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Earthquake engineering

The postgraduate specialist study in Earthquake Engineering is intended as a form of professional development and lifelong learning primarily for civil engineers and architects engaged in the design and construction of earthquake-resistant structures. The study is based on the application of scientifically grounded knowledge of structural behavior in earthquakes and modern standards for earthquake-resistant design.

The assessment of disaster risk in the Republic of Croatia places the risk of earthquakes at a very high level with possible catastrophic consequences. The earthquakes in Zagreb on March 22, 2020, and in the Sisak-Moslavina County on December 29, 2020, caused significant material damage, socio-economic consequences, and irreparable loss of human lives, highlighting the urgency of taking measures to mitigate the risk of earthquakes in Croatia. Therefore, earthquake risk is mentioned as an essential segment in the Strategy for Disaster Risk Management by 2030, which envisages the development of strategic programs in the field of earthquake engineering.

This study enables participants to acquire highly specialized knowledge and skills in the field of structural dynamics, the application of modern calculation methods, techniques for strengthening existing structures, the rehabilitation of buildings individually protected as cultural heritage, methodologies for earthquake risk assessment, structural and material testing, earthquake-resistant design of bridges, the application of isolators and other energy dissipating devices, and the use of modern materials and construction technologies.

Upon completion of the university specialist study, participants obtain the academic title of Specialist in Earthquake Engineering, with the abbreviation spec. aedif. seism.

Link to the studies (opens in a new window)


Course Title Course Coordinators and Collaborators Description Sem. ECTS
Elective courses
Advanced Methods for Building Damage Detection Course Coordinator:
izv. prof. dr. sc. Mislav Stepinac		 The aim of the course is to transfer professional and technical knowledge in the use of highly sensitive cameras in the analysis of seismic vulnerability, primarily of culturally protected urban centers, which is also applicable to the rapid analysis of damage in earthquake-affected areas. Participants will be trained to use various data sets to identify damage to buildings damaged in earthquakes and to identify key parameters that affect the seismic resistance of existing buildings. Participants will be introduced to modern and non-standard tools for damage detection and identification, as well as advanced visualization of buildings using photogrammetry, laser scanning, and the like. 1 3
Concepts of Building Retrofit and Strengthening Course Coordinators:
izv. prof. dr. sc. Josip Atalić,
izv. prof. dr. sc. Ana Baričević,
izv. prof. dr. sc. Mario Uroš,
prof. dr. sc. Tomislav Kišiček		 The course deals with the design and development of conceptual solutions for the reconstruction and reinforcement of structures, including performance technology.
Invited lecturers on the subject will be experts in construction practice.		 2 6
Strengthening Design of Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Structures Course Coordinators:
prof. dr. sc. Tomislav Kišiček,
izv. prof. dr. sc. Mislav Stepinac		 The aim of the course is to enable participants to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge about methods for calculating the mechanical resistance and stability of reinforcement of elements or entire existing reinforced concrete or masonry structures. 2 6
Seismic Design and Retrofit of Bridges Course Coordinators:
prof. dr. sc. Anđelko Vlašić,
prof. dr. sc. Ana Mandić Ivanković,
doc. dr. sc. Jelena Bleiziffer,
izv. prof. dr. sc. Marija Kušter Marić
doc. dr. sc. Mladen Srbić,
doc. dr. sc. Dominik Skokandić		 This course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful planning, design and calculation of bridges in seismic areas, whether it is new buildings or seismic resistance assessment and strengthening of existing ones. The emphasis is on the practical application of modern rules for bridges - starting from the concept and design of the structure, through modeling and calculations, to dimensioning and elaboration of details. The main ways of achieving favorable seismic behavior are presented - seismic isolation, seismic dissipation and energy redistribution. Through several lectures, special attention is paid to the handling of existing bridges - from carrying out inspections, assessing the condition, creating a program of investigative works, assessing seismic resistance, and a systematic presentation and examples of possible strengthening measures. 2 6