The Earthquake- and Blast-Resistant Structures (EBRS) group develops improved, hazard-resistant structural components and systems to protect the users of buildings and infrastructure. We focus on development of green materials, components, and systems drawing from our experience with structures made of reinforced concrete, wood and fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs). We use both computer modeling and structural tests on the bi-axial shake table at Cal State LA. Our computational methods include structural finite elements (SAP 2000, OpenSees), high-fidelity physics finite elements (LS-DYNA, Abaqus), and structural reliability. We also conduct field investigations, including post-disaster reconnaissance.
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The Resilient and Sustainable Infrastructure and Communities (RSIC, pronounced "risk") group promotes practices that support the long-term viability and well-being of communities. Situating structural/civil engineering within broader social issues, we clarify the goals of sustainability and resilience; identify barriers to pursuing them; and inform design, planning, and policy guidance for achieving them.
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Beyond this, we consider general questions about the role of technology in mediating risk/uncertainty and what we really need to live well. Technology is ubiquitous. We simultaneously revere it for its benefits and lament its control over us. When it comes to living meaningful lives it is unclear to what extent the solution involves ever greater production of technological artifacts. The Technology, Uncertainty, and the Good Life (TUGL) group engages in practical reflection to learn how to best contend with these contemporary realities as individuals and as a society.
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