Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Bridge Structures

Position description:The Institute of Bridge Engineering (IBE) is recruiting a PhD student to conduct research on reinforced and prestressed concrete bridge structures. Structures of interest include modular systems that can be rapidly constructed and repaired after extreme events, and systems with replaceable components, self-centering capabilities, or strategically utilized advanced materials for resiliency or extended service life. Research also focuses on evaluating existing structures for safety and serviceability. A solid background and/or interest in material behavior and mechanics is required. Experience with nonlinear finite element modeling, analytical or design tool development, or laboratory testing is desired but not required.

Financial support: Doctoral students are supported with a stipend ($28,541 for AY 22/23), paid tuition and health care. Financial support after the first year is contingent on academic standing and research progress.

Research Facilities: IBE faculty and students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory (SEESL), Shared Instrumentation Laboratories (SIL), and the Center for Computational Research (CCR). SEESL is equipped with a diverse array of test equipment and platforms, including two 6 DOF earthquake simulators, a geotechnical laminar box, a multiple-fan wind tunnel, a strong floor and strong wall, a furnace for structural fire testing, wind tunnel, and standard tools and equipment needed for performing state-of-the-art concrete materials and geotechnical-engineering research. The strong floor-strong wall, shown right, is used, with actuators, to simulate the response of bridge members under loading. SIL provides access to a scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, nano-indenter, and other advanced equipment for nano/micro-scale investigation of materials. CCR is an academic supercomputing facility at the University at Buffalo and maintains high-performance computing and visualization laboratories.

Contact associate professor Pinar Okumus for the position description and Jackie Baum, graduate studies coordinator, for other information, including admission, visas, and the graduate program in the department.