Significance of Structural Dynamics in Engineering Education in the New Millennium

Abstract

Structural Dynamics has gained prominence recently due to (i) vibration problems in slender structures that have emerged as a result of new materials technology and aesthetic requirements, (ii) ageing bridge structures whose health needs to be monitored and appropriate retrofitting carried out to prevent failure and (iii) increased vulnerability of structures to seismic, impact and blast loads. Knowledge of structural dynamics is necessary to address these issues and their consequences. In recent times, structural dynamics research has generated considerable amount of new knowledge to address these issue, but this is not readily available to practicing engineers as very little or none of it enters the class rooms. This paper argues for the need to include structural dynamics and the new research knowledge into the syllabus of all civil engineering courses, especially those with a major in structural engineering. This will enable our future structural engineers to design and maintain safe and efficient structures.