Victor E. Saouma

Aging, Cracking, and Shaking of Structures

I am interested in the numerical simulation of aging concrete structures-particularly dams and nuclear containment buildings-subjected to coupled environmental and mechanical degradation. Using finite element methods, I model the progression of damage due to alkali-aggregate reaction, chloride diffusion, carbonation, and the resulting corrosion of reinforcement to assess long-term performance.

Special attention is given to the formation and time-dependent propagation of cracks using fracture mechanics. Of particular interest is the seismic behavior of these compromised structures, as seismic loading often governs their ultimate failure.

Building on this foundation, I have also investigated the delamination of nuclear containment buildings and the structural impact of AAR on bridges, dams, and other critical infrastructure.

Dynamic Analysis

I am interested in both numerical simulation and experimental techniques (see below) for the seismic analysis of complex structures. Particular emphasis is placed on modeling cracks, joints, and potential rocking behavior resulting from block separation. Beyond traditional radiation damping, free-field effects are also considered to capture the full structural-soil-wave interaction.

The typical workflow involves an initial static analysis to establish pre-existing stress and displacement fields, followed by a dynamic simulation in which support conditions are modified or removed, elastic properties updated to reflect damage or aging, and the structure reanalyzed under seismic excitation. This approach enables a more realistic assessment of structural performance under strong ground motion.

Fracture Mechanics, Fractals and Size Effectts

Since my PhD thesis, I have maintained a long-standing interest in the fracture mechanics of concrete. This work has led to the development of analytical models for fracture in anisotropic materials, as well as constitutive formulations for joints based on extensions of Hillerborg's cohesive crack model. My research also includes the numerical simulation of crack initiation and propagation through nonlinear finite element analysis, aiming to capture the complex behavior of concrete.

I am a past president of the IA-FraMCoS (International Association of Fracture Mechanics for Concrete and Concrete Structures).

This interest has naturally evolved into the investigation of size effects in fracture processes and the fractal and size effect in concrete, providing deeper insights into the scaling and roughness of fracture phenomena.

Alkali Aggregate Reaction

Alkali Aggregate Reaction (AAR) has been one of my primary research interests for the past 20 years. I have been in a unique position to conduct theoretical, numerical, and experimental investigations, and to apply this knowledge to the comprehensive analysis of complex, large-scale structures. I served as Chair of the RILEM Technical Committee on the Diagnosis and Prognosis of AAR-Affected Structures, which culminated in the publication of a Published State of the Art Report (STAR)

My work in this area has been supported by several major institutions, including the Swiss National Committee on Dams, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Bureau of Reclamation. For the past five years.

I have also been assisting-on a pro bono basis-a citizen group (C-10) dedicated to ensuring that the structural safety of the Seabrook nuclear reactor, which is affected by AAR, is thoroughly and scientifically evaluated, rather than relying on overly simplistic engineering assumptions.

Experimental Mechanics

I have been involved in a number of innovative experimental investigations, many of which were conducted for the first time. These include the first assessment of the fractal dimension of cracked concrete surfaces, the largest uniaxial tension test of concrete to date, and the largest direct shear tests on concrete under cyclic loading conditions.

Notably, I also performed what may be the first—and possibly only—centrifuge tests of concrete dams subjected to seismic loading on shake tables mounted within a centrifuge.

In addition, I led one of the most complex real-time hybrid simulations ever conducted, involving a structural model with over 400 degrees of freedom to evaluate the dynamic behavior of a building under seismic excitation.

Seismic Shocks and Cultural Echoes

Beyond their physical impact, earthquakes have stirred profound cultural responses across civilizations. Artists, writers, and composers have long grappled with the terror and awe provoked by seismic events, channeling them into works that reflect human vulnerability, divine judgment, or the sublime force of nature. This section explores how earthquakes have resonated through the arts-leaving lasting imprints on literature, painting, and music from antiquity to the modern era.

While I have already compiled an extensive body of literature on this topic, the research was set aside during my academic duties and will hopefully be reactivated now that I am retired.