Day: February 28, 2012

Civil Engineering Graduate Seminar: March 1

Civil Engineering Graduate Seminar:
Time: 4-5pm, Thursday (March. 1st)
location: Dow 642
Public welcome

Topics:

1. Application of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) as Thin-Bonded Overlay for Concrete Bridge Decks
Presenter: Sarah Shann, MS student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, (Adviser: Dr. Devin Harris)

Abstract: As transportation infrastructure across the globe approaches the end of its service life, new innovative materials and applications are needed to sustainably repair and prevent damage to these structures. The feasibility of using Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) as a thin-bonded overlay on concrete bridge decks is investigated in this study. Design optimization of the bridge deck overlay system was examined to minimize overlay thickness, dead load, and cure time without sacrificing bond integrity or loss of protective capabilities. This was done with a 3-D finite element model of a simply supported bridge under a notional truck, the HL-93 design truck common to the United States, in the worst case loading position.

2. Title: Increasing the Piezoelectric Effect in Cement Paste.

Presenter: Benjamin Roskoskey, MS Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, (Adviser: Dr. Andrew Swartz).

Abstract: The object of this study is to attempt to increase the piezoelectric effect (and as a result the reverse piezoelectric effect) in cement paste. Piezoelectric sensors and actuators are frequently used nowadays to monitor the health of structures. However they are expensive and when embedded within concrete, can separate from the concrete and cause degradation due to differences between their Young’s modulus and thermal expansion coefficient and those of the concrete. The expectation is that the concrete itself, by utilizing its piezoelectric effect, can be used as the sole means of structural health monitoring for a structure.