Terms: Winter 2018

Course Content: Methods of geometric and material nonlinear static and dynamic analysis, cumulative damage effects, concentrated and distributed plasticity models, pushover analysis, response modification and performance-based design. The class integrates state-of-the-art simulation models and methods with physical experimentation of structural components and energy dissipation devices for nonlinear analysis and evaluation of buildings.

Students’ comments from the course evaluations regarding the course:

“The course is not limited to the Non-Linear Analysis theory basis and provides the student with a large set of tools and information very useful for research as well as for practice.”

“Highly recommend to take the course at graduate level.”

“I was able to top up my knowledge which was previously based on static and elastic analysis. Now, I can confidently deal with dynamic and non-linearity problems which is extremely useful.”

“This class will definitively be useful for my research.”

“Assignments were very challenging but really helpful to understand the topics.”

“I am thankful to Professor for providing lots of additional reading materials relevant to the subject. It would have been very difficult and time consuming to find those by ourselves.”

“The assignments were really helpful to learn the class material.”

Students’ comments from the course evaluations regarding the instructor:

“The instructor is very knowledgeable and helpful to students. He really wants students to do well. He always answers questions and is readily available for all of our issues.”

“He is a great teacher, and it is obvious that he cares about his students and the subjects.”

“His motivation, and the philosophy he applies to teaching the course make him a great teacher.”

“He devoted tremendous amount of time and energy to the class. Much appreciated. Maybe, I would not have been able to learn that much without Professor’s special effort. He is very patient and helps weak student like myself. I eventually was able to cope with the course much better than I would have thought. He also took the time to encourage me such that even if the course was difficult I was able to stay motivated and focused.”

“Dr. Akçelyan shared his experience and knowledge as much as possible in the time given for this course. I really appreciate all his efforts. He always tried to situate the topics in the practical context so that we know why we are learning these and how and where to apply them.”

“He was on the top. Lecture notes were posted in advance which enabled me to print them and bring them in class to take notes.”

“He presented some nice videos which helped to visualize the topics discussed.”

“Dr. Akçelyan always responded positively to my questions even when I asked same questions several times because I had difficulty to understand. He also responded rapidly by email.”

“Frequently asking questions as you do is very helpful.”

“He did a great job.”