Welcome to the Gābl Media Continuing Education podcast feed! Each podcast is approved for continuing education credits.

Seismic Design Simplified: Strength, Ductility, and Code Compliance Explained

AIA CES program ID: GMGH.0022

Approved LUs: 1 LU|HSW

Prerequisites: None

Program level: Entry

Advance learner preparation: None

Not all buildings are created equal. Some stand strong in the storm—because they were designed that way.

In this AIA-approved continuing education course, world-renowned expert Dr. S.K. Ghosh shares critical lessons from decades of structural engineering, including firsthand insights from the 2023 Turkey earthquake. Through real-world stories and sharp technical breakdowns, this course translates seismic theory into practice—with clarity, urgency, and life-saving stakes.

Program Description:

This continuing education course explores the core principles of seismic design with Dr. S.K. Ghosh, a leading voice in earthquake engineering and structural safety. Participants will gain practical understanding of recent seismic code updates (including ASCE 7-22), real-world case studies from disaster zones, and advanced insights into structural performance during seismic events.

Dr. Ghosh unpacks complex trade-offs between strength and ductility, the importance of mentorship in engineering, and how cutting-edge tools must still be rooted in strong foundational knowledge. Whether you're new to seismic code or looking to sharpen your expertise, this course delivers vital knowledge that empowers architects to meet their duty to protect public safety through resilient design.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the key updates introduced in the ASCE 7-22 seismic design code and their implications for structural engineering practices.
2. Analyze the factors contributing to building failures during earthquakes, using Turkey's 2023 earthquake as a case study.
3. Evaluate the trade-offs between structural strength and ductility in seismic design and their impact on safety and economic feasibility.
4. Develop strategies for mentoring young engineers to ensure the effective use of advanced design software and adherence to engineering fundamentals.

Who Should Take This Course

Designed for architects, engineers, firm leaders, and building code professionals who:

• Are responsible for life-safety and resilience in design, particularly in seismic or high-risk regions
• Want to move beyond checkbox compliance into deeper understanding of structural behavior
• Mentor emerging professionals and want to instill best practices in seismic engineering
• Need clarity on how seismic codes translate into real-world project decisions and design integrity

Why It Matters:

• Earn LU|HSW credit while sharpening your structural and code literacy
• Learn from one of the most respected seismic experts in the world
• Bring real-world insights to your next project—from earthquake aftermath to code compliance strategy

HSW Justification:

The podcast explores seismic design principles that safeguard public health, safety, and welfare in the built environment:

Health: Seismic design strategies aim to minimize structural failures that can cause injuries or loss of life, thereby improving the physical safety and emotional well-being of building occupants during and after seismic events.  

Safety: By discussing updates to seismic design codes (e.g., ASCE 7-22), the podcast emphasizes practices that protect occupants from structural collapse and other hazards during earthquakes.  

Welfare: The episode highlights equitable design practices, such as improving code compliance and educating professionals about resilient infrastructure, which elevate the human experience and benefit communities, especially in disaster-prone areas.  

The podcast episode provides essential knowledge for licensed architects and affiliated design professionals, enabling them to meet their duty to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. By focusing on seismic design—a critical area of structural safety—it aligns with the HSW definition and acceptable topics, making it eligible for LU|HSW credit.

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AIA CES Provider statement

Gābl Media is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10024977. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.