resistant design of reinforced concrete and steel structures as one integrated skillset for structural and civil engineers working in earthquake-prone regions.

Across the programme, participants build a clear understanding of how ground motion translates into structural demand, and how seismic codes and structural irregularity checks shape design decisions from the outset. The training then moves into the applied side of ductility and energy dissipation, before working through detailing requirements specific to reinforced concrete and to steel — beams, columns, shear walls, connections and frames — so participants leave able to detail both material systems for real seismic performance, not just code compliance on paper.

This program is delivered by Arab British Fellowship Training Academy through its Earthquake-Resistant Design of Reinforced Concrete and Steel Buildings Training Course, built for structural and civil engineers who need practical, code-grounded seismic design skills for projects in earthquake-prone regions.

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

• Understand how ground motion and seismic hazard translate into structural design demand.
• Interpret and apply relevant building codes to seismic design decisions.
• Evaluate structural irregularities and their impact on seismic performance.
• Design structures for ductility, energy dissipation and structural resilience.
• Apply seismic detailing requirements to reinforced concrete beams, columns and shear walls.
• Apply seismic detailing requirements to steel connections and frames.
• Apply seismic design principles to real structural engineering projects.

Target Group

• Structural and civil engineers working on projects in earthquake-prone regions
• Design engineers involved in reinforced concrete and steel structural systems
• Engineers responsible for seismic code compliance and structural safety
• Consultants and design reviewers on seismic design projects
• Engineers building specialised expertise in earthquake-resistant design

Module 1: Reading Ground Motion and Seismic Hazard

• How ground motion generates seismic demand on structures
• Seismic hazard assessment and site-specific considerations
• Structural engineering's role within a project's overall seismic safety strategy
• Seismic design philosophy and objectives

Module 2: Codes, Standards and Structural Irregularities

• Overview of relevant seismic design codes and standards
• Applying code requirements to real design scenarios
• Identifying structural irregularities and their seismic implications
• Documentation and compliance verification

Module 3: Designing for Ductility and Structural Resilience

• Designing for ductility and energy dissipation
• Balancing strength, stiffness and resilience in structural systems
• Structural systems that enhance seismic performance

Module 4: Seismic Detailing for Reinforced Concrete Structures

• Seismic detailing requirements for reinforced concrete elements
• Designing ductile beams, columns and shear walls
• Common seismic design pitfalls in concrete structures

Module 5: Seismic Detailing for Steel Structures and Connections

• Seismic detailing requirements for steel elements
• Designing ductile steel connections and frames
• Common seismic design pitfalls in steel structures

Module 6: Applying It in Practice: Case Studies in Seismic Design

• Case studies in seismic design of concrete and steel structures
• Hands-on exercises applying seismic detailing principles
• Lessons learned from real seismic design projects