Welcome to the graduate program in Structural Engineering and Structural Mechanics (SESM) at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The following introductory information should be useful to familiarize yourself with our graduate program. In particular this advice will enable you to pre-register for classes in your first semester and will acquaint you with some of the graduate degree requirements in Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering (CEAE). When pre-registering for departmental courses, sign up for the 5000-level section of courses if they are cross listed. This is important since 4000-level departmental courses will be considered deficiencies, and graduate credit will not be awarded for them.
Usually graduate students admitted to the SESM-program will have completed a B.S. degree in either Civil or Architectural Engineering from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in the United States, or will hold an equivalent degree from a foreign institution. Students should consult with their SESM Academic Advisor before initial registration. Advanced courses at the 6000 and 7000 levels are usually offered only in alternate years.
All entering graduate students are assigned a temporary Academic Advisor by the SESM-member on the departmental Graduate Committee. When a student selects a research topic, the research advisor, who will supervise his/her work towards a thesis/report, will take over the responsibilities of the Academic Advisor. Such a change is routine, but it does require formal action consisting of filling out a form signed by the original and proposed advisors and approved by the Departmental Chair. All graduate students are expected to develop a Degree Plan during the first semester of their graduate work with the advice of the Academic Advisor. This Degree Plan requires Departmental approval.
Faculty Ross B. Corotis application of probabilistic concepts to civil engineering problems. Stochastic modeling of loads on structures, structural system reliability, wind characteristics, and mesoscale storm modeling.
John Dow Structural dynamics, computational mechanics, a posterior evaluation of finite-element results, equivalent continuum analysis of discrete structural models.
Abbie Liel Seismic collapse performance prediction of structures and structural systems, Building code provisions for extreme loads, such as earthquakes or snow, Nonlinear modeling of structures, particularly non-ductile reinforced concrete, Propagation of modeling and design uncertainties in structural performance assessments, Life safety risks and economic losses associated with Earthquake performance of housing and schools.
Siva Mettupalayam Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, Nonlinear structural analysis, Numerical methods, Integrated computing and testing - hybrid test systems, Control systems for structures and testing, Large-scale experimentation
Keith Porter Seismic vulnerability, Socioeconomic consequences of natural disasters, Multihazard risk management and risk mitigation, Performance-based earthquake engineering
Victor E. Saouma Finite Element modeling of concrete, Fracture Mechanics, Experimental and Computational Mechanics Modeling of concrete deterioration, Dam Engineering, Large scale Laboratory Testing
Franck Vernerey Computational methods and multiscale methods in engineering and science, continuum mechanics, fracture mechanics. Constitutive modeling and micromechanics of fracture and failure, biomimetics and failure of nanocomposites.
Kaspar Willam Computational Failure Mechanics, Finite Element Analysis, Interface Modeling, Mechanics of Materials, Plasticity, Elastic Damage, Poromechanics, Thermohydromechanics, Localization Analysis of Cohesive-Frictional Materials, Thermal Degradation of Concrete Materials, Seismic Response of Masonry Infill Walls.
Yunping Xi Long term durability of reinforced concrete structures, monitoring and simulation of long-term performance of reinforced concrete and steel structures, performance of materials and structures under high temperatures, sustainable construction materials (recycling of fly ash, waste glass, and waste tires).
