Introduction

Performance-Based Structural Design (PBSD) is a modern engineering approach that focuses on ensuring structures achieve predefined performance objectives under various loading conditions such as earthquakes, wind, blasts, and extreme environmental forces. Unlike traditional prescriptive design methods, PBSD emphasizes structural resilience, ductility, safety optimization, and lifecycle performance, enabling engineers to design buildings that are not only code-compliant but also economically efficient, disaster-resilient, and sustainability-driven.

Performance-Based Structural Design Training Course provides a comprehensive foundation in advanced structural analysis, nonlinear behavior modeling, seismic performance evaluation, finite element simulation, and risk-based design optimization. Participants will gain hands-on expertise in applying performance-based seismic design (PBSD), progressive collapse resistance, structural health monitoring, and reliability-based engineering principles. The program integrates real-world case studies, international standards (ASCE 41, FEMA 356, Eurocode 8), and cutting-edge simulation tools to prepare engineers for high-performance infrastructure design in modern urban environments.

Programme Curriculum

Performance-Based Structural Design Training Course

Introduction

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

Understand Performance-Based Structural Engineering principles
Apply nonlinear structural analysis techniques
Develop seismic resilience design strategies
Evaluate structural damage states and performance levels
Implement risk-based design optimization methods
Master finite element modeling for complex structures
Analyze earthquake-induced structural behavior
Design for progressive collapse prevention
Integrate building performance objectives with safety codes
Apply structural reliability and uncertainty modeling
Use advanced simulation tools (ETABS, SAP2000, ANSYS)
Assess retrofit strategies for existing structures
Enhance sustainable and resilient infrastructure design

Target Audience

Structural Engineers
Civil Engineers
Construction Project Managers
Architects involved in structural planning
Geotechnical Engineers
Infrastructure Consultants
Government Building Code Officials
Graduate Engineering Students & Researchers

Course Modules

Module 1: Fundamentals of Performance-Based Design

Introduction to PBSD framework
Comparison with conventional design methods
Performance objectives and criteria
Structural demand vs capacity concept
Code frameworks (FEMA, ASCE 41)
Case Study: Earthquake performance assessment of mid-rise residential building in seismic zone

Module 2: Structural Dynamics & Seismic Response

Dynamic loading principles
Earthquake ground motion characteristics
Modal analysis techniques
Damping and resonance effects
Response spectrum analysis
Case Study: Seismic response of high-rise building during major earthquake simulation

Module 3: Nonlinear Structural Analysis

Material nonlinearity behavior
Geometric nonlinearity effects
Push-over analysis techniques
Hysteretic behavior modeling
Failure mechanism prediction
Case Study: Collapse mechanism analysis of reinforced concrete frame structure

Module 4: Performance Levels & Damage Assessment

Operational, Immediate Occupancy, Life Safety, Collapse Prevention
Drift limits and deformation criteria
Damage indices evaluation
Post-earthquake usability assessment
Structural performance grading
Case Study: Post-earthquake evaluation of commercial complex structural safety

Module 5: Seismic Design Optimization

Performance-based seismic design workflow
Base isolation systems
Energy dissipation devices
Structural redundancy planning
Cost-performance optimization
Case Study: Seismic retrofitting of hospital building using base isolation system

Module 6: Finite Element Modeling & Simulation

Modeling complex structural systems
Load application techniques
Mesh generation and validation
Interpretation of simulation outputs
Software-based structural verification
Case Study: FEM simulation of bridge pier under cyclic loading

Module 7: Structural Retrofit & Rehabilitation

Assessment of existing structures
Strengthening techniques
Retrofit design strategies
Life extension methodologies
Performance upgrading techniques
Case Study: Retrofit of aging school building for seismic safety compliance

Module 8: Advanced Risk & Reliability Engineering

Probabilistic structural analysis
Uncertainty modeling
Failure probability estimation
Risk-informed decision making
Lifecycle structural performance
Case Study: Risk-based assessment of urban infrastructure network under multi-hazard conditions

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

Interactive lectures and presentations.
Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
Expert-led Q&A sessions.
Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Structural modeling Load scenarios Safety performance Design optimization

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 19 2026

19 Oct — 23 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000