Current Research

Monitoring, Modeling, and Visualization of Structures

This project develops a method for monitoring and assessing historic structures subjected to changing climate conditions. This is a unique multidisciplinary project with collaborations among structural engineering, geological engineering, and computer engineering. The project involves field investigations, laboratory testing, advanced computational modeling, machine learning, and augmented reality. 

Co-PI: Prof. Jesse Hampton, Geomechanics and Damage Group (GeoD)

Refer to the Monitoring, Modeling, & Visualization page for more details.

Metal Buildings Subjected to Tornadoes

The goal of the study is to improve the understanding of internal pressure of buildings due to sudden large openings in the building envelope to enable the accurate assessment of building performance in tornadoes. Findings will contribute significantly to the development of codes and standards for tornado-resistant building design, including critical infrastructures and other types of buildings.

Collaborative Research: Assessment of Building Resiliency in Tornadoes Considering Transient Internal Pressure Effects. Funded by the National Science Foundation – Award #2053364.

Co-PI: Dr. Delong Zuo, Texas Tech University

Augmented Reality in Structural Steel Fabrication

This project is part of AISC’s Need for Speed initiative – Speed-XR – to increase the speed of fabricating steel buildings. We are working on implementation of augmented reality technology to assist with the steel fabrication process. This is a cross-disciplinary project with software engineers.

Funded by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

Demonstration videos are available here. AISC research report is available here.

Augmented Reality Implementation into Steel Foundry Applications

The next generation of manufacturing will utilize new technology to reduce manufacturing errors and streamline the process. The objective of this project is to develop augmented reality technology aimed towards improving the workflow of a steel foundry. This is a cross-disciplinary project with software engineers.

Funded by the Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA), Prime: Department of Defense (DoD) through the Steel Performance Initiative: Steel Technology Advanced Research (STAR).

Point Cloud Analysis of Structural Components

We are examining how to scan structural steel components and measure geometric imperfections from the 3D point clouds. The geometric information can be used in finite element analyses. 

Steel Joist and Deck System Reliability

These projects are part of a coordinated Steel Joist Institute (SJI) and Steel Deck Institute (SDI) initiative to increase the cost effectiveness of steel joists and steel deck by recognizing system reliability and combat the use of competing products in the marketplace.

Refer to the Holistic Steel Systems initiative for a list of System Reliability projects.

Develop and Construct Prototype Vacuum Box for Future Steel Deck Testing

This project develops a vacuum box for future testing of steel deck assemblies.

We are actively engaged with the Steel Deck Institute (SDI) to improve the safety and reliability of steel roof and floor deck that are used everyday in buildings. For a list of completed project with the SDI, click here.

Unequal Leg Stainless Steel Angles Under Compression

Test series on the capacity and behavior of unequal-leg stainless steel angle compression members for future development of design equations for Chapter E in AISC 370: Specification for Structural Stainless Steel Buildings.

Funded by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

Collaborative project with Prof. Leroy Gardner, Imperial College London

Design of Shear Connectors Welded Through Steel Deck: Full Beam Testing to Validate ⅞ inch Studs

This project will conduct full-scale beam tests for large-scale validation of composite beams to examine the behavior of shear connectors installed in a steel deck and seek to extend the current range of stud diameters currently permitted by AISC 360-22.

Funded by the Steel Deck Institute (SDI) and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).