NSF East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute (EAPSI) for FY 2013 in Singapore

Desharnais Marie G, Saint Paul MN

Investigators

Abstract

This action funds Marie DesHarnais of the University of Minnesota to conduct a research project in Engineering during the summer of 2013 at the National University of Singapore in Singapore. The project title is "Modeling of Fire Induced Progressive Collapse for Reinforced Concrete Buildings." The host scientist is Dr. Sze Dai Pang. A new computational model of reinforced concrete structures is being developed to assess the effect of fire on structural integrity, or safety. The coupled thermo-mechanical model can capture heat transfer, changes in material properties, and mechanical deformations from loads. This project includes a series of tests to characterize the behavior of concrete at various temperatures, an essential part of the model development. With the numerical model calibrated from the physical tests, probabilistic simulations are carried out to quantify the risk of building collapse due to a specific fire scenario. Broader impacts of an EAPSI fellowship include providing the Fellow a first-hand research experience outside the U.S.; an introduction to the science, science policy, and scientific infrastructure of the respective location; and an orientation to the society, culture and language. These activities meet the NSF goal to educate for international collaborations early in the career of its scientists, engineers, and educators, thus ensuring a globally aware U.S. scientific workforce. Furthermore, the principal investigator will participate in two annual high-school summer programs held at the University of Minnesota, which specifically target minority and female students; "Exploring Careers in Engineering and Physical Science" and the "high-tech girl society." The principal investigator will use this opportunity to stimulate or affirm the students' interests in structural engineering and attract more female and minority students to the Civil Engineering undergraduate program.