Civil and Environmental Engineering
Predicting and Improving the Behavior of Structures
in Earthquakes
Dr. Cole McDaniel’s research focuses on the dynamic response of structures with specific projects related to structural response to near-fault earthquake ground motions, long-duration subduction zone earthquake ground motions, blast loading, and marine vessel impact loading. He has collaborated with the WSU Transportation Research Center (TRAC) on state and federal highway bridge research. With numerous bridges across the nation considered seismically deficient, and limited state and federal transportation funding available for upgrades, assessment and prioritization of these bridges is needed to maximize public safety and ensure that funds are effectively allocated.
Dr. McDaniel is improving the seismic design and assessment of structures through experimental investigation and finite element modeling. Experimental verification of structure simulation is critical to calibrating computer models. Dr. McDaniel has conducted laboratory testing and analyses on full-scale steel shear links, full-scale and scaled concrete columns, and masonry walls. Analyses have also been performed on long span cable- supported bridges, reinforced concrete bridges, pre-stressed concrete bridges, steel and concrete “frame and wall” buildings, and marine vessel landings.
Soil-structure-interaction is particularly important for acurate structure simulation. Dr. McDaniel is currently collaborating with geotechnical engineering colleagues on the interaction between soil and structures, a topic that needs further exploration. Unfortunately, a large gap remains between the nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis being conducted by researchers and certain design firms, and the linear code analysis carried out on most structures. Dr. McDaniel proposes to close this gap by developing guidelines for simplified, yet accurate, nonlinear assessment of structures. Insight into understanding and predicting structural behavior will improve the design and assessment of structures and will reduce the loss of life and property that currently results from earthquakes.
Contact Information
Cole C. McDaniel, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Washington State University
PO Box 642910
Pullman, WA 99164-2910
Telephone: 509-335-7320
E-Mail: cmcd@wsu.edu
Engineering
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