S. K. Ghosh Associates Inc.

Web Seminar: Design and Specification of AAC Masonry Structures using the 2011 MSJC Code

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:53:08 +0000

May 16, 2012; 9 am – 11 am Pacific Time

Speaker: Richard E. Klingner, Ph.D.

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is an innovative cementitious material with useful structural, thermal, and acoustical characteristics. Design and specification of AAC masonry is addressed by the 2011 MSJC Code and Specification. In this seminar, the characteristics of AAC masonry are first reviewed, followed by a discussion of the design of AAC masonry elements (walls loaded out of plane, walls loaded in plane, lintels, and diaphragms. The seminar concludes with a review of seismic design of AAC masonry structures. The seminar is accompanied by PowerPoint handouts, design spreadsheets, and comprehensive notes with example problems.

The web seminar will also include three question-and-answer periods.

Speaker Bio:

Richard E. Klingner: Professor Klingner received his academic degrees (BS, MS and PhD) from the University of California in Berkeley. His field of specialization is structural engineering, with emphasis on the analytical and experimental investigation of the dynamic response of structures, earthquake-resistant design of masonry and concrete structures, and anchorage to concrete.

Since 1977, he has been a faculty member in the Department of Structural Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate classes on structural analysis, dynamics, and the behavior and design of masonry and reinforced concrete structures. He conducts investigation in those areas, and has authored or co-authored more than 80 refereed journal articles, 40 books or book chapters, and 500 other technical publications. Currently, he conducts investigations of the performance-based seismic design of masonry, of autoclaved aerated concrete masonry, and of reinforced concrete bridge decks. Since 2004, he has been Associate Department Chair, in charge of the Architectural Engineering program.

He takes a leading role in the activities of many technical committees of the US and other countries, including the American Concrete Institute, The Masonry Society, and the American Society for Testing and Materials. For the period 2002-2008, he was Chair of the Masonry Standards Joint Committee, sponsored by The Masonry Society, the American Concrete Institute, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

You can receive a 15% discount on any of our products when purchased along with a seminar registration.

Click here to view our products page.

Registration Information

Discounted fee (for registration received by May 14): $250 for the first connection*; $185 for the second connection*; $125 for the third connection*; and $60 for each subsequent connection*.

Regular fee (for registration received after May 14): $265 for the first connection*; $195 for the second connection*; $130 for the third connection*; and $65 for each subsequent connection*.

Please note a single registration allows you to have one connection*. However, a number of people can view and listen to the seminar using one connection* by using an LCD projector (or a large computer monitor) and good computer speakers or a speaker phone.

All attendees, irrespective of the number of registered connections*, can earn 0.2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or 2.0 professional development hours (PDHs). CEU/PDH certificates are included in the registration fee.

Three methods for registration:,

1. Click here to register online,

2. Call (847) 991-2700 to register,

3. Complete the registration form and fax to (847)-991-2702.

Small Business Registration: We provide discounted registration for small businesses. We have defined small businesses for this purpose as those businesses with no more than 4 engineers on staff. Please note that this discounted registration does not depend on the number of engineers attending the seminar or those in a particular office, but rather on the number of engineers on staff in the small business.

Seminar registration fee is $100 for small businesses with 1-2 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Seminar registration fee is $200 for small businesses with 3-4 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Please call 847-991-2700 to register as a small business.

We are now a registered provider for continuing education in the State of Florida (Provider # 4732), the State of New York (Provider # 99), and for the Structural Engineers Certification Board (SECB) of the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA).

* A connection is defined as a single web connection plus a single telephone connection (if necessary).

System Requirements

Computer	AMD Athlon/Sempron or equivalent @ 600 MHz with 512 MB RAM Minimum 300 MB free hard disc space
Operating System	Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/NT MAC OS X Linux
Browsers	Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher MS Internet Explorer 6 or higher Netscape Navigator 7 or higher Safari Konqueror 3.4
Application	Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
Audio	Computer speakers (Laptop users are encouraged to use external speakers rather than the built-in speakers)
Network	Internet connection with 768 kbps minimum speed

Web Seminar: Design and Detailing of Masonry Veneer using the 2011 MSJC Code

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:43:30 +0000

April 11, 2012; 9 am – 11 am Pacific Time

Speaker: Richard E. Klingner, Ph.D.

Masonry veneer is by definition non-structural. Design of veneer consists of connecting it to the backing system, and detailing it to accommodate differential movement and resist water penetration. This seminar addresses those issues in the context of the 2011 MSJC Code and Specification. Seminar material emphasizes the prescriptive design of masonry veneer, including connectors, modifications for higher seismic design categories, and detailing (fixed and loose lintels, movement joints). The seminar is accompanied by PowerPoint handouts and comprehensive notes with example problems.

The web seminar will also include three question-and-answer periods.

Speaker Bio:

You can receive a 15% discount on any of our products when purchased along with a seminar registration.

Click here to view our products page.

Registration Information

Discounted fee (for registration received by April 9): $250 for the first connection*; $185 for the second connection*; $125 for the third connection*; and $60 for each subsequent connection*.

Regular fee (for registration received after April 9): $265 for the first connection*; $195 for the second connection*; $130 for the third connection*; and $65 for each subsequent connection*.

Three methods for registration:,

1. Click here to register online,

2. Call (847) 991-2700 to register,

3. Complete the registration form and fax to (847)-991-2702.

Seminar registration fee is $100 for small businesses with 1-2 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Seminar registration fee is $200 for small businesses with 3-4 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Please call 847-991-2700 to register as a small business.

* A connection is defined as a single web connection plus a single telephone connection (if necessary).

System Requirements

Computer	AMD Athlon/Sempron or equivalent @ 600 MHz with 512 MB RAM Minimum 300 MB free hard disc space
Operating System	Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/NT MAC OS X Linux
Browsers	Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher MS Internet Explorer 6 or higher Netscape Navigator 7 or higher Safari Konqueror 3.4
Application	Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
Audio	Computer speakers (Laptop users are encouraged to use external speakers rather than the built-in speakers)
Network	Internet connection with 768 kbps minimum speed

Cause for Celebration!!!

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:43:58 +0000

February 1, 2012 marks the 14th anniversary of S. K. Ghosh Associates Inc. We would like to thank you for your business and we look forward to another successful year!

Web Seminar: What’s New in the 2012 IBC Structural Provisions

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:42:02 +0000

March 7, 2012; 9 am – 11 am Pacific Time

Speakers: Dr. S. K. Ghosh and Susan Dowty, S.E.

This live web seminar will discuss the major new features of the 2012 IBC structural provisions which reference ASCE 7-10, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. Changes to the structural loading requirements as well as to the special inspection, foundation and material provisions will be presented. Subjects covered during the web seminar include updated material standards, revised load combinations, new live loads, new ponding requirements, revisions to wind and seismic design provisions, and new provisions in Chapters 17 and 18. There will also be an opportunity for participants to ask questions. This seminar is designed to provide a great introduction to the 2012 IBC and assist the code user in making the transition to the new code.

You can receive a 15% discount on any of our products when purchased along with a seminar registration.

Click here to view our products page.

Registration Information

Discounted fee (for registration received by March 5): $250 for the first connection*; $185 for the second connection*; $125 for the third connection*; and $60 for each subsequent connection*.

Regular fee (for registration received after March 5): $265 for the first connection*; $195 for the second connection*; $130 for the third connection*; and $65 for each subsequent connection*.

Three methods for registration:,

1. Click here to register online,

2. Call (847) 991-2700 to register,

3. Complete the registration form and fax to (847)-991-2702.

Seminar registration fee is $100 for small businesses with 1-2 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Seminar registration fee is $200 for small businesses with 3-4 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Please call 847-991-2700 to register as a small business.

* A connection is defined as a single web connection plus a single telephone connection (if necessary).

System Requirements

Computer	AMD Athlon/Sempron or equivalent @ 600 MHz with 512 MB RAM Minimum 300 MB free hard disc space
Operating System	Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/NT MAC OS X Linux
Browsers	Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher MS Internet Explorer 6 or higher Netscape Navigator 7 or higher Safari Konqueror 3.4
Application	Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
Audio	Computer speakers (Laptop users are encouraged to use external speakers rather than the built-in speakers)
Network	Internet connection with 768 kbps minimum speed

Web Seminar: Seismic Design of Masonry using the 2011 MSJC Code

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:27:48 +0000

March 27, 2012; 9 am – 11 am Pacific Time

Speaker: Richard E. Klingner, Ph.D.

This seminar is intended build on Seminar 1 (design and specification of masonry structures using the 2011 MSJC Code and Specification). After a brief review of the basic behavior of low-rise masonry structures under gravity and lateral loads, the seminar addresses the design and detailing of masonry for seismic loads. The code background of this design is first reviewed (2012 International Building Code, ASCE 7-10, and the 2011 MSJC Code). The seminar includes calculation of design seismic loads, design of essential elements, and prescriptive seismic detailing. The seminar is accompanied by PowerPoint handouts, design spreadsheets, and comprehensive notes with example problems.

The web seminar will also include three question-and-answer periods.

Speaker Bio:

You can receive a 15% discount on any of our products when purchased along with a seminar registration.

Click here to view our products page.

Registration Information

Discounted fee (for registration received by March 23): $250 for the first connection*; $185 for the second connection*; $125 for the third connection*; and $60 for each subsequent connection*.

Regular fee (for registration received after March 23): $265 for the first connection*; $195 for the second connection*; $130 for the third connection*; and $65 for each subsequent connection*.

Three methods for registration:,

1. Click here to register online,

2. Call (847) 991-2700 to register,

3. Complete the registration form and fax to (847)-991-2702.

Seminar registration fee is $100 for small businesses with 1-2 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Seminar registration fee is $200 for small businesses with 3-4 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Please call 847-991-2700 to register as a small business.

* A connection is defined as a single web connection plus a single telephone connection (if necessary).

System Requirements

Computer	AMD Athlon/Sempron or equivalent @ 600 MHz with 512 MB RAM Minimum 300 MB free hard disc space
Operating System	Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/NT MAC OS X Linux
Browsers	Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher MS Internet Explorer 6 or higher Netscape Navigator 7 or higher Safari Konqueror 3.4
Application	Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
Audio	Computer speakers (Laptop users are encouraged to use external speakers rather than the built-in speakers)
Network	Internet connection with 768 kbps minimum speed

Web Seminar: ASCE 7-10 Overview

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:23:35 +0000

February 23, 2012; 9 am – 11 am Pacific Time

Speakers: S. K. Ghosh, Ph.D. and Susan Dowty, S.E.

The provisions of ASCE 7-10, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, have changed significantly from the 2005 edition, with the most widespread changes found in the wind and seismic provisions. These changes will have a major impact on structural engineering practice. This web seminar will address the following topics, among others:

1. Changes to wind speed maps and corresponding changes in wind load factors

2. Major reorganization of wind provisions

3. New simplified method of wind design

4. A completely new set of seismic maps and their impact on seismic design

5. Changes to the R-values table

6. Revised triggers for requiring dynamic analysis in seismic design

7. Changes to snow load provisions

8. Changes to ASD and SD load combinations

9. New Performance-based design procedures

10. New and revised structural integrity requirements

The web seminar will also include three question-and-answer periods.

You can receive a 15% discount on any of our products when purchased along with a seminar registration.

Click here to view our products page.

Registration Information

Discounted fee (for registration received by February 16): $250 for the first connection*; $185 for the second connection*; $125 for the third connection*; and $60 for each subsequent connection*.

Regular fee (for registration received after February 16): $265 for the first connection*; $195 for the second connection*; $130 for the third connection*; and $65 for each subsequent connection*.

Three methods for registration:,

1. Click here to register online,

2. Call (847) 991-2700 to register,

3. Complete the registration form and fax to (847)-991-2702.

Seminar registration fee is $100 for small businesses with 1-2 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Seminar registration fee is $200 for small businesses with 3-4 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Please call 847-991-2700 to register as a small business.

* A connection is defined as a single web connection plus a single telephone connection (if necessary).

System Requirements

Computer	AMD Athlon/Sempron or equivalent @ 600 MHz with 512 MB RAM Minimum 300 MB free hard disc space
Operating System	Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/NT MAC OS X Linux
Browsers	Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher MS Internet Explorer 6 or higher Netscape Navigator 7 or higher Safari Konqueror 3.4
Application	Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
Audio	Computer speakers (Laptop users are encouraged to use external speakers rather than the built-in speakers)
Network	Internet connection with 768 kbps minimum speed

Web Seminar: Design and Specification of Masonry Structures using the 2011 MSJC Code and Specification

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:38:28 +0000

February 16, 2012; 9 am – 11 am Pacific Time

Speaker: Richard E. Klingner, Ph.D.

This seminar first addresses the basic behavior of low-rise masonry structures under gravity and lateral loads. Such structures are composed of only a few basic elements — masonry walls loaded out of plane; masonry walls loaded in plane; masonry lintels; and floor and roof diaphragms. Design of each is briefly discussed, using the procedures of the 2011 MSJC Code for strength design of reinforced masonry. The seminar concludes with a review of the proper specification of masonry units, mortar, grout and accessory material in the context of the 2011 MSJC Code and Specification. The seminar is accompanied by PowerPoint handouts, design spreadsheets, and comprehensive notes with example problems.

The web seminar will also include three question-and-answer periods.

Speaker Bio:

You can receive a 15% discount on any of our products when purchased along with a seminar registration.

Click here to view our products page.

Registration Information

Discounted fee (for registration received by February 3): $250 for the first connection*; $185 for the second connection*; $125 for the third connection*; and $60 for each subsequent connection*.

Regular fee (for registration received after February 3): $265 for the first connection*; $195 for the second connection*; $130 for the third connection*; and $65 for each subsequent connection*.

Three methods for registration:,

1. Click here to register online,

2. Call (847) 991-2700 to register,

3. Complete the registration form and fax to (847)-991-2702.

Seminar registration fee is $100 for small businesses with 1-2 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Seminar registration fee is $200 for small businesses with 3-4 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Please call 847-991-2700 to register as a small business.

* A connection is defined as a single web connection plus a single telephone connection (if necessary).

System Requirements

Computer	AMD Athlon/Sempron or equivalent @ 600 MHz with 512 MB RAM Minimum 300 MB free hard disc space
Operating System	Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/NT MAC OS X Linux
Browsers	Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher MS Internet Explorer 6 or higher Netscape Navigator 7 or higher Safari Konqueror 3.4
Application	Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
Audio	Computer speakers (Laptop users are encouraged to use external speakers rather than the built-in speakers)
Network	Internet connection with 768 kbps minimum speed

Web Seminar: Seismic Design of Bridges

admin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:55:42 +0000

February 10, 2012; 9 am – 11 am Pacific Time

Speakers: M. Saiidi, Ph.D., P.E. & Ahmad M. Itani, Ph.D., P.E., S.E.

This web seminar consists of two parts, one on highlights of seismic design codes for highway bridges and the other on new developments in accelerated bridge construction (ABC) and innovation in areas of moderate to high seismicity.

The first part discusses the seismic design of highway bridges according to the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 4^th Edition including 2011 Interim Revisions and Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design, 1st Edition, where applicable. The basics of seismic design principles and seismic design philosophies (force- and displacement-based) are presented and discussed. Earthquake resisting systems and design strategies for bridge systems with integral caps and dropped caps are presented. The earthquake resisting systems for bridges in Seismic Zones 3 or 4 are classified into one of the following two categories : Type 1 — an elastic superstructure with a ductile substructure or Type 2 — an elastic superstructure and substructure with a fusing mechanism at their interface; these are discussed in detail. Design and checks on the seismic forces and displacements for earthquake resisting elements are discussed.

In the second part, emerging information on seismic connection details is presented, and design for ABC, including alternatives in column-footing and column-pier cap connections and segmental columns, is explained. Feasibility of different coupler types and recent large-scale experimental test data are briefly discussed. Emphasis is placed on connections that emulate cast-in-place construction. Recent developments in the application of advanced materials to improve seismic performance of highway bridges are also highlighted. Materials with unique properties such as shape memory alloys, engineered cementitious composites, fiber-reinforced polymer composite tubes and fabrics, and built-in elastomeric segments are discussed along with a demonstration of their performance in large-scale bridge models and components tested on shake tables under simulated ground motions.

The web seminar will also include three question-and-answer periods.

Speakers Bio:

M. “SAIID” SAIIDI, Ph.D., P.E.: Dr. Saiidi is a professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno and is a licensed professional engineer in the States of California and Nevada. He was formerly Director, Undergraduate Research and Chairman, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. He has been extensively involved in the following research areas: earthquake engineering of bridges and buildings; experimental studies of bridges and components; analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures; and innovative materials in earthquake resistant structures. He has authored numerous publications and has received many prestigious awards. He is a recognized authority in the field of seismic design of bridges.

Ahmad M. Itani, Ph.D., P.E., S.E.: Dr. Itani is Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno and is a licensed professional engineer in the States of California and Nevada and licensed structural Engineer in the State of California. He has been teaching at the University of Nevada since 1994 and prior to that he was a bridge engineer for the California Department of Transportation. He has authored many publications and is a popular invited lecturer nationwide. He has received numerous awards, the most recent being the AISI/AASHTO-Richard S. Fountain Award.

You can receive a 15% discount on any of our products when purchased along with a seminar registration.

Click here to view our products page.

Registration Information

Three methods for registration:,

1. Click here to register online,

2. Call (847) 991-2700 to register,

3. Complete the registration form and fax to (847)-991-2702.

Seminar registration fee is $100 for small businesses with 1-2 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Seminar registration fee is $200 for small businesses with 3-4 engineers on staff. This is for one connection*; if a second connection* is needed, additional fees apply.

Please call 847-991-2700 to register as a small business.

* A connection is defined as a single web connection plus a single telephone connection (if necessary).

System Requirements

Computer	AMD Athlon/Sempron or equivalent @ 600 MHz with 512 MB RAM Minimum 300 MB free hard disc space
Operating System	Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/NT MAC OS X Linux
Browsers	Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or higher MS Internet Explorer 6 or higher Netscape Navigator 7 or higher Safari Konqueror 3.4
Application	Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
Audio	Computer speakers (Laptop users are encouraged to use external speakers rather than the built-in speakers)
Network	Internet connection with 768 kbps minimum speed