Clayton Pettit, Ph.D.

Area of Study / Keywords

Structural Engineering Nonlinear Simulation Seismic Design Masonry Structures Hybrid Structures

About

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Structural Engineering - University of Alberta, 2023
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Structural Engineering - University of Alberta, 2020
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Civil Engineering - University of Alberta, 2017

Professional Experience:

• Assistant Professor - University of Alberta (2023 - Present)
• Assistant Lecturer - University of Alberta (2022 - 2023)
• Sessional Instructor - University of Alberta (2019 - 2022)

Technical Committees:

• TMS 402/602-28 General
• TMS 402/602-28 Seismic and Limit Design

Research

My research primarily focuses on masonry wall systems, involving a combination of large-scale experimental testing and advanced nonlinear finite element modeling. I am particularly interested in the flexural rigidity of slender flexural walls and the in-plane shear capacity of squat shear walls. Additionally, I am embarking on new projects aimed at developing sophisticated numerical models of long-distance pipelines and conducting thermal analysis of masonry veneer envelopes.

Teaching

My teaching interests primarily focus on mechanics-based courses, including Engineering Mechanics, Structural Analysis, Solid Mechanics, and The Finite Element Method. These courses allow me to engage students with the fundamental principles and advanced applications of structural analysis and design. Additionally, I serve as the Associate Director of Experiential Learning for the Civil, Environmental, Mining, and Petroleum (CEEMP) Department at the University of Alberta, where I oversee the integration of practical, hands-on learning experiences into the engineering curriculum. I am also passionate about online education and have successfully adapted all the courses I teach into online formats. This passion has extended to my YouTube channel, which has recently surpassed 18,000 subscribers, allowing me to reach and inspire a global audience of aspiring engineers.

University of Alberta Courses Taught:

• ENGG 130 - Engineering Mechanics (Instructor and Course Coordinator)
• ENGG 160 - Introduction to Engineering Design, Communication, and Profession
• CIV E 398 - Introduction to Continuum Mechanics
• CIV E 660 - Advanced Structural Analysis
• CIV E 665 - Introduction to the Finite Element Method

CIV E 398 - Introduction to Continuum Mechanics

Stress, strain and displacements in two and three dimensions. Constitutive equations. Governing equations of elasticity and simple solutions. Strain energy and virtual work. Theories of failure. Prerequisites: CIV E 270 and MATH 209.

CIV E 660 - Advanced Structural Analysis

Direct stiffness theory and modeling of three dimensional framed structures. Linear and nonlinear stability concepts. Approximate and Direct stiffness formulation of geometric nonlinear problems.

CIV E 665 - Introduction to the Finite Element Method

Fundamentals of the formulation and application of the finite element method to problems of continuum mechanics, with special reference to civil engineering, including problems in solid mechanics and soil mechanics. Prerequisite: CIV E 664 or consent of Instructor.

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