Materials and Construction Research Division

Structures Group

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Description

Provides performance prediction tools to reduce the vulnerability of building and infrastructure systems to extreme events (e.g., wind, fire, earthquake, impact, blast) through cost-effective reliability-based multi-hazard approaches.  The group: (1) conducts laboratory, field, and analytical research in the areas of wind engineering, structural fire safety design and retrofit, mitigation of progressive structural collapse, nondestructive evaluation, and performance of structural materials and connections; (2) provides guidance, tools, and science-based criteria for vulnerability assessment, design, and retrofit applications; (3) conducts disaster and failure investigations; and (4) supports the technical information needs of federal agencies in formulating national policies related to building and infrastructure applications.

Stephen Cauffman, Leader
Wendy L. Howes, Group Secretary
(301) 975-6068
cauffman@nist.gov

 

Current Research

Wind Engineering
There are a number of significant deficiencies in the wind load design provisions of current U.S. codes and standards. They include: (1) crude simplifications of loading models; (2) extreme winds and corresponding load factors derived from outmoded estimation methods; (3) exposure coefficients that cannot deal with complex wind exposures; (4) gross simplifications of extreme pressures and loads that ignore wind directionality effects; and (5) no distinction between design for safety and design for serviceability. The objective of the current research effort is to develop key elements of a knowledge-based wind load design standard that will use site- and building-specific databases and state-of-the-art computational methods to establish realistic, consistent and economical steady and fluctuating structural loads.

Structural Control:
Current activities address the development of performance requirements for seismic isolation and energy dissipation systems.

Strengthening of Existing Structures and Improvement of New Structures
Research topics include strengthening methods for reinforced concrete buildings and bridge columns, performance of nonstructural components, precast beam-to-column connections, and seismic resistance of masonry walls.

High-Performance Materials
High-performance construction materials with superior mechanical and durability properties have been developed. However, their widespread use is hindered by a lack of understanding of the structural performance of members made with these materials and the lack of design standards. The objective of current research is to provide the basis for design criteria and evaluation methods for high-performance materials. Specific projects include: shear strength of high-strength concrete beams; curing of high-performance concrete; performance of high-strength concrete during fire; and use of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) for rehabilitation and repair of structures.

Condition Assessment
Research in condition assessment is aimed at developing test procedures to evaluate existing conditions of structures.  Research results are used to develop and enhance standard test methods, practices, and guides.

 

Staff

• List of Group Staff (with links to biographies)

 

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