College of Engineering

Civil & Environmental Engineering

Summary

The structural engineering, mechanics, and materials group at MSU aims to advance the profession field through high-quality education and cutting-edge research by integrating multi-disciplinary engineering theories, data science and management, theoretical modeling, experimental characterizations, and validations, and practical design concepts.


Core Faculty

Kristen CetinKristen Cetin, Ph.D., PE, LEED AP
Associate Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Ph.D. (2015) Civil Engineering
University of Texas at Austin

(517) 353-2345 | Email |  Webpage



Research Interests:

  • Building energy performance
  • Energy efficiency
  • Smart building systems
  • Energy and lighting modeling
  • Building-occupant interactions
  • Dynamic building envelopes

Courses taught:

  • CE 492: Smart and Sustainable Building Design and Operation
  • CE 371: Sustainable Civil and Environmental Systems

Roozbeh DargarzanyRoozbeh Dargazany, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Ph.D. (2011) Mechanical Engineering
RWTH Aachen University, Germany

(517) 432-0180 | Email| Webpage




Research Interests:

  • Mechanics of Soft Materials
  • Degradation and corrosion
  • Computational Material Design
  • Damage Accumulation

Courses taught

  • CE 221: Statics
  • CE 804: Mechanics of Infrastructure
  • CE 836: Materials Science for Civil Engineers

Mahmood HaqMahmood Haq, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Ph.D. (2009) Structural Engineering Mechanics of Materials (SEMM)
Michigan State University

(517) 355-2250 | Email | Webpage



Research Interests:

  • Multi-material joining: robust, self-sensing and self-healing joints.
  • Application of multi-modal non-destructive tools for processing, repair and health monitoring of joints and composite structures.
  • Development of tailorable, multi-functional, and hybrid materials.
  • Computational design of materials and structures.
  • Experimental and numerical characterization of materials in quasi-static loading,
    fatigue, impact, electrical and thermal behaviors.

Courses taught:

  • CE221: Statics
  • CE305: Introduction to Structural Analysis
  • CE406: Design of Concrete Structures
  • CE495: Senior Design in Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • CE809: Advanced Composite Materials and Structures

Qingxu “Bill” Jin, Ph.D., P.E.
Assistant Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Ph.D. (2019) Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

(517) 355 -2216 | Email | Webpage



Research Interests:

  • Multi-scale concrete material design, modeling, and characterization
  • Alternative and supplementary cementitious materials with low carbon footprint
  • Multi-functional fiber-reinforced cementitious/ceramic composites for smart infrastructure systems
  • Energy storage and large-scale carbon sequestration
  • Machine learning and additive manufacturing

Courses taught:

  • CE406: Design of Concrete Structures
  • CE806: Advanced Structural Concrete Design
  • CE837: Advanced Concrete Materials

Venkatesh KodurVenkatesh Kodur, Ph.D., P.Eng., F.CAE, F. ASCE, F.ACI, F. INAE, F.SEI
University Distinguished Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Director, SAFE-D Center

Ph.D. (1980) Structural Engineering
Queen’s University, Canada

(517) 353-9813 | Email | Webpage

Research Interests:

  • Experimental behavior and analytical modeling of structural systems under extreme fire conditions
  • Constitutive modelling of material properties at elevated temperatures,
  • Developing guidelines for fire resistance design of structural systems,
  • Evaluating fire performance of high performing materials,
  • Performance based fire safety design, Non-linear design and analysis of structures,
  • Design/Analysis of structure under extreme loading conditions, Failure investigations.

Courses taught:

  • CE 405 - Introduction to Design of Steel Structures
  • CE 495 - Senior Design in Civil Engineering (Structures track)
  • CE 805 - Advanced Design of Steel Structures - (Graduate course)
  • CE 808 - Structural Fire Engineering - (Graduate course)

Nizar LajnefNizar Lajnef, Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Associate Chair for Graduate Studies
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Ph.D. (2009) Structural Engineering Mechanics of Materials (SEMM), Civil Engineering
Michigan State University

517) 353-9883 | Email | Webpage



Research Interests:

  • Sensor design for civil infrastructure
  • Structural Health Monitoring and non-destructive testing
  • Performance and health monitoring of structures using machine and deep learning
  • Monitoring of biomechanical systems
  • Sensor networks design and implementation for nano-watt and self-powered sensors
  • Smart materials, composites, and alloys
  • Computational Materials 

Courses taught: 

  • E221: Statics
  • CE305: Introduction to Structural Analysis
  • CE461: Computational Methods in Civil Engineering
  • CE495: Senior Design in Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • CE802: Introduction to Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
 

Weiyi LuWeiyi Lu, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Ph.D. (2011) Structural Engineering
University of California, San Diego

(517) 353-6448 | Email




Research Interests: 

  • Nanofluidics-enabled energy mitigation mechanism
  • High strain rate behavior of multi scale material systems
  • Advanced fluid-based composite materials and structures
  • Hybrid hydrogels with advanced mechanical and biological properties
  • Multifunctional engineering materials and structures

Courses taught:

  • CE221 – Statics
  • CE305 – Structural Analysis
  • CE400 – Structural Mechanics
  • CE407 – Materials Engineering: Properties, Selection and Processing
  • CE891 – Smart Materials and Structures

Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials Engineering courses

SEMM undergraduate-level courses 

  • CE 221 Statics
  • CE 305 Introduction to Structural Analysis
  • CE 400 Structural Mechanics
  • CE 405 Design of Steel Structures
  • CE 406 Design of Concrete Structures
  • CE 407 Materials Engineering: Properties, Selection and Processing
  • CE 461 Computational Methods in Civil Engineering
  • CE 492 Smart and Sustainable Building Design and Operation
  • CE 495 Senior Design in Civil and Environmental Engineering

SEMM graduate-level courses - core MS curriculum

Analysis CE 400 Structural Mechanics
and CE 804 Advanced Mechanics for Civil Infrastructure
Structural Dynamics CE 802 Introduction to Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering
and CE 803 Structural Dynamics
Structural Design

CE 805 Advanced Design of Steel Structures 
or CE 806 Advanced Structural Concrete Design
or CE 808 Structural Fire Engineering

Structural Materials CE 407 Materials Engineering: Properties, Selection and Processing
or CE 809 Advanced Composite Materials and Structures

SEMM graduate-level courses – electives

  • CE 801 Nonlinear Structural Mechanics
  • CE 807 Seismic Structural Design
  • CE 837 Advanced Concrete Materials
  • CE 891 Smart Materials and Structures
  • CE 891 Sustainable Building Envelope Systems
  • ENE 900 Research Strategies and Methods in Environmental Engineering and Science

Current and Recent Research Projects

Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials Group

PIs: Cetin, K.S. (PI), McCalley, J. (co-PI), Wang, Y (co-PI)
Project title: Future growth of diverse demand response resources and their impact on transmission and distribution
Funding source: Sloan Foundation

PIs: Cetin, K.S. (PI), Kremer, P. (co-PI), Laflamme (co-PI)
Project title: Simulation, Challenge Testing & Validation of Occupancy Recognition and CO2 Technologies
Funding source: ARPA-E (US Department of Energy)

PIs: Cetin, K.S. (PI), Hu, S (co-PI), O’Neill, Z. (co-PI)
Project title: Adaptive, Multi-Layered Fenestration Elements for Optimum Building Energy Performance and Occupant Comfort
Funding source: National Science Foundation

PIs: Cetin, K.S. (PI), Gallus, W. (co-PI), Byon, E. (co-PI), Manuel, L (co-PI), Zhou, Y (co-PI)
Project title: A Framework for Assessing the Impact of Extreme Heat and Drought Climate Scenarios on Urban Energy Production and Consumption
Funding source: National Science Foundation

PIs: Cetin, K.S. (PI), Surovek, A (co-PI), Ahn, B. (co-PI), Cetin, B. (co-PI)
Project title: Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry in Approaches for Solving Ill-Structured Problems
Funding source: National Science Foundation

PIs: Cetin, K.S. (PI)
Project title: Residential Building Energy Data Analysis and Modeling
Funding source: Earth Networks

PIs: Cetin, K.S. (PI), Passe, U (co-PI)
Project title: 1710-RP Effects of Dynamic Shading Devices on Daylighting and Energy Performance of Perimeter Zones
Funding source: ASHRAE

PIs: Kimber, A. (PI), Cetin, K.S. (co-PI), Poleacovschi, C. (co-PI), Passe, U. (co-PI)
Project title: Toolkit for Identification, Characterization and Energy Evaluation of Low-Efficiency Rural Housing
Funding source: Iowa Economic Development Authority

PIs: Poleacovschi, C. (PI), Cetin, K.S. (co-PI), Perez, M.A. (co-PI), Gallus, W. (co-PI), Cetin, B. (co-PI)
Project title: Responding to the Housing Crisis in the Arctic: A transdisciplinary approach across physical, natural and social systems
Funding source: National Science Foundation

PIs: Poleacovschi, C. (PI), Jackson, C. (co-PI), Swalwell, K (co-PI), Appelgate, M. (co-PI), Abraham, W. (co-PI), Cetin K.S. (SP)
Project title: Designing and Assessing Curriculum to Address Professional ABET Learning Outcomes for Civil Engineering
Funding source: National Science Foundation

PIs: Ceylan, H. (PI), Kim, S. (co-PI), Zhang, W. (co-PI), Cetin, K.S. (co-PI)
Project title: Development of a Smartphone-Based Road Performance Data Collection Tool
Funding source: Iowa Highway Research Board

PIs: Shafei, B (PI), Cetin K.S. (co-PI)
Project title: Building Materials for Energy Efficiency: Adaptable Educational Modules
Funding source: Iowa Energy Center

PIs: Ceylan, H (PI), Kim, S (co-PI), Cetin K.S. (co-PI), Taylor, P. (co-PI), Mina, M. (co-PI), Cetin B. (co-PI)
Project title: Self-heating Electrically Conductive Concrete Demonstration
Funding source: Iowa Department of Transportation

PIs: Ashlock, J (PI), Kim, S (co-PI), Cetin K.S. (co-PI), Ceylan, H. (co-PI), Horton, R. (co-PI), Cetin B. (co-PI)
Project title: Low Cost Rural Surface Alternatives, Phase IV
Funding source: Iowa Department of Transportation

PIs: Ceylan, H (PI), Kim, S (co-PI), Gopalakrishnan, K (co-PI), Sundararajan, S (co-PI), Cetin K.S. (co-PI), Taylor, P (co-PI), Mina, M (co-PI), Cetin, B. (co-PI), Turkan, Y (co-PI)
Project title: Full-Scale Testing of Heated Airport Pavements
Funding source: Federal Aviation Administration

PIs: Cetin, B. (PI), Cetin, K.S. (co-PI), Ashlock, J (co-PI)
Project title: Sustainability Assessment of Unpaved Road Construction with Recycled Materials in Council Bluffs, IA
Funding source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

PIs: Jeong, D (PI), Jahren, C (co-PI), Shane, J (co-PI), Cetin, K.S (co-PI)
Project title: Guide to Life-Cycle Data and Information Sharing Workflow for Transportation Assets
Funding source: Midwest Transportation Center

PIs: Shafei, B. (PI), Cetin, K.S (co-PI), Hu, S (co-PI), Wang, K (co-PI)
Project title: Development of Agricultural-Based Phase Change Materials for Building Applications
Funding source: Iowa Energy Center

PIs: Dargazany, R. (PI)
Project title: Computational model of damage accumulation in adhesives after exposure to water, heat, and sunlight
Funding source: Department of Energy

PIs: Dargazany, R. (PI)
Project title: Constitutive behavior of Adhesive fillers in Extreme Conditions
Funding source: BOSCH

PIs: Dargazany, R. (PI)
Project title: Parallel Damage in Elastomer Joints: Damage Accumulation toward Failure
Funding source: American Chemical Society

PIs: Kodur, V. (PI)
Project title: Strength and bond properties of Carbon FRP
Funding source: Structural Technologies

PIs: Yeoh (PI), Kodur, V. (co-PI), Various (co-PI)
Project title: ARC Training Centre in Fire Retardant Materials & Safety Technologies: Development of standardized fire tests for fire retardant materials
Funding source: Australian Research Council - UNSW

PIs: Kodur, V. (PI)
Project title: Evaluating fire resistance of FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete beams and slabs – Phase II
Funding source: Structural Technologies

PIs: Alnuaimi (PI), Haweeleh (co-PI), Abdalla (co-PI), Kodur, V. (co-PI)
Project title: Guidelines for enhancing the performance of FRP-strengthened concrete beams under fire and harsh environment exposures
Funding source: Qatar National Research Foundation

PIs: Kodur, V. (PI)
Project title: An approach for PB fire design of prestressed concrete structures
Funding source: Prestressed Concrete Institute

PIs: Kodur, V. (PI)
Project title: Evaluating fire resistance of FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete beams and slabs
Funding source: Structural Technologies

PIs: Kodur, V. (PI)
Project title: Indigenous materials for construction – Phase 1
Funding source: Metna Co. (US Army Corps of Engineers) 

PIs: Kodur, V. (PI), Soroushian, P. (co-PI)
Project title: Ultra-high-performance concrete-Phase II
Funding source: Metna Co. (US Army Corps of Engineers) 

PIs: Kodur, V. (PI), Rafi, M. (co-PI)
Project title: Capacity building in Pakistan for fire risk management
Funding source: National Academy of Sciences

PIs: Kodur, V. (PI)
Project title: Fire damage mitigation and post-fire evaluation of steel girder bridges
Funding source: National Science Foundation

PIs: Lajnef, N. (PI)
Project title: Monitoring of Runway and Taxiway Pavements Structures
Funding Source: Federal Aviation Administration

PIs: Lajnef, N. (PI), Zaabar, I. (co-PI)
Project title: CPS: TTP Option: Synergy: Collaborative Research: Internet of Self-Powered Sensors - Towards a Scalable Long-term Condition-based Monitoring and Maintenance of Civil Infrastructure
Funding source: National Science Foundation

PIs: Burgueno, R. (PI), Lajnef, N. (Co-PI)
Project title: Mechanically-Equivalent Response Amplifiers and Frequency Modulators for Energy-harvesting Devices
Funding source: National Science Foundation

PIs: Lajnef, N. (PI), Burgueno, R. (co-PI), Chakrabartty, S. (WUST, co-PI), Masri, S. (USC, co-PI)
Project title: Utra-low Power Wireless Sensing Systems for Multi-Metric Self-Powered Monitoring of Bridge Components
Funding source: Exploratory Advanced Research Program USDOT

PIs: Lajnef, N. (PI), Chatti, K. (co-PI), Chakrabartty S. (WUST, co-PI)
Project title: Smart Pavement Monitoring System
Funding source: US Department of Transportation

PIs: Lu, W. (PI)
Project title: Collaborative Research: Nanofluidics Enabled Attenuation of Dynamic Impacts and Stress Waves
Funding source: National Science Foundation
Project webpage: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1803695

PIs: Lu, W. (PI)
Project title: Liquid Nanofoam-based Restraint Systems with Improved Adaptability, Reliability, and Intelligence
Funding source: Ford Motor Company

PIs: Lu, W. (PI)
Project title: Light-Weight Passive Safety System with Liquid Nanofoam
Funding source: Ford Motor Company