This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the structural behavior, analysis, and design of low-rise reinforced concrete buildings, emphasizing the integration of international design standards with Abu Dhabi’s building regulations. It provides participants with a clear understanding of how gravity, wind, and service loads influence the performance of small-scale structures such as villas and residential buildings, ensuring safe, durable, and economical design outcomes.
Participants will be guided through the complete structural design process-from load determination and reinforced concrete element design to software-based modeling and on-site execution-using ACI 318-08 and ADIBC 2013 as the primary references. The course bridges theory and practice through the use of industry-standard tools such as ETABS and SAFE, enabling participants to apply code provisions in real-world scenarios.
By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to design, model, and supervise low-rise reinforced concrete buildings in compliance with Abu Dhabi’s structural design and construction standards.
By completing this course, participants will be able to:
Explain the fundamental principles of structural safety, load behavior, and performance criteria in accordance with ADIBC 2013 and ACI 318-08.
Identify and classify different structural loads (dead, live, wind, and environmental) and apply appropriate load combinations for low-rise buildings.
Design key reinforced concrete elements - beams, slabs, columns, and footings - following the strength design method prescribed in ACI 318-08.
Model, analyze, and design low-rise reinforced concrete buildings using ETABS and SAFE, ensuring full compliance with Abu Dhabi’s code requirements.
Interpret software outputs and validate results through manual design checks for accuracy and safety.
Apply site execution practices related to reinforcement placement, formwork, concrete cover, curing, and construction tolerances as per ACI 117 and ACI 301.
Inspect and verify structural works through QA/QC procedures and material testing aligned with ASTM standards (C39, C31, C143).
Collaborate effectively with design and construction teams to ensure structural integrity, safety, and cost efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
Prepare technical documentation, including design summaries, site inspection checklists, and compliance reports for DMT (Department of Municipalities and Transport) review.
Demonstrate professional competency through applied design exercises, software-based modeling projects, and practical site-oriented assessments.
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This module introduces participants to the fundamental principles of structural engineering and the regulatory framework governing the design of low-rise reinforced concrete buildings in Abu Dhabi. It highlights the importance of building codes such as ADIBC 2013 and ACI 318-08, explaining their roles in ensuring safety, functionality, and compliance. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the structural design process, from concept to construction.
This module explains the different types of structural loads-dead, live, wind, temperature, and soil pressure-and how they influence building design. Participants will learn how to calculate and combine these loads using ADIBC 2013 and ASCE 7 provisions to achieve safe and serviceable structures. Practical examples show how accurate load definition directly affects structural reliability.
This module focuses on the mechanical behavior of reinforced concrete materials, exploring key concepts such as compressive strength, creep, shrinkage, and the interaction between concrete and steel. Participants will understand how material selection, curing, and mix design affect long-term performance and durability in accordance with ACI 318-08 standards.
This module provides a step-by-step approach to the design of beams and slabs according to ACI 318-08. It covers flexural and shear design principles, reinforcement detailing, and serviceability limits such as deflection and cracking. Through simplified examples, participants will learn how to ensure both safety and economy in structural member design.
This module explains how to design reinforced concrete columns and foundations that safely transfer loads to the soil. Participants will analyze short and slender columns under axial and eccentric loads and design isolated and combined footings based on soil bearing capacity and punching shear checks per ACI 318-08.
This module introduces practical modeling and analysis of low-rise reinforced concrete buildings using ETABS software. Participants will learn to define geometry, assign materials and loads, run static and dynamic analyses, and verify results according to ADIBC 2013 and ACI 318-08. The goal is to develop accurate, code-compliant 3D models for real projects.
Building on the ETABS model, this module focuses on detailed slab and foundation design using CSI SAFE. Participants will import load reactions, check deflection and punching shear, and design reinforcement layouts for slabs and footings. The module ensures engineers can integrate analysis and design workflows efficiently.
This module bridges the gap between design and construction, emphasizing field practices such as reinforcement placement, formwork, concrete cover, curing, and dimensional tolerances. Participants will also review key testing standards (ASTM C39, C31, C143) and learn how to ensure that site work meets design intent and code compliance.
This module provides a detailed understanding of reinforcement anchorage, lap splicing, and bar bending requirements as per ACI 318-08. Participants will learn proper bar placement and connection techniques to ensure adequate bond strength, ductility, and constructability in reinforced concrete members.
The final module focuses on compiling design documentation, QA/QC reports, and handover packages in line with DMT (Department of Municipalities and Transport) standards. Participants will prepare complete design summaries and inspection reports, demonstrating technical competence and professional readiness.