Events Calendar

Seismic Performance of Concrete Bridges with Advanced Materials

Speaker: Dr. M. "Saiid" Saiidi, Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universtiy of Nevada, Reno, NevadaAbstract:
Advanced materials such as shape memory alloys (SMAs) and fiber-reinforced polymers offer particular characteristics that could substantially improve the performance of civil infrastructure components and systems. A study on the performance of reinforced concrete members utilizing superelastic SMA bars in lieu of steel reinforcement has been in progress at the University of Nevada, Reno in the past nine years. Simple beam-column systems and a 110ft. long, 4-span bridge model made using SMA-reinforcement were tested under slow cyclic load and shake table test to simulate earthquakes. The bridge superstructure was supported on three, two-column piers and each column utilized a different advanced material/detail at its most critical column plastic hinges. The study is part of a extensive study funded by the National Science Foundation, Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) Research. The innovative details included shape memory alloys, fibrous concrete, built-in elastomeric pads, and post-tensioning. They were intended to improve post-earthquake serviceability of bridges. The presentation will discuss the evolution of research leading to the 4-span bridge model test and summarize the highlights of the bridge model performance, analytical studies, and the relative performance of different details.
Dr. M. "Saiid" Saiidi (P.E., Fellow ACI, ASCE) is Professor of Structural Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. His major research areas are earthquake engineering of bridges and buildings, experimental studies of bridges and components, analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures, and innovative materials in earthquake resistant structures.Dr. Saiidi has served on various important positions such as department Chair, Director of UNR Office of Undergraduate Research, founding chair of ACI Committee 341. He has more than 400 publications to his credit, and has received many awards including the UNR Foundation Professorship Award in 1997, University of Illinois Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003, Regent's 2003 Outstanding Researcher Award, and the Lemelson Innovation Award in 2004.

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes