Development of a multi-disciplinary graduate course on rehabilitation of structures

This paper describes the development of a multidisciplinary graduate course on rehabilitation of structures. The course is offered for graduate students by the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at the United Arab Emirates University. The course offers practical tips, design details, and case studies collected by the author upon comprehensive research and outreach activities. The course comprises two modules, four topics each. Course modules and topics are summarized in Table 1. Module I is about condition assessment and conventional repairs whereas Module II is about innovative strengthening with composites. Active-learning and problem-solving strategies are adopted in teaching the course. Cooperative learning and collaboration are prompted throughout students’ group work. Self-learning, and inquirybased learning are inspired throughout a research paper assignment and laboratory project. Students are exposed to real-life problems and hands-on training. They conduct research, analysis, and comparisons. Students are asked to present and critique recent research on assessment and rehabilitation of structures, report findings and submit technical reports.