Research overview

The research team led by Dr. Mehrabi has targeted its efforts at three major aspects of the resiliency of bridges and buildings: evaluation of structures using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, advanced numerical analysis of structures, and development of new methods for the construction and repair of bridges and buildings.

Non-destructive Testing

Nondestructive testing (NDT), in general, is defined as “an examination, test, or evaluation performed on any type of test object without changing or altering that object in any way, in order to determine the absence or presence of conditions or discontinuities that may have an effect on the usefulness or serviceability of that object.” NDT methods have been increasingly used for quality control, quality assurance and quality assessment of both new and old structures.

Some of the NDT methods used in civil engineering are listed below:

  • Ground Penetrating Radar
  • Phased Array Ultrasonic
  • Infrared Thermography
  • Impact Echo
  • Acoustic Emission
  • Impulse Response Testing
  • Eddy Current Testing
  • Laser Testing
  • Magnetic Particle Testing
  • Radiography Testing
  • Magnetic Flux Leakage Testing
  • Tap Testing
  • Global Structural Response Testing, etc.

Numerical Analysis

Advanced numerical analysis of structures involves the application of computational methods to understand, predict, and optimize the behavior of structural systems under various conditions. These methods are crucial for the design and analysis of complex structures in civil engineering.

    Innovative Methods

    The development of innovative methods for the construction and repair of bridges and buildings is crucial for enhancing the durability, safety, and sustainability of infrastructure. These advancements address challenges such as aging infrastructure, increasing load demands, environmental impacts, and the need for rapid construction and repair.

    Some of the patents on innovative methods developed in our lab include:

    • A New Damping System for Cables, (2000) US6292967B1
    • Structural joint damage detector tool (2021) US 11,120,181 B1
    • FRP Splice System for Joining Structural Elements (2022) US 11,319,706 B1
    • NSMB Pile Splice System for Precast Concrete Piles (2022) US 11,319,689 B1
    • Connection systems and methods for skewed frames (2023) US 11,746,484
    • Grouted Sleeve Coupler Splice (GSCS) for Precast Concrete Piles (2023)