Why this course?

Description

Course Title: SBC 306 – Steel Structures

Professional Certification Program (Based on Saudi Building Code)

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Objective

This course is designed to give engineers, designers, and construction professionals a solid understanding of how to plan, design, and check steel structures in accordance with the Saudi Building Code SBC 306.
It helps participants understand the principles behind structural safety, strength, and service performance for steel members and systems.

The program covers all essential topics — from materials and load combinations to the design of beams, columns, and connections, along with fabrication and quality procedures followed on construction sites.
By the end of this course, participants will have the knowledge and confidence to apply SBC 306 provisions effectively in real projects.

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Detailed Course Description

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Module 1: General Requirements and Scope of Steel Structures

1.1 Overview and Purpose of SBC 306
Introduction to the purpose of the Saudi Building Code for steel structures, its importance in safe and reliable construction, and its coordination with other design codes.

1.2 Structural Systems and Classification
Explains various types of steel structures such as frames, trusses, and composite systems, and how they are classified according to the code.

1.3 Design Philosophy and Limit States
Covers the basic concepts of design safety, including strength and serviceability checks based on limit state principles.

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Module 2: Materials, Properties, and Standards

2.1 Mechanical and Chemical Characteristics of Steel
Explains steel properties such as yield stress, tensile strength, and ductility, and how these affect performance.

2.2 Grades, Identification, and Certification
Describes the standard grades of structural steel used in projects and the documentation required to confirm material quality.

2.3 Common Structural Shapes and Rolled Sections
Provides an overview of the steel shapes commonly used in buildings and infrastructure projects — including beams, channels, and plates.

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Module 3: Design Loads and Load Combinations

3.1 Understanding Load Types
Covers the main types of loads considered in steel design: dead, live, wind, and earthquake loads.

3.2 Load Combinations for Design
Shows how to form correct load combinations for both ultimate and serviceability design checks.

3.3 Special Design Conditions
Explains how to account for temperature variations, repeated loading, and minor vibrations that affect steel structures.

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Module 4: Design of Tension Members

4.1 Tension Force Analysis and Effective Area
Teaches how to determine the area of a tension member and calculate its strength.

4.2 Design for Net and Gross Section Strength
Describes how to ensure full design strength by accounting for bolt holes and connection effects.

4.3 Member Detailing and Fabrication Points
Discusses edge distances, and hole alignment to maintain structural safety and quality during fabrication.

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Module 5: Design of Compression Members

5.1 Buckling and Stability Concepts
Explains the different types of buckling — flexural, torsional, and local — that can occur in compression members.

5.2 Column Design and Slenderness Ratio
Shows how to determine column strength by considering effective length and slenderness ratio.

5.3 Bracing and Structural Stability
Covers the role of bracing systems in improving overall frame stability and supporting compression members.

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Module 6: Design of Flexural Members (Beams and Girders)

6.1 Classification of Sections
Defines compact, non-compact, and slender sections and their design implications.

6.2 Lateral-Torsional Buckling and Bending Strength
Explains how to calculate beam capacity while considering lateral buckling effects.

6.3 Shear Strength and Deflection Control
Teaches the limits for deflection and shear in beams to maintain service performance and safety.

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Module 7: Design of Plate Girders and Built-Up Members

7.1 Proportioning of Plate Girders
Guides on selecting suitable web and sizes for efficient design.

7.2 Shear Buckling and Web Strength
Covers how to design for web buckling and add stiffeners where needed.

7.3 Fabrication and Assembly of Built-Up Members
Describes how built-up members are formed, welded, and inspected during fabrication.

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Module 8: Design of Connections

8.1 Bolted Joints – Bearing and Slip-Resistant Types
Explains how to design bolted joints that can safely transfer shear and moment forces.

8.2 Welded Joints – Fillet and Groove Welds
Covers basic weld types, their capacities, and correct detailing for safe and durable joints.

8.3 Design of Structural Connections
Teaches how to design beam-to-column, truss, and bracing connections in accordance with SBC 306.

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Module 9: Structural Systems and Framing Design

9.1 Design of Frames
Introduces the design of rigid, semi-rigid, and braced frames and their role in resisting different load types.

9.2 Design of Trusses and Space Frames
Explains the design and detailing of trusses, including member sizing and connection detailing.

9.3 Structural Integrity and Stability
Focuses on ensuring overall stability, continuity, and redundancy in steel systems.

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Module 10: Fabrication, Erection, and Quality Assurance

10.1 Fabrication Standards and Inspection
Outlines standard shop fabrication procedures, tolerances, and inspection requirements.

10.2 Erection and Field Work
Explains the correct methods for lifting, alignment, and connection tightening during construction.

10.3 Testing and Maintenance
Covers inspection techniques such as visual checks, measurement verification, and preventive maintenance for long-term durability.

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Course Outcome

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and apply the provisions of SBC 306 for the design and detailing of steel structures.

• Design beams, columns, and trusses using safe and practical approaches.

• Combine loads correctly and check both strength and serviceability requirements.

• Review and interpret fabrication and erection drawings for quality and compliance.

• Evaluate structural stability and performance under various load conditions.

• Implement good practices in inspection, testing, and maintenance of steel structures.

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Who Can Join

This course is suitable for:

• Structural Engineers

• Design and Site Engineers

• QA/QC Engineers

• Fabrication Supervisors

• Project Managers involved in building and infrastructure projects

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Learning Approach

Each module is taught in a clear and practical manner with examples and illustrations.
The learning method is conversational and application-based, helping professionals easily relate the code provisions to day-to-day engineering work.

Participants will understand how design decisions translate into actual construction practices, making this course ideal for both design office and site professionals.

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Key Highlights

• Step-by-step understanding of SBC 306 design principles

• Focus on member design, connection detailing, and fabrication

• Practical approach linking design theory with field application

• Emphasis on safety, reliability, and long-term performance of structures

• Applicable for all steel projects across Saudi Arabia and GCC