Connection Design Course to launch September 2009
Ron Cuthbert, Course Administrator

The Dowco Learning Network's web-based course, Connection Design for Structural Steel, is expected to launch this September. Based on CISC (Canadian Institute of Steel Construction) standards, this advanced course for senior Steel Detailers and Structural Engineers provides an excellent training and resource tool for connection design considerations in structural steel members.

This course covers

• The principles of Limit States Design
• How and why Beam Load Tables are addressed
• The use of bolts in connections and how they are stressed in concentric, eccentric, tension and shear
• The use of welds in connection design including fillet, CJPG (Complete Joint Penetration Groove) and PJPG (Partial Joint Penetration Groove) welds
• Tension members, beam shear, eccentric, moment, HSS (Hollow Structural Section) and truss connections
• Prying action of joints

Formulas required in calculations and the tables to reference in the CISC Handbook

The course is broken down into 10 different modules. The students will progress through the modules one at a time in sequence. There are many examples (some are interactive) and quizzes to ensure mastery is achieved. Quizzes may be taken as many times as the student wishes. At the end of each module there is a test that may only be taken once.

Review Worksheets and Tests cover all the material and include multiple-choice, true/false, fill-in the blank and matching type questions. Test results are given immediately. You can review the tests, contact the instructor via email, or chat online to other students.

The Modules cover: General Overview, Bolted Connections, Welded Connections, Tension Member Connections Shear Lag, Beam Shear Connections, Eccentric Connections, Prying Action, Moment Connections, HSS Connections and Truss Connections

Certificates of Merit are awarded to deserving students based on overall grade.

The course and additional information is available at www.connectiondesign.ca .