Civil and Environmental Engineering
Improving Performance of Low-Rise Buildings
Dr. J. Daniel Dolan has
lead interdisciplinary research teams (in architecture,
building construction, mechanical engineering, etc.) to
improve the overall performance of low-rise construction,
or buildings less than ten stories high. The concept of
developing a holistic design/construction for low-rise
buildings addresses the design/construction process in a
manner similar to designing an airliner, where
optimization of components is done with respect to the
overall performance of the structure rather than in a
vacuum considering just the product itself. Historically,
designers have simplified the building system to the
point that finishes and other parts of the building are
ignored. To insure building performance and safety,
analysis and design tools are being developed to account
for the interaction of different materials and
systems.
Dr. Dolan's research results have influenced regulatory
building and design codes in the United States, Canada,
and Europe. Design methodologies for shear walls,
connections, and annoying vibration have been implemented
by designers in model building codes in these
countries.
Currently, Dr. Dolan is developing a computer model that
will simulate hurricane forces on low-rise buildings in
real-time. This model will be used to investigate the
localized forces imposed on a building around corners and
at the roofline. Preliminary results indicate that
buildings can be strengthened by changing the location of
some of the connections already present, strengthening
them without affecting the cost.
Dr. Dolan has published widely on various performance
issues related to low-rise buildings subjected to dynamic
loads. Currently he is leading an effort to update the
FEMA document "A Home Builder's Guide to Seismic
Resistant Construction." He also continues to work with
colleagues at Washington State and other universities to
improve the performance of low-rise buildings.
Contact Information
J. Daniel Dolan, Ph.D.
Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Washington State University
PO Box 642910
Pullman, WA 99164-2910
Telephone: 509-335-7849
E-Mail: jddolan@wsu.edu
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