This research opportunity focuses on improving the state-of-the-art concerning the seismic design and assessment of new and existing buildings, with an emphasis on performance-based seismic engineering. Opportunities include the following: (1) developing improved nonlinear modeling capabilities for seismic structural evaluation; (2) computing the collapse probability of new and existing buildings using incremental dynamic analysis or other probabilistic approaches; (3) developing cost-effective solutions to mitigate earthquake vulnerabilities in existing buildings; (4) quantifying the impact of earthquake selection and scaling procedures on building design and assessment; (5) investigating the effects of loading protocols on the performance of structural components, such as eccentrically braced frame link beams, and conducting experimental research to fill in knowledge gaps; (6) quantifying the effects of uncertainties on the prediction of structural response, particularly focused on the uncertainties inherent in experimental measurements; and (7) developing and testing new applications for smart materials (e.g., shape memory alloys) for seismic performance enhancement.

 

References

Speicher, MS, DesRoches R, Leon RT: "Investigation of an Articulated Quadrilateral Bracing System utilizing Shape Memory Alloys". Journal of Constructional Steel Research 130: 65-78, March, 2017

Maison BF, Speicher MS: "Loading Protocols for ASCE 41 Backbone Curves". Earthquake Spectra 32(3): 2513-2532, November, 2016

Speicher MS, Harris JL: "Collapse Prevention Seismic Performance Assessment of New Special Concentrically Braced Frames using ASCE 41". Engineering Structures 126: 652-666, November, 2016

 

Keywords:

Earthquake engineering; Seismic; Structural engineering; Performance-based seismic design; Nonlinear analysis; Collapse prediction; Shape memory alloys;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants