Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics

Chair: Professor Raimondo Betti, 610 Mudd, 212-854-6388

Opportunities

  • deterioration of cable-suspension bridge wires
This project has as its objective the understanding of the deterioration and fracture mechanism in high-strength, low-carbon steel wires that are used in cable suspension bridges. Laboratory tests on wires are conducted to determine the corrosion rate and the location of crack initiation. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week is required.
  • structural damage identification
This project focuses on the determination of computer algorithms for the automatic detection of damaged areas in structural systems. These algorithms use the structural response to some known excitations to provide mathematical and physical models that are capable of reproducing the dynamic behavior of the real structure. In this study, computer simulations on numerical and experimental tests are performed. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week is required.
Contact: Professor Raimondo Betti, betti@civil.columbia.edu, 640 Mudd, 212-854-6388
 

Opportunities

  • risk assessment and risk management of infrastructure

This project aims to assess the risk to the civil infrastructure (buildings, bridges, lifelines, etc.) arising from hazards in major metropolitan areas, both natural (earthquake, wind, landslides, etc.) and man-made (climate change, accidents, terrorism). Once the risk is assessed, the objective is to introduce innovative ways to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of the various hazards. The approach followed to address this problem is a multidisciplinary one, combining knowledge and techniques from the natural sciences, engineering, urban planning, economics, finance, and psychology.

  • scientific and aesthetic analysis of large-scale structures

This project aims to analyze a series of large-scale structures (including bridges, buildings, and roof structures) from both a scientific and an aesthetic point of view. The social significance of the structures is also considered. The concept of structural art is studied, and emphasis is given to symbolic and historic structures.

  • characterization of microstructure of heterogeneous materials

This project aims to develop methodologies to accurately quantify and describe the uncertain microstructure of two-phase materials. Applications in a wide range of materials, including concrete, cellular aluminum, graphite-epoxy fibrous composites, etc.

  • reliability of fatigue-sensitive structures, including aircraft and ships

This project aims to develop techniques to assess the reliability of structures that are sensitive to fatigue. Methodologies are developed to estimate the deterioration of their 16 reliability as a function of time and to introduce optimum nonperiodic inspection schedules. Emphasis is placed on aircraft and ships.

  • simulation of stochastic processes and fields

This project aims to develop methodologies to digitally simulate stochastic processes and fields that can be used to model random actions on structures (e.g., earthquakes, wind, blast) or uncertain material and soil properties.

  • stochastic finite element methods
This project aims at developing stochastic finite element methodologies for the analysis of structural systems with uncertainties in their system properties and external excitation. Emphasis is given in developing variability response functions for various quantities in linear and nonlinear problems.
Contact: Professor George Deodatis, deodatis@civil.columbia.edu, 630 Mudd, 212-854-9728
 

Opportunities

  • structural dynamics
  • structural identification
  • active control
Laboratory assistant positions, either for academic credit or on a volunteer basis to participate in research projects involving dynamic testing using the medium-scale seismic shake table in the Carleton Laboratory. Research projects include structural system identification, damage detection, and adaptive control. Activities include test-model design and fabrication, dynamic response computer simulation, data acquisition, and library research. Some experience in MATLAB, dynamics/vibrations is desirable.
Contact: Professor Andrew Smyth, smyth@civil.columbia.edu, 636 Mudd, 212-854-3369
 

Opportunities

  • computational fracture mechanics

Students work on computer simulations and algorithm development involving advanced finite element techniques to model fracture and multiphase materials. This requires basic knowledge in finite element methods. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week.

  • intensive computations on parallel supercomputers

Students employ supercomputers at Columbia University to model very large problems in elasticity, e.g., models of an entire building with millions of unknowns, using finite element codes. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week.

  • damage induced corrosion (in collaboration with Professor Betti)
Students study and develop corrosion models from experiments to characterize the rate and direction of the damage. Models are then implemented in computer simulations of damaged structures. Literature research is also expected. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week.
  • structural health monitoring (in collaboration with Professor Smyth)
The project involves experimental testing and calibration of numerical models to detect damage (cracks and holes) in structures. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week.
  • contact mechanics
This project involves mathematical formulation of simple contact problems in mechanics and their solution with various numerical techniques. For academic credit, a minimum commitment of 5–10 hours per week.
Contact: Professor Haim Waisman, hw2286@columbia.edu, 610 Mudd, 212-851-0408
 

Opportunities

  • rheological tests of warm mix asphalt

This project tests the use of some additives to improve the flowability of asphalt materials so they can be produced at lower temperatures and thereby reduce energy consumption and gas emissions. This concept also explores other technologies such as fiber-reinforced asphalt, recycled asphalt, and rubberized asphalt. Laboratory assistant positions for academic credit are available for material testing and modeling. The weekly time commitment is 10 hours. Students should have basic training in laboratory testing and fundamental knowledge of solid mechanics.

  • long-term performance of polymer materials
When polymer materials serve under certain aging or weathering conditions, the mechanical properties will significantly change. This project tests the long-term performance with some short-span tests in the Carleton Laboratory. Laboratory assistant positions for academic credit are available for material testing and modeling. The weekly time commitment is 8 hours. Students should have basic training in laboratory testing and fundamental knowledge of solid mechanics.
  • fracture characterization of multilayered materials
Multilayered materials have been used in engineering practice for structure and material reinforcement, protective coating, thermal insulation, and infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation. However, fractures are often found in the weak layers. This project studies the fracture pattern and predicts the fracture behavior of multilayered materials. Laboratory assistant positions for academic credit are available for material testing and fracture modeling. The weekly time commitment is 8 hours. Students should have basic training in laboratory testing and fundamental knowledge of solid mechanics.
Contact: Professor Huiming Yin, yin@civil.columbia.edu, 634 Mudd, 212-851-1648

 

500 W. 120th St., Mudd 510, New York, NY 10027    212-854-2993