NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
in
"Development of Enhanced Materials and Structural Assemblages for Seismic Performance Evaluation Studies"

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Principal Investigator: Anant R. Kukreti
NSF Grant No.: EEC-0552786

UC REU SITE OVERVIEW

The goal of this three-year Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site is to provide an eight-week immersion in research each year using modern technology and small-scale models to explore the use of innovative materials and components to mitigate damage caused by earthquakes. The research projects selected will show how scaled models are used to test novel techniques/materials before prototype versions can be deployed. The objective of this REU Site is to encourage talented engineering undergraduates to enroll in graduate school by exposing them to research. The REU Site builds on the process established in past three successful REU Sites, and the sustained research and laboratory facilities established by the faculty members in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at University of Cincinnati. Each year nine undergraduate engineering students will be initiated in structural engineering research. Undergraduate students who are finishing their freshmen, sophomore or junior year from all engineering disciplines are encouraged to apply. No prior knowledge in the research project to be pursued in the REU Site is expected. The basic approach used is discovery through actual construction, experimental testing, observing and recording, synthesizing the data collected, and generalizations. This approach provides an opportunity for individual growth and challenge to the young and inquisitive mind. Three laboratory research projects will be identified each year to improve the capabilities of small-scale models, structural materials, and structural components used to investigate the seismic performance of structural systems. The nine students will be divided into three teams, and each team will work on a unique project for two months under the close guidance of a Faculty Mentor, a graduate Laboratory Assistant, and a skilled Technician. This REU Site will provide the students with experience in using state-of-the-art testing and data recording equipment, and a "total" experience of: learning, research, report writing, and presentation. The REU participants and faculty members will disseminate their findings as papers/presentations in journals, and regional and national conferences.