Structural Engineering Research

Structural Engineering

Engineering Stronger, Safer, and More Sustainable Structures

Research in Structural Engineering emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects, including computer-aided engineering, structural dynamics, and earthquake and wind engineering analysis and design. Structural engineers at the University of Utah focus on performance-based design and investigate the behavior of structures made from reinforced and prestressed concrete, structural steel, timber, and composites.

Research Areas

Structural
Dynamics
Earthquake & Wind
Engineering
Materials
Behavior
Advanced Structural
Sensing

Testing mass timber framing inside an actuator in High Bay Structures Lab

State-of-the-Art Structures Lab

In the Layton Engineering Building, our Structures Lab is home to state-of-the-art equipment, including one giant actuator that stretches from the hangar-like ceiling to beneath the concrete floor. It can simulate the effects of seismic activity — with forces up to a 7.0 magnitude earthquake — on whatever is placed inside by vigorously rocking it back and forth in its gigantic rectangular shape. The research conducted in the lab contributes to improving the durability of structures (building, bridges, highways) and the development of more sustainable structural systems.

Recent News

Leading the Way in Advanced Structural Sensing

Dr. Peter Zhu and his team are currently working on finding the internal defects of railroad tracks, stress levels of tracks and the most effective and efficient way to manage tracks. They recently developed and deployed a polarized infrared camera-based prototype system on a UTA TRAX train. The system performed rail track condition assessment and diagnostics, providing reliable damage detection and diagnosis for timber and concrete sleepers with an inspection speed of up to 35 mph.

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Dr. Zhu tests his technology on UTA TRAX

The Sustainable Future of Seismically-Sound (and Sustainable) Structures

A recent Ph.D. graduate in Structural Engineering, Emily Williamson’s research focused on developing a mass timber buckling restrained braced frame, which can be used in buildings located in seismic regions. These buildings are more sustainable and are manufactured at a lower energy intensity than materials like concrete and steel. Additionally, mass timber buildings offer building envelopes that significantly reduce energy consumption and are inherently fire-resistant.

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Dr. Emily Williamson in the Structures Lab

Research Spotlight

Dr. Chris Pantiledes

Strengthening Sustainable Structures: Earthquake-Proofing Mass Timber Buildings

Wood, our oldest building material, is experiencing a revival — one that can even withstand earthquakes. And our very own Dr. Pantelides is at this the helm of its revival.

The deceptively simple piece of lumber is an example of mass timber technology, a category of “engineered wood product” set to revolutionize the construction industry— and that Pantelides has spent the last seven years studying and developing.

Researchers in this Area

Dr. Roshina Babu Assistant Professor, Lecturer

Dr. Roshina Babu is an Assistant Professor (Lecturer) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She has about ten years of experience teaching undergraduate courses in Engineering Mechanics, Strength of Materials, and Structural Analysis. Her research interests are biomimetic structures, groundwater management in small islands, saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers, and managed aquifer recharge. In addition to research interests, Dr. Babu is passionate about developing experiential learning projects for undergraduate students.

Dr. Luis Ibarra Professor

Dr. Luis Ibarra came to the U from Southwest Research Institute where he used finite element simulations and experimental tests to evaluate the mechanical response of engineered barriers for high-level radioactive waste. Dr. Ibarra is also registered professional engineer in Texas. His current research includes seismic performance of nuclear storage containers, seismic performance of Buckling Restrained Brace (BRB) frames, implementation of nonlinear dynamic capabilities in MOOSE software, and probabilistic risk assessment of nuclear components. His teaching interests include steel design, advanced topics, and structure loads and analysis.

Dr. Chris Pantelides Professor

Dr. Chris Pantelides is a structural professor in the CvEEN department. His teaching interests are structural earthquake engineering. He spends a lot of time with his graduate students working on research in the structure’s lab. Dr. Pantelides research interests include: seismic retrofit using conventional systems and FRP composites, supplemental damping systems, seismic resilience of buildings and bridges, mass timber buildings and shake table testing.

Dr. Xuan Zhu Assistant Professor

Dr. Xuan (Peter) Zhu is an Assistant Professor in the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department. He is currently teaching courses in engineering mechanics, structural analysis, and advanced structural sensing. Dr. Zhu's research interests focus on experimental mechanics, elastic wave propagation, vibroacoustic metamaterials, and their applications in nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring. His research team has been working with mass timber buildings, highways, railroads, and energy infrastructure to face challenges of the changing climate.

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