The Structural and Materials Testing Lab, more commonly known as the High Bay, at the Center for Infrastructural Renewal (CIR) is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for practical engineering research and experimentation. Within its walls, engineers and researchers collaborate to explore real world applications of theoretical concepts.

The High Bay features an impressive 3-foot-thick reinforced concrete strong floor, spanning 70 feet by 120 feet. With a 300-kip tie-down capacity (both tension and compression) on a 3-foot by 3-foot grid, it provides ample space for rigorous testing. Its 8,400 square feet area and 45-foot clear height facilitate investigations into structural behavior, material properties, and innovative designs.

From full-scale bridge support tests to analytical modeling, the High Bay is a dynamic laboratory where engineering knowledge translates into practical solutions. Join us as we explore the intersection of theory and practice, shaping safer and more resilient infrastructure for the future.

Dr. Stefan Hurlebaus, a professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Texas A&M, and his team research connection details for Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) in Texas. This concept of ABC consists of prefabricated bridge unit assemblies where sections involving two girder lines and a composite slab built offsite are erected side-by-side with closure pours.

The team employs two distinct methodologies in their investigation. First, they conduct full-scale experimental testing in the high-bay laboratory, constructing three prefabricated bridge specimens representing different connection details. These specimens undergo various loads to determine their performance, aiming to identify the optimal connection design under specified loading conditions. Second, they use finite element modeling, simulating the behavior of these connections. By confirming experimental results and exploring parameter variations, they seek better outcomes.

Upon project completion, the highest-rated system will be chosen for potential implementation in Texas bridges. The rating will include parameters such as ease of fabrication, efficient assembly, durability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The ABC unit features a fully continuous girder connection. This design aims to reduce cracks on the deck surface. The anticipated result is enhanced long-term durability and overall performance, leading to faster replacement of bridges when needed and hence minimizing traffic control.

The research conducted in the High Bay by Dr. Hurlebaus and his team allows them to apply theoretical engineering concepts to tangible, real-world structures. Through this process, they engage in critical thinking about structural design and focus on optimal testing methodologies. These experiences within the CIR High Bay cultivate highly proficient engineers ready to tackle future challenges in the field.

To read more about the High Bay lab visit cir.tamu.edu/facilities/structural-and-materials-testing/

Dr. Stefan Hurlebaus’ current group: sites.google.com/tamu.edu/shurlebaus/students

Visit us online at cir.tamu.edu

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting was held in Washington, D.C. from January 7th to January 11th, 2024.  

The TRB is a division of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (formerly the National Research Council of the United States) which serves as an independent adviser to the President of the United States, the Congress and federal agencies on scientific and technical questions of national importance. The TRB Annual Meeting is a major event that brings together thousands of transportation professionals from around the world. The meeting features a wide range of sessions and workshops covering all transportation modes, with more than 5,000 presentations in nearly 800 sessions.  

Earlier this month, numerous CIR faculty and students attended the annual meeting, taking advantage of the opportunity to network, share research, and participate in various workshops, lectern sessions, committee meetings, and poster sessions. These activities provided insights into the current state of transportation research and the future of the industry.  

Aaron Leavitt, M.S., EIT, Associate Transportation Researcher in the Materials and Pavements Division of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), conducts research in multiple CIR labs. He was eager to share his research at TRB, stating, “TRB this year was a great experience. TTI/TAMU was well represented with many workshops, presentations, and posters.” Aaron presented his research, conducted with TTI Senior Research Engineer Dr. Amy Epps Martin and TTI Research Engineer Dr. Edith Arambula Mercado, at one of the poster sessions. 

“My paper developed a model to predict the IDEAL-CT parameter  from the post-peak load-displacement curve. This ratio, which correlates well with measured field cracking data, is predictable with aging, making it an excellent candidate for evaluating pavement cracking performance with aging,” Aaron explained.  

Ayazhan Bazarbekova, TEES Civil Engineering Graduate Research Assistant, shared her experience at the TRB via a LinkedIn post: “I presented two of our recent projects on soil stabilization, learned from the lectern sessions, participated in the committee meeting, explored the exhibition, and most importantly, connected with friends, mentors, and inspiring minds.” Ayazhan also announced that she was awarded a travel grant by the National Center for Infrastructure Transformation (NCIT), one of the National University Transportation Centers (UTC) recently funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Ayazhan conducted her research under the guidance of Drs. Yong-Rak Kim and Dallas Little of TAMU and Dr. John Rushing of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). She further stated, “The TRB annual meeting is a great platform to connect with leading minds in academia and industry and explore recent advancements in transportation research. It’s an honor to be involved in this activity, and I am grateful to the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University, TEES, the CIR, and ERDC for their positive feedback and support in making this opportunity possible.” 

Dr. Jianxin Huang, TEES Civil Engineering Postdoctoral Researcher, attended the TRB conference for the first time. There, he had the privilege of presenting his research on polymer soil stabilization, a project supported by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Reflecting on his experience at TRB, Dr. Huang shared his enthusiasm via a LinkedIn post: “It was amazing to reconnect with my mentors, friends and colleagues. Meeting with old and new friends and exchanging ideas with other researchers and professionals made my first TRB experience beyond expectation.”

Dr. Anand Puppala, Director of CIR, and Dr. Nripojyoti Biswas, Senior Research Engineer at TAMU, organized a comprehensive workshop and panel discussion on “Stabilization of Geomaterials with Different Polymer Additives.” The discussion provided invaluable insights into advanced geomaterial technologies.

CIR leadership would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all of you who attended the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting this year. Your participation and contributions to this prestigious event have not only enriched the discussions and workshops but also elevated the reputation of our esteemed institutions. The knowledge you shared, the insights you provided, and the connections you made during the meeting are invaluable. Your active involvement in various sessions, workshops, and poster presentations has undoubtedly left a significant impact on the attendees and the broader transportation community. 

To the students who presented their research, your hard work and innovative ideas are a testament to your commitment to your studies and your passion for transportation research. Your presentations were insightful and thought-provoking, contributing to the depth and breadth of knowledge shared at the meeting. 

To the faculty members who guided these students and shared their own research, your expertise and dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers are truly inspiring. Your leadership and commitment to excellence are what make TAMU, TEES and TTI stand out in transportation research.  

We wish you all many more years of groundbreaking research and impactful contributions to the global transportation and infrastructure industries!  

For more information about the Transportation Research Board, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last month, the National Science Foundation’s Industry–University Cooperative Research Center, the Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (NSF-IUCRC, CICI), hosted an Industrial Advisory Board meeting. This event was held at the Center for Infrastructure Renewal on the RELLIS Campus of Texas A&M University.

The IAB meeting was a hub of innovation and collaboration. The event was initiated with impactful opening remarks by Dr. Zachary Grasley, Dr. Hota Gangarao of West Virginia University (WVU), and Dr. Anand Puppala, emphasizing Texas’s rapid growth and the burgeoning opportunities in civil engineering and infrastructure research. Dr. Nripojyoti Biswas further underscored the center’s accomplishments, backed by the collective efforts of all parties involved. Dr. Rudi Seracino and Dr. Greg Lucier from North Carolina State University (NCSU), Dr. Francisco De Caso and Dr. Alvaro Ruiz Emparanza of University of Miami (UM), Dr. Ruifeng (Ray) Liang of West Virginia University (WVU), Dr. Surya Congress of Michigan State University (MSU) as well as postdoc team at TAMU including Dr. Jianxin Huang, students from all four partners, TAMU, WVU, UM and NCSU along with Board Chair Dr. Vijaya Gopu from Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) and CICI Evaluator Mr. Steve McGregor were involved in the presentations made at this meeting.

Founded in 2009, CICI aims to expedite the integration of cutting-edge composite materials and systems into vital infrastructure. This is achieved through collaborative research initiatives involving university locations, the composites and construction sectors, and infrastructure proprietors. The NSF-IUCRC program is structured to enable industrially relevant, pre-competitive research through a long-term partnership among industry, academia, and government. The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds these partnerships with the objective of promoting mutually interesting research programs, contributing to the nation’s research infrastructure, enhancing the intellectual capacity of the engineering or science workforce through the integration of research and education, and facilitating technology transfer.

The industry members of IUCRC comprise private companies, federal/state/local government agencies, and non-profit organizations. These members play a crucial role in steering the direction of the Center’s research through active involvement and mentoring. The IUCRCs provide a platform for industry members to significantly leverage their financial investment, thereby accelerating the knowledge base in emerging technological and manufacturing sectors and developing an industry-oriented workforce to benefit the U.S. economy.

Texas A&M University presented their work on sandbags for flood protection, exploring environmental impacts and different mix designs. They also delved into thermal encapsulation in foundations using geofoam, prompting engaging discussions about simulation types and model dimensions as well as different types of geosynthetic products. The University of Miami’s presentations on AI in fiber-reinforced concrete and the use of composites in building construction opened new avenues of thought in construction materials. West Virginia University and North Carolina State University presented their studies on FRP pedestrian bridges and precast concrete beam repair, respectively. These discussions not only highlighted the technical aspects but also the practical implications of these innovations in real-world scenarios.

Day two included an intriguing tour of the Center for Infrastructure Renewal’s laboratories, showcasing the Hyper Velocity Impact Lab (HVIL), High Bay Lab, Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s crash test demonstration, and many more. Each university presented updates on their recent progress, reiterating the commitment to advancing the field of civil engineering.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Dr. Thomas Lacy (Professor, Mechanical Engineering, TAMU) and Mr. James Tovar (Assistant Research Scientist, Roadside Safety, TTI) for their generosity in conducting tours of the Hypervelocity Impact Lab and the TTI Test Crash Site for the attendees of the CICI IAB. Thank you for your time and effort!

We anticipate the Spring 2024 meeting in Morgantown, West Virginia and are excited about the future of this collaboration!

 

 

 

 

 

 

On October 30, 2023, Dr. Anand Puppala, TAMU Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering and director of the CIR, and Dr. Zach Grasley, TAMU Department Head of Civil & Environmental engineering, attended the NEx MOU Signing Ceremony to commemorate the new allied partner agreement between Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and NEx, an ACI center of excellence of nonmetallic building materials. The signing ceremony took place during the ACI Concrete Convention in Boston, MA.  

NEx is an American Concrete Institution (ACI) Center for Nonmetallic Building Materials motivated by three factors: reduce carbon footprint, improve sustainability, and support innovation. The mission of NEx is to “collaborate globally to expand and accelerate the use of non-metallics in the built environment to drive innovation, research, education, awareness, adoption, and deployment.” NEx is represented by Waleed Al-Otaibi (Director, Saudi Aramco), Jerzy Zemajtis (Executive Director, NEx), Gusai AlAithan (Liaison Director, Aramco Americas), and Aparna Deshmukh (Technical Director, NEx) at this meeting. 

Presently, Texas A&M is actively involved in the execution of a project sponsored by NEx, focusing on the development of polymer soil stabilization guidelines. The signed MOU will serve as a pivotal step toward broadening and strengthening the collaboration between the two entities. 

With this MOU signing, TEES of Texas A&M University joined as an allied partner of the ACI NEx and, along with the Center for Infrastructure Renewal (CIR), researchers from TAMU will be conducting research on composite and polymeric materials and their application in civil infrastructure.  

 

To learn more about the NEx, visit www.nonmetallic.org

To learn more about the American Concrete Institute (ACI), visit www.concrete.org

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