Structural engineering research examines how structures are designed and built to perform safely under a wide range of conditions, from everyday use to extreme events. This work informs how buildings and infrastructure are tested, improved and adapted over time.
Overview
Research in structural engineering focuses on how structures and materials respond to forces such as weight, movement, wind, temperature changes and ground shaking. Faculty and students use analytical, numerical and experimental methods to study structural performance and improve design approaches used in engineering practice.
This work supports the development of more reliable and durable buildings and infrastructure. Computational modeling plays an important role in understanding structural response and interactions with surrounding environments, helping connect research with real-world use.
Research topics and associated faculty
Reinforced and prestressed concrete structures
Paolo Calvi, Marc Eberhard, Dawn Lehman, Laura Lowes, John Stanton, Travis Thonstad
Concrete engineering using advanced, recycled or 3D-printed materials
Steel and composite structures
Earthquake engineering
Jeff Berman, Paolo Calvi, Marc Eberhard, Dawn Lehman, Laura Lowes, John Stanton, Travis Thonstad
Tsunami engineering
Structural design and analysis of marine energy devices
Accelerated bridge construction
Paolo Calvi, Marc Eberhard, Dawn Lehman, John Stanton, Travis Thonstad
Advanced numerical simulation and computational mechanics
Laura Lowes, Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein, Michael Motley, John Stanton, Richard Wiebe
Aerospace structures
Labs and centers
CEE faculty lead research labs and centers that support structural engineering research and education. Faculty-led labs enable experimental and computational studies of how structures respond to multiple forces, such as weight, movement and environmental effects. Department-based centers, generally funded by industry and government, coordinate research on specific themes and connect faculty, students and partners through education and outreach.
Degree programs
- Structural Engineering & Mechanics Master’s Program
- Structural Engineering & Mechanics Ph.D. Program