Research in prevention of progressive structural collapse focuses on developing design and retrofit strategies that take explicit advantage of the synergies associated with mitigating progressive collapse under multiple threats (blast, impact, fire, wind, and earthquake) to enhance overall structural efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The research will include (1) development and use of advanced modeling and simulation tools to evaluate the vulnerability of structural systems, including new system design concepts, to progressive collapse under different types of threats; (2) development of experimentally verified, simplified design/analysis tools that can be used with readily available structural analysis software; and (3) development of performance criteria and methods to mitigate progressive structural collapse for both new and existing structures.

 

key words

Abnormal loads; Blast; Buildings; Explosion; Failure analysis; Finite elements; Progressive collapse; Structural dynamics; Structural mechanics;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants