Program Overview

Diploma de Postítulo en Ingeniería Estructural y Diseńo Sísmico

The Diploma in Structural Engineering and Seismic Design is a postgraduate program offered by the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Chile. This program aims to provide professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in structural engineering and seismic design, enabling them to design and evaluate structures that can withstand seismic activity.

Objectives

The program has the following objectives:

• Form and perfect structural engineers in new concepts, technologies, and methodologies of structural engineering and seismic design.
• Provide professionals with the necessary tools to analyze the behavior of structural elements and make decisions based on performance criteria.

Target Audience

The program is aimed at civil engineers, structural engineers, or related professionals with at least 2 years of experience in design projects and an interest in deepening their knowledge of structural engineering and seismic design.

Plan of Studies

The program consists of 188 hours of lectures, divided into 15 courses:

1. Analysis and Dynamics of Structures Applied to Seismic Design (12 hours): This course provides an integral understanding of matrix methods and the finite element method for the analysis of linear and elastic structures under static and dynamic loads.
2. Instrumentation, Monitoring, and Structural Identification (12 hours): This course focuses on the management of instrumentation and monitoring of structures, including experimental techniques for data collection and analysis.
3. Non-Linear Analysis of Structures (14 hours): This course provides professionals with concepts for the formulation and implementation of non-linear analysis of structures, addressing both material and geometric non-linearity.
4. Geotechnical Characterization, Thrust, and Containment Systems (12 hours): This course updates professionals on advanced laboratory and in-situ techniques for soil characterization and provides skills in the design and implementation of containment solutions.
5. Seismic Hazard (14 hours): This course provides professionals with an integral understanding of principles and methodologies for evaluating seismic hazard in different regions and contexts.
6. Seismic Design of Structures (20 hours): This course provides a deep understanding of the fundamental methods and provisions of seismic design, focusing on building structures and civil works.
7. Design of Wood Structures (12 hours): This course updates professionals on the principles and techniques of structural design in wood, including material properties, deterioration causes, and protection measures.
8. Design of Masonry Structures (12 hours): This course provides professionals with an integral understanding of methods and principles for the design of masonry structures, including material properties, structural behavior under different load conditions, and current regulations.
9. Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures (12 hours): This course updates professionals on the design and analysis of reinforced concrete structures, with a special focus on seismic design.
10. Design of Steel Structures (12 hours): This course updates professionals on the principles and techniques of steel structure design, including modern methods and current regulations for the adequate design of steel members and mixed structures.
11. Design of Foundations, Containment Systems, and Soil-Structure Interaction (14 hours): This course is designed for geotechnical and civil engineers seeking to deepen their knowledge in foundation design and the complex interaction of loads between the soil and the structure.
12. Analysis and Design of Structures with Energy Dissipation Systems (11 hours): This course provides professionals with an understanding of the principles and methodologies of performance-based seismic design for structures incorporating energy dissipation technologies.
13. Analysis and Design of Structures with Basal Isolation Systems (11 hours): This course provides professionals with theoretical, experimental, and regulatory backgrounds on the design, manufacture, testing, and implementation of seismic isolation systems in structures.
14. Performance-Based Seismic Design (14 hours): This course provides professionals with an understanding of the principles and methodologies of performance-based seismic design, focusing on the evaluation and prediction of structural behavior under seismic loads.
15. Project Workshop (6 hours): This workshop provides professionals with a practical and integrative experience, combining all the knowledge acquired in the courses of the diploma in seismic design.

Teaching Team

The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and professionals, including:

• Rubén Boroschek K., Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley
• Pablo Heresi V., Ph.D. from Stanford University
• Ricardo Herrera M., Ph.D. from Lehigh University
• Leonardo Massone S., Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles
• Felipe Ochoa C., Ph.D. from Purdue University
• Francisco Pinto V., Ph.D. from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
• Fabián Rojas B., Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, and Academic Coordinator
• Rodrigo Retamales S., Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo
• Thomas Sturm M., Ph.D. from the Universidade do Minho
• Mario Wagner M., Civil Engineer, Universidad de Chile

Evaluation and Approval

To approve the program, students must:

• Attend at least 75% of the classes
• Obtain a final grade higher than 4.0 (on a scale of 1.0 to 7.0)
• Develop individual work with theoretical and practical application of the course materials
• Complete exercises, tasks, and projects

Admission Requirements and Registration

To apply, candidates must:

• Access the application link and provide the required information, including:
  • Photo of identity card, ID, or passport (both sides)
  • Certificate of relevant professional title
  • Curriculum Vitae with relevant professional experience (minimum 2 years in structural design projects)
  • Letter of motivation
  • Technical English reading level

Payment Methods

The program offers various payment methods, including:

• Cash payment with national or international bank transfer
• Online payment link for cash payment with debit card
• Online payment link for payment in up to 10 installments with credit card (national or international)
• Purchase order, invoice issuance, and payment by transfer for companies in Chile
• Purchase order, international transfer, invoice issuance, and invoice for companies outside Chile

Discounts

The program offers discounts, including:

• Early registration discount of 30% until January 31, 2026 (not cumulative with other discounts)
• Special discount of 25% for active members of the AICE (not cumulative with other discounts)

Value

The total value of the program is 140 UF (approximately 5,700 USD), with a 30% discount for early registration until January 31, 2026.