Thank you for visiting my website. I hope these notes, examples, and algorithms will boost your interest in structural analysis. The growth in computational power has created a vision among structural engineers that the behaviour of structures, subjected to earthquakes and other hazards, can be simulated on the computer. The mechanics and finite elements behind such simulations are central topics on this website. It is also recognized that substantial uncertainty enter into the results. Therefore, probabilistic methods and reliability analysis are devoted substantial attention. Given the presence of uncertainties, it is also helpful to know how sensitive the results are to changes in the input parameters and model assumptions; hence, sensitivity analysis is also included.

In my core undergraduate course, CIVL 332, I cover a of range of structural analysis methods, including the stiffness method. That method is the foundation for finite element analysis. In one of my graduate courses, CIVL 509, I get into the details of nonlinear finite element analysis, a topic essential to earthquake engineers. Uncertainties, probabilistic models and methods, and reliability analysis are topics addressed in my other graduate course, CIVL 518.

If you are interested in helping me advance the state-of-the-art in structural engineering, I am always looking for bright and motivated MASc and PhD students to join my research group. I work closely with each student, with frequent meetings and research seminars. Funded MASc and PhD positions are limited and highly competitive. Students who pursue and receive funding through outside scholarships greatly increase their chance of admission. If you would like to join my research team then I suggest you start by reviewing the departmental Graduate Admissions and Graduate Program guidelines. It may also be helpful to read my advice to current and prospective structures students at UBC. Thereafter, please send an email to terje@civil.ubc.ca with the subject “Prospective Student for the Research Group of Professor Haukaas” with your CV attached as a PDF document. Please include a brief paragraph about your research interests and the knowledge gaps you see in those fields.

Thanks for visiting my website and have fun analyzing structures!

Vancouver, July 1, 2021
Professor Terje Haukaas