CAREER: Innovative Materials for Civil Systems Research and Education

这一职业奖项侧重于将材料表征和系统分析结合在一起的土木系统设计研究和教育。研究了一种新型的聚合物纤维水泥基材料，这种材料在拉伸时表现出伪应变硬化，用于抗震结构。这种工程材料的能量耗散与混凝土和后张拉钢等传统材料的组合进行了检验。这种材料组合被应用于一种创新的桥梁子结构系统，为地震荷载提供能量消耗和减少残余挠度。材料表征采用先进的实验技术和非线性有限元模拟。系统分析研究了这种先进材料在新型抗震结构中的应用潜力。开发课程是为了加强材料表征和系统分析方面的知识和技能。这门课程促进和激发了创新材料的发明和实施，以满足民用基础设施的需求。学生可以接触到先进的实验和计算机模拟工具。土木系统课程的真实世界项目提供了接触复杂决策过程的机会，并提供了使用创新材料实施创造性解决方案的机会。为了促进创造力和激发想象力，土木工程界必须是一个多元化的群体。吸引多样性的一种方法是通过为大学预科学生举办活动来提高工程意识。将开展土木系统设计的动手实验室工作坊，以展示现代土木系统对大学预科学生的兴奋和社会相关性。

This CAREER award focuses on research and education integrating material characterization and systems analyses for Civil Systems Design. An innovative, polymeric fiber cement-based material, which exhibits pseudo strain hardening in tension, is studied for use in seismic-resistant structures. Energy dissipation in this engineered material is examined in its combination with traditional materials of concrete and post-tensioned steel. This combination of materials is applied to an innovative bridge substructure system, providing energy dissipation and reduced residual deflections for seismic loading. Material characterization is conducted using advanced experimental techniques and nonlinear finite element simulation. Systems analyses are performed to study the potential of using this advanced material in new seismic-resistant structures. Courses are developed to enhance knowledge and skills for material characterization and systems analysis. This coursework facilitates and motivates creativity in the invention and implementation of innovative materials for civil infrastructure needs. Students are exposed to advanced experimental and computer simulation tools. Real-world projects in civil systems courses give exposure to complex decision processes and offer opportunities to implement creative solutions using innovative materials. To promote creativity and inspire imagination, the civil engineering community must be a diverse population. One approach to attract diversity is to promote awareness of engineering through activities for pre-college students. Hands-on laboratory workshops on Civil Systems Design will be developed to demonstrate the excitement and social relevance of modern civil systems to pre-college students.