Structural Engineering Research

Research in structural engineering is essential for the development of the design criteria to (1) maintain the normal functionality of, (2) limit the damage of, and (3) avoid the collapse of the structure under extreme external loads.  The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at SIUC has faculty members and facilities that dedicate and support a wide range of research in structural engineering.

The structural engineering research laboratory at SIUC is equipped with computers and the computer software that is able to perform the linear and nonlinear static finite element analysis for concrete and steel structures in various types of structural systems.  These structural systems include the concrete shear wall, steel braced frame, and steel moment-resisting frame systems.  Current structural engineering research projects include (1) modeling and simulation of steel structures subject to seismic forces; (2) probabilistic assessment of the strength, ductility, and integrity of steel structural systems and related connections against progressive collapse; (3) development of innovative reinforced concrete structural systems and related reinforcing details against progressive collapse; (4) assessment of the P-Delta effects on the overall story drifts of structural frames; and (5) establishment of the displacement amplification factors to estimate the inelastic displacement demands for steel moment frames with various types of connections.