Structural Design Minor

Overview for Structural Design Minor

The structural design minor creates a focus on the different types of structures and materials used in design. It also introduces related design codes. The minor is designed to accommodate students majoring in mechanical engineering technology or mechanical engineering.

Notes about this minor:

  • The minor is closed to students majoring in civil engineering technology.
  • Posting of the minor on the student’s academic transcript requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor.

The plan code for Structural Design Minor is STRUCD-MN.

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Structural Design Minor

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Course
Required Courses
CVET-332
Structural Analysis and Modeling
Introduction of classical and modern computational techniques to analyze statically determinate and indeterminate structures. Topics include beams, 2D trusses, 2D frames, cables and arches, moving loads and influence lines, approximate methods and moment distribution. Computer-aided structural analysis using commercial structural analysis software STAAD is involved. (Prerequisites: CVET-220 or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Fall).
CVET-431
Structural Steel Design 
This course covers the design of structural members and frames and their connections in steel structures. Topics include principles of structural design and the code of ethics in engineering practices, structural loads and systems, steel grade and shapes, steel framing and deck design, tension members, compression members, non-composite beams, beam-columns, column base plates, bolted connections, and welded connections. The use of AISC Steel Construction Manual is emphasized and a comprehensive group design project is assigned. Some computer work for structural modeling is involved. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
CVET-432
Reinforced Concrete Design
This course covers the design of structural members and frames of reinforced concrete. Topics include principles of structural design and loads; properties of concrete and reinforcement and the code of ethics in engineering practices; analysis and design of floor slabs, beams and girders including doubly reinforced and T-beams, columns, and footings, cantilever retaining walls, bearing walls, unreinforced concrete basement walls, shear walls, corbels and brackets. The use of the ACI code, is emphasized and a comprehensive group design project is assigned. Some computer work is involved. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
Elective
Choose two of the following:
   CVET-424
   Building Information Modeling with Revit
The primary objective of the Revit course is to teach students the concepts of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and introduce the tools for parametric building design and documentation using Revit Architecture. Students will be able to create full 3D architectural project models and generate working drawings. The course focuses on design development tools - building the 3D model with foundation, walls, windows, doors, floors, roofs, stairs, creating reflected ceiling plans and furniture plans. Students will add views and annotation to the sheets to create a set of construction documents. (Prerequisites: CVET-150 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 3 (Spring).
   CVET-433
   Structural Timber Design
Design wood structures. Topics include properties of structural lumber, design of wood structural members including beams, columns, beam-columns, trusses, studs, plywood diaphragms and shear walls, and design of structural member connections. Emphasis is on the use of NDC Wood Design Package. A comprehensive group design project is assigned. Some computer work is involved. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   CVET-434
   Design of Highway Bridges
Design concrete and steel bridges. Topics include types of bridges, design loads on bridges, live load distribution, design of prestressed concrete girders, design of I-plate steel girders, design of reinforced concrete deck, design of bridge foundations, and introduction to multi-span bridges. Emphasis is on the use of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and bridge design software, and a comprehensive group design project is assigned. Some computer work is involved. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 and CVET-431 or CVET-432 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
   CVET-435
   Prestressed Concrete
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of prestressed concrete design. Topics include prestressing systems, types of prestressing, materials used in prestressed concrete, analysis and design of pre- and post-tensioned systems, design of connections, losses in prestress. Emphasis is given on the use of the current industry standards and a design project. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
   CVET-436
   Masonry Structures
This course focuses on the fundamental concepts of structural design with masonry elements. Topics include historical perspective of masonry technology, materials used in masonry construction, general design requirements for masonry, structural design of unreinforced and reinforced masonry elements, masonry construction practices, repairs and improvements to masonry walls. Emphasis is given on the use of the building codes for masonry structures and a comprehensive group design project. (Prerequisites: CVET-332 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).