https://simplecast.com DesignSafe Radio We all have experienced natural hazards in our lives: earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunami, floods: they impact our society at the most fundamental levels. Through rigorous testing and outreach programs, the team at the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure is committed to making sure the next natural hazard doesn't have to be a disaster for you and your family. From the National Science Foundation and the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure: This is DesignSafe radio! All rights reserved en Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:20:56 +0000 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:21:07 +0000 http://www.designsafe-ci.org DesignSafe Radio https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/81a512be-d14a-42de-8cb4-b7e07d70e520/f16ed0cb-3dcd-4b48-9e88-3d80d8619764/3000x3000/avatars-000327699438-ez6wex-original.jpg?aid=rss_feed http://www.designsafe-ci.org episodic We all have experienced natural hazards in our lives: earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunami, floods: they impact our society at the most fundamental levels. Through rigorous testing and outreach programs, the team at the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure is committed to making sure the next natural hazard doesn't have to be a disaster for you and your family. From the National Science Foundation and the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure: This is DesignSafe radio! Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure false https://feeds.simplecast.com/Qg6MuVwM naturalhazards, nsf, science DesignSafe Radio zehner2@purdue.edu 3126d36e-013b-42da-86fb-bd89a87369ea CFS10 Instrumentation and data Note: This podcast interview was recorded before the CFS10 shake table tests, which took place in June and July of 2025.

In this episode, earthquake engineers Tara Hutchinson, of UC San Diego, and Ben Schafer, of Johns Hopkins University, explain how they collect data from the CFS10 shake table tests. 750 sensors monitor the 10-story steel-framed structure as it is subjected to simulated earthquakes; sensors range from accelerometers to drones filming video. Partners in CFS10 instrumentation include the California Strong Motion Instrumentation program and CalTech, who installed valuable sensor systems on the structure. 

Hutchinson and Schafer discuss data from non-structural components, vital for understanding building re-occupation, and they cover important nuances – such as data from prior component testing, including hybrid simulations – which are necessary precursors to large-scale shake table testing – which validate earlier findings.

Expect to hear initial findings from CFS10 testing in September 2025, when Hutchinson and Schafer will be presenting papers. Data from the CFS10 tests will be publicly available on the NHERI DesignSafe Data Depot within a year. 

Although it can take years for engineering research to be adopted into official building codes, Hutchinson and Schafer explain that engineers in the earthquake-prone state of California are quicker to adopt peer reviewed findings. 

]]> Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:20:56 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Ben Schafer, Tara Hutchinson) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Note: This podcast interview was recorded before the CFS10 shake table tests, which took place in June and July of 2025.

In this episode, earthquake engineers Tara Hutchinson, of UC San Diego, and Ben Schafer, of Johns Hopkins University, explain how they collect data from the CFS10 shake table tests. 750 sensors monitor the 10-story steel-framed structure as it is subjected to simulated earthquakes; sensors range from accelerometers to drones filming video. Partners in CFS10 instrumentation include the California Strong Motion Instrumentation program and CalTech, who installed valuable sensor systems on the structure. 

Hutchinson and Schafer discuss data from non-structural components, vital for understanding building re-occupation, and they cover important nuances – such as data from prior component testing, including hybrid simulations – which are necessary precursors to large-scale shake table testing – which validate earlier findings.

Expect to hear initial findings from CFS10 testing in September 2025, when Hutchinson and Schafer will be presenting papers. Data from the CFS10 tests will be publicly available on the NHERI DesignSafe Data Depot within a year. 

Although it can take years for engineering research to be adopted into official building codes, Hutchinson and Schafer explain that engineers in the earthquake-prone state of California are quicker to adopt peer reviewed findings. 

]]> CFS10 Instrumentation and data Ben Schafer, Tara Hutchinson 00:15:56 Note: This podcast interview was recorded before the CFS10 shake table tests, which took place in June and July of 2025. In this episode, earthquake engineers Tara Hutchinson, of UC San Diego, and Ben Schafer, of Johns Hopkins University, explain how they collect data from the CFS10 shake table tests. Note: This podcast interview was recorded before the CFS10 shake table tests, which took place in June and July of 2025. In this episode, earthquake engineers Tara Hutchinson, of UC San Diego, and Ben Schafer, of Johns Hopkins University, explain how they collect data from the CFS10 shake table tests. steel member, cold-formed steel, uc san diego, full-scale testing, instrumentation, accelerometers, shake table, shake table data, sensors, cfs10 false full 193 88841563-7bab-4388-b378-78727d33e43e Beyond building code with cold-formed steel Wed, 30 Jul 2025 16:09:56 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Tara Hutchinson, Ben Schafer) https://www.designsafe-ci.org/ Beyond building code with cold-formed steel Tara Hutchinson, Ben Schafer 00:15:56 Note: This podcast interview was recorded before the CFS10 shake table tests, which took place in June and July of 2025. In this episode, earthquake engineers Tara Hutchinson, of UC San Diego, and Ben Schafer, of Johns Hopkins University, discuss the long-term nature of seismic engineering research. The CFS10 structure currently on the UC San Diego shake table represents over a decade of steel-framed component testing. On the strength of that research, Hutchinson and Schafer built the CFS10 structure to ten stories, four floors above current building code. That’s an unabashed goal of the landmark CFS10 project: to advance building code for steel-framed buildings in seismic zones. Note: This podcast interview was recorded before the CFS10 shake table tests, which took place in June and July of 2025. In this episode, earthquake engineers Tara Hutchinson, of UC San Diego, and Ben Schafer, of Johns Hopkins University, discuss the long-term nature of seismic engineering research. The CFS10 structure currently on the UC San Diego shake table represents over a decade of steel-framed component testing. On the strength of that research, Hutchinson and Schafer built the CFS10 structure to ten stories, four floors above current building code. That’s an unabashed goal of the landmark CFS10 project: to advance building code for steel-framed buildings in seismic zones. cold-formed steel, uc san diego, steel buildings, fire test, shake table, steel members, building codes, seismic resilience, sheet steel, cfs10 false full 192 cd57ae4f-8965-415b-972c-130ec88ff69b Introduction to CFS10 project with Hutchinson and Schafer  Note: This podcast interview was recorded before the CFS10 shake table tests, which took place in June 2025 at UC San Diego. 

The landmark NSF-funded Cold-formed Steel 10 research project, CFS10, is evaluating the seismic performance of tall buildings framed with sheet steel members and modules. The capstone test: a 10-story CFS building on the UC San Diego shake table.

CSF10 lead investigators Tara Hutchinson, professor of engineering at UC San Diego, and Ben Schafer, professor at Johns Hopkins University, provide the details on cold-formed steel: 

  • Cold-formed steel is formed at room temperature.
  • It’s strong, light, and has a low carbon footprint.
  • Most U.S. sheet steel is produced from recycled material.
  • Many industries rely on CFS as a light, strong building material. 

The CFS10 project culminates decades of research by Hutchinson and Schafer, including projects with two-story and 6-story buildings, which they discuss in detail.

LEARN MORE: Tara Hutchinson’s CFS shake table videos https://www.youtube.com/@TCHutchinson 

Cold-formed steel for seismic resilience? It’s on the table
https://designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2025/may/cold-formed-steel-for-seismic-resilience-its-on-the-table/ 

Official CFS-NHERI: 10-Story Building Capstone Test Program
https://cfs10.ucsd.edu/ 

DesignSafe Radio interview with Ben Schafer, May 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwKAiwBOGS4 

Learn more about cold-formed steel: 

Cold-Formed Steel Research Consortium
https://cfsrc.org/ 

Cold-formed Steel Engineers Institute
https://www.cfsei.org Build Steel, the steel-framing industry association https://buildsteel.org

]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2025 19:58:44 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Tara Hutchinson, Ben Schafer) http://www.designsafe-ci.org  Note: This podcast interview was recorded before the CFS10 shake table tests, which took place in June 2025 at UC San Diego. 

The landmark NSF-funded Cold-formed Steel 10 research project, CFS10, is evaluating the seismic performance of tall buildings framed with sheet steel members and modules. The capstone test: a 10-story CFS building on the UC San Diego shake table.

CSF10 lead investigators Tara Hutchinson, professor of engineering at UC San Diego, and Ben Schafer, professor at Johns Hopkins University, provide the details on cold-formed steel: 

  • Cold-formed steel is formed at room temperature.
  • It’s strong, light, and has a low carbon footprint.
  • Most U.S. sheet steel is produced from recycled material.
  • Many industries rely on CFS as a light, strong building material. 

The CFS10 project culminates decades of research by Hutchinson and Schafer, including projects with two-story and 6-story buildings, which they discuss in detail.

LEARN MORE: Tara Hutchinson’s CFS shake table videos https://www.youtube.com/@TCHutchinson 

Cold-formed steel for seismic resilience? It’s on the table
https://designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2025/may/cold-formed-steel-for-seismic-resilience-its-on-the-table/ 

Official CFS-NHERI: 10-Story Building Capstone Test Program
https://cfs10.ucsd.edu/ 

DesignSafe Radio interview with Ben Schafer, May 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwKAiwBOGS4 

Learn more about cold-formed steel: 

Cold-Formed Steel Research Consortium
https://cfsrc.org/ 

Cold-formed Steel Engineers Institute
https://www.cfsei.org Build Steel, the steel-framing industry association https://buildsteel.org

]]> Introduction to CFS10 project with Hutchinson and Schafer Tara Hutchinson, Ben Schafer 00:16:10 Tara Hutchinson and Ben Schafer, principal investigators for the NHERI CFS10 project, introduce us to cold-formed steel and their long-term research interest in this resilient material. Tara Hutchinson and Ben Schafer, principal investigators for the NHERI CFS10 project, introduce us to cold-formed steel and their long-term research interest in this resilient material. seismic testing, cold-formed steel, cfs, uc san diego, steel buildings, shake table testing, earthquake engineering, steel framing, nsf funded, structural engineering, nheri cfs10, steel members, seismic resilience, sheet steel, cfs10 false full 191 19ede0ac-ed64-429b-b26f-26b7c245ddec Hurricane recon deployments 101 University of Florida Professor and research engineer Nina Stark dives into the logistics of post-hurricane data collection. In 2024, as part of the Nearshore Extreme Events Reconnaissance (NEER) team, Stark deployed to the west coast of Florida before and after Hurricane Helene. As she tells her story, we understand how reconnaissance deployments work – with so many uncertainties -- and how anyone can get involved. Stark urges students and early-career researchers to join an Extreme Events group and connect with members.

]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2025 19:40:11 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Nina Stark) http://www.designsafe-ci.org University of Florida Professor and research engineer Nina Stark dives into the logistics of post-hurricane data collection. In 2024, as part of the Nearshore Extreme Events Reconnaissance (NEER) team, Stark deployed to the west coast of Florida before and after Hurricane Helene. As she tells her story, we understand how reconnaissance deployments work – with so many uncertainties -- and how anyone can get involved. Stark urges students and early-career researchers to join an Extreme Events group and connect with members.

]]> Hurricane recon deployments 101 Nina Stark 00:15:47 University of Florida Professor and coastal engineer Nina Stark dives into the logistics of post-hurricane data collection. University of Florida Professor and coastal engineer Nina Stark dives into the logistics of post-hurricane data collection. extreme events research, extreme events, coastal engineering, university of florida, hurricane milton, reconaissance, steer, neer, hurricane, hurricane helene false full 190 9cd8e96a-1b1a-4287-adab-91060f2f9abd Post-Hurricane Reconnaissance Specializing in geotechnical engineering and coastal science, Nina Stark studies soil mechanics and soil responses to coastal and riverine stresses -- like hurricanes and related flooding. During hurricane season, you will find her in the field, collecting perishable data with NSF-supported extreme events reconnaissance teams. Today, she talks about recon missions, the importance of good datasets, and the types of data EER teams collect, including erosion, scour and sediment deposition, and water levels. 

]]> Wed, 4 Jun 2025 17:01:24 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Nina Stark) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Specializing in geotechnical engineering and coastal science, Nina Stark studies soil mechanics and soil responses to coastal and riverine stresses -- like hurricanes and related flooding. During hurricane season, you will find her in the field, collecting perishable data with NSF-supported extreme events reconnaissance teams. Today, she talks about recon missions, the importance of good datasets, and the types of data EER teams collect, including erosion, scour and sediment deposition, and water levels. 

]]> Post-Hurricane Reconnaissance Nina Stark 00:13:19 Nina Stark studies soil mechanics and soil responses to coastal and riverine stresses -- like hurricanes and related flooding. During hurricane season, you will find her in the field, collecting perishable data. Nina Stark studies soil mechanics and soil responses to coastal and riverine stresses -- like hurricanes and related flooding. During hurricane season, you will find her in the field, collecting perishable data. geer, eer, reconnaissance, neer, recon missions false full 189 904e0aa1-af91-4e13-8457-cd14d88beb7e 10-story cold-formed steel shake table test Johns Hopkins earthquake engineer and cold-formed steel researcher Ben Schafer introduces the NHERI CFS10 project underway at the NHERI UC San Diego shake table facility. Tara Hutchinson, Schafer’s co-PI on the project, is a research engineer at UC San Diego. (We will meet Hutchinson in an upcoming episode.) The CFS10 shake table experiment caps off a long-term collaboration between NSF researchers and industry. The goal: to understand seismic performance of taller cold-formed steel buildings. The structure on the shake table mimics an apartment building or hotel; it exceeds current height and system limits – which will help the team understand how far engineers can go designing for CFS structural elements, subsystems, and non-structural elements, like stairs, gas lines and sprinkler systems. 

The CFS10 shake table tests are slated for early June, 2025. Follow along on the UCSD live cameras: https://nheri.ucsd.edu/live-cams

]]> Tue, 13 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Ben Schafer) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Johns Hopkins earthquake engineer and cold-formed steel researcher Ben Schafer introduces the NHERI CFS10 project underway at the NHERI UC San Diego shake table facility. Tara Hutchinson, Schafer’s co-PI on the project, is a research engineer at UC San Diego. (We will meet Hutchinson in an upcoming episode.) The CFS10 shake table experiment caps off a long-term collaboration between NSF researchers and industry. The goal: to understand seismic performance of taller cold-formed steel buildings. The structure on the shake table mimics an apartment building or hotel; it exceeds current height and system limits – which will help the team understand how far engineers can go designing for CFS structural elements, subsystems, and non-structural elements, like stairs, gas lines and sprinkler systems. 

The CFS10 shake table tests are slated for early June, 2025. Follow along on the UCSD live cameras: https://nheri.ucsd.edu/live-cams

]]> 10-story cold-formed steel shake table test Ben Schafer 00:18:41 Earthquake engineer and cold-formed steel researcher Ben Schafer introduces the NHERI CFS10 project underway at the NHERI UC San Diego shake table facility. Earthquake engineer and cold-formed steel researcher Ben Schafer introduces the NHERI CFS10 project underway at the NHERI UC San Diego shake table facility. cold-formed steel, cfs, uc san diego, lhpost, steel, earthquake engineering, shake table, steel members, sheet steel false full 188 da1f0b56-db24-42f8-92bb-41a7bee39891 Stealthy strength of cold-formed steel The seemingly outsized strength of cold-formed steel is not well-known. In this episode, earthquake engineer Ben Schafer, Johns Hopkins University, describes a research-industry collaboration with the automotive industry resulting in code changes for high-strength sheet-steel. Sheet steel has also been successfully tested in flooring systems. The upcoming CFS10 shake table test at UC San Diego is the high-rise building test for cold-formed steel. Schafer addresses misconceptions that structural engineers have regarding CFS: Basically: cold-formed steel looks too thin to be strong. However, with high-strength sheet steel, deformations do not correlate to lack of strength, which is something that automotive and aircraft engineers have long understood.

]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Ben Schafer) http://www.designsafe-ci.org The seemingly outsized strength of cold-formed steel is not well-known. In this episode, earthquake engineer Ben Schafer, Johns Hopkins University, describes a research-industry collaboration with the automotive industry resulting in code changes for high-strength sheet-steel. Sheet steel has also been successfully tested in flooring systems. The upcoming CFS10 shake table test at UC San Diego is the high-rise building test for cold-formed steel. Schafer addresses misconceptions that structural engineers have regarding CFS: Basically: cold-formed steel looks too thin to be strong. However, with high-strength sheet steel, deformations do not correlate to lack of strength, which is something that automotive and aircraft engineers have long understood.

]]> Stealthy strength of cold-formed steel Ben Schafer 00:06:33 The strength of cold-formed steel is not well-known. In this podcast, Johns Hopkins earthquake engineer Ben Schafer discusses academic-industry research projects with CFS and the current understanding of cold-formed steel as a building material. The strength of cold-formed steel is not well-known. In this podcast, Johns Hopkins earthquake engineer Ben Schafer discusses academic-industry research projects with CFS and the current understanding of cold-formed steel as a building material. technology transfer, cold-formed steel, academia-industry collaborations, cfs, uc san diego, cfs nheri, steel buildings, steel, steel members, sheet steel false full 187 60337ba5-5240-4049-af04-ba328a0ea821 Intro to cold-formed steel as resilient framing material Meet Johns Hopkins University engineer Ben Schafer, authority on cold-formed steel (CFS), also known as sheet steel or thin steel. Schafer explains that CFS is both strong and ductile – and therefore a remarkably high-performance structural framing material. Builders use CFS in a variety of ways – including as building-frame members, much like timber. Schafer’s research centers on CFS as structural framing to resist wind and earthquake loading. Thin and lightweight, CFS members comprise relatively little material; in the US, all cold-formed steel is made from recycled materials.

]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:09:57 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Meet Johns Hopkins University engineer Ben Schafer, authority on cold-formed steel (CFS), also known as sheet steel or thin steel. Schafer explains that CFS is both strong and ductile – and therefore a remarkably high-performance structural framing material. Builders use CFS in a variety of ways – including as building-frame members, much like timber. Schafer’s research centers on CFS as structural framing to resist wind and earthquake loading. Thin and lightweight, CFS members comprise relatively little material; in the US, all cold-formed steel is made from recycled materials.

]]> Intro to cold-formed steel as resilient framing material DesignSafe Radio 00:11:35 Research engineer Ben Schafer provides an excellent primer on cold-formed steel, CFS, and its benefits in framing structures susceptible to natural hazards like earthquakes and high winds. Research engineer Ben Schafer provides an excellent primer on cold-formed steel, CFS, and its benefits in framing structures susceptible to natural hazards like earthquakes and high winds. steel construction, cold-formed steel, cfs, cfs nheri, steel framing false full 186 3f66325c-9765-4f06-98ec-a0b57aa5aa32 The Future of Wildfire Mitigation Research engineer Erica Fischer wraps up by noting that engineers, such as those in the NSF NHERI natural hazards community, are working on multiple fronts to leverage their skills and knowledge to reduce damage from future urban-wildland conflagrations.

Follow Erica Fischer on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fischererica/

And on the X platform:
https://x.com/erica_fischer

]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:48:58 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (erica fischer) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Research engineer Erica Fischer wraps up by noting that engineers, such as those in the NSF NHERI natural hazards community, are working on multiple fronts to leverage their skills and knowledge to reduce damage from future urban-wildland conflagrations.

Follow Erica Fischer on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fischererica/

And on the X platform:
https://x.com/erica_fischer

]]> The Future of Wildfire Mitigation erica fischer 00:06:04 Research engineer Erica Fischer notes that engineers, such as those in the NSF NHERI natural hazards community, are working on multiple fronts to leverage their skills and knowledge to reduce damage from future urban-wildland conflagrations. Follow Erica Fischer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fischererica/ And on the X platform: https://x.com/erica_fischer Research engineer Erica Fischer notes that engineers, such as those in the NSF NHERI natural hazards community, are working on multiple fronts to leverage their skills and knowledge to reduce damage from future urban-wildland conflagrations. Follow Erica Fischer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fischererica/ And on the X platform: https://x.com/erica_fischer urban conflagration, wildfire, urban wildfire, wild fire false full 185 4ff209b9-5a5a-48db-85a8-e0ebdbf3d1a2 Homeowners Can Mitigate Wildfire Risk On the policy level, states first must define and map the wildland-urban interface; then states formally define risk-categories and mitigations required. Examples: clearing combustible material within five feet around the house and updating roof and siding with non-combustible materials. Fischer details these steps and ways research engineers seek to simplify risk-reduction for homeowners. 

]]> Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (erica fischer) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On the policy level, states first must define and map the wildland-urban interface; then states formally define risk-categories and mitigations required. Examples: clearing combustible material within five feet around the house and updating roof and siding with non-combustible materials. Fischer details these steps and ways research engineers seek to simplify risk-reduction for homeowners. 

]]> Homeowners Can Mitigate Wildfire Risk erica fischer 00:15:50 Oregon State University research engineer Erica Fischer discusses ways people can reduce wildfire risk. Oregon State University research engineer Erica Fischer discusses ways people can reduce wildfire risk. wildfire risk, wildland-urban interface, urban conflagration, wildfire policy, wildfire mitigation, urban wildfire, wild fire false full 184 f668f9fa-9441-46f3-a42c-9ad6b07ae67d Collecting data after an urban-wildfire event To understand damage, engineers examine things like water-system piping. To understand the fire itself, they gather physical clues that help them determine “heat flux,” or fire intensity. They collect data such as distance and direction between structures, siding and roofing material, and the constituency of vegetation or structures adjacent the house. 

]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:56:39 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (erica fischer) http://www.designsafe-ci.org To understand damage, engineers examine things like water-system piping. To understand the fire itself, they gather physical clues that help them determine “heat flux,” or fire intensity. They collect data such as distance and direction between structures, siding and roofing material, and the constituency of vegetation or structures adjacent the house. 

]]> Collecting data after an urban-wildfire event erica fischer 00:07:56 Oregon State University researcher Erica Fischer explains how engineers collect post-fire data to characterize wildfires that burn into urban areas. Oregon State University researcher Erica Fischer explains how engineers collect post-fire data to characterize wildfires that burn into urban areas. perishable data, data, reconnaissance, heat flux, urban conflagration, wildfire, fire engineering, urban wildfire, wild fire false full 183 c2972814-d092-4321-9007-933ddd0fd6f7 Engineering for urban conflagrations Interview with Oregon State University research engineer Erica Fischer. As wildfires increasingly affect communities and civil infrastructure, structural engineers apply their expertise in interdependent lifeline systems and structures. Fischer says engineers are primed to investigate “urban conflagrations” in all phases, including community adaptation and mitigation. She cites research findings from the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, CA, which led to valuable new understandings about water pipeline contamination.

]]> Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:21:10 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Interview with Oregon State University research engineer Erica Fischer. As wildfires increasingly affect communities and civil infrastructure, structural engineers apply their expertise in interdependent lifeline systems and structures. Fischer says engineers are primed to investigate “urban conflagrations” in all phases, including community adaptation and mitigation. She cites research findings from the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, CA, which led to valuable new understandings about water pipeline contamination.

]]> Engineering for urban conflagrations DesignSafe Radio 00:12:01 As wildfires increasingly affect communities and civil infrastructure, structural engineers like Oregon State University engineer Erica Fischer apply their expertise to protecting lifeline systems and structures. As wildfires increasingly affect communities and civil infrastructure, structural engineers like Oregon State University engineer Erica Fischer apply their expertise to protecting lifeline systems and structures. erica fischer, fire, paradise, camp fire, urban conflagration, oregon state university, wildfire, pipelines, lifelines, water contamination false full 182 ba251801-e0ec-4447-821c-eada4bf2012c Installing the Sentinel mobile weather station University of Florida engineer Brian Phillips describes the procedure for installing the Sentinel mobile weather station directly on the beach. Assembly starts with drilling a 20-foot auger hole. Once the foundation is secure, the team raises the 33-foot carbon-steel-fiber mast, fully instrumented. The setup resists wind and wave impacts. During the hurricane, the station sends data in real time to servers at University of Florida. This year, the team deployed the Sentinel during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Thanks to NSF MRI funding, the team will continue improving the design and build several more Sentinels.

]]> Wed, 22 Jan 2025 20:23:24 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Brian Phillips) http://www.designsafe-ci.org University of Florida engineer Brian Phillips describes the procedure for installing the Sentinel mobile weather station directly on the beach. Assembly starts with drilling a 20-foot auger hole. Once the foundation is secure, the team raises the 33-foot carbon-steel-fiber mast, fully instrumented. The setup resists wind and wave impacts. During the hurricane, the station sends data in real time to servers at University of Florida. This year, the team deployed the Sentinel during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Thanks to NSF MRI funding, the team will continue improving the design and build several more Sentinels.

]]> Installing the Sentinel mobile weather station Brian Phillips 00:08:18 Learn how the team embeds this 33-foot-high mobile weather station on the beach. Learn how the team embeds this 33-foot-high mobile weather station on the beach. storm surge, nearshore, university of florida, hurricanes, weather station, hurricane data, sentinel false full 181 ab83a0f4-98aa-4876-bae4-70d6c8d8c33e Brian Phillips intros the Sentinel mobile weather station University of Florida engineer Brian Phillips updates us on NSF-funded efforts to capture vital data during landfalling hurricanes. For decades, UF researchers have deployed mobile weather stations. Now, Phillips describes the newly designed Sentinel weather station. The 33 feet tall tower, anchored 20 feet into the shoreline, can withstand a Category 5 hurricane, including 16-foot surge and breaking waves. During Hurricane Helene, the Sentinel gathered data on wind speeds, surge, and the water’s chemical and biological constituency.

]]> Wed, 22 Jan 2025 19:55:43 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Brian Phillips) http://www.designsafe-ci.org University of Florida engineer Brian Phillips updates us on NSF-funded efforts to capture vital data during landfalling hurricanes. For decades, UF researchers have deployed mobile weather stations. Now, Phillips describes the newly designed Sentinel weather station. The 33 feet tall tower, anchored 20 feet into the shoreline, can withstand a Category 5 hurricane, including 16-foot surge and breaking waves. During Hurricane Helene, the Sentinel gathered data on wind speeds, surge, and the water’s chemical and biological constituency.

]]> Brian Phillips intros the Sentinel mobile weather station Brian Phillips 00:08:18 The Sentinel mobile weather station, embedded on the beach, collects real-time data from landfalling hurricanes. The Sentinel mobile weather station, embedded on the beach, collects real-time data from landfalling hurricanes. storm surge, university of florida, hurricanes, weather station, storm chasers, data collection, sentinel false full 180 9056974f-40f4-49fe-92b9-b3f2f440f0fd Multipurpose Wind-Wave Experimentation The goal of the proposed NICHE facility: To understand the joint destructive forces of wind and waves —at full scale — in order to design infrastructure capable of resisting damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, surge flooding, and related natural hazards. Among its capabilities, NICHE will enable: testing full-scale residential structures to failure; testing protective capabilities of natural elements such as vegetation; testing of “gray” structures structures like seawalls and breakwaters; investigations and modeling of coastal processes, including sediment transport. This future NSF-funded research laboratory is called the “National Full-Scale Testing Infrastructure for Community Hardening in Extreme Wind, Surge, and Wave Events,” or NICHE.

]]> Wed, 22 Jan 2025 19:40:01 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Arindam Chowdhury) http://www.designsafe-ci.org The goal of the proposed NICHE facility: To understand the joint destructive forces of wind and waves —at full scale — in order to design infrastructure capable of resisting damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, surge flooding, and related natural hazards. Among its capabilities, NICHE will enable: testing full-scale residential structures to failure; testing protective capabilities of natural elements such as vegetation; testing of “gray” structures structures like seawalls and breakwaters; investigations and modeling of coastal processes, including sediment transport. This future NSF-funded research laboratory is called the “National Full-Scale Testing Infrastructure for Community Hardening in Extreme Wind, Surge, and Wave Events,” or NICHE.

]]> Multipurpose Wind-Wave Experimentation Arindam Chowdhury 00:13:58 Arindam Chowdhury, wind engineer and NICHE project PI, describes a variety of specific engineering problems this NSF-funded facility will enable researchers to tackle. Arindam Chowdhury, wind engineer and NICHE project PI, describes a variety of specific engineering problems this NSF-funded facility will enable researchers to tackle. wind tunnel, hurricanes, niche, wall of wind false full 179 8ffcf32d-740b-41f8-8185-95f62dc0ac4a Designing the World’s Largest Wind-Wave Research Lab Plans are afoot to build the world’s largest wind-wave research lab, capable of generating 200 MPH hurricane winds and 5-meter-high waves. This NSF-funded facility will enable full-scale investigations into structural and coastal resilience — and a secure future in the face of destructive natural hazards. On today’s show, Florida International University wind engineer Arindam Chowdhury joins us to describe this facility, the National Full-Scale Testing Infrastructure for Community Hardening in Extreme Wind, Surge, and Wave Events — or NICHE, for short.

About NICHE. The NICHE lab will have a 20-fan array capable of generating 200 MPH winds, that’s a Cat 6 hurricane — as well as generating transient winds like tornadoes and downbursts. NICHE’s enormous wind field will enable testing of full-scale two-story structures. It will have a 500-meter-long wave flume and be capable of generating five-meter-high waves. Significantly, the NICHE team is incorporating facility protocols for researchers to deliver expedient, real-world impact. 

]]> Wed, 4 Dec 2024 20:27:43 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Plans are afoot to build the world’s largest wind-wave research lab, capable of generating 200 MPH hurricane winds and 5-meter-high waves. This NSF-funded facility will enable full-scale investigations into structural and coastal resilience — and a secure future in the face of destructive natural hazards. On today’s show, Florida International University wind engineer Arindam Chowdhury joins us to describe this facility, the National Full-Scale Testing Infrastructure for Community Hardening in Extreme Wind, Surge, and Wave Events — or NICHE, for short.

About NICHE. The NICHE lab will have a 20-fan array capable of generating 200 MPH winds, that’s a Cat 6 hurricane — as well as generating transient winds like tornadoes and downbursts. NICHE’s enormous wind field will enable testing of full-scale two-story structures. It will have a 500-meter-long wave flume and be capable of generating five-meter-high waves. Significantly, the NICHE team is incorporating facility protocols for researchers to deliver expedient, real-world impact. 

]]> Designing the World’s Largest Wind-Wave Research Lab DesignSafe Radio 00:14:42 On today’s show, Florida International University wind engineer Arindam Chowdhury joins us to describe a new NSF-funded research lab called the National Full-Scale Testing Infrastructure for Community Hardening in Extreme Wind, Surge, and Wave Events — or NICHE, for short. On today’s show, Florida International University wind engineer Arindam Chowdhury joins us to describe a new NSF-funded research lab called the National Full-Scale Testing Infrastructure for Community Hardening in Extreme Wind, Surge, and Wave Events — or NICHE, for short. hurricane damage, tornado damage, wind engineering, coastal engineering, nsf-funded, niche, florida international university, arindam chowdhury, wall of wind, transient winds false full 178 a7c14d6a-1a01-43cd-a75d-7d614f8cedc1 Protecting liquefaction-prone soils in the PNW Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:05:47 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Protecting liquefaction-prone soils in the PNW DesignSafe Radio 00:14:15 Geotech engineer Diane Moug is an authority on microbially induced desaturation, known as “MID.” This technique, developed at Arizona State University, prevents soils from liquefying in an earthquake. Moug describes how microbes desaturate soils, the benefits of the process, and her own, ongoing experiments underway in the Pacific Northwest. These include a site in Oregon’s Critical Energy Infrastructure hub – which is dangerously situated on liquefiable soil. Geotech engineer Diane Moug is an authority on microbially induced desaturation, known as “MID.” This technique, developed at Arizona State University, prevents soils from liquefying in an earthquake. Moug describes how microbes desaturate soils, the benefits of the process, and her own, ongoing experiments underway in the Pacific Northwest. These include a site in Oregon’s Critical Energy Infrastructure hub – which is dangerously situated on liquefiable soil. mid, diane moug, geotechnical engineering, soil remediation, liquefaction, portland state, pacific northwest, uc davis, microbially induced desaturation, biogeotechnics false full 177 c8b070b3-76f4-48b3-ab22-4896c6efef07 Diane Moug, One CAREER Award story Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:58:37 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Diane Moug, One CAREER Award story DesignSafe Radio 00:12:38 Obtaining an NSF CAREER Award is a milestone for academics in the sciences. Early-career geotechical engineer and researcher Diane Moug shares her experiences writing and applying for – and then (finally) successfully winning, a CAREER Award. Obtaining an NSF CAREER Award is a milestone for academics in the sciences. Early-career geotechical engineer and researcher Diane Moug shares her experiences writing and applying for – and then (finally) successfully winning, a CAREER Award. stem research; geotechnical research; nsf; career award; diane moug; cpt; cone penetration test; portland state university false full 176 a2a3ac1d-87e9-4f51-851e-359b78512bb0 Improving the Cone Penetration Test Featuring Diane Moug. Thu, 14 Nov 2024 14:51:29 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Improving the Cone Penetration Test Featuring Diane Moug. DesignSafe Radio 00:11:00 The cone penetration test (CPT) is a standard tool for geotechnical engineers; it's used for measuring soil sheer strength, stress history and type. Leveraging her NSF CAREER award, Portland State U researcher Diane Moug plans to improve the CPT, so engineers can make better interpretations of CPT data. Moug will employ NHERI at UC Davis centrifuges, numerical modeling, and lab experimentation. The cone penetration test (CPT) is a standard tool for geotechnical engineers; it's used for measuring soil sheer strength, stress history and type. Leveraging her NSF CAREER award, Portland State U researcher Diane Moug plans to improve the CPT, so engineers can make better interpretations of CPT data. Moug will employ NHERI at UC Davis centrifuges, numerical modeling, and lab experimentation. cone penetration test, cone penetration test; cpt; portland state; diane moug; uc davis; geotech; geotechnical engineering; soil remediation; soil type, cpt false full 175 fa5c6c28-e1a0-4d5f-8bc0-528a10d83ec8 Decision-making in disaster risk models Featuring Rachel Davidson CHEER researchers focus on understanding decision-making among all the players involved in sustaining a resilient coastal community. Davidson details how stakeholders – insurers, government agencies, and residents -- have different, reasonable, and conflicting goals. CHEER’s goal is to find policy solutions that will manage hazard risks as well as ensure economic development in coastal communities vulnerable to hurricanes. It’s a new approach to building a sustainable disaster risk management system in the U.S.

 

Subscribe to the CHEER newsletter https://www.drc.udel.edu/cheer-chronicle-announcement-june-2024/

 

Follow CHEER on LInkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheer-hub/posts/?feedView=all

 

CHEERHub website https://www.drc.udel.edu/cheer/

 

Read about the NHERI-CHEER partnership

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2024/july/nheri-partners-cheer-hub-hurricane-decision-making-framework/

 

CHEERHub’s NSF award summary

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2209190&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Rachel Davidson is an accomplished academic and research engineer. Discover more about her career and work:

https://ccee.udel.edu/faculty/rachel-davidson/

]]> Thu, 3 Oct 2024 17:45:40 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Rachel Davidson) http://www.designsafe-ci.org CHEER researchers focus on understanding decision-making among all the players involved in sustaining a resilient coastal community. Davidson details how stakeholders – insurers, government agencies, and residents -- have different, reasonable, and conflicting goals. CHEER’s goal is to find policy solutions that will manage hazard risks as well as ensure economic development in coastal communities vulnerable to hurricanes. It’s a new approach to building a sustainable disaster risk management system in the U.S.

 

Subscribe to the CHEER newsletter https://www.drc.udel.edu/cheer-chronicle-announcement-june-2024/

 

Follow CHEER on LInkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheer-hub/posts/?feedView=all

 

CHEERHub website https://www.drc.udel.edu/cheer/

 

Read about the NHERI-CHEER partnership

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2024/july/nheri-partners-cheer-hub-hurricane-decision-making-framework/

 

CHEERHub’s NSF award summary

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2209190&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Rachel Davidson is an accomplished academic and research engineer. Discover more about her career and work:

https://ccee.udel.edu/faculty/rachel-davidson/

]]> Decision-making in disaster risk models Featuring Rachel Davidson Rachel Davidson 00:09:57 CHEER researchers focus on understanding decision-making among all the players involved in sustaining a resilient coastal community. Davidson details how stakeholders – insurers, government agencies, and residents -- have different, reasonable, and conflicting goals. CHEER’s goal is to find policy solutions that will manage hazard risks as well as ensure economic development in coastal communities vulnerable to hurricanes. It’s a new approach to building a sustainable disaster risk management system in the U.S. CHEER researchers focus on understanding decision-making among all the players involved in sustaining a resilient coastal community. Davidson details how stakeholders – insurers, government agencies, and residents -- have different, reasonable, and conflicting goals. CHEER’s goal is to find policy solutions that will manage hazard risks as well as ensure economic development in coastal communities vulnerable to hurricanes. It’s a new approach to building a sustainable disaster risk management system in the U.S. natural disasters, simulations, nsf funded false full 174 5b96be19-ac1d-4e21-8786-1a3d5b6a7852 STARR software framework featuring Rachel Davidson Working with the NHERI SimCenter and DesignSafe, the CHEER team is developing a software framework called Stakeholder-based Tool for the Analysis of Regional Risk, or STARR. STARR modeling extends regional loss models like R2D, INCORE, and Hazus to include a focus on decision making. STARR models describe the complex and often conflicting ways that stakeholders in vulnerable coastal areas make decisions. Stakeholders are households, insurers, and government agencies. If policies can account for positive outcomes for all stakeholders, they’re more likely to be implemented and sustained.

 

Learn more about the CHEERHub https://www.drc.udel.edu/cheer/

 

Read about the NHERI-CHEER partnership https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2024/july/nheri-partners-cheer-hub-hurricane-decision-making-framework/

 

HAZUS developed by FEMA

https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/products-tools/hazus

 

INCORE developed by NIST

https://www.nist.gov/community-resilience/center-excellence

 

NHERI SimCenter R2D tool

https://simcenter.designsafe-ci.org/research-tools/r2dtool/

 

CHEERHub’s NSF award summary

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2209190&HistoricalAwards=false

 

CHEERHub on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheer-hub/posts/?feedView=all

 

Rachel Davidson is an accomplished academic and research engineer. Discover more about her career and work: https://ccee.udel.edu/faculty/rachel-davidson/

 

---------------------------------

]]> Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:42:18 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Rachel Davidson) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Working with the NHERI SimCenter and DesignSafe, the CHEER team is developing a software framework called Stakeholder-based Tool for the Analysis of Regional Risk, or STARR. STARR modeling extends regional loss models like R2D, INCORE, and Hazus to include a focus on decision making. STARR models describe the complex and often conflicting ways that stakeholders in vulnerable coastal areas make decisions. Stakeholders are households, insurers, and government agencies. If policies can account for positive outcomes for all stakeholders, they’re more likely to be implemented and sustained.

 

Learn more about the CHEERHub https://www.drc.udel.edu/cheer/

 

Read about the NHERI-CHEER partnership https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2024/july/nheri-partners-cheer-hub-hurricane-decision-making-framework/

 

HAZUS developed by FEMA

https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/products-tools/hazus

 

INCORE developed by NIST

https://www.nist.gov/community-resilience/center-excellence

 

NHERI SimCenter R2D tool

https://simcenter.designsafe-ci.org/research-tools/r2dtool/

 

CHEERHub’s NSF award summary

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2209190&HistoricalAwards=false

 

CHEERHub on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheer-hub/posts/?feedView=all

 

Rachel Davidson is an accomplished academic and research engineer. Discover more about her career and work: https://ccee.udel.edu/faculty/rachel-davidson/

 

---------------------------------

]]> STARR software framework featuring Rachel Davidson Rachel Davidson 00:10:10 Working with the NHERI SimCenter and DesignSafe, the CHEER team is developing a software framework called Stakeholder-based Tool for the Analysis of Regional Risk, or STARR. STARR modeling extends regional loss models like R2D, INCORE, and Hazus to include a focus on decision making. STARR models describe the complex and often conflicting ways that stakeholders in vulnerable coastal areas make decisions. Stakeholders are households, insurers, and government agencies. If policies can account for positive outcomes for all stakeholders, they’re more likely to be implemented and sustained. Working with the NHERI SimCenter and DesignSafe, the CHEER team is developing a software framework called Stakeholder-based Tool for the Analysis of Regional Risk, or STARR. STARR modeling extends regional loss models like R2D, INCORE, and Hazus to include a focus on decision making. STARR models describe the complex and often conflicting ways that stakeholders in vulnerable coastal areas make decisions. Stakeholders are households, insurers, and government agencies. If policies can account for positive outcomes for all stakeholders, they’re more likely to be implemented and sustained. science, insurance, natural hazards, nsf, research, nsf funded, policy false full 173 cf0fa5ad-d7fc-4122-bf3c-b62a5bd105ab The CHEERHub: A new approach to coastal resilience Featuring Rachel Davidson Rachel Davidson is a research engineer at the University of Delaware and principal investigator for the “Coastal Hazards Equity, Economic Prosperity, and Resilience Hub,” or CHEERHub. The five-year, $16M, NSF-funded, multi-disciplinary research network is tackling the complexity of coastal resilience by focusing on stakeholder decision making. Davidson introduces CHEER and explains why so many good ideas for managing disaster risks do not get implemented.

 

Learn more about the CHEERHub https://www.drc.udel.edu/cheer/

 

Read about the NHERI-CHEER partnership

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2024/july/nheri-partners-cheer-hub-hurricane-decision-making-framework/

 

CHEERHub’s NSF award summary

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2209190&HistoricalAwards=false

 

CHEERHub on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheer-hub/posts/?feedView=all

 

Rachel Davidson is an accomplished academic and research engineer. Discover more about her career and work:

https://ccee.udel.edu/faculty/rachel-davidson/

]]> Tue, 3 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Rachel Davidson is a research engineer at the University of Delaware and principal investigator for the “Coastal Hazards Equity, Economic Prosperity, and Resilience Hub,” or CHEERHub. The five-year, $16M, NSF-funded, multi-disciplinary research network is tackling the complexity of coastal resilience by focusing on stakeholder decision making. Davidson introduces CHEER and explains why so many good ideas for managing disaster risks do not get implemented.

 

Learn more about the CHEERHub https://www.drc.udel.edu/cheer/

 

Read about the NHERI-CHEER partnership

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2024/july/nheri-partners-cheer-hub-hurricane-decision-making-framework/

 

CHEERHub’s NSF award summary

https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2209190&HistoricalAwards=false

 

CHEERHub on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheer-hub/posts/?feedView=all

 

Rachel Davidson is an accomplished academic and research engineer. Discover more about her career and work:

https://ccee.udel.edu/faculty/rachel-davidson/

]]> The CHEERHub: A new approach to coastal resilience Featuring Rachel Davidson DesignSafe Radio 00:06:53 Rachel Davidson is a research engineer at the University of Delaware and principal investigator for the “Coastal Hazards Equity, Economic Prosperity, and Resilience Hub,” or CHEERHub. The five-year, $16M, NSF-funded, multi-disciplinary research network is tackling the complexity of coastal resilience by focusing on stakeholder decision making. Davidson introduces CHEER and explains why so many good ideas for managing disaster risks do not get implemented. Rachel Davidson is a research engineer at the University of Delaware and principal investigator for the “Coastal Hazards Equity, Economic Prosperity, and Resilience Hub,” or CHEERHub. The five-year, $16M, NSF-funded, multi-disciplinary research network is tackling the complexity of coastal resilience by focusing on stakeholder decision making. Davidson introduces CHEER and explains why so many good ideas for managing disaster risks do not get implemented. false full 172 d2cd2acc-d691-47d8-afb9-e97a473dbd52 Mentoring at UC Davis Mentoring at UC Davis

 

How do geotech students gain experience? Laura Luna and José Luis Caisapanta discuss the UC Davis Geotechical Graduate Student Society, a nationally respected mentoring program. In an intentional “laddering” fashion, grad students new to the UC Davis program learn from more experienced grad students and – in turn – pass their knowledge to undergrads and K-12 students. Luna and Caisapanta share their experiences as members of the GGSS.

 

UC Davis GGSS website:

https://ggss.ucdavis.edu/

 

Geo-Institute winning video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=BUQo3zy_mTY

 

NHERI at UC Davis website:

https://ucdavis.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Center for Geotechnical modeling on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucd-cgm/

 

Follow the Center for Geotechnical modeling on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=center%20for%20geotechnical%20modeling

]]> Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (UC Davis, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Mentoring at UC Davis

 

How do geotech students gain experience? Laura Luna and José Luis Caisapanta discuss the UC Davis Geotechical Graduate Student Society, a nationally respected mentoring program. In an intentional “laddering” fashion, grad students new to the UC Davis program learn from more experienced grad students and – in turn – pass their knowledge to undergrads and K-12 students. Luna and Caisapanta share their experiences as members of the GGSS.

 

UC Davis GGSS website:

https://ggss.ucdavis.edu/

 

Geo-Institute winning video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=BUQo3zy_mTY

 

NHERI at UC Davis website:

https://ucdavis.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Center for Geotechnical modeling on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucd-cgm/

 

Follow the Center for Geotechnical modeling on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=center%20for%20geotechnical%20modeling

]]> Mentoring at UC Davis UC Davis, Dan Zehner 00:13:41 How do geotech students gain experience? Laura Luna and José Luis Caisapanta discuss the UC Davis Geotechical Graduate Student Society, a nationally respected mentoring program. In an intentional “laddering” fashion, grad students new to the UC Davis program learn from more experienced grad students and – in turn – pass their knowledge to undergrads and K-12 students. Luna and Caisapanta share their experiences as members of the GGSS. How do geotech students gain experience? Laura Luna and José Luis Caisapanta discuss the UC Davis Geotechical Graduate Student Society, a nationally respected mentoring program. In an intentional “laddering” fashion, grad students new to the UC Davis program learn from more experienced grad students and – in turn – pass their knowledge to undergrads and K-12 students. Luna and Caisapanta share their experiences as members of the GGSS. science, natural hazards, nsf, graduate research, earthquake, student, nsf funded false full 171 b5b7a5f0-231d-454e-b4bb-c82f21802f32 Modeling EQs in a centrifuge with UC Davis graduate students Civil engineering grad students from NHERI UC Davis join Dan Zehner to discuss research at the renowned Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a geotech lab equipped with a nine-meter centrifuge. Master’s student Jose Louis Caisapanta describes soil experiments with the centrifuge – which can deploy a shake table during its 50G spins. PhD student Laura Luna explains building physical models in the centrifuge. She uses resulting data to create a computer model that will predict soil behavior beneath a structure during an earthquake.

 

About the equipment and people at the NHERI UC Davis laboratory:

https://ucdavis.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Discover research, events, lab photos and more on the CGM Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063111107077

 

Follow NHERI UC Davis on Linked In:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucd-cgm/

 

CGM Director Jason DeJong on DesignSafe Radio:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlLTdPaOUFk

]]> Tue, 6 Aug 2024 18:06:57 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Civil engineering grad students from NHERI UC Davis join Dan Zehner to discuss research at the renowned Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a geotech lab equipped with a nine-meter centrifuge. Master’s student Jose Louis Caisapanta describes soil experiments with the centrifuge – which can deploy a shake table during its 50G spins. PhD student Laura Luna explains building physical models in the centrifuge. She uses resulting data to create a computer model that will predict soil behavior beneath a structure during an earthquake.

 

About the equipment and people at the NHERI UC Davis laboratory:

https://ucdavis.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Discover research, events, lab photos and more on the CGM Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063111107077

 

Follow NHERI UC Davis on Linked In:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ucd-cgm/

 

CGM Director Jason DeJong on DesignSafe Radio:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlLTdPaOUFk

]]> Modeling EQs in a centrifuge with UC Davis graduate students DesignSafe Radio 00:13:41 Civil engineering grad students from NHERI UC Davis join Dan Zehner to discuss research at the renowned Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a geotech lab equipped with a nine-meter centrifuge. Master’s student Jose Louis Caisapanta describes soil experiments with the centrifuge – which can deploy a shake table during its 50G spins. PhD student Laura Luna explains building physical models in the centrifuge. She uses resulting data to create a computer model that will predict soil behavior beneath a structure during an earthquake. Civil engineering grad students from NHERI UC Davis join Dan Zehner to discuss research at the renowned Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a geotech lab equipped with a nine-meter centrifuge. Master’s student Jose Louis Caisapanta describes soil experiments with the centrifuge – which can deploy a shake table during its 50G spins. PhD student Laura Luna explains building physical models in the centrifuge. She uses resulting data to create a computer model that will predict soil behavior beneath a structure during an earthquake. false full 170 963f21dd-ee62-4d0f-85b5-c353a1b05b41 The WOW Challenge and the future of wind engineering Featuring Erik Salna In our final episode with FIU meteorologist Erik Salna, we learn about the Wall of Wind Challenge, an annual event for high school students. NHERI researchers provide a specific wind mitigation challenge. Student teams design and build a protective structure, and then get the chance to test their designs in the Wall of Wind. It’s an exciting competition, which is judged by engineers who are Wall of Wind alums! See below for links to the 2024 event and Salna’s template for conducting this popular STEM competition for high schools.

NHERI Wall of Wind website: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

2024 Wall of Wind Challenge, cool video and the winning designs: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2024/june/2024-wall-of-wind-mitigation-challenge-high-school-teams-design-test-productive-wind-barriers/

 

Overview of the WOW Challenge event for educators, including a technical library: https://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/outreach-education/wall-of-wind-challenge/

 

The NSF NICHE facility, the future of wind engineering at FIU: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/experimental/niche/

 

Follow the Wall of Wind on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FIUWOW

 

Follow Erik Salna on X

@ExtremeWxExp

]]> Thu, 25 Jul 2024 21:01:33 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Eric Salna) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In our final episode with FIU meteorologist Erik Salna, we learn about the Wall of Wind Challenge, an annual event for high school students. NHERI researchers provide a specific wind mitigation challenge. Student teams design and build a protective structure, and then get the chance to test their designs in the Wall of Wind. It’s an exciting competition, which is judged by engineers who are Wall of Wind alums! See below for links to the 2024 event and Salna’s template for conducting this popular STEM competition for high schools.

NHERI Wall of Wind website: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

2024 Wall of Wind Challenge, cool video and the winning designs: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2024/june/2024-wall-of-wind-mitigation-challenge-high-school-teams-design-test-productive-wind-barriers/

 

Overview of the WOW Challenge event for educators, including a technical library: https://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/outreach-education/wall-of-wind-challenge/

 

The NSF NICHE facility, the future of wind engineering at FIU: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/experimental/niche/

 

Follow the Wall of Wind on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FIUWOW

 

Follow Erik Salna on X

@ExtremeWxExp

]]> The WOW Challenge and the future of wind engineering Featuring Erik Salna Eric Salna 00:15:04 In our final episode with FIU meteorologist Erik Salna, we learn about the Wall of Wind Challenge, an annual event for high school students. NHERI researchers provide a specific wind mitigation challenge. Student teams design and build a protective structure, and then get the chance to test their designs in the Wall of Wind. It’s an exciting competition, which is judged by engineers who are Wall of Wind alums! See below for links to the 2024 event and Salna’s template for conducting this popular STEM competition for high schools. In our final episode with FIU meteorologist Erik Salna, we learn about the Wall of Wind Challenge, an annual event for high school students. NHERI researchers provide a specific wind mitigation challenge. Student teams design and build a protective structure, and then get the chance to test their designs in the Wall of Wind. It’s an exciting competition, which is judged by engineers who are Wall of Wind alums! See below for links to the 2024 event and Salna’s template for conducting this popular STEM competition for high schools. science, nsf, hurricanes, us national science foundation, nsf funded, wind, engineering false full 169 4a85b100-b845-481b-98b9-9c5d22fb6f03 Wall of Wind: Testing civil infrastructure Featuring Erik Salna FIU-based meteorologist and educator Erik Salna relates some unusual but important WOW experiments to test the effects of wind loading on civil infrastructure such as construction cranes and electrical power towers. One unique project used flying debris in the wind tunnel to derive an algorithm for determining wind speeds in video captures.

 

Wall of Wind debris experiments to build an algorithm that will calculate wind speeds from social media-derived video: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2053935&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Research on transmission towers: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1751844&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Research on construction site equipment in windstorms: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1635378&HistoricalAwards=false

 

See the WOW in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkI0UjmFFDs

Visit the NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind website for details on research underway: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Follow FIU Extreme Events Institute on X: @FIUExtremeEvent Follow the Wall of Wind on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIUWOW

]]> Tue, 9 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org FIU-based meteorologist and educator Erik Salna relates some unusual but important WOW experiments to test the effects of wind loading on civil infrastructure such as construction cranes and electrical power towers. One unique project used flying debris in the wind tunnel to derive an algorithm for determining wind speeds in video captures.

 

Wall of Wind debris experiments to build an algorithm that will calculate wind speeds from social media-derived video: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2053935&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Research on transmission towers: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1751844&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Research on construction site equipment in windstorms: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1635378&HistoricalAwards=false

 

See the WOW in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkI0UjmFFDs

Visit the NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind website for details on research underway: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Follow FIU Extreme Events Institute on X: @FIUExtremeEvent Follow the Wall of Wind on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIUWOW

]]> Wall of Wind: Testing civil infrastructure Featuring Erik Salna DesignSafe Radio 00:09:59 FIU-based meteorologist and educator Erik Salna relates some unusual but important WOW experiments to test the effects of wind loading on civil infrastructure such as construction cranes and electrical power towers. One unique project used flying debris in the wind tunnel to derive an algorithm for determining wind speeds in video captures. FIU-based meteorologist and educator Erik Salna relates some unusual but important WOW experiments to test the effects of wind loading on civil infrastructure such as construction cranes and electrical power towers. One unique project used flying debris in the wind tunnel to derive an algorithm for determining wind speeds in video captures. false full 168 b24f8a17-2306-455c-8d7c-36017f624671 Wall of Wind & Hurricane Research Featuring Erik Salna Meteorologist and educator Erik Salna provides nitty-gritty details on the gigantic, NSF-funded wind research lab called the Wall of Wind, or WOW. Located at Florida International University in Miami, the WOW facility is part of the NSF-funded NHERI network. Each of WOW’s 12-fans are six feet in diameter and weigh nearly 15,000 pounds. Powered up together, the 720HP electric motors can reproduce category 5 hurricane wind speeds, 157MPH.

 

See the WOW in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkI0UjmFFDs

Visit the NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind website for details on research underway: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Follow FIU Extreme Events Institute on X: @FIUExtremeEvent Follow the Wall of Wind on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIUWOW

]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Eric Salna, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Meteorologist and educator Erik Salna provides nitty-gritty details on the gigantic, NSF-funded wind research lab called the Wall of Wind, or WOW. Located at Florida International University in Miami, the WOW facility is part of the NSF-funded NHERI network. Each of WOW’s 12-fans are six feet in diameter and weigh nearly 15,000 pounds. Powered up together, the 720HP electric motors can reproduce category 5 hurricane wind speeds, 157MPH.

 

See the WOW in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkI0UjmFFDs

Visit the NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind website for details on research underway: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Follow FIU Extreme Events Institute on X: @FIUExtremeEvent Follow the Wall of Wind on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIUWOW

]]> Wall of Wind & Hurricane Research Featuring Erik Salna Eric Salna, Dan Zehner 00:05:16 Meteorologist and educator Erik Salna provides nitty-gritty details on the gigantic, NSF-funded wind research lab called the Wall of Wind, or WOW. Located at Florida International University in Miami, the WOW facility is part of the NSF-funded NHERI network. Each of WOW’s 12-fans are six feet in diameter and weigh nearly 15,000 pounds. Powered up together, the 720HP electric motors can reproduce category 5 hurricane wind speeds, 157MPH. Meteorologist and educator Erik Salna provides nitty-gritty details on the gigantic, NSF-funded wind research lab called the Wall of Wind, or WOW. Located at Florida International University in Miami, the WOW facility is part of the NSF-funded NHERI network. Each of WOW’s 12-fans are six feet in diameter and weigh nearly 15,000 pounds. Powered up together, the 720HP electric motors can reproduce category 5 hurricane wind speeds, 157MPH. wind engineering, science, nsf, research, nsf funded, hurricane false full 167 1c31b984-3d0c-442b-be58-56e902023d7f Snakeskin-inspired piles and tech transfer Featuring Alejandro Martínez UC Davis professor Alejandro Martínez is moving his bio-inspired snakeskin piles into industry practice. The novel pile-surface employs “frictional directionality” characteristic of snakeskin. Field trials provided better than expected results, and Martínez is now working to get his new design into the hands of practicing geotechnical engineers. Much of his NSF-supported research took place at the NHERI at UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling; the project is part of the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center, the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, CBBG, at Arizona State University.

 

Background info on Martínez’s snakeskin-inspired piles: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2022/august/piles-inspired-snakeskin/

 

Learn more about the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) called the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, CBBG, based at Arizona State University https://cbbg.engineering.asu.edu/

 

Engineering researchers use centrifugal force to study natural hazards at the NHERI at UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling facility: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlLTdPaOUFk

 

Read up on Professor Martínez’s research at UC Davis: https://faculty.engineering.ucdavis.edu/martinez/

 

Follow Alejandro Martínez on X: @MartVAlejandro

 

Follow the NHERI Center for Geotechnical Modeling on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Geotechnical-Modeling/10006311110707

]]> Tue, 4 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Dan Zehner, Alejandro Martinez) http://www.designsafe-ci.org UC Davis professor Alejandro Martínez is moving his bio-inspired snakeskin piles into industry practice. The novel pile-surface employs “frictional directionality” characteristic of snakeskin. Field trials provided better than expected results, and Martínez is now working to get his new design into the hands of practicing geotechnical engineers. Much of his NSF-supported research took place at the NHERI at UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling; the project is part of the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center, the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, CBBG, at Arizona State University.

 

Background info on Martínez’s snakeskin-inspired piles: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2022/august/piles-inspired-snakeskin/

 

Learn more about the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) called the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, CBBG, based at Arizona State University https://cbbg.engineering.asu.edu/

 

Engineering researchers use centrifugal force to study natural hazards at the NHERI at UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling facility: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlLTdPaOUFk

 

Read up on Professor Martínez’s research at UC Davis: https://faculty.engineering.ucdavis.edu/martinez/

 

Follow Alejandro Martínez on X: @MartVAlejandro

 

Follow the NHERI Center for Geotechnical Modeling on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Geotechnical-Modeling/10006311110707

]]> Snakeskin-inspired piles and tech transfer Featuring Alejandro Martínez Dan Zehner, Alejandro Martinez 00:08:43 UC Davis professor Alejandro Martínez is moving his bio-inspired snakeskin piles into industry practice. The novel pile-surface employs “frictional directionality” characteristic of snakeskin. Field trials provided better than expected results, and Martínez is now working to get his new design into the hands of practicing geotechnical engineers. Much of his NSF-supported research took place at the NHERI at UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling; the project is part of the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center, the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, CBBG, at Arizona State University. UC Davis professor Alejandro Martínez is moving his bio-inspired snakeskin piles into industry practice. The novel pile-surface employs “frictional directionality” characteristic of snakeskin. Field trials provided better than expected results, and Martínez is now working to get his new design into the hands of practicing geotechnical engineers. Much of his NSF-supported research took place at the NHERI at UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling; the project is part of the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center, the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, CBBG, at Arizona State University. geotechnical engineering, ground improvement, soil improvement, biogeotechnics false full 166 84e98ae2-0a3c-45d8-9ebe-a422aa99b15a Engineering with Evolution Featuring Alejandro Martínez UC Davis professor Alejandro Martínez explains how biogeotechnical engineers leverage solutions from lifeforms like worms, trees, and bacteria. It starts with fundamental, cross-disciplinary work with biologists. Then, at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling (CGM), centrifuge tests fill an important gap between laboratory ideas and full-scale field tests. For instance, by replicating ground stress and increased gravity in a centrifuge, geotechs can model and test designs at greater soil depths and across soil types. The NHERI CGM facility functions as a testbed for the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) called the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, CBBG, based at Arizona State University.

 

Read up on Professor Martínez’s research at UC Davis: https://faculty.engineering.ucdavis.edu/martinez/

 

Follow Alejandro Martínez on X: @MartVAlejandro

 

Background info on Martínez’s snakeskin-inspired piles: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2022/august/piles-inspired-snakeskin/

 

Using centrifugal force to study natural hazards at the NHERI at UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlLTdPaOUFk

 

Follow the Center for Geotechnical Modeling on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Geotechnical-Modeling/100063111107077/

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com

]]> Tue, 28 May 2024 16:13:14 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Alejandro Martinez, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org UC Davis professor Alejandro Martínez explains how biogeotechnical engineers leverage solutions from lifeforms like worms, trees, and bacteria. It starts with fundamental, cross-disciplinary work with biologists. Then, at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling (CGM), centrifuge tests fill an important gap between laboratory ideas and full-scale field tests. For instance, by replicating ground stress and increased gravity in a centrifuge, geotechs can model and test designs at greater soil depths and across soil types. The NHERI CGM facility functions as a testbed for the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) called the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, CBBG, based at Arizona State University.

 

Read up on Professor Martínez’s research at UC Davis: https://faculty.engineering.ucdavis.edu/martinez/

 

Follow Alejandro Martínez on X: @MartVAlejandro

 

Background info on Martínez’s snakeskin-inspired piles: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2022/august/piles-inspired-snakeskin/

 

Using centrifugal force to study natural hazards at the NHERI at UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlLTdPaOUFk

 

Follow the Center for Geotechnical Modeling on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Geotechnical-Modeling/100063111107077/

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com

]]> Engineering with Evolution Featuring Alejandro Martínez Alejandro Martinez, Dan Zehner 00:11:02 UC Davis professor Alejandro Martínez explains how biogeotechnical engineers leverage solutions from lifeforms like worms, trees, and bacteria. It starts with fundamental, cross-disciplinary work with biologists. Then, at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling (CGM), centrifuge tests fill an important gap between laboratory ideas and full-scale field tests. For instance, by replicating ground stress and increased gravity in a centrifuge, geotechs can model and test designs at greater soil depths and across soil types. The NHERI CGM facility functions as a testbed for the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) called the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, CBBG, based at Arizona State University. UC Davis professor Alejandro Martínez explains how biogeotechnical engineers leverage solutions from lifeforms like worms, trees, and bacteria. It starts with fundamental, cross-disciplinary work with biologists. Then, at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling (CGM), centrifuge tests fill an important gap between laboratory ideas and full-scale field tests. For instance, by replicating ground stress and increased gravity in a centrifuge, geotechs can model and test designs at greater soil depths and across soil types. The NHERI CGM facility functions as a testbed for the NSF-funded Engineering Research Center (ERC) called the Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics, CBBG, based at Arizona State University. geotechnical engineering, biodesaturation, biocementation, ground improvement, liquefaction, biogeotechnics, soil improvemen false full 165 9fc565bf-b6b0-4a5d-9a9a-b00e3394bdc5 Biogeotechnics: Engineers leverage, learn from nature featuring Alejandro Martínez Geotechnical engineer Alejandro Martínez joins us to discuss a new and multidisciplinary engineering subfield called biogeotechnics. “Bioinspired” research examines and mimics ways that plants, animals and bacteria successfully interact with soil. For example: how tree roots successfully resist wind loads. “Biomediated” research uses biological elements to improve soil. For example, byproducts of certain bacteria can cement and desaturate soil — potentially preventing liquefaction in susceptible areas.

 

Read up on Professor Martínez’s research at UC Davis:
https://faculty.engineering.ucdavis.edu/martinez/

 

Follow Alejandro Martínez on X: @MartVAlejandro

 

Background info on Martínez’s snakeskin-inspired piles:
https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2022/august/piles-inspired-snakeskin/

 

Using centrifugal force to study natural hazards at the NHERI at UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlLTdPaOUFk

 

Follow the Center for Geotechnical Modeling on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Geotechnical-Modeling/100063111107077/

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research?
Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com

Keywords: biocementation, biodesaturation, liquefaction, biogeotechnics, geotechnical engineering, ground improvement, soil improvement

]]> Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Alejandro Martinez, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Geotechnical engineer Alejandro Martínez joins us to discuss a new and multidisciplinary engineering subfield called biogeotechnics. “Bioinspired” research examines and mimics ways that plants, animals and bacteria successfully interact with soil. For example: how tree roots successfully resist wind loads. “Biomediated” research uses biological elements to improve soil. For example, byproducts of certain bacteria can cement and desaturate soil — potentially preventing liquefaction in susceptible areas.

 

Read up on Professor Martínez’s research at UC Davis:
https://faculty.engineering.ucdavis.edu/martinez/

 

Follow Alejandro Martínez on X: @MartVAlejandro

 

Background info on Martínez’s snakeskin-inspired piles:
https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2022/august/piles-inspired-snakeskin/

 

Using centrifugal force to study natural hazards at the NHERI at UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlLTdPaOUFk

 

Follow the Center for Geotechnical Modeling on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Geotechnical-Modeling/100063111107077/

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research?
Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com

Keywords: biocementation, biodesaturation, liquefaction, biogeotechnics, geotechnical engineering, ground improvement, soil improvement

]]> Biogeotechnics: Engineers leverage, learn from nature featuring Alejandro Martínez Alejandro Martinez, Dan Zehner 00:12:00 Geotechnical engineer Alejandro Martínez joins us to discuss a new and multidisciplinary engineering subfield called biogeotechnics. “Bioinspired” research examines and mimics ways that plants, animals and bacteria successfully interact with soil. For example: how tree roots successfully resist wind loads. “Biomediated” research uses biological elements to improve soil. For example, byproducts of certain bacteria can cement and desaturate soil — potentially preventing liquefaction in susceptible areas. Geotechnical engineer Alejandro Martínez joins us to discuss a new and multidisciplinary engineering subfield called biogeotechnics. “Bioinspired” research examines and mimics ways that plants, animals and bacteria successfully interact with soil. For example: how tree roots successfully resist wind loads. “Biomediated” research uses biological elements to improve soil. For example, byproducts of certain bacteria can cement and desaturate soil — potentially preventing liquefaction in susceptible areas. natural hazards, nsf, nature, earthquakes, bioinspired, nsf funded, engineering false full 164 6574ad3a-e182-4c2c-8727-91f18ecbd19e Conferences, reconnaissance opportunities for NHERI grad students Meet Nurullah Bektaş, engineering PhD candidate and research chair with the NHERI Graduate Student Council. He talks with Dan Zehner about the virtual GSC Mini Conference, slated for May 31, 2024. Bektaş, who is earning his PhD from Széchenyi István University in Hungary, encourages grad students in natural hazards get involved in sharing research and conducting post-event reconnaissance. He relates his own field experience helping householders in Turkey after the devastating 2023 earthquake series in Turkey and Syria.

Find out about the GSC Mini Conference: https://bit.ly/2024NHERIGSCMiniConference

 

Get details about the NHERI Graduate Student Council: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/nheri-graduate-student-council/

Bektaş is involved with StEER, the NSF-funded Structural Extreme Event Reconnaissance team:

https://www.steer.network/

 

Bektaş worked with the UK-based group EEFIT, Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team, when conducting field work in Turkey:

https://www.istructe.org/get-involved/supported-organisations/eefit/

 

For post-event debris management, Bektaş mentioned another NSF-funded extreme event group, SUstainable Material Management Extreme Events Reconnaissance, SUMMEER:

http://summeer.org/

]]> Tue, 7 May 2024 22:33:16 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Meet Nurullah Bektaş, engineering PhD candidate and research chair with the NHERI Graduate Student Council. He talks with Dan Zehner about the virtual GSC Mini Conference, slated for May 31, 2024. Bektaş, who is earning his PhD from Széchenyi István University in Hungary, encourages grad students in natural hazards get involved in sharing research and conducting post-event reconnaissance. He relates his own field experience helping householders in Turkey after the devastating 2023 earthquake series in Turkey and Syria.

Find out about the GSC Mini Conference: https://bit.ly/2024NHERIGSCMiniConference

 

Get details about the NHERI Graduate Student Council: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/nheri-graduate-student-council/

Bektaş is involved with StEER, the NSF-funded Structural Extreme Event Reconnaissance team:

https://www.steer.network/

 

Bektaş worked with the UK-based group EEFIT, Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team, when conducting field work in Turkey:

https://www.istructe.org/get-involved/supported-organisations/eefit/

 

For post-event debris management, Bektaş mentioned another NSF-funded extreme event group, SUstainable Material Management Extreme Events Reconnaissance, SUMMEER:

http://summeer.org/

]]> Conferences, reconnaissance opportunities for NHERI grad students DesignSafe Radio 00:13:42 Meet Nurullah Bektaş, engineering PhD candidate and research chair with the NHERI Graduate Student Council. He talks with Dan Zehner about the virtual GSC Mini Conference, slated for May 31, 2024. Bektaş, who is earning his PhD from Széchenyi István University in Hungary, encourages grad students in natural hazards get involved in sharing research and conducting post-event reconnaissance. He relates his own field experience helping householders in Turkey after the devastating 2023 earthquake series in Turkey and Syria. Find out about the GSC Mini Conference: https://bit.ly/2024NHERIGSCMiniConference Meet Nurullah Bektaş, engineering PhD candidate and research chair with the NHERI Graduate Student Council. He talks with Dan Zehner about the virtual GSC Mini Conference, slated for May 31, 2024. Bektaş, who is earning his PhD from Széchenyi István University in Hungary, encourages grad students in natural hazards get involved in sharing research and conducting post-event reconnaissance. He relates his own field experience helping householders in Turkey after the devastating 2023 earthquake series in Turkey and Syria. Find out about the GSC Mini Conference: https://bit.ly/2024NHERIGSCMiniConference false full 163 8ce379e4-332e-4586-9e86-c5f07c2afb50 Sustainable Functional Recovery: A New Engineering Design Paradigm with Andre Barbosa Episode 3: Sustainable Functional Recovery: A New Engineering Design Paradigm

 

The novel Converging Design research project merges post-earthquake functional recovery with sustainability. Project PI Andre Barbosa discusses potential results from this effort, such as building code updates and new building products. Other tangible outcomes: successful industry-academia partnerships — and a cohort of engineering students who will take lessons about _sustainable functional recovery_ into the future. Barbosa welcomes individuals curious about sustainable design to contact or visit to the Tallwood Design Institute, located on the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.

 

Find out the Tallwood Design Institute, a collaboration between Oregon State University and the University of Oregon: https://tallwoodinstitute.org/

 

Get background info on the multi-institutional NHERI Converging Design project: https://tallwoodinstitute.org/converging-design-home-5663/

 

Read up on Professor Barbosa’s research at Oregon State University: https://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~barbosa/

 

The NHERI at UC San Diego shake table, LHPOST6, is the world’s largest outdoor shake table: https://ucsd.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Follow Dr. Barbosa on X: @BarbosaRDGroup

 

Collaborative Research: Converging Design Methodology: Multi-objective Optimization of Resilient Structural Spines NSF Award #2120683 https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2120683&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Tue, 26 Mar 2024 17:43:16 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Andre Barbosa, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 3: Sustainable Functional Recovery: A New Engineering Design Paradigm

 

The novel Converging Design research project merges post-earthquake functional recovery with sustainability. Project PI Andre Barbosa discusses potential results from this effort, such as building code updates and new building products. Other tangible outcomes: successful industry-academia partnerships — and a cohort of engineering students who will take lessons about _sustainable functional recovery_ into the future. Barbosa welcomes individuals curious about sustainable design to contact or visit to the Tallwood Design Institute, located on the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.

 

Find out the Tallwood Design Institute, a collaboration between Oregon State University and the University of Oregon: https://tallwoodinstitute.org/

 

Get background info on the multi-institutional NHERI Converging Design project: https://tallwoodinstitute.org/converging-design-home-5663/

 

Read up on Professor Barbosa’s research at Oregon State University: https://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~barbosa/

 

The NHERI at UC San Diego shake table, LHPOST6, is the world’s largest outdoor shake table: https://ucsd.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Follow Dr. Barbosa on X: @BarbosaRDGroup

 

Collaborative Research: Converging Design Methodology: Multi-objective Optimization of Resilient Structural Spines NSF Award #2120683 https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2120683&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Sustainable Functional Recovery: A New Engineering Design Paradigm with Andre Barbosa Andre Barbosa, Dan Zehner 00:10:00 The novel Converging Design research project merges post-earthquake functional recovery with sustainability. Project PI Andre Barbosa discusses potential results from this effort, such as building code updates and new building products. Other tangible outcomes: successful industry-academia partnerships — and a cohort of engineering students who will take lessons about _sustainable functional recovery_ into the future. Barbosa welcomes individuals curious about sustainable design to contact or visit to the Tallwood Design Institute, located on the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. The novel Converging Design research project merges post-earthquake functional recovery with sustainability. Project PI Andre Barbosa discusses potential results from this effort, such as building code updates and new building products. Other tangible outcomes: successful industry-academia partnerships — and a cohort of engineering students who will take lessons about _sustainable functional recovery_ into the future. Barbosa welcomes individuals curious about sustainable design to contact or visit to the Tallwood Design Institute, located on the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. science, natural hazards, nsf, sustainability, nsf funded, engineering false full 162 ced8a6e2-39fc-4322-9012-54bb8ae11c9f Shake-Table Testing Earthquake-Resistant Building Components with Dr. Andre Barbosa Episode 2. Shake-Table Testing Earthquake-Resistant Building Components

 

Earthquake engineer Andre Barbosa joins us to describe the fascinating NHERI Converging Design project, currently testing earthquake-resilient building components on the NHERI at UC San Diego shake table. Barbosa describes U-shaped flexural plates (UFPs), which can deform and dissipate energy – and with post-tensioning rods, recenter. Also, the team is testing buckling restrained braces, which function like replaceable “structural fuses.” Lastly, the project is examining traditional steel moment frames coupled with braced frames that include energy dissipating (“yielding”) fuse-like elements. These tests will guide the future of resilient structural design in earthquake-prone regions.

 

Get background info on the multi-institutional NHERI Converging Design project: https://tallwoodinstitute.org/converging-design-home-5663/

 

Read up on Professor Barbosa’s research at Oregon State University: https://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~barbosa/

 

The NHERI at UC San Diego shake table, LHPOST6, is the world’s largest outdoor shake table: https://ucsd.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Follow Dr. Barbosa on X: @BarbosaRDGroup

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:02:12 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 2. Shake-Table Testing Earthquake-Resistant Building Components

 

Earthquake engineer Andre Barbosa joins us to describe the fascinating NHERI Converging Design project, currently testing earthquake-resilient building components on the NHERI at UC San Diego shake table. Barbosa describes U-shaped flexural plates (UFPs), which can deform and dissipate energy – and with post-tensioning rods, recenter. Also, the team is testing buckling restrained braces, which function like replaceable “structural fuses.” Lastly, the project is examining traditional steel moment frames coupled with braced frames that include energy dissipating (“yielding”) fuse-like elements. These tests will guide the future of resilient structural design in earthquake-prone regions.

 

Get background info on the multi-institutional NHERI Converging Design project: https://tallwoodinstitute.org/converging-design-home-5663/

 

Read up on Professor Barbosa’s research at Oregon State University: https://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~barbosa/

 

The NHERI at UC San Diego shake table, LHPOST6, is the world’s largest outdoor shake table: https://ucsd.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Follow Dr. Barbosa on X: @BarbosaRDGroup

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Shake-Table Testing Earthquake-Resistant Building Components with Dr. Andre Barbosa DesignSafe Radio 00:11:28 Earthquake engineer Andre Barbosa joins us to describe the fascinating NHERI Converging Design project, currently testing earthquake-resilient building components on the NHERI at UC San Diego shake table. Barbosa describes U-shaped flexural plates (UFPs), which can deform and dissipate energy – and with post-tensioning rods, recenter. Also, the team is testing buckling restrained braces, which function like replaceable “structural fuses.” Lastly, the project is examining traditional steel moment frames coupled with braced frames that include energy dissipating (“yielding”) fuse-like elements. These tests will guide the future of resilient structural design in earthquake-prone regions. Earthquake engineer Andre Barbosa joins us to describe the fascinating NHERI Converging Design project, currently testing earthquake-resilient building components on the NHERI at UC San Diego shake table. Barbosa describes U-shaped flexural plates (UFPs), which can deform and dissipate energy – and with post-tensioning rods, recenter. Also, the team is testing buckling restrained braces, which function like replaceable “structural fuses.” Lastly, the project is examining traditional steel moment frames coupled with braced frames that include energy dissipating (“yielding”) fuse-like elements. These tests will guide the future of resilient structural design in earthquake-prone regions. false full 161 6a1d3c11-ab96-4bb6-9fe3-67a942a019f4 Improving seismic resilience and sustainable design with Andre Barbosa Andre Barbosa

Professor, Structural Engineering

Oregon State University

 

Episode 1. The NHERI Converging Design project merges functional recovery with sustainability. Project PI Andre Barbosa of Oregon State University joins us to discuss how the shake table experiments at UC San Diego shake table will lead to improved building codes in seismically vulnerable zones like the Pacific Northwest.

 

Get background info on the multi-institutional NHERI Converging Design project: https://tallwoodinstitute.org/converging-design-home-5663/

Read up on Professor Barbosa’s research at OSU: https://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~barbosa/

 

The NHERI at UC San Diego shake table, LHPOST6, is the world’s largest outdoor shake table: https://ucsd.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Follow Dr. Barbosa on X: @BarbosaRDGroup

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Tue, 27 Feb 2024 19:05:15 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Andre Barbosa

Professor, Structural Engineering

Oregon State University

 

Episode 1. The NHERI Converging Design project merges functional recovery with sustainability. Project PI Andre Barbosa of Oregon State University joins us to discuss how the shake table experiments at UC San Diego shake table will lead to improved building codes in seismically vulnerable zones like the Pacific Northwest.

 

Get background info on the multi-institutional NHERI Converging Design project: https://tallwoodinstitute.org/converging-design-home-5663/

Read up on Professor Barbosa’s research at OSU: https://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~barbosa/

 

The NHERI at UC San Diego shake table, LHPOST6, is the world’s largest outdoor shake table: https://ucsd.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Follow Dr. Barbosa on X: @BarbosaRDGroup

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Improving seismic resilience and sustainable design with Andre Barbosa DesignSafe Radio 00:12:00 The NHERI Converging Design project merges functional recovery with sustainability. Project PI Andre Barbosa of Oregon State University joins us to discuss how the shake table experiments at UC San Diego shake table will lead to improved building codes in seismically vulnerable zones like the Pacific Northwest. The NHERI Converging Design project merges functional recovery with sustainability. Project PI Andre Barbosa of Oregon State University joins us to discuss how the shake table experiments at UC San Diego shake table will lead to improved building codes in seismically vulnerable zones like the Pacific Northwest. false full 160 2e3d36c8-5998-47b7-88d4-7c33431442ce Lehigh University's ATLSS Facility with Alia Amer Part 2 Alia Amer

Postdoctoral Researcher

NHERI Lehigh Facility

ATLASS Research Center

Lehigh University

 

 

 

Hybrid simulation at Lehigh tests structural resilience In our second episode with NHERI Lehigh engineer Alia Amer, find out how this engineering lab performs real-time hybrid simulation, RTHS. This sophisticated, cost-effective testing method connects a numeric model of a substructure — with a physical model or device. Then researchers apply a natural hazard – wind, earthquake or waves – to test device resilience.

 

Lehigh website: https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/facility/overview/ Follow NHERI Lehigh on X: https://twitter.com/NHERILehighRTMD

 

Read more about Alia Amer, PhD, an up-and-coming researcher in the field of natural hazards engineering and resilience: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2023/november/researcher-alia-amer-is-all-about-resilience-large-scale-structures/

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:19:22 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Alia Amer

Postdoctoral Researcher

NHERI Lehigh Facility

ATLASS Research Center

Lehigh University

 

 

 

Hybrid simulation at Lehigh tests structural resilience In our second episode with NHERI Lehigh engineer Alia Amer, find out how this engineering lab performs real-time hybrid simulation, RTHS. This sophisticated, cost-effective testing method connects a numeric model of a substructure — with a physical model or device. Then researchers apply a natural hazard – wind, earthquake or waves – to test device resilience.

 

Lehigh website: https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/facility/overview/ Follow NHERI Lehigh on X: https://twitter.com/NHERILehighRTMD

 

Read more about Alia Amer, PhD, an up-and-coming researcher in the field of natural hazards engineering and resilience: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2023/november/researcher-alia-amer-is-all-about-resilience-large-scale-structures/

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Lehigh University's ATLSS Facility with Alia Amer Part 2 DesignSafe Radio 00:10:33 Hybrid simulation at Lehigh tests structural resilience In our second episode with NHERI Lehigh engineer Alia Amer, find out how this engineering lab performs real-time hybrid simulation, RTHS. This sophisticated, cost-effective testing method connects a numeric model of a substructure — with a physical model or device. Then researchers apply a natural hazard – wind, earthquake or waves – to test device resilience. Hybrid simulation at Lehigh tests structural resilience In our second episode with NHERI Lehigh engineer Alia Amer, find out how this engineering lab performs real-time hybrid simulation, RTHS. This sophisticated, cost-effective testing method connects a numeric model of a substructure — with a physical model or device. Then researchers apply a natural hazard – wind, earthquake or waves – to test device resilience. false full 159 79bd60d3-021d-452a-9992-f8ea68387b49 Lehigh University's ATLSS Facility with Alia Amer Alia Amer

Postdoctoral Researcher

NHERI Lehigh Facility

ATLASS Research Center

Lehigh University

 

Research engineer Alia Amer gives us an overview of ATLSS research center, core of the NHERI facility at Lehigh University. Amer shows examples of complex, large-scale tests – multi-hazard simulations – at Lehigh. The lab designs accurate, complete simulations, including soil-structure-interactions, of natural hazard events such as earthquakes and windstorms. Dynamic, quasi-static, and hybrid simulations!

 

Lehigh website: https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/facility/overview/

Follow NHERI Lehigh on X: https://twitter.com/NHERILehighRTMD

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Tue, 16 Jan 2024 22:13:50 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Alia Amer

Postdoctoral Researcher

NHERI Lehigh Facility

ATLASS Research Center

Lehigh University

 

Research engineer Alia Amer gives us an overview of ATLSS research center, core of the NHERI facility at Lehigh University. Amer shows examples of complex, large-scale tests – multi-hazard simulations – at Lehigh. The lab designs accurate, complete simulations, including soil-structure-interactions, of natural hazard events such as earthquakes and windstorms. Dynamic, quasi-static, and hybrid simulations!

 

Lehigh website: https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/facility/overview/

Follow NHERI Lehigh on X: https://twitter.com/NHERILehighRTMD

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Lehigh University's ATLSS Facility with Alia Amer DesignSafe Radio 00:01:30 Research engineer Alia Amer gives us an overview of ATLSS research center, core of the NHERI facility at Lehigh University. Amer shows examples of complex, large-scale tests – multi-hazard simulations – at Lehigh. The lab designs accurate, complete simulations, including soil-structure-interactions, of natural hazard events such as earthquakes and windstorms. Dynamic, quasi-static, and hybrid simulations! Research engineer Alia Amer gives us an overview of ATLSS research center, core of the NHERI facility at Lehigh University. Amer shows examples of complex, large-scale tests – multi-hazard simulations – at Lehigh. The lab designs accurate, complete simulations, including soil-structure-interactions, of natural hazard events such as earthquakes and windstorms. Dynamic, quasi-static, and hybrid simulations! false full 158 8e84507e-9174-4496-bd73-3cc73b32fb47 Testing novel pressurized sand dampers at NHERI Lehigh with Nicos Makris Makris episode 2

Testing novel pressurized sand dampers at NHERI Lehigh

 

Nicos Makris explains his innovative protective damper system made with pressurized sand, which obviates problems presented by traditional dampers that use oil. In partnership with the NHERI Lehigh experimental facility, Makris is performing component testing and developing the numerical model in preparation for hybrid simulation testing, also at Lehigh. The cyber-physical tests allow researchers great flexibility when developing large-scale engineering devices.

 

#dampers #CLT #sustainabiility #crosslaminatedtimber #seismic #earthquakeengineering #hybridsimulation #RTHS #naturalhazards #engineering #LehighUniversity #SouthernMethodistUniversity #SMU

 

Read about Makris’s research and testing at the NHERI Lehigh website:

SMU-Lehigh Collaboration: Supplemental Energy Dissipation Through Pressurized Sand Dampers to CLT Rocking Structures

https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/projects/supplemental-energy-dissipation-through-pressurized-sand-dampers-to-clt-rocking-structures/

 

Nicos Makris at Southern Methodist University: https://www.smu.edu/Lyle/Departments/CEE/People/Faculty/Nicos-Makris

 

NSF Award: Investigation of a Novel Pressurized Sand Damper for Sustainable Seismic and Wind Protection of Buildings: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2036131&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Learn more about the NSF-funded Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NHERI:

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Contact us: nheri.communications@Gmail.

]]> Thu, 7 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Makris episode 2

Testing novel pressurized sand dampers at NHERI Lehigh

 

Nicos Makris explains his innovative protective damper system made with pressurized sand, which obviates problems presented by traditional dampers that use oil. In partnership with the NHERI Lehigh experimental facility, Makris is performing component testing and developing the numerical model in preparation for hybrid simulation testing, also at Lehigh. The cyber-physical tests allow researchers great flexibility when developing large-scale engineering devices.

 

#dampers #CLT #sustainabiility #crosslaminatedtimber #seismic #earthquakeengineering #hybridsimulation #RTHS #naturalhazards #engineering #LehighUniversity #SouthernMethodistUniversity #SMU

 

Read about Makris’s research and testing at the NHERI Lehigh website:

SMU-Lehigh Collaboration: Supplemental Energy Dissipation Through Pressurized Sand Dampers to CLT Rocking Structures

https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/projects/supplemental-energy-dissipation-through-pressurized-sand-dampers-to-clt-rocking-structures/

 

Nicos Makris at Southern Methodist University: https://www.smu.edu/Lyle/Departments/CEE/People/Faculty/Nicos-Makris

 

NSF Award: Investigation of a Novel Pressurized Sand Damper for Sustainable Seismic and Wind Protection of Buildings: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2036131&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Learn more about the NSF-funded Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NHERI:

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/

 

Contact us: nheri.communications@Gmail.

]]> Testing novel pressurized sand dampers at NHERI Lehigh with Nicos Makris DesignSafe Radio 00:05:45 Nicos Makris explains his innovative protective damper system made with pressurized sand, which obviates problems presented by traditional dampers that use oil. In partnership with the NHERI Lehigh experimental facility, Makris is performing component testing and developing the numerical model in preparation for hybrid simulation testing, also at Lehigh. The cyber-physical tests allow researchers great flexibility when developing large-scale engineering devices. Nicos Makris explains his innovative protective damper system made with pressurized sand, which obviates problems presented by traditional dampers that use oil. In partnership with the NHERI Lehigh experimental facility, Makris is performing component testing and developing the numerical model in preparation for hybrid simulation testing, also at Lehigh. The cyber-physical tests allow researchers great flexibility when developing large-scale engineering devices. false full 157 46818e30-6b58-4c4b-a599-8cdeac952874 Nicos Makris: Dampers: shock absorbers for buildings Nicos Makris,

Professor and Chair of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering

Southern Methodist University

 

Makris episode 1

 

Dampers: shock absorbers for buildings

Earthquake engineer Nicos Makris joins us to discuss protective dampers, large-scale devices that function like shock absorbers for buildings and bridges. Dampers built into a structure absorb and isolate earthquake, wind, and traffic vibrations. Prof Makris reveals a new type of damper he’s designed that uses pressurized sand to address hydraulic failures in oil-based dampers.

 

More info on Professor Makris’s sand damper research at NHERI Lehigh:

SMU-Lehigh Collaboration: Supplemental Energy Dissipation Through Pressurized Sand Dampers to CLT Rocking Structures

https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/projects/supplemental-energy-dissipation-through-pressurized-sand-dampers-to-clt-rocking-structures/

 

Investigation of a Novel Pressurized Sand Damper for Sustainable Seismic and Wind Protection of Buildings https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2036131&HistoricalAwards=false

 

NHERI Lehigh facility: https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/facility/overview/

 

NHERI on X

https://twitter.com/NHERIDesignSafe

 

NHERI on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/nheri-designsafe/

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Fri, 1 Dec 2023 00:40:55 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Nicos Makris,

Professor and Chair of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering

Southern Methodist University

 

Makris episode 1

 

Dampers: shock absorbers for buildings

Earthquake engineer Nicos Makris joins us to discuss protective dampers, large-scale devices that function like shock absorbers for buildings and bridges. Dampers built into a structure absorb and isolate earthquake, wind, and traffic vibrations. Prof Makris reveals a new type of damper he’s designed that uses pressurized sand to address hydraulic failures in oil-based dampers.

 

More info on Professor Makris’s sand damper research at NHERI Lehigh:

SMU-Lehigh Collaboration: Supplemental Energy Dissipation Through Pressurized Sand Dampers to CLT Rocking Structures

https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/projects/supplemental-energy-dissipation-through-pressurized-sand-dampers-to-clt-rocking-structures/

 

Investigation of a Novel Pressurized Sand Damper for Sustainable Seismic and Wind Protection of Buildings https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2036131&HistoricalAwards=false

 

NHERI Lehigh facility: https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/facility/overview/

 

NHERI on X

https://twitter.com/NHERIDesignSafe

 

NHERI on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/nheri-designsafe/

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

]]> Nicos Makris: Dampers: shock absorbers for buildings DesignSafe Radio 00:06:02 Earthquake engineer Nicos Makris joins us to discuss protective dampers, large-scale devices that function like shock absorbers for buildings and bridges. Dampers built into a structure absorb and isolate earthquake, wind, and traffic vibrations. Prof Makris reveals a new type of damper he’s designed that uses pressurized sand to address hydraulic failures in oil-based dampers. Earthquake engineer Nicos Makris joins us to discuss protective dampers, large-scale devices that function like shock absorbers for buildings and bridges. Dampers built into a structure absorb and isolate earthquake, wind, and traffic vibrations. Prof Makris reveals a new type of damper he’s designed that uses pressurized sand to address hydraulic failures in oil-based dampers. false full 155 35d63fef-4401-4c07-be91-7eb95e3cd2c8 SPECIAL EPISODE: NHERI Science Plan (Spanish Audio) Este episodio se publicó originalmente en 7 nobiembre 2023.

 

Formas de aprovechar las instalaciones financiadas por la NSF en la investigación sobre riesgos naturales

 

Acaba de publicarse la 3ª edición del Plan Científico del NHERI. Esta completa guía de investigación de 130 páginas describe las formas en que los investigadores pueden utilizar las instalaciones financiadas por la NSF para estudiar los daños causados por los peligros naturales y su prevención. El autor principal, Ian Robertson, ingeniero de investigación de la Universidad de Hawai, ofrece una visión general de esta valiosa obra de referencia.

 

NOVEDAD en la tercera edición:

 

-- Software de simulación NHERI SimCenter para estimar daños y simular medidas de mitigación.

-- Recursos de ciencias sociales NHERI CONVERGE, para incorporar metodologías de ciencias sociales.

-- MÁS equipos de sucesos extremos que llevan a cabo misiones de reconocimiento tras los sucesos.

Descargar el Plan Científico del NHERI: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/designsafe.storage.published/PRJ-4240

 

Más información sobre la Infraestructura de Investigación en Ingeniería de Riesgos Naturales, NHERI: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/

 

#techtransfer #researchtopractice #NSFfunded #Scienceplan #naturalhazardsEngineering #naturalHazards #extremeEvents #disasterScience #NHERISimCenter #simulationSoftware #hazardModeling #hazardsEngineering #engineeringResearch

]]> Fri, 1 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Este episodio se publicó originalmente en 7 nobiembre 2023.

 

Formas de aprovechar las instalaciones financiadas por la NSF en la investigación sobre riesgos naturales

 

Acaba de publicarse la 3ª edición del Plan Científico del NHERI. Esta completa guía de investigación de 130 páginas describe las formas en que los investigadores pueden utilizar las instalaciones financiadas por la NSF para estudiar los daños causados por los peligros naturales y su prevención. El autor principal, Ian Robertson, ingeniero de investigación de la Universidad de Hawai, ofrece una visión general de esta valiosa obra de referencia.

 

NOVEDAD en la tercera edición:

 

-- Software de simulación NHERI SimCenter para estimar daños y simular medidas de mitigación.

-- Recursos de ciencias sociales NHERI CONVERGE, para incorporar metodologías de ciencias sociales.

-- MÁS equipos de sucesos extremos que llevan a cabo misiones de reconocimiento tras los sucesos.

Descargar el Plan Científico del NHERI: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/designsafe.storage.published/PRJ-4240

 

Más información sobre la Infraestructura de Investigación en Ingeniería de Riesgos Naturales, NHERI: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/

 

#techtransfer #researchtopractice #NSFfunded #Scienceplan #naturalhazardsEngineering #naturalHazards #extremeEvents #disasterScience #NHERISimCenter #simulationSoftware #hazardModeling #hazardsEngineering #engineeringResearch

]]> SPECIAL EPISODE: NHERI Science Plan (Spanish Audio) DesignSafe Radio 00:07:06 Acaba de publicarse la 3ª edición del Plan Científico del NHERI. Esta completa guía de investigación de 130 páginas describe las formas en que los investigadores pueden utilizar las instalaciones financiadas por la NSF para estudiar los daños causados por los peligros naturales y su prevención. El autor principal, Ian Robertson, ingeniero de investigación de la Universidad de Hawai, ofrece una visión general de esta valiosa obra de referencia. Acaba de publicarse la 3ª edición del Plan Científico del NHERI. Esta completa guía de investigación de 130 páginas describe las formas en que los investigadores pueden utilizar las instalaciones financiadas por la NSF para estudiar los daños causados por los peligros naturales y su prevención. El autor principal, Ian Robertson, ingeniero de investigación de la Universidad de Hawai, ofrece una visión general de esta valiosa obra de referencia. false full 156 dd962b59-e541-4f77-a22e-f5ab81c12e16 SPECIAL EPISODE! NHERI Science Plan, Part 2 Special Episode 2

November 13, 2023

SCIENCE PLAN SPECIAL EPISODE: Moving civil engineering research into practice

 

Editor Ian Robertson provides details on using the NHERI Science Plan, Third Edition, as a practical guide to successful civil engineering research, including technology transfer and interdisciplinary research teams.

 

NEW in the third edition:

· NHERI SimCenter simulation software for estimating damage and simulating mitigation measures.

· NHERI CONVERGE social science resources, for incorporating social science methodologies.

· PLUS extreme events teams who conduct post-event reconnaissance missions.

Download the NHERI Science Plan: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/designsafe.storage.published/PRJ-4240

 

Learn more about the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NHERI: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/

 

#techtransfer #researchtopractice #NSFfunded #Scienceplan #naturalhazardsEngineering #naturalHazards #extremeEvents #disasterScience #NHERISimCenter #simulationSoftware #hazardModeling #hazardsEngineering #engineeringResearch

]]> Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:50:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Special Episode 2

November 13, 2023

SCIENCE PLAN SPECIAL EPISODE: Moving civil engineering research into practice

 

Editor Ian Robertson provides details on using the NHERI Science Plan, Third Edition, as a practical guide to successful civil engineering research, including technology transfer and interdisciplinary research teams.

 

NEW in the third edition:

· NHERI SimCenter simulation software for estimating damage and simulating mitigation measures.

· NHERI CONVERGE social science resources, for incorporating social science methodologies.

· PLUS extreme events teams who conduct post-event reconnaissance missions.

Download the NHERI Science Plan: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/designsafe.storage.published/PRJ-4240

 

Learn more about the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NHERI: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/

 

#techtransfer #researchtopractice #NSFfunded #Scienceplan #naturalhazardsEngineering #naturalHazards #extremeEvents #disasterScience #NHERISimCenter #simulationSoftware #hazardModeling #hazardsEngineering #engineeringResearch

]]> SPECIAL EPISODE! NHERI Science Plan, Part 2 DesignSafe Radio 00:11:05 Editor Ian Robertson provides details on using the NHERI Science Plan, Third Edition, as a practical guide to successful civil engineering research, including technology transfer and interdisciplinary research tea Editor Ian Robertson provides details on using the NHERI Science Plan, Third Edition, as a practical guide to successful civil engineering research, including technology transfer and interdisciplinary research tea false full 154 908b34eb-cb19-486c-a206-e52ca8cc23cb SPECIAL EPISODE! Introducing the NHERI Science Plan, Third Edition SPECIAL EPISODE! Introducing the NHERI Science Plan, Third Edition

Ways to leverage NSF-funded facilities in natural hazards research

 

Just released: the NHERI Science Plan, 3rd Edition! This comprehensive, 130-page research guide outlines ways researchers can use NSF-funded facilities to study natural hazards damage and prevention. With lead author Ian Robertson, research engineer with the University of Hawaii.

 

NEW in the third edition:

· NHERI SimCenter simulation software for estimating damage and simulating mitigation measures.

· NHERI CONVERGE social science resources, for incorporating social science methodologies.

· PLUS extreme events teams who conduct post-event reconnaissance missions.

Download the NHERI Science Plan: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/designsafe.storage.published/PRJ-4240

 

Learn more about the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NHERI: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/

 

#NSFfunded #Scienceplan #naturalhazardsEngineering #naturalHazards #extremeEvents #disasterScience #NHERISimCenter #simulationSoftware #hazardModeling #hazardsEngineering #engineeringResearch

]]> Tue, 7 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org SPECIAL EPISODE! Introducing the NHERI Science Plan, Third Edition

Ways to leverage NSF-funded facilities in natural hazards research

 

Just released: the NHERI Science Plan, 3rd Edition! This comprehensive, 130-page research guide outlines ways researchers can use NSF-funded facilities to study natural hazards damage and prevention. With lead author Ian Robertson, research engineer with the University of Hawaii.

 

NEW in the third edition:

· NHERI SimCenter simulation software for estimating damage and simulating mitigation measures.

· NHERI CONVERGE social science resources, for incorporating social science methodologies.

· PLUS extreme events teams who conduct post-event reconnaissance missions.

Download the NHERI Science Plan: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/designsafe.storage.published/PRJ-4240

 

Learn more about the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NHERI: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/

 

#NSFfunded #Scienceplan #naturalhazardsEngineering #naturalHazards #extremeEvents #disasterScience #NHERISimCenter #simulationSoftware #hazardModeling #hazardsEngineering #engineeringResearch

]]> SPECIAL EPISODE! Introducing the NHERI Science Plan, Third Edition DesignSafe Radio 00:07:08 Ways to leverage NSF-funded facilities in natural hazards research Just released: the NHERI Science Plan, 3rd Edition! This comprehensive, 130-page research guide outlines ways researchers can use NSF-funded facilities to study natural hazards damage and prevention. With lead author Ian Robertson, research engineer with the University of Hawaii. Ways to leverage NSF-funded facilities in natural hazards research Just released: the NHERI Science Plan, 3rd Edition! This comprehensive, 130-page research guide outlines ways researchers can use NSF-funded facilities to study natural hazards damage and prevention. With lead author Ian Robertson, research engineer with the University of Hawaii. false full 153 27d38576-6097-4047-9ac9-75c4a8c1ce30 Understanding major storms: key to coastal resilience Episode 3 Understanding major storms: key to coastal resilience

 

Understanding the behavior of coastal systems requires specialized researchers, including engineers, to instrument shorelines before a major storm — and to collect and analyze the resulting data. Woods Hole scientist Britt Raubenheimer reiterates the vital importance of federal funding, including NSF funding, which allows for multidisciplinary teams like NEER to perform nested, coordinated reconnaissance missions with NHERI engineers and agencies like USGS and NOAA.

 

NEER website: https://neerassociation.org/ NHERI extreme events organizations: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/converge/

Follow Britt Raubenheimer on Twitter: @BrittRaubenhei1

Twitter: @NHERI_EER

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

 

Entender las grandes tormentas: clave de la resistencia costera

 

Comprender el comportamiento de los sistemas costeros exige que investigadores especializados, entre ellos ingenieros, instrumenten las costas antes de una gran tormenta y recojan y analicen los datos resultantes. Britt Raubenheimer, científico de Woods Hole, reitera la importancia vital de la financiación federal, incluida la de la NSF, que permite a equipos multidisciplinares como el NEER llevar a cabo misiones de reconocimiento anidadas y coordinadas con ingenieros del NHERI y organismos como el USGS y la NOAA.

]]> Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:30:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Britt Raubenheimer, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 3 Understanding major storms: key to coastal resilience

 

Understanding the behavior of coastal systems requires specialized researchers, including engineers, to instrument shorelines before a major storm — and to collect and analyze the resulting data. Woods Hole scientist Britt Raubenheimer reiterates the vital importance of federal funding, including NSF funding, which allows for multidisciplinary teams like NEER to perform nested, coordinated reconnaissance missions with NHERI engineers and agencies like USGS and NOAA.

 

NEER website: https://neerassociation.org/ NHERI extreme events organizations: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/converge/

Follow Britt Raubenheimer on Twitter: @BrittRaubenhei1

Twitter: @NHERI_EER

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

 

Entender las grandes tormentas: clave de la resistencia costera

 

Comprender el comportamiento de los sistemas costeros exige que investigadores especializados, entre ellos ingenieros, instrumenten las costas antes de una gran tormenta y recojan y analicen los datos resultantes. Britt Raubenheimer, científico de Woods Hole, reitera la importancia vital de la financiación federal, incluida la de la NSF, que permite a equipos multidisciplinares como el NEER llevar a cabo misiones de reconocimiento anidadas y coordinadas con ingenieros del NHERI y organismos como el USGS y la NOAA.

]]> Understanding major storms: key to coastal resilience Britt Raubenheimer, Dan Zehner 00:05:04 Understanding the behavior of coastal systems requires specialized researchers, including engineers, to instrument shorelines before a major storm — and to collect and analyze the resulting data. Woods Hole scientist Britt Raubenheimer reiterates the vital importance of federal funding, including NSF funding, which allows for multidisciplinary teams like NEER to perform nested, coordinated reconnaissance missions with NHERI engineers and agencies like USGS and NOAA. Understanding the behavior of coastal systems requires specialized researchers, including engineers, to instrument shorelines before a major storm — and to collect and analyze the resulting data. Woods Hole scientist Britt Raubenheimer reiterates the vital importance of federal funding, including NSF funding, which allows for multidisciplinary teams like NEER to perform nested, coordinated reconnaissance missions with NHERI engineers and agencies like USGS and NOAA. nsf, storms, engineers, coastal false full 152 3dc4e2b0-30e3-44b2-a43f-a82e77981da3 NEER Episode 2 : Nearshore breakwaters and unintended consequences Britt Raubenheimer, PhD

Senior Scientist, Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Principal Investigator, Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance team, NEER

 

 

Episode 2 NEER: Nearshore breakwaters and unintended consequences

 

Coastal scientist Britt Raubenheimer describes NEER’s data reconnaissance missions before, during, and after Hurricane Laura, which struck southwestern Louisiana in 2020. NEER data revealed that breakwater structures could slow storm-surge inundation – but then they would also retain floodwaters passing through it, significantly slowing recovery of the shoreland marsh.

 

NEER website: https://neerassociation.org/ NHERI extreme events organizations: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/converge/

Follow Britt Raubenheimer on Twitter: @BrittRaubenhei1

Twitter: @NHERI_EER

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

 

NEER: Rompeolas cercanos a la costa y consecuencias imprevistas

 

El científico costero Britt Raubenheimer describe las misiones de reconocimiento de datos del NEER antes, durante y después del huracán Laura, que azotó el suroeste de Luisiana en 2020.

Los datos del NEER revelaron que las estructuras de rompeolas podían ralentizar las inundaciones provocadas por las tormentas, pero también retendrían las aguas de crecida que las atravesaran, lo que ralentizaría considerablemente la recuperación de las marismas costeras.

]]> Tue, 3 Oct 2023 18:08:57 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Britt Raubenheimer, PhD

Senior Scientist, Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Principal Investigator, Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance team, NEER

 

 

Episode 2 NEER: Nearshore breakwaters and unintended consequences

 

Coastal scientist Britt Raubenheimer describes NEER’s data reconnaissance missions before, during, and after Hurricane Laura, which struck southwestern Louisiana in 2020. NEER data revealed that breakwater structures could slow storm-surge inundation – but then they would also retain floodwaters passing through it, significantly slowing recovery of the shoreland marsh.

 

NEER website: https://neerassociation.org/ NHERI extreme events organizations: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/converge/

Follow Britt Raubenheimer on Twitter: @BrittRaubenhei1

Twitter: @NHERI_EER

 

Questions about NHERI or NHERI extreme events research? Contact us: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

 

NEER: Rompeolas cercanos a la costa y consecuencias imprevistas

 

El científico costero Britt Raubenheimer describe las misiones de reconocimiento de datos del NEER antes, durante y después del huracán Laura, que azotó el suroeste de Luisiana en 2020.

Los datos del NEER revelaron que las estructuras de rompeolas podían ralentizar las inundaciones provocadas por las tormentas, pero también retendrían las aguas de crecida que las atravesaran, lo que ralentizaría considerablemente la recuperación de las marismas costeras.

]]> NEER Episode 2 : Nearshore breakwaters and unintended consequences DesignSafe Radio 00:07:11 Coastal scientist Britt Raubenheimer describes NEER’s data reconnaissance missions before, during, and after Hurricane Laura, which struck southwestern Louisiana in 2020. NEER data revealed that breakwater structures could slow storm-surge inundation – but then they would also retain floodwaters passing through it, significantly slowing recovery of the shoreland marsh. Coastal scientist Britt Raubenheimer describes NEER’s data reconnaissance missions before, during, and after Hurricane Laura, which struck southwestern Louisiana in 2020. NEER data revealed that breakwater structures could slow storm-surge inundation – but then they would also retain floodwaters passing through it, significantly slowing recovery of the shoreland marsh. false full 151 dc9d4f4f-d17b-4e6c-87d1-9023b09d0917 NEER: Improving resilience of the nearshore during extreme events (Spanish version) Thu, 14 Sep 2023 23:30:11 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org NEER: Improving resilience of the nearshore during extreme events (Spanish version) DesignSafe Radio 00:10:21 false full 150 5cc1fed9-1c7b-4fe7-b93d-34b8d6c61738 NEER: Improving resilience of the nearshore during extreme events Britt Raubenheimer, PhD

Senior Scientist, Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Principal Investigator, Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance team, NEER

 

NEER: Improving resilience of the nearshore during extreme events

Woods Hole scientist Britt Raubenheimer talks with host Dan Zehner about coastal resiliency. Raubenheimer is principal investigator for NSF-funded Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance team, NEER. NEER deploys multi-disciplinary researchers to collect data on nearshore systems before, during and after extreme events. She discusses the 2020 NEER mission during Hurricane Laura – which made useful discoveries about the efficacy of breakwater structures in the Delta marshlands.

 

NEER website: https://neerassociation.org/ NHERI extreme events organizations: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/converge/

Twitter: @NHERI_EER

 

 

NEER: Mejora de la resistencia de las zonas costeras en caso de fenómenos extremos

 

El científico de Woods Hole Britt Raubenheimer habla con el presentador Dan Zehner sobre la resistencia costera. Raubenheimer es el investigador principal del equipo NEER (Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance), financiado por la NSF. NEER despliega investigadores multidisciplinares para recoger datos sobre los sistemas costeros antes, durante y después de los fenómenos extremos. Habla de la misión NEER 2020 durante el huracán Laura, que permitió hacer útiles descubrimientos sobre la eficacia de las estructuras de rompeolas en las marismas del Delta

]]> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 20:56:43 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Britt Raubenheimer, PhD

Senior Scientist, Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Principal Investigator, Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance team, NEER

 

NEER: Improving resilience of the nearshore during extreme events

Woods Hole scientist Britt Raubenheimer talks with host Dan Zehner about coastal resiliency. Raubenheimer is principal investigator for NSF-funded Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance team, NEER. NEER deploys multi-disciplinary researchers to collect data on nearshore systems before, during and after extreme events. She discusses the 2020 NEER mission during Hurricane Laura – which made useful discoveries about the efficacy of breakwater structures in the Delta marshlands.

 

NEER website: https://neerassociation.org/ NHERI extreme events organizations: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/converge/

Twitter: @NHERI_EER

 

 

NEER: Mejora de la resistencia de las zonas costeras en caso de fenómenos extremos

 

El científico de Woods Hole Britt Raubenheimer habla con el presentador Dan Zehner sobre la resistencia costera. Raubenheimer es el investigador principal del equipo NEER (Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance), financiado por la NSF. NEER despliega investigadores multidisciplinares para recoger datos sobre los sistemas costeros antes, durante y después de los fenómenos extremos. Habla de la misión NEER 2020 durante el huracán Laura, que permitió hacer útiles descubrimientos sobre la eficacia de las estructuras de rompeolas en las marismas del Delta

]]> NEER: Improving resilience of the nearshore during extreme events DesignSafe Radio 00:10:22 Woods Hole scientist Britt Raubenheimer talks with host Dan Zehner about coastal resiliency. Raubenheimer is principal investigator for NSF-funded Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance team, NEER. NEER deploys multi-disciplinary researchers to collect data on nearshore systems before, during and after extreme events. She discusses the 2020 NEER mission during Hurricane Laura – which made useful discoveries about the efficacy of breakwater structures in the Delta marshlands. Woods Hole scientist Britt Raubenheimer talks with host Dan Zehner about coastal resiliency. Raubenheimer is principal investigator for NSF-funded Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance team, NEER. NEER deploys multi-disciplinary researchers to collect data on nearshore systems before, during and after extreme events. She discusses the 2020 NEER mission during Hurricane Laura – which made useful discoveries about the efficacy of breakwater structures in the Delta marshlands. false full 149 cb5f4ea8-196e-4f06-9281-a8cfa5a7c1c1 Frank Lombardo Episode 3 Episode 3: A new experimental facility for simulating windstorms

The National Science Foundation is funding a new, multihazard experimental facility called “NICHE,” still in the planning stages. As a co-principal investigator, Frank Lombardo is to helping to design methods for re-creating non-synoptic winds and wind profiles — storms of short duration and limited in space, like thunderstorms, derechos, and tornadoes.

 

Learn more about NSF-funded NICHE, the National Full-Scale Testing Infrastructure for Community Hardening in Extreme Wind Surge and Wave Events

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/experimental/niche/

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

 

--------------

Una nueva instalación experimental para simular tormentas de viento

 

La National Science Foundation financia una nueva instalación experimental para riesgos múltiples llamada "NICHE", aún en fase de planificación. Como co-investigador principal de NICHE, Frank Lombardo está ayudando a diseñar métodos para recrear vientos y perfiles de viento no sinópticos -tormentas de corta duración y limitadas en el espacio, como tormentas eléctricas, derechos y tornados.

]]> Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:40:49 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 3: A new experimental facility for simulating windstorms

The National Science Foundation is funding a new, multihazard experimental facility called “NICHE,” still in the planning stages. As a co-principal investigator, Frank Lombardo is to helping to design methods for re-creating non-synoptic winds and wind profiles — storms of short duration and limited in space, like thunderstorms, derechos, and tornadoes.

 

Learn more about NSF-funded NICHE, the National Full-Scale Testing Infrastructure for Community Hardening in Extreme Wind Surge and Wave Events

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/experimental/niche/

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

 

--------------

Una nueva instalación experimental para simular tormentas de viento

 

La National Science Foundation financia una nueva instalación experimental para riesgos múltiples llamada "NICHE", aún en fase de planificación. Como co-investigador principal de NICHE, Frank Lombardo está ayudando a diseñar métodos para recrear vientos y perfiles de viento no sinópticos -tormentas de corta duración y limitadas en el espacio, como tormentas eléctricas, derechos y tornados.

]]> Frank Lombardo Episode 3 DesignSafe Radio 00:06:03 Episode 3: A new experimental facility for simulating windstorms The National Science Foundation is funding a new, multihazard experimental facility called “NICHE,” still in the planning stages. As a co-principal investigator, Frank Lombardo is to helping to design methods for re-creating non-synoptic winds and wind profiles — storms of short duration and limited in space, like thunderstorms, derechos, and tornadoes. Episode 3: A new experimental facility for simulating windstorms The National Science Foundation is funding a new, multihazard experimental facility called “NICHE,” still in the planning stages. As a co-principal investigator, Frank Lombardo is to helping to design methods for re-creating non-synoptic winds and wind profiles — storms of short duration and limited in space, like thunderstorms, derechos, and tornadoes. false full 148 70a89d68-06bb-40b9-9090-0f3e486db5fa Frank Lombardo Episode 2: Triangulating clues to tornadoes Episode 2: Triangulating clues to tornadoes

 

Although dust devils can provide clues to tornado winds, U of Illinois wind engineer Frank Lombardo says tornadic behavior is still largely a mystery – and a bigger risk than researchers previously thought. He details ways wind engineers are piecing together answers, including simulations and damage surveys.

 

Wind Engineering Research Lab, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign https://publish.illinois.edu/ftlombardo/about/

 

Keep up with Lombardo and the UIUC Wind Engineering Lab on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/WindLaboratory/

@WindLaboratory

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

 

------------

Episodio 2: Triangulación de pistas sobre tornados

 

Aunque los remolinos de polvo pueden dar pistas sobre los vientos de los tornados, Frank Lombardo, ingeniero de vientos de la Universidad de Illinois, afirma que el comportamiento de los tornados sigue siendo un misterio y un riesgo mayor de lo que pensaban los investigadores. Lombardo detalla cómo los ingenieros eólicos están reconstruyendo las respuestas, incluyendo simulaciones y estudios de daños.

]]> Mon, 7 Aug 2023 17:14:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Frank Lombardo, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 2: Triangulating clues to tornadoes

 

Although dust devils can provide clues to tornado winds, U of Illinois wind engineer Frank Lombardo says tornadic behavior is still largely a mystery – and a bigger risk than researchers previously thought. He details ways wind engineers are piecing together answers, including simulations and damage surveys.

 

Wind Engineering Research Lab, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign https://publish.illinois.edu/ftlombardo/about/

 

Keep up with Lombardo and the UIUC Wind Engineering Lab on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/WindLaboratory/

@WindLaboratory

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

 

------------

Episodio 2: Triangulación de pistas sobre tornados

 

Aunque los remolinos de polvo pueden dar pistas sobre los vientos de los tornados, Frank Lombardo, ingeniero de vientos de la Universidad de Illinois, afirma que el comportamiento de los tornados sigue siendo un misterio y un riesgo mayor de lo que pensaban los investigadores. Lombardo detalla cómo los ingenieros eólicos están reconstruyendo las respuestas, incluyendo simulaciones y estudios de daños.

]]> Frank Lombardo Episode 2: Triangulating clues to tornadoes Frank Lombardo, Dan Zehner 00:09:11 Although dust devils can provide clues to tornado winds, U of Illinois wind engineer Frank Lombardo says tornadic behavior is still largely a mystery – and a bigger risk than researchers previously thought. He details ways wind engineers are piecing together answers, including simulations and damage surveys. Although dust devils can provide clues to tornado winds, U of Illinois wind engineer Frank Lombardo says tornadic behavior is still largely a mystery – and a bigger risk than researchers previously thought. He details ways wind engineers are piecing together answers, including simulations and damage surveys. Although dust devils can provide clues to tornado winds, U of Illinois wind engineer Frank Lombardo says tornadic behavior is still largely a mystery – and a bigger risk than researchers previously thought. He details ways wind engineers are piecing together answers, including simulations and damage surveys. Although dust devils can provide clues to tornado winds, U of Illinois wind engineer Frank Lombardo says tornadic behavior is still largely a mystery – and a bigger risk than researchers previously thought. He details ways wind engineers are piecing together answers, including simulations and damage surveys. false full 147 8129e3c8-268b-4020-8e7f-f3f335c6e356 Episode 1: Wind engineers hunt dust devils with Frank Lombardo Episode 1: Wind engineers hunt dust devils

 

Dust devils! Understanding how these short-lived whirlwinds behave may help wind engineers understand tornadoes. In field studies, U of Illinois wind engineer Frank Lombardo collects data on dust devils, which occur more frequently – and are easier (and safer) to capture – than their high-powered relatives. Lombardo’s team has recorded more than 50 of these brief, 45 MPH windstorms. Find out how, where, and what the data show.

 

Wind Engineering Research Lab, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign https://publish.illinois.edu/ftlombardo/about/

 

Keep up with Lombardo and the UIUC Wind Engineering Lab on Twitter:

 

https://twitter.com/WindLaboratory/

 

@WindLaboratory

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Wed, 2 Aug 2023 18:01:57 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 1: Wind engineers hunt dust devils

 

Dust devils! Understanding how these short-lived whirlwinds behave may help wind engineers understand tornadoes. In field studies, U of Illinois wind engineer Frank Lombardo collects data on dust devils, which occur more frequently – and are easier (and safer) to capture – than their high-powered relatives. Lombardo’s team has recorded more than 50 of these brief, 45 MPH windstorms. Find out how, where, and what the data show.

 

Wind Engineering Research Lab, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign https://publish.illinois.edu/ftlombardo/about/

 

Keep up with Lombardo and the UIUC Wind Engineering Lab on Twitter:

 

https://twitter.com/WindLaboratory/

 

@WindLaboratory

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Episode 1: Wind engineers hunt dust devils with Frank Lombardo DesignSafe Radio 00:01:07 Dust devils! Understanding how these short-lived whirlwinds behave may help wind engineers understand tornadoes. In field studies, U of Illinois wind engineer Frank Lombardo collects data on dust devils, which occur more frequently – and are easier (and safer) to capture – than their high-powered relatives. Lombardo’s team has recorded more than 50 of these brief, 45 MPH windstorms. Find out how, where, and what the data show. Dust devils! Understanding how these short-lived whirlwinds behave may help wind engineers understand tornadoes. In field studies, U of Illinois wind engineer Frank Lombardo collects data on dust devils, which occur more frequently – and are easier (and safer) to capture – than their high-powered relatives. Lombardo’s team has recorded more than 50 of these brief, 45 MPH windstorms. Find out how, where, and what the data show. false full 146 879f038a-80e1-4a0c-9373-983a0e63687f Pedro Fernandez-Caban: Full interview Wind engineer Pedro Fernández-Cabán conducts experiments at the NHERI University of Florida wind tunnel, trying to discover how to prevent roof failure in low-rise buildings during hurricanes. In this episode he describes how he uses a special component of the UF wind tunnel that creates large and long-lasting wind gusts: the Flow Field Modulator.

See it in action: a cell from the Flow Field Modulator. Hold your ears! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ErHtAUU8Wns

Pedro Fernández-Cabán also describes specific ways roofs can be altered to redirect wind flow and reduce suction pressure – and roof damage. Parapets, for instance. Another goal for his project: use the UF Flow Field Modulator to develop a roadmap for wind conditions, revealing how different locations are subject to specific sorts of damaging wind fields – and to provide mitigation advice to builders and homeowners based on that roadmap.

 

Fernández-Cabán on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=nzBOhdoAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:31:37 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Wind engineer Pedro Fernández-Cabán conducts experiments at the NHERI University of Florida wind tunnel, trying to discover how to prevent roof failure in low-rise buildings during hurricanes. In this episode he describes how he uses a special component of the UF wind tunnel that creates large and long-lasting wind gusts: the Flow Field Modulator.

See it in action: a cell from the Flow Field Modulator. Hold your ears! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ErHtAUU8Wns

Pedro Fernández-Cabán also describes specific ways roofs can be altered to redirect wind flow and reduce suction pressure – and roof damage. Parapets, for instance. Another goal for his project: use the UF Flow Field Modulator to develop a roadmap for wind conditions, revealing how different locations are subject to specific sorts of damaging wind fields – and to provide mitigation advice to builders and homeowners based on that roadmap.

 

Fernández-Cabán on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=nzBOhdoAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Pedro Fernandez-Caban: Full interview DesignSafe Radio 00:02:32 Wind engineer Pedro Fernández-Cabán conducts experiments at the NHERI University of Florida wind tunnel, trying to discover how to prevent roof failure in low-rise buildings during hurricanes. Wind engineer Pedro Fernández-Cabán conducts experiments at the NHERI University of Florida wind tunnel, trying to discover how to prevent roof failure in low-rise buildings during hurricanes. false full 145 95f43674-844b-4eee-abb7-313ac5866138 Pedro Fernandez-Caban: Episode 2: Wind tunnel research to protect low-rise buildings from hurricane winds Episode 2: Wind tunnel research to protect low-rise buildings from hurricane winds

 

In this episode, Pedro Fernández-Cabán describes specific ways roofs can be altered to redirect windflow and reduce suction pressure – and roof damage. Parapets, for instance. Another goal for his project: use the UF Flow Field Modulator to develop a roadmap for wind conditions, revealing how different locations are subject to specific sorts of damaging wind fields – and to provide mitigation advice to builders and homeowners based on that roadmap.

 

Fernández-Cabán on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=nzBOhdoAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

 

Fernández-Cabán on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/plferndz/

 

See it in action: a cell from the Flow Field Modulator. Hold your ears! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ErHtAUU8Wns

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Tue, 20 Jun 2023 16:30:25 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 2: Wind tunnel research to protect low-rise buildings from hurricane winds

 

In this episode, Pedro Fernández-Cabán describes specific ways roofs can be altered to redirect windflow and reduce suction pressure – and roof damage. Parapets, for instance. Another goal for his project: use the UF Flow Field Modulator to develop a roadmap for wind conditions, revealing how different locations are subject to specific sorts of damaging wind fields – and to provide mitigation advice to builders and homeowners based on that roadmap.

 

Fernández-Cabán on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=nzBOhdoAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

 

Fernández-Cabán on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/plferndz/

 

See it in action: a cell from the Flow Field Modulator. Hold your ears! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ErHtAUU8Wns

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Pedro Fernandez-Caban: Episode 2: Wind tunnel research to protect low-rise buildings from hurricane winds DesignSafe Radio 00:08:49 In this episode, Pedro Fernández-Cabán describes specific ways roofs can be altered to redirect windflow and reduce suction pressure – and roof damage. Parapets, for instance. Another goal for his project: use the UF Flow Field Modulator to develop a roadmap for wind conditions, revealing how different locations are subject to specific sorts of damaging wind fields – and to provide mitigation advice to builders and homeowners based on that roadmap. In this episode, Pedro Fernández-Cabán describes specific ways roofs can be altered to redirect windflow and reduce suction pressure – and roof damage. Parapets, for instance. Another goal for his project: use the UF Flow Field Modulator to develop a roadmap for wind conditions, revealing how different locations are subject to specific sorts of damaging wind fields – and to provide mitigation advice to builders and homeowners based on that roadmap. false full 144 860cedd2-bd5d-49b7-b203-ba008bd157b5 Pedro Fernandez-Caban: Designing roofs to resist hurricane winds Pedro Fernandez-Caban

Assistant Professor

Florida A&M University-Florida State University

College of Engineering

 

Episode 1: Designing roofs to resist hurricane winds

Wind engineer Pedro Fernández-Cabán conducts experiments at the NHERI University of Florida wind tunnel, trying to discover how to prevent roof failure in low-rise buildings during hurricanes. In this episode he describes how he uses a special component of the UF wind tunnel that creates large and long-lasting wind gusts: the Flow Field Modulator.

See it in action: a cell from the Flow Field Modulator. Hold your ears! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ErHtAUU8Wns

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Tue, 6 Jun 2023 15:15:50 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Pedro Fernandez-Caban, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Pedro Fernandez-Caban

Assistant Professor

Florida A&M University-Florida State University

College of Engineering

 

Episode 1: Designing roofs to resist hurricane winds

Wind engineer Pedro Fernández-Cabán conducts experiments at the NHERI University of Florida wind tunnel, trying to discover how to prevent roof failure in low-rise buildings during hurricanes. In this episode he describes how he uses a special component of the UF wind tunnel that creates large and long-lasting wind gusts: the Flow Field Modulator.

See it in action: a cell from the Flow Field Modulator. Hold your ears! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ErHtAUU8Wns

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Pedro Fernandez-Caban: Designing roofs to resist hurricane winds Pedro Fernandez-Caban, Dan Zehner 00:09:28 Episode 1: Designing roofs to resist hurricane winds Wind engineer Pedro Fernández-Cabán conducts experiments at the NHERI University of Florida wind tunnel, trying to discover how to prevent roof failure in low-rise buildings during hurricanes. In this episode he describes how he uses a special component of the UF wind tunnel that creates large and long-lasting wind gusts: the Flow Field Modulator. Episode 1: Designing roofs to resist hurricane winds Wind engineer Pedro Fernández-Cabán conducts experiments at the NHERI University of Florida wind tunnel, trying to discover how to prevent roof failure in low-rise buildings during hurricanes. In this episode he describes how he uses a special component of the UF wind tunnel that creates large and long-lasting wind gusts: the Flow Field Modulator. wind engineering, science, nsf, hurricanes false full 143 49b27a35-86d4-4444-805f-23edbef755e7 Stephanie Pilkington Episode 2: StEER reconnaissance: how does it work? Episode 2: StEER reconnaissance: how does it work?

StEER’s Stephanie Pilkington covers virtual damage assessments, travel and data-sharing logistics, and the business of deciding the types of damage data to collect. Field-mission complexities include coordinating w/local authorities and EM teams – and federal agencies like FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and in the case of hurricanes, NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

 

Visit the StEER website https://www.steer.network/

 

Join StEER on the NHERI Slack board: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/slack-online-collaboration/

 

Follow StEER leaders on Twitter:

Stephanie Pilkington (@PhDisaster_) UNC engineer

 

David Rouche (@auburn_windengr) Auburn University wind engineer

 

Interested in extreme events recon and research? Follow NHERI Extreme Events on Twitter: @NHERI_EER

 

Keywords: extreme events, engineering reconnaissance, perishable data, natural hazards

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Tue, 2 May 2023 21:35:43 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 2: StEER reconnaissance: how does it work?

StEER’s Stephanie Pilkington covers virtual damage assessments, travel and data-sharing logistics, and the business of deciding the types of damage data to collect. Field-mission complexities include coordinating w/local authorities and EM teams – and federal agencies like FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and in the case of hurricanes, NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

 

Visit the StEER website https://www.steer.network/

 

Join StEER on the NHERI Slack board: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/slack-online-collaboration/

 

Follow StEER leaders on Twitter:

Stephanie Pilkington (@PhDisaster_) UNC engineer

 

David Rouche (@auburn_windengr) Auburn University wind engineer

 

Interested in extreme events recon and research? Follow NHERI Extreme Events on Twitter: @NHERI_EER

 

Keywords: extreme events, engineering reconnaissance, perishable data, natural hazards

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Stephanie Pilkington Episode 2: StEER reconnaissance: how does it work? DesignSafe Radio 00:09:59 StEER’s Stephanie Pilkington covers virtual damage assessments, travel and data-sharing logistics, and the business of deciding the types of damage data to collect. Field-mission complexities include coordinating w/local authorities and EM teams – and federal agencies like FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and in the case of hurricanes, NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). StEER’s Stephanie Pilkington covers virtual damage assessments, travel and data-sharing logistics, and the business of deciding the types of damage data to collect. Field-mission complexities include coordinating w/local authorities and EM teams – and federal agencies like FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and in the case of hurricanes, NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). false full 142 c16c7606-1325-41bb-b0e6-e89bc7d58a48 Stephanie Pilkington Episode 1: Post event reconnaissance with StEER, the Structural Engineering Extreme Events Reconnaissance network Episode 1: Post event reconnaissance with StEER, the Structural Engineering Extreme Events Reconnaissance network

 

Engineer and UNC professor Stephanie Pilkington introduces the StEER network, a group of volunteer experts who perform post-event recon missions after extreme events like hurricanes and earthquakes. Learn about StEER data collecting and how you can get involved.

 

Visit the StEER website https://www.steer.network/

 

Connect with StEER leaders on Twitter:

Stephanie Pilkington (@PhDisaster_) UNC engineer

 

David Rouche (@auburn_windengr) Auburn University wind engineer

 

David Prevatt (@DavidPrevatt2) U Florida wind engineer

 

Interested in extreme events recon and research? Follow NHERI Extreme Events on Twitter: @NHERI_EER

 

Keywords: extreme events, engineering reconnaissance, perishable data, natural hazards

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:46:34 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Stephanie Pilkington, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 1: Post event reconnaissance with StEER, the Structural Engineering Extreme Events Reconnaissance network

 

Engineer and UNC professor Stephanie Pilkington introduces the StEER network, a group of volunteer experts who perform post-event recon missions after extreme events like hurricanes and earthquakes. Learn about StEER data collecting and how you can get involved.

 

Visit the StEER website https://www.steer.network/

 

Connect with StEER leaders on Twitter:

Stephanie Pilkington (@PhDisaster_) UNC engineer

 

David Rouche (@auburn_windengr) Auburn University wind engineer

 

David Prevatt (@DavidPrevatt2) U Florida wind engineer

 

Interested in extreme events recon and research? Follow NHERI Extreme Events on Twitter: @NHERI_EER

 

Keywords: extreme events, engineering reconnaissance, perishable data, natural hazards

 

Subscribe to the DesignSafe Radio audio podcast! Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designsafe-radio/id1267927535 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/designsafe-radio

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vn6sM7YP28aYgVUqjV5Vu

]]> Stephanie Pilkington Episode 1: Post event reconnaissance with StEER, the Structural Engineering Extreme Events Reconnaissance network Stephanie Pilkington, Dan Zehner 00:09:03 Engineer and UNC professor Stephanie Pilkington introduces the StEER network, a group of volunteer experts who perform post-event recon missions after extreme events like hurricanes and earthquakes. Learn about StEER data collecting and how you can get involved. Engineer and UNC professor Stephanie Pilkington introduces the StEER network, a group of volunteer experts who perform post-event recon missions after extreme events like hurricanes and earthquakes. Learn about StEER data collecting and how you can get involved. engineer, natural hazards, scientist false full 141 e190fac6-7a5c-4d22-9c0c-6e56d8cb33fb Reed Zimmerman Episode 1 Reid Zimmerman, PE, SE

Technical Director, KPFF Consulting Engineers

Two approaches to engineering. For the NHERI Tallwood research project, practicing engineer Reid Zimmerman has been working with engineers in academia to produce a full-scale, 10-story wood building. The Tallwood structure is an experimental specimen that also looks and functions like a “real,” engineer-designed building. In this episode, Zimmerman talks about working with fellow engineers in the “applied research” capacity.

 

 

KPFF Consulting https://www.kpff.com/

 

Tallwood Design Institute https://tallwoodinstitute.org

]]> Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Reid Zimmerman, PE, SE

Technical Director, KPFF Consulting Engineers

Two approaches to engineering. For the NHERI Tallwood research project, practicing engineer Reid Zimmerman has been working with engineers in academia to produce a full-scale, 10-story wood building. The Tallwood structure is an experimental specimen that also looks and functions like a “real,” engineer-designed building. In this episode, Zimmerman talks about working with fellow engineers in the “applied research” capacity.

 

 

KPFF Consulting https://www.kpff.com/

 

Tallwood Design Institute https://tallwoodinstitute.org

]]> Reed Zimmerman Episode 1 DesignSafe Radio 00:09:28 Reid Zimmerman, PE, SE Technical Director, KPFF Consulting Engineers Two approaches to engineering. For the NHERI Tallwood research project, practicing engineer Reid Zimmerman has been working with engineers in academia to produce a full-scale, 10-story wood building. The Tallwood structure is an experimental specimen that also looks and functions like a “real,” engineer-designed building. In this episode, Zimmerman talks about working with fellow engineers in the “applied research” capacity. Reid Zimmerman, PE, SE Technical Director, KPFF Consulting Engineers Two approaches to engineering. For the NHERI Tallwood research project, practicing engineer Reid Zimmerman has been working with engineers in academia to produce a full-scale, 10-story wood building. The Tallwood structure is an experimental specimen that also looks and functions like a “real,” engineer-designed building. In this episode, Zimmerman talks about working with fellow engineers in the “applied research” capacity. false full 140 9a7aa25a-87d7-4b58-a818-d649e60614e0 Jeffrey Berman Full Interview NHERI Tallwood Megaproject: a research and industry partnership. DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Jeff Berman, NHERI Tallwood co-PI and earthquake engineer from the University of Washington. Berman explains how “mega-projects” like Tallwood simply can’t be done without significant collaboration between academia and industry experts at companies such as Simpson Strong-Tie, Swinerton and others with expertise in building construction, engineering, and mass timber design.

 

The NHERI Tallwood project is funded by the National Science Foundation, with support from many industry partners.

 

The shake table experiment is slated for early April, 2023. Follow the NHERI Tallwood project via the live video stream at UC San Diego: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/.

 

More #NHERITallwood partners on Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @CEMCO_steel @csinconline @strongtie @TechGlassProd @uwengineering

 

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #massTimber #rockingwalls #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #NSFStories

Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/

 

Looking for earthquake shaking data? Visit the NHERI DesignSafe Data Depot, a public repository of natural hazards research data. https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/

 

On Twitter: Follow Shiling Pei (@slpei), Principal Investigator for #NHERITallwood. While you’re at it, follow NHERI DesignSafe (@NHERIDesignSafe) for all things related to natural hazards engineering.

 

DYK? UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering is home the world’s largest outdoor shake table. It’s called LHPOST, the Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table.

]]> Thu, 9 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org NHERI Tallwood Megaproject: a research and industry partnership. DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Jeff Berman, NHERI Tallwood co-PI and earthquake engineer from the University of Washington. Berman explains how “mega-projects” like Tallwood simply can’t be done without significant collaboration between academia and industry experts at companies such as Simpson Strong-Tie, Swinerton and others with expertise in building construction, engineering, and mass timber design.

 

The NHERI Tallwood project is funded by the National Science Foundation, with support from many industry partners.

 

The shake table experiment is slated for early April, 2023. Follow the NHERI Tallwood project via the live video stream at UC San Diego: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/.

 

More #NHERITallwood partners on Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @CEMCO_steel @csinconline @strongtie @TechGlassProd @uwengineering

 

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #massTimber #rockingwalls #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #NSFStories

Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/

 

Looking for earthquake shaking data? Visit the NHERI DesignSafe Data Depot, a public repository of natural hazards research data. https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/

 

On Twitter: Follow Shiling Pei (@slpei), Principal Investigator for #NHERITallwood. While you’re at it, follow NHERI DesignSafe (@NHERIDesignSafe) for all things related to natural hazards engineering.

 

DYK? UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering is home the world’s largest outdoor shake table. It’s called LHPOST, the Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table.

]]> Jeffrey Berman Full Interview DesignSafe Radio 00:21:44 NHERI Tallwood Megaproject: a research and industry partnership. DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Jeff Berman, NHERI Tallwood co-PI and earthquake engineer from the University of Washington. Berman explains how “mega-projects” like Tallwood simply can’t be done without significant collaboration between academia and industry experts at companies such as Simpson Strong-Tie, Swinerton and others with expertise in building construction, engineering, and mass timber design. NHERI Tallwood Megaproject: a research and industry partnership. DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Jeff Berman, NHERI Tallwood co-PI and earthquake engineer from the University of Washington. Berman explains how “mega-projects” like Tallwood simply can’t be done without significant collaboration between academia and industry experts at companies such as Simpson Strong-Tie, Swinerton and others with expertise in building construction, engineering, and mass timber design. false full 139 2fced13d-e8c5-4d51-a189-1966769e6103 Jeffrey Berman Episode 3 EPISODE 3

NHERI Tallwood: Testing earthquake performance of mass timber products

In our final episode with NHERI Tallwood co-PI Jeff Berman, we learn about some of the wood products used in this 10-story wood structure — such as mass-plywood panels, cross-laminated timber, and laminated veneer lumber. Industry partners like Boise Cascade and Freres Engineered Wood have donated many mass-timber components, wanting to discover if they are resilient to earthquake loading.

“This ten-story building has just about every type of mass timber that is currently made in it.”

-- Jeff Berman

 

Here’s a list of industry partners working with the NHERI Tallwood team, including wood product manufacturers: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/collaboration.html

 

@Boise_Cascade @NHERI_UCSD @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @uwengineering

 

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #CLT #massTimber #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #NSFStories

Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/

 

DYK? UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering is home the world’s largest outdoor shake table. It’s called LHPOST, the Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table.

]]> Tue, 7 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Jeffrey Berman) http://www.designsafe-ci.org EPISODE 3

NHERI Tallwood: Testing earthquake performance of mass timber products

In our final episode with NHERI Tallwood co-PI Jeff Berman, we learn about some of the wood products used in this 10-story wood structure — such as mass-plywood panels, cross-laminated timber, and laminated veneer lumber. Industry partners like Boise Cascade and Freres Engineered Wood have donated many mass-timber components, wanting to discover if they are resilient to earthquake loading.

“This ten-story building has just about every type of mass timber that is currently made in it.”

-- Jeff Berman

 

Here’s a list of industry partners working with the NHERI Tallwood team, including wood product manufacturers: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/collaboration.html

 

@Boise_Cascade @NHERI_UCSD @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @uwengineering

 

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #CLT #massTimber #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #NSFStories

Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/

 

DYK? UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering is home the world’s largest outdoor shake table. It’s called LHPOST, the Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table.

]]> Jeffrey Berman Episode 3 Jeffrey Berman 00:04:46 In our final episode with NHERI Tallwood co-PI Jeff Berman, we learn about some of the wood products used in this 10-story wood structure — such as mass-plywood panels, cross-laminated timber, and laminated veneer lumber. Industry partners like Boise Cascade and Freres Engineered Wood have donated many mass-timber components, wanting to discover if they are resilient to earthquake loading. In our final episode with NHERI Tallwood co-PI Jeff Berman, we learn about some of the wood products used in this 10-story wood structure — such as mass-plywood panels, cross-laminated timber, and laminated veneer lumber. Industry partners like Boise Cascade and Freres Engineered Wood have donated many mass-timber components, wanting to discover if they are resilient to earthquake loading. natural hazards, civil engineering, tallwood false full 138 6a46825b-6192-4aca-8067-bc5e7ac22579 Jeffrey Berman Mini Episode 2 NHERI Tallwood: Rocking walls in tall buildings. In our second episode with NHERI Tallwood co-PI Jeff Berman, we nerd out on “rocking walls.” How do these seismic-protection systems keep tall structures safe during earthquake shaking?

 

The NHERI Tallwood project is funded by the National Science Foundation, with support from many industry partners.

 

Follow the NHERI Tallwood project via the live video stream at UC San Diego: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/.

 

More #NHERITallwood partners on Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @CEMCO_steel @csinconline @strongtie @TechGlassProd @uwengineering

 

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #massTimber #rockingwalls #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #NSFStories

Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/

 

Looking for earthquake shaking data? Visit the NHERI DesignSafe Data Depot, a public repository of natural hazards research data. https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/

 

On Twitter: Follow Shiling Pei (@slpei), Principal Investigator for #NHERITallwood. While you’re at it, follow NHERI DesignSafe (@NHERIDesignSafe) for all things related to natural hazards engineering.

 

DYK? UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering is home the world’s largest outdoor shake table. It’s called LHPOST, the Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table.

]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2023 16:32:51 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Jeffrey Berman, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org NHERI Tallwood: Rocking walls in tall buildings. In our second episode with NHERI Tallwood co-PI Jeff Berman, we nerd out on “rocking walls.” How do these seismic-protection systems keep tall structures safe during earthquake shaking?

 

The NHERI Tallwood project is funded by the National Science Foundation, with support from many industry partners.

 

Follow the NHERI Tallwood project via the live video stream at UC San Diego: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/.

 

More #NHERITallwood partners on Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @CEMCO_steel @csinconline @strongtie @TechGlassProd @uwengineering

 

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #massTimber #rockingwalls #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #NSFStories

Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/

 

Looking for earthquake shaking data? Visit the NHERI DesignSafe Data Depot, a public repository of natural hazards research data. https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/

 

On Twitter: Follow Shiling Pei (@slpei), Principal Investigator for #NHERITallwood. While you’re at it, follow NHERI DesignSafe (@NHERIDesignSafe) for all things related to natural hazards engineering.

 

DYK? UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering is home the world’s largest outdoor shake table. It’s called LHPOST, the Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table.

]]> Jeffrey Berman Mini Episode 2 Jeffrey Berman, Dan Zehner 00:09:01 NHERI Tallwood: Rocking walls in tall buildings. In our second episode with NHERI Tallwood co-PI Jeff Berman, we nerd out on “rocking walls.” How do these seismic-protection systems keep tall structures safe during earthquake shaking? NHERI Tallwood: Rocking walls in tall buildings. In our second episode with NHERI Tallwood co-PI Jeff Berman, we nerd out on “rocking walls.” How do these seismic-protection systems keep tall structures safe during earthquake shaking? civil engineering, earthquake, shake table, engineering, mass timber false full 137 e8c6dcdd-4266-4634-a5e2-faadd40b8d6f Jeffrey Berman Mini Episode 1 NHERI Tallwood Megaproject: a research and industry partnership. DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Jeff Berman, NHERI Tallwood co-PI and earthquake engineer from the University of Washington. Berman explains how “mega-projects” like Tallwood simply can’t be done without significant collaboration between academia and industry experts at companies such as Simpson Strong-Tie, Swinerton and others with expertise in building construction, engineering, and mass timber design.

 

The NHERI Tallwood project is funded by the National Science Foundation, with support from many industry partners.

 

The shake table experiment is slated for early March, 2023. Follow the NHERI Tallwood project via the live video stream at UC San Diego: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/.

 

More #NHERITallwood partners on Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @CEMCO_steel @csinconline @strongtie @TechGlassProd @uwengineering

 

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #massTimber #rockingwalls #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #NSFStories

Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/

 

Looking for earthquake shaking data? Visit the NHERI DesignSafe Data Depot, a public repository of natural hazards research data. https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/

 

On Twitter: Follow Shiling Pei (@slpei), Principal Investigator for #NHERITallwood. While you’re at it, follow NHERI DesignSafe (@NHERIDesignSafe) for all things related to natural hazards engineering.

 

DYK? UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering is home the world’s largest outdoor shake table. It’s called LHPOST, the Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table.

 

Jeffrey Berman

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Washington https://www.ce.washington.edu/facultyfinder/jeffrey-w-berman

]]> Tue, 7 Feb 2023 17:00:33 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org NHERI Tallwood Megaproject: a research and industry partnership. DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Jeff Berman, NHERI Tallwood co-PI and earthquake engineer from the University of Washington. Berman explains how “mega-projects” like Tallwood simply can’t be done without significant collaboration between academia and industry experts at companies such as Simpson Strong-Tie, Swinerton and others with expertise in building construction, engineering, and mass timber design.

 

The NHERI Tallwood project is funded by the National Science Foundation, with support from many industry partners.

 

The shake table experiment is slated for early March, 2023. Follow the NHERI Tallwood project via the live video stream at UC San Diego: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/.

 

More #NHERITallwood partners on Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @CEMCO_steel @csinconline @strongtie @TechGlassProd @uwengineering

 

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #massTimber #rockingwalls #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #NSFStories

Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/

 

Looking for earthquake shaking data? Visit the NHERI DesignSafe Data Depot, a public repository of natural hazards research data. https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/

 

On Twitter: Follow Shiling Pei (@slpei), Principal Investigator for #NHERITallwood. While you’re at it, follow NHERI DesignSafe (@NHERIDesignSafe) for all things related to natural hazards engineering.

 

DYK? UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering is home the world’s largest outdoor shake table. It’s called LHPOST, the Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table.

 

Jeffrey Berman

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Washington https://www.ce.washington.edu/facultyfinder/jeffrey-w-berman

]]> Jeffrey Berman Mini Episode 1 DesignSafe Radio 00:08:50 NHERI Tallwood Megaproject: a research and industry partnership. DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Jeff Berman, NHERI Tallwood co-PI and earthquake engineer from the University of Washington. Berman explains how “mega-projects” like Tallwood simply can’t be done without significant collaboration between academia and industry experts at companies such as Simpson Strong-Tie, Swinerton and others with expertise in building construction, engineering, and mass timber design. NHERI Tallwood Megaproject: a research and industry partnership. DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Jeff Berman, NHERI Tallwood co-PI and earthquake engineer from the University of Washington. Berman explains how “mega-projects” like Tallwood simply can’t be done without significant collaboration between academia and industry experts at companies such as Simpson Strong-Tie, Swinerton and others with expertise in building construction, engineering, and mass timber design. false full 136 e70b10f5-f829-4930-8cf2-30b43aa020cf NHERI Tallwood: EQ performance of walls and windows U of Nevada earthquake engineer Keri Ryan shows us the external wall units on the 10-story NHERI Tallwood building: spandrels with ribbon windows and glass curtain walls, called mullions. Architects as well as engineers want to see how such non-structural elements perform under earthquake loading. During the March 2023 shake table test, more than 750 sensor channels will record behaviors like drift, acceleration, and joint slip and movement.

 

Follow the NHERI Tallwood project with the live video stream at UC San Diego: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/

 

Find Professor Keri Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-ryan-29332399/

 

Looking for earthquake shaking data? Visit the NHERI DesignSafe Data Depot, a public repository of natural hazards research data. https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/

 

On Twitter? Follow Shiling Pei (@slpei), Principal Investigator for #NHERITallwood. While you’re at it, follow NHERI DesignSafe (@NHERIDesignSafe) for all things related to natural hazards engineering.

 

More #NHERITallwood partners on Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @Unevadareno @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @unrengineering, @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @CEMCO_steel @csinconline @strongtie @TechGlassPro

]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org U of Nevada earthquake engineer Keri Ryan shows us the external wall units on the 10-story NHERI Tallwood building: spandrels with ribbon windows and glass curtain walls, called mullions. Architects as well as engineers want to see how such non-structural elements perform under earthquake loading. During the March 2023 shake table test, more than 750 sensor channels will record behaviors like drift, acceleration, and joint slip and movement.

 

Follow the NHERI Tallwood project with the live video stream at UC San Diego: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/

 

Find Professor Keri Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-ryan-29332399/

 

Looking for earthquake shaking data? Visit the NHERI DesignSafe Data Depot, a public repository of natural hazards research data. https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/

 

On Twitter? Follow Shiling Pei (@slpei), Principal Investigator for #NHERITallwood. While you’re at it, follow NHERI DesignSafe (@NHERIDesignSafe) for all things related to natural hazards engineering.

 

More #NHERITallwood partners on Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @Unevadareno @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @unrengineering, @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @CEMCO_steel @csinconline @strongtie @TechGlassPro

]]> NHERI Tallwood: EQ performance of walls and windows DesignSafe Radio 00:11:28 U of Nevada earthquake engineer Keri Ryan shows us the external wall units on the 10-story NHERI Tallwood building: spandrels with ribbon windows and glass curtain walls, called mullions. Architects as well as engineers want to see how such non-structural elements perform under earthquake loading. During the March 2023 shake table test, more than 750 sensor channels will record behaviors like drift, acceleration, and joint slip and movement. U of Nevada earthquake engineer Keri Ryan shows us the external wall units on the 10-story NHERI Tallwood building: spandrels with ribbon windows and glass curtain walls, called mullions. Architects as well as engineers want to see how such non-structural elements perform under earthquake loading. During the March 2023 shake table test, more than 750 sensor channels will record behaviors like drift, acceleration, and joint slip and movement. false full 135 a286d18d-53b3-4944-af99-a6e9ef62f1fa NHERI Tallwood and its non-structural wall designs In this episode, earthquake engineer and #NHERITallwood co-PI Keri Ryan gets specific about #NHERITallwood nonstructural components: non-loadbearing walls — elements extremely prone to earthquake drift and damage. Ryan shows us the cold-formed-steel exterior-wall subassemblies and some of the innovative building components that can prevent non-structural deformations due to ground shaking.

CEMCO @CEMCO_steel

Construction Specialities Group @csinconline

Simpson StrongTie @strongtie

Need to know more? Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/ 

Follow the NHERI Tallwood project with the live video stream at UC San Diego: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/

Find Professor Keri Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-ryan-29332399/

Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @Unevadareno @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @unrengineering, @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @CEMCO_steel @csinconline @strongtie

#NHERITallwood #coldformedsteel #CFS #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #womeninengineering #NSFStories

]]> Tue, 10 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In this episode, earthquake engineer and #NHERITallwood co-PI Keri Ryan gets specific about #NHERITallwood nonstructural components: non-loadbearing walls — elements extremely prone to earthquake drift and damage. Ryan shows us the cold-formed-steel exterior-wall subassemblies and some of the innovative building components that can prevent non-structural deformations due to ground shaking.

CEMCO @CEMCO_steel

Construction Specialities Group @csinconline

Simpson StrongTie @strongtie

Need to know more? Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/ 

Follow the NHERI Tallwood project with the live video stream at UC San Diego: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/

Find Professor Keri Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-ryan-29332399/

Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @Unevadareno @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @unrengineering, @NSF @slpei @commresilience @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @CEMCO_steel @csinconline @strongtie

#NHERITallwood #coldformedsteel #CFS #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #womeninengineering #NSFStories

]]> NHERI Tallwood and its non-structural wall designs DesignSafe Radio 00:10:49 In this episode, earthquake engineer and NHERI Tallwood co-PI Keri Ryan gets specific about NHERI Tallwood nonstructural components: non-loadbearing walls — elements extremely prone to earthquake drift and damage. Ryan shows us the cold-formed-steel exterior-wall subassemblies and some of the innovative building components that can prevent non-structural deformations due to ground shaking. In this episode, earthquake engineer and NHERI Tallwood co-PI Keri Ryan gets specific about NHERI Tallwood nonstructural components: non-loadbearing walls — elements extremely prone to earthquake drift and damage. Ryan shows us the cold-formed-steel exterior-wall subassemblies and some of the innovative building components that can prevent non-structural deformations due to ground shaking. nsfstories, naturalhazards, nheritallwood, cfs, coldformedsteel, nsffunded, womeninengineering, resilience, earthquakeengineering false full 134 64c08767-d63f-4059-9717-5f0b0d77b410 Special Episode: Touring Tallwood In this special DSR episode, earthquake engineer Keri Ryan takes us on a 20-minute walking tour of the NHERI Tallwood structure. See the 10-story mass-timber building under construction — from the outside in! This milestone experiment is taking place at UC San Diego on the world’s largest outdoor shake table. For the first time, researchers are developing and validating a resilient seismic design methodology for tall wood buildings. The work is funded by the National Science Foundation, with support from many industry partners.

Curious? Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/ 

Follow the NHERI Tallwood project with the live video stream at UCSD: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/

Find Professor Keri Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-ryan-29332399/

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #massTimber #rockingwalls #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #womeninengineering #NSFStories

Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @Unevadareno @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @unrengineering, @NSF @slpei @commresilience @swinerton @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @Boise_Cascade

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In this special DSR episode, earthquake engineer Keri Ryan takes us on a 20-minute walking tour of the NHERI Tallwood structure. See the 10-story mass-timber building under construction — from the outside in! This milestone experiment is taking place at UC San Diego on the world’s largest outdoor shake table. For the first time, researchers are developing and validating a resilient seismic design methodology for tall wood buildings. The work is funded by the National Science Foundation, with support from many industry partners.

Curious? Get the backstory on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/ 

Follow the NHERI Tallwood project with the live video stream at UCSD: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/

Find Professor Keri Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-ryan-29332399/

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #massTimber #rockingwalls #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #womeninengineering #NSFStories

Twitter: @NHERI_UCSD @Unevadareno @UCSanDiego @UCSDJacobs @unrengineering, @NSF @slpei @commresilience @swinerton @MinesCEE @coschoolofmines @Boise_Cascade

]]> Special Episode: Touring Tallwood DesignSafe Radio 00:20:06 clt, rocking walls, natural hazards, women in engineering, earthquake engineering, nheri tallwood, resilience, nsf stories, nsf funded, cross laminated timber, mass timber false full 133 e06ababd-fe6d-4278-988c-5080c39a068d NHERI Tallwood: A Primer with Keri Ryan Today we chat with Keri Ryan, a co-principal investigator on the NHERI Tallwood project. We catch up with her onsite at the enormous UC San Diego shake table, a NHERI experimental facility. Ryan, an earthquake engineer at University of Nevada Reno, provides a succinct primer on the Tallwood research project, a 10-story wood building designed to resist earthquake loads.

Curious? More background on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/ 

Follow the NHERI Tallwood project with the live video at UCSD: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/

Find Professor Keri Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-ryan-29332399/

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #massTimber #rockingwalls #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #womeninengineering #NSFStories

]]> Tue, 6 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today we chat with Keri Ryan, a co-principal investigator on the NHERI Tallwood project. We catch up with her onsite at the enormous UC San Diego shake table, a NHERI experimental facility. Ryan, an earthquake engineer at University of Nevada Reno, provides a succinct primer on the Tallwood research project, a 10-story wood building designed to resist earthquake loads.

Curious? More background on NHERI Tallwood: http://nheritallwood.mines.edu/ 

Follow the NHERI Tallwood project with the live video at UCSD: http://nheri.ucsd.edu/video/

Find Professor Keri Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-ryan-29332399/

#NHERITallwood #CLT #Crosslaminatedtimber #massTimber #rockingwalls #naturalhazards #resilience #NSFfunded #earthquakeEngineering #womeninengineering #NSFStories

]]> NHERI Tallwood: A Primer with Keri Ryan DesignSafe Radio 00:11:31 nsfstories, clt, masstimber, naturalhazards, nheritallwood, crosslaminatedtimber, womeninengineering, rockingwalls, resilience, earthquakeengineering false full 132 b7808d42-d50c-48d8-8dd0-c06067edce80 Special Episode: Introducing the NHERI Hackathon! Machine-learning expert Krishna Kumar joins host Dan Zehner to discuss the annual NHERI Hackathon. Kumar details this exciting event, which takes place every year at the Texas Advanced Computing Center. Leveraging DesignSafe data and computational resources, participants have three days to code solutions to natural hazards problems using machine learning. Kumar is an assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering at University of Texas professor.

#naturalhazards #hackathon #machinelearning #AI #engineeringeducation #simulation #modeling #NHERIHackathon

Read more about the annual NHERI Hackathon and DesignSafe Academy: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/designsafe-academy/

Want to learn more about natural hazards simulation and modeling? Visit the NHERI SimCenter, headquartered at UC Berkeley: https://simcenter.designsafe-ci.org/

Follow NHERI DesignSafe!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nheri-designsafe/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nheriDesignSafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturalHazardsEngineeringResearchInfrastructure

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nheridesignsafe/

Twitter: @TACC @NheriGsc @NSF @NheriEco @ERathje @NHE_SimCenter

#NSFStories, #naturalhazards, #NHERIhackathon

]]> Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Machine-learning expert Krishna Kumar joins host Dan Zehner to discuss the annual NHERI Hackathon. Kumar details this exciting event, which takes place every year at the Texas Advanced Computing Center. Leveraging DesignSafe data and computational resources, participants have three days to code solutions to natural hazards problems using machine learning. Kumar is an assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering at University of Texas professor.

#naturalhazards #hackathon #machinelearning #AI #engineeringeducation #simulation #modeling #NHERIHackathon

Read more about the annual NHERI Hackathon and DesignSafe Academy: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/designsafe-academy/

Want to learn more about natural hazards simulation and modeling? Visit the NHERI SimCenter, headquartered at UC Berkeley: https://simcenter.designsafe-ci.org/

Follow NHERI DesignSafe!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nheri-designsafe/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nheriDesignSafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturalHazardsEngineeringResearchInfrastructure

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nheridesignsafe/

Twitter: @TACC @NheriGsc @NSF @NheriEco @ERathje @NHE_SimCenter

#NSFStories, #naturalhazards, #NHERIhackathon

]]> Special Episode: Introducing the NHERI Hackathon! DesignSafe Radio 00:14:24 nsfstories, naturalhazards, nherihackathon false full 131 cb90e44e-2fa4-4196-80b2-a6a7cd72a4b4 Full Interview with Barb Simpson The full interview episode with Stanford-based structural engineer Barbara Simpson — in person at the Oregon State University Wave Laboratory, a NHERI experimental facility.

]]> Tue, 8 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org The full interview episode with Stanford-based structural engineer Barbara Simpson — in person at the Oregon State University Wave Laboratory, a NHERI experimental facility.

]]> Full Interview with Barb Simpson DesignSafe Radio 00:25:23 rolemodeling, naturalhazards, windengineering, womeninengineering, engineeringeducation, waveresearch, structuralengineering false full 130 60269ae0-8c4f-4c08-92b7-1891e4016f08 Women in Engineering - Barb Simpson What’s it like to be a young woman in engineering? Barbara Simpson shares some undergraduate and PhD experiences and talks about the importance of having positive, confidence-building mentors. Now a research engineer at Stanford University, she says, “This is where I was meant to be.” Ultimately, she says, diversity in engineering makes for more ideas, perspective and fun.

Follow Simpson’s blog: https://simpsoba.wordpress.com

And follow her on Instagram: @simpsoba

Twitter: @StanfordEng @HinsdaleOSU, #NSFStories, @NSF, @NheriEco

]]> Tue, 1 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org What’s it like to be a young woman in engineering? Barbara Simpson shares some undergraduate and PhD experiences and talks about the importance of having positive, confidence-building mentors. Now a research engineer at Stanford University, she says, “This is where I was meant to be.” Ultimately, she says, diversity in engineering makes for more ideas, perspective and fun.

Follow Simpson’s blog: https://simpsoba.wordpress.com

And follow her on Instagram: @simpsoba

Twitter: @StanfordEng @HinsdaleOSU, #NSFStories, @NSF, @NheriEco

]]> Women in Engineering - Barb Simpson DesignSafe Radio 00:10:02 rolemodeling, naturalhazards, windengineering, ssi, windturbine, womeninengineering, engineeringeducation, rths, hybridsimulation, structuralengineering false full 129 ff3d3ffd-6078-493e-81c2-1d761f989919 Real Time Hybrid Simulation with Barb Simpson Onsite at the NHERI OSU wave laboratory, Dan Zehner and Barb Simpson talk about “real time hybrid simulation.” This technique joins numeric models with physical experimentation enables engineers to deal with those pesky problems of scale. In a current project, Simpson is studying wind, wave, and soil behavior at play in offshore wind turbines — which in 2016 had average hub-heights of over 330 feet.

#RTHS #hybridsimulation #windturbine #SSI #SFI #womeninengineering #windengineering

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-simpson-9255445b/

Twitter: @StanfordEng @HinsdaleOSU, #NSFStories, @NSF, @NheriEco 

]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Onsite at the NHERI OSU wave laboratory, Dan Zehner and Barb Simpson talk about “real time hybrid simulation.” This technique joins numeric models with physical experimentation enables engineers to deal with those pesky problems of scale. In a current project, Simpson is studying wind, wave, and soil behavior at play in offshore wind turbines — which in 2016 had average hub-heights of over 330 feet.

#RTHS #hybridsimulation #windturbine #SSI #SFI #womeninengineering #windengineering

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-simpson-9255445b/

Twitter: @StanfordEng @HinsdaleOSU, #NSFStories, @NSF, @NheriEco 

]]> Real Time Hybrid Simulation with Barb Simpson DesignSafe Radio 00:06:09 windengineering, sfi, ssi, windturbine, womeninengineering, rths, hybridsimulation false full 128 0e3a7365-0204-4684-826c-1f4b23356f1b Soil-to-Fluid Interactions with Barbara Simpson Today we have an exciting meet-up with Stanford-based structural engineer Barbara Simpson — in person at the Oregon State University Wave Laboratory, a NHERI experimental facility. Simpson’s passionate about building computer programming skills in undergraduate engineers, particularly those in underrepresented groups who may lack such experience. She applies parallel processing in her own investigations in soil-to-fluid interactions in floating offshore wind turbines.

Read more about Simpson’s work training undergraduate engineers in programming:

https://stem.oregonstate.edu/people/barbara-simpson

On her blog, Simpson discusses using computational and experimental methods to solve problems in natural hazards engineering:

https://simpsoba.wordpress.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-simpson-9255445b/

Twitter: @StanfordEng @HinsdaleOSU, #NSFStories, @NSF, @NheriEco

]]> Tue, 4 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today we have an exciting meet-up with Stanford-based structural engineer Barbara Simpson — in person at the Oregon State University Wave Laboratory, a NHERI experimental facility. Simpson’s passionate about building computer programming skills in undergraduate engineers, particularly those in underrepresented groups who may lack such experience. She applies parallel processing in her own investigations in soil-to-fluid interactions in floating offshore wind turbines.

Read more about Simpson’s work training undergraduate engineers in programming:

https://stem.oregonstate.edu/people/barbara-simpson

On her blog, Simpson discusses using computational and experimental methods to solve problems in natural hazards engineering:

https://simpsoba.wordpress.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-simpson-9255445b/

Twitter: @StanfordEng @HinsdaleOSU, #NSFStories, @NSF, @NheriEco

]]> Soil-to-Fluid Interactions with Barbara Simpson DesignSafe Radio 00:08:35 false full 127 83cf980c-a046-4c92-a15a-defe3f46091b Engineering Education with Jeremy Waisome - Full Interview Today we delve into engineering education with Jeremy Waisome, instructional assistant professor at the University of Florida. As well as being an engineer and researcher, Waisome is an eloquent science communicator. She’s dedicated to educating the next generation of engineers — and the public — about vital engineering concepts. Among her many roles, she leads education and outreach efforts at the NHERI University of Florida facility.

Waisome describes a variety of pathways to engineering and why having a diverse workforce is so important. “There’s so much that we underestimate what we do as engineers — and the impact it has on other people’s lives.” she says. At the University of Florida, Waisome trains high school teachers at Title 1 schools to incorporate engineering projects into their classrooms.

We learn the importance of exposing high school and college students to engineering education as a college major. Waisome explains enriching opportunities such as the NHERI Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and the importance of having role models and mentors who come from one’s own community. She also talks about her own podcast: Modern Figures, which features Black women in computing.

]]> Wed, 28 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today we delve into engineering education with Jeremy Waisome, instructional assistant professor at the University of Florida. As well as being an engineer and researcher, Waisome is an eloquent science communicator. She’s dedicated to educating the next generation of engineers — and the public — about vital engineering concepts. Among her many roles, she leads education and outreach efforts at the NHERI University of Florida facility.

Waisome describes a variety of pathways to engineering and why having a diverse workforce is so important. “There’s so much that we underestimate what we do as engineers — and the impact it has on other people’s lives.” she says. At the University of Florida, Waisome trains high school teachers at Title 1 schools to incorporate engineering projects into their classrooms.

We learn the importance of exposing high school and college students to engineering education as a college major. Waisome explains enriching opportunities such as the NHERI Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and the importance of having role models and mentors who come from one’s own community. She also talks about her own podcast: Modern Figures, which features Black women in computing.

]]> Engineering Education with Jeremy Waisome - Full Interview DesignSafe Radio 00:37:24 diversity, diversity engineering, reu, role modeling, engineeringeducation, engineering work force, sciencecommunications false full 126 84419a08-3f1a-4668-b8bf-ce93257f02f6 Engineering Education as a Career Path - Jeremy Waisome In our final episode featuring Jeremy Waisome from

the NHERI University of Florida facility, we learn the importance of exposing high school and

college students to engineering education as a college major. Waisome explains enriching

opportunities such as the NHERI Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and the

importance of having role models and mentors who come from one’s own community. She also

talks about her own podcast: Modern Figures, which features Black women in computing.

 

Catch up with Jeremy Waisome:

Modern Figures podcast

https://modernfigurespodcast.com/

@jeremywaisome on Twitter

LinkedIn: @jwaisome

Outreach at the NHERI at University of Florida experimental facility: https://ufl.designsafe-ci.org/outreach/

]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In our final episode featuring Jeremy Waisome from

the NHERI University of Florida facility, we learn the importance of exposing high school and

college students to engineering education as a college major. Waisome explains enriching

opportunities such as the NHERI Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and the

importance of having role models and mentors who come from one’s own community. She also

talks about her own podcast: Modern Figures, which features Black women in computing.

 

Catch up with Jeremy Waisome:

Modern Figures podcast

https://modernfigurespodcast.com/

@jeremywaisome on Twitter

LinkedIn: @jwaisome

Outreach at the NHERI at University of Florida experimental facility: https://ufl.designsafe-ci.org/outreach/

]]> Engineering Education as a Career Path - Jeremy Waisome DesignSafe Radio 00:12:42 role models, dei, diversity engineering, #reu, engineering education false full 125 9b2b16cb-3b16-44c3-a40d-d05d8e144115 Misconceptions about Engineering - Jeremy Waisome Misconceptions about engineering. Engineering educator Jeremy Waisome describes a variety of pathways to engineering and why having a diverse workforce is so important. “There’s so much that we underestimate what we do as engineers — and the impact it has on other people’s lives.” she says. At the University of Florida, Waisome trains high school teachers at Title 1 schools to incorporate engineering projects into their classrooms.  

#engineeringeducation #diversity #DEI #engineeringworkforce #globalimpact #pathwaystoengineering #title1

Jeremy Waisome at the University of Florida

https://www.essie.ufl.edu/programs/engineering-education/name/jeremy-waisome/

]]> Tue, 6 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Misconceptions about engineering. Engineering educator Jeremy Waisome describes a variety of pathways to engineering and why having a diverse workforce is so important. “There’s so much that we underestimate what we do as engineers — and the impact it has on other people’s lives.” she says. At the University of Florida, Waisome trains high school teachers at Title 1 schools to incorporate engineering projects into their classrooms.  

#engineeringeducation #diversity #DEI #engineeringworkforce #globalimpact #pathwaystoengineering #title1

Jeremy Waisome at the University of Florida

https://www.essie.ufl.edu/programs/engineering-education/name/jeremy-waisome/

]]> Misconceptions about Engineering - Jeremy Waisome DesignSafe Radio 00:10:03 false full 124 34f88de1-8233-4e3e-938d-68050839e5ae Engineering Education with Jeremy Waisome Today we delve into engineering education with Jeremy Waisome, instructional assistant professor at the University of Florida. As well as being an engineer and researcher, Waisome is an eloquent science communicator. She’s dedicated to educating the next generation of engineers — and the public — about vital engineering concepts. Among her many roles, she leads education and outreach efforts at the NHERI University of Florida facility.

#engineeringeducation #sciencecommunications #rolemodeling 

Jeremy Waisome at the University of Florida: https://www.essie.ufl.edu/programs/engineering-education/name/jeremy-waisome/

Jeremy Waisome’s personal website: https://www.jeremywaisome.com/about

LinkedIn: @jwaisome

 

]]> Tue, 23 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today we delve into engineering education with Jeremy Waisome, instructional assistant professor at the University of Florida. As well as being an engineer and researcher, Waisome is an eloquent science communicator. She’s dedicated to educating the next generation of engineers — and the public — about vital engineering concepts. Among her many roles, she leads education and outreach efforts at the NHERI University of Florida facility.

#engineeringeducation #sciencecommunications #rolemodeling 

Jeremy Waisome at the University of Florida: https://www.essie.ufl.edu/programs/engineering-education/name/jeremy-waisome/

Jeremy Waisome’s personal website: https://www.jeremywaisome.com/about

LinkedIn: @jwaisome

 

]]> Engineering Education with Jeremy Waisome DesignSafe Radio 00:08:56 researcher, rolemodeling, science communications, science, engineeringeducation, education, engineering false full 123 6fd913a7-5d08-4d42-b424-3cc3c9bab4e6 NHERI RAPID Director Joe Wartman - Full Interview Tune in for our full interview with NHERI RAPID Director Joe Wartman. After major earthquakes, hurricanes and floods, the RAPID team springs into action with specialized tools for data reconnaissance missions. Wartman discusses the RAPID equipment, key missions — and how engineers use perishable data to make our communities more resilient.

#NSFfunded #naturalhazards #engineering #research 

LinkedIn: @Joseph Wartman

Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID, @NSF 

Facebook: @RAPIDNaturalHazardsRecon

Click here for more information on the RAPID Facility.

]]> Tue, 9 Aug 2022 01:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Tune in for our full interview with NHERI RAPID Director Joe Wartman. After major earthquakes, hurricanes and floods, the RAPID team springs into action with specialized tools for data reconnaissance missions. Wartman discusses the RAPID equipment, key missions — and how engineers use perishable data to make our communities more resilient.

#NSFfunded #naturalhazards #engineering #research 

LinkedIn: @Joseph Wartman

Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID, @NSF 

Facebook: @RAPIDNaturalHazardsRecon

Click here for more information on the RAPID Facility.

]]> NHERI RAPID Director Joe Wartman - Full Interview DesignSafe Radio 00:36:14 naturalhazards, reconnaissance, nsffunded, research, buildingcodes, engineering, extremeevents false full 122 b62c9f24-2b19-47b0-b907-b43351519bb2 Post-disaster Reconnaissance Missions Since operations began in 2018, the NHERI RAPID facility has deployed reconnaissance teams and equipment to more than 80 sites around the world. Director Joe Wartman describes several, including a mission to Florida after Hurricane Michael that helped change building codes and an emergency deployment to Miami after the Surfside Condo collapse in 2021. 

#naturalhazards #reconnaissance #datareuse #buildingcodes #extremeevent #tsunami #wildfire #community #resilience #surfsidecondo #NIST #GEER #StEER

 

Keep current by following the RAPID facility on Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID

Visit the NHERI RAPID website: https://rapid.designsafe-ci.org/

Looking for RAPID data? Visit the NHERI Data Depot: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/

Learn more about NSF-funded research in extreme events:  https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/extreme-events-research/

Meet up with members of the RAPID team at the 2022 AGU fall meeting: https://www.agu.org/fall-meeting 

LinkedIn: @Joseph Wartman

Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID, @NSF 

Facebook: @RAPIDNaturalHazardsRecon

]]> Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Since operations began in 2018, the NHERI RAPID facility has deployed reconnaissance teams and equipment to more than 80 sites around the world. Director Joe Wartman describes several, including a mission to Florida after Hurricane Michael that helped change building codes and an emergency deployment to Miami after the Surfside Condo collapse in 2021. 

#naturalhazards #reconnaissance #datareuse #buildingcodes #extremeevent #tsunami #wildfire #community #resilience #surfsidecondo #NIST #GEER #StEER

 

Keep current by following the RAPID facility on Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID

Visit the NHERI RAPID website: https://rapid.designsafe-ci.org/

Looking for RAPID data? Visit the NHERI Data Depot: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/

Learn more about NSF-funded research in extreme events:  https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/extreme-events-research/

Meet up with members of the RAPID team at the 2022 AGU fall meeting: https://www.agu.org/fall-meeting 

LinkedIn: @Joseph Wartman

Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID, @NSF 

Facebook: @RAPIDNaturalHazardsRecon

]]> Post-disaster Reconnaissance Missions DesignSafe Radio 00:08:17 false full 121 3bf0e94e-0ade-415c-a358-e2e62f8897c8 Post-processing Natural Hazards Reconnaissance Data What happens after a reconnaissance mission using NHERI RAPID tools? In this episode of DesignSafe Radio, RAPID director Joe Wartman discusses the post-processing phase, when collected perishable data gets converted into a form researchers can use. The RAPID team, with its knowledge and experience, smooths the way for research teams — from planning to obtaining practical output. 

https://rapid.designsafe-ci.org/

#NSFfunded #naturalhazards #extremeEvents #fieldresearch #reconnaissance #lidar #RAPP #bathymetry #accelerometers #seismometers #structuralengineering #geotechnical #research

LinkedIn: @Joseph Wartman

Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID, @NSF 

Facebook: @RAPIDNaturalHazardsRecon

]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2022 08:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org What happens after a reconnaissance mission using NHERI RAPID tools? In this episode of DesignSafe Radio, RAPID director Joe Wartman discusses the post-processing phase, when collected perishable data gets converted into a form researchers can use. The RAPID team, with its knowledge and experience, smooths the way for research teams — from planning to obtaining practical output. 

https://rapid.designsafe-ci.org/

#NSFfunded #naturalhazards #extremeEvents #fieldresearch #reconnaissance #lidar #RAPP #bathymetry #accelerometers #seismometers #structuralengineering #geotechnical #research

LinkedIn: @Joseph Wartman

Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID, @NSF 

Facebook: @RAPIDNaturalHazardsRecon

]]> Post-processing Natural Hazards Reconnaissance Data DesignSafe Radio 00:10:17 naturalhazards, extreme events, accelerometers, reconnaissance, nsffunded, geotechnical research, rapp, bathymetry, structural engineering false full 120 9028c410-acb6-41fb-a3aa-505f57191c52 RAPID Toolkit for Natural Hazards Reconnaissance Facility director Joe Wartman details the NHERI RAPID tool kit. Natural hazards reconnaissance teams can deploy the RAPID’s laser scanners, drones, multi-spectrum cameras, listening devices – even a bathymetry boat. With many years of collective field experience, the RAPID team itself provides invaluable technical expertise.

https://rapid.designsafe-ci.org/

#NSFfunded #naturalhazards #extremeEvents #fieldresearch #reconnaissance #lidar #RAPP #bathymetry #accelerometers #seismometers #structuralengineering #geotechnical #research

LinkedIn: @Joseph Wartman

Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID, @NSF 

Facebook: @RAPIDNaturalHazardsRecon

]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Facility director Joe Wartman details the NHERI RAPID tool kit. Natural hazards reconnaissance teams can deploy the RAPID’s laser scanners, drones, multi-spectrum cameras, listening devices – even a bathymetry boat. With many years of collective field experience, the RAPID team itself provides invaluable technical expertise.

https://rapid.designsafe-ci.org/

#NSFfunded #naturalhazards #extremeEvents #fieldresearch #reconnaissance #lidar #RAPP #bathymetry #accelerometers #seismometers #structuralengineering #geotechnical #research

LinkedIn: @Joseph Wartman

Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID, @NSF 

Facebook: @RAPIDNaturalHazardsRecon

]]> RAPID Toolkit for Natural Hazards Reconnaissance DesignSafe Radio 00:07:15 geotechnical, natural hazards, accelerometers, lidar, research, rapp, nsf funded, structural engineering, field research, extremeevents false full 119 f33bab65-3550-43fe-98d4-da3d2fa48cab NHERI RAPID - Joe Wartman Joe Wartman

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Washington 
Principal Investigator, NHERI RAPID facility

Wartman introduces his NSF-funded natural hazards reconnaissance facility, called the NHERI RAPID. He clarifies the term “RAPID” (in all caps), which is a kind of generic term (not an acronym) inherited from the National Science Foundation. The actual name of Wartman’s University of Washington-based group is the “Natural Hazard and Disaster Reconnaissance Facility.” It suggests the speed at which his group responds to extreme events. 

LinkedIn: @Joseph Wartman

Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID, @NSF 

Facebook: @RAPIDNaturalHazardsRecon

]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Joe Wartman

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

University of Washington 
Principal Investigator, NHERI RAPID facility

Wartman introduces his NSF-funded natural hazards reconnaissance facility, called the NHERI RAPID. He clarifies the term “RAPID” (in all caps), which is a kind of generic term (not an acronym) inherited from the National Science Foundation. The actual name of Wartman’s University of Washington-based group is the “Natural Hazard and Disaster Reconnaissance Facility.” It suggests the speed at which his group responds to extreme events. 

LinkedIn: @Joseph Wartman

Twitter: @NHERI_RAPID, @NSF 

Facebook: @RAPIDNaturalHazardsRecon

]]> NHERI RAPID - Joe Wartman DesignSafe Radio 00:09:59 extreme events, transformative research, natural hazards, disaster, geoscience, reconnaissance, social science, engineering false full 118 fd9b7356-3df9-486d-93d7-091d5137a481 Testing Seismic Isolation with Real-time Hybrid Simulation University of Oklahoma earthquake engineer Scott Harvey is developing a base isolation system to protect valuable and sensitive contents inside buildings. He employed the shake table at the NHERI Lehigh University experimental facility to learn how his isolation system behaves under shaking. In his next experiments, Harvey will deploy the magic of real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) to numerically simulate buildings with his physical device -- using NHERI Lehigh’s well-known RTHS capabilities.

Video footage of Harvey’s isolation system on the NHERI Lehigh shake table: https://www.facebook.com/NHERILehighRTMD

Harvey’s NSF base isolation research : https://sites.google.com/view/harveyresearchgroup/research-projects/3d-seismic-isolation?authuser=0

A description of Harvey’s isolation system at NHERI Lehigh: https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/projects/quantifying-seismic-resilience-multi-functional-floor-isolation/

 

This video is supported by NSF grant #2129782: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2129782 

]]> Tue, 7 Jun 2022 16:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org University of Oklahoma earthquake engineer Scott Harvey is developing a base isolation system to protect valuable and sensitive contents inside buildings. He employed the shake table at the NHERI Lehigh University experimental facility to learn how his isolation system behaves under shaking. In his next experiments, Harvey will deploy the magic of real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) to numerically simulate buildings with his physical device -- using NHERI Lehigh’s well-known RTHS capabilities.

Video footage of Harvey’s isolation system on the NHERI Lehigh shake table: https://www.facebook.com/NHERILehighRTMD

Harvey’s NSF base isolation research : https://sites.google.com/view/harveyresearchgroup/research-projects/3d-seismic-isolation?authuser=0

A description of Harvey’s isolation system at NHERI Lehigh: https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/projects/quantifying-seismic-resilience-multi-functional-floor-isolation/

 

This video is supported by NSF grant #2129782: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2129782 

]]> Testing Seismic Isolation with Real-time Hybrid Simulation DesignSafe Radio 00:10:38 scott harvey, lehigh, structural engineer, base isolation system, natural hazards, nheri, nsffunded, floor isolation, designsafe false full 117 a8b86b3f-1866-4480-be7a-14b695bdf7ce Protecting Valuable Equipment from Earthquake Damage- Scott Harvey Protecting valuable equipment from earthquake damage

Rolling base-isolation system keeps objects safe within data centers, hospitals, and museums.

Scott Harvey, earthquake engineer from the University of Oklahoma, is developing a base-isolation system for protecting critical equipment and objects inside buildings: things such as data center computers, power systems, medical equipment -- even artworks. Harvey uses the multidirectional shake table at NHERI Lehigh experimental facility to test his base-isolator designs.

#baseisolation #earthquakeengineering #rollingisolation #NHERILehigh #shaketable #NSFfunded 

Learn more:

Harvey Research Group at the University of Oklahoma

https://sites.google.com/view/HarveyResearchGroup/

Details on Harvey’s base isolation tests at NHERI Lehigh

https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/projects/quantifying-seismic-resilience-multi-functional-floor-isolation/

NHERI Lehigh experimental facility

https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/facility/overview/

]]> Tue, 17 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Protecting valuable equipment from earthquake damage

Rolling base-isolation system keeps objects safe within data centers, hospitals, and museums.

Scott Harvey, earthquake engineer from the University of Oklahoma, is developing a base-isolation system for protecting critical equipment and objects inside buildings: things such as data center computers, power systems, medical equipment -- even artworks. Harvey uses the multidirectional shake table at NHERI Lehigh experimental facility to test his base-isolator designs.

#baseisolation #earthquakeengineering #rollingisolation #NHERILehigh #shaketable #NSFfunded 

Learn more:

Harvey Research Group at the University of Oklahoma

https://sites.google.com/view/HarveyResearchGroup/

Details on Harvey’s base isolation tests at NHERI Lehigh

https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/projects/quantifying-seismic-resilience-multi-functional-floor-isolation/

NHERI Lehigh experimental facility

https://lehigh.designsafe-ci.org/facility/overview/

]]> Protecting Valuable Equipment from Earthquake Damage- Scott Harvey DesignSafe Radio 00:10:01 Protecting valuable equipment from earthquake damage Rolling base-isolation system keeps objects safe within data centers, hospitals, and museums. Protecting valuable equipment from earthquake damage Rolling base-isolation system keeps objects safe within data centers, hospitals, and museums. earthquakes, nsffunded, nherilehigh, base isolation, earthquakeengineering, structural engineering, shaketable, rollingisolation false full 116 e6994ae6-4614-4f3f-ae5a-2afc8e0f7a1e NHERI Graduate Student Coucil - Holly Davies We learn about the NHERI Graduate Student Council from its president Holly Davies. 

GSC members are young researchers studying natural hazards in fields as diverse as engineering, social sciences, computer simulation, urban planning.

Follow the GSC on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NheriGsc

And on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngsc/

Interested in joining NHERI’s Graduate Student Council? Visit the website: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/nheri-graduate-student-council/

Learn more about Holly Davies and the rest of the GSC leadership team: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/nheri-graduate-student-council/explore/leadership/

Register to watch the NHERI Summer Institute online: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/summer-institute/

]]> Tue, 3 May 2022 08:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org We learn about the NHERI Graduate Student Council from its president Holly Davies. 

GSC members are young researchers studying natural hazards in fields as diverse as engineering, social sciences, computer simulation, urban planning.

Follow the GSC on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NheriGsc

And on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngsc/

Interested in joining NHERI’s Graduate Student Council? Visit the website: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/nheri-graduate-student-council/

Learn more about Holly Davies and the rest of the GSC leadership team: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/nheri-graduate-student-council/explore/leadership/

Register to watch the NHERI Summer Institute online: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/summer-institute/

]]> NHERI Graduate Student Coucil - Holly Davies DesignSafe Radio 00:17:10 computer simulation, urban planning, natural hazards, social sciences, nheri, graduate student council, designsafe, engineering false full 115 a8f3640e-42bf-4dc3-9003-f9d0e833494e Brady Cox, University of Texas Mobile Shakers- Full Interview Host Dan Zehner meets up with geotechnical engineer Brady Cox, professor of engineering at Utah State University and co-PI at the NHERI @ University of Texas mobile shaker facility. Cox introduces the UTexas mobile shakers, huge vehicles that simulate a range of ground motions for studying earthquakes. There’s “T-Rex,” perhaps the world’s only shaker capable of generating large dynamic forces in any of three directions — vertical, horizontal in-line, and horizontal cross-line. And the custom-built “Liquidator,” weighing in at 70,000 pounds, which shakes vertically at very low frequencies; its longer waves help researchers look deeper into the ground. 

Cox describes how engineers deploy the NHERI mobile shaker fleet around the world to study ground-based infrastructure like levees, soils that are prone to liquefaction, and civil structures like bridges.

Natural hazards engineers at the University of Texas are using fiber optic cable for subsurface and structural sensing. It’s called distributed acoustic sensing, or DAS, and it is much more efficient than traditional geophones or accelerometers. By sending laser light pulses through fiber optic cables — which are ultra-sensitive to light deflections — researchers can measure ground disturbances for up to 30 meters.

NHERI at UTexas website: https://utexas.designsafe-ci.org/

Short video shows how a shaker truck is used to characterize soil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cGbMggwxog

More about Brady Cox’s research: https://engineering.usu.edu/cee/people/faculty/cox-brady

Subsurface geotechnical imaging, as with levees: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS-qn06pVOw&list=PL2GxvrdFrBlma1A6IMfMasP-RP8ku5s2N&index=1

Testing for liquefiable soils:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cGbMggwxog&list=PL2GxvrdFrBlma1A6IMfMasP-RP8ku5s2N&index=2

Structural health monitoring:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRX-WMumpDQ&list=PL2GxvrdFrBlma1A6IMfMasP-RP8ku5s2N&index=3

NHERI at UTexas recently presented a workshop on DAS technology, including a live demonstration of a levee in Blackhawk, Louisiana.  View the workshop recordings here.

Interested in using NHERI Mobile Shakers in your work, or want to learn more? Contact us! 

]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2022 14:15:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Host Dan Zehner meets up with geotechnical engineer Brady Cox, professor of engineering at Utah State University and co-PI at the NHERI @ University of Texas mobile shaker facility. Cox introduces the UTexas mobile shakers, huge vehicles that simulate a range of ground motions for studying earthquakes. There’s “T-Rex,” perhaps the world’s only shaker capable of generating large dynamic forces in any of three directions — vertical, horizontal in-line, and horizontal cross-line. And the custom-built “Liquidator,” weighing in at 70,000 pounds, which shakes vertically at very low frequencies; its longer waves help researchers look deeper into the ground. 

Cox describes how engineers deploy the NHERI mobile shaker fleet around the world to study ground-based infrastructure like levees, soils that are prone to liquefaction, and civil structures like bridges.

Natural hazards engineers at the University of Texas are using fiber optic cable for subsurface and structural sensing. It’s called distributed acoustic sensing, or DAS, and it is much more efficient than traditional geophones or accelerometers. By sending laser light pulses through fiber optic cables — which are ultra-sensitive to light deflections — researchers can measure ground disturbances for up to 30 meters.

NHERI at UTexas website: https://utexas.designsafe-ci.org/

Short video shows how a shaker truck is used to characterize soil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cGbMggwxog

More about Brady Cox’s research: https://engineering.usu.edu/cee/people/faculty/cox-brady

Subsurface geotechnical imaging, as with levees: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS-qn06pVOw&list=PL2GxvrdFrBlma1A6IMfMasP-RP8ku5s2N&index=1

Testing for liquefiable soils:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cGbMggwxog&list=PL2GxvrdFrBlma1A6IMfMasP-RP8ku5s2N&index=2

Structural health monitoring:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRX-WMumpDQ&list=PL2GxvrdFrBlma1A6IMfMasP-RP8ku5s2N&index=3

NHERI at UTexas recently presented a workshop on DAS technology, including a live demonstration of a levee in Blackhawk, Louisiana.  View the workshop recordings here.

Interested in using NHERI Mobile Shakers in your work, or want to learn more? Contact us! 

]]> Brady Cox, University of Texas Mobile Shakers- Full Interview DesignSafe Radio 00:34:06 Enjoy our full interview with University of Texas Professor Brady Cox! Enjoy our full interview with University of Texas Professor Brady Cox! engineer, university of texas, liquefaction, natural hazards, nheri, distributed acoustic sensing, earthquakes, infrastructure false full 114 89287c51-97cc-49f4-a035-9bd6a4b03e07 Distributed Acoustic Sensing - Brady Cox Natural hazards engineers at the University of Texas are using fiber optic cable for subsurface and structural sensing. It’s called distributed acoustic sensing, or DAS, and it is much more efficient than traditional geophones or accelerometers. By sending laser light pulses through fiber optic cables — which are ultra-sensitive to light deflections — researchers can measure ground disturbances for up to 30 meters. 

Sound interesting? Contact the NSF-funded NHERI network to learn more: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

NHERI at UTexas recently presented a workshop on DAS technology, including a live demonstration of a levee in Blackhawk, Louisiana. View the workshop recordings here. 

]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Natural hazards engineers at the University of Texas are using fiber optic cable for subsurface and structural sensing. It’s called distributed acoustic sensing, or DAS, and it is much more efficient than traditional geophones or accelerometers. By sending laser light pulses through fiber optic cables — which are ultra-sensitive to light deflections — researchers can measure ground disturbances for up to 30 meters. 

Sound interesting? Contact the NSF-funded NHERI network to learn more: nheri.communications@gmail.com.

NHERI at UTexas recently presented a workshop on DAS technology, including a live demonstration of a levee in Blackhawk, Louisiana. View the workshop recordings here. 

]]> Distributed Acoustic Sensing - Brady Cox DesignSafe Radio 00:11:15 false full 113 948c9385-adde-471b-be13-7b88c6316075 Brady Cox, University of Texas Mobile Shaker Facility - Part Two Here is natural hazards research that takes place outside the lab! Professor Brady Cox describes how engineers deploy the NHERI mobile shaker fleet around the world to study ground-based infrastructure like levees, soils that are prone to liquefaction, and civil structures like bridges. 

Watch Brady Cox’s demonstration videos here:

Subsurface geotechnical imaging, as with levees: click here 

Testing for liquefiable soils: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cGbMggwxog&list=PL2GxvrdFrBlma1A6IMfMasP-RP8ku5s2N&index=2

Structural health monitoring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRX-WMumpDQ&list=PL2GxvrdFrBlma1A6IMfMasP-RP8ku5s2N&index=3

Interested in using NHERI Mobile Shakers in your work, or want to learn more? Contact us!

]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Here is natural hazards research that takes place outside the lab! Professor Brady Cox describes how engineers deploy the NHERI mobile shaker fleet around the world to study ground-based infrastructure like levees, soils that are prone to liquefaction, and civil structures like bridges. 

Watch Brady Cox’s demonstration videos here:

Subsurface geotechnical imaging, as with levees: click here 

Testing for liquefiable soils: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cGbMggwxog&list=PL2GxvrdFrBlma1A6IMfMasP-RP8ku5s2N&index=2

Structural health monitoring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRX-WMumpDQ&list=PL2GxvrdFrBlma1A6IMfMasP-RP8ku5s2N&index=3

Interested in using NHERI Mobile Shakers in your work, or want to learn more? Contact us!

]]> Brady Cox, University of Texas Mobile Shaker Facility - Part Two DesignSafe Radio 00:17:23 soil liquefaction, nheri, earthquakes, civil infrastructures, brady cox, ut mobile shakers false full 112 a628c482-724c-4a20-b998-33db9754d6cb Brady Cox, University of Texas Mobile Shaker Facility - Part One On today’s show, we get an intro to the mobile shaker fleet at the NHERI’s University of Texas facility. Host Dan Zehner meets up with geotechnical engineer Brady Cox, professor of engineering at Utah State University and co-PI at the NHERI @ University of Texas mobile shaker facility. Cox introduces the UTexas mobile shakers, huge vehicles that simulate a range of ground motions for studying earthquakes. There’s “T-Rex,” perhaps the world’s only shaker capable of generating large dynamic forces in any of three directions — vertical, horizontal in-line, and horizontal cross-line. And the custom-built “Liquidator,” weighing in at 70,000 pounds, which shakes vertically at very low frequencies; its longer waves help researchers look deeper into the ground. 

NHERI at UTexas website: https://utexas.designsafe-ci.org/

Short video shows how a shaker truck is used to characterize soil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cGbMggwxog

More about Brady Cox’s research: https://engineering.usu.edu/cee/people/faculty/cox-brady

]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today’s show, we get an intro to the mobile shaker fleet at the NHERI’s University of Texas facility. Host Dan Zehner meets up with geotechnical engineer Brady Cox, professor of engineering at Utah State University and co-PI at the NHERI @ University of Texas mobile shaker facility. Cox introduces the UTexas mobile shakers, huge vehicles that simulate a range of ground motions for studying earthquakes. There’s “T-Rex,” perhaps the world’s only shaker capable of generating large dynamic forces in any of three directions — vertical, horizontal in-line, and horizontal cross-line. And the custom-built “Liquidator,” weighing in at 70,000 pounds, which shakes vertically at very low frequencies; its longer waves help researchers look deeper into the ground. 

NHERI at UTexas website: https://utexas.designsafe-ci.org/

Short video shows how a shaker truck is used to characterize soil: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cGbMggwxog

More about Brady Cox’s research: https://engineering.usu.edu/cee/people/faculty/cox-brady

]]> Brady Cox, University of Texas Mobile Shaker Facility - Part One DesignSafe Radio 00:06:56 false full 111 27d691ca-8b7c-437b-b8c1-fff42cc86304 Elaina Sutley - Full Interview Tue, 1 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Elaina Sutley - Full Interview DesignSafe Radio 00:33:06 Enjoy our full interview with Elaina Sutley! Enjoy our full interview with Elaina Sutley! nheri, elaina sutley, manufactured homes, tornado, designsafe, hud, hurricane, asce false full 110 898a9eae-5a24-42e2-95b6-b8250a491932 Applied Research to Improve Manufactured-Home Communities In this episode of DesignSafe Radio, structural engineer Elaina Sutley covers ways that research can tangibly improve resilience of manufactured homes. She discusses local amendments to building codes that cities can implement. Currently, she and her research team are studying mobile home parks and ways to reduce wind damage. She emphasizes that dealing with windstorms is more than a building design problem, since residents in these vulnerable structures are often the most socially vulnerable. We also need systems in place to help people recover from natural disasters.

Elaina Sutley’s research group at University of Kansas, Advancing Disaster Resilience Science on Communities and Housing.Wind damage data collected by Sutley and other natural hazards researchers is available at the DesignSafe Data Depot repository.

]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In this episode of DesignSafe Radio, structural engineer Elaina Sutley covers ways that research can tangibly improve resilience of manufactured homes. She discusses local amendments to building codes that cities can implement. Currently, she and her research team are studying mobile home parks and ways to reduce wind damage. She emphasizes that dealing with windstorms is more than a building design problem, since residents in these vulnerable structures are often the most socially vulnerable. We also need systems in place to help people recover from natural disasters.

Elaina Sutley’s research group at University of Kansas, Advancing Disaster Resilience Science on Communities and Housing.Wind damage data collected by Sutley and other natural hazards researchers is available at the DesignSafe Data Depot repository.

]]> Applied Research to Improve Manufactured-Home Communities DesignSafe Radio 00:12:49 #mobilehomes, hurricanes, design codes, manufactured homes, tornadoes, hud, asce false full 109 b3f1e26d-7da2-4a9d-8cf1-13e4f576fee3 Design Provisions for Manufactured Homes and Using Pre-existing Data Sutley explains differences between manufactured homes and site-built homes and why there is so little crossover in design provisions. She also refutes the primary objection to improving performance manufactured homes: If we improve performance, they won’t be affordable.

Additionally, Sutley describes how researchers can use publicly available data to deepen their wind disaster investigations when alongside damage data gathered onsite.

]]> Tue, 1 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Sutley explains differences between manufactured homes and site-built homes and why there is so little crossover in design provisions. She also refutes the primary objection to improving performance manufactured homes: If we improve performance, they won’t be affordable.

Additionally, Sutley describes how researchers can use publicly available data to deepen their wind disaster investigations when alongside damage data gathered onsite.

]]> Design Provisions for Manufactured Homes and Using Pre-existing Data DesignSafe Radio 00:12:37 manufacturedhomes, hurricanes, design codes, mobilehomes, tornadoes, hud, asce false full 108 8381e37d-e356-4144-a649-16f3a0c562c4 Protecting Mobile Homes from Tornadoes and Hurricanes It’s no secret: tornadoes and hurricanes wreak havoc on manufactured homes. So why don’t we build them stronger? To detail the challenges to improving their performance we have Elaina Sutley, associate professor of structural engineering at the University of Kansas. With an interdisciplinary engineering and social science focus, Sutley examines disparities when it comes to communities recovering from extreme wind hazards.

Although the problem is well-known, change is slow. Sutley details the particular problems and complexities involved in upgrading design provisions for manufactured homes.

 

For more information:

Contact Elaina Sutley 

Engineers Who Engage: Elaina Sutley 

Wind Effects on Elevated Buildings 

]]> Tue, 18 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org It’s no secret: tornadoes and hurricanes wreak havoc on manufactured homes. So why don’t we build them stronger? To detail the challenges to improving their performance we have Elaina Sutley, associate professor of structural engineering at the University of Kansas. With an interdisciplinary engineering and social science focus, Sutley examines disparities when it comes to communities recovering from extreme wind hazards.

Although the problem is well-known, change is slow. Sutley details the particular problems and complexities involved in upgrading design provisions for manufactured homes.

 

For more information:

Contact Elaina Sutley 

Engineers Who Engage: Elaina Sutley 

Wind Effects on Elevated Buildings 

]]> Protecting Mobile Homes from Tornadoes and Hurricanes DesignSafe Radio 00:09:21 designcodes, mobile homes, hurricanes, manufactured homes, tornadoes, hud, asce false full 107 e7cc7c50-f27d-4c45-aa1d-a32ddf38d935 Jason DeJong - Full Interview If you have not been able to catch our most recent episodes with Jason DeJong, listen to this episode for his full interview. Jason DeJong is a professor of engineering at UC Davis and is the head of the Center for Biomediated and Bioinspired Geotechnics (CBBG) team at UC Davis. 

“That proportional scale is amazing. We can simulate real-world systems that we can’t really do any other way.” - Jason DeJong

]]> Thu, 6 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org If you have not been able to catch our most recent episodes with Jason DeJong, listen to this episode for his full interview. Jason DeJong is a professor of engineering at UC Davis and is the head of the Center for Biomediated and Bioinspired Geotechnics (CBBG) team at UC Davis. 

“That proportional scale is amazing. We can simulate real-world systems that we can’t really do any other way.” - Jason DeJong

]]> Jason DeJong - Full Interview DesignSafe Radio 00:38:07 cbbg, natural hazards, nsf, nheri, biomediated, bioinspired, nsf funded, structural engineering, uc davis, biogeotechnics false full 106 3c29e028-b2ae-4305-83c3-bd9cca97d4f6 NHERI at UC Davis: Testbed for bioinspired, biomediated research Snake skin, tree roots, and nitrogen-burping microbes! In our third episode on biogeotechnics, Jason DeJong discusses a few of the wild-sounding research projects that focus on imitating or controlling natural processes — to create safer, and more efficient, infrastructure.

 

Researchers develop ideas the Center for Biomediated and Bioinspired Geotechnics (CBBG), and they can test theirconcepts at places like NHERI at UC Davis and at otherfacilities in the NSF-funded Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI). Both NHERI and CBBG are funded by the National Science Foundation, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to fostering and deploying emerging new designs and technologies in bioengineering.

 

“It’s a nice combination. We have technologies emerging from one group, and we have these established, shared-use national resources provided through NHERI.”

]]> Tue, 4 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Snake skin, tree roots, and nitrogen-burping microbes! In our third episode on biogeotechnics, Jason DeJong discusses a few of the wild-sounding research projects that focus on imitating or controlling natural processes — to create safer, and more efficient, infrastructure.

 

Researchers develop ideas the Center for Biomediated and Bioinspired Geotechnics (CBBG), and they can test theirconcepts at places like NHERI at UC Davis and at otherfacilities in the NSF-funded Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI). Both NHERI and CBBG are funded by the National Science Foundation, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to fostering and deploying emerging new designs and technologies in bioengineering.

 

“It’s a nice combination. We have technologies emerging from one group, and we have these established, shared-use national resources provided through NHERI.”

]]> NHERI at UC Davis: Testbed for bioinspired, biomediated research DesignSafe Radio 00:11:41 naturalhazards, cbbg, nheri, nsffunded, biomediated, bioinspired, engineering false full 105 b0d028a5-30d5-4a5f-b0d3-fc405aefa2f2 Engineering Efficiency with Biogeotechnics In our second episode with natural hazards engineer Jason DeJong, we learn about biogeotechnics — a field that links biology and the natural world with engineering. 

DeJong explains how researchers at NHERI UC Davis have learned to use bacteria to chemically bind sand particles and create high-strength soils — that are resistant to liquefaction. It’s called biomediated ground improvement. A related approach, called biomimicry or bioinspired engineering, seeks to imitate natural designs. For example, engineers at UC Davis study snake skin to design more efficient piles.

“How can we push more towards bio systems that can be that much more efficient.”

 

 

]]> Tue, 21 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In our second episode with natural hazards engineer Jason DeJong, we learn about biogeotechnics — a field that links biology and the natural world with engineering. 

DeJong explains how researchers at NHERI UC Davis have learned to use bacteria to chemically bind sand particles and create high-strength soils — that are resistant to liquefaction. It’s called biomediated ground improvement. A related approach, called biomimicry or bioinspired engineering, seeks to imitate natural designs. For example, engineers at UC Davis study snake skin to design more efficient piles.

“How can we push more towards bio systems that can be that much more efficient.”

 

 

]]> Engineering Efficiency with Biogeotechnics DesignSafe Radio 00:08:38 cementitious, ground improvement, liquefaction, biomediated, bioinspired, earthquakeengineering, biomimicry, biogenetics false full 104 f57d6e80-f9b0-4ae2-b1f0-143ba4adec72 Using Centrifugal Force to Study Natural Hazards On this episode, natural hazards Jason DeJong discusses the experimental centrifuges, including the giant nine-meter centrifuge, at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI facility. DeJong explains how rapidly spinning centrifuges create “hypergravity” — a force up to 200 Gs — to study how structures and soil withstand natural hazards. 

Here’s how it works: researchers place a physical model in the centrifuge bucket and subject it to a high-speed, hypergravity field. Then, using equations, they scale the loading forces proportionate to the model. This crazy, high-speed environment, enables scientists to see and measure the stresses of earthquakes, waves and wind on natural and built environments.

“That proportional scale is amazing. We can simulate real-world systems that we can’t really do any other way.” - Jason DeJong

Jason DeJong  

NHERI UC Davis Centrifuge

]]> Tue, 7 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this episode, natural hazards Jason DeJong discusses the experimental centrifuges, including the giant nine-meter centrifuge, at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI facility. DeJong explains how rapidly spinning centrifuges create “hypergravity” — a force up to 200 Gs — to study how structures and soil withstand natural hazards. 

Here’s how it works: researchers place a physical model in the centrifuge bucket and subject it to a high-speed, hypergravity field. Then, using equations, they scale the loading forces proportionate to the model. This crazy, high-speed environment, enables scientists to see and measure the stresses of earthquakes, waves and wind on natural and built environments.

“That proportional scale is amazing. We can simulate real-world systems that we can’t really do any other way.” - Jason DeJong

Jason DeJong  

NHERI UC Davis Centrifuge

]]> Using Centrifugal Force to Study Natural Hazards DesignSafe Radio 00:10:28 natural hazard mitigation, natural hazards, nsf, nheri, earthquake engineering, jason dejong, nsf funded, centrifuge, uc davis, earthquake research false full 103 ddcb9e5e-4369-4ea3-806b-12299427d324 Ian Robertson Full Interview Don’t miss our full interview with Ian Robertson on today’s episode. We are discussing the NHERI Science Plan, a long-term guide to addressing gaps in natural hazards engineering research. Robertson explains this community-driven document and how it is evolving in the upcoming third edition to incorporate aspects of hazard simulation, modeling tools, and social science integration. 

Download a copy for a fascinating look at the work ahead in natural hazards engineering research. 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/science-plan/

]]> Tue, 23 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Don’t miss our full interview with Ian Robertson on today’s episode. We are discussing the NHERI Science Plan, a long-term guide to addressing gaps in natural hazards engineering research. Robertson explains this community-driven document and how it is evolving in the upcoming third edition to incorporate aspects of hazard simulation, modeling tools, and social science integration. 

Download a copy for a fascinating look at the work ahead in natural hazards engineering research. 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/science-plan/

]]> Ian Robertson Full Interview DesignSafe Radio 00:25:12 wind engineering, extreme events, storm surge engineering, natural hazards, reconaissance, tsunami engineering, earthquake engineering, nsf funded, disaster research, engineering simulation, science plan false full 102 e9d3ce34-6ed0-4a9e-88fe-047613414a0a New Edition of the NHERI Science Plan Ian Robertson discusses the third edition of the Science Plan, a living document for natural hazards to consult as they design their individual research projects. Version three of the NHERI Science Plan incorporates key uses of simulation and modeling tools, social science approaches such as policy and economics, as well as the NSF-funded Extreme Events Reconnaissance teams — who do field research after an earthquake or a hurricane.

Be sure to download a copy for a fascinating look at the work ahead in natural hazards engineering research. https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/science-plan/

 

]]> Tue, 16 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Ian Robertson discusses the third edition of the Science Plan, a living document for natural hazards to consult as they design their individual research projects. Version three of the NHERI Science Plan incorporates key uses of simulation and modeling tools, social science approaches such as policy and economics, as well as the NSF-funded Extreme Events Reconnaissance teams — who do field research after an earthquake or a hurricane.

Be sure to download a copy for a fascinating look at the work ahead in natural hazards engineering research. https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/science-plan/

 

]]> New Edition of the NHERI Science Plan DesignSafe Radio 00:07:14 naturalhazards, extreme events, windengineering, social impact, grand challenges, reconnaissance, tech transfer, nsffunded, multidisciplinary research, earthquakeengineering, disaster research, building codes, engineering simulation, stormsurgeengineering, tsunamiengineering, social science, science plan false full 101 1ff51f65-5f9b-4891-9894-3beb596e0e1c NHERI Science Plan: A Guide to High-Impact Research In this episode, NHERI’s Ian Robertson discusses how natural hazards engineers quantify how well they are addressing the big problems, sometimes called “grand challenges.” For civil engineers, success is often measured by the incorporation of new designs into building codes. Robertson discusses the long-term processes for getting ideas for resilient structures into actual practice. For instance, the NHERI Science Plan highlights high-impact areas for study and provides examples of the kinds of research needed to get into code — and address the grand challenges.

“By incorporating social science in our engineering research, we can be more cognizant of how it is going to impact society.” - Ian Robertson 

Find details and download the NHERI Science Plan:

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/science-plan/

]]> Tue, 2 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In this episode, NHERI’s Ian Robertson discusses how natural hazards engineers quantify how well they are addressing the big problems, sometimes called “grand challenges.” For civil engineers, success is often measured by the incorporation of new designs into building codes. Robertson discusses the long-term processes for getting ideas for resilient structures into actual practice. For instance, the NHERI Science Plan highlights high-impact areas for study and provides examples of the kinds of research needed to get into code — and address the grand challenges.

“By incorporating social science in our engineering research, we can be more cognizant of how it is going to impact society.” - Ian Robertson 

Find details and download the NHERI Science Plan:

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/science-plan/

]]> NHERI Science Plan: A Guide to High-Impact Research DesignSafe Radio 00:08:49 social impact, grand challenges, tech transfer, multidisciplinary research, building codes, social science, science plan false full 100 e2c7bfe1-1f25-4547-8d41-beef92edf159 Ian Robertson Introduces the NHERI Science Plan The NHERI Science Plan is a long-term guide to addressing gaps in natural hazards engineering research. NHERI’s Ian Robertson provides background on this community-driven document, its purpose, history and evolution. He reveals updates that will be included in the upcoming third edition, which will incorporate aspects of hazards simulation and social science integration.

The Science Plan is an excellent heuristic for early-career researchers, who can use it to hone in on high-impact problems.  

Find details and download the NHERI Science Plan:

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/science-plan/

]]> Thu, 7 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org The NHERI Science Plan is a long-term guide to addressing gaps in natural hazards engineering research. NHERI’s Ian Robertson provides background on this community-driven document, its purpose, history and evolution. He reveals updates that will be included in the upcoming third edition, which will incorporate aspects of hazards simulation and social science integration.

The Science Plan is an excellent heuristic for early-career researchers, who can use it to hone in on high-impact problems.  

Find details and download the NHERI Science Plan:

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/science-plan/

]]> Ian Robertson Introduces the NHERI Science Plan DesignSafe Radio 00:09:05 ian robertson, purdue university, nheri, nheri science plan, five year science plan, engineer research false full 99 debc6acf-caa8-4947-9ec1-1e48271df7b1 How YOU Can Get Involved In Extreme Events Research In our third and final episode with Lori Peek of the NHERI CONVERGE facility, we learn how to get involved in extreme events research (EER). Formal education or training is not required. Peek directs listeners to the CONVERGE website for details on the NSF-funded extreme events groups to see which appeal to you. You can join more than one. 

The data collected by EER groups goes toward engineering research, but Peek says that by working with local communities, there are ways to apply damage mitigation lessons directly, from the bottom up.

Lastly, Peek urges anyone interested in disaster research to explore other CONVERGE resources. The CONVERGE modules help train people to conduct field research.

NHERI CONVERGE website: https://converge.colorado.edu/

List of extreme events research groups: https://converge.colorado.edu/research-networks/

NHERI CONVERGE training modules and other resources: https://converge.colorado.edu/resources/

 

]]> Tue, 5 Oct 2021 18:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In our third and final episode with Lori Peek of the NHERI CONVERGE facility, we learn how to get involved in extreme events research (EER). Formal education or training is not required. Peek directs listeners to the CONVERGE website for details on the NSF-funded extreme events groups to see which appeal to you. You can join more than one. 

The data collected by EER groups goes toward engineering research, but Peek says that by working with local communities, there are ways to apply damage mitigation lessons directly, from the bottom up.

Lastly, Peek urges anyone interested in disaster research to explore other CONVERGE resources. The CONVERGE modules help train people to conduct field research.

NHERI CONVERGE website: https://converge.colorado.edu/

List of extreme events research groups: https://converge.colorado.edu/research-networks/

NHERI CONVERGE training modules and other resources: https://converge.colorado.edu/resources/

 

]]> How YOU Can Get Involved In Extreme Events Research DesignSafe Radio 00:11:50 Don't miss our last short episode with Lori Peek! Don't miss our last short episode with Lori Peek! eer, extreme events research, extreme events, engineer education, nheri, colorado university, social studies, converge, engineer research false full 98 1d6d3b9a-9db7-4dfa-a6ad-abe4814b8de1 Extreme Events Reconnaissance Teams In our second episode with Lori Peek of the NHERI CONVERGE facility, Peek discusses the social infrastructure that enables extreme events reconnaissance (EER) teams to work together on NSF-funded natural hazards research. She explains the NHERI Leadership Corps and how this coordinating group unites researchers from different disciplines — from engineers to social scientists to data scientists. She also gives examples of how EER teams differ in their actions and membership. Lastly, Peek describes the shared commitment among EER teams, to gather and share their data publicly on the NHERI DesignSafe cyberinfrastructure — so the full gamut of multidisciplinary natural hazards data is available for the entire research community to build on.

Related Links:

NHERI CONVERGE Facility

University of Colorado Boulder Converge Facility 

Lori Peek, NHERI CONVERGE Principal Investigator 

 

]]> Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In our second episode with Lori Peek of the NHERI CONVERGE facility, Peek discusses the social infrastructure that enables extreme events reconnaissance (EER) teams to work together on NSF-funded natural hazards research. She explains the NHERI Leadership Corps and how this coordinating group unites researchers from different disciplines — from engineers to social scientists to data scientists. She also gives examples of how EER teams differ in their actions and membership. Lastly, Peek describes the shared commitment among EER teams, to gather and share their data publicly on the NHERI DesignSafe cyberinfrastructure — so the full gamut of multidisciplinary natural hazards data is available for the entire research community to build on.

Related Links:

NHERI CONVERGE Facility

University of Colorado Boulder Converge Facility 

Lori Peek, NHERI CONVERGE Principal Investigator 

 

]]> Extreme Events Reconnaissance Teams DesignSafe Radio 00:11:36 extreme events, nheri, designsafe radio, converge, natural hazards research, natura hazards, designsafe, social science, engineering false full 97 eed4b707-fc13-4667-a1ed-a37c3e9d384f NHERI CONVERGE Facility at the University of Colorado Boulder In this episode of DesignSafe Radio, host Dan Zehner interviews Lori Peek, principal investigator for the NHERI CONVERGE facility, based at the University of Colorado Boulder. Peek is also professor of sociology at UC Boulder and director of the Natural Hazards Center at UC Boulder.

Peek explains how, within NHERI, CONVERGE represents the intersection of social science with engineering. For CONVERGE, the focus is on hazards in general, and how they affect populations, and less on specific types of disasters and natural hazards.

CONVERGE represents cross disciplinary work, between engineers and social scientists, and it’s particularly notable with the “Extreme Events Reconnaissance” groups that CONVERGE administers. Peek describes the seven “EERs” supported by NSF that collaborate and communicate under the CONVERGE umbrella:

  • GEER, Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance
  • SSEER, Social Science Extreme Events Research
  • StEER, Structural Extreme Event Reconnaissance
  • NEER, Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance
  • OSEER, Operations and Systems Engineering Extreme Events Research
  • SUMEER, Sustainable Material Management Extreme Events Reconnaissance
  • ISSEER, Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Extreme Events Research

 

Related Links:

NHERI CONVERGE Facility

University of Colorado Boulder Converge Facility 

Lori Peek, NHERI CONVERGE Principal Investigator 

 

]]> Tue, 7 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In this episode of DesignSafe Radio, host Dan Zehner interviews Lori Peek, principal investigator for the NHERI CONVERGE facility, based at the University of Colorado Boulder. Peek is also professor of sociology at UC Boulder and director of the Natural Hazards Center at UC Boulder.

Peek explains how, within NHERI, CONVERGE represents the intersection of social science with engineering. For CONVERGE, the focus is on hazards in general, and how they affect populations, and less on specific types of disasters and natural hazards.

CONVERGE represents cross disciplinary work, between engineers and social scientists, and it’s particularly notable with the “Extreme Events Reconnaissance” groups that CONVERGE administers. Peek describes the seven “EERs” supported by NSF that collaborate and communicate under the CONVERGE umbrella:

  • GEER, Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance
  • SSEER, Social Science Extreme Events Research
  • StEER, Structural Extreme Event Reconnaissance
  • NEER, Nearshore Extreme Event Reconnaissance
  • OSEER, Operations and Systems Engineering Extreme Events Research
  • SUMEER, Sustainable Material Management Extreme Events Reconnaissance
  • ISSEER, Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Extreme Events Research

 

Related Links:

NHERI CONVERGE Facility

University of Colorado Boulder Converge Facility 

Lori Peek, NHERI CONVERGE Principal Investigator 

 

]]> NHERI CONVERGE Facility at the University of Colorado Boulder DesignSafe Radio 00:13:04 false full 96 e8b67da9-8cdf-48fb-bbed-d7aede5ff842 NHERI REU Students - Full Interview This episode is our full interview with NHERI REU students. The students are Adithya Salil Nair from the Ohio State University, Claire Sorensen from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and William Zakka from University of Texas Austin. 

The full interview episode is also available on Youtube!

Related Links:

NHERI REU Summer Program Information

Meet the REU Students

NHERI Simcenter

]]> Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org This episode is our full interview with NHERI REU students. The students are Adithya Salil Nair from the Ohio State University, Claire Sorensen from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and William Zakka from University of Texas Austin. 

The full interview episode is also available on Youtube!

Related Links:

NHERI REU Summer Program Information

Meet the REU Students

NHERI Simcenter

]]> NHERI REU Students - Full Interview DesignSafe Radio 00:32:01 false full 95 7031dcf4-b867-4f48-821e-c3d34b3259c7 What’s Next for SimCenter REU Students In our last episode featuring the 2021 SimCenter REU students, rising seniors Adithya, Claire and Will talk about applying to graduate programs — which will enable them to conduct more research. For each of them, the summer research experience with the NHERI SimCenter has encouraged them to pursue an advanced engineering degree. They discuss specific ways that undergraduates can discover research opportunities and internships, which can give them a leg up when applying to graduate schools.

Related Links:

NHERI REU Summer Program Information

Meet the REU Students

NHERI Simcenter

]]> Tue, 24 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In our last episode featuring the 2021 SimCenter REU students, rising seniors Adithya, Claire and Will talk about applying to graduate programs — which will enable them to conduct more research. For each of them, the summer research experience with the NHERI SimCenter has encouraged them to pursue an advanced engineering degree. They discuss specific ways that undergraduates can discover research opportunities and internships, which can give them a leg up when applying to graduate schools.

Related Links:

NHERI REU Summer Program Information

Meet the REU Students

NHERI Simcenter

]]> What’s Next for SimCenter REU Students DesignSafe Radio 00:09:17 reu, internships, undergraduate education, engineering education false full 94 a9437ddc-4a8f-43c5-b5b1-4a890e7c425c NHERI SimCenter Inspires Future Research Engineers In our second episode featuring REU students studying this summer at the NHERI SimCenter, DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner asks rising seniors Adithya, Claire, and Will about ther career plans. All three discuss ways that their experience working at the SimCenter has reinforced their plans to earn a master's or PhD degree and conduct more research. They agreed that their 10-week experience combined a powerful blend of mentoring in research protocols along with the freedom to investigate genuine engineering problems on their own. The NHERI SimCenter is the network's computational modeling and simulaiton hub based at UC Berkeley. 

 

With encouraging words for the future undergrads applying to the REU program, the students said that prior research experience was not necessary. They were surprised that, despite their inexperience, the SimCenter team treated them like bonafide researchers and expected them to draw their own conclusions. Adithya, who is considering a PhD in engineering, said that the REU program has given him valuable proficiency as a researcher. 

 

Related Links:

NHERI REU Summer Program Information

Meet the REU Students

NHERI Simcenter

]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In our second episode featuring REU students studying this summer at the NHERI SimCenter, DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner asks rising seniors Adithya, Claire, and Will about ther career plans. All three discuss ways that their experience working at the SimCenter has reinforced their plans to earn a master's or PhD degree and conduct more research. They agreed that their 10-week experience combined a powerful blend of mentoring in research protocols along with the freedom to investigate genuine engineering problems on their own. The NHERI SimCenter is the network's computational modeling and simulaiton hub based at UC Berkeley. 

 

With encouraging words for the future undergrads applying to the REU program, the students said that prior research experience was not necessary. They were surprised that, despite their inexperience, the SimCenter team treated them like bonafide researchers and expected them to draw their own conclusions. Adithya, who is considering a PhD in engineering, said that the REU program has given him valuable proficiency as a researcher. 

 

Related Links:

NHERI REU Summer Program Information

Meet the REU Students

NHERI Simcenter

]]> NHERI SimCenter Inspires Future Research Engineers DesignSafe Radio 00:09:15 summer program, simulation, geotechnical engineering, coastal engineering, nheri simcenter, liquefaction, undergraduate engineers, regional simulations, research engineering, engineering, modeling false full 93 3caba838-fa87-4966-a092-3a2ebbda108e Student Research Experiences at NHERI’s SimCenter NHERI’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program provides 10 weeks of hands-on research experience for undergrads from across the country. In this episode, three young engineers describe their experiences working at the NHERI SimCenter, the network’s simulation hub based at UC Berkeley. The students are Adithya Salil Nair from the Ohio State University, Clair Sorensen from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and William Zakka from University of Texas Austin.

Related Links:

NHERI REU Summer Program Information

Meet the REU Students

NHERI Simcenter

]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org NHERI’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program provides 10 weeks of hands-on research experience for undergrads from across the country. In this episode, three young engineers describe their experiences working at the NHERI SimCenter, the network’s simulation hub based at UC Berkeley. The students are Adithya Salil Nair from the Ohio State University, Clair Sorensen from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and William Zakka from University of Texas Austin.

Related Links:

NHERI REU Summer Program Information

Meet the REU Students

NHERI Simcenter

]]> Student Research Experiences at NHERI’s SimCenter DesignSafe Radio 00:13:35 storm surge, simulation, geotechnical engineering, simcenter, ohio state university, soil liquefaction, coastal engineering, reu, liquefaction, nheri, reu summer program, earthquake, ncw, earthquake engineering, centrifuge, uc davis, modeling false full 92 fdfe382f-cb17-400c-9fa8-2e5cd1b2e2c1 Tsunami Debris Flow Experiments at NHERI at Oregon State University In June 2021, tsunami engineer Mike Motley and his University of Washington team conducted more than 400 tsunami debris flow tests in the large wave flume at NHERI at Oregon State University. Armed with this data, Motley is taking a statistical approach to predicting and modeling debris flows on structures. Listen in!

Related Links: 

]]> Thu, 5 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In June 2021, tsunami engineer Mike Motley and his University of Washington team conducted more than 400 tsunami debris flow tests in the large wave flume at NHERI at Oregon State University. Armed with this data, Motley is taking a statistical approach to predicting and modeling debris flows on structures. Listen in!

Related Links: 

]]> Tsunami Debris Flow Experiments at NHERI at Oregon State University DesignSafe Radio 00:37:36 coastal engineering, large wave flume, tsunami debris, cfd, nheri at osu, tsunami engineering, flow modeling, software model coupling, structural loading, mpm, fluid dynamics, large wave flume experiments, damming false full 91 a1c8b700-d373-40c0-a715-30516cc412b6 Student Researchers Make an Impact in NHERI Tsunami Engineering Professor Mike Motley’s research team, Dakota Mascarenas, graduate student, and undergraduate Abbey Serrone, an undergraduate, traveled from University of Washington down to Oregon State to conduct a suite of tsunami-debris experiments in the facility’s large wave flume. The pair offer advice for engineering students who want to do hands-on research. They talk about working with the NHERI at OSU team and what it is like working on a (nearly) all-female research group.

Related Links: 

]]> Tue, 3 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Professor Mike Motley’s research team, Dakota Mascarenas, graduate student, and undergraduate Abbey Serrone, an undergraduate, traveled from University of Washington down to Oregon State to conduct a suite of tsunami-debris experiments in the facility’s large wave flume. The pair offer advice for engineering students who want to do hands-on research. They talk about working with the NHERI at OSU team and what it is like working on a (nearly) all-female research group.

Related Links: 

]]> Student Researchers Make an Impact in NHERI Tsunami Engineering DesignSafe Radio 00:06:29 coastal engineering, large wave flume, university of washington, tsunami engineering, women in engineering, oregon state university, undergraduate research, hands-on research false full 90 648ce2f4-de85-4165-926c-415c618c061f Learning the Complexities of Tsunami Debris-field Behavior Tsunami engineer Mike Motley discusses the data analysis work ahead for his team, which recently completed 410 individual tsunami-debris tests in the NHERI at Oregon State University large wave flume. They are working with thousands of time history plots: things like forces, pressures, velocities wave-heights — that all need to be associated with different debris configurations, accelerometer data (from debris pieces) as well as high-speed video data. They are looking for trends, with the goal of understanding what specific kinds of debris-loading looks like on structures. By identifying randomness with trends relating to mass, they hope to explain loading and damming patterns. Motley also discusses a coupled approach to debris-flow modeling, the next phase of the research. The plan is to join computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and material point method (MPM) models, which will enable the researchers to see how individual pieces of debris behave under specific fluid pressures.

Related Links: 

]]> Tue, 27 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Tsunami engineer Mike Motley discusses the data analysis work ahead for his team, which recently completed 410 individual tsunami-debris tests in the NHERI at Oregon State University large wave flume. They are working with thousands of time history plots: things like forces, pressures, velocities wave-heights — that all need to be associated with different debris configurations, accelerometer data (from debris pieces) as well as high-speed video data. They are looking for trends, with the goal of understanding what specific kinds of debris-loading looks like on structures. By identifying randomness with trends relating to mass, they hope to explain loading and damming patterns. Motley also discusses a coupled approach to debris-flow modeling, the next phase of the research. The plan is to join computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and material point method (MPM) models, which will enable the researchers to see how individual pieces of debris behave under specific fluid pressures.

Related Links: 

]]> Learning the Complexities of Tsunami Debris-field Behavior DesignSafe Radio 00:10:38 tsunami debris, cfd, nheri at osu, software model coupling, structural loading, mpm, fluid dynamics, large wave flume experiments, damming false full 89 15b45b5e-9322-4e74-8280-8deb8f03e7c3 Researching Tsunami Debris Impact on Infrastructures In the next set of episodes on DesignSafe Radio, we talk with tsunami engineer Mike Motley from the University of Washington. In an effort to predict debris loads on structures, he and his team are investigating tsunami debris flows from a statistical perspective. Motley calls it “embracing the chaos.” He is joined by his UW student team, Dakota Mascarenas and Abbey Serrone, and together they describe designing and conducting more than 410 individual experiments in the NHERI at OSU large wave flume.

“We want to provide an approach to tsunami and other fluid-induced debris flows that will address critical needs of the engineering modeling community.” - Mike Motley, John R. Kiely Endowed Associate Professor at the University of Washington

Related Links: 

]]> Tue, 20 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In the next set of episodes on DesignSafe Radio, we talk with tsunami engineer Mike Motley from the University of Washington. In an effort to predict debris loads on structures, he and his team are investigating tsunami debris flows from a statistical perspective. Motley calls it “embracing the chaos.” He is joined by his UW student team, Dakota Mascarenas and Abbey Serrone, and together they describe designing and conducting more than 410 individual experiments in the NHERI at OSU large wave flume.

“We want to provide an approach to tsunami and other fluid-induced debris flows that will address critical needs of the engineering modeling community.” - Mike Motley, John R. Kiely Endowed Associate Professor at the University of Washington

Related Links: 

]]> Researching Tsunami Debris Impact on Infrastructures DesignSafe Radio 00:10:31 large wave flume, tsunami debris, nheri at osu, infrastructure, tsunami, fluid dynamics, tsunami loads false full 88 0a74a3c2-3372-48cb-b18d-3712339eea09 Full Interview with Jennifer Bridge NHERI’s University of Florida wind hazards facility is one of the world’s largest and most diverse suites of experimental infrastructure. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the UF’s boundary layer wind tunnel is located within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory. 

In June and July 2021, the DesignSafe Radio podcast features interviews with NHERI at UF facility director and principal investigator Jennifer Bridge, who details the capabilities UF wind tunnel and the research it makes possible. Please enjoy our full interview with Jennifer Bridge. 

“How are we going to design resilient infrastructure of the future? It’s going to take all of us.”

-Jennifer Bridge

Related links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter. 

DesignSafe Radio highlights ways that NSF-supported research renders infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and storm surge. The podcast is produced by NHERI, the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NSF award CMMI 1612144. Any statements in this material are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> Thu, 15 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org NHERI’s University of Florida wind hazards facility is one of the world’s largest and most diverse suites of experimental infrastructure. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the UF’s boundary layer wind tunnel is located within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory. 

In June and July 2021, the DesignSafe Radio podcast features interviews with NHERI at UF facility director and principal investigator Jennifer Bridge, who details the capabilities UF wind tunnel and the research it makes possible. Please enjoy our full interview with Jennifer Bridge. 

“How are we going to design resilient infrastructure of the future? It’s going to take all of us.”

-Jennifer Bridge

Related links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter. 

DesignSafe Radio highlights ways that NSF-supported research renders infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and storm surge. The podcast is produced by NHERI, the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NSF award CMMI 1612144. Any statements in this material are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> Full Interview with Jennifer Bridge DesignSafe Radio 00:38:25 Full interview with Jennifer Bridge, principal investigator of NHERI University of Florida. Bridge explains the NHERI research facility, the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel and its newest addition, the Flow Field Modulator. Full interview with Jennifer Bridge, principal investigator of NHERI University of Florida. Bridge explains the NHERI research facility, the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel and its newest addition, the Flow Field Modulator. false full 87 2ad192c6-43c4-4920-bfc7-653d27a9ff70 Combining Research from the Flow Field Modulator with the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel NHERI’s University of Florida wind hazards facility is one of the world’s largest and most diverse suites of experimental infrastructure. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the UF’s boundary layer wind tunnel is located within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory. 

In June and July 2021, the DesignSafe Radio podcast features interviews with NHERI at UF facility director and principal investigator Jennifer Bridge, who details the capabilities UF wind tunnel and the research it makes possible. 

In this episode, Bridge discusses more research possibilities with the flow field modulator (FFM). As well as revealing effects of transient wind events on structures, it allows researchers to combine BLWT terrain-condition measurements with the FFM. So you could, for example, insert a structural model in realistic terrain and discover its performance during downbursts. Also, the FFM enables researchers to test larger models in the urban setting, called the urban canopy layer. Lastly, Bridge discusses the difference between NHERI’s two complementary wind-research laboratories. The UF facility enables fine-tuning of models, and the Wall of Wind at Florida International University enables full-scale testing. Bridge notes the importance of collaborations between facilities and funding agencies — for designing more a more resilient civil infrastructure.

“How are we going to design resilient infrastructure of the future? It’s going to take all of us.”

-Jennifer Bridge

Related links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter. 

DesignSafe Radio highlights ways that NSF-supported research renders infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and storm surge. The podcast is produced by NHERI, the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NSF award CMMI 1612144. Any statements in this material are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> Tue, 13 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org NHERI’s University of Florida wind hazards facility is one of the world’s largest and most diverse suites of experimental infrastructure. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the UF’s boundary layer wind tunnel is located within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory. 

In June and July 2021, the DesignSafe Radio podcast features interviews with NHERI at UF facility director and principal investigator Jennifer Bridge, who details the capabilities UF wind tunnel and the research it makes possible. 

In this episode, Bridge discusses more research possibilities with the flow field modulator (FFM). As well as revealing effects of transient wind events on structures, it allows researchers to combine BLWT terrain-condition measurements with the FFM. So you could, for example, insert a structural model in realistic terrain and discover its performance during downbursts. Also, the FFM enables researchers to test larger models in the urban setting, called the urban canopy layer. Lastly, Bridge discusses the difference between NHERI’s two complementary wind-research laboratories. The UF facility enables fine-tuning of models, and the Wall of Wind at Florida International University enables full-scale testing. Bridge notes the importance of collaborations between facilities and funding agencies — for designing more a more resilient civil infrastructure.

“How are we going to design resilient infrastructure of the future? It’s going to take all of us.”

-Jennifer Bridge

Related links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter. 

DesignSafe Radio highlights ways that NSF-supported research renders infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and storm surge. The podcast is produced by NHERI, the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NSF award CMMI 1612144. Any statements in this material are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> Combining Research from the Flow Field Modulator with the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel DesignSafe Radio 00:06:33 In this episode, Bridge discusses more research possibilities with the flow field modulator (FFM). As well as revealing effects of transient wind events on structures, it allows researchers to combine BLWT terrain-condition measurements with the FFM. So you could, for example, insert a structural model in realistic terrain and discover its performance during downbursts. Also, the FFM enables researchers to test larger models in the urban setting, called the urban canopy layer. Lastly, Bridge discusses the difference between NHERI’s two complementary wind-research laboratories. The UF facility enables fine-tuning of models, and the Wall of Wind at Florida International University enables full-scale testing. Bridge notes the importance of collaborations between facilities and funding agencies — for designing more a more resilient civil infrastructure. In this episode, Bridge discusses more research possibilities with the flow field modulator (FFM). As well as revealing effects of transient wind events on structures, it allows researchers to combine BLWT terrain-condition measurements with the FFM. So you could, for example, insert a structural model in realistic terrain and discover its performance during downbursts. Also, the FFM enables researchers to test larger models in the urban setting, called the urban canopy layer. Lastly, Bridge discusses the difference between NHERI’s two complementary wind-research laboratories. The UF facility enables fine-tuning of models, and the Wall of Wind at Florida International University enables full-scale testing. Bridge notes the importance of collaborations between facilities and funding agencies — for designing more a more resilient civil infrastructure. flow field modulator, terrain, winds, wind research, forrest masters, university of florida, wind tunnel, nheri, boundary layer, ffm, jennifer bridge, blwt, downburst, cicil infrastructure, wind engineers false full 86 9cd07b32-37f0-45a1-885e-c1183f26f5f0 Flow Field Modulator Enhancing Wind Engineering Research NHERI’s University of Florida wind hazards facility is one of the world’s largest and most diverse suites of experimental infrastructure. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the UF’s boundary layer wind tunnel is located within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory. 

In June and July 2021, the DesignSafe Radio podcast features interviews with NHERI at UF facility director and principal investigator Jennifer Bridge, who details the capabilities UF wind tunnel and the research it makes possible. 

Professor Jennifer Bridge describes the flow field modulator, a new piece of equipment at the facility that greatly enhances the capabilities of the BLWT. The FFM is a bank of 319 very fast, individually controlled fans that can simulate transient events like wind gusts, downbursts, and thunderstorm winds. It can also replay wind events (called time histories) with data collected in the field, for example by the UF’s “storm chaser” team and its mobile weather towers. The facility is unique in its scale. Bridge explains how the FFM opens up wind engineering research to many new questions, with many new possibilities for discovering how different wind profiles affect structures. Click here for a view of the flow field modulator (FFM).

“What’s unique about our facility is the scale, these 319 fans, but it’s really the degrees of freedom that we have. There are just endless possibilities with what we can do, because of the number of fans, because of their flexibility and responsiveness. There’s just alot that we can do in this facility now that we weren’t able to do before.”

-Jennifer Bridge

Related links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter. 

DesignSafe Radio highlights ways that NSF-supported research renders infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and storm surge. The podcast is produced by NHERI, the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NSF award CMMI 1612144. Any statements in this material are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> Tue, 6 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org NHERI’s University of Florida wind hazards facility is one of the world’s largest and most diverse suites of experimental infrastructure. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the UF’s boundary layer wind tunnel is located within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory. 

In June and July 2021, the DesignSafe Radio podcast features interviews with NHERI at UF facility director and principal investigator Jennifer Bridge, who details the capabilities UF wind tunnel and the research it makes possible. 

Professor Jennifer Bridge describes the flow field modulator, a new piece of equipment at the facility that greatly enhances the capabilities of the BLWT. The FFM is a bank of 319 very fast, individually controlled fans that can simulate transient events like wind gusts, downbursts, and thunderstorm winds. It can also replay wind events (called time histories) with data collected in the field, for example by the UF’s “storm chaser” team and its mobile weather towers. The facility is unique in its scale. Bridge explains how the FFM opens up wind engineering research to many new questions, with many new possibilities for discovering how different wind profiles affect structures. Click here for a view of the flow field modulator (FFM).

“What’s unique about our facility is the scale, these 319 fans, but it’s really the degrees of freedom that we have. There are just endless possibilities with what we can do, because of the number of fans, because of their flexibility and responsiveness. There’s just alot that we can do in this facility now that we weren’t able to do before.”

-Jennifer Bridge

Related links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter. 

DesignSafe Radio highlights ways that NSF-supported research renders infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and storm surge. The podcast is produced by NHERI, the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NSF award CMMI 1612144. Any statements in this material are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> Flow Field Modulator Enhancing Wind Engineering Research DesignSafe Radio 00:09:32 Professor Jennifer Bridge describes the flow field modulator, a new piece of equipment at the facility that greatly enhances the capabilities of the BLWT. The FFM is a bank of 319 very fast, individually controlled fans that can simulate transient events like wind gusts, downbursts, and thunderstorm winds. It can also replay wind events (called time histories) with data collected in the field, for example by the UF’s “storm chaser” team and its mobile weather towers. The facility is unique in its scale. Bridge explains how the FFM opens up wind engineering research to many new questions, with many new possibilities for discovering how different wind profiles affect structures. Professor Jennifer Bridge describes the flow field modulator, a new piece of equipment at the facility that greatly enhances the capabilities of the BLWT. The FFM is a bank of 319 very fast, individually controlled fans that can simulate transient events like wind gusts, downbursts, and thunderstorm winds. It can also replay wind events (called time histories) with data collected in the field, for example by the UF’s “storm chaser” team and its mobile weather towers. The facility is unique in its scale. Bridge explains how the FFM opens up wind engineering research to many new questions, with many new possibilities for discovering how different wind profiles affect structures. flow field modulator, hurricane winds, wind engineering, thunderstorn, forrest masters, university of florida, wind tunnel, natural hazards, hurricanes, nheri, downburst winds, jennifer bridge, weather, storm chaser, blwt, engineering false full 85 50078ab1-6589-4aba-a508-ebfe87de1f75 The Impact of Research Using the NHERI Wind Tunnel NHERI’s University of Florida wind hazards facility is one of the world’s largest and most diverse suites of experimental infrastructure. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the UF’s boundary layer wind tunnel is located within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory. 

In June and July 2021, the DesignSafe Radio podcast features interviews with NHERI at UF facility director and principal investigator Jennifer Bridge, who details the capabilities UF wind tunnel and the research it makes possible. 

In this episode, NHERI at UF principal investigator Jennifer Bridge gives examples of the types of projects the facility enables. She describes wind-tunnel tests funded by FEMA, NIST and NSF that examined wind behavior on topographical models after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, many of which had direct impact on building codes. The facility is useful for researchers studying tornadic loads on residential structures — which are greatly affected by terrain conditions in wind storms. Bridge also describes a novel and super-efficient type of experiment called cyberphysical wind tunnel testing. These sophisticated tests allow for dynamic adjustments of the structure under consideration — in real time. Bridge says cyberphysical testing is the future of structural design.

Related links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter. 

DesignSafe Radio highlights ways that NSF-supported research renders infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and storm surge. The podcast is produced by NHERI, the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NSF award CMMI 1612144. Any statements in this material are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> Tue, 29 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org NHERI’s University of Florida wind hazards facility is one of the world’s largest and most diverse suites of experimental infrastructure. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the UF’s boundary layer wind tunnel is located within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory. 

In June and July 2021, the DesignSafe Radio podcast features interviews with NHERI at UF facility director and principal investigator Jennifer Bridge, who details the capabilities UF wind tunnel and the research it makes possible. 

In this episode, NHERI at UF principal investigator Jennifer Bridge gives examples of the types of projects the facility enables. She describes wind-tunnel tests funded by FEMA, NIST and NSF that examined wind behavior on topographical models after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, many of which had direct impact on building codes. The facility is useful for researchers studying tornadic loads on residential structures — which are greatly affected by terrain conditions in wind storms. Bridge also describes a novel and super-efficient type of experiment called cyberphysical wind tunnel testing. These sophisticated tests allow for dynamic adjustments of the structure under consideration — in real time. Bridge says cyberphysical testing is the future of structural design.

Related links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter. 

DesignSafe Radio highlights ways that NSF-supported research renders infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and storm surge. The podcast is produced by NHERI, the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NSF award CMMI 1612144. Any statements in this material are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> The Impact of Research Using the NHERI Wind Tunnel DesignSafe Radio 00:09:05 In this episode, NHERI at UF principal investigator Jennifer Bridge gives examples of the types of projects the facility enables. She describes wind-tunnel tests funded by FEMA, NIST and NSF that examined wind behavior on topographical models after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, many of which had direct impact on building codes. The facility is useful for researchers studying tornadic loads on residential structures — which are greatly affected by terrain conditions in wind storms. Bridge also describes a novel and super-efficient type of experiment called cyberphysical wind tunnel testing. These sophisticated tests allow for dynamic adjustments of the structure under consideration — in real time. Bridge says cyberphysical testing is the future of structural design. In this episode, NHERI at UF principal investigator Jennifer Bridge gives examples of the types of projects the facility enables. She describes wind-tunnel tests funded by FEMA, NIST and NSF that examined wind behavior on topographical models after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, many of which had direct impact on building codes. The facility is useful for researchers studying tornadic loads on residential structures — which are greatly affected by terrain conditions in wind storms. Bridge also describes a novel and super-efficient type of experiment called cyberphysical wind tunnel testing. These sophisticated tests allow for dynamic adjustments of the structure under consideration — in real time. Bridge says cyberphysical testing is the future of structural design. terrain, wind engineering, nist, forrest masters, cyberphysical wind tunnel testing, university of florida, fema, wind tunnel, natural hazards, nsf, nheri, research, tornado, building codes false full 84 51d98f49-de4b-4757-924c-34abbdfff70f Simulating Wind Loads on Various Terrains with the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel NHERI’s University of Florida wind hazards facility is one of the world’s largest and most diverse suites of experimental infrastructure. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the UF’s boundary layer wind tunnel is located within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory. 

In June and July 2021, the DesignSafe Radio podcast features interviews with NHERI at UF facility director and principal investigator Jennifer Bridge, who details the capabilities UF wind tunnel and the research it makes possible. 

The UF facility is a boundary layer wind tunnel, a large-scale instrument that wind engineers use for examining that space on the earth’s surface where the wind interacts with the built environment. As Bridge explains: “We simulate wind loads that structures are going to see.” Inside the wind tunnel, researchers use an automated tool called a “terraformer,” which creates model terrain conditions for subjecting to synoptic (large-scale, relatively uniform) wind loads. Bridge explains the importance of understanding the complex interactions of wind and structural geometry, including how different terrains can affect wind.

Related links:

“We’re able to model different types of terrain conditions. We can do everything from the marine all the way through even urban terrain conditions. You’re going to get different wind profiles for different terrain conditions.” -Jennifer Bridge

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter. 

DesignSafe Radio highlights ways that NSF-supported research renders infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and storm surge. The podcast is produced by NHERI, the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NSF award CMMI 1612144. Any statements in this material are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> Tue, 22 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org NHERI’s University of Florida wind hazards facility is one of the world’s largest and most diverse suites of experimental infrastructure. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the UF’s boundary layer wind tunnel is located within the Powell Family Structures and Materials Laboratory. 

In June and July 2021, the DesignSafe Radio podcast features interviews with NHERI at UF facility director and principal investigator Jennifer Bridge, who details the capabilities UF wind tunnel and the research it makes possible. 

The UF facility is a boundary layer wind tunnel, a large-scale instrument that wind engineers use for examining that space on the earth’s surface where the wind interacts with the built environment. As Bridge explains: “We simulate wind loads that structures are going to see.” Inside the wind tunnel, researchers use an automated tool called a “terraformer,” which creates model terrain conditions for subjecting to synoptic (large-scale, relatively uniform) wind loads. Bridge explains the importance of understanding the complex interactions of wind and structural geometry, including how different terrains can affect wind.

Related links:

“We’re able to model different types of terrain conditions. We can do everything from the marine all the way through even urban terrain conditions. You’re going to get different wind profiles for different terrain conditions.” -Jennifer Bridge

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter. 

DesignSafe Radio highlights ways that NSF-supported research renders infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards like earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and storm surge. The podcast is produced by NHERI, the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure, NSF award CMMI 1612144. Any statements in this material are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> Simulating Wind Loads on Various Terrains with the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel DesignSafe Radio 00:09:23 wind engineering, forrest masters, university of florida, wind tunnel, nheri, boundary layer, jennifer bridge, boundary layer wind tunnel, wind false full 83 1f9237e9-d0ca-4728-ab8f-6ea86846b845 Koorosh Lotzifadeh Full Interview on LHPOST6 The NHERI UC San Diego Experimental Facility is home to the large, high-performance shake table called “LHPOST.” Earthquake engineers use this huge outdoor facility at the UCSD Englekirk Structural Engineering Center to test the seismic behavior of full-scale structures. In the summer of 2021, LHPOST is in the final stages of a $16.3M upgrade that will enable its platen base to move with six degrees of freedom, simulating the full, three-dimensional range of earthquake ground motions: up and down, left and right, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw. In June 2021, DesignSafe Radio features Koorosh Lotfizadeh, PhD, operations manager at the UC San Diego facility. 

In this episode, Lotfizadeh discusses the evolution and the research capabilities of LHPOST6. This is the full interview episode with Koorosh Lotfizadeh. 

Related Links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Thu, 17 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org The NHERI UC San Diego Experimental Facility is home to the large, high-performance shake table called “LHPOST.” Earthquake engineers use this huge outdoor facility at the UCSD Englekirk Structural Engineering Center to test the seismic behavior of full-scale structures. In the summer of 2021, LHPOST is in the final stages of a $16.3M upgrade that will enable its platen base to move with six degrees of freedom, simulating the full, three-dimensional range of earthquake ground motions: up and down, left and right, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw. In June 2021, DesignSafe Radio features Koorosh Lotfizadeh, PhD, operations manager at the UC San Diego facility. 

In this episode, Lotfizadeh discusses the evolution and the research capabilities of LHPOST6. This is the full interview episode with Koorosh Lotfizadeh. 

Related Links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Koorosh Lotzifadeh Full Interview on LHPOST6 DesignSafe Radio 00:33:58 In this episode, Lotfizadeh discusses the evolution and the research capabilities of LHPOST6. This is the full interview episode with Koorosh Lotfizadeh. In this episode, Lotfizadeh discusses the evolution and the research capabilities of LHPOST6. This is the full interview episode with Koorosh Lotfizadeh. seismic testing, engelkirk center, uc san diego, shiling pei, lhpost6, earthquake, earthquake engineering, shake table, ucsd, seismic resilience, koorosh lotzifadeh, joel conte, tallwood false full 82 68904c70-2e7c-47a5-a4c7-826162d4a29c Calling Researchers for Payload Projects The NHERI UC San Diego Experimental Facility is home to the large, high-performance shake table called “LHPOST.” Earthquake engineers use this huge outdoor facility at the UCSD Englekirk Structural Engineering Center to test the seismic behavior of full-scale structures. In the summer of 2021, LHPOST is in the final stages of a $16.3M upgrade that will enable its platen base to move with six degrees of freedom, simulating the full, three-dimensional range of earthquake ground motions: up and down, left and right, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw. In June 2021, DesignSafe Radio features Koorosh Lotfizadeh, PhD, operations manager at the UC San Diego facility. In three episodes, Lotfizadeh discusses the evolution and the research capabilities of LHPOST6.

In this episode, Lotfizadeh discusses the upcoming Tallwood project, the first to run on LHPOST6. This multi-faceted NSF-funded project is investigating the seismic behavior of tall wooden structures. On the shake table base, the research team will construct a full-scale,10-story, cross-laminated-timber building with a rocking wall. Lotfizadeh explains the purpose of non-structural payload projects, which are still available to arrange through principal investigator Shiling Pei, professor of engineering at the Colorado School of Mines.

Related Links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Tue, 15 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org The NHERI UC San Diego Experimental Facility is home to the large, high-performance shake table called “LHPOST.” Earthquake engineers use this huge outdoor facility at the UCSD Englekirk Structural Engineering Center to test the seismic behavior of full-scale structures. In the summer of 2021, LHPOST is in the final stages of a $16.3M upgrade that will enable its platen base to move with six degrees of freedom, simulating the full, three-dimensional range of earthquake ground motions: up and down, left and right, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw. In June 2021, DesignSafe Radio features Koorosh Lotfizadeh, PhD, operations manager at the UC San Diego facility. In three episodes, Lotfizadeh discusses the evolution and the research capabilities of LHPOST6.

In this episode, Lotfizadeh discusses the upcoming Tallwood project, the first to run on LHPOST6. This multi-faceted NSF-funded project is investigating the seismic behavior of tall wooden structures. On the shake table base, the research team will construct a full-scale,10-story, cross-laminated-timber building with a rocking wall. Lotfizadeh explains the purpose of non-structural payload projects, which are still available to arrange through principal investigator Shiling Pei, professor of engineering at the Colorado School of Mines.

Related Links:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Calling Researchers for Payload Projects DesignSafe Radio 00:06:48 In this episode, Lotfizadeh discusses the upcoming Tallwood project, the first to run on LHPOST6. This multi-faceted NSF-funded project is investigating the seismic behavior of tall wooden structures. On the shake table base, the research team will construct a full-scale,10-story, cross-laminated-timber building with a rocking wall. Lotfizadeh explains the purpose of non-structural payload projects, which are still available to arrange through principal investigator Shiling Pei, professor of engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. In this episode, Lotfizadeh discusses the upcoming Tallwood project, the first to run on LHPOST6. This multi-faceted NSF-funded project is investigating the seismic behavior of tall wooden structures. On the shake table base, the research team will construct a full-scale,10-story, cross-laminated-timber building with a rocking wall. Lotfizadeh explains the purpose of non-structural payload projects, which are still available to arrange through principal investigator Shiling Pei, professor of engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. sixdegreesoffreedom, seismic testing, payload projects, engelkirk center, tallwood project, uc san diego, shiling pei, lhpost6, upgrade, earthquake, earthquake engineering, shake table, seismic resilience, joel conte, tallwood false full 81 0c4cb214-c0ae-4bca-96cf-c102bcf5a34c The NHERI Shake Table UPGRADE The NHERI UC San Diego Experimental Facility is home to the large, high-performance shake table called “LHPOST.” Earthquake engineers use this huge outdoor facility at the UCSD Englekirk Structural Engineering Center to test the seismic behavior of full-scale structures. In the summer of 2021, LHPOST is in the final stages of a $16.3M upgrade that will enable its platen base to move with six degrees of freedom, simulating the full, three-dimensional range of earthquake ground motions: up and down, left and right, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw. In June 2021, DesignSafe Radio features Koorosh Lotfizadeh, PhD, operations manager at the UC San Diego facility. In three episodes, Lotfizadeh discusses the evolution and the research capabilities of LHPOST6.

UCSD’s Koorosh Lotfizadeh explains the shake table upgrade, which will enable itto shake structures with six degrees of freedom.The newly named LHPOST6 can simulate subtle ground rotations, for example, which will provide new insights on inter-story drift, top-story displacements and the behavior of internal building components. Also, the new ability to test vertical motions will enable researchers to see “punching” action by building columns. Learn how the facility staff can help researchers plan funding proposals and testing protocols.

Related Links:

 

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Tue, 8 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org The NHERI UC San Diego Experimental Facility is home to the large, high-performance shake table called “LHPOST.” Earthquake engineers use this huge outdoor facility at the UCSD Englekirk Structural Engineering Center to test the seismic behavior of full-scale structures. In the summer of 2021, LHPOST is in the final stages of a $16.3M upgrade that will enable its platen base to move with six degrees of freedom, simulating the full, three-dimensional range of earthquake ground motions: up and down, left and right, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw. In June 2021, DesignSafe Radio features Koorosh Lotfizadeh, PhD, operations manager at the UC San Diego facility. In three episodes, Lotfizadeh discusses the evolution and the research capabilities of LHPOST6.

UCSD’s Koorosh Lotfizadeh explains the shake table upgrade, which will enable itto shake structures with six degrees of freedom.The newly named LHPOST6 can simulate subtle ground rotations, for example, which will provide new insights on inter-story drift, top-story displacements and the behavior of internal building components. Also, the new ability to test vertical motions will enable researchers to see “punching” action by building columns. Learn how the facility staff can help researchers plan funding proposals and testing protocols.

Related Links:

 

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> The NHERI Shake Table UPGRADE DesignSafe Radio 00:08:07 UCSD’s Koorosh Lotfizadeh explains the shake table upgrade, which will enable itto shake structures with six degrees of freedom.The newly named LHPOST6 can simulate subtle ground rotations, for example, which will provide new insights on inter-story drift, top-story displacements and the behavior of internal building components. Also, the new ability to test vertical motions will enable researchers to see “punching” action by building columns. Learn how the facility staff can help researchers plan funding proposals and testing protocols. UCSD’s Koorosh Lotfizadeh explains the shake table upgrade, which will enable itto shake structures with six degrees of freedom.The newly named LHPOST6 can simulate subtle ground rotations, for example, which will provide new insights on inter-story drift, top-story displacements and the behavior of internal building components. Also, the new ability to test vertical motions will enable researchers to see “punching” action by building columns. Learn how the facility staff can help researchers plan funding proposals and testing protocols. seismic testing, engelkirk center, tallwood project, uc san diego, nheri, shiling pei, lhpost6, earthquake engineering, experiment, shake table, seismic resilience, reseearch false full 80 0bdade13-5f5a-44ac-8842-50dd4e45e659 The NHERI Shake Table at UC of San Diego The NHERI UC San Diego Experimental Facility is home to the large, high-performance shake table called “LHPOST.” Earthquake engineers use this huge outdoor facility at the UCSD Englekirk Structural Engineering Center to test the seismic behavior of full-scale structures. In the summer of 2021, LHPOST is in the final stages of a $16.3M upgrade that will enable its platen base to move with six degrees of freedom, simulating the full, three-dimensional range of earthquake ground motions: up and down, left and right, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw. In June 2021, DesignSafe Radio features Koorosh Lotfizadeh, PhD, operations manager at the UC San Diego facility. In three episodes, Lotfizadeh discusses the evolution and the research capabilities of LHPOST6.

Koorosh Lotfizadeh introduces LHPOST, the nation’s largest shake table. He describes its components, its sophisticated machinery, and the advantages of an outdoor shake table—including the ability to use drones and GPS monitoring and to conduct fire tests. Lotfizadeh explains LHPOSTS testing capabilities, which include LiDAR, soil boxes, and hybrid simulation, and he describes the broad range of full-scale specimens that can be constructed and tested on the shake table.

Related Links:

 

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> Tue, 1 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org The NHERI UC San Diego Experimental Facility is home to the large, high-performance shake table called “LHPOST.” Earthquake engineers use this huge outdoor facility at the UCSD Englekirk Structural Engineering Center to test the seismic behavior of full-scale structures. In the summer of 2021, LHPOST is in the final stages of a $16.3M upgrade that will enable its platen base to move with six degrees of freedom, simulating the full, three-dimensional range of earthquake ground motions: up and down, left and right, as well as pitch, roll, and yaw. In June 2021, DesignSafe Radio features Koorosh Lotfizadeh, PhD, operations manager at the UC San Diego facility. In three episodes, Lotfizadeh discusses the evolution and the research capabilities of LHPOST6.

Koorosh Lotfizadeh introduces LHPOST, the nation’s largest shake table. He describes its components, its sophisticated machinery, and the advantages of an outdoor shake table—including the ability to use drones and GPS monitoring and to conduct fire tests. Lotfizadeh explains LHPOSTS testing capabilities, which include LiDAR, soil boxes, and hybrid simulation, and he describes the broad range of full-scale specimens that can be constructed and tested on the shake table.

Related Links:

 

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> The NHERI Shake Table at UC of San Diego DesignSafe Radio 00:09:59 Koorosh Lotfizadeh introduces LHPOST, the nation’s largest shake table. He describes its components, its sophisticated machinery, and the advantages of an outdoor shake table—including the ability to use drones and GPS monitoring and to conduct fire tests. Lotfizadeh explains LHPOSTS testing capabilities, which include LiDAR, soil boxes, and hybrid simulation, and he describes the broad range of full-scale specimens that can be constructed and tested on the shake table. Koorosh Lotfizadeh introduces LHPOST, the nation’s largest shake table. He describes its components, its sophisticated machinery, and the advantages of an outdoor shake table—including the ability to use drones and GPS monitoring and to conduct fire tests. Lotfizadeh explains LHPOSTS testing capabilities, which include LiDAR, soil boxes, and hybrid simulation, and he describes the broad range of full-scale specimens that can be constructed and tested on the shake table. seismic testing, tallwood project, natural hazards, uc san diego, shiling pei, earthquakes, lhpost6, ngelkirk center, earthquake engineering, shake table, seismic resilience, joel conté false full 79 28598310-334b-44c1-9e4d-8ba310d7992c Full Interview with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein On this episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein, SimCenter educator and research associate professor of engineering at the University of Washington. Mackenzie-Helnwein and Frank McKenna, chief technology officer at the SimCenter, lead the popular SimCenter bootcamps. The courses teach programming techniques to natural hazards engineers—techniques such as automating data analysis and performing simulations.Accurate and detailed natural hazards simulations are crucial data for governments to make informed decisions about the security of their city or state.

Please enjoy the full interview with NHERI SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein. Check out the following links below for more information on the NHERI SimCenter and how you can subscribe to DesignSafe Radio for future episodes. 

“What we really tried to do is to create the sense of community, to create the sense of collaboration while learning because that seems to keep people engaged.”

- Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein

 

Links for more information on the NHERI SimCenter:

Connect with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook & Twitter.

]]> Thu, 27 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein, SimCenter educator and research associate professor of engineering at the University of Washington. Mackenzie-Helnwein and Frank McKenna, chief technology officer at the SimCenter, lead the popular SimCenter bootcamps. The courses teach programming techniques to natural hazards engineers—techniques such as automating data analysis and performing simulations.Accurate and detailed natural hazards simulations are crucial data for governments to make informed decisions about the security of their city or state.

Please enjoy the full interview with NHERI SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein. Check out the following links below for more information on the NHERI SimCenter and how you can subscribe to DesignSafe Radio for future episodes. 

“What we really tried to do is to create the sense of community, to create the sense of collaboration while learning because that seems to keep people engaged.”

- Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein

 

Links for more information on the NHERI SimCenter:

Connect with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook & Twitter.

]]> Full Interview with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein DesignSafe Radio 00:41:14 The full interview with NHERI SimCenter's Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein The full interview with NHERI SimCenter's Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein naturalhazards, simcenter, future, impact, hurricanes, data, googleearth, nheri, winddamage, summer, research, simulations, mitigate, dataanalysis, bootcamp, engineers false full 78 332b36c6-8073-4a4a-a0a4-e384a1ea193f The Future of Hazard Simulations is Here On this episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein, SimCenter educator and research associate professor of engineering at the University of Washington. Mackenzie Helnwein and Frank McKenna, chief technology officer at the SimCenter, lead the popular SimCenter bootcamps. The courses teach programming techniques to natural hazards engineers—techniques such as automating data analysis and performing simulations.Accurate and detailed natural hazards simulations are crucial data for governments to make informed decisions about the security of their city or state.

The SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein details ways engineers equipped with programming knowledge can simulate earthquake and wind damage—in specific areas, down to the street and building level. He explains how hazard simulations enable policy makers to make informed decisions, using the Seattle waterfront viaduct as an example.

"We tried to get these simulations to a speed where we could say 'we have possibly twenty four hours until the event' and by predicting where are the most difficult zones, where are high damage areas, immediately deploy supplies there, but do it a little bit smarter. Think of Hurricane Katrina, instead of reacting, to become proactive."

- Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein

Links for more information on the NHERI SimCenter:

Connect with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook & Twitter.

]]> Tue, 25 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein, SimCenter educator and research associate professor of engineering at the University of Washington. Mackenzie Helnwein and Frank McKenna, chief technology officer at the SimCenter, lead the popular SimCenter bootcamps. The courses teach programming techniques to natural hazards engineers—techniques such as automating data analysis and performing simulations.Accurate and detailed natural hazards simulations are crucial data for governments to make informed decisions about the security of their city or state.

The SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein details ways engineers equipped with programming knowledge can simulate earthquake and wind damage—in specific areas, down to the street and building level. He explains how hazard simulations enable policy makers to make informed decisions, using the Seattle waterfront viaduct as an example.

"We tried to get these simulations to a speed where we could say 'we have possibly twenty four hours until the event' and by predicting where are the most difficult zones, where are high damage areas, immediately deploy supplies there, but do it a little bit smarter. Think of Hurricane Katrina, instead of reacting, to become proactive."

- Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein

Links for more information on the NHERI SimCenter:

Connect with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook & Twitter.

]]> The Future of Hazard Simulations is Here DesignSafe Radio 00:13:58 The SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein details ways engineers equipped with programming knowledge can simulate earthquake and wind damage—in specific areas, down to the street and building level. He explains how hazard simulations enable policy makers to make informed decisions, using the Seattle waterfront viaduct as an example. The SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein details ways engineers equipped with programming knowledge can simulate earthquake and wind damage—in specific areas, down to the street and building level. He explains how hazard simulations enable policy makers to make informed decisions, using the Seattle waterfront viaduct as an example. naturalhazards, naturalhazardsresearch, simcenter, future, hurricanes, googleearth, nheri, hazardsimulations, winddamage, bootcamps, research, simulations, mitigate, supercomputers, designsafe, podcastnews, engineers false full 77 3f3457c2-0323-4096-b7cf-4b7082482c65 Programming Skills & Natural Hazards Research On this episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein, SimCenter educator and research associate professor of engineering at the University of Washington. Mackenzie Helnwein and Frank McKenna, chief technology officer at the SimCenter, lead the popular SimCenter bootcamps. The courses teach programming techniques to natural hazards engineers—techniques such as automating data analysis and performing simulations.Accurate and detailed natural hazards simulations are crucial data for governments to make informed decisions about the security of their city or state.

The SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein discusses the type of programming skills modern natural hazards engineers need, and how these skills differ from typical computer science skills.He also explains the importance of “community” when it comes to solving natural hazards engineering problems.

“I think this worked out so well. It made a difference that I haven't seen in any real classroom environment... and I think it created community.”

- Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein

Links for more information on the NHERI SimCenter:

Connect with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook & Twitter.

]]> Tue, 18 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein, SimCenter educator and research associate professor of engineering at the University of Washington. Mackenzie Helnwein and Frank McKenna, chief technology officer at the SimCenter, lead the popular SimCenter bootcamps. The courses teach programming techniques to natural hazards engineers—techniques such as automating data analysis and performing simulations.Accurate and detailed natural hazards simulations are crucial data for governments to make informed decisions about the security of their city or state.

The SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein discusses the type of programming skills modern natural hazards engineers need, and how these skills differ from typical computer science skills.He also explains the importance of “community” when it comes to solving natural hazards engineering problems.

“I think this worked out so well. It made a difference that I haven't seen in any real classroom environment... and I think it created community.”

- Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein

Links for more information on the NHERI SimCenter:

Connect with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook & Twitter.

]]> Programming Skills & Natural Hazards Research DesignSafe Radio 00:10:10 The SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein discusses the type of programming skills modern natural hazards engineers need, and how these skills differ from typical computer science skills.He also explains the importance of “community” when it comes to solving natural hazards engineering problems. The SimCenter’s Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein discusses the type of programming skills modern natural hazards engineers need, and how these skills differ from typical computer science skills.He also explains the importance of “community” when it comes to solving natural hazards engineering problems. naturalhazards, simulation, covid19, simcenter, university, instructors, university of washington, computer, tool, research, covid, supercomputers, bootcamp, engineering false full 76 e245e9b7-40ed-43ad-945a-c5d3316e51e3 The SimCenter Bootcamp During COVID-19 On this episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein, SimCenter educator and research associate professor of engineering at the University of Washington. Mackenzie Helnwein and Frank McKenna, chief technology officer at the SimCenter, lead the popular SimCenter bootcamps. The courses teach programming techniques to natural hazards engineers—techniques such as automating data analysis and performing simulations.Accurate and detailed natural hazards simulations are crucial data for governments to make informed decisions about the security of their city or state.

The NHERI SimCenter has run summer programming bootcamps at its UC Berkeley headquarters for several years. During COVID-19, however, the team was forced to modify its teaching model. Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein discusses the changes —and how the online mode actually improved the learning experience. 

 

“We were able to do things together online that would not have been possible in person.”

- Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein

 

Links for more information on the NHERI SimCenter:

 

Connect with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook & Twitter.

]]> Tue, 11 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein, SimCenter educator and research associate professor of engineering at the University of Washington. Mackenzie Helnwein and Frank McKenna, chief technology officer at the SimCenter, lead the popular SimCenter bootcamps. The courses teach programming techniques to natural hazards engineers—techniques such as automating data analysis and performing simulations.Accurate and detailed natural hazards simulations are crucial data for governments to make informed decisions about the security of their city or state.

The NHERI SimCenter has run summer programming bootcamps at its UC Berkeley headquarters for several years. During COVID-19, however, the team was forced to modify its teaching model. Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein discusses the changes —and how the online mode actually improved the learning experience. 

 

“We were able to do things together online that would not have been possible in person.”

- Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein

 

Links for more information on the NHERI SimCenter:

 

Connect with Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein:

Listen to the podcast on the DesignSafe Radio website, or subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. 

Interested in natural hazards research? Follow DesignSafe Radio on Facebook & Twitter.

]]> The SimCenter Bootcamp During COVID-19 DesignSafe Radio 00:07:15 The NHERI SimCenter has run summer programming bootcamps at its UC Berkeley headquarters for several years. During COVID-19, however, the team was forced to modify its teaching model. Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein discusses the changes —and how the online mode actually improved the learning experience. The NHERI SimCenter has run summer programming bootcamps at its UC Berkeley headquarters for several years. During COVID-19, however, the team was forced to modify its teaching model. Peter Mackenzie-Helnwein discusses the changes —and how the online mode actually improved the learning experience. simcenter, computer programming, natural hazards, tacc, computer, summer, simulations, supercomputers, bootcamp, data analysis, engineers false full 75 9a1164f9-b618-4be3-9ec9-1453b66316b6 Storm Surge with Clint Dawson- Full Interview On today’s episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with a professor at the University of Texas at Austin that has 25 years of experience with coastal engineering and storm surge research, Clint Dawson. 

Storm surge is the flooding induced by the winds from a hurricane. Dawson explains his extensive research on storm surges, how it impacts communities and infrastructures, and how the software ADCIRC is utilized in storm surge research. 

 

Check out the following links for more information:

DesignSafe, ADCIRC Provides Storm Surge Simulators for Natural Hazards Community:

https://research.utexas.edu/showcase/articles/view/designsafe-adcirc-provides-storm-surge-simulators-for-natural-hazards-community/

CERA – Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment: https://cera.coastalrisk.live/

Information on ADCIRC Software: http://adcirc.org/

Texas Advanced Computing Center: https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/

Clint Dawson Information: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2018/june/nheri-hurricane-wind-storm-surge-experts-available/

https://www.oden.utexas.edu/people/36/

]]> Thu, 6 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today’s episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with a professor at the University of Texas at Austin that has 25 years of experience with coastal engineering and storm surge research, Clint Dawson. 

Storm surge is the flooding induced by the winds from a hurricane. Dawson explains his extensive research on storm surges, how it impacts communities and infrastructures, and how the software ADCIRC is utilized in storm surge research. 

 

Check out the following links for more information:

DesignSafe, ADCIRC Provides Storm Surge Simulators for Natural Hazards Community:

https://research.utexas.edu/showcase/articles/view/designsafe-adcirc-provides-storm-surge-simulators-for-natural-hazards-community/

CERA – Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment: https://cera.coastalrisk.live/

Information on ADCIRC Software: http://adcirc.org/

Texas Advanced Computing Center: https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/

Clint Dawson Information: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2018/june/nheri-hurricane-wind-storm-surge-experts-available/

https://www.oden.utexas.edu/people/36/

]]> Storm Surge with Clint Dawson- Full Interview DesignSafe Radio 00:42:39 storm, naturalhazards, utexas, podcast, tacc, hurricanes, adcirc, stormsurge, simulations, community, flooding, supercomputers, designsafe, cera false full 74 a9a96118-5725-4481-96c4-7192397179fd Storm Surge Simulations On today’s episode of DesignSafeRadio, we speak with Clint Dawson, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin that has 25 years of experience with coastal engineering and storm surge research. 

In this short episode, Dawson discusses assessing model predictions and learning from hindcasting. 

 

Check out the following links for more information:

DesignSafe, ADCIRC Provides Storm Surge Simulators for Natural Hazards Community:

https://research.utexas.edu/showcase/articles/view/designsafe-adcirc-provides-storm-surge-simulators-for-natural-hazards-community/

CERA – Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment: https://cera.coastalrisk.live/

Information on ADCIRC Software: http://adcirc.org/

Texas Advanced Computing Center: https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/

Clint Dawson Information: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2018/june/nheri-hurricane-wind-storm-surge-experts-available/

https://www.oden.utexas.edu/people/36/

]]> Tue, 4 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today’s episode of DesignSafeRadio, we speak with Clint Dawson, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin that has 25 years of experience with coastal engineering and storm surge research. 

In this short episode, Dawson discusses assessing model predictions and learning from hindcasting. 

 

Check out the following links for more information:

DesignSafe, ADCIRC Provides Storm Surge Simulators for Natural Hazards Community:

https://research.utexas.edu/showcase/articles/view/designsafe-adcirc-provides-storm-surge-simulators-for-natural-hazards-community/

CERA – Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment: https://cera.coastalrisk.live/

Information on ADCIRC Software: http://adcirc.org/

Texas Advanced Computing Center: https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/

Clint Dawson Information: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2018/june/nheri-hurricane-wind-storm-surge-experts-available/

https://www.oden.utexas.edu/people/36/

]]> Storm Surge Simulations DesignSafe Radio 00:07:01 false full 73 a611a6e4-f679-4921-a176-d3dcde5febf1 Preparing Your Community for Storm Surge Damage On today’s episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Clint Dawson, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin that has 25 years of experience with coastal engineering and storm surge research. 

In this short episode, Dawson  discusses types of damage caused by storm surge and ways to protect infrastructure & coastlines.  

 

Check out the following links for more information:

DesignSafe, ADCIRC Provides Storm Surge Simulators for Natural Hazards Community:

https://research.utexas.edu/showcase/articles/view/designsafe-adcirc-provides-storm-surge-simulators-for-natural-hazards-community/

 

CERA – Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment: https://cera.coastalrisk.live/

 

Information on ADCIRC Software: http://adcirc.org/

 

Texas Advanced Computing Center: https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/

 

Clint Dawson Information: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2018/june/nheri-hurricane-wind-storm-surge-experts-available/

https://www.oden.utexas.edu/people/36/

]]> Tue, 27 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today’s episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Clint Dawson, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin that has 25 years of experience with coastal engineering and storm surge research. 

In this short episode, Dawson  discusses types of damage caused by storm surge and ways to protect infrastructure & coastlines.  

 

Check out the following links for more information:

DesignSafe, ADCIRC Provides Storm Surge Simulators for Natural Hazards Community:

https://research.utexas.edu/showcase/articles/view/designsafe-adcirc-provides-storm-surge-simulators-for-natural-hazards-community/

 

CERA – Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment: https://cera.coastalrisk.live/

 

Information on ADCIRC Software: http://adcirc.org/

 

Texas Advanced Computing Center: https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/

 

Clint Dawson Information: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2018/june/nheri-hurricane-wind-storm-surge-experts-available/

https://www.oden.utexas.edu/people/36/

]]> Preparing Your Community for Storm Surge Damage DesignSafe Radio 00:10:41 Types of damage caused by storm surge and ways to protect infrastructure and coastlines. Types of damage caused by storm surge and ways to protect infrastructure and coastlines. naturalhazards, coastlines, coastalengineers, tacc, hurricanes, nheri, adcirc, austin, waves, stormsurge, mitigate, ut austin, supercomputers, designsafe, storms, dawson, wind, coastal false full 72 c3db21d7-d52e-4780-8607-b05d7ddc2c99 Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment (CERA) On today’s episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Clint Dawson, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin that has 25 years of experience with coastal engineering and storm surge research. 

In this short episode, Dawson the benefits of the LSU CERA website and explains how the strength of a hurricane affects storm surge impact. The LSU CERA website is provided in the shownotes below! 

 

Check out the following links for more information:

DesignSafe, ADCIRC Provides Storm Surge Simulators for Natural Hazards Community: https://research.utexas.edu/showcase/articles/view/designsafe-adcirc-provides-storm-surge-simulators-for-natural-hazards-community/

CERA – Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment: https://cera.coastalrisk.live/

Information on ADCIRC Software: http://adcirc.org/

Texas Advanced Computing Center: https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/

Clint Dawson Information: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2018/june/nheri-hurricane-wind-storm-surge-experts-available/

https://www.oden.utexas.edu/people/36/

]]> Tue, 20 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today’s episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Clint Dawson, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin that has 25 years of experience with coastal engineering and storm surge research. 

In this short episode, Dawson the benefits of the LSU CERA website and explains how the strength of a hurricane affects storm surge impact. The LSU CERA website is provided in the shownotes below! 

 

Check out the following links for more information:

DesignSafe, ADCIRC Provides Storm Surge Simulators for Natural Hazards Community: https://research.utexas.edu/showcase/articles/view/designsafe-adcirc-provides-storm-surge-simulators-for-natural-hazards-community/

CERA – Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment: https://cera.coastalrisk.live/

Information on ADCIRC Software: http://adcirc.org/

Texas Advanced Computing Center: https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/

Clint Dawson Information: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2018/june/nheri-hurricane-wind-storm-surge-experts-available/

https://www.oden.utexas.edu/people/36/

]]> Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment (CERA) DesignSafe Radio 00:10:40 storm, naturalhazards, tacc, adcirc, stormsurge, flooding, supercomputers, coastalengineering, cera, hurricane false full 71 56fd0be1-f01d-474c-81fb-c3a336c189cf Storm Surge & ADCIRC On today’s episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Clint Dawson, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin that has 25 years of experience with coastal engineering and storm surge research. 

In this short episode, Dawson explains the process of storm surge, the simulations performed using TACC computers, how the research data is published using the NHERI DesignSafe workbench, and the utilization of the software ADCIRC in storm surge research. 

 

Check out the following links for more information: 

DesignSafe, ADCIRC Provides Storm Surge Simulators for Natural Hazards Community: https://research.utexas.edu/showcase/articles/view/designsafe-adcirc-provides-storm-surge-simulators-for-natural-hazards-community/

CERA – Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment: https://cera.coastalrisk.live/

Information on ADCIRC Software: http://adcirc.org/

Texas Advanced Computing Center: https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/

 

Clint Dawson Information: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2018/june/nheri-hurricane-wind-storm-surge-experts-available/

https://www.oden.utexas.edu/people/36/

]]> Tue, 13 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today’s episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Clint Dawson, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin that has 25 years of experience with coastal engineering and storm surge research. 

In this short episode, Dawson explains the process of storm surge, the simulations performed using TACC computers, how the research data is published using the NHERI DesignSafe workbench, and the utilization of the software ADCIRC in storm surge research. 

 

Check out the following links for more information: 

DesignSafe, ADCIRC Provides Storm Surge Simulators for Natural Hazards Community: https://research.utexas.edu/showcase/articles/view/designsafe-adcirc-provides-storm-surge-simulators-for-natural-hazards-community/

CERA – Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment: https://cera.coastalrisk.live/

Information on ADCIRC Software: http://adcirc.org/

Texas Advanced Computing Center: https://www.tacc.utexas.edu/

 

Clint Dawson Information: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2018/june/nheri-hurricane-wind-storm-surge-experts-available/

https://www.oden.utexas.edu/people/36/

]]> Storm Surge & ADCIRC DesignSafe Radio 00:11:45 tacccomputers, tacc, stormsurgeresearch, hurricanes, nheri, adcirc, austin, clintdawson, universityoftexasaustin, research, stormsurge, universityoftexas, supercomputers, designsafe, coastalengineering, storms, researchdata, adcircsoftware, adcircswan, coastal false full 70 8c04c3eb-38c1-409e-8da1-3d5b56431aa6 Erik Salna & the NHERI Wall of Wind On today's episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with meteorologist Erik Salna, the associate director of education and outreach for the Florida International University Extreme Events Institute and the International Hurricane Research Center. Salna introduces us to the Wall of Wind, a gigantic, 12-fan wind tunnel located at FIU — where it’s affectionately known as the “WOW.” The Wall of Wind is one of NHERI’s eleven research components funded by NSF. 

The Wall of Wind can replicate hurricane winds as high as 157 mph and can spray water to imitate hurricane rainfall.  Which means wind researchers can perform tests on structures with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds.  Scientists use the WOW to understand the effects high winds have on civil infrastructures and what can be done to improve construction to withstand damaging winds. 

 

- Tips to prepare your family & home for a hurricane: 

https://www.weather.gov/people/salna-erik#:~:text=Erik%20Salna%20is%20a%20meteorologist,of%20hurricanes%2C%20tornadoes%20and%20flooding. 

https://dem.fiu.edu/emergencies/hurricanes/before/

 

- Articles on Erik Salna & his research:

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/february/salna-inducted-meteorologist-hall-fame/

https://mods.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BIO_SALNA_12-17-20.pdf

 

- NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University:

https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

Inside Look at the Wall of Wind: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2019/december/fiu-wall-wind-featured-news/

See the WOW in action: https://newsarchives.fiu.edu/2016/07/imax-films-hurricane-force-winds-at-wall-of-wind

Wall of Wind Informational Booklet PDF: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/media/cms_page_media/359/NHERI%20WOW%20EF%20Informational%20Booklet.pdf

 

Social Media Accounts for FIU Extreme Events Institute:

Twitter handle- @FIUExtremeEvent 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FIUExtremeEventsInstitute/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website:

https://eei.fiu.edu/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website & Equation Link :

https://eei.fiu.edu/

https://eei.fiu.edu/equation/the-equation/

 

FIU International Hurricane Research Center:

http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/

 

Check out this article on How Disaster-proofing your home can lower insurance costs :

https://grow.acorns.com/disaster-proof-your-home/

 

]]> Tue, 6 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today's episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with meteorologist Erik Salna, the associate director of education and outreach for the Florida International University Extreme Events Institute and the International Hurricane Research Center. Salna introduces us to the Wall of Wind, a gigantic, 12-fan wind tunnel located at FIU — where it’s affectionately known as the “WOW.” The Wall of Wind is one of NHERI’s eleven research components funded by NSF. 

The Wall of Wind can replicate hurricane winds as high as 157 mph and can spray water to imitate hurricane rainfall.  Which means wind researchers can perform tests on structures with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds.  Scientists use the WOW to understand the effects high winds have on civil infrastructures and what can be done to improve construction to withstand damaging winds. 

 

- Tips to prepare your family & home for a hurricane: 

https://www.weather.gov/people/salna-erik#:~:text=Erik%20Salna%20is%20a%20meteorologist,of%20hurricanes%2C%20tornadoes%20and%20flooding. 

https://dem.fiu.edu/emergencies/hurricanes/before/

 

- Articles on Erik Salna & his research:

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/february/salna-inducted-meteorologist-hall-fame/

https://mods.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BIO_SALNA_12-17-20.pdf

 

- NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University:

https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

Inside Look at the Wall of Wind: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2019/december/fiu-wall-wind-featured-news/

See the WOW in action: https://newsarchives.fiu.edu/2016/07/imax-films-hurricane-force-winds-at-wall-of-wind

Wall of Wind Informational Booklet PDF: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/media/cms_page_media/359/NHERI%20WOW%20EF%20Informational%20Booklet.pdf

 

Social Media Accounts for FIU Extreme Events Institute:

Twitter handle- @FIUExtremeEvent 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FIUExtremeEventsInstitute/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website:

https://eei.fiu.edu/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website & Equation Link :

https://eei.fiu.edu/

https://eei.fiu.edu/equation/the-equation/

 

FIU International Hurricane Research Center:

http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/

 

Check out this article on How Disaster-proofing your home can lower insurance costs :

https://grow.acorns.com/disaster-proof-your-home/

 

]]> Erik Salna & the NHERI Wall of Wind DesignSafe Radio 00:34:35 mitigation, hurricane laura, evacuation, fiu extreme events institute, international hurricane research center, wind damage, nsf, mitigation plan, hurricanes, nheri, wind speeds, downburst winds, 2020 hurricane season, design-safe, meteorologist, wow, water intrusion, infrastructures, designsafe, wind, hurricane, wall of wind, fiu false full 69 6296e5fc-292a-485f-927a-0b77dc452fea Let's Talk About the 2020 Hurricane Season On today's episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with meteorologist Erik Salna, the associate director for the Florida International University Extreme Events Institute and the International Hurricane Research Center. Salna chats with us about the 2020 hurricane season, how researchers can continue to learn from this hurricane season,and the importance of evacuation orders. 

The NHERI Wall of Wind at FIU has been used utilized to research the impact of hurricane winds on communities. It can replicate hurricane winds as high as 157 mph and can spray water to imitate hurricane rainfall.  Which means wind researchers can perform tests on structures with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds. 

 

Check out the full episode when it is released on April 6, 2021.

 

Preparing for a hurricane:

https://dem.fiu.edu/emergencies/hurricanes/before/

 

Articles on Erik Salna & his research: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/february/salna-inducted-meteorologist-hall-fame/

https://mods.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BIO_SALNA_12-17-20.pdf

 

NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University:

https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

Inside Look at the Wall of Wind: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2019/december/fiu-wall-wind-featured-news/

See the WOW in action: https://newsarchives.fiu.edu/2016/07/imax-films-hurricane-force-winds-at-wall-of-wind

Wall of Wind Informational Booklet PDF: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/media/cms_page_media/359/NHERI%20WOW%20EF%20Informational%20Booklet.pdf

 

Social Media Accounts for FIU Extreme Events Institute:

Twitter handle- @FIUExtremeEvent 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FIUExtremeEventsInstitute/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website & Equation Link :

https://eei.fiu.edu/

https://eei.fiu.edu/equation/the-equation/

 

FIU International Hurricane Research Center:

http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/

 

Check out this article on How Disaster-proofing your home can lower insurance costs :

https://grow.acorns.com/disaster-proof-your-home/

]]> Tue, 30 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today's episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with meteorologist Erik Salna, the associate director for the Florida International University Extreme Events Institute and the International Hurricane Research Center. Salna chats with us about the 2020 hurricane season, how researchers can continue to learn from this hurricane season,and the importance of evacuation orders. 

The NHERI Wall of Wind at FIU has been used utilized to research the impact of hurricane winds on communities. It can replicate hurricane winds as high as 157 mph and can spray water to imitate hurricane rainfall.  Which means wind researchers can perform tests on structures with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds. 

 

Check out the full episode when it is released on April 6, 2021.

 

Preparing for a hurricane:

https://dem.fiu.edu/emergencies/hurricanes/before/

 

Articles on Erik Salna & his research: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/february/salna-inducted-meteorologist-hall-fame/

https://mods.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BIO_SALNA_12-17-20.pdf

 

NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University:

https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

Inside Look at the Wall of Wind: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2019/december/fiu-wall-wind-featured-news/

See the WOW in action: https://newsarchives.fiu.edu/2016/07/imax-films-hurricane-force-winds-at-wall-of-wind

Wall of Wind Informational Booklet PDF: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/media/cms_page_media/359/NHERI%20WOW%20EF%20Informational%20Booklet.pdf

 

Social Media Accounts for FIU Extreme Events Institute:

Twitter handle- @FIUExtremeEvent 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FIUExtremeEventsInstitute/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website & Equation Link :

https://eei.fiu.edu/

https://eei.fiu.edu/equation/the-equation/

 

FIU International Hurricane Research Center:

http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/

 

Check out this article on How Disaster-proofing your home can lower insurance costs :

https://grow.acorns.com/disaster-proof-your-home/

]]> Let's Talk About the 2020 Hurricane Season DesignSafe Radio 00:11:35 damaging winds, mitigation, hurricane season, hurricane laura, evacuation, winds, fiu extreme events institute, 2020, 2020 hurricane, international hurricane research center, wind damage, nheri, salna, erik salna, design-safe, wow, community, preparing your home, designsafe, hurricane, wall of wind, fiu, evacuation orders false full 68 15371c2f-7edd-4110-ad95-bf9735c07286 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Winds On today's episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Erik Salna, associate director of the International Hurricane Research Center at the Florida International University. Salna explains tips on how to mitigate your home from future hurricane damage. A link on this topic has been provided below. Salna also announces exciting news for the NHERI Wall of Wind at FIU and how it will be utilized in future research projects. 

The Wall of Wind can replicate hurricane winds as high as 157 mph and can spray water to imitate hurricane rainfall.  Which means wind researchers can perform tests on structures with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds. 

**Check out the full episode with Erik Salna when it is released on April 6, 2021.**

 

Preparing for a hurricane:

https://dem.fiu.edu/emergencies/hurricanes/before/

 

Check out this article on How Disaster-proofing your home can lower insurance costs :

https://grow.acorns.com/disaster-proof-your-home/

 

Articles on Erik Salna & his research: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/february/salna-inducted-meteorologist-hall-fame/

https://mods.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BIO_SALNA_12-17-20.pdf

 

NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University:

https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

Inside Look at the Wall of Wind: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2019/december/fiu-wall-wind-featured-news/

See the WOW in action: https://newsarchives.fiu.edu/2016/07/imax-films-hurricane-force-winds-at-wall-of-wind

Wall of Wind Informational Booklet PDF: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/media/cms_page_media/359/NHERI%20WOW%20EF%20Informational%20Booklet.pdf

 

Social Media Accounts for FIU Extreme Events Institute:

Twitter handle- @FIUExtremeEvent 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FIUExtremeEventsInstitute/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website & Equation Link :

https://eei.fiu.edu/

https://eei.fiu.edu/equation/the-equation/

 

FIU International Hurricane Research Center:

http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/

]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today's episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Erik Salna, associate director of the International Hurricane Research Center at the Florida International University. Salna explains tips on how to mitigate your home from future hurricane damage. A link on this topic has been provided below. Salna also announces exciting news for the NHERI Wall of Wind at FIU and how it will be utilized in future research projects. 

The Wall of Wind can replicate hurricane winds as high as 157 mph and can spray water to imitate hurricane rainfall.  Which means wind researchers can perform tests on structures with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds. 

**Check out the full episode with Erik Salna when it is released on April 6, 2021.**

 

Preparing for a hurricane:

https://dem.fiu.edu/emergencies/hurricanes/before/

 

Check out this article on How Disaster-proofing your home can lower insurance costs :

https://grow.acorns.com/disaster-proof-your-home/

 

Articles on Erik Salna & his research: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/february/salna-inducted-meteorologist-hall-fame/

https://mods.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BIO_SALNA_12-17-20.pdf

 

NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University:

https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

Inside Look at the Wall of Wind: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2019/december/fiu-wall-wind-featured-news/

See the WOW in action: https://newsarchives.fiu.edu/2016/07/imax-films-hurricane-force-winds-at-wall-of-wind

Wall of Wind Informational Booklet PDF: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/media/cms_page_media/359/NHERI%20WOW%20EF%20Informational%20Booklet.pdf

 

Social Media Accounts for FIU Extreme Events Institute:

Twitter handle- @FIUExtremeEvent 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FIUExtremeEventsInstitute/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website & Equation Link :

https://eei.fiu.edu/

https://eei.fiu.edu/equation/the-equation/

 

FIU International Hurricane Research Center:

http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/

]]> Tips to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Winds DesignSafe Radio 00:09:29 Erik Salna shares exciting news for future research with the Wall of Wind and tips on how to prepare your community for hurricane impact. Erik Salna shares exciting news for future research with the Wall of Wind and tips on how to prepare your community for hurricane impact. hurricane damage, prepare your home, mitigation, winds, international hurricane research center, nheri, salna, downburst winds, florida international university, erik salna, design-safe, wow, tornadoes, tornado, hurricane, wall of wind, fiu false full 67 768810ad-f46a-460c-9b77-a0d341cd4e66 FIU Extreme Events Institute & International Hurricane Research Center On today's episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Erik Salna, associate director of the International Hurricane Research Center at the Florida International University. Salna explains the FIU Extreme Events Institute and the International Hurricane Research Center, and how they are utilized in research with the NHERI Wall of Wind. 

The Wall of Wind can replicate hurricane winds as high as 157 mph and can spray water to imitate hurricane rainfall.  Which means wind researchers can perform tests on structures with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds. 

**Check out the full episode with Erik Salnawhen it is released on April 6, 2021. ** 

 

Articles on Erik Salna & his research: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/february/salna-inducted-meteorologist-hall-fame/

https://mods.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BIO_SALNA_12-17-20.pdf

NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

Inside Look at the Wall of Wind: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2019/december/fiu-wall-wind-featured-news/

See the WOW in action: https://newsarchives.fiu.edu/2016/07/imax-films-hurricane-force-winds-at-wall-of-wind

Wall of Wind Informational Booklet PDF: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/media/cms_page_media/359/NHERI%20WOW%20EF%20Informational%20Booklet.pdf

 

Social Media Accounts for FIU Extreme Events Institute:

Twitter handle- @FIUExtremeEvent 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FIUExtremeEventsInstitute/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website & Equation Link :

https://eei.fiu.edu/

https://eei.fiu.edu/equation/the-equation/

 

FIU International Hurricane Research Center:

http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/

]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today's episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with Erik Salna, associate director of the International Hurricane Research Center at the Florida International University. Salna explains the FIU Extreme Events Institute and the International Hurricane Research Center, and how they are utilized in research with the NHERI Wall of Wind. 

The Wall of Wind can replicate hurricane winds as high as 157 mph and can spray water to imitate hurricane rainfall.  Which means wind researchers can perform tests on structures with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds. 

**Check out the full episode with Erik Salnawhen it is released on April 6, 2021. ** 

 

Articles on Erik Salna & his research: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/february/salna-inducted-meteorologist-hall-fame/

https://mods.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BIO_SALNA_12-17-20.pdf

NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

Inside Look at the Wall of Wind: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2019/december/fiu-wall-wind-featured-news/

See the WOW in action: https://newsarchives.fiu.edu/2016/07/imax-films-hurricane-force-winds-at-wall-of-wind

Wall of Wind Informational Booklet PDF: https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/media/cms_page_media/359/NHERI%20WOW%20EF%20Informational%20Booklet.pdf

 

Social Media Accounts for FIU Extreme Events Institute:

Twitter handle- @FIUExtremeEvent 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FIUExtremeEventsInstitute/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website & Equation Link :

https://eei.fiu.edu/

https://eei.fiu.edu/equation/the-equation/

 

FIU International Hurricane Research Center:

http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/

]]> FIU Extreme Events Institute & International Hurricane Research Center DesignSafe Radio 00:06:57 Meteorologist, Erik Salna, describes the Extreme Events Institute and the International Hurricane Research Center at the Florida International University in Miami. Meteorologist, Erik Salna, describes the Extreme Events Institute and the International Hurricane Research Center at the Florida International University in Miami. natural disasters, fiu extreme events institute, international hurricane research center, hurricanes, designsaferadio, nheri, salna, erik, florida international university, erik salna, design-safe, hazard risk equation, meteorologist, wow, designsafe, wind, wall of wind, fiu false full 66 64010682-1c76-49b6-818b-50919d7e20b8 NHERI Wall of Wind at FIU On today's episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with meteorologist Erik Salna, the associate director of education and outreach for the Florida International University Extreme Events Institute and the International Hurricane Research Center. Salna explains how the NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University has been utilized by researchers to enhance building structures and design hurricane resistant structures. Salna will also describe how he and his fellow researchers have collaborated with Oregon State University to explore the effects of water intrusion on structures.

 

The Wall of Wind can replicate hurricane winds as high as 157 mph and can spray water to imitate hurricane rainfall.  Which means wind researchers can perform tests on structures with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds. 

 

Check out the full episode when it is released on April 6, 2021. 

 

NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University:

https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2019/december/fiu-wall-wind-featured-news/

https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/media/filer_public/01/a1/01a1c60b-f1ae-4164-969b-027f0802f82e/nheri_wall_of_wind_ef_overview_aug_2020_arindam_chowdhury.pdf

 

Preparing your family & home for a hurricane:

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/february/salna-inducted-meteorologist-hall-fame/

 

Social Media Accounts for FIU Extreme Events Institute:

Twitter handle- @FIUExtremeEvent 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FIUExtremeEventsInstitute/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website:

https://eei.fiu.edu/

 

FIU International Hurricane Research Center:

http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/

]]> Tue, 9 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today's episode of DesignSafe Radio, we speak with meteorologist Erik Salna, the associate director of education and outreach for the Florida International University Extreme Events Institute and the International Hurricane Research Center. Salna explains how the NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University has been utilized by researchers to enhance building structures and design hurricane resistant structures. Salna will also describe how he and his fellow researchers have collaborated with Oregon State University to explore the effects of water intrusion on structures.

 

The Wall of Wind can replicate hurricane winds as high as 157 mph and can spray water to imitate hurricane rainfall.  Which means wind researchers can perform tests on structures with Category 5 hurricane wind speeds. 

 

Check out the full episode when it is released on April 6, 2021. 

 

NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University:

https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2019/december/fiu-wall-wind-featured-news/

https://fiu.designsafe-ci.org/media/filer_public/01/a1/01a1c60b-f1ae-4164-969b-027f0802f82e/nheri_wall_of_wind_ef_overview_aug_2020_arindam_chowdhury.pdf

 

Preparing your family & home for a hurricane:

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/february/salna-inducted-meteorologist-hall-fame/

 

Social Media Accounts for FIU Extreme Events Institute:

Twitter handle- @FIUExtremeEvent 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/FIUExtremeEventsInstitute/

 

FIU Extreme Events Institute Website:

https://eei.fiu.edu/

 

FIU International Hurricane Research Center:

http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/

]]> NHERI Wall of Wind at FIU DesignSafe Radio 00:08:44 International Hurricane Research Center Meteorologist, Erik Salna describes how the NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University has been utilized for research on designing hurricane-resistant structures. International Hurricane Research Center Meteorologist, Erik Salna describes how the NHERI Wall of Wind at Florida International University has been utilized for research on designing hurricane-resistant structures. international hurricane research center, nheri, florida international university, design-safe, meteorologist, wow, @fiuextremeevent, water intrusion, hurricane, wall of wind, fiu false full 65 3313934a-3ac4-4f3d-9dcf-f71c97c75a33 Soil Liquefaction in the Pacific Northwest - short episode On this episode of Designsafe Radio, we speak with Arash Khosravifar, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Portland State University. Khosravifar explains his research on soil liquefaction, his experience researching with the NHERI mobile shaker trucks and the team from the University of Texas, Austin, and the new research he has been participating in called Microbially Induced Desaturation (MID). MID is specifically important research for the cities located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the “critical infrastructure energy hub” located in Portland, Oregon.

 

Check out the following links for more information on the topics discussed on this podcast episode:

 

Khosravifar’s NSF Grant Award 1935670: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1935670&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Soil Liquefaction Prevention Technique Turns in Promising Performance (published 7/24/2020) : https://intheloop.engineering.asu.edu/2020/07/24/soil-liquefaction-prevention-technique-turns-in-promising-performance/

 

Possible affected regions of Cascadia Subduction Zone: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

Collaborative Research Boosts Resilience in Cascadia Subduction Zone link: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/june/collaborative-research-boasts-resilience-cascadia-subduction-zon/

 

Designsafe Quarterly Newspaper Summer 2020: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/media/filer_public/bb/bb/bbbb4eb6-f7cc-4a54-9d37-9a69dde5e2d9/nheri_quarterly_issue_11_-_june_2020_v2.pdf

 

Articles including Khosravifar's research: 1. https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=sfZGJNAAAAAJ&hl=tr 2. https://works.bepress.com/arash-khosravifar/ 3. https://utexas.designsafe-ci.org/projects/

Cascadia Subduction Zone and cities/states it could affect: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

The Centrifuge at University of California, Davis: https://cgm.engr.ucdavis.edu/facility/9-m-centrifuge/

]]> Fri, 8 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this episode of Designsafe Radio, we speak with Arash Khosravifar, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Portland State University. Khosravifar explains his research on soil liquefaction, his experience researching with the NHERI mobile shaker trucks and the team from the University of Texas, Austin, and the new research he has been participating in called Microbially Induced Desaturation (MID). MID is specifically important research for the cities located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the “critical infrastructure energy hub” located in Portland, Oregon.

 

Check out the following links for more information on the topics discussed on this podcast episode:

 

Khosravifar’s NSF Grant Award 1935670: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1935670&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Soil Liquefaction Prevention Technique Turns in Promising Performance (published 7/24/2020) : https://intheloop.engineering.asu.edu/2020/07/24/soil-liquefaction-prevention-technique-turns-in-promising-performance/

 

Possible affected regions of Cascadia Subduction Zone: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

Collaborative Research Boosts Resilience in Cascadia Subduction Zone link: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/june/collaborative-research-boasts-resilience-cascadia-subduction-zon/

 

Designsafe Quarterly Newspaper Summer 2020: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/media/filer_public/bb/bb/bbbb4eb6-f7cc-4a54-9d37-9a69dde5e2d9/nheri_quarterly_issue_11_-_june_2020_v2.pdf

 

Articles including Khosravifar's research: 1. https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=sfZGJNAAAAAJ&hl=tr 2. https://works.bepress.com/arash-khosravifar/ 3. https://utexas.designsafe-ci.org/projects/

Cascadia Subduction Zone and cities/states it could affect: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

The Centrifuge at University of California, Davis: https://cgm.engr.ucdavis.edu/facility/9-m-centrifuge/

]]> Soil Liquefaction in the Pacific Northwest - short episode DesignSafe Radio 00:28:42 On this episode of Designsafe Radio, we speak with Arash Khosravifar, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Portland State University. Khosravifar explains his research on soil liquefaction, his experience researching with the NHERI mobile shaker trucks and the team from the University of Texas, Austin, and the new research he has been participating in called Microbially Induced Desaturation (MID). MID is specifically important research for the cities located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the “critical infrastructure energy hub” located in Portland, Oregon. On this episode of Designsafe Radio, we speak with Arash Khosravifar, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Portland State University. Khosravifar explains his research on soil liquefaction, his experience researching with the NHERI mobile shaker trucks and the team from the University of Texas, Austin, and the new research he has been participating in called Microbially Induced Desaturation (MID). MID is specifically important research for the cities located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the “critical infrastructure energy hub” located in Portland, Oregon. false full 63 29477def-0938-4dbb-af1a-2de660473c77 Soil Liquefaction in the Pacific Northwest - full interview On this episode of Designsafe Radio, we speak with Arash Khosravifar, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Portland State University. Khosravifar explains his research on soil liquefaction, his experience researching with the NHERI mobile shaker trucks and the team from the University of Texas, Austin, and the new research he has been participating in called Microbially Induced Desaturation (MID). MID is specifically important research for the cities located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the “critical infrastructure energy hub” located in Portland, Oregon.

 

Check out the following links for more information on the topics discussed on this podcast episode:

 

Khosravifar’s NSF Grant Award 1935670: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1935670&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Soil Liquefaction Prevention Technique Turns in Promising Performance (published 7/24/2020) : https://intheloop.engineering.asu.edu/2020/07/24/soil-liquefaction-prevention-technique-turns-in-promising-performance/

 

Possible affected regions of Cascadia Subduction Zone: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

Collaborative Research Boosts Resilience in Cascadia Subduction Zone link: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/june/collaborative-research-boasts-resilience-cascadia-subduction-zon/

 

Designsafe Quarterly Newspaper Summer 2020: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/media/filer_public/bb/bb/bbbb4eb6-f7cc-4a54-9d37-9a69dde5e2d9/nheri_quarterly_issue_11_-_june_2020_v2.pdf

 

Articles including Khosravifar's research: 1. https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=sfZGJNAAAAAJ&hl=tr 2. https://works.bepress.com/arash-khosravifar/ 3. https://utexas.designsafe-ci.org/projects/

Cascadia Subduction Zone and cities/states it could affect: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

The Centrifuge at University of California, Davis: https://cgm.engr.ucdavis.edu/facility/9-m-centrifuge/

]]> Fri, 8 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this episode of Designsafe Radio, we speak with Arash Khosravifar, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Portland State University. Khosravifar explains his research on soil liquefaction, his experience researching with the NHERI mobile shaker trucks and the team from the University of Texas, Austin, and the new research he has been participating in called Microbially Induced Desaturation (MID). MID is specifically important research for the cities located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the “critical infrastructure energy hub” located in Portland, Oregon.

 

Check out the following links for more information on the topics discussed on this podcast episode:

 

Khosravifar’s NSF Grant Award 1935670: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1935670&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Soil Liquefaction Prevention Technique Turns in Promising Performance (published 7/24/2020) : https://intheloop.engineering.asu.edu/2020/07/24/soil-liquefaction-prevention-technique-turns-in-promising-performance/

 

Possible affected regions of Cascadia Subduction Zone: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

Collaborative Research Boosts Resilience in Cascadia Subduction Zone link: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/june/collaborative-research-boasts-resilience-cascadia-subduction-zon/

 

Designsafe Quarterly Newspaper Summer 2020: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/media/filer_public/bb/bb/bbbb4eb6-f7cc-4a54-9d37-9a69dde5e2d9/nheri_quarterly_issue_11_-_june_2020_v2.pdf

 

Articles including Khosravifar's research: 1. https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=sfZGJNAAAAAJ&hl=tr 2. https://works.bepress.com/arash-khosravifar/ 3. https://utexas.designsafe-ci.org/projects/

Cascadia Subduction Zone and cities/states it could affect: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

The Centrifuge at University of California, Davis: https://cgm.engr.ucdavis.edu/facility/9-m-centrifuge/

]]> Soil Liquefaction in the Pacific Northwest - full interview DesignSafe Radio 00:48:45 On this episode of Designsafe Radio, we speak with Arash Khosravifar, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Portland State University. Khosravifar explains his research on soil liquefaction, his experience researching with the NHERI mobile shaker trucks and the team from the University of Texas, Austin, and the new research he has been participating in called Microbially Induced Desaturation (MID). MID is specifically important research for the cities located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the “critical infrastructure energy hub” located in Portland, Oregon. On this episode of Designsafe Radio, we speak with Arash Khosravifar, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Portland State University. Khosravifar explains his research on soil liquefaction, his experience researching with the NHERI mobile shaker trucks and the team from the University of Texas, Austin, and the new research he has been participating in called Microbially Induced Desaturation (MID). MID is specifically important research for the cities located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the “critical infrastructure energy hub” located in Portland, Oregon. false full 64 e038ea60-e0e1-4f89-9fc3-ee8aa9fdf6b3 NHERI mobile shakers help researchers mitigate soil liquefaction On this episode of Designsafe Radio, we speak with Arash Khosravifar, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Portland State University. Khosravifar explains his research on soil liquefaction, his experience researching with the NHERI mobile shaker trucks and the team from the University of Texas, Austin, and the new research he has been participating in called Microbially Induced Desaturation (MID). MID is specifically important research for the cities located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the “critical infrastructure energy hub” located in Portland, Oregon.

 

Check out the following links for more information on the topics discussed on this podcast episode:

 

Khosravifar’s NSF Grant Award 1935670: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1935670&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Soil Liquefaction Prevention Technique Turns in Promising Performance (published 7/24/2020) : https://intheloop.engineering.asu.edu/2020/07/24/soil-liquefaction-prevention-technique-turns-in-promising-performance/

 

Possible affected regions of Cascadia Subduction Zone: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

Collaborative Research Boosts Resilience in Cascadia Subduction Zone link: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/june/collaborative-research-boasts-resilience-cascadia-subduction-zon/

 

Designsafe Quarterly Newspaper Summer 2020: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/media/filer_public/bb/bb/bbbb4eb6-f7cc-4a54-9d37-9a69dde5e2d9/nheri_quarterly_issue_11_-_june_2020_v2.pdf

 

Articles including Khosravifar's research: 1. https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=sfZGJNAAAAAJ&hl=tr 2. https://works.bepress.com/arash-khosravifar/ 3. https://utexas.designsafe-ci.org/projects/

Cascadia Subduction Zone and cities/states it could affect: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

The Centrifuge at University of California, Davis: https://cgm.engr.ucdavis.edu/facility/9-m-centrifuge

]]> Wed, 7 Oct 2020 18:26:51 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Arash Khosravifar, Dan Zehner) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this episode of Designsafe Radio, we speak with Arash Khosravifar, an assistant professor in the civil and environmental engineering department at Portland State University. Khosravifar explains his research on soil liquefaction, his experience researching with the NHERI mobile shaker trucks and the team from the University of Texas, Austin, and the new research he has been participating in called Microbially Induced Desaturation (MID). MID is specifically important research for the cities located in the Cascadia Subduction Zone and the “critical infrastructure energy hub” located in Portland, Oregon.

 

Check out the following links for more information on the topics discussed on this podcast episode:

 

Khosravifar’s NSF Grant Award 1935670: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1935670&HistoricalAwards=false

 

Soil Liquefaction Prevention Technique Turns in Promising Performance (published 7/24/2020) : https://intheloop.engineering.asu.edu/2020/07/24/soil-liquefaction-prevention-technique-turns-in-promising-performance/

 

Possible affected regions of Cascadia Subduction Zone: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

Collaborative Research Boosts Resilience in Cascadia Subduction Zone link: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2020/june/collaborative-research-boasts-resilience-cascadia-subduction-zon/

 

Designsafe Quarterly Newspaper Summer 2020: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/media/filer_public/bb/bb/bbbb4eb6-f7cc-4a54-9d37-9a69dde5e2d9/nheri_quarterly_issue_11_-_june_2020_v2.pdf

 

Articles including Khosravifar's research: 1. https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=sfZGJNAAAAAJ&hl=tr 2. https://works.bepress.com/arash-khosravifar/ 3. https://utexas.designsafe-ci.org/projects/

Cascadia Subduction Zone and cities/states it could affect: https://www.pnsn.org/blog/2020/01/27/getting-ready-for-the-next-great-cascadia-subduction-zone-earthquake

 

The Centrifuge at University of California, Davis: https://cgm.engr.ucdavis.edu/facility/9-m-centrifuge

]]> NHERI mobile shakers help researchers mitigate soil liquefaction Arash Khosravifar, Dan Zehner 00:48:45 Soil liquefaction a strange phenomenon. Under strong earthquake shaking, water-logged sediments near the ground surface lose their strength — and the soil will actually liquefy and even flow. Arash Khosravifar is an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Portland State University. One of his research interests is preventing soil liquefaction Soil liquefaction a strange phenomenon. Under strong earthquake shaking, water-logged sediments near the ground surface lose their strength — and the soil will actually liquefy and even flow. Arash Khosravifar is an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Portland State University. One of his research interests is preventing soil liquefaction cascadia subduction zone, liquefaction, nsf, earthquakes, oregon, infrastructure false full 62 de01b5c5f26c497bad45603659dbd006 StEER Response to Hurricane Dorian w/ Dr. Tracy Kijewski-Correa Today, Tracy Kijewski-Correa from the University of Notre Dame talks to us about her work in the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance (STEER) Network and the response to Hurricane Dorian! You can find all the published data reports from the teams here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16dXnDoQXTMllv0ospJFqTD-Rr4gzDzWgqUjUvNIO8fQ/edit

]]> Thu, 17 Oct 2019 19:12:50 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today, Tracy Kijewski-Correa from the University of Notre Dame talks to us about her work in the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance (STEER) Network and the response to Hurricane Dorian! You can find all the published data reports from the teams here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16dXnDoQXTMllv0ospJFqTD-Rr4gzDzWgqUjUvNIO8fQ/edit

]]> StEER Response to Hurricane Dorian w/ Dr. Tracy Kijewski-Correa DesignSafe Radio 00:35:03 Today, Tracy Kijewski-Correa from the University of Notre Dame talks to us about her work in the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance (STEER) Network and the response to Hurricane Dorian! You can find all the published data reports from the teams here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16dXnDoQXTMllv0ospJFqTD-Rr4gzDzWgqUjUvNIO8fQ/edit Today, Tracy Kijewski-Correa from the University of Notre Dame talks to us about her work in the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance (STEER) Network and the response to Hurricane Dorian! You can find all the published data reports from the teams here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16dXnDoQXTMllv0ospJFqTD-Rr4gzDzWgqUjUvNIO8fQ/edit false full 61 f35cfc71984048979bd6b41c2f0e836a 54 Interdisciplinary Natural Hazards Research with Lori Peek of CONVERGE Peek was born and raised in Kansas, where she completed her undergraduate work in sociology at Ottawa University. She earned her master’s in education at Colorado State University then her PhD in sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder.

 

Peek discusses growing up in a tornado-prone state. She has vivid memories of the storm cellar during tornado watches, and her grandparents’ barn and home being damaged by a tornado. But she did not consider a career in the field of natural disasters until she became a graduate assistant at the Natural Hazards Center at UCB, which, she says, launched her career as a disaster researcher. As a sociologist, she sought to study inequality in society, but as a grad student she also became intellectually fascinated with the interdisciplinary nature of the field. And she deeply appreciates the care that practitioners and policy makers bring to research. Today, she directs the Natural Hazards Center, which was founded over 40 years ago.

 

Peek explains that the center is one of the nation’s oldest social science and multidisciplinary research centers. It was founded by Gilbert White to assess and to reduce losses from natural hazards by bringing together researchers, practitioners and policy makers. She says the center’s goal is to make a more just and equitable world where humans can live in harmony with nature. It is vital to translate knowledge to communities, she says.

 

The center’s Quick Response Research Program, funded by NSF, provides small grants to researchers to collect perishable data after a disaster. The researchers then write papers and new grants which can lead to breakthroughs. Peek cites an example of a graduate student who looks at the use of prisoners for labor in disaster-response situations.

 

In order to bring researchers together, the center holds an annual workshop in July. Also, working with partner organizations, the center provides a publication called Disaster Research as well as one called Research Counts, 700-750 word stories with key insights. Peek says the idea is to get knowledge out to communities who may not have time or resources to read scholarly research. She says the idea is to democratize knowledge, to get it into the hands of people on the ground.

 

The CONVERGE center honors the growing body of knowledge in convergence science. One of NSF’s 10 big ideas, convergence is about diverse scientific fields joining to solve key problems – such as mitigating damage from natural hazards.

 

Peek says that although the language of convergence may be new, the approach is not. She hopes that the CONVERGE facility will systematize multidisciplinary research and provide a structure for social science researchers to work with the engineers in the facilities under the NHERI umbrella.

 

Peek helped develop the NHERI science plan, where she helped bridge the divide between social and engineering sciences. She sees many interconnections and possibilities for research.

 

She discusses “team science,” which necessitates developing a process for researchers with different perspectives and skills to talk to one another. Researchers need to learn to co-define problems, she says, and develop a shared language.

 

Peek says CONVERGE had 5 major tasks in the works. One is partnering with NHERI’s DesignSafe team to develop and build social science and interdisciplinary data models. Like the engineers using DesignSafe, social scientists will be able to publish and share their data, protocols and instruments.

 

The CONVERGE team also is working with the NHERI RAPID facility at the University of Washington to develop a social science component of the “RAPID App.” Peek says this will allow for social scientists and multidisciplinary teams to use the App for reconnaissance and recovery research. She is excited, for instance, to discover what social scientists can learn from using drones.

 

She hopes that the work will lead to the creation of a new science plan that will encourage researchers to ask new kinds of questions.

 

What if the Cascadia fault were to rupture tomorrow? Peek explains that CONVERGE will create a rapid response “leadership corps.” Leaders of NHERI and the -EER groups (extreme events reconnaissance) will work together to develop guidance for the post disaster space, she says. The leadership corps will support Social Science Extreme Events Research (SSEER) and Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Extreme Events Research (ISEEER) networks in their

 efforts to map and coordinate social science and multidisciplinary research teams.

 

The CONVERGE facility will also fund reconnaissance teams in social science and interdisciplinary teams.

 

With CONVERGE, Peek hopes to address the sense of urgency, she says, that increases with each natural disaster that befalls the nation. Peek is determined to generate forward movement in natural hazards disaster mitigation.

 

One important aspect of that is to bring new researchers into the field. As a professor, she says she’s encouraged to see more and more students with diverse social and educational backgrounds interested in pursuing natural hazards research. We are going to need them in the future, she says.

 

Natural Hazards Center

hazards.colorado.edu

 

CONVERGE

converge.colorado.edu (soon to be online)

]]> Fri, 30 Nov 2018 09:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Peek was born and raised in Kansas, where she completed her undergraduate work in sociology at Ottawa University. She earned her master’s in education at Colorado State University then her PhD in sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder.

 

Peek discusses growing up in a tornado-prone state. She has vivid memories of the storm cellar during tornado watches, and her grandparents’ barn and home being damaged by a tornado. But she did not consider a career in the field of natural disasters until she became a graduate assistant at the Natural Hazards Center at UCB, which, she says, launched her career as a disaster researcher. As a sociologist, she sought to study inequality in society, but as a grad student she also became intellectually fascinated with the interdisciplinary nature of the field. And she deeply appreciates the care that practitioners and policy makers bring to research. Today, she directs the Natural Hazards Center, which was founded over 40 years ago.

 

Peek explains that the center is one of the nation’s oldest social science and multidisciplinary research centers. It was founded by Gilbert White to assess and to reduce losses from natural hazards by bringing together researchers, practitioners and policy makers. She says the center’s goal is to make a more just and equitable world where humans can live in harmony with nature. It is vital to translate knowledge to communities, she says.

 

The center’s Quick Response Research Program, funded by NSF, provides small grants to researchers to collect perishable data after a disaster. The researchers then write papers and new grants which can lead to breakthroughs. Peek cites an example of a graduate student who looks at the use of prisoners for labor in disaster-response situations.

 

In order to bring researchers together, the center holds an annual workshop in July. Also, working with partner organizations, the center provides a publication called Disaster Research as well as one called Research Counts, 700-750 word stories with key insights. Peek says the idea is to get knowledge out to communities who may not have time or resources to read scholarly research. She says the idea is to democratize knowledge, to get it into the hands of people on the ground.

 

The CONVERGE center honors the growing body of knowledge in convergence science. One of NSF’s 10 big ideas, convergence is about diverse scientific fields joining to solve key problems – such as mitigating damage from natural hazards.

 

Peek says that although the language of convergence may be new, the approach is not. She hopes that the CONVERGE facility will systematize multidisciplinary research and provide a structure for social science researchers to work with the engineers in the facilities under the NHERI umbrella.

 

Peek helped develop the NHERI science plan, where she helped bridge the divide between social and engineering sciences. She sees many interconnections and possibilities for research.

 

She discusses “team science,” which necessitates developing a process for researchers with different perspectives and skills to talk to one another. Researchers need to learn to co-define problems, she says, and develop a shared language.

 

Peek says CONVERGE had 5 major tasks in the works. One is partnering with NHERI’s DesignSafe team to develop and build social science and interdisciplinary data models. Like the engineers using DesignSafe, social scientists will be able to publish and share their data, protocols and instruments.

 

The CONVERGE team also is working with the NHERI RAPID facility at the University of Washington to develop a social science component of the “RAPID App.” Peek says this will allow for social scientists and multidisciplinary teams to use the App for reconnaissance and recovery research. She is excited, for instance, to discover what social scientists can learn from using drones.

 

She hopes that the work will lead to the creation of a new science plan that will encourage researchers to ask new kinds of questions.

 

What if the Cascadia fault were to rupture tomorrow? Peek explains that CONVERGE will create a rapid response “leadership corps.” Leaders of NHERI and the -EER groups (extreme events reconnaissance) will work together to develop guidance for the post disaster space, she says. The leadership corps will support Social Science Extreme Events Research (SSEER) and Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Extreme Events Research (ISEEER) networks in their

 efforts to map and coordinate social science and multidisciplinary research teams.

 

The CONVERGE facility will also fund reconnaissance teams in social science and interdisciplinary teams.

 

With CONVERGE, Peek hopes to address the sense of urgency, she says, that increases with each natural disaster that befalls the nation. Peek is determined to generate forward movement in natural hazards disaster mitigation.

 

One important aspect of that is to bring new researchers into the field. As a professor, she says she’s encouraged to see more and more students with diverse social and educational backgrounds interested in pursuing natural hazards research. We are going to need them in the future, she says.

 

Natural Hazards Center

hazards.colorado.edu

 

CONVERGE

converge.colorado.edu (soon to be online)

]]> 54 Interdisciplinary Natural Hazards Research with Lori Peek of CONVERGE DesignSafe Radio 00:49:47 Peek was born and raised in Kansas, where she completed her undergraduate work in sociology at Ottawa University. She earned her master’s in education at Colorado State University then her PhD in sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder.   Peek discusses growing up in a tornado-prone state. She has vivid memories of the storm cellar during tornado watches, and her grandparents’ barn and home being damaged by a tornado. But she did not consider a career in the field of natural disasters until she became a graduate assistant at the Natural Hazards Center at UCB, which, she says, launched her career as a disaster researcher. As a sociologist, she sought to study inequality in society, but as a grad student she also became intellectually fascinated with the interdisciplinary nature of the field. And she deeply appreciates the care that practitioners and policy makers bring to research. Today, she directs the Natural Hazards Center, which was founded over 40 years ago.   Peek explains that the center is one of the nation’s oldest social science and multidisciplinary research centers. It was founded by Gilbert White to assess and to reduce losses from natural hazards by bringing together researchers, practitioners and policy makers. She says the center’s goal is to make a more just and equitable world where humans can live in harmony with nature. It is vital to translate knowledge to communities, she says.   The center’s Quick Response Research Program, funded by NSF, provides small grants to researchers to collect perishable data after a disaster. The researchers then write papers and new grants which can lead to breakthroughs. Peek cites an example of a graduate student who looks at the use of prisoners for labor in disaster-response situations.   In order to bring researchers together, the center holds an annual workshop in July. Also, working with partner organizations, the center provides a publication called Disaster Research as well as one called Research Counts, 700-750 word stories with key insights. Peek says the idea is to get knowledge out to communities who may not have time or resources to read scholarly research. She says the idea is to democratize knowledge, to get it into the hands of people on the ground.   The CONVERGE center honors the growing body of knowledge in convergence science. One of NSF’s 10 big ideas, convergence is about diverse scientific fields joining to solve key problems – such as mitigating damage from natural hazards.   Peek says that although the language of convergence may be new, the approach is not. She hopes that the CONVERGE facility will systematize multidisciplinary research and provide a structure for social science researchers to work with the engineers in the facilities under the NHERI umbrella.   Peek helped develop the NHERI science plan, where she helped bridge the divide between social and engineering sciences. She sees many interconnections and possibilities for research.   She discusses “team science,” which necessitates developing a process for researchers with different perspectives and skills to talk to one another. Researchers need to learn to co-define problems, she says, and develop a shared language.   Peek says CONVERGE had 5 major tasks in the works. One is partnering with NHERI’s DesignSafe team to develop and build social science and interdisciplinary data models. Like the engineers using DesignSafe, social scientists will be able to publish and share their data, protocols and instruments.   The CONVERGE team also is working with the NHERI RAPID facility at the University of Washington to develop a social science component of the “RAPID App.” Peek says this will allow for social scientists and multidisciplinary teams to use the App for reconnaissance and recovery research. She is excited, for instance, to discover what social scientists can learn from using drones.   She hopes that the work will lead to the creation of a new science plan that will encourage researchers to ask new kinds of questions.   What if the Cascadia fault were to rupture tomorrow? Peek explains that CONVERGE will create a rapid response “leadership corps.” Leaders of NHERI and the -EER groups (extreme events reconnaissance) will work together to develop guidance for the post disaster space, she says. The leadership corps will support Social Science Extreme Events Research (SSEER) and Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Extreme Events Research (ISEEER) networks in their  efforts to map and coordinate social science and multidisciplinary research teams.   The CONVERGE facility will also fund reconnaissance teams in social science and interdisciplinary teams.   With CONVERGE, Peek hopes to address the sense of urgency, she says, that increases with each natural disaster that befalls the nation. Peek is determined to generate forward movement in natural hazards disaster mitigation.   One important aspect of that is to bring new researchers into the field. As a professor, she says she’s encouraged to see more and more students with diverse social and educational backgrounds interested in pursuing natural hazards research. We are going to need them in the future, she says.   Natural Hazards Center hazards.colorado.edu   CONVERGE converge.colorado.edu (soon to be online) Peek was born and raised in Kansas, where she completed her undergraduate work in sociology at Ottawa University. She earned her master’s in education at Colorado State University then her PhD in sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder.   Peek discusses growing up in a tornado-prone state. She has vivid memories of the storm cellar during tornado watches, and her grandparents’ barn and home being damaged by a tornado. But she did not consider a career in the field of natural disasters until she became a graduate assistant at the Natural Hazards Center at UCB, which, she says, launched her career as a disaster researcher. As a sociologist, she sought to study inequality in society, but as a grad student she also became intellectually fascinated with the interdisciplinary nature of the field. And she deeply appreciates the care that practitioners and policy makers bring to research. Today, she directs the Natural Hazards Center, which was founded over 40 years ago.   Peek explains that the center is one of the nation’s oldest social science and multidisciplinary research centers. It was founded by Gilbert White to assess and to reduce losses from natural hazards by bringing together researchers, practitioners and policy makers. She says the center’s goal is to make a more just and equitable world where humans can live in harmony with nature. It is vital to translate knowledge to communities, she says.   The center’s Quick Response Research Program, funded by NSF, provides small grants to researchers to collect perishable data after a disaster. The researchers then write papers and new grants which can lead to breakthroughs. Peek cites an example of a graduate student who looks at the use of prisoners for labor in disaster-response situations.   In order to bring researchers together, the center holds an annual workshop in July. Also, working with partner organizations, the center provides a publication called Disaster Research as well as one called Research Counts, 700-750 word stories with key insights. Peek says the idea is to get knowledge out to communities who may not have time or resources to read scholarly research. She says the idea is to democratize knowledge, to get it into the hands of people on the ground.   The CONVERGE center honors the growing body of knowledge in convergence science. One of NSF’s 10 big ideas, convergence is about diverse scientific fields joining to solve key problems – such as mitigating damage from natural hazards.   Peek says that although the language of convergence may be new, the approach is not. She hopes that the CONVERGE facility will systematize multidisciplinary research and provide a structure for social science researchers to work with the engineers in the facilities under the NHERI umbrella.   Peek helped develop the NHERI science plan, where she helped bridge the divide between social and engineering sciences. She sees many interconnections and possibilities for research.   She discusses “team science,” which necessitates developing a process for researchers with different perspectives and skills to talk to one another. Researchers need to learn to co-define problems, she says, and develop a shared language.   Peek says CONVERGE had 5 major tasks in the works. One is partnering with NHERI’s DesignSafe team to develop and build social science and interdisciplinary data models. Like the engineers using DesignSafe, social scientists will be able to publish and share their data, protocols and instruments.   The CONVERGE team also is working with the NHERI RAPID facility at the University of Washington to develop a social science component of the “RAPID App.” Peek says this will allow for social scientists and multidisciplinary teams to use the App for reconnaissance and recovery research. She is excited, for instance, to discover what social scientists can learn from using drones.   She hopes that the work will lead to the creation of a new science plan that will encourage researchers to ask new kinds of questions.   What if the Cascadia fault were to rupture tomorrow? Peek explains that CONVERGE will create a rapid response “leadership corps.” Leaders of NHERI and the -EER groups (extreme events reconnaissance) will work together to develop guidance for the post disaster space, she says. The leadership corps will support Social Science Extreme Events Research (SSEER) and Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Extreme Events Research (ISEEER) networks in their  efforts to map and coordinate social science and multidisciplinary research teams.   The CONVERGE facility will also fund reconnaissance teams in social science and interdisciplinary teams.   With CONVERGE, Peek hopes to address the sense of urgency, she says, that increases with each natural disaster that befalls the nation. Peek is determined to generate forward movement in natural hazards disaster mitigation.   One important aspect of that is to bring new researchers into the field. As a professor, she says she’s encouraged to see more and more students with diverse social and educational backgrounds interested in pursuing natural hazards research. We are going to need them in the future, she says.   Natural Hazards Center hazards.colorado.edu   CONVERGE converge.colorado.edu (soon to be online) false full 54 756e4f5ed9bd49e0a2dc309cfcf73644 Hurricane Florence Special 2 - Wind Engineer Frank Lombardo Frank Lombardo

Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Wind Engineering Research Laboratory

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

 

On the cusp of Hurricane Florence, host Dan Zehner was lucky enough to meet up with wind engineer Frank Lombardo. Based at the University of Illinois, Lombardo studies extreme wind events and and their effects on structures.

 

Lombardo says he has always been interested in weather. As a college student, he briefly considered atmospheric science, but went into civil engineering. When looking at graduate programs, the multidisciplinary PhD program in wind science and engineering at Texas Tech appealed to him. He completed his PhD there in 2009 and was hired on faculty as a hazards engineer at U of I.

 

He describes his focus: wind engineering and extreme events: thunderstorms, tornados and hurricanes. He says the scientific community doesn’t know a lot about how thunder storms and tornados and affect buildings. Considered annually, the majority of wind-related losses in the U.S. tend to be from tornados and thunderstorms.

 

Currently, building codes don’t consider how thunderstorm and tornado loads affect structures, he says. He is part of an ASCE working group collects data on storms so engineers can mitigate for them in the future.

 

Lombardo and Zehner discuss the differences between hurricanes and other wind storms. Hurricanes are easier to sample, he says. You have advance notice and the winds are large scales. Thunderstorm and tornado winds are smaller scale, and so harder to capture. Part of his work is developing new instruments to capture tornadic and thunderstorm winds. Wind engineers need sturdy, accurate instrumentation, he says, which means they collaborate frequently with Industrial and electrical engineers.

 

Solutions are inherently multidisciplinary, Lombardo says.

 

He discusses his newly created measurement tool, a “wind loading cube,” which is a four-foot cube. Lombardo and his team are testing out the novel device in Hurricane Florence.

 

He discusses the way he designs projects: get full scale data, try to replicate it in wind tunnels – which will, with luck, lead to strategies for damage mitigation.

 

The cube is heavy and anchored to the ground. It will measure wind loads on the cube. During the upcoming storm Florence, he plans to deploy in the Wilmington, NC, with University of Florida wind engineer Forrest Masters, who will be here with his wind measurement towers.

 

Lombardo’s research mission to Wilmington is part of the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance, or StEER, network, which (among other things) coordinates official event responses. Deploying during a storm to collect perishable data is an integrated effort, Lombardo says.  He discusses the importance of post storm surveys.

 

Overall in his research, he hopes to determine factors responsible for damage to structures. Many variables come into play, he says. Not just wind, but there is terrain, structural aerodynamics, and the structure itself. Has it been “hardened” for a storm? All the factors combine to determine factors that cause damage.

 

He discusses new ways for determining tornado and thunderstorm wind strength. After storms, intensity is determined by damage, not wind speed. Lombardo is examining things like tree fall patterns and vortex patterns to estimate speed of winds.

 

As part of the ASCE committee on wind storms, he knows that the ASCE’s 2022 building codes will include tornado design. His committee hopes to build wind speeds into code – although other factors are key, such as atmospheric pressure, rotation load, upward winds and debris. 

 

Practical measures are important, Lombardo says. He says one way to protect your home from severe winds is to reinforce your garage doors. For roofs, you could even use hurricane straps. In his lab, he’s exploring devices for protecting home roofs, which are vulnerable in wind storms.

 

Lastly, Lombardo and Zehner discuss predictions for Hurricane Florence wind and storm surge. Follow Lombardo and his research team on Twitter: @windlaboratory.

]]> Thu, 13 Sep 2018 18:24:22 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Frank Lombardo

Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Wind Engineering Research Laboratory

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

 

On the cusp of Hurricane Florence, host Dan Zehner was lucky enough to meet up with wind engineer Frank Lombardo. Based at the University of Illinois, Lombardo studies extreme wind events and and their effects on structures.

 

Lombardo says he has always been interested in weather. As a college student, he briefly considered atmospheric science, but went into civil engineering. When looking at graduate programs, the multidisciplinary PhD program in wind science and engineering at Texas Tech appealed to him. He completed his PhD there in 2009 and was hired on faculty as a hazards engineer at U of I.

 

He describes his focus: wind engineering and extreme events: thunderstorms, tornados and hurricanes. He says the scientific community doesn’t know a lot about how thunder storms and tornados and affect buildings. Considered annually, the majority of wind-related losses in the U.S. tend to be from tornados and thunderstorms.

 

Currently, building codes don’t consider how thunderstorm and tornado loads affect structures, he says. He is part of an ASCE working group collects data on storms so engineers can mitigate for them in the future.

 

Lombardo and Zehner discuss the differences between hurricanes and other wind storms. Hurricanes are easier to sample, he says. You have advance notice and the winds are large scales. Thunderstorm and tornado winds are smaller scale, and so harder to capture. Part of his work is developing new instruments to capture tornadic and thunderstorm winds. Wind engineers need sturdy, accurate instrumentation, he says, which means they collaborate frequently with Industrial and electrical engineers.

 

Solutions are inherently multidisciplinary, Lombardo says.

 

He discusses his newly created measurement tool, a “wind loading cube,” which is a four-foot cube. Lombardo and his team are testing out the novel device in Hurricane Florence.

 

He discusses the way he designs projects: get full scale data, try to replicate it in wind tunnels – which will, with luck, lead to strategies for damage mitigation.

 

The cube is heavy and anchored to the ground. It will measure wind loads on the cube. During the upcoming storm Florence, he plans to deploy in the Wilmington, NC, with University of Florida wind engineer Forrest Masters, who will be here with his wind measurement towers.

 

Lombardo’s research mission to Wilmington is part of the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance, or StEER, network, which (among other things) coordinates official event responses. Deploying during a storm to collect perishable data is an integrated effort, Lombardo says.  He discusses the importance of post storm surveys.

 

Overall in his research, he hopes to determine factors responsible for damage to structures. Many variables come into play, he says. Not just wind, but there is terrain, structural aerodynamics, and the structure itself. Has it been “hardened” for a storm? All the factors combine to determine factors that cause damage.

 

He discusses new ways for determining tornado and thunderstorm wind strength. After storms, intensity is determined by damage, not wind speed. Lombardo is examining things like tree fall patterns and vortex patterns to estimate speed of winds.

 

As part of the ASCE committee on wind storms, he knows that the ASCE’s 2022 building codes will include tornado design. His committee hopes to build wind speeds into code – although other factors are key, such as atmospheric pressure, rotation load, upward winds and debris. 

 

Practical measures are important, Lombardo says. He says one way to protect your home from severe winds is to reinforce your garage doors. For roofs, you could even use hurricane straps. In his lab, he’s exploring devices for protecting home roofs, which are vulnerable in wind storms.

 

Lastly, Lombardo and Zehner discuss predictions for Hurricane Florence wind and storm surge. Follow Lombardo and his research team on Twitter: @windlaboratory.

]]> Hurricane Florence Special 2 - Wind Engineer Frank Lombardo DesignSafe Radio 00:41:20 Frank Lombardo Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Wind Engineering Research Laboratory University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign   On the cusp of Hurricane Florence, host Dan Zehner was lucky enough to meet up with wind engineer Frank Lombardo. Based at the University of Illinois, Lombardo studies extreme wind events and and their effects on structures.   Lombardo says he has always been interested in weather. As a college student, he briefly considered atmospheric science, but went into civil engineering. When looking at graduate programs, the multidisciplinary PhD program in wind science and engineering at Texas Tech appealed to him. He completed his PhD there in 2009 and was hired on faculty as a hazards engineer at U of I.   He describes his focus: wind engineering and extreme events: thunderstorms, tornados and hurricanes. He says the scientific community doesn’t know a lot about how thunder storms and tornados and affect buildings. Considered annually, the majority of wind-related losses in the U.S. tend to be from tornados and thunderstorms.   Currently, building codes don’t consider how thunderstorm and tornado loads affect structures, he says. He is part of an ASCE working group collects data on storms so engineers can mitigate for them in the future.   Lombardo and Zehner discuss the differences between hurricanes and other wind storms. Hurricanes are easier to sample, he says. You have advance notice and the winds are large scales. Thunderstorm and tornado winds are smaller scale, and so harder to capture. Part of his work is developing new instruments to capture tornadic and thunderstorm winds. Wind engineers need sturdy, accurate instrumentation, he says, which means they collaborate frequently with Industrial and electrical engineers.   Solutions are inherently multidisciplinary, Lombardo says.   He discusses his newly created measurement tool, a “wind loading cube,” which is a four-foot cube. Lombardo and his team are testing out the novel device in Hurricane Florence.   He discusses the way he designs projects: get full scale data, try to replicate it in wind tunnels – which will, with luck, lead to strategies for damage mitigation.   The cube is heavy and anchored to the ground. It will measure wind loads on the cube. During the upcoming storm Florence, he plans to deploy in the Wilmington, NC, with University of Florida wind engineer Forrest Masters, who will be here with his wind measurement towers.   Lombardo’s research mission to Wilmington is part of the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance, or StEER, network, which (among other things) coordinates official event responses. Deploying during a storm to collect perishable data is an integrated effort, Lombardo says.  He discusses the importance of post storm surveys.   Overall in his research, he hopes to determine factors responsible for damage to structures. Many variables come into play, he says. Not just wind, but there is terrain, structural aerodynamics, and the structure itself. Has it been “hardened” for a storm? All the factors combine to determine factors that cause damage.   He discusses new ways for determining tornado and thunderstorm wind strength. After storms, intensity is determined by damage, not wind speed. Lombardo is examining things like tree fall patterns and vortex patterns to estimate speed of winds.   As part of the ASCE committee on wind storms, he knows that the ASCE’s 2022 building codes will include tornado design. His committee hopes to build wind speeds into code – although other factors are key, such as atmospheric pressure, rotation load, upward winds and debris.    Practical measures are important, Lombardo says. He says one way to protect your home from severe winds is to reinforce your garage doors. For roofs, you could even use hurricane straps. In his lab, he’s exploring devices for protecting home roofs, which are vulnerable in wind storms.   Lastly, Lombardo and Zehner discuss predictions for Hurricane Florence wind and storm surge. Follow Lombardo and his research team on Twitter: @windlaboratory. Frank Lombardo Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Wind Engineering Research Laboratory University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign   On the cusp of Hurricane Florence, host Dan Zehner was lucky enough to meet up with wind engineer Frank Lombardo. Based at the University of Illinois, Lombardo studies extreme wind events and and their effects on structures.   Lombardo says he has always been interested in weather. As a college student, he briefly considered atmospheric science, but went into civil engineering. When looking at graduate programs, the multidisciplinary PhD program in wind science and engineering at Texas Tech appealed to him. He completed his PhD there in 2009 and was hired on faculty as a hazards engineer at U of I.   He describes his focus: wind engineering and extreme events: thunderstorms, tornados and hurricanes. He says the scientific community doesn’t know a lot about how thunder storms and tornados and affect buildings. Considered annually, the majority of wind-related losses in the U.S. tend to be from tornados and thunderstorms.   Currently, building codes don’t consider how thunderstorm and tornado loads affect structures, he says. He is part of an ASCE working group collects data on storms so engineers can mitigate for them in the future.   Lombardo and Zehner discuss the differences between hurricanes and other wind storms. Hurricanes are easier to sample, he says. You have advance notice and the winds are large scales. Thunderstorm and tornado winds are smaller scale, and so harder to capture. Part of his work is developing new instruments to capture tornadic and thunderstorm winds. Wind engineers need sturdy, accurate instrumentation, he says, which means they collaborate frequently with Industrial and electrical engineers.   Solutions are inherently multidisciplinary, Lombardo says.   He discusses his newly created measurement tool, a “wind loading cube,” which is a four-foot cube. Lombardo and his team are testing out the novel device in Hurricane Florence.   He discusses the way he designs projects: get full scale data, try to replicate it in wind tunnels – which will, with luck, lead to strategies for damage mitigation.   The cube is heavy and anchored to the ground. It will measure wind loads on the cube. During the upcoming storm Florence, he plans to deploy in the Wilmington, NC, with University of Florida wind engineer Forrest Masters, who will be here with his wind measurement towers.   Lombardo’s research mission to Wilmington is part of the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance, or StEER, network, which (among other things) coordinates official event responses. Deploying during a storm to collect perishable data is an integrated effort, Lombardo says.  He discusses the importance of post storm surveys.   Overall in his research, he hopes to determine factors responsible for damage to structures. Many variables come into play, he says. Not just wind, but there is terrain, structural aerodynamics, and the structure itself. Has it been “hardened” for a storm? All the factors combine to determine factors that cause damage.   He discusses new ways for determining tornado and thunderstorm wind strength. After storms, intensity is determined by damage, not wind speed. Lombardo is examining things like tree fall patterns and vortex patterns to estimate speed of winds.   As part of the ASCE committee on wind storms, he knows that the ASCE’s 2022 building codes will include tornado design. His committee hopes to build wind speeds into code – although other factors are key, such as atmospheric pressure, rotation load, upward winds and debris.    Practical measures are important, Lombardo says. He says one way to protect your home from severe winds is to reinforce your garage doors. For roofs, you could even use hurricane straps. In his lab, he’s exploring devices for protecting home roofs, which are vulnerable in wind storms.   Lastly, Lombardo and Zehner discuss predictions for Hurricane Florence wind and storm surge. Follow Lombardo and his research team on Twitter: @windlaboratory. false full 59 c1100ecd604d47ada67bd46385a3059c Hurricane Florence Special - Team Rubicon Prepares to Respond As this storm approaches, we talk with Laura Block from Team Rubicon about how the organization is mobilizing and planning for a Harvey storm level response if it is needed.

 

Support Team Rubicon as the storm approaches!

teamrubiconusa.org/give

]]> Tue, 11 Sep 2018 14:18:09 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org As this storm approaches, we talk with Laura Block from Team Rubicon about how the organization is mobilizing and planning for a Harvey storm level response if it is needed.

 

Support Team Rubicon as the storm approaches!

teamrubiconusa.org/give

]]> Hurricane Florence Special - Team Rubicon Prepares to Respond DesignSafe Radio 00:19:19 As this storm approaches, we talk with Laura Block from Team Rubicon about how the organization is mobilizing and planning for a Harvey storm level response if it is needed. Support Team Rubicon as the storm approaches! teamrubiconusa.org/give As this storm approaches, we talk with Laura Block from Team Rubicon about how the organization is mobilizing and planning for a Harvey storm level response if it is needed. Support Team Rubicon as the storm approaches! teamrubiconusa.org/give false full 58 7d99496e8ddc4399be2fb4ac0f5ae2c2 53 Advances in Wind Engineering at the University of Florida with Steve Schein On today’s episode, host Dan Zehner visits Steve Schein, chief instrumentation engineer at the University of Florida’s Powell Family Structures and Material Laboratory.

 

From an early age, Steve Schein has been involved in science, coming from a family of engineers and scientists. He earned his degree in electrical and electronic engineering at UF and now enjoys building wind-generating machines for research projects at the Powell Lab.

 

A self-described instrumentation and measurement nut, Schein discusses a new wind machine project underway. It is a wall of fans: 319 prop-driven fans, each about 8 inches in diameter, and each driven by a 1 horsepower RC motor. Each fan will be able to individually generate any kind of wind field, such as gusts and turbulence, up to 40 miles per hour.

 

Briefly, Schein discusses another project underway at the UF, a scale model of Puerto Rico. The research team is it using to measure the effects of terrain on wind speed — in hopes of understanding damage caused by Hurricane Maria last year.

 

Schein describes another wind machine, the Multi-Axis Wind Load Simulator, called MAWLS, which is two stories tall and can generate 200 MPH winds. In one test, using relatively low wind speeds (not even Category five winds), MAWLS winds easily collapsed the type of unreinforced concrete walls typical in Puerto Rican construction.

 

Schein discusses building this wall of fans. His team started by building sample systems to see if they could build an apparatus that could make representative winds, such as down drafts, rotational vortices, and high frequency wind-peaks. After determining they could make it work, the team began building the machine from scratch. They 3-D printed most of the parts, including electronics mounting structures and air foils.

 

The Powell Lab team is the only one to build such a machine, Schein says. When operating at full capacity, it will consume about a half million watts.

 

He discusses some of the problems building the wall and details how it works. Schein says it be running in October and ready for research-testing by fall 2019.

]]> Fri, 7 Sep 2018 15:23:48 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today’s episode, host Dan Zehner visits Steve Schein, chief instrumentation engineer at the University of Florida’s Powell Family Structures and Material Laboratory.

 

From an early age, Steve Schein has been involved in science, coming from a family of engineers and scientists. He earned his degree in electrical and electronic engineering at UF and now enjoys building wind-generating machines for research projects at the Powell Lab.

 

A self-described instrumentation and measurement nut, Schein discusses a new wind machine project underway. It is a wall of fans: 319 prop-driven fans, each about 8 inches in diameter, and each driven by a 1 horsepower RC motor. Each fan will be able to individually generate any kind of wind field, such as gusts and turbulence, up to 40 miles per hour.

 

Briefly, Schein discusses another project underway at the UF, a scale model of Puerto Rico. The research team is it using to measure the effects of terrain on wind speed — in hopes of understanding damage caused by Hurricane Maria last year.

 

Schein describes another wind machine, the Multi-Axis Wind Load Simulator, called MAWLS, which is two stories tall and can generate 200 MPH winds. In one test, using relatively low wind speeds (not even Category five winds), MAWLS winds easily collapsed the type of unreinforced concrete walls typical in Puerto Rican construction.

 

Schein discusses building this wall of fans. His team started by building sample systems to see if they could build an apparatus that could make representative winds, such as down drafts, rotational vortices, and high frequency wind-peaks. After determining they could make it work, the team began building the machine from scratch. They 3-D printed most of the parts, including electronics mounting structures and air foils.

 

The Powell Lab team is the only one to build such a machine, Schein says. When operating at full capacity, it will consume about a half million watts.

 

He discusses some of the problems building the wall and details how it works. Schein says it be running in October and ready for research-testing by fall 2019.

]]> 53 Advances in Wind Engineering at the University of Florida with Steve Schein DesignSafe Radio 00:39:56 On today’s episode, host Dan Zehner visits Steve Schein, chief instrumentation engineer at the University of Florida’s Powell Family Structures and Material Laboratory.   From an early age, Steve Schein has been involved in science, coming from a family of engineers and scientists. He earned his degree in electrical and electronic engineering at UF and now enjoys building wind-generating machines for research projects at the Powell Lab.   A self-described instrumentation and measurement nut, Schein discusses a new wind machine project underway. It is a wall of fans: 319 prop-driven fans, each about 8 inches in diameter, and each driven by a 1 horsepower RC motor. Each fan will be able to individually generate any kind of wind field, such as gusts and turbulence, up to 40 miles per hour.   Briefly, Schein discusses another project underway at the UF, a scale model of Puerto Rico. The research team is it using to measure the effects of terrain on wind speed — in hopes of understanding damage caused by Hurricane Maria last year.   Schein describes another wind machine, the Multi-Axis Wind Load Simulator, called MAWLS, which is two stories tall and can generate 200 MPH winds. In one test, using relatively low wind speeds (not even Category five winds), MAWLS winds easily collapsed the type of unreinforced concrete walls typical in Puerto Rican construction.   Schein discusses building this wall of fans. His team started by building sample systems to see if they could build an apparatus that could make representative winds, such as down drafts, rotational vortices, and high frequency wind-peaks. After determining they could make it work, the team began building the machine from scratch. They 3-D printed most of the parts, including electronics mounting structures and air foils.   The Powell Lab team is the only one to build such a machine, Schein says. When operating at full capacity, it will consume about a half million watts.   He discusses some of the problems building the wall and details how it works. Schein says it be running in October and ready for research-testing by fall 2019. On today’s episode, host Dan Zehner visits Steve Schein, chief instrumentation engineer at the University of Florida’s Powell Family Structures and Material Laboratory.   From an early age, Steve Schein has been involved in science, coming from a family of engineers and scientists. He earned his degree in electrical and electronic engineering at UF and now enjoys building wind-generating machines for research projects at the Powell Lab.   A self-described instrumentation and measurement nut, Schein discusses a new wind machine project underway. It is a wall of fans: 319 prop-driven fans, each about 8 inches in diameter, and each driven by a 1 horsepower RC motor. Each fan will be able to individually generate any kind of wind field, such as gusts and turbulence, up to 40 miles per hour.   Briefly, Schein discusses another project underway at the UF, a scale model of Puerto Rico. The research team is it using to measure the effects of terrain on wind speed — in hopes of understanding damage caused by Hurricane Maria last year.   Schein describes another wind machine, the Multi-Axis Wind Load Simulator, called MAWLS, which is two stories tall and can generate 200 MPH winds. In one test, using relatively low wind speeds (not even Category five winds), MAWLS winds easily collapsed the type of unreinforced concrete walls typical in Puerto Rican construction.   Schein discusses building this wall of fans. His team started by building sample systems to see if they could build an apparatus that could make representative winds, such as down drafts, rotational vortices, and high frequency wind-peaks. After determining they could make it work, the team began building the machine from scratch. They 3-D printed most of the parts, including electronics mounting structures and air foils.   The Powell Lab team is the only one to build such a machine, Schein says. When operating at full capacity, it will consume about a half million watts.   He discusses some of the problems building the wall and details how it works. Schein says it be running in October and ready for research-testing by fall 2019. false full 53 bbe9cdd921fc49f899e9de95d41f538c Episode 52: Navid Jafari Fri, 31 Aug 2018 20:08:23 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 52: Navid Jafari DesignSafe Radio 00:54:26 false full 56 fc1041c1c80143a3b9d17226dad43aec 51 The Best Job Ever with Barb Simpson In this week’s show, DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner talks with newly minted PhD, Barbara Simpson. Simpson discusses her academic path in engineering and what it’s like entering the workplace as a faculty member.

 

She says building things out of household articles as a kid naturally led to her career choice. She started in architecture, then switched to civil engineering. A pivotal experience for her was participating in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at the University of Illinois — as part of the NSF-funded earthquake engineering initiative called “NEES.” The exposure to earthquake engineering changed her attitude toward academia. She learned about seismic engineering, doing research, and hybrid simulation. She interacted with postdocs and PhD students, wrote a paper and presented at a national conference — in Hawaii.

 

The hybrid simulation technique combines physical testing and numerical modelling, and researchers often use it when a structure is too large to test. They will physically test a portion of the structure and simulate the rest in a combined fashion that represents the whole system.

 

She went to UC Berkeley for her master’s degree, and she found earthquake engineering so interesting she decided to stay and earn her PhD. In research, she says, there’s always some new problem that needs to be solved. It is never the same thing twice.

 

As a graduate student, she focused on testing older types of braced frames, a structural element used to protect against earthquake damage, and saw lots of interesting failures.

 

Simpson and Zehner discuss the usefulness of modern earthquake-proof provisions, which standardize protective construction features. She wrote her thesis on a kind of braced frame called a strongback, a tie or truss that you put in buildings to prevent weak stories.

 

As a postdoc, Simpson worked at the NHERI SimCenter, where she created an application that is a learning tool for numerically modeling braced frames. Learning to program is an important aspect of being an engineer, she says. Programming languages are tools that can make research easier and more efficient.

 

Now on faculty at Oregon State University, she sees that unlike being a PhD student with one cool project to focus on, professors must work on many different things at once. It is harder to choose what to explore, she says. At OSU, the OH Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory presents interesting possibilities for experimentation. She’s interested in control theory, too. She says being a professor is the best job she could ever have: Your research is your choice, she says. Academics have a kind of freedom other careers don’t have.

 

She encourages new PhDs to apply for jobs, even if the competition is stiff. Even if you don’t get the job, making an application helps you summarize your PhD work and hone your teaching goals, she says. The application cements what you’ve accomplished and helps you figure out where your career is going. 

]]> Mon, 27 Aug 2018 19:41:24 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In this week’s show, DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner talks with newly minted PhD, Barbara Simpson. Simpson discusses her academic path in engineering and what it’s like entering the workplace as a faculty member.

 

She says building things out of household articles as a kid naturally led to her career choice. She started in architecture, then switched to civil engineering. A pivotal experience for her was participating in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at the University of Illinois — as part of the NSF-funded earthquake engineering initiative called “NEES.” The exposure to earthquake engineering changed her attitude toward academia. She learned about seismic engineering, doing research, and hybrid simulation. She interacted with postdocs and PhD students, wrote a paper and presented at a national conference — in Hawaii.

 

The hybrid simulation technique combines physical testing and numerical modelling, and researchers often use it when a structure is too large to test. They will physically test a portion of the structure and simulate the rest in a combined fashion that represents the whole system.

 

She went to UC Berkeley for her master’s degree, and she found earthquake engineering so interesting she decided to stay and earn her PhD. In research, she says, there’s always some new problem that needs to be solved. It is never the same thing twice.

 

As a graduate student, she focused on testing older types of braced frames, a structural element used to protect against earthquake damage, and saw lots of interesting failures.

 

Simpson and Zehner discuss the usefulness of modern earthquake-proof provisions, which standardize protective construction features. She wrote her thesis on a kind of braced frame called a strongback, a tie or truss that you put in buildings to prevent weak stories.

 

As a postdoc, Simpson worked at the NHERI SimCenter, where she created an application that is a learning tool for numerically modeling braced frames. Learning to program is an important aspect of being an engineer, she says. Programming languages are tools that can make research easier and more efficient.

 

Now on faculty at Oregon State University, she sees that unlike being a PhD student with one cool project to focus on, professors must work on many different things at once. It is harder to choose what to explore, she says. At OSU, the OH Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory presents interesting possibilities for experimentation. She’s interested in control theory, too. She says being a professor is the best job she could ever have: Your research is your choice, she says. Academics have a kind of freedom other careers don’t have.

 

She encourages new PhDs to apply for jobs, even if the competition is stiff. Even if you don’t get the job, making an application helps you summarize your PhD work and hone your teaching goals, she says. The application cements what you’ve accomplished and helps you figure out where your career is going. 

]]> 51 The Best Job Ever with Barb Simpson DesignSafe Radio 00:48:13 In this week’s show, DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner talks with newly minted PhD, Barbara Simpson. Simpson discusses her academic path in engineering and what it’s like entering the workplace as a faculty member. In this week’s show, DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner talks with newly minted PhD, Barbara Simpson. Simpson discusses her academic path in engineering and what it’s like entering the workplace as a faculty member. false full 51 c888dce645254ab78ecf102530e26257 50 Natural hazards don’t have to be disasters with Morten Wendelbo On this week’s episode, host Dan Zehner meets up with political economist and writer Morten Wendelbo. As early as high school, the Denmark native was exposed to international viewpoints that shaped his understanding of the world. Today, he focuses on demographic research in an effort to improve the lives of as many people as possible.

 

He earned his bachelor’s degree in global politics and environmental studies from Washington and Lee University and his master’s in international affairs from Texas A&M University, where presently he is heading into a PhD. Despite being a life-long academic, he is committed to communicating science lay public.

 

In general, Wendelbo is interested in how humans organize themselves to improve themselves. For example: how do we save lives in the face of natural disasters? We start with data. In disaster studies, people typically quantify the severity of an event by its physical strength: magnitude, wind speed, inches of rain. But those measurements don’t tell us how the event affected people. Those measures tend to be deaths, injuries, economic damage. But those measurements are still incomplete, he says. It’s more complicated than, say, comparing Hurricane Katrina versus Maria. On the face of it, Katrina was a larger disaster, but Wendelbo says we need to measure consequences of disaster on variables such as consumption loss, where what you lose depends on social and educational status. And we have to measure affects that were indirectly caused by the natural hazard, such as anxiety.

 

He says we can aggregate such data, but, since indirect consequences can occur months and years later, it is an enormous effort, and furthermore, not terribly useful.

 

Predicting disasters, not hazards

 

Instead, Wendelbo says, there are ways we can discover in advance where the physical vulnerabilities are and to what degree they’ll affect people. In his research, he uses modeling that looks at different types of social vulnerability. Simply remove the natural hazard and focus on vulnerable populations and areas. Then use the physical model to tell you the areas that will be hardest hit by an earthquake or tsunami.

 

He uses the 2015 Nepal earthquake to illustrate how current disaster recovery efforts are clumsy and actually detrimental to the situation: Countries around the world sent help via Katmandu airport and created a huge bottleneck, which hindered rescue efforts. If we could determine where help was needed in advance, we could save lives, he emphasizes.

 

He uses USAID data on health and demographics and GPS data to see where people live. If we know a person’s social status, or “social endowments,” Wendelbo says we can see how vulnerable they are — and reverse engineer to solve the problem in advance.

 

He envisions a software that, using geospatial info systems, would enable people to view a country and have it auto-populate with hazard risks. The data should be accessible to anyone: government, first responders, local citizens.

 

He likes to say that disasters are not a consequence of hazards; it’s the hazard and how it affects people, depending on their level of wealth and education. He proposes modeling consequences of disaster (not just fatalities) based not only on where, but who people are. This information would help in disaster response – and in creating resilient communities.

 

Currently, Wendelbo is studying the long-term consequences of earthquakes in Nepal, in terms of variables such as health, education, ethnicity and social “endowments.” For instance, war has a surprisingly enduring ability to render populations vulnerable to disasters, he says. War affects education, health, access to government services. If we can quantify such things, he says, we can quantify who will be hit, so we can prepare for it and respond better.

 

His research is multidisciplinary and relies on academics in disciplines that do not normally communicate: for example, anthropology, natural science, economics. Because, he says, you have to model the physical hazards as well as human behavior. The benefit of such work, he says, is that it can potentially save tens of thousands of lives.

 

Just consider the enormous expense of disaster relief, he says. We could save more lives if we invested the funds in advance — in resilience. But, he says, it is hard to get people’s attention, to persuade people to spend money on resilience.

 

Wendelbo is interested in talking across disciplines — including with NHERI research engineers.

 

He publishes essays and research at TheConversation.com, a publishing platform for academics and subject-matter experts. The articles are available to read and share under the Creative Commons license.

]]> Fri, 17 Aug 2018 18:28:09 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this week’s episode, host Dan Zehner meets up with political economist and writer Morten Wendelbo. As early as high school, the Denmark native was exposed to international viewpoints that shaped his understanding of the world. Today, he focuses on demographic research in an effort to improve the lives of as many people as possible.

 

He earned his bachelor’s degree in global politics and environmental studies from Washington and Lee University and his master’s in international affairs from Texas A&M University, where presently he is heading into a PhD. Despite being a life-long academic, he is committed to communicating science lay public.

 

In general, Wendelbo is interested in how humans organize themselves to improve themselves. For example: how do we save lives in the face of natural disasters? We start with data. In disaster studies, people typically quantify the severity of an event by its physical strength: magnitude, wind speed, inches of rain. But those measurements don’t tell us how the event affected people. Those measures tend to be deaths, injuries, economic damage. But those measurements are still incomplete, he says. It’s more complicated than, say, comparing Hurricane Katrina versus Maria. On the face of it, Katrina was a larger disaster, but Wendelbo says we need to measure consequences of disaster on variables such as consumption loss, where what you lose depends on social and educational status. And we have to measure affects that were indirectly caused by the natural hazard, such as anxiety.

 

He says we can aggregate such data, but, since indirect consequences can occur months and years later, it is an enormous effort, and furthermore, not terribly useful.

 

Predicting disasters, not hazards

 

Instead, Wendelbo says, there are ways we can discover in advance where the physical vulnerabilities are and to what degree they’ll affect people. In his research, he uses modeling that looks at different types of social vulnerability. Simply remove the natural hazard and focus on vulnerable populations and areas. Then use the physical model to tell you the areas that will be hardest hit by an earthquake or tsunami.

 

He uses the 2015 Nepal earthquake to illustrate how current disaster recovery efforts are clumsy and actually detrimental to the situation: Countries around the world sent help via Katmandu airport and created a huge bottleneck, which hindered rescue efforts. If we could determine where help was needed in advance, we could save lives, he emphasizes.

 

He uses USAID data on health and demographics and GPS data to see where people live. If we know a person’s social status, or “social endowments,” Wendelbo says we can see how vulnerable they are — and reverse engineer to solve the problem in advance.

 

He envisions a software that, using geospatial info systems, would enable people to view a country and have it auto-populate with hazard risks. The data should be accessible to anyone: government, first responders, local citizens.

 

He likes to say that disasters are not a consequence of hazards; it’s the hazard and how it affects people, depending on their level of wealth and education. He proposes modeling consequences of disaster (not just fatalities) based not only on where, but who people are. This information would help in disaster response – and in creating resilient communities.

 

Currently, Wendelbo is studying the long-term consequences of earthquakes in Nepal, in terms of variables such as health, education, ethnicity and social “endowments.” For instance, war has a surprisingly enduring ability to render populations vulnerable to disasters, he says. War affects education, health, access to government services. If we can quantify such things, he says, we can quantify who will be hit, so we can prepare for it and respond better.

 

His research is multidisciplinary and relies on academics in disciplines that do not normally communicate: for example, anthropology, natural science, economics. Because, he says, you have to model the physical hazards as well as human behavior. The benefit of such work, he says, is that it can potentially save tens of thousands of lives.

 

Just consider the enormous expense of disaster relief, he says. We could save more lives if we invested the funds in advance — in resilience. But, he says, it is hard to get people’s attention, to persuade people to spend money on resilience.

 

Wendelbo is interested in talking across disciplines — including with NHERI research engineers.

 

He publishes essays and research at TheConversation.com, a publishing platform for academics and subject-matter experts. The articles are available to read and share under the Creative Commons license.

]]> 50 Natural hazards don’t have to be disasters with Morten Wendelbo DesignSafe Radio 00:49:43 On this week’s episode, host Dan Zehner meets up with political economist and writer Morten Wendelbo. As early as high school, the Denmark native was exposed to international viewpoints that shaped his understanding of the world. Today, he focuses on demographic research in an effort to improve the lives of as many people as possible. On this week’s episode, host Dan Zehner meets up with political economist and writer Morten Wendelbo. As early as high school, the Denmark native was exposed to international viewpoints that shaped his understanding of the world. Today, he focuses on demographic research in an effort to improve the lives of as many people as possible. false full 50 843a93ae78634231848ba1282cb63259 Episode 49 Tsunami, Volcanos, and Landslides, Oh My! with Hermann Fritz Hermann Fritz

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Georgia Tech

 

In this episode, host Dan Zehner interviews Georgia Tech tsunami researcher Hermann Fritz. Professor Fritz discusses his unusual academic focus and his current project creating a tsunami generating machine at the University of Oregon.

 

As a civil engineering graduate student at ETH Zurich, he was interested in studying flooding. Switzerland is highly exposed to flooding, landslides and other hazards related to climate. Fritz explains that as the permafrost line lowers, rocks and mountains become less stable.

 

As for studying landslide-generated waves, the trigger point for Fritz came from observing a human-generated landslide into Lake Lucerne. Although the resulting impulse wave did not match experimental simulations, Fritz was nevertheless fascinated by the work and spurred to study waves generated by landslides for his PhD.

 

He says a big challenge in tsunami research is that tsunamis are poorly documented, typically limited to observations of post-event occurrences like runups, scars and broken foliage.

 

Fritz provides a rundown of the events he’s studied, including the July 9, 1958, Lituya Bay tsunami in Alaska – one of the first tsunamis observed in modern times. The landslide was “like an elephant in a bathtub,” he says. Fritz had a chance to meet with survivors of the event, the Swensons, who happened to be on a boat that day and were able to provide a unique eye-witness account of the disaster. In that case, Fritz says, there was good agreement between the physical model and the event.

 

A more recent event he’s studied was the June 2017 landslide in Greenland. The giant rockslide caused a tsunami with a runup of more than 90 meters.

 

As a young professor at Georgia Tech, Fritz had the opportunity to study the aftermath of the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami. He is grateful, he says, for being able to learn from a pioneering survey team at the site. He learned from the likes of USC Professor Costas Synolakis. The Indian Ocean tragedy proved to be a great learning experience for Fritz as an early career researcher. The basin-wide impact affected Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Sumatra. During the post event reconnaissance, the team analyzed video taken by eye witnesses, which enabled the researchers to calibrate flow velocities.

 

Fritz also had the opportunity to study impact of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan – which he had visited just 18 months prior to the event to observe the region’s extensive preparation for disaster:  tsunami dykes, seawalls and vertical evacuation. Despite it all, 20,000 people perished. Fritz collected field data and analyzed video. It is one of the best documented tsunamis ever, he says.

Submarine volcanic eruptions. At Oregon State University’s Hinsdale Wave Research Lab, a NHERI facility, Fritz is utilizing the tsunami wave basin to build physical models of submarine volcanoes with what may be the world’s first volcanic tsunami generator. The models fill in gaps that are difficult to observe directly.

 

Fritz discusses the rare, submarine volcano generated tsunamis that have happened in the past, including the island of Santorini in Greece and, more recently, Krakatoa – which killed 35,000 people due to landslides and tsunami. In the Hinsdale lab, the largest such facility in the U.S., Fritz can conduct large-scale experiments in a wave tank the size of an Olympic swimming pool,

 

Not only are volcanic tsunamis rare, they are compounded by ash, pyroclastic surges, and other characteristics, which make them difficult to study. In the lab, he says, he can isolate the elements. He is isolating the vertical explosion, wave propagation, landslide generation, the runup, the caldera formation -- all phases of an underwater volcano. The study will answer questions like: what kind of waves do we get, and how do they compare with other types of landslide or earthquake generated waves?

 

Follow Professor Fritz on Twitter: @hermfritz

]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2018 17:18:18 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Hermann Fritz

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Georgia Tech

 

In this episode, host Dan Zehner interviews Georgia Tech tsunami researcher Hermann Fritz. Professor Fritz discusses his unusual academic focus and his current project creating a tsunami generating machine at the University of Oregon.

 

As a civil engineering graduate student at ETH Zurich, he was interested in studying flooding. Switzerland is highly exposed to flooding, landslides and other hazards related to climate. Fritz explains that as the permafrost line lowers, rocks and mountains become less stable.

 

As for studying landslide-generated waves, the trigger point for Fritz came from observing a human-generated landslide into Lake Lucerne. Although the resulting impulse wave did not match experimental simulations, Fritz was nevertheless fascinated by the work and spurred to study waves generated by landslides for his PhD.

 

He says a big challenge in tsunami research is that tsunamis are poorly documented, typically limited to observations of post-event occurrences like runups, scars and broken foliage.

 

Fritz provides a rundown of the events he’s studied, including the July 9, 1958, Lituya Bay tsunami in Alaska – one of the first tsunamis observed in modern times. The landslide was “like an elephant in a bathtub,” he says. Fritz had a chance to meet with survivors of the event, the Swensons, who happened to be on a boat that day and were able to provide a unique eye-witness account of the disaster. In that case, Fritz says, there was good agreement between the physical model and the event.

 

A more recent event he’s studied was the June 2017 landslide in Greenland. The giant rockslide caused a tsunami with a runup of more than 90 meters.

 

As a young professor at Georgia Tech, Fritz had the opportunity to study the aftermath of the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami. He is grateful, he says, for being able to learn from a pioneering survey team at the site. He learned from the likes of USC Professor Costas Synolakis. The Indian Ocean tragedy proved to be a great learning experience for Fritz as an early career researcher. The basin-wide impact affected Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Sumatra. During the post event reconnaissance, the team analyzed video taken by eye witnesses, which enabled the researchers to calibrate flow velocities.

 

Fritz also had the opportunity to study impact of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan – which he had visited just 18 months prior to the event to observe the region’s extensive preparation for disaster:  tsunami dykes, seawalls and vertical evacuation. Despite it all, 20,000 people perished. Fritz collected field data and analyzed video. It is one of the best documented tsunamis ever, he says.

Submarine volcanic eruptions. At Oregon State University’s Hinsdale Wave Research Lab, a NHERI facility, Fritz is utilizing the tsunami wave basin to build physical models of submarine volcanoes with what may be the world’s first volcanic tsunami generator. The models fill in gaps that are difficult to observe directly.

 

Fritz discusses the rare, submarine volcano generated tsunamis that have happened in the past, including the island of Santorini in Greece and, more recently, Krakatoa – which killed 35,000 people due to landslides and tsunami. In the Hinsdale lab, the largest such facility in the U.S., Fritz can conduct large-scale experiments in a wave tank the size of an Olympic swimming pool,

 

Not only are volcanic tsunamis rare, they are compounded by ash, pyroclastic surges, and other characteristics, which make them difficult to study. In the lab, he says, he can isolate the elements. He is isolating the vertical explosion, wave propagation, landslide generation, the runup, the caldera formation -- all phases of an underwater volcano. The study will answer questions like: what kind of waves do we get, and how do they compare with other types of landslide or earthquake generated waves?

 

Follow Professor Fritz on Twitter: @hermfritz

]]> Episode 49 Tsunami, Volcanos, and Landslides, Oh My! with Hermann Fritz DesignSafe Radio 01:02:31 Hermann Fritz School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Georgia Tech   In this episode, host Dan Zehner interviews Georgia Tech tsunami researcher Hermann Fritz. Professor Fritz discusses his unusual academic focus and his current project creating a tsunami generating machine at the University of Oregon.   As a civil engineering graduate student at ETH Zurich, he was interested in studying flooding. Switzerland is highly exposed to flooding, landslides and other hazards related to climate. Fritz explains that as the permafrost line lowers, rocks and mountains become less stable.   As for studying landslide-generated waves, the trigger point for Fritz came from observing a human-generated landslide into Lake Lucerne. Although the resulting impulse wave did not match experimental simulations, Fritz was nevertheless fascinated by the work and spurred to study waves generated by landslides for his PhD.   He says a big challenge in tsunami research is that tsunamis are poorly documented, typically limited to observations of post-event occurrences like runups, scars and broken foliage.   Fritz provides a rundown of the events he’s studied, including the July 9, 1958, Lituya Bay tsunami in Alaska – one of the first tsunamis observed in modern times. The landslide was “like an elephant in a bathtub,” he says. Fritz had a chance to meet with survivors of the event, the Swensons, who happened to be on a boat that day and were able to provide a unique eye-witness account of the disaster. In that case, Fritz says, there was good agreement between the physical model and the event.   A more recent event he’s studied was the June 2017 landslide in Greenland. The giant rockslide caused a tsunami with a runup of more than 90 meters.   As a young professor at Georgia Tech, Fritz had the opportunity to study the aftermath of the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami. He is grateful, he says, for being able to learn from a pioneering survey team at the site. He learned from the likes of USC Professor Costas Synolakis. The Indian Ocean tragedy proved to be a great learning experience for Fritz as an early career researcher. The basin-wide impact affected Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Sumatra. During the post event reconnaissance, the team analyzed video taken by eye witnesses, which enabled the researchers to calibrate flow velocities.   Fritz also had the opportunity to study impact of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan – which he had visited just 18 months prior to the event to observe the region’s extensive preparation for disaster:  tsunami dykes, seawalls and vertical evacuation. Despite it all, 20,000 people perished. Fritz collected field data and analyzed video. It is one of the best documented tsunamis ever, he says. Submarine volcanic eruptions. At Oregon State University’s Hinsdale Wave Research Lab, a NHERI facility, Fritz is utilizing the tsunami wave basin to build physical models of submarine volcanoes with what may be the world’s first volcanic tsunami generator. The models fill in gaps that are difficult to observe directly.   Fritz discusses the rare, submarine volcano generated tsunamis that have happened in the past, including the island of Santorini in Greece and, more recently, Krakatoa – which killed 35,000 people due to landslides and tsunami. In the Hinsdale lab, the largest such facility in the U.S., Fritz can conduct large-scale experiments in a wave tank the size of an Olympic swimming pool,   Not only are volcanic tsunamis rare, they are compounded by ash, pyroclastic surges, and other characteristics, which make them difficult to study. In the lab, he says, he can isolate the elements. He is isolating the vertical explosion, wave propagation, landslide generation, the runup, the caldera formation -- all phases of an underwater volcano. The study will answer questions like: what kind of waves do we get, and how do they compare with other types of landslide or earthquake generated waves?   Follow Professor Fritz on Twitter: @hermfritz Hermann Fritz School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Georgia Tech   In this episode, host Dan Zehner interviews Georgia Tech tsunami researcher Hermann Fritz. Professor Fritz discusses his unusual academic focus and his current project creating a tsunami generating machine at the University of Oregon.   As a civil engineering graduate student at ETH Zurich, he was interested in studying flooding. Switzerland is highly exposed to flooding, landslides and other hazards related to climate. Fritz explains that as the permafrost line lowers, rocks and mountains become less stable.   As for studying landslide-generated waves, the trigger point for Fritz came from observing a human-generated landslide into Lake Lucerne. Although the resulting impulse wave did not match experimental simulations, Fritz was nevertheless fascinated by the work and spurred to study waves generated by landslides for his PhD.   He says a big challenge in tsunami research is that tsunamis are poorly documented, typically limited to observations of post-event occurrences like runups, scars and broken foliage.   Fritz provides a rundown of the events he’s studied, including the July 9, 1958, Lituya Bay tsunami in Alaska – one of the first tsunamis observed in modern times. The landslide was “like an elephant in a bathtub,” he says. Fritz had a chance to meet with survivors of the event, the Swensons, who happened to be on a boat that day and were able to provide a unique eye-witness account of the disaster. In that case, Fritz says, there was good agreement between the physical model and the event.   A more recent event he’s studied was the June 2017 landslide in Greenland. The giant rockslide caused a tsunami with a runup of more than 90 meters.   As a young professor at Georgia Tech, Fritz had the opportunity to study the aftermath of the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami. He is grateful, he says, for being able to learn from a pioneering survey team at the site. He learned from the likes of USC Professor Costas Synolakis. The Indian Ocean tragedy proved to be a great learning experience for Fritz as an early career researcher. The basin-wide impact affected Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Sumatra. During the post event reconnaissance, the team analyzed video taken by eye witnesses, which enabled the researchers to calibrate flow velocities.   Fritz also had the opportunity to study impact of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan – which he had visited just 18 months prior to the event to observe the region’s extensive preparation for disaster:  tsunami dykes, seawalls and vertical evacuation. Despite it all, 20,000 people perished. Fritz collected field data and analyzed video. It is one of the best documented tsunamis ever, he says. Submarine volcanic eruptions. At Oregon State University’s Hinsdale Wave Research Lab, a NHERI facility, Fritz is utilizing the tsunami wave basin to build physical models of submarine volcanoes with what may be the world’s first volcanic tsunami generator. The models fill in gaps that are difficult to observe directly.   Fritz discusses the rare, submarine volcano generated tsunamis that have happened in the past, including the island of Santorini in Greece and, more recently, Krakatoa – which killed 35,000 people due to landslides and tsunami. In the Hinsdale lab, the largest such facility in the U.S., Fritz can conduct large-scale experiments in a wave tank the size of an Olympic swimming pool,   Not only are volcanic tsunamis rare, they are compounded by ash, pyroclastic surges, and other characteristics, which make them difficult to study. In the lab, he says, he can isolate the elements. He is isolating the vertical explosion, wave propagation, landslide generation, the runup, the caldera formation -- all phases of an underwater volcano. The study will answer questions like: what kind of waves do we get, and how do they compare with other types of landslide or earthquake generated waves?   Follow Professor Fritz on Twitter: @hermfritz false full 49 d1737d138ac64c368e0e416a36cd6ea4 Episode 48 Story of a Stormchaser with Warren Causey (R) This week Dan meets storm chaser Warren Causey, founder of The Sirens Project. Causey, an engineer with a lifelong passion for weather, studies tornadoes from a safe distance, using unmanned aerial vehicles, drones. In the interview, Causey describes growing up in Georgia and chasing storms in the mountainous Southeast, in Dixie Alley. Hoping to design weather research systems, he studied mechanical engineering, including 3D modeling and drone development. Chemistry gelled with college classmates Nolan Lunsford and Brent Bouthiller, he says, “And it escalated from there.” The three formed The Sirens Project. They study supercells and tornadoes by guiding UAVs directly into the storms. Causey details how Sirens started as a Kickstarter project, and he discusses the team’s partnership with Ag Eagle, a UAV manufacturer specializing in rugged UAVs used in farming applications. As citizen scientists, the team is careful to avoid intercepting tornadoes near populated areas. He describes the ideal intercept: a slow-moving EF4 tornado in Kansas, in the middle of nowhere. He relates his experience with the El Reno, Oklahoma, tornado on May 31, 2013. Several storm chasers lost their lives that day, including the respected meteorologist Tim Samaras, when the storm made an unexpected change-of-course. The tragic incident spurred Causey to start The Sirens Project, a safer way to study storms. Causey says working with fellow researchers is necessary for gathering more data — data that will lead to improved forecasting and storm-resistant structures. Ultimately, he wants to create models for forecasting convection, which would allow for mapping how and where tornadoes will “fire” — which would reduce false-alarms. The supercell storms that spawn tornadoes change abruptly, require many variables to generate a tornado, and are very short-lived, all of which makes tornadoes more difficult to forecast than hurricanes. The Sirens Project team is prepping for the 2018 storm season and producing a documentary on stormchasing. Causey encourages fellow weather enthusiasts to contact the group. “We love interacting with other stormchasers,” he says.

]]> Fri, 20 Jul 2018 13:18:03 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org This week Dan meets storm chaser Warren Causey, founder of The Sirens Project. Causey, an engineer with a lifelong passion for weather, studies tornadoes from a safe distance, using unmanned aerial vehicles, drones. In the interview, Causey describes growing up in Georgia and chasing storms in the mountainous Southeast, in Dixie Alley. Hoping to design weather research systems, he studied mechanical engineering, including 3D modeling and drone development. Chemistry gelled with college classmates Nolan Lunsford and Brent Bouthiller, he says, “And it escalated from there.” The three formed The Sirens Project. They study supercells and tornadoes by guiding UAVs directly into the storms. Causey details how Sirens started as a Kickstarter project, and he discusses the team’s partnership with Ag Eagle, a UAV manufacturer specializing in rugged UAVs used in farming applications. As citizen scientists, the team is careful to avoid intercepting tornadoes near populated areas. He describes the ideal intercept: a slow-moving EF4 tornado in Kansas, in the middle of nowhere. He relates his experience with the El Reno, Oklahoma, tornado on May 31, 2013. Several storm chasers lost their lives that day, including the respected meteorologist Tim Samaras, when the storm made an unexpected change-of-course. The tragic incident spurred Causey to start The Sirens Project, a safer way to study storms. Causey says working with fellow researchers is necessary for gathering more data — data that will lead to improved forecasting and storm-resistant structures. Ultimately, he wants to create models for forecasting convection, which would allow for mapping how and where tornadoes will “fire” — which would reduce false-alarms. The supercell storms that spawn tornadoes change abruptly, require many variables to generate a tornado, and are very short-lived, all of which makes tornadoes more difficult to forecast than hurricanes. The Sirens Project team is prepping for the 2018 storm season and producing a documentary on stormchasing. Causey encourages fellow weather enthusiasts to contact the group. “We love interacting with other stormchasers,” he says.

]]> Episode 48 Story of a Stormchaser with Warren Causey (R) DesignSafe Radio 00:41:57 This week Dan meets storm chaser Warren Causey, founder of The Sirens Project. Causey, an engineer with a lifelong passion for weather, studies tornadoes from a safe distance, using unmanned aerial vehicles, drones. In the interview, Causey describes growing up in Georgia and chasing storms in the mountainous Southeast, in Dixie Alley. Hoping to design weather research systems, he studied mechanical engineering, including 3D modeling and drone development. Chemistry gelled with college classmates Nolan Lunsford and Brent Bouthiller, he says, “And it escalated from there.” The three formed The Sirens Project. They study supercells and tornadoes by guiding UAVs directly into the storms. Causey details how Sirens started as a Kickstarter project, and he discusses the team’s partnership with Ag Eagle, a UAV manufacturer specializing in rugged UAVs used in farming applications. As citizen scientists, the team is careful to avoid intercepting tornadoes near populated areas. He describes the ideal intercept: a slow-moving EF4 tornado in Kansas, in the middle of nowhere. He relates his experience with the El Reno, Oklahoma, tornado on May 31, 2013. Several storm chasers lost their lives that day, including the respected meteorologist Tim Samaras, when the storm made an unexpected change-of-course. The tragic incident spurred Causey to start The Sirens Project, a safer way to study storms. Causey says working with fellow researchers is necessary for gathering more data — data that will lead to improved forecasting and storm-resistant structures. Ultimately, he wants to create models for forecasting convection, which would allow for mapping how and where tornadoes will “fire” — which would reduce false-alarms. The supercell storms that spawn tornadoes change abruptly, require many variables to generate a tornado, and are very short-lived, all of which makes tornadoes more difficult to forecast than hurricanes. The Sirens Project team is prepping for the 2018 storm season and producing a documentary on stormchasing. Causey encourages fellow weather enthusiasts to contact the group. “We love interacting with other stormchasers,” he says. This week Dan meets storm chaser Warren Causey, founder of The Sirens Project. Causey, an engineer with a lifelong passion for weather, studies tornadoes from a safe distance, using unmanned aerial vehicles, drones. In the interview, Causey describes growing up in Georgia and chasing storms in the mountainous Southeast, in Dixie Alley. Hoping to design weather research systems, he studied mechanical engineering, including 3D modeling and drone development. Chemistry gelled with college classmates Nolan Lunsford and Brent Bouthiller, he says, “And it escalated from there.” The three formed The Sirens Project. They study supercells and tornadoes by guiding UAVs directly into the storms. Causey details how Sirens started as a Kickstarter project, and he discusses the team’s partnership with Ag Eagle, a UAV manufacturer specializing in rugged UAVs used in farming applications. As citizen scientists, the team is careful to avoid intercepting tornadoes near populated areas. He describes the ideal intercept: a slow-moving EF4 tornado in Kansas, in the middle of nowhere. He relates his experience with the El Reno, Oklahoma, tornado on May 31, 2013. Several storm chasers lost their lives that day, including the respected meteorologist Tim Samaras, when the storm made an unexpected change-of-course. The tragic incident spurred Causey to start The Sirens Project, a safer way to study storms. Causey says working with fellow researchers is necessary for gathering more data — data that will lead to improved forecasting and storm-resistant structures. Ultimately, he wants to create models for forecasting convection, which would allow for mapping how and where tornadoes will “fire” — which would reduce false-alarms. The supercell storms that spawn tornadoes change abruptly, require many variables to generate a tornado, and are very short-lived, all of which makes tornadoes more difficult to forecast than hurricanes. The Sirens Project team is prepping for the 2018 storm season and producing a documentary on stormchasing. Causey encourages fellow weather enthusiasts to contact the group. “We love interacting with other stormchasers,” he says. false full 48 3554335228714024b30f9b7538799849 Episode 47: Legendary Hurricane Hunter Frank Marks (R) Legendary hurricane hunter Frank Marks Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. Curiosity and a career path. He got curious about weather in grade school. His neighbor, a science teacher, kept weather instruments in his yard. Soon Marks was one of his students, learning how to make measurements with such instruments. He joined the school’s weather club and learned things like how to decode meteorological messages that came in by teletype machine. He explains using “old fashioned” methods of gathering and interpreting data to make forecasts, which were and posted at school every day. He lived near an IBM facility, and he describes a senior class project that involved learning how to program an IBM computer, using punch cards, to do meteorological work. In college, Marks enjoyed learning from brilliant professors and became interested in fluid dynamics. In graduate school at MIT, he had an opportunity to do a three-month internship in Senegal -- to work on an important Atlantic tropical weather experiment that involved multiple aircraft and a fleet of weather ships. It was a life-changing experience. Marks urges young researchers to take risks when opportunities knock. He details his “trial by fire” during that internship, which included doing a lot of analysis by hand. Eventually, by studying lots of data and watching for patterns, he became an expert on tropical convection variability. That internship led to a job offer from NOAA’s hurricane research lab — where he’s worked for the past 37 years.

]]> Fri, 13 Jul 2018 18:09:19 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Legendary hurricane hunter Frank Marks Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. Curiosity and a career path. He got curious about weather in grade school. His neighbor, a science teacher, kept weather instruments in his yard. Soon Marks was one of his students, learning how to make measurements with such instruments. He joined the school’s weather club and learned things like how to decode meteorological messages that came in by teletype machine. He explains using “old fashioned” methods of gathering and interpreting data to make forecasts, which were and posted at school every day. He lived near an IBM facility, and he describes a senior class project that involved learning how to program an IBM computer, using punch cards, to do meteorological work. In college, Marks enjoyed learning from brilliant professors and became interested in fluid dynamics. In graduate school at MIT, he had an opportunity to do a three-month internship in Senegal -- to work on an important Atlantic tropical weather experiment that involved multiple aircraft and a fleet of weather ships. It was a life-changing experience. Marks urges young researchers to take risks when opportunities knock. He details his “trial by fire” during that internship, which included doing a lot of analysis by hand. Eventually, by studying lots of data and watching for patterns, he became an expert on tropical convection variability. That internship led to a job offer from NOAA’s hurricane research lab — where he’s worked for the past 37 years.

]]> Episode 47: Legendary Hurricane Hunter Frank Marks (R) DesignSafe Radio 01:05:06 Legendary hurricane hunter Frank Marks Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. Curiosity and a career path. He got curious about weather in grade school. His neighbor, a science teacher, kept weather instruments in his yard. Soon Marks was one of his students, learning how to make measurements with such instruments. He joined the school’s weather club and learned things like how to decode meteorological messages that came in by teletype machine. He explains using “old fashioned” methods of gathering and interpreting data to make forecasts, which were and posted at school every day. He lived near an IBM facility, and he describes a senior class project that involved learning how to program an IBM computer, using punch cards, to do meteorological work. In college, Marks enjoyed learning from brilliant professors and became interested in fluid dynamics. In graduate school at MIT, he had an opportunity to do a three-month internship in Senegal -- to work on an important Atlantic tropical weather experiment that involved multiple aircraft and a fleet of weather ships. It was a life-changing experience. Marks urges young researchers to take risks when opportunities knock. He details his “trial by fire” during that internship, which included doing a lot of analysis by hand. Eventually, by studying lots of data and watching for patterns, he became an expert on tropical convection variability. That internship led to a job offer from NOAA’s hurricane research lab — where he’s worked for the past 37 years. Legendary hurricane hunter Frank Marks Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. Curiosity and a career path. He got curious about weather in grade school. His neighbor, a science teacher, kept weather instruments in his yard. Soon Marks was one of his students, learning how to make measurements with such instruments. He joined the school’s weather club and learned things like how to decode meteorological messages that came in by teletype machine. He explains using “old fashioned” methods of gathering and interpreting data to make forecasts, which were and posted at school every day. He lived near an IBM facility, and he describes a senior class project that involved learning how to program an IBM computer, using punch cards, to do meteorological work. In college, Marks enjoyed learning from brilliant professors and became interested in fluid dynamics. In graduate school at MIT, he had an opportunity to do a three-month internship in Senegal -- to work on an important Atlantic tropical weather experiment that involved multiple aircraft and a fleet of weather ships. It was a life-changing experience. Marks urges young researchers to take risks when opportunities knock. He details his “trial by fire” during that internship, which included doing a lot of analysis by hand. Eventually, by studying lots of data and watching for patterns, he became an expert on tropical convection variability. That internship led to a job offer from NOAA’s hurricane research lab — where he’s worked for the past 37 years. false full 47 a26a0967af3f44a195336f2ae48bf31e Episode 46 David Prevatt (R) Raised and schooled in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, from an early age David Prevatt was interested in science and structures. As an islander, he also grew up sailing and windsurfing. He recollects the exhilarating feeling of using wind power to skim the waves. He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of the West Indies. After a stint as a civil engineer in Trinidad and Tobago, his curiosity and interest in research took him to Clemson University where he earned his master’s and PhD degrees in civil engineering.

 

Prevatt describes wind as a natural force, not a “disaster” in and of itself Disaster happens, he says, when we make buildings that are inadequately prepared to resist the wind. That is why he is grateful for the NHERI network. He sees tremendous value in having all types of natural hazards engineers  working towards resilient communities.

 

The community is a force of its own, Prevatt explains. Communities in hazard-prone areas need to start making hard decisions. Should they build stronger? Or should they perhaps build in areas that are not prone to hazards like strong winds? Communities need to assess their risk tolerance.

 

He discusses his research on extreme wind hazards, hurricanes, in the Caribbean. Our human nature, he says, makes it difficult for us to be rational. We tend not to remember bad events in the past, or at least think the unfortunate event won’t happen in the near-term future.

 

In fact, Prevatt’s first research paper, written in the early 1990s, concluded that if Caribbean nations did not take steps to address their vulnerability to hurricane risk, hurricane disasters would happen again. Hurricane David destroyed Dominique. Monserrat was devastated by Hugo. Now, 25 years later, many billions have been spent on construction that did not take hurricanes under consideration, he says, so it is not surprising what has happened to these countries in recent storms, he says.

 

Prevatt discusses human biases that lead poor community decisions. As an engineer, he says accurate data on hazard risks is the best tool for convincing communities to manage their risks. But even with data provided by groups like FEMA -- $1 spent on hazard reduction provides six times the future benefit – he acknowledges that communities continue to spend on immediate things, not on long term preventive measures.

 

He explains how the market help could convince consumers that they should purchase a house that’s build stronger than the local code, one that will last longer and have an increased level of safety. It is a hard argument for countries in the developing world, he says. He wants people rebuilding in the Caribbean to ask questions from engineers and other experts – and get straight answers -- before they rebuild in the same unsafe ways.

 

In his reconnaissance trip to of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Prevatt describes seeing new construction going up that did not take future storm damage into account. There were engineering and economic questions that were not considered. He cites an example: new phone poles went in right were the old ones had been. Which means the new poles are just as likely to fail. Post disaster is the time to consider improvements, he says, such as redundancies and backups.

 

He proposes that island standards perhaps should be different than mainland standards – so they can be more self-sufficient after a disaster. Prevatt cites grim statistics: In Puerto Rico, 93% of the country’s GDP will be going to rebuilding efforts.

 

He discusses traditional building techniques in the Carribean. Roof-to-wall connections often fail, often due to large eaves, structural elements that provide shade. He discusses ways that the Carribean communities could become more resilient. A wind-resilient neighborhood is safer, and there is a market for that, he argues.

 

Such communities need to hold their leaders’ feet to the fire to make hard, long-term decisions.

 

Although Prevatt is generally optimistic, he quotes an ASCE engineer who studied tornado wind loads and proposed building tornado-resistant houses – in 1897.

 

As a researcher, he poses important philosophical questions about our seemingly irrational inability to apply important lessons that research offers. Nevertheless, Prevatt loves his work as a wind engineer.  Given even a small chance that he might succeed in changing the state of affairs, he continues to research and provide data-driven advice. Indeed, he could help a lot. Plus, he says, he has fun.

 

As well as doing research, he teaches at the University of Florida. He loves guiding really smart students – who are the future of hazards engineering.

 

One of Prevatt’s most memorable natural disaster experiences was after tropical storm Fran, which caused considerable damage in Trinidad. On a reconnaissance mission, he visited a two-story house had that lost its roof. He remembers that the home owner was jovial at first, making jokes despite her problems. When he investigated, he discovered that although the roof had been designed to be bolted to the walls, the nuts and bolts were not there! The roof had never been properly attached. The discovery shocked and upset the owner – to learn that her damage was preventable. The incident has stuck with him. Prevatt says that he never forgets that the human cost of natural hazards goes beyond physical damage.

]]> Fri, 6 Jul 2018 18:00:17 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Raised and schooled in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, from an early age David Prevatt was interested in science and structures. As an islander, he also grew up sailing and windsurfing. He recollects the exhilarating feeling of using wind power to skim the waves. He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of the West Indies. After a stint as a civil engineer in Trinidad and Tobago, his curiosity and interest in research took him to Clemson University where he earned his master’s and PhD degrees in civil engineering.

 

Prevatt describes wind as a natural force, not a “disaster” in and of itself Disaster happens, he says, when we make buildings that are inadequately prepared to resist the wind. That is why he is grateful for the NHERI network. He sees tremendous value in having all types of natural hazards engineers  working towards resilient communities.

 

The community is a force of its own, Prevatt explains. Communities in hazard-prone areas need to start making hard decisions. Should they build stronger? Or should they perhaps build in areas that are not prone to hazards like strong winds? Communities need to assess their risk tolerance.

 

He discusses his research on extreme wind hazards, hurricanes, in the Caribbean. Our human nature, he says, makes it difficult for us to be rational. We tend not to remember bad events in the past, or at least think the unfortunate event won’t happen in the near-term future.

 

In fact, Prevatt’s first research paper, written in the early 1990s, concluded that if Caribbean nations did not take steps to address their vulnerability to hurricane risk, hurricane disasters would happen again. Hurricane David destroyed Dominique. Monserrat was devastated by Hugo. Now, 25 years later, many billions have been spent on construction that did not take hurricanes under consideration, he says, so it is not surprising what has happened to these countries in recent storms, he says.

 

Prevatt discusses human biases that lead poor community decisions. As an engineer, he says accurate data on hazard risks is the best tool for convincing communities to manage their risks. But even with data provided by groups like FEMA -- $1 spent on hazard reduction provides six times the future benefit – he acknowledges that communities continue to spend on immediate things, not on long term preventive measures.

 

He explains how the market help could convince consumers that they should purchase a house that’s build stronger than the local code, one that will last longer and have an increased level of safety. It is a hard argument for countries in the developing world, he says. He wants people rebuilding in the Caribbean to ask questions from engineers and other experts – and get straight answers -- before they rebuild in the same unsafe ways.

 

In his reconnaissance trip to of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Prevatt describes seeing new construction going up that did not take future storm damage into account. There were engineering and economic questions that were not considered. He cites an example: new phone poles went in right were the old ones had been. Which means the new poles are just as likely to fail. Post disaster is the time to consider improvements, he says, such as redundancies and backups.

 

He proposes that island standards perhaps should be different than mainland standards – so they can be more self-sufficient after a disaster. Prevatt cites grim statistics: In Puerto Rico, 93% of the country’s GDP will be going to rebuilding efforts.

 

He discusses traditional building techniques in the Carribean. Roof-to-wall connections often fail, often due to large eaves, structural elements that provide shade. He discusses ways that the Carribean communities could become more resilient. A wind-resilient neighborhood is safer, and there is a market for that, he argues.

 

Such communities need to hold their leaders’ feet to the fire to make hard, long-term decisions.

 

Although Prevatt is generally optimistic, he quotes an ASCE engineer who studied tornado wind loads and proposed building tornado-resistant houses – in 1897.

 

As a researcher, he poses important philosophical questions about our seemingly irrational inability to apply important lessons that research offers. Nevertheless, Prevatt loves his work as a wind engineer.  Given even a small chance that he might succeed in changing the state of affairs, he continues to research and provide data-driven advice. Indeed, he could help a lot. Plus, he says, he has fun.

 

As well as doing research, he teaches at the University of Florida. He loves guiding really smart students – who are the future of hazards engineering.

 

One of Prevatt’s most memorable natural disaster experiences was after tropical storm Fran, which caused considerable damage in Trinidad. On a reconnaissance mission, he visited a two-story house had that lost its roof. He remembers that the home owner was jovial at first, making jokes despite her problems. When he investigated, he discovered that although the roof had been designed to be bolted to the walls, the nuts and bolts were not there! The roof had never been properly attached. The discovery shocked and upset the owner – to learn that her damage was preventable. The incident has stuck with him. Prevatt says that he never forgets that the human cost of natural hazards goes beyond physical damage.

]]> Episode 46 David Prevatt (R) DesignSafe Radio 00:56:40 Raised and schooled in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, from an early age David Prevatt was interested in science and structures. As an islander, he also grew up sailing and windsurfing. He recollects the exhilarating feeling of using wind power to skim the waves. He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of the West Indies. After a stint as a civil engineer in Trinidad and Tobago, his curiosity and interest in research took him to Clemson University where he earned his master’s and PhD degrees in civil engineering.   Prevatt describes wind as a natural force, not a “disaster” in and of itself Disaster happens, he says, when we make buildings that are inadequately prepared to resist the wind. That is why he is grateful for the NHERI network. He sees tremendous value in having all types of natural hazards engineers  working towards resilient communities.   The community is a force of its own, Prevatt explains. Communities in hazard-prone areas need to start making hard decisions. Should they build stronger? Or should they perhaps build in areas that are not prone to hazards like strong winds? Communities need to assess their risk tolerance.   He discusses his research on extreme wind hazards, hurricanes, in the Caribbean. Our human nature, he says, makes it difficult for us to be rational. We tend not to remember bad events in the past, or at least think the unfortunate event won’t happen in the near-term future.   In fact, Prevatt’s first research paper, written in the early 1990s, concluded that if Caribbean nations did not take steps to address their vulnerability to hurricane risk, hurricane disasters would happen again. Hurricane David destroyed Dominique. Monserrat was devastated by Hugo. Now, 25 years later, many billions have been spent on construction that did not take hurricanes under consideration, he says, so it is not surprising what has happened to these countries in recent storms, he says.   Prevatt discusses human biases that lead poor community decisions. As an engineer, he says accurate data on hazard risks is the best tool for convincing communities to manage their risks. But even with data provided by groups like FEMA -- $1 spent on hazard reduction provides six times the future benefit – he acknowledges that communities continue to spend on immediate things, not on long term preventive measures.   He explains how the market help could convince consumers that they should purchase a house that’s build stronger than the local code, one that will last longer and have an increased level of safety. It is a hard argument for countries in the developing world, he says. He wants people rebuilding in the Caribbean to ask questions from engineers and other experts – and get straight answers -- before they rebuild in the same unsafe ways.   In his reconnaissance trip to of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Prevatt describes seeing new construction going up that did not take future storm damage into account. There were engineering and economic questions that were not considered. He cites an example: new phone poles went in right were the old ones had been. Which means the new poles are just as likely to fail. Post disaster is the time to consider improvements, he says, such as redundancies and backups.   He proposes that island standards perhaps should be different than mainland standards – so they can be more self-sufficient after a disaster. Prevatt cites grim statistics: In Puerto Rico, 93% of the country’s GDP will be going to rebuilding efforts.   He discusses traditional building techniques in the Carribean. Roof-to-wall connections often fail, often due to large eaves, structural elements that provide shade. He discusses ways that the Carribean communities could become more resilient. A wind-resilient neighborhood is safer, and there is a market for that, he argues.   Such communities need to hold their leaders’ feet to the fire to make hard, long-term decisions.   Although Prevatt is generally optimistic, he quotes an ASCE engineer who studied tornado wind loads and proposed building tornado-resistant houses – in 1897.   As a researcher, he poses important philosophical questions about our seemingly irrational inability to apply important lessons that research offers. Nevertheless, Prevatt loves his work as a wind engineer.  Given even a small chance that he might succeed in changing the state of affairs, he continues to research and provide data-driven advice. Indeed, he could help a lot. Plus, he says, he has fun.   As well as doing research, he teaches at the University of Florida. He loves guiding really smart students – who are the future of hazards engineering.   One of Prevatt’s most memorable natural disaster experiences was after tropical storm Fran, which caused considerable damage in Trinidad. On a reconnaissance mission, he visited a two-story house had that lost its roof. He remembers that the home owner was jovial at first, making jokes despite her problems. When he investigated, he discovered that although the roof had been designed to be bolted to the walls, the nuts and bolts were not there! The roof had never been properly attached. The discovery shocked and upset the owner – to learn that her damage was preventable. The incident has stuck with him. Prevatt says that he never forgets that the human cost of natural hazards goes beyond physical damage. Raised and schooled in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, from an early age David Prevatt was interested in science and structures. As an islander, he also grew up sailing and windsurfing. He recollects the exhilarating feeling of using wind power to skim the waves. He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of the West Indies. After a stint as a civil engineer in Trinidad and Tobago, his curiosity and interest in research took him to Clemson University where he earned his master’s and PhD degrees in civil engineering.   Prevatt describes wind as a natural force, not a “disaster” in and of itself Disaster happens, he says, when we make buildings that are inadequately prepared to resist the wind. That is why he is grateful for the NHERI network. He sees tremendous value in having all types of natural hazards engineers  working towards resilient communities.   The community is a force of its own, Prevatt explains. Communities in hazard-prone areas need to start making hard decisions. Should they build stronger? Or should they perhaps build in areas that are not prone to hazards like strong winds? Communities need to assess their risk tolerance.   He discusses his research on extreme wind hazards, hurricanes, in the Caribbean. Our human nature, he says, makes it difficult for us to be rational. We tend not to remember bad events in the past, or at least think the unfortunate event won’t happen in the near-term future.   In fact, Prevatt’s first research paper, written in the early 1990s, concluded that if Caribbean nations did not take steps to address their vulnerability to hurricane risk, hurricane disasters would happen again. Hurricane David destroyed Dominique. Monserrat was devastated by Hugo. Now, 25 years later, many billions have been spent on construction that did not take hurricanes under consideration, he says, so it is not surprising what has happened to these countries in recent storms, he says.   Prevatt discusses human biases that lead poor community decisions. As an engineer, he says accurate data on hazard risks is the best tool for convincing communities to manage their risks. But even with data provided by groups like FEMA -- $1 spent on hazard reduction provides six times the future benefit – he acknowledges that communities continue to spend on immediate things, not on long term preventive measures.   He explains how the market help could convince consumers that they should purchase a house that’s build stronger than the local code, one that will last longer and have an increased level of safety. It is a hard argument for countries in the developing world, he says. He wants people rebuilding in the Caribbean to ask questions from engineers and other experts – and get straight answers -- before they rebuild in the same unsafe ways.   In his reconnaissance trip to of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Prevatt describes seeing new construction going up that did not take future storm damage into account. There were engineering and economic questions that were not considered. He cites an example: new phone poles went in right were the old ones had been. Which means the new poles are just as likely to fail. Post disaster is the time to consider improvements, he says, such as redundancies and backups.   He proposes that island standards perhaps should be different than mainland standards – so they can be more self-sufficient after a disaster. Prevatt cites grim statistics: In Puerto Rico, 93% of the country’s GDP will be going to rebuilding efforts.   He discusses traditional building techniques in the Carribean. Roof-to-wall connections often fail, often due to large eaves, structural elements that provide shade. He discusses ways that the Carribean communities could become more resilient. A wind-resilient neighborhood is safer, and there is a market for that, he argues.   Such communities need to hold their leaders’ feet to the fire to make hard, long-term decisions.   Although Prevatt is generally optimistic, he quotes an ASCE engineer who studied tornado wind loads and proposed building tornado-resistant houses – in 1897.   As a researcher, he poses important philosophical questions about our seemingly irrational inability to apply important lessons that research offers. Nevertheless, Prevatt loves his work as a wind engineer.  Given even a small chance that he might succeed in changing the state of affairs, he continues to research and provide data-driven advice. Indeed, he could help a lot. Plus, he says, he has fun.   As well as doing research, he teaches at the University of Florida. He loves guiding really smart students – who are the future of hazards engineering.   One of Prevatt’s most memorable natural disaster experiences was after tropical storm Fran, which caused considerable damage in Trinidad. On a reconnaissance mission, he visited a two-story house had that lost its roof. He remembers that the home owner was jovial at first, making jokes despite her problems. When he investigated, he discovered that although the roof had been designed to be bolted to the walls, the nuts and bolts were not there! The roof had never been properly attached. The discovery shocked and upset the owner – to learn that her damage was preventable. The incident has stuck with him. Prevatt says that he never forgets that the human cost of natural hazards goes beyond physical damage. false full 46 15a678b0bf3e4fc897d3cfe281283304 Episode 45 True Calling as a Wind Engineer with Jennifer Bridge Today DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner meets up with Jennifer Bridge, a research engineer from the University of Florida – and deputy director of UF’s NHERI facility.

 

When recalling her initial interest in engineering, she says she enjoyed math and physics in high school, making engineering a natural career path. In college, she majored in civil engineering. A turning point, she says, was when a college job fair unexpectedly landed her a position working as a research assistant for an engineering professor. There, as an undergrad, she learned she liked doing research, and she realized with a PhD she could do research for a living. She briefly describes that early project, which was in wind engineering.

 

 

She earned her master’s and PhD at the University of Illinois. During her master’s studies, she worked with Professor Doug Foutch on wind loads on highway sign structures. The team needed to instrument and monitor sign trusses to find out why they were cracking. She loved the practical nature of the work. For her PhD, she worked with Bill Spencer. She learned about structural health monitoring and to design wireless sensors and platforms for collecting data.

 

She describes the kinds of data that are important to collect, including vibration based acceleration data. She describes how structures, because they have inherent dynamic properties, can be monitored to detect damage. She discusses the state of “health monitoring” research and explains one of the more practical uses of the approach, which is to monitor structures with known deficiencies.

 

Bridge talks about a project she’s wrapping up, using UAVs to do bridge inspection – which is a visual way to examine structural health. She explains how much of the work involves advanced image processing, which can be used for decision support. UAV flight control is trickier that you’d think, she says, so her team devised a variety of techniques to take photographs in a consistent fashion. She discusses the value of machine in processing images.

 

She briefly discusses University of Florida projects that use the NHERI wind tunnel facility to devise real-time structural optimization techniques, which allow engineers to design a structure while it is experiencing a wind load.

 

Bridge talks about her current project: in-field, full-scale bridge testing under coastal storm loading. She measures forces that bridges experience during storms. There are good models, she says, but there is not much real data. You can look at damaged bridges, but researchers still don’t know how damage happens. Bridge is aiming to get the info to fill the gap. It means developing the proper instrumentation, a sensor kit that’s fast to set up and strong enough to hold up during a storm – and endure underwater fouling. With NSF and Florida Department of Transportation support, she’s developing an instrumentation system for coastal bridges. She’s hoping for a robust and practical system that works in the real world.

 

Bridge has a prototype system on a Tampa Bay bridge, and she’s hoping to instrument as many as 10 Florida bridges commonly in the paths of storms and hurricanes.

]]> Fri, 22 Jun 2018 16:39:03 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner meets up with Jennifer Bridge, a research engineer from the University of Florida – and deputy director of UF’s NHERI facility.

 

When recalling her initial interest in engineering, she says she enjoyed math and physics in high school, making engineering a natural career path. In college, she majored in civil engineering. A turning point, she says, was when a college job fair unexpectedly landed her a position working as a research assistant for an engineering professor. There, as an undergrad, she learned she liked doing research, and she realized with a PhD she could do research for a living. She briefly describes that early project, which was in wind engineering.

 

 

She earned her master’s and PhD at the University of Illinois. During her master’s studies, she worked with Professor Doug Foutch on wind loads on highway sign structures. The team needed to instrument and monitor sign trusses to find out why they were cracking. She loved the practical nature of the work. For her PhD, she worked with Bill Spencer. She learned about structural health monitoring and to design wireless sensors and platforms for collecting data.

 

She describes the kinds of data that are important to collect, including vibration based acceleration data. She describes how structures, because they have inherent dynamic properties, can be monitored to detect damage. She discusses the state of “health monitoring” research and explains one of the more practical uses of the approach, which is to monitor structures with known deficiencies.

 

Bridge talks about a project she’s wrapping up, using UAVs to do bridge inspection – which is a visual way to examine structural health. She explains how much of the work involves advanced image processing, which can be used for decision support. UAV flight control is trickier that you’d think, she says, so her team devised a variety of techniques to take photographs in a consistent fashion. She discusses the value of machine in processing images.

 

She briefly discusses University of Florida projects that use the NHERI wind tunnel facility to devise real-time structural optimization techniques, which allow engineers to design a structure while it is experiencing a wind load.

 

Bridge talks about her current project: in-field, full-scale bridge testing under coastal storm loading. She measures forces that bridges experience during storms. There are good models, she says, but there is not much real data. You can look at damaged bridges, but researchers still don’t know how damage happens. Bridge is aiming to get the info to fill the gap. It means developing the proper instrumentation, a sensor kit that’s fast to set up and strong enough to hold up during a storm – and endure underwater fouling. With NSF and Florida Department of Transportation support, she’s developing an instrumentation system for coastal bridges. She’s hoping for a robust and practical system that works in the real world.

 

Bridge has a prototype system on a Tampa Bay bridge, and she’s hoping to instrument as many as 10 Florida bridges commonly in the paths of storms and hurricanes.

]]> Episode 45 True Calling as a Wind Engineer with Jennifer Bridge DesignSafe Radio 00:38:34 Today DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner meets up with Jennifer Bridge, a research engineer from the University of Florida – and deputy director of UF’s NHERI facility.   When recalling her initial interest in engineering, she says she enjoyed math and physics in high school, making engineering a natural career path. In college, she majored in civil engineering. A turning point, she says, was when a college job fair unexpectedly landed her a position working as a research assistant for an engineering professor. There, as an undergrad, she learned she liked doing research, and she realized with a PhD she could do research for a living. She briefly describes that early project, which was in wind engineering.     She earned her master’s and PhD at the University of Illinois. During her master’s studies, she worked with Professor Doug Foutch on wind loads on highway sign structures. The team needed to instrument and monitor sign trusses to find out why they were cracking. She loved the practical nature of the work. For her PhD, she worked with Bill Spencer. She learned about structural health monitoring and to design wireless sensors and platforms for collecting data.   She describes the kinds of data that are important to collect, including vibration based acceleration data. She describes how structures, because they have inherent dynamic properties, can be monitored to detect damage. She discusses the state of “health monitoring” research and explains one of the more practical uses of the approach, which is to monitor structures with known deficiencies.   Bridge talks about a project she’s wrapping up, using UAVs to do bridge inspection – which is a visual way to examine structural health. She explains how much of the work involves advanced image processing, which can be used for decision support. UAV flight control is trickier that you’d think, she says, so her team devised a variety of techniques to take photographs in a consistent fashion. She discusses the value of machine in processing images.   She briefly discusses University of Florida projects that use the NHERI wind tunnel facility to devise real-time structural optimization techniques, which allow engineers to design a structure while it is experiencing a wind load.   Bridge talks about her current project: in-field, full-scale bridge testing under coastal storm loading. She measures forces that bridges experience during storms. There are good models, she says, but there is not much real data. You can look at damaged bridges, but researchers still don’t know how damage happens. Bridge is aiming to get the info to fill the gap. It means developing the proper instrumentation, a sensor kit that’s fast to set up and strong enough to hold up during a storm – and endure underwater fouling. With NSF and Florida Department of Transportation support, she’s developing an instrumentation system for coastal bridges. She’s hoping for a robust and practical system that works in the real world.   Bridge has a prototype system on a Tampa Bay bridge, and she’s hoping to instrument as many as 10 Florida bridges commonly in the paths of storms and hurricanes. Today DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner meets up with Jennifer Bridge, a research engineer from the University of Florida – and deputy director of UF’s NHERI facility.   When recalling her initial interest in engineering, she says she enjoyed math and physics in high school, making engineering a natural career path. In college, she majored in civil engineering. A turning point, she says, was when a college job fair unexpectedly landed her a position working as a research assistant for an engineering professor. There, as an undergrad, she learned she liked doing research, and she realized with a PhD she could do research for a living. She briefly describes that early project, which was in wind engineering.     She earned her master’s and PhD at the University of Illinois. During her master’s studies, she worked with Professor Doug Foutch on wind loads on highway sign structures. The team needed to instrument and monitor sign trusses to find out why they were cracking. She loved the practical nature of the work. For her PhD, she worked with Bill Spencer. She learned about structural health monitoring and to design wireless sensors and platforms for collecting data.   She describes the kinds of data that are important to collect, including vibration based acceleration data. She describes how structures, because they have inherent dynamic properties, can be monitored to detect damage. She discusses the state of “health monitoring” research and explains one of the more practical uses of the approach, which is to monitor structures with known deficiencies.   Bridge talks about a project she’s wrapping up, using UAVs to do bridge inspection – which is a visual way to examine structural health. She explains how much of the work involves advanced image processing, which can be used for decision support. UAV flight control is trickier that you’d think, she says, so her team devised a variety of techniques to take photographs in a consistent fashion. She discusses the value of machine in processing images.   She briefly discusses University of Florida projects that use the NHERI wind tunnel facility to devise real-time structural optimization techniques, which allow engineers to design a structure while it is experiencing a wind load.   Bridge talks about her current project: in-field, full-scale bridge testing under coastal storm loading. She measures forces that bridges experience during storms. There are good models, she says, but there is not much real data. You can look at damaged bridges, but researchers still don’t know how damage happens. Bridge is aiming to get the info to fill the gap. It means developing the proper instrumentation, a sensor kit that’s fast to set up and strong enough to hold up during a storm – and endure underwater fouling. With NSF and Florida Department of Transportation support, she’s developing an instrumentation system for coastal bridges. She’s hoping for a robust and practical system that works in the real world.   Bridge has a prototype system on a Tampa Bay bridge, and she’s hoping to instrument as many as 10 Florida bridges commonly in the paths of storms and hurricanes. false full 45 890efa36d7f44e4a81381372bd4e77a7 Episode 44 Cold Formed Steel and Shake Tables with Kara Peterman For earthquake engineer Kara Peterman, joining the high school robotics team was a defining experience. She discovered she loved the applied sciences. So, when she entered Swarthmore College, she majored in engineering. Because she loved buildings and architecture, and she liked the idea of designing resilient structures, she decided to a focus in structural engineering.

 

She wanted to be a professional engineer, so she enrolled in the master’s program at Johns Hopkins University. She discovered she loved research, so she switched to the PhD program. She didn’t want to give up on the idea of a being a PE, but research was too important, she says. At Johns Hopkins, she learned that she loved experiments. She found the unknown compelling. Research is like a mystery, she says. You work until you have enough clues to solve the problem.

 

As a PhD candidate, her advisor was Ben Schafer, who introduced her to shake table testing. Currently she’s working with him as a colleague, along with Prof Tara Hutchinson of UC San Diego, on an industry-supported shake test at the LH POST facility at UC San Diego.

 

The team is developing the shake experiment with the American Iron and Steel Institute. Peterman describes the cold-formed steel project, which involves multiple components, including testing of isolated diaphragms, a fancy term for floor or roof.

 

Peterman discusses preparations for the November and December 2018 shake tests which will include performance testing of diaphragms. Another part of the test is discovering the effects of

earthquake acceleration. The team will be looking capture deformations, captured by displacement sensors.

 

Peterman details what is involved in planning for a major shake table test. On this test, the team is getting input from industry as well as from research engineers. They can’t test everything, she says, so the team puts together a short list of tests. Next, they will design the specimens, balancing theoretical versus practical building designs. Then, the team will order building materials and build the specimen.

 

When it comes to lessons learned, Peter recommends an article called The importance of stupidity in academic research from the blog Sh*t Academics Say. The article recommends researchers being at ease with the fact they don’t know. There is no room for ego in research, she says. If you want to trust your work, you need to validate it.

 

As for bad advice, Peterman hearkens back to her days on the high school robotics team when the advisor told her, “do what you’re good at” and assigned her to a task she was familiar with: writing — when she wanted to build robots. If you only do what you are good at, she says, how can you explore and learn? At first, she was not good at engineering. But, she says, things worth having are worth working for.

 

She says it took her years to cultivate confidence in her work. In the lab, everyone competes for resources. So even if you lack confidence, she says, you need to put yourself out there and say, “I need this, I need you to do this.” It is often easier to let the seemingly more confident people take precedence, she says, but young researchers need to be more assertive. You are not being “bossy.” You just need to make sure your work gets priority.

 

Look forward to learning more about Peterman’s research at the NHERI-DesignSafe website. Meanwhile, read Peterman’s 2013 CFS-NEES blog about the experience of shake-testing cold-formed steel structures, which also appeared as in encapsulated form on Live Science.

]]> Fri, 15 Jun 2018 13:57:36 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org For earthquake engineer Kara Peterman, joining the high school robotics team was a defining experience. She discovered she loved the applied sciences. So, when she entered Swarthmore College, she majored in engineering. Because she loved buildings and architecture, and she liked the idea of designing resilient structures, she decided to a focus in structural engineering.

 

She wanted to be a professional engineer, so she enrolled in the master’s program at Johns Hopkins University. She discovered she loved research, so she switched to the PhD program. She didn’t want to give up on the idea of a being a PE, but research was too important, she says. At Johns Hopkins, she learned that she loved experiments. She found the unknown compelling. Research is like a mystery, she says. You work until you have enough clues to solve the problem.

 

As a PhD candidate, her advisor was Ben Schafer, who introduced her to shake table testing. Currently she’s working with him as a colleague, along with Prof Tara Hutchinson of UC San Diego, on an industry-supported shake test at the LH POST facility at UC San Diego.

 

The team is developing the shake experiment with the American Iron and Steel Institute. Peterman describes the cold-formed steel project, which involves multiple components, including testing of isolated diaphragms, a fancy term for floor or roof.

 

Peterman discusses preparations for the November and December 2018 shake tests which will include performance testing of diaphragms. Another part of the test is discovering the effects of

earthquake acceleration. The team will be looking capture deformations, captured by displacement sensors.

 

Peterman details what is involved in planning for a major shake table test. On this test, the team is getting input from industry as well as from research engineers. They can’t test everything, she says, so the team puts together a short list of tests. Next, they will design the specimens, balancing theoretical versus practical building designs. Then, the team will order building materials and build the specimen.

 

When it comes to lessons learned, Peter recommends an article called The importance of stupidity in academic research from the blog Sh*t Academics Say. The article recommends researchers being at ease with the fact they don’t know. There is no room for ego in research, she says. If you want to trust your work, you need to validate it.

 

As for bad advice, Peterman hearkens back to her days on the high school robotics team when the advisor told her, “do what you’re good at” and assigned her to a task she was familiar with: writing — when she wanted to build robots. If you only do what you are good at, she says, how can you explore and learn? At first, she was not good at engineering. But, she says, things worth having are worth working for.

 

She says it took her years to cultivate confidence in her work. In the lab, everyone competes for resources. So even if you lack confidence, she says, you need to put yourself out there and say, “I need this, I need you to do this.” It is often easier to let the seemingly more confident people take precedence, she says, but young researchers need to be more assertive. You are not being “bossy.” You just need to make sure your work gets priority.

 

Look forward to learning more about Peterman’s research at the NHERI-DesignSafe website. Meanwhile, read Peterman’s 2013 CFS-NEES blog about the experience of shake-testing cold-formed steel structures, which also appeared as in encapsulated form on Live Science.

]]> Episode 44 Cold Formed Steel and Shake Tables with Kara Peterman DesignSafe Radio 00:47:12 For earthquake engineer Kara Peterman, joining the high school robotics team was a defining experience. She discovered she loved the applied sciences. So, when she entered Swarthmore College, she majored in engineering. Because she loved buildings and architecture, and she liked the idea of designing resilient structures, she decided to a focus in structural engineering.   For earthquake engineer Kara Peterman, joining the high school robotics team was a defining experience. She discovered she loved the applied sciences. So, when she entered Swarthmore College, she majored in engineering. Because she loved buildings and architecture, and she liked the idea of designing resilient structures, she decided to a focus in structural engineering.   false full 44 7d74acb89a624299999aaf8c0832bae9 Episode 43 - Dan and Dan: Wind Engineers Dan Lander and Dan Moore are wind engineers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute doing research using NHERI’s Wall of Wind facility at Florida International University. On this week’s show, they talk about their project and offer advice to prospective wind engineers.

 

Australian-born Dan Lander originally wanted to build things. When he discovered construction engineering held no joy for him, he switched to civil engineering, where he finds plenty of joy studying fluid dynamics. He recently completed his PhD at RPI. Dan Moore, about halfway through his PhD program at RPI, is from Vermont. Working the night-shift at a wind tunnel facility at the U of Vermont, he was fascinated by the invisible power of the wind – and by researchers with the skill to analyze the wind’s behavior. The pair do research together at RPI, with professor and wind engineer Chris Letchford.

 

Dan and Dan discuss their current project, which is examining the fundamental mechanisms that cause buildings to fail on the leading edge (roof eaves) under high wind loads. Lander says the goal is to design better tests for wind engineers, and then to build better wind-resistant structures.

 

Lander says the Wall of Wind facility is an ideal size -- almost full scale, so they can get plenty of detailed data in a controlled environment. The researchers talk about the difficulties involved in scaling wind to small model structures. They discuss fluid dynamics and understanding what exactly the aerodynamic loading does that causes buildings to fail.

 

In their WoW experiments, they work with “archetype geometry,” squares and rectangles that mimic basic building shapes. Because fundamental research relates to how flow moves around squares and rectangles, the basic shapes are better than exact building models, they explain. There are a surprising number of complicated problems and unanswered questions they hope to address.

 

They discuss they types of sensors they use and, as they are in the early stages of the project, the importance of doing flow conditioning to “smooth out” the wind flow. They’ll introduce turbulence later in the study.

 

They explain the interdisciplinary nature of their work – which allows them to approach problems from different perspectives. Concurrently with the WoW experiments, the pair is running experiments at RPI in the aeronautical lab wind tunnel – where they get different types of data – and insights. At RPI’s Center for Flow Physics and Control, aeronautic engineers look at air foils and have different techniques for measuring flow – which are useful to wind engineers.

 

Moore and Lander have good advice. For engineering students considering wind engineering, make sure you get along with your advisor, Lander says. Make sure it’s someone you could maybe have a beer with. In general, research can be isolating, so surround yourself with people who inspire you and who you’re happy to be with.

 

As for research advice, Moore urges young researchers to stay persistent, to keep moving, even when a problem is frustrating. Lander suggests keeping good notes, whether on paper, in Excel, or in Matlab. And he recommends that researchers foster collaboration. It’s fruitful to have another mind looking at the problem with you, he says.

 

Host Dan Zehner adds that research notes also are important when it comes to data curation, so others can pick up where you leave off.

]]> Mon, 11 Jun 2018 19:44:17 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Dan Lander and Dan Moore are wind engineers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute doing research using NHERI’s Wall of Wind facility at Florida International University. On this week’s show, they talk about their project and offer advice to prospective wind engineers.

 

Australian-born Dan Lander originally wanted to build things. When he discovered construction engineering held no joy for him, he switched to civil engineering, where he finds plenty of joy studying fluid dynamics. He recently completed his PhD at RPI. Dan Moore, about halfway through his PhD program at RPI, is from Vermont. Working the night-shift at a wind tunnel facility at the U of Vermont, he was fascinated by the invisible power of the wind – and by researchers with the skill to analyze the wind’s behavior. The pair do research together at RPI, with professor and wind engineer Chris Letchford.

 

Dan and Dan discuss their current project, which is examining the fundamental mechanisms that cause buildings to fail on the leading edge (roof eaves) under high wind loads. Lander says the goal is to design better tests for wind engineers, and then to build better wind-resistant structures.

 

Lander says the Wall of Wind facility is an ideal size -- almost full scale, so they can get plenty of detailed data in a controlled environment. The researchers talk about the difficulties involved in scaling wind to small model structures. They discuss fluid dynamics and understanding what exactly the aerodynamic loading does that causes buildings to fail.

 

In their WoW experiments, they work with “archetype geometry,” squares and rectangles that mimic basic building shapes. Because fundamental research relates to how flow moves around squares and rectangles, the basic shapes are better than exact building models, they explain. There are a surprising number of complicated problems and unanswered questions they hope to address.

 

They discuss they types of sensors they use and, as they are in the early stages of the project, the importance of doing flow conditioning to “smooth out” the wind flow. They’ll introduce turbulence later in the study.

 

They explain the interdisciplinary nature of their work – which allows them to approach problems from different perspectives. Concurrently with the WoW experiments, the pair is running experiments at RPI in the aeronautical lab wind tunnel – where they get different types of data – and insights. At RPI’s Center for Flow Physics and Control, aeronautic engineers look at air foils and have different techniques for measuring flow – which are useful to wind engineers.

 

Moore and Lander have good advice. For engineering students considering wind engineering, make sure you get along with your advisor, Lander says. Make sure it’s someone you could maybe have a beer with. In general, research can be isolating, so surround yourself with people who inspire you and who you’re happy to be with.

 

As for research advice, Moore urges young researchers to stay persistent, to keep moving, even when a problem is frustrating. Lander suggests keeping good notes, whether on paper, in Excel, or in Matlab. And he recommends that researchers foster collaboration. It’s fruitful to have another mind looking at the problem with you, he says.

 

Host Dan Zehner adds that research notes also are important when it comes to data curation, so others can pick up where you leave off.

]]> Episode 43 - Dan and Dan: Wind Engineers DesignSafe Radio 00:46:17 Dan Lander and Dan Moore are wind engineers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute doing research using NHERI’s Wall of Wind facility at Florida International University. On this week’s show, they talk about their project and offer advice to prospective wind engineers.   Australian-born Dan Lander originally wanted to build things. When he discovered construction engineering held no joy for him, he switched to civil engineering, where he finds plenty of joy studying fluid dynamics. He recently completed his PhD at RPI. Dan Moore, about halfway through his PhD program at RPI, is from Vermont. Working the night-shift at a wind tunnel facility at the U of Vermont, he was fascinated by the invisible power of the wind – and by researchers with the skill to analyze the wind’s behavior. The pair do research together at RPI, with professor and wind engineer Chris Letchford.   Dan and Dan discuss their current project, which is examining the fundamental mechanisms that cause buildings to fail on the leading edge (roof eaves) under high wind loads. Lander says the goal is to design better tests for wind engineers, and then to build better wind-resistant structures.   Lander says the Wall of Wind facility is an ideal size -- almost full scale, so they can get plenty of detailed data in a controlled environment. The researchers talk about the difficulties involved in scaling wind to small model structures. They discuss fluid dynamics and understanding what exactly the aerodynamic loading does that causes buildings to fail.   In their WoW experiments, they work with “archetype geometry,” squares and rectangles that mimic basic building shapes. Because fundamental research relates to how flow moves around squares and rectangles, the basic shapes are better than exact building models, they explain. There are a surprising number of complicated problems and unanswered questions they hope to address.   They discuss they types of sensors they use and, as they are in the early stages of the project, the importance of doing flow conditioning to “smooth out” the wind flow. They’ll introduce turbulence later in the study.   They explain the interdisciplinary nature of their work – which allows them to approach problems from different perspectives. Concurrently with the WoW experiments, the pair is running experiments at RPI in the aeronautical lab wind tunnel – where they get different types of data – and insights. At RPI’s Center for Flow Physics and Control, aeronautic engineers look at air foils and have different techniques for measuring flow – which are useful to wind engineers.   Moore and Lander have good advice. For engineering students considering wind engineering, make sure you get along with your advisor, Lander says. Make sure it’s someone you could maybe have a beer with. In general, research can be isolating, so surround yourself with people who inspire you and who you’re happy to be with.   As for research advice, Moore urges young researchers to stay persistent, to keep moving, even when a problem is frustrating. Lander suggests keeping good notes, whether on paper, in Excel, or in Matlab. And he recommends that researchers foster collaboration. It’s fruitful to have another mind looking at the problem with you, he says.   Host Dan Zehner adds that research notes also are important when it comes to data curation, so others can pick up where you leave off. Dan Lander and Dan Moore are wind engineers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute doing research using NHERI’s Wall of Wind facility at Florida International University. On this week’s show, they talk about their project and offer advice to prospective wind engineers.   Australian-born Dan Lander originally wanted to build things. When he discovered construction engineering held no joy for him, he switched to civil engineering, where he finds plenty of joy studying fluid dynamics. He recently completed his PhD at RPI. Dan Moore, about halfway through his PhD program at RPI, is from Vermont. Working the night-shift at a wind tunnel facility at the U of Vermont, he was fascinated by the invisible power of the wind – and by researchers with the skill to analyze the wind’s behavior. The pair do research together at RPI, with professor and wind engineer Chris Letchford.   Dan and Dan discuss their current project, which is examining the fundamental mechanisms that cause buildings to fail on the leading edge (roof eaves) under high wind loads. Lander says the goal is to design better tests for wind engineers, and then to build better wind-resistant structures.   Lander says the Wall of Wind facility is an ideal size -- almost full scale, so they can get plenty of detailed data in a controlled environment. The researchers talk about the difficulties involved in scaling wind to small model structures. They discuss fluid dynamics and understanding what exactly the aerodynamic loading does that causes buildings to fail.   In their WoW experiments, they work with “archetype geometry,” squares and rectangles that mimic basic building shapes. Because fundamental research relates to how flow moves around squares and rectangles, the basic shapes are better than exact building models, they explain. There are a surprising number of complicated problems and unanswered questions they hope to address.   They discuss they types of sensors they use and, as they are in the early stages of the project, the importance of doing flow conditioning to “smooth out” the wind flow. They’ll introduce turbulence later in the study.   They explain the interdisciplinary nature of their work – which allows them to approach problems from different perspectives. Concurrently with the WoW experiments, the pair is running experiments at RPI in the aeronautical lab wind tunnel – where they get different types of data – and insights. At RPI’s Center for Flow Physics and Control, aeronautic engineers look at air foils and have different techniques for measuring flow – which are useful to wind engineers.   Moore and Lander have good advice. For engineering students considering wind engineering, make sure you get along with your advisor, Lander says. Make sure it’s someone you could maybe have a beer with. In general, research can be isolating, so surround yourself with people who inspire you and who you’re happy to be with.   As for research advice, Moore urges young researchers to stay persistent, to keep moving, even when a problem is frustrating. Lander suggests keeping good notes, whether on paper, in Excel, or in Matlab. And he recommends that researchers foster collaboration. It’s fruitful to have another mind looking at the problem with you, he says.   Host Dan Zehner adds that research notes also are important when it comes to data curation, so others can pick up where you leave off. false full 43 03875b436e9e4e4e968a28496137b1a1 Episode 42 Hurricane Season 2018- Let's Get Prepped with Tom Iovino Hurricane season 2018: Let’s get prepped

 

This week, we get prepped for the 2018 hurricane season with emergency management specialist Tom Iovino from the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. Host Dan Zehner talks with Iovino about some less than obvious dangers related to hurricanes, and Iovino proffers excellent great advice for anyone near hurricane-prone areas, from Texas to Maine.

 

Iovino says that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, and the Colorado State University hurricane researchers predict a slightly more intense hurricane season for 2018.

 

The good news, Iovino says, is that a hurricane gives you warning. So people in the affected areas have time to prepare and act.

 

He describes the personalities of last year’s hurricanes: Big, slow-moving Harvey in Houston that dropped three feet of rain up to 100 miles inland. Irma, which was supposed to wallop South Florida as a Cat 5 but took a last-minute turn, helping the Tampa Bay area dodge devastation. And Maria, which destroyed most of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure.

 

Iovino recommends we guard against “hurricane amnesia.” It’s not just coastal areas; even inland cities, like Atlanta, can be affected by tornadoes and heavy rains. 

 

Primary problems, post hurricane, are lack of cellular and electrical service. Iovino reminds us of the senior care center in Florida that didn’t have a generator – causing patients to die.

 

Shadow evacuation is when people in non-evacuation zones evacuate anyway – causing tremendous traffic delays. Iovino says we need to educate people that for non-evacuation zones, designated local shelters are safe. You don’t need to drive far to be safe.

 

Special needs? If you or a family member has special medical needs, talk with your physician or local health department to get on a local “special needs” list. Don’t wait until the hurricane is bearing down on you. Get on a local list immediately so you can have a plan.

 

Iovino has a list of excellent tips for everyone in hurricane-prone areas.

 

  • Next time you shop, buy batteries and water.
  • Fill water or pop bottles about half-full with tap water. Freeze them and use them to keep food cold when the power is out.
  • Flashlights! Buy several and keep them handy.
  • Try to have the same battery size for your radio and flashlights.
  • Keep insurance policy numbers, and key contact numbers, in your wallet.
  • What about your pets? Decide how and where you’ll transport them.
  • Be sure to pack your medicines.

 

Remember that “stuff is stuff,” Iovino says. “But lives can never be replaced.”

 

Visit these places for more details about disaster forecasting and planning:

 

]]> Fri, 1 Jun 2018 13:12:09 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Hurricane season 2018: Let’s get prepped

 

This week, we get prepped for the 2018 hurricane season with emergency management specialist Tom Iovino from the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. Host Dan Zehner talks with Iovino about some less than obvious dangers related to hurricanes, and Iovino proffers excellent great advice for anyone near hurricane-prone areas, from Texas to Maine.

 

Iovino says that the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, and the Colorado State University hurricane researchers predict a slightly more intense hurricane season for 2018.

 

The good news, Iovino says, is that a hurricane gives you warning. So people in the affected areas have time to prepare and act.

 

He describes the personalities of last year’s hurricanes: Big, slow-moving Harvey in Houston that dropped three feet of rain up to 100 miles inland. Irma, which was supposed to wallop South Florida as a Cat 5 but took a last-minute turn, helping the Tampa Bay area dodge devastation. And Maria, which destroyed most of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure.

 

Iovino recommends we guard against “hurricane amnesia.” It’s not just coastal areas; even inland cities, like Atlanta, can be affected by tornadoes and heavy rains. 

 

Primary problems, post hurricane, are lack of cellular and electrical service. Iovino reminds us of the senior care center in Florida that didn’t have a generator – causing patients to die.

 

Shadow evacuation is when people in non-evacuation zones evacuate anyway – causing tremendous traffic delays. Iovino says we need to educate people that for non-evacuation zones, designated local shelters are safe. You don’t need to drive far to be safe.

 

Special needs? If you or a family member has special medical needs, talk with your physician or local health department to get on a local “special needs” list. Don’t wait until the hurricane is bearing down on you. Get on a local list immediately so you can have a plan.

 

Iovino has a list of excellent tips for everyone in hurricane-prone areas.

 

  • Next time you shop, buy batteries and water.
  • Fill water or pop bottles about half-full with tap water. Freeze them and use them to keep food cold when the power is out.
  • Flashlights! Buy several and keep them handy.
  • Try to have the same battery size for your radio and flashlights.
  • Keep insurance policy numbers, and key contact numbers, in your wallet.
  • What about your pets? Decide how and where you’ll transport them.
  • Be sure to pack your medicines.

 

Remember that “stuff is stuff,” Iovino says. “But lives can never be replaced.”

 

Visit these places for more details about disaster forecasting and planning:

 

]]> Episode 42 Hurricane Season 2018- Let's Get Prepped with Tom Iovino DesignSafe Radio 00:32:43 This week, we get prepped for the 2018 hurricane season with emergency management specialist Tom Iovino from the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. Host Dan Zehner talks with Iovino about some less than obvious dangers related to hurricanes, and Iovino proffers excellent great advice for anyone near hurricane-prone areas, from Texas to Maine. This week, we get prepped for the 2018 hurricane season with emergency management specialist Tom Iovino from the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. Host Dan Zehner talks with Iovino about some less than obvious dangers related to hurricanes, and Iovino proffers excellent great advice for anyone near hurricane-prone areas, from Texas to Maine. false full 42 37062ba7fd49454fa86c068dd880ae4f Episode 41 - Creating a tsunami — on a centrifuge with Maggie Exton On this week’s episode host Dan Zehner talks with Maggie Exton, a PhD candidate at Oregon State University focusing on tsunami inundation. She talks about her interest in engineering and her current research project: creating tsunamis on a centrifuge.

 

She says her father, a sculptor, helped interest her in building things as a kid. As an undergraduate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute she studied materials science and engineering. Also at RPI she earned her master’s degree in geotechnical engineering. She learned to love centrifuge modeling at RPI, where she modeled levees.

 

It is a heady feeling being in graduate school and focusing primarily research, she says. It can be confusing trying to figure out everything that’s going on.

 

Although she’s working on her PhD with tsunami experts at Oregon State University (one of the eight NHERI facilities), she and her research group are performing some of their experiments at the Center for Geotechnical Modeling at UC Davis, another NHERI facility. She describes working with the large, nine-meter radius centrifuge at the CGM, where her research team is building a “tsunami box” to spin on the centrifuge. The spinning centrifuge can model – very quickly – the effects of a tsunami wave on soil. They model the tsunami runup in .1 seconds, she says. The centrifuge tests at 40g, spinning at 63rpm.

 

Her team is the first to model a tsunami on the centrifuge, and building the tsunami box is a trial-and-error process. She describes the intricate experiment, which must have a reservoir of water, a gate to release water over the soil sample, and then another gate to let the water flow out. To make it work, she says, there’s intensive collaboration between her research group at OSU and the faculty at UC Davis.

 

The tsunami box needs to be adjustable so researchers can configure it as they continue their experiments. In the initial experiments, she says the flow was too fast, 10 meters per second. Five meters per second is preferable for emulating the tsunami wave. As the tests take place, a video camera records the action – which the researchers play back in slow motion. They added flow tracers, tiny Styrofoam balls, to track the exact movement of the water in the centrifuge.

 

This summer Exton will be back at UC Davis for another round of centrifuge testing. After that, she’ll analyze the resulting data. Exton is intrigued by the variety and pace of research underway at UC Davis – and especially the gigantic centrifuge. It’s so big, she says, it’s humbling.

]]> Fri, 25 May 2018 04:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this week’s episode host Dan Zehner talks with Maggie Exton, a PhD candidate at Oregon State University focusing on tsunami inundation. She talks about her interest in engineering and her current research project: creating tsunamis on a centrifuge.

 

She says her father, a sculptor, helped interest her in building things as a kid. As an undergraduate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute she studied materials science and engineering. Also at RPI she earned her master’s degree in geotechnical engineering. She learned to love centrifuge modeling at RPI, where she modeled levees.

 

It is a heady feeling being in graduate school and focusing primarily research, she says. It can be confusing trying to figure out everything that’s going on.

 

Although she’s working on her PhD with tsunami experts at Oregon State University (one of the eight NHERI facilities), she and her research group are performing some of their experiments at the Center for Geotechnical Modeling at UC Davis, another NHERI facility. She describes working with the large, nine-meter radius centrifuge at the CGM, where her research team is building a “tsunami box” to spin on the centrifuge. The spinning centrifuge can model – very quickly – the effects of a tsunami wave on soil. They model the tsunami runup in .1 seconds, she says. The centrifuge tests at 40g, spinning at 63rpm.

 

Her team is the first to model a tsunami on the centrifuge, and building the tsunami box is a trial-and-error process. She describes the intricate experiment, which must have a reservoir of water, a gate to release water over the soil sample, and then another gate to let the water flow out. To make it work, she says, there’s intensive collaboration between her research group at OSU and the faculty at UC Davis.

 

The tsunami box needs to be adjustable so researchers can configure it as they continue their experiments. In the initial experiments, she says the flow was too fast, 10 meters per second. Five meters per second is preferable for emulating the tsunami wave. As the tests take place, a video camera records the action – which the researchers play back in slow motion. They added flow tracers, tiny Styrofoam balls, to track the exact movement of the water in the centrifuge.

 

This summer Exton will be back at UC Davis for another round of centrifuge testing. After that, she’ll analyze the resulting data. Exton is intrigued by the variety and pace of research underway at UC Davis – and especially the gigantic centrifuge. It’s so big, she says, it’s humbling.

]]> Episode 41 - Creating a tsunami — on a centrifuge with Maggie Exton DesignSafe Radio 00:35:36 On this week’s episode host Dan Zehner talks with Maggie Exton, a PhD candidate at Oregon State University focusing on tsunami inundation. She talks about her interest in engineering and her current research project: creating tsunamis on a centrifuge.   She says her father, a sculptor, helped interest her in building things as a kid. As an undergraduate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute she studied materials science and engineering. Also at RPI she earned her master’s degree in geotechnical engineering. She learned to love centrifuge modeling at RPI, where she modeled levees.   It is a heady feeling being in graduate school and focusing primarily research, she says. It can be confusing trying to figure out everything that’s going on.   Although she’s working on her PhD with tsunami experts at Oregon State University (one of the eight NHERI facilities), she and her research group are performing some of their experiments at the Center for Geotechnical Modeling at UC Davis, another NHERI facility. She describes working with the large, nine-meter radius centrifuge at the CGM, where her research team is building a “tsunami box” to spin on the centrifuge. The spinning centrifuge can model – very quickly – the effects of a tsunami wave on soil. They model the tsunami runup in .1 seconds, she says. The centrifuge tests at 40g, spinning at 63rpm.   Her team is the first to model a tsunami on the centrifuge, and building the tsunami box is a trial-and-error process. She describes the intricate experiment, which must have a reservoir of water, a gate to release water over the soil sample, and then another gate to let the water flow out. To make it work, she says, there’s intensive collaboration between her research group at OSU and the faculty at UC Davis.   The tsunami box needs to be adjustable so researchers can configure it as they continue their experiments. In the initial experiments, she says the flow was too fast, 10 meters per second. Five meters per second is preferable for emulating the tsunami wave. As the tests take place, a video camera records the action – which the researchers play back in slow motion. They added flow tracers, tiny Styrofoam balls, to track the exact movement of the water in the centrifuge.   This summer Exton will be back at UC Davis for another round of centrifuge testing. After that, she’ll analyze the resulting data. Exton is intrigued by the variety and pace of research underway at UC Davis – and especially the gigantic centrifuge. It’s so big, she says, it’s humbling. On this week’s episode host Dan Zehner talks with Maggie Exton, a PhD candidate at Oregon State University focusing on tsunami inundation. She talks about her interest in engineering and her current research project: creating tsunamis on a centrifuge.   She says her father, a sculptor, helped interest her in building things as a kid. As an undergraduate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute she studied materials science and engineering. Also at RPI she earned her master’s degree in geotechnical engineering. She learned to love centrifuge modeling at RPI, where she modeled levees.   It is a heady feeling being in graduate school and focusing primarily research, she says. It can be confusing trying to figure out everything that’s going on.   Although she’s working on her PhD with tsunami experts at Oregon State University (one of the eight NHERI facilities), she and her research group are performing some of their experiments at the Center for Geotechnical Modeling at UC Davis, another NHERI facility. She describes working with the large, nine-meter radius centrifuge at the CGM, where her research team is building a “tsunami box” to spin on the centrifuge. The spinning centrifuge can model – very quickly – the effects of a tsunami wave on soil. They model the tsunami runup in .1 seconds, she says. The centrifuge tests at 40g, spinning at 63rpm.   Her team is the first to model a tsunami on the centrifuge, and building the tsunami box is a trial-and-error process. She describes the intricate experiment, which must have a reservoir of water, a gate to release water over the soil sample, and then another gate to let the water flow out. To make it work, she says, there’s intensive collaboration between her research group at OSU and the faculty at UC Davis.   The tsunami box needs to be adjustable so researchers can configure it as they continue their experiments. In the initial experiments, she says the flow was too fast, 10 meters per second. Five meters per second is preferable for emulating the tsunami wave. As the tests take place, a video camera records the action – which the researchers play back in slow motion. They added flow tracers, tiny Styrofoam balls, to track the exact movement of the water in the centrifuge.   This summer Exton will be back at UC Davis for another round of centrifuge testing. After that, she’ll analyze the resulting data. Exton is intrigued by the variety and pace of research underway at UC Davis – and especially the gigantic centrifuge. It’s so big, she says, it’s humbling. false full 41 b1b86eb31609458e93bf76937c2d0270 Episode 40 - UAVs and Hazard Research with Kevin Franke This week on the show, we talk about a fascinating subject area: using drones to quickly assess a hazard area after an event and create an extremely detailed and accurate 3D model for researchers to study the effects of earthquakes, hurricanes, or other hazards on a community while the data is still fresh and the site is relatively undisturbed. This work is extremely important because getting scientific data quickly while a community is in the first few days after an event is critical to the understanding of how the hazard affected the area. The people in these communities just want to remove debris, start repairs, and get back to normal quickly so this data is extremely perishable and needs to be gathered rapidly. My guest today is Dr. Kevin Franke from BYU and we'll talk about his work scanning hazard areas from the air.

 

Find out more about his important work here: 

https://ceen.et.byu.edu/content/kevin-w-franke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tecc_N9hDk

]]> Fri, 18 May 2018 13:47:15 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org This week on the show, we talk about a fascinating subject area: using drones to quickly assess a hazard area after an event and create an extremely detailed and accurate 3D model for researchers to study the effects of earthquakes, hurricanes, or other hazards on a community while the data is still fresh and the site is relatively undisturbed. This work is extremely important because getting scientific data quickly while a community is in the first few days after an event is critical to the understanding of how the hazard affected the area. The people in these communities just want to remove debris, start repairs, and get back to normal quickly so this data is extremely perishable and needs to be gathered rapidly. My guest today is Dr. Kevin Franke from BYU and we'll talk about his work scanning hazard areas from the air.

 

Find out more about his important work here: 

https://ceen.et.byu.edu/content/kevin-w-franke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tecc_N9hDk

]]> Episode 40 - UAVs and Hazard Research with Kevin Franke DesignSafe Radio 00:48:06 After a hazard event, the community just wants to get back to normal quickly. My guest today is Dr. Kevin Franke from BYU and we'll talk about his work scanning hazard areas quickly using UAV technology and how his team creates accurate 3D models of sites using their scans for researchers to use. After a hazard event, the community just wants to get back to normal quickly. My guest today is Dr. Kevin Franke from BYU and we'll talk about his work scanning hazard areas quickly using UAV technology and how his team creates accurate 3D models of sites using their scans for researchers to use. false full 40 78b350c9577635285d3e0b4595b5ad1b Episode 39 Tsunamis in a Centrifuge with Ben Mason This week, host Dan Zehner talks with Ben Mason, a natural hazards researcher at Oregon State University. Mason talks about his special interests: geotechnical earthquake engineering and soil-fluid-structure interactions.

 

Mason says that since childhood, he was interested in how things work. But it wasn’t until his undergraduate days at Georgia Tech that he discovered his deep interest in geotechnical engineering. Professor Larry Jacobs took Mason under his wing and encouraged him to go to graduate school. Mason says he envisioned traveling to earthquake zones and helping communities at risk from earthquakes and tsunamis.

 

As a grad student at UC Berkeley, Mason says, he spent a good deal of time working on experiments using the centrifuge at UC Davis, the Center for Geotechnical Modeling. He was examining “soil systems,” that, during an earthquake, affect the ground performance and naturally, the structures sitting on that ground.

 

But how exactly does the soil affect how buildings shake? And how can the performance of a soil system be improved? Mason’s interest in soil structure interaction extended to the buildings in dense urban areas — given that in an earthquake, buildings interact with each other through the soil. He says you can see evidence of this in post-earthquake zones like Katmandu, where one poorly performing building can damage many other, stronger buildings nearby. Mason describes how he used the centrifuge to model the problem.

 

Now at Oregon State, near the Cascadia Subduction Zone prone to earthquakes and possibly tsunamis, Mason studies soil structure interaction – and the variable of water.

 

It is a complex problem, with many compounding factors, he says. You can get photos after a tsunami or earthquake, and you can get images of a building before the event. Still, he says, you can only speculate some of the causes of damage. But, he says, thanks to smartphone video recordings of tsunamis, breakthroughs are being made. Mason mentions that fellow OSU researcher Hermann Fritz pieced together flow velocities of a tsunami based on amateur video footage.

 

Mason discusses his current research, also taking place at the UC Davis NHERI facility, which involves modeling a tsunami in a centrifuge. The team designed a tsunami-maker for the centrifuge and rigged up a high-speed camera to track water surface and velocity during testing. The idea is to discover what happened to soil during an earthquake —and a following tsunami – and to see what it may portend for the coastal communities like those along Pacific Northwest.

 

Mason says he has excellent working relationships with the team at the Davis-NHERI facility, and he is pleased to be using the DesignSafe cyberinfrastructure. He says the platform is flexible and supports unique data inputs – which is important for researchers providing novel findings. And he and his graduate students like using the DesignSafe software framework.

 

For more information on Ben Mason and his research, read up on his faculty page at Oregon State University.

]]> Fri, 11 May 2018 18:45:07 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org This week, host Dan Zehner talks with Ben Mason, a natural hazards researcher at Oregon State University. Mason talks about his special interests: geotechnical earthquake engineering and soil-fluid-structure interactions.

 

Mason says that since childhood, he was interested in how things work. But it wasn’t until his undergraduate days at Georgia Tech that he discovered his deep interest in geotechnical engineering. Professor Larry Jacobs took Mason under his wing and encouraged him to go to graduate school. Mason says he envisioned traveling to earthquake zones and helping communities at risk from earthquakes and tsunamis.

 

As a grad student at UC Berkeley, Mason says, he spent a good deal of time working on experiments using the centrifuge at UC Davis, the Center for Geotechnical Modeling. He was examining “soil systems,” that, during an earthquake, affect the ground performance and naturally, the structures sitting on that ground.

 

But how exactly does the soil affect how buildings shake? And how can the performance of a soil system be improved? Mason’s interest in soil structure interaction extended to the buildings in dense urban areas — given that in an earthquake, buildings interact with each other through the soil. He says you can see evidence of this in post-earthquake zones like Katmandu, where one poorly performing building can damage many other, stronger buildings nearby. Mason describes how he used the centrifuge to model the problem.

 

Now at Oregon State, near the Cascadia Subduction Zone prone to earthquakes and possibly tsunamis, Mason studies soil structure interaction – and the variable of water.

 

It is a complex problem, with many compounding factors, he says. You can get photos after a tsunami or earthquake, and you can get images of a building before the event. Still, he says, you can only speculate some of the causes of damage. But, he says, thanks to smartphone video recordings of tsunamis, breakthroughs are being made. Mason mentions that fellow OSU researcher Hermann Fritz pieced together flow velocities of a tsunami based on amateur video footage.

 

Mason discusses his current research, also taking place at the UC Davis NHERI facility, which involves modeling a tsunami in a centrifuge. The team designed a tsunami-maker for the centrifuge and rigged up a high-speed camera to track water surface and velocity during testing. The idea is to discover what happened to soil during an earthquake —and a following tsunami – and to see what it may portend for the coastal communities like those along Pacific Northwest.

 

Mason says he has excellent working relationships with the team at the Davis-NHERI facility, and he is pleased to be using the DesignSafe cyberinfrastructure. He says the platform is flexible and supports unique data inputs – which is important for researchers providing novel findings. And he and his graduate students like using the DesignSafe software framework.

 

For more information on Ben Mason and his research, read up on his faculty page at Oregon State University.

]]> Episode 39 Tsunamis in a Centrifuge with Ben Mason DesignSafe Radio 00:36:54 This week, host Dan Zehner talks with Ben Mason, a natural hazards researcher at Oregon State University. Mason talks about his special interests: geotechnical earthquake engineering and soil-fluid-structure interactions.   This week, host Dan Zehner talks with Ben Mason, a natural hazards researcher at Oregon State University. Mason talks about his special interests: geotechnical earthquake engineering and soil-fluid-structure interactions.   false full 39 e4569676e931b22a609191babd47d0a4 Episode 38 Geotechnical Research Stories with Jason Buenker Jason Beunker: Profile of a rising research engineer

 

On this week’s episode, Dan Zehner speaks with research engineer Jason Beunker.  Currently in year two of his PhD, Jason Beunker studies soil structure interaction and seismicity at UCLA’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

 

Why academia? Like many PhD candidates in the field, Beunker returned to academia after working as a professional engineer. He discusses enjoying work for Seattle-based firm Shannon and Wilson and how his projects there actually inspired him to come back to school. He explains the value of applied engineering, logging hours in the field and interacting with knowledgeable clients. Field work gives your analyses more “teeth,” he says. And seeing his designs in action was a rewarding experience.

 

Early on, as a civil engineering undergraduate at the University of Illinois, it was just that hands-on nature of geotechnical engineering that appealed to him, he says. It was the right mix of math and science and being outside, getting his hands dirty.

 

He explains how, after eight years as a practicing engineer, he was encountering larger projects — with more complex problems and greater technical demands. He decided that, while he was still young, to enroll in a PhD program to build his knowledge in soil structure integration and soil response.

 

Research in soft soils. Beunker describes working with UCLA researcher Scott Brandenberg on a project examining shallow foundations on soft soil. (Brandenberg was a recent guest on DesignSafe Radio.) By replicating the response of ground failure and structure failure in these conditions, the work will function as a case history, a guide for future engineers looking at structural responses to earthquake shaking.

 

Beunker details his “steep learning curve,” as a hands-on researcher. Brandenberg, a noted expert in soil structures, performs his experiments on the large centrifuges at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI facility. New to centrifuge modelling, Beunker describes having to learn the nuts and bolts of centrifuge modelling with help from the support team at UC Davis. “I learned how to model there,” he says, thanks to the deep knowledge on the UC Davis team.

 

Host Dan Zehner was eager to learn about Beunker’s experience as a new NHERI researcher. As NHERI’s facility scheduling and operations coordinator, Zehner talked about providing new ways to “flatten the learning curve” for hazards engineers working at experimental faciities.

 

Data publishing. Beunker says that all the findings from the project will be posted to DesignSafe in a single Jupyter notebook. Currently he’s working to make the raw data from the experiments usable for colleagues, “dressed up and filtered,” as he puts it. He explains how Jupyter enables embedding direct connections to data in reports, so users can filter and examine the information in various ways.

We can look forward to hearing more Jason Beunker’s adventures in geotechnical engineering in the coming years.

]]> Sat, 28 Apr 2018 00:55:02 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Jason Beunker: Profile of a rising research engineer

 

On this week’s episode, Dan Zehner speaks with research engineer Jason Beunker.  Currently in year two of his PhD, Jason Beunker studies soil structure interaction and seismicity at UCLA’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

 

Why academia? Like many PhD candidates in the field, Beunker returned to academia after working as a professional engineer. He discusses enjoying work for Seattle-based firm Shannon and Wilson and how his projects there actually inspired him to come back to school. He explains the value of applied engineering, logging hours in the field and interacting with knowledgeable clients. Field work gives your analyses more “teeth,” he says. And seeing his designs in action was a rewarding experience.

 

Early on, as a civil engineering undergraduate at the University of Illinois, it was just that hands-on nature of geotechnical engineering that appealed to him, he says. It was the right mix of math and science and being outside, getting his hands dirty.

 

He explains how, after eight years as a practicing engineer, he was encountering larger projects — with more complex problems and greater technical demands. He decided that, while he was still young, to enroll in a PhD program to build his knowledge in soil structure integration and soil response.

 

Research in soft soils. Beunker describes working with UCLA researcher Scott Brandenberg on a project examining shallow foundations on soft soil. (Brandenberg was a recent guest on DesignSafe Radio.) By replicating the response of ground failure and structure failure in these conditions, the work will function as a case history, a guide for future engineers looking at structural responses to earthquake shaking.

 

Beunker details his “steep learning curve,” as a hands-on researcher. Brandenberg, a noted expert in soil structures, performs his experiments on the large centrifuges at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI facility. New to centrifuge modelling, Beunker describes having to learn the nuts and bolts of centrifuge modelling with help from the support team at UC Davis. “I learned how to model there,” he says, thanks to the deep knowledge on the UC Davis team.

 

Host Dan Zehner was eager to learn about Beunker’s experience as a new NHERI researcher. As NHERI’s facility scheduling and operations coordinator, Zehner talked about providing new ways to “flatten the learning curve” for hazards engineers working at experimental faciities.

 

Data publishing. Beunker says that all the findings from the project will be posted to DesignSafe in a single Jupyter notebook. Currently he’s working to make the raw data from the experiments usable for colleagues, “dressed up and filtered,” as he puts it. He explains how Jupyter enables embedding direct connections to data in reports, so users can filter and examine the information in various ways.

We can look forward to hearing more Jason Beunker’s adventures in geotechnical engineering in the coming years.

]]> Episode 38 Geotechnical Research Stories with Jason Buenker DesignSafe Radio 00:33:04 Jason Beunker: Profile of a rising research engineer   On this week’s episode, Dan Zehner speaks with research engineer Jason Beunker.  Currently in year two of his PhD, Jason Beunker studies soil structure interaction and seismicity at UCLA’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.   Why academia? Like many PhD candidates in the field, Beunker returned to academia after working as a professional engineer. He discusses enjoying work for Seattle-based firm Shannon and Wilson and how his projects there actually inspired him to come back to school. He explains the value of applied engineering, logging hours in the field and interacting with knowledgeable clients. Field work gives your analyses more “teeth,” he says. And seeing his designs in action was a rewarding experience.   Early on, as a civil engineering undergraduate at the University of Illinois, it was just that hands-on nature of geotechnical engineering that appealed to him, he says. It was the right mix of math and science and being outside, getting his hands dirty.   He explains how, after eight years as a practicing engineer, he was encountering larger projects — with more complex problems and greater technical demands. He decided that, while he was still young, to enroll in a PhD program to build his knowledge in soil structure integration and soil response.   Research in soft soils. Beunker describes working with UCLA researcher Scott Brandenberg on a project examining shallow foundations on soft soil. (Brandenberg was a recent guest on DesignSafe Radio.) By replicating the response of ground failure and structure failure in these conditions, the work will function as a case history, a guide for future engineers looking at structural responses to earthquake shaking.   Beunker details his “steep learning curve,” as a hands-on researcher. Brandenberg, a noted expert in soil structures, performs his experiments on the large centrifuges at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI facility. New to centrifuge modelling, Beunker describes having to learn the nuts and bolts of centrifuge modelling with help from the support team at UC Davis. “I learned how to model there,” he says, thanks to the deep knowledge on the UC Davis team.   Host Dan Zehner was eager to learn about Beunker’s experience as a new NHERI researcher. As NHERI’s facility scheduling and operations coordinator, Zehner talked about providing new ways to “flatten the learning curve” for hazards engineers working at experimental faciities.   Data publishing. Beunker says that all the findings from the project will be posted to DesignSafe in a single Jupyter notebook. Currently he’s working to make the raw data from the experiments usable for colleagues, “dressed up and filtered,” as he puts it. He explains how Jupyter enables embedding direct connections to data in reports, so users can filter and examine the information in various ways. We can look forward to hearing more Jason Beunker’s adventures in geotechnical engineering in the coming years. Jason Beunker: Profile of a rising research engineer   On this week’s episode, Dan Zehner speaks with research engineer Jason Beunker.  Currently in year two of his PhD, Jason Beunker studies soil structure interaction and seismicity at UCLA’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.   Why academia? Like many PhD candidates in the field, Beunker returned to academia after working as a professional engineer. He discusses enjoying work for Seattle-based firm Shannon and Wilson and how his projects there actually inspired him to come back to school. He explains the value of applied engineering, logging hours in the field and interacting with knowledgeable clients. Field work gives your analyses more “teeth,” he says. And seeing his designs in action was a rewarding experience.   Early on, as a civil engineering undergraduate at the University of Illinois, it was just that hands-on nature of geotechnical engineering that appealed to him, he says. It was the right mix of math and science and being outside, getting his hands dirty.   He explains how, after eight years as a practicing engineer, he was encountering larger projects — with more complex problems and greater technical demands. He decided that, while he was still young, to enroll in a PhD program to build his knowledge in soil structure integration and soil response.   Research in soft soils. Beunker describes working with UCLA researcher Scott Brandenberg on a project examining shallow foundations on soft soil. (Brandenberg was a recent guest on DesignSafe Radio.) By replicating the response of ground failure and structure failure in these conditions, the work will function as a case history, a guide for future engineers looking at structural responses to earthquake shaking.   Beunker details his “steep learning curve,” as a hands-on researcher. Brandenberg, a noted expert in soil structures, performs his experiments on the large centrifuges at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI facility. New to centrifuge modelling, Beunker describes having to learn the nuts and bolts of centrifuge modelling with help from the support team at UC Davis. “I learned how to model there,” he says, thanks to the deep knowledge on the UC Davis team.   Host Dan Zehner was eager to learn about Beunker’s experience as a new NHERI researcher. As NHERI’s facility scheduling and operations coordinator, Zehner talked about providing new ways to “flatten the learning curve” for hazards engineers working at experimental faciities.   Data publishing. Beunker says that all the findings from the project will be posted to DesignSafe in a single Jupyter notebook. Currently he’s working to make the raw data from the experiments usable for colleagues, “dressed up and filtered,” as he puts it. He explains how Jupyter enables embedding direct connections to data in reports, so users can filter and examine the information in various ways. We can look forward to hearing more Jason Beunker’s adventures in geotechnical engineering in the coming years. science, davis, earthquakes, uc, ucla false full 42 ab9e3465cb1b6f4500d834f623d2166d Episode 37 Society and Wind Engineering with David Prevatt David Prevatt, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, University of Florida

 

Raised and schooled in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, from an early age David Prevatt was interested in science and structures. As an islander, he also grew up sailing and windsurfing. He recollects the exhilarating feeling of using wind power to skim the waves. He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of the West Indies. After a stint as a civil engineer in Trinidad and Tobago, his curiosity and interest in research took him to Clemson University where he earned his master’s and PhD degrees in civil engineering.

 

Prevatt describes wind as a natural force, not a “disaster” in and of itself Disaster happens, he says, when we make buildings that are inadequately prepared to resist the wind. That is why he is grateful for the NHERI network. He sees tremendous value in having all types of natural hazards engineers  working towards resilient communities.

 

The community is a force of its own, Prevatt explains. Communities in hazard-prone areas need to start making hard decisions. Should they build stronger? Or should they perhaps build in areas that are not prone to hazards like strong winds? Communities need to assess their risk tolerance.

 

He discusses his research on extreme wind hazards, hurricanes, in the Caribbean. Our human nature, he says, makes it difficult for us to be rational. We tend not to remember bad events in the past, or at least think the unfortunate event won’t happen in the near-term future.

 

In fact, Prevatt’s first research paper, written in the early 1990s, concluded that if Caribbean nations did not take steps to address their vulnerability to hurricane risk, hurricane disasters would happen again. Hurricane David destroyed Dominique. Monserrat was devastated by Hugo. Now, 25 years later, many billions have been spent on construction that did not take hurricanes under consideration, he says, so it is not surprising what has happened to these countries in recent storms, he says.

 

Prevatt discusses human biases that lead poor community decisions. As an engineer, he says accurate data on hazard risks is the best tool for convincing communities to manage their risks. But even with data provided by groups like FEMA -- $1 spent on hazard reduction provides six times the future benefit – he acknowledges that communities continue to spend on immediate things, not on long term preventive measures.

 

He explains how the market help could convince consumers that they should purchase a house that’s build stronger than the local code, one that will last longer and have an increased level of safety. It is a hard argument for countries in the developing world, he says. He wants people rebuilding in the Caribbean to ask questions from engineers and other experts – and get straight answers -- before they rebuild in the same unsafe ways.

 

In his reconnaissance trip to of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Prevatt describes seeing new construction going up that did not take future storm damage into account. There were engineering and economic questions that were not considered. He cites an example: new phone poles went in right were the old ones had been. Which means the new poles are just as likely to fail. Post disaster is the time to consider improvements, he says, such as redundancies and backups.

 

He proposes that island standards perhaps should be different than mainland standards – so they can be more self-sufficient after a disaster. Prevatt cites grim statistics: In Puerto Rico, 93% of the country’s GDP will be going to rebuilding efforts.

 

He discusses traditional building techniques in the Carribean. Roof-to-wall connections often fail, often due to large eaves, structural elements that provide shade. He discusses ways that the Carribean communities could become more resilient. A wind-resilient neighborhood is safer, and there is a market for that, he argues.

 

Such communities need to hold their leaders’ feet to the fire to make hard, long-term decisions.

 

Although Prevatt is generally optimistic, he quotes an ASCE engineer who studied tornado wind loads and proposed building tornado-resistant houses – in 1897.

 

As a researcher, he poses important philosophical questions about our seemingly irrational inability to apply important lessons that research offers. Nevertheless, Prevatt loves his work as a wind engineer.  Given even a small chance that he might succeed in changing the state of affairs, he continues to research and provide data-driven advice. Indeed, he could help a lot. Plus, he says, he has fun.

 

As well as doing research, he teaches at the University of Florida. He loves guiding really smart students – who are the future of hazards engineering.

 

One of Prevatt’s most memorable natural disaster experiences was after tropical storm Fran, which caused considerable damage in Trinidad. On a reconnaissance mission, he visited a two-story house had that lost its roof. He remembers that the home owner was jovial at first, making jokes despite her problems. When he investigated, he discovered that although the roof had been designed to be bolted to the walls, the nuts and bolts were not there! The roof had never been properly attached. The discovery shocked and upset the owner – to learn that her damage was preventable. The incident has stuck with him. Prevatt says that he never forgets that the human cost of natural hazards goes beyond physical damage.

]]> Fri, 20 Apr 2018 09:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org David Prevatt, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, University of Florida

 

Raised and schooled in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, from an early age David Prevatt was interested in science and structures. As an islander, he also grew up sailing and windsurfing. He recollects the exhilarating feeling of using wind power to skim the waves. He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of the West Indies. After a stint as a civil engineer in Trinidad and Tobago, his curiosity and interest in research took him to Clemson University where he earned his master’s and PhD degrees in civil engineering.

 

Prevatt describes wind as a natural force, not a “disaster” in and of itself Disaster happens, he says, when we make buildings that are inadequately prepared to resist the wind. That is why he is grateful for the NHERI network. He sees tremendous value in having all types of natural hazards engineers  working towards resilient communities.

 

The community is a force of its own, Prevatt explains. Communities in hazard-prone areas need to start making hard decisions. Should they build stronger? Or should they perhaps build in areas that are not prone to hazards like strong winds? Communities need to assess their risk tolerance.

 

He discusses his research on extreme wind hazards, hurricanes, in the Caribbean. Our human nature, he says, makes it difficult for us to be rational. We tend not to remember bad events in the past, or at least think the unfortunate event won’t happen in the near-term future.

 

In fact, Prevatt’s first research paper, written in the early 1990s, concluded that if Caribbean nations did not take steps to address their vulnerability to hurricane risk, hurricane disasters would happen again. Hurricane David destroyed Dominique. Monserrat was devastated by Hugo. Now, 25 years later, many billions have been spent on construction that did not take hurricanes under consideration, he says, so it is not surprising what has happened to these countries in recent storms, he says.

 

Prevatt discusses human biases that lead poor community decisions. As an engineer, he says accurate data on hazard risks is the best tool for convincing communities to manage their risks. But even with data provided by groups like FEMA -- $1 spent on hazard reduction provides six times the future benefit – he acknowledges that communities continue to spend on immediate things, not on long term preventive measures.

 

He explains how the market help could convince consumers that they should purchase a house that’s build stronger than the local code, one that will last longer and have an increased level of safety. It is a hard argument for countries in the developing world, he says. He wants people rebuilding in the Caribbean to ask questions from engineers and other experts – and get straight answers -- before they rebuild in the same unsafe ways.

 

In his reconnaissance trip to of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Prevatt describes seeing new construction going up that did not take future storm damage into account. There were engineering and economic questions that were not considered. He cites an example: new phone poles went in right were the old ones had been. Which means the new poles are just as likely to fail. Post disaster is the time to consider improvements, he says, such as redundancies and backups.

 

He proposes that island standards perhaps should be different than mainland standards – so they can be more self-sufficient after a disaster. Prevatt cites grim statistics: In Puerto Rico, 93% of the country’s GDP will be going to rebuilding efforts.

 

He discusses traditional building techniques in the Carribean. Roof-to-wall connections often fail, often due to large eaves, structural elements that provide shade. He discusses ways that the Carribean communities could become more resilient. A wind-resilient neighborhood is safer, and there is a market for that, he argues.

 

Such communities need to hold their leaders’ feet to the fire to make hard, long-term decisions.

 

Although Prevatt is generally optimistic, he quotes an ASCE engineer who studied tornado wind loads and proposed building tornado-resistant houses – in 1897.

 

As a researcher, he poses important philosophical questions about our seemingly irrational inability to apply important lessons that research offers. Nevertheless, Prevatt loves his work as a wind engineer.  Given even a small chance that he might succeed in changing the state of affairs, he continues to research and provide data-driven advice. Indeed, he could help a lot. Plus, he says, he has fun.

 

As well as doing research, he teaches at the University of Florida. He loves guiding really smart students – who are the future of hazards engineering.

 

One of Prevatt’s most memorable natural disaster experiences was after tropical storm Fran, which caused considerable damage in Trinidad. On a reconnaissance mission, he visited a two-story house had that lost its roof. He remembers that the home owner was jovial at first, making jokes despite her problems. When he investigated, he discovered that although the roof had been designed to be bolted to the walls, the nuts and bolts were not there! The roof had never been properly attached. The discovery shocked and upset the owner – to learn that her damage was preventable. The incident has stuck with him. Prevatt says that he never forgets that the human cost of natural hazards goes beyond physical damage.

]]> Episode 37 Society and Wind Engineering with David Prevatt DesignSafe Radio 00:56:59 David Prevatt, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, University of Florida   Raised and schooled in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, from an early age David Prevatt was interested in science and structures. As an islander, he also grew up sailing and windsurfing. He recollects the exhilarating feeling of using wind power to skim the waves. He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of the West Indies. After a stint as a civil engineer in Trinidad and Tobago, his curiosity and interest in research took him to Clemson University where he earned his master’s and PhD degrees in civil engineering.   Prevatt describes wind as a natural force, not a “disaster” in and of itself Disaster happens, he says, when we make buildings that are inadequately prepared to resist the wind. That is why he is grateful for the NHERI network. He sees tremendous value in having all types of natural hazards engineers  working towards resilient communities.   The community is a force of its own, Prevatt explains. Communities in hazard-prone areas need to start making hard decisions. Should they build stronger? Or should they perhaps build in areas that are not prone to hazards like strong winds? Communities need to assess their risk tolerance.   He discusses his research on extreme wind hazards, hurricanes, in the Caribbean. Our human nature, he says, makes it difficult for us to be rational. We tend not to remember bad events in the past, or at least think the unfortunate event won’t happen in the near-term future.   In fact, Prevatt’s first research paper, written in the early 1990s, concluded that if Caribbean nations did not take steps to address their vulnerability to hurricane risk, hurricane disasters would happen again. Hurricane David destroyed Dominique. Monserrat was devastated by Hugo. Now, 25 years later, many billions have been spent on construction that did not take hurricanes under consideration, he says, so it is not surprising what has happened to these countries in recent storms, he says.   Prevatt discusses human biases that lead poor community decisions. As an engineer, he says accurate data on hazard risks is the best tool for convincing communities to manage their risks. But even with data provided by groups like FEMA -- $1 spent on hazard reduction provides six times the future benefit – he acknowledges that communities continue to spend on immediate things, not on long term preventive measures.   He explains how the market help could convince consumers that they should purchase a house that’s build stronger than the local code, one that will last longer and have an increased level of safety. It is a hard argument for countries in the developing world, he says. He wants people rebuilding in the Caribbean to ask questions from engineers and other experts – and get straight answers -- before they rebuild in the same unsafe ways.   In his reconnaissance trip to of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Prevatt describes seeing new construction going up that did not take future storm damage into account. There were engineering and economic questions that were not considered. He cites an example: new phone poles went in right were the old ones had been. Which means the new poles are just as likely to fail. Post disaster is the time to consider improvements, he says, such as redundancies and backups.   He proposes that island standards perhaps should be different than mainland standards – so they can be more self-sufficient after a disaster. Prevatt cites grim statistics: In Puerto Rico, 93% of the country’s GDP will be going to rebuilding efforts.   He discusses traditional building techniques in the Carribean. Roof-to-wall connections often fail, often due to large eaves, structural elements that provide shade. He discusses ways that the Carribean communities could become more resilient. A wind-resilient neighborhood is safer, and there is a market for that, he argues.   Such communities need to hold their leaders’ feet to the fire to make hard, long-term decisions.   Although Prevatt is generally optimistic, he quotes an ASCE engineer who studied tornado wind loads and proposed building tornado-resistant houses – in 1897.   As a researcher, he poses important philosophical questions about our seemingly irrational inability to apply important lessons that research offers. Nevertheless, Prevatt loves his work as a wind engineer.  Given even a small chance that he might succeed in changing the state of affairs, he continues to research and provide data-driven advice. Indeed, he could help a lot. Plus, he says, he has fun.   As well as doing research, he teaches at the University of Florida. He loves guiding really smart students – who are the future of hazards engineering.   One of Prevatt’s most memorable natural disaster experiences was after tropical storm Fran, which caused considerable damage in Trinidad. On a reconnaissance mission, he visited a two-story house had that lost its roof. He remembers that the home owner was jovial at first, making jokes despite her problems. When he investigated, he discovered that although the roof had been designed to be bolted to the walls, the nuts and bolts were not there! The roof had never been properly attached. The discovery shocked and upset the owner – to learn that her damage was preventable. The incident has stuck with him. Prevatt says that he never forgets that the human cost of natural hazards goes beyond physical damage. David Prevatt, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, University of Florida   Raised and schooled in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, from an early age David Prevatt was interested in science and structures. As an islander, he also grew up sailing and windsurfing. He recollects the exhilarating feeling of using wind power to skim the waves. He earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the University of the West Indies. After a stint as a civil engineer in Trinidad and Tobago, his curiosity and interest in research took him to Clemson University where he earned his master’s and PhD degrees in civil engineering.   Prevatt describes wind as a natural force, not a “disaster” in and of itself Disaster happens, he says, when we make buildings that are inadequately prepared to resist the wind. That is why he is grateful for the NHERI network. He sees tremendous value in having all types of natural hazards engineers  working towards resilient communities.   The community is a force of its own, Prevatt explains. Communities in hazard-prone areas need to start making hard decisions. Should they build stronger? Or should they perhaps build in areas that are not prone to hazards like strong winds? Communities need to assess their risk tolerance.   He discusses his research on extreme wind hazards, hurricanes, in the Caribbean. Our human nature, he says, makes it difficult for us to be rational. We tend not to remember bad events in the past, or at least think the unfortunate event won’t happen in the near-term future.   In fact, Prevatt’s first research paper, written in the early 1990s, concluded that if Caribbean nations did not take steps to address their vulnerability to hurricane risk, hurricane disasters would happen again. Hurricane David destroyed Dominique. Monserrat was devastated by Hugo. Now, 25 years later, many billions have been spent on construction that did not take hurricanes under consideration, he says, so it is not surprising what has happened to these countries in recent storms, he says.   Prevatt discusses human biases that lead poor community decisions. As an engineer, he says accurate data on hazard risks is the best tool for convincing communities to manage their risks. But even with data provided by groups like FEMA -- $1 spent on hazard reduction provides six times the future benefit – he acknowledges that communities continue to spend on immediate things, not on long term preventive measures.   He explains how the market help could convince consumers that they should purchase a house that’s build stronger than the local code, one that will last longer and have an increased level of safety. It is a hard argument for countries in the developing world, he says. He wants people rebuilding in the Caribbean to ask questions from engineers and other experts – and get straight answers -- before they rebuild in the same unsafe ways.   In his reconnaissance trip to of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Prevatt describes seeing new construction going up that did not take future storm damage into account. There were engineering and economic questions that were not considered. He cites an example: new phone poles went in right were the old ones had been. Which means the new poles are just as likely to fail. Post disaster is the time to consider improvements, he says, such as redundancies and backups.   He proposes that island standards perhaps should be different than mainland standards – so they can be more self-sufficient after a disaster. Prevatt cites grim statistics: In Puerto Rico, 93% of the country’s GDP will be going to rebuilding efforts.   He discusses traditional building techniques in the Carribean. Roof-to-wall connections often fail, often due to large eaves, structural elements that provide shade. He discusses ways that the Carribean communities could become more resilient. A wind-resilient neighborhood is safer, and there is a market for that, he argues.   Such communities need to hold their leaders’ feet to the fire to make hard, long-term decisions.   Although Prevatt is generally optimistic, he quotes an ASCE engineer who studied tornado wind loads and proposed building tornado-resistant houses – in 1897.   As a researcher, he poses important philosophical questions about our seemingly irrational inability to apply important lessons that research offers. Nevertheless, Prevatt loves his work as a wind engineer.  Given even a small chance that he might succeed in changing the state of affairs, he continues to research and provide data-driven advice. Indeed, he could help a lot. Plus, he says, he has fun.   As well as doing research, he teaches at the University of Florida. He loves guiding really smart students – who are the future of hazards engineering.   One of Prevatt’s most memorable natural disaster experiences was after tropical storm Fran, which caused considerable damage in Trinidad. On a reconnaissance mission, he visited a two-story house had that lost its roof. He remembers that the home owner was jovial at first, making jokes despite her problems. When he investigated, he discovered that although the roof had been designed to be bolted to the walls, the nuts and bolts were not there! The roof had never been properly attached. The discovery shocked and upset the owner – to learn that her damage was preventable. The incident has stuck with him. Prevatt says that he never forgets that the human cost of natural hazards goes beyond physical damage. of, florida, university, nheri, caribbean, wind, engineering, hurricane false full 41 fb93cd3e8dfb274e7c06b81a374f6eb6 Episode 36 Inspecting Aging Infrastructure with Dr Nenad Gucunski Nenad Gucunski, professor and chairman, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rutgers University

 

Professor Nedad Gucunski from Rutgers U performs novel bridge testing experiments using the large mobile shaker equipment from NHERI’s University of Austin Experimental Facility.

 

Like so many engineers, Gucunski’s interest in engineering took root in childhood. He liked to build with Legos and models. He was fascinated by buildings and enjoyed looking up famous structures in encyclopedias: the Roman Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, the Golden Gate Bridge. He read up on architects from 40’s and 50’s, including Frank Lloyd Wright. Although he excelled at math and science, drawing was not a strong suit. So, he decided to become a civil engineer.

 

He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering in his home country of Croatia. He practiced for a year, then realized he wanted to learn more. So he set his sights on academia.

 

Gucunski’s career in the United States came about by luck, he says. First, he applied for a Fulbright Scholarship in the U.S., and to his surprise he was accepted. He earned his master’s degree at the University of Michigan. He returned home to Croatia, but in a second piece of luck (as he describes it) one of his U of M professors enlisted his help on a research project — which enabled him to return to the U.S. and earn his PhD. He is still grateful to be honored by Professor Woods at U of M.

 

Now on faculty at Rutgers University, Gucunski’s research interests are diverse. Currently, his primary interest lies in the assessment of transportation infrastructure. He examines soil structures, seismic characteristics of soil, and he conducts numerical simulations.

 

Intrigued by geotechnical engineering research at the University of Texas, Austin, he is seeking to improve current methods of characterizing soil. The SSW method has evolved into other methods, he says. The MSW method is most popular today.

 

With the 64,000 pound “T Rex” mobile shaker, about the size of a bus, researchers pound the soil and generate surface waves; sensors in the ground capture the resulting waves; researchers then analyze the velocity of the waves to infer soil profiles, Gucunski explains.

 

Early on in this work, he demonstrated how we can, by looking at different modes of wave propagation, describe soil systems. Detailing his experiments, he hopes to use his resulting data to describe soil more accurately and conduct new types of tests by ground shaking. He explains how his experimental methods can be broadly applied to both geotechical research and transportation testing.

 

He jokes that as a student, he wanted to evaluate soil systems as deeply as possible. Now he wants to evaluate systems as shallowly as possible. Shallow characterizations can evaluate pavement and concrete systems, as well as bridges, which he says has sparked the interest of transportation officials in several cities in New Jersey, his home state.   

 

Given the state of infrastructure in the United States, Gucunski’s work could be a great help. Millions of miles of roadways and hundreds of thousands of bridges are in poor condition, he reminds us. Bridges earned a C+ on the engineering report card; roads earned a D. He emphasized the need for accurate data about infrastructure conditions – to make efficient upgrades. Similarly, he says, it is important to evaluate structures using technologies that do not do destructive sampling, that do not introduce damage.

 

Gucunski discusses advances in the task, such as imaging with laser profiling and ground radar, but he says we now need to improve data collection speed and data accuracy — and accurate data analysis.

 

He lists numerous examples illustrating why bridge structure evaluations, depending on construction type, present particular problems. Ultimately, he says, we want to extend the life of a bridge at minimal cost.

 

One of Gucunski’s most recent projects is the NSF Eager project, Informing Infrastructure Decisions through Large-Amplitude Forced Vibration Testing. Using the large mobile shaker fleet based at UT Austin NHERI facility, he wants to assess structure soundness.

 

He’s convinced that we can get key information for making infrastructure decisions by using large amplitude force vibration. The five large shakers from the UT NHERI facility are used primarily for geotechnical applications. Researchers use them to do modulus profiling and to characterize structures like embankments, levees and dams.  

 

By using the shakers to assess structures, Gucunski says, we can understand and predict how they will perform under extreme events, like earthquake loading. He hopes to establish the viability of these machines for use in evaluating structures and their performance under hazard loads.

 

He describes his processes of evaluating existing structures with the T Rex shaker, as well as his parametric studies to validate the work, and his findings. He is thankful to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which was brave enough to give him access to a bridge to shake. He shook the ground in multiple directions and at multiple load levels to see how the bridge would respond.

 

He used T Rex was in a range of frequency sweeps, from 80 Hz down to 1 Hz. He and his team captured the response of the bridge and surrounding ground using geophones and accelerometers to determine the interaction between the soil and the structure sitting on it.

 

By comparing his parametric studies with the data gathered in the field with the T Rex shaker, his goal is an efficient way to assess structures like bridges. Looking to the future, Gucunski hopes to provide practical data and methodologies to researchers and infrastructure managers.

 

]]> Fri, 13 Apr 2018 17:01:07 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Nenad Gucunski, professor and chairman, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rutgers University

 

Professor Nedad Gucunski from Rutgers U performs novel bridge testing experiments using the large mobile shaker equipment from NHERI’s University of Austin Experimental Facility.

 

Like so many engineers, Gucunski’s interest in engineering took root in childhood. He liked to build with Legos and models. He was fascinated by buildings and enjoyed looking up famous structures in encyclopedias: the Roman Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, the Golden Gate Bridge. He read up on architects from 40’s and 50’s, including Frank Lloyd Wright. Although he excelled at math and science, drawing was not a strong suit. So, he decided to become a civil engineer.

 

He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering in his home country of Croatia. He practiced for a year, then realized he wanted to learn more. So he set his sights on academia.

 

Gucunski’s career in the United States came about by luck, he says. First, he applied for a Fulbright Scholarship in the U.S., and to his surprise he was accepted. He earned his master’s degree at the University of Michigan. He returned home to Croatia, but in a second piece of luck (as he describes it) one of his U of M professors enlisted his help on a research project — which enabled him to return to the U.S. and earn his PhD. He is still grateful to be honored by Professor Woods at U of M.

 

Now on faculty at Rutgers University, Gucunski’s research interests are diverse. Currently, his primary interest lies in the assessment of transportation infrastructure. He examines soil structures, seismic characteristics of soil, and he conducts numerical simulations.

 

Intrigued by geotechnical engineering research at the University of Texas, Austin, he is seeking to improve current methods of characterizing soil. The SSW method has evolved into other methods, he says. The MSW method is most popular today.

 

With the 64,000 pound “T Rex” mobile shaker, about the size of a bus, researchers pound the soil and generate surface waves; sensors in the ground capture the resulting waves; researchers then analyze the velocity of the waves to infer soil profiles, Gucunski explains.

 

Early on in this work, he demonstrated how we can, by looking at different modes of wave propagation, describe soil systems. Detailing his experiments, he hopes to use his resulting data to describe soil more accurately and conduct new types of tests by ground shaking. He explains how his experimental methods can be broadly applied to both geotechical research and transportation testing.

 

He jokes that as a student, he wanted to evaluate soil systems as deeply as possible. Now he wants to evaluate systems as shallowly as possible. Shallow characterizations can evaluate pavement and concrete systems, as well as bridges, which he says has sparked the interest of transportation officials in several cities in New Jersey, his home state.   

 

Given the state of infrastructure in the United States, Gucunski’s work could be a great help. Millions of miles of roadways and hundreds of thousands of bridges are in poor condition, he reminds us. Bridges earned a C+ on the engineering report card; roads earned a D. He emphasized the need for accurate data about infrastructure conditions – to make efficient upgrades. Similarly, he says, it is important to evaluate structures using technologies that do not do destructive sampling, that do not introduce damage.

 

Gucunski discusses advances in the task, such as imaging with laser profiling and ground radar, but he says we now need to improve data collection speed and data accuracy — and accurate data analysis.

 

He lists numerous examples illustrating why bridge structure evaluations, depending on construction type, present particular problems. Ultimately, he says, we want to extend the life of a bridge at minimal cost.

 

One of Gucunski’s most recent projects is the NSF Eager project, Informing Infrastructure Decisions through Large-Amplitude Forced Vibration Testing. Using the large mobile shaker fleet based at UT Austin NHERI facility, he wants to assess structure soundness.

 

He’s convinced that we can get key information for making infrastructure decisions by using large amplitude force vibration. The five large shakers from the UT NHERI facility are used primarily for geotechnical applications. Researchers use them to do modulus profiling and to characterize structures like embankments, levees and dams.  

 

By using the shakers to assess structures, Gucunski says, we can understand and predict how they will perform under extreme events, like earthquake loading. He hopes to establish the viability of these machines for use in evaluating structures and their performance under hazard loads.

 

He describes his processes of evaluating existing structures with the T Rex shaker, as well as his parametric studies to validate the work, and his findings. He is thankful to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which was brave enough to give him access to a bridge to shake. He shook the ground in multiple directions and at multiple load levels to see how the bridge would respond.

 

He used T Rex was in a range of frequency sweeps, from 80 Hz down to 1 Hz. He and his team captured the response of the bridge and surrounding ground using geophones and accelerometers to determine the interaction between the soil and the structure sitting on it.

 

By comparing his parametric studies with the data gathered in the field with the T Rex shaker, his goal is an efficient way to assess structures like bridges. Looking to the future, Gucunski hopes to provide practical data and methodologies to researchers and infrastructure managers.

 

]]> Episode 36 Inspecting Aging Infrastructure with Dr Nenad Gucunski DesignSafe Radio 00:56:04 Nenad Gucunski, professor and chairman, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rutgers University   Professor Nedad Gucunski from Rutgers U performs novel bridge testing experiments using the large mobile shaker equipment from NHERI’s University of Austin Experimental Facility.   Like so many engineers, Gucunski’s interest in engineering took root in childhood. He liked to build with Legos and models. He was fascinated by buildings and enjoyed looking up famous structures in encyclopedias: the Roman Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, the Golden Gate Bridge. He read up on architects from 40’s and 50’s, including Frank Lloyd Wright. Although he excelled at math and science, drawing was not a strong suit. So, he decided to become a civil engineer.   He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering in his home country of Croatia. He practiced for a year, then realized he wanted to learn more. So he set his sights on academia.   Gucunski’s career in the United States came about by luck, he says. First, he applied for a Fulbright Scholarship in the U.S., and to his surprise he was accepted. He earned his master’s degree at the University of Michigan. He returned home to Croatia, but in a second piece of luck (as he describes it) one of his U of M professors enlisted his help on a research project — which enabled him to return to the U.S. and earn his PhD. He is still grateful to be honored by Professor Woods at U of M.   Now on faculty at Rutgers University, Gucunski’s research interests are diverse. Currently, his primary interest lies in the assessment of transportation infrastructure. He examines soil structures, seismic characteristics of soil, and he conducts numerical simulations.   Intrigued by geotechnical engineering research at the University of Texas, Austin, he is seeking to improve current methods of characterizing soil. The SSW method has evolved into other methods, he says. The MSW method is most popular today.   With the 64,000 pound “T Rex” mobile shaker, about the size of a bus, researchers pound the soil and generate surface waves; sensors in the ground capture the resulting waves; researchers then analyze the velocity of the waves to infer soil profiles, Gucunski explains.   Early on in this work, he demonstrated how we can, by looking at different modes of wave propagation, describe soil systems. Detailing his experiments, he hopes to use his resulting data to describe soil more accurately and conduct new types of tests by ground shaking. He explains how his experimental methods can be broadly applied to both geotechical research and transportation testing.   He jokes that as a student, he wanted to evaluate soil systems as deeply as possible. Now he wants to evaluate systems as shallowly as possible. Shallow characterizations can evaluate pavement and concrete systems, as well as bridges, which he says has sparked the interest of transportation officials in several cities in New Jersey, his home state.      Given the state of infrastructure in the United States, Gucunski’s work could be a great help. Millions of miles of roadways and hundreds of thousands of bridges are in poor condition, he reminds us. Bridges earned a C+ on the engineering report card; roads earned a D. He emphasized the need for accurate data about infrastructure conditions – to make efficient upgrades. Similarly, he says, it is important to evaluate structures using technologies that do not do destructive sampling, that do not introduce damage.   Gucunski discusses advances in the task, such as imaging with laser profiling and ground radar, but he says we now need to improve data collection speed and data accuracy — and accurate data analysis.   He lists numerous examples illustrating why bridge structure evaluations, depending on construction type, present particular problems. Ultimately, he says, we want to extend the life of a bridge at minimal cost.   One of Gucunski’s most recent projects is the NSF Eager project, Informing Infrastructure Decisions through Large-Amplitude Forced Vibration Testing. Using the large mobile shaker fleet based at UT Austin NHERI facility, he wants to assess structure soundness.   He’s convinced that we can get key information for making infrastructure decisions by using large amplitude force vibration. The five large shakers from the UT NHERI facility are used primarily for geotechnical applications. Researchers use them to do modulus profiling and to characterize structures like embankments, levees and dams.     By using the shakers to assess structures, Gucunski says, we can understand and predict how they will perform under extreme events, like earthquake loading. He hopes to establish the viability of these machines for use in evaluating structures and their performance under hazard loads.   He describes his processes of evaluating existing structures with the T Rex shaker, as well as his parametric studies to validate the work, and his findings. He is thankful to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which was brave enough to give him access to a bridge to shake. He shook the ground in multiple directions and at multiple load levels to see how the bridge would respond.   He used T Rex was in a range of frequency sweeps, from 80 Hz down to 1 Hz. He and his team captured the response of the bridge and surrounding ground using geophones and accelerometers to determine the interaction between the soil and the structure sitting on it.   By comparing his parametric studies with the data gathered in the field with the T Rex shaker, his goal is an efficient way to assess structures like bridges. Looking to the future, Gucunski hopes to provide practical data and methodologies to researchers and infrastructure managers.   Nenad Gucunski, professor and chairman, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rutgers University   Professor Nedad Gucunski from Rutgers U performs novel bridge testing experiments using the large mobile shaker equipment from NHERI’s University of Austin Experimental Facility.   Like so many engineers, Gucunski’s interest in engineering took root in childhood. He liked to build with Legos and models. He was fascinated by buildings and enjoyed looking up famous structures in encyclopedias: the Roman Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, the Golden Gate Bridge. He read up on architects from 40’s and 50’s, including Frank Lloyd Wright. Although he excelled at math and science, drawing was not a strong suit. So, he decided to become a civil engineer.   He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering in his home country of Croatia. He practiced for a year, then realized he wanted to learn more. So he set his sights on academia.   Gucunski’s career in the United States came about by luck, he says. First, he applied for a Fulbright Scholarship in the U.S., and to his surprise he was accepted. He earned his master’s degree at the University of Michigan. He returned home to Croatia, but in a second piece of luck (as he describes it) one of his U of M professors enlisted his help on a research project — which enabled him to return to the U.S. and earn his PhD. He is still grateful to be honored by Professor Woods at U of M.   Now on faculty at Rutgers University, Gucunski’s research interests are diverse. Currently, his primary interest lies in the assessment of transportation infrastructure. He examines soil structures, seismic characteristics of soil, and he conducts numerical simulations.   Intrigued by geotechnical engineering research at the University of Texas, Austin, he is seeking to improve current methods of characterizing soil. The SSW method has evolved into other methods, he says. The MSW method is most popular today.   With the 64,000 pound “T Rex” mobile shaker, about the size of a bus, researchers pound the soil and generate surface waves; sensors in the ground capture the resulting waves; researchers then analyze the velocity of the waves to infer soil profiles, Gucunski explains.   Early on in this work, he demonstrated how we can, by looking at different modes of wave propagation, describe soil systems. Detailing his experiments, he hopes to use his resulting data to describe soil more accurately and conduct new types of tests by ground shaking. He explains how his experimental methods can be broadly applied to both geotechical research and transportation testing.   He jokes that as a student, he wanted to evaluate soil systems as deeply as possible. Now he wants to evaluate systems as shallowly as possible. Shallow characterizations can evaluate pavement and concrete systems, as well as bridges, which he says has sparked the interest of transportation officials in several cities in New Jersey, his home state.      Given the state of infrastructure in the United States, Gucunski’s work could be a great help. Millions of miles of roadways and hundreds of thousands of bridges are in poor condition, he reminds us. Bridges earned a C+ on the engineering report card; roads earned a D. He emphasized the need for accurate data about infrastructure conditions – to make efficient upgrades. Similarly, he says, it is important to evaluate structures using technologies that do not do destructive sampling, that do not introduce damage.   Gucunski discusses advances in the task, such as imaging with laser profiling and ground radar, but he says we now need to improve data collection speed and data accuracy — and accurate data analysis.   He lists numerous examples illustrating why bridge structure evaluations, depending on construction type, present particular problems. Ultimately, he says, we want to extend the life of a bridge at minimal cost.   One of Gucunski’s most recent projects is the NSF Eager project, Informing Infrastructure Decisions through Large-Amplitude Forced Vibration Testing. Using the large mobile shaker fleet based at UT Austin NHERI facility, he wants to assess structure soundness.   He’s convinced that we can get key information for making infrastructure decisions by using large amplitude force vibration. The five large shakers from the UT NHERI facility are used primarily for geotechnical applications. Researchers use them to do modulus profiling and to characterize structures like embankments, levees and dams.     By using the shakers to assess structures, Gucunski says, we can understand and predict how they will perform under extreme events, like earthquake loading. He hopes to establish the viability of these machines for use in evaluating structures and their performance under hazard loads.   He describes his processes of evaluating existing structures with the T Rex shaker, as well as his parametric studies to validate the work, and his findings. He is thankful to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which was brave enough to give him access to a bridge to shake. He shook the ground in multiple directions and at multiple load levels to see how the bridge would respond.   He used T Rex was in a range of frequency sweeps, from 80 Hz down to 1 Hz. He and his team captured the response of the bridge and surrounding ground using geophones and accelerometers to determine the interaction between the soil and the structure sitting on it.   By comparing his parametric studies with the data gathered in the field with the T Rex shaker, his goal is an efficient way to assess structures like bridges. Looking to the future, Gucunski hopes to provide practical data and methodologies to researchers and infrastructure managers.   natural, ut, university, rutgers, hazards, nheri, earthquakes, austin, infrastructure false full 40 c85d98c1a218d9e5ac6806e9dd04907e Episode 35 - Tsunami expert relies on NHERI - with Dr. James Kaihatu Jim Kaihatu

Associate Professor, Assistant Department head for Research

Texas A&M University

DesignSafe episode 35

 

Son of immigrants from the Netherlands, (via Indonesia), Jim attended a technical vocational high school in Southern California. He was good at math and science and majored in design and drafting, thinking he’d be an architect. But his talents lay on the engineering side of buildings, so he majored in structural engineering at Cal Poly Pomona. Already intrigued by fluid mechanics, he then took a class in coastal and ocean engineering – which changed his career path to coastal engineering. The field was new, less explored, less codified, he says. He went on to earn his master’s degree at UC Berkeley, the birthplace of coastal engineering. He then got a job with the Army Corps of Engineers, but soon realized that if he wanted to do extensive research he needed a PhD. Kaihatu earned his PhD at the University of Delaware.

 

PhD in hand, he started out at the Office of Naval Research, doing ocean wave modeling for Navy forecasts. Kaihatu explains the kinds of data used in his equations, and how he used similar techniques to predict other fluid patterns, like rip currents, for the Navy.

 

Now at Texas A&M University, he often works on multidisciplinary research projects. He describes the challenges and pleasures of working with other scientists, biologists and chemists, on a particular NIH project. The team looked at Galveston Bay’s superfund sites. Kaihatu was the “disaster guy” modeling what might happen if areas with capped sediments were hit by a big storm. The idea was to plan ahead to avoid contamination and a health disaster in the area.

 

During the NEES project (2004-2014), Kaihatu had a chance to develop a payload project as part of a larger experiment in the Oregon State University wave tank facility, the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory. He studied the impact of short waves on tsunami waves found interesting things, including a strong dependence of short wave-fields on where a tsunami breaks, which suggest that a storm’s smaller waves could affect tsunami behavior.

 

He discusses another experiment, an expansion of the short wave idea, performed in a large wave flume instead of directional wave basin, with and without sediment. He discusses the challenge of dealing with large amounts of data in coastal engineering, when varied conditions at times give different results.

 

He discusses the evolution of the coastal engineering profession. Traditionally, he says, research engineers use models to study tsunamis. Over the last several decades, however, researchers are getting access to photos and videos of tsunami waves, which challenge the conventional wave models. One of the first sets of tsunami photos, Kaihatu explains, were taken by tourist named Anders Grawin during the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand. Grawin’s photos revealed unexpected wave behavior: The tsunami was not just a solitary wave, but more like a bunch of waves, with high compression of the water surface.

 

In one of his projects, Kaihatu studied the leading edge waves of the tsunami and how sediment gets transported. In his wave tank experiments, he ran long periodic waves and short waves, which resulted in a rich and complex data set. He hopes to publish the material later this year.

 

Another of Kaihatu’s project involves experimenting with waves around islands, looking at effects on inland inundation. In the Mentawai Islands of Sumatra, people thought the islands would protect the shore. But experiments and numerical modeling showed that the islands did not provide shelter. Kaihatu worked with USC engineers at the OSU wave tank facility to validate the earlier work. It was one of the first projects undertaken under the NSF NHERI award. The Hinsdale Lab is one of the largest wave tank facilities in the U.S., and Kaihatu was pleased that it was feasible and affordable to build his model islands there at OSU.

 

For more information about Jim Kaihatu’s academic work, visit his web page at the Texas A&M Department of Civil Engineering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Fri, 6 Apr 2018 17:21:10 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Jim Kaihatu

Associate Professor, Assistant Department head for Research

Texas A&M University

DesignSafe episode 35

 

Son of immigrants from the Netherlands, (via Indonesia), Jim attended a technical vocational high school in Southern California. He was good at math and science and majored in design and drafting, thinking he’d be an architect. But his talents lay on the engineering side of buildings, so he majored in structural engineering at Cal Poly Pomona. Already intrigued by fluid mechanics, he then took a class in coastal and ocean engineering – which changed his career path to coastal engineering. The field was new, less explored, less codified, he says. He went on to earn his master’s degree at UC Berkeley, the birthplace of coastal engineering. He then got a job with the Army Corps of Engineers, but soon realized that if he wanted to do extensive research he needed a PhD. Kaihatu earned his PhD at the University of Delaware.

 

PhD in hand, he started out at the Office of Naval Research, doing ocean wave modeling for Navy forecasts. Kaihatu explains the kinds of data used in his equations, and how he used similar techniques to predict other fluid patterns, like rip currents, for the Navy.

 

Now at Texas A&M University, he often works on multidisciplinary research projects. He describes the challenges and pleasures of working with other scientists, biologists and chemists, on a particular NIH project. The team looked at Galveston Bay’s superfund sites. Kaihatu was the “disaster guy” modeling what might happen if areas with capped sediments were hit by a big storm. The idea was to plan ahead to avoid contamination and a health disaster in the area.

 

During the NEES project (2004-2014), Kaihatu had a chance to develop a payload project as part of a larger experiment in the Oregon State University wave tank facility, the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory. He studied the impact of short waves on tsunami waves found interesting things, including a strong dependence of short wave-fields on where a tsunami breaks, which suggest that a storm’s smaller waves could affect tsunami behavior.

 

He discusses another experiment, an expansion of the short wave idea, performed in a large wave flume instead of directional wave basin, with and without sediment. He discusses the challenge of dealing with large amounts of data in coastal engineering, when varied conditions at times give different results.

 

He discusses the evolution of the coastal engineering profession. Traditionally, he says, research engineers use models to study tsunamis. Over the last several decades, however, researchers are getting access to photos and videos of tsunami waves, which challenge the conventional wave models. One of the first sets of tsunami photos, Kaihatu explains, were taken by tourist named Anders Grawin during the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand. Grawin’s photos revealed unexpected wave behavior: The tsunami was not just a solitary wave, but more like a bunch of waves, with high compression of the water surface.

 

In one of his projects, Kaihatu studied the leading edge waves of the tsunami and how sediment gets transported. In his wave tank experiments, he ran long periodic waves and short waves, which resulted in a rich and complex data set. He hopes to publish the material later this year.

 

Another of Kaihatu’s project involves experimenting with waves around islands, looking at effects on inland inundation. In the Mentawai Islands of Sumatra, people thought the islands would protect the shore. But experiments and numerical modeling showed that the islands did not provide shelter. Kaihatu worked with USC engineers at the OSU wave tank facility to validate the earlier work. It was one of the first projects undertaken under the NSF NHERI award. The Hinsdale Lab is one of the largest wave tank facilities in the U.S., and Kaihatu was pleased that it was feasible and affordable to build his model islands there at OSU.

 

For more information about Jim Kaihatu’s academic work, visit his web page at the Texas A&M Department of Civil Engineering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> Episode 35 - Tsunami expert relies on NHERI - with Dr. James Kaihatu DesignSafe Radio 00:51:45 Jim Kaihatu Associate Professor, Assistant Department head for Research Texas A&M University DesignSafe episode 35   Son of immigrants from the Netherlands, (via Indonesia), Jim attended a technical vocational high school in Southern California. He was good at math and science and majored in design and drafting, thinking he’d be an architect. But his talents lay on the engineering side of buildings, so he majored in structural engineering at Cal Poly Pomona. Already intrigued by fluid mechanics, he then took a class in coastal and ocean engineering – which changed his career path to coastal engineering. The field was new, less explored, less codified, he says. He went on to earn his master’s degree at UC Berkeley, the birthplace of coastal engineering. He then got a job with the Army Corps of Engineers, but soon realized that if he wanted to do extensive research he needed a PhD. Kaihatu earned his PhD at the University of Delaware.   PhD in hand, he started out at the Office of Naval Research, doing ocean wave modeling for Navy forecasts. Kaihatu explains the kinds of data used in his equations, and how he used similar techniques to predict other fluid patterns, like rip currents, for the Navy.   Now at Texas A&M University, he often works on multidisciplinary research projects. He describes the challenges and pleasures of working with other scientists, biologists and chemists, on a particular NIH project. The team looked at Galveston Bay’s superfund sites. Kaihatu was the “disaster guy” modeling what might happen if areas with capped sediments were hit by a big storm. The idea was to plan ahead to avoid contamination and a health disaster in the area.   During the NEES project (2004-2014), Kaihatu had a chance to develop a payload project as part of a larger experiment in the Oregon State University wave tank facility, the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory. He studied the impact of short waves on tsunami waves found interesting things, including a strong dependence of short wave-fields on where a tsunami breaks, which suggest that a storm’s smaller waves could affect tsunami behavior.   He discusses another experiment, an expansion of the short wave idea, performed in a large wave flume instead of directional wave basin, with and without sediment. He discusses the challenge of dealing with large amounts of data in coastal engineering, when varied conditions at times give different results.   He discusses the evolution of the coastal engineering profession. Traditionally, he says, research engineers use models to study tsunamis. Over the last several decades, however, researchers are getting access to photos and videos of tsunami waves, which challenge the conventional wave models. One of the first sets of tsunami photos, Kaihatu explains, were taken by tourist named Anders Grawin during the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand. Grawin’s photos revealed unexpected wave behavior: The tsunami was not just a solitary wave, but more like a bunch of waves, with high compression of the water surface.   In one of his projects, Kaihatu studied the leading edge waves of the tsunami and how sediment gets transported. In his wave tank experiments, he ran long periodic waves and short waves, which resulted in a rich and complex data set. He hopes to publish the material later this year.   Another of Kaihatu’s project involves experimenting with waves around islands, looking at effects on inland inundation. In the Mentawai Islands of Sumatra, people thought the islands would protect the shore. But experiments and numerical modeling showed that the islands did not provide shelter. Kaihatu worked with USC engineers at the OSU wave tank facility to validate the earlier work. It was one of the first projects undertaken under the NSF NHERI award. The Hinsdale Lab is one of the largest wave tank facilities in the U.S., and Kaihatu was pleased that it was feasible and affordable to build his model islands there at OSU.   For more information about Jim Kaihatu’s academic work, visit his web page at the Texas A&M Department of Civil Engineering.               Jim Kaihatu Associate Professor, Assistant Department head for Research Texas A&M University DesignSafe episode 35   Son of immigrants from the Netherlands, (via Indonesia), Jim attended a technical vocational high school in Southern California. He was good at math and science and majored in design and drafting, thinking he’d be an architect. But his talents lay on the engineering side of buildings, so he majored in structural engineering at Cal Poly Pomona. Already intrigued by fluid mechanics, he then took a class in coastal and ocean engineering – which changed his career path to coastal engineering. The field was new, less explored, less codified, he says. He went on to earn his master’s degree at UC Berkeley, the birthplace of coastal engineering. He then got a job with the Army Corps of Engineers, but soon realized that if he wanted to do extensive research he needed a PhD. Kaihatu earned his PhD at the University of Delaware.   PhD in hand, he started out at the Office of Naval Research, doing ocean wave modeling for Navy forecasts. Kaihatu explains the kinds of data used in his equations, and how he used similar techniques to predict other fluid patterns, like rip currents, for the Navy.   Now at Texas A&M University, he often works on multidisciplinary research projects. He describes the challenges and pleasures of working with other scientists, biologists and chemists, on a particular NIH project. The team looked at Galveston Bay’s superfund sites. Kaihatu was the “disaster guy” modeling what might happen if areas with capped sediments were hit by a big storm. The idea was to plan ahead to avoid contamination and a health disaster in the area.   During the NEES project (2004-2014), Kaihatu had a chance to develop a payload project as part of a larger experiment in the Oregon State University wave tank facility, the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory. He studied the impact of short waves on tsunami waves found interesting things, including a strong dependence of short wave-fields on where a tsunami breaks, which suggest that a storm’s smaller waves could affect tsunami behavior.   He discusses another experiment, an expansion of the short wave idea, performed in a large wave flume instead of directional wave basin, with and without sediment. He discusses the challenge of dealing with large amounts of data in coastal engineering, when varied conditions at times give different results.   He discusses the evolution of the coastal engineering profession. Traditionally, he says, research engineers use models to study tsunamis. Over the last several decades, however, researchers are getting access to photos and videos of tsunami waves, which challenge the conventional wave models. One of the first sets of tsunami photos, Kaihatu explains, were taken by tourist named Anders Grawin during the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Thailand. Grawin’s photos revealed unexpected wave behavior: The tsunami was not just a solitary wave, but more like a bunch of waves, with high compression of the water surface.   In one of his projects, Kaihatu studied the leading edge waves of the tsunami and how sediment gets transported. In his wave tank experiments, he ran long periodic waves and short waves, which resulted in a rich and complex data set. He hopes to publish the material later this year.   Another of Kaihatu’s project involves experimenting with waves around islands, looking at effects on inland inundation. In the Mentawai Islands of Sumatra, people thought the islands would protect the shore. But experiments and numerical modeling showed that the islands did not provide shelter. Kaihatu worked with USC engineers at the OSU wave tank facility to validate the earlier work. It was one of the first projects undertaken under the NSF NHERI award. The Hinsdale Lab is one of the largest wave tank facilities in the U.S., and Kaihatu was pleased that it was feasible and affordable to build his model islands there at OSU.   For more information about Jim Kaihatu’s academic work, visit his web page at the Texas A&M Department of Civil Engineering.               university, m, a, state, oregon, tsunami, texas false full 39 bd285ea024fc1fa9b14d1706b3a140d1 Episode 34 - Soil Testing in the World's Biggest Blender Part 2 - with Dr. Scott Brandenberg In the second half of this interview, Dr. Scott Brandenberg provides a fascinating and detailed overview of his first major research project, which was to study propagation of earthquake ground motions through soft soil layer —  from painstakingly building the models, to testing them and then analyzing the results.

Among other things, Brandenberg explains why it’s important to measure the sheer strength properly over a wide range of shaking intensities, not just for the really strong ground motions, a finding he says is in parallel with other fundamental profiling studies.

]]> Fri, 30 Mar 2018 17:59:54 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In the second half of this interview, Dr. Scott Brandenberg provides a fascinating and detailed overview of his first major research project, which was to study propagation of earthquake ground motions through soft soil layer —  from painstakingly building the models, to testing them and then analyzing the results.

Among other things, Brandenberg explains why it’s important to measure the sheer strength properly over a wide range of shaking intensities, not just for the really strong ground motions, a finding he says is in parallel with other fundamental profiling studies.

]]> Episode 34 - Soil Testing in the World's Biggest Blender Part 2 - with Dr. Scott Brandenberg DesignSafe Radio 00:37:17 In the second half of this interview, Dr. Scott Brandenberg provides a fascinating and detailed overview of his first major research project, which was to study propagation of earthquake ground motions through soft soil layer —  from painstakingly building the models, to testing them and then analyzing the results. Among other things, Brandenberg explains why it’s important to measure the sheer strength properly over a wide range of shaking intensities, not just for the really strong ground motions, a finding he says is in parallel with other fundamental profiling studies. In the second half of this interview, Dr. Scott Brandenberg provides a fascinating and detailed overview of his first major research project, which was to study propagation of earthquake ground motions through soft soil layer —  from painstakingly building the models, to testing them and then analyzing the results. Among other things, Brandenberg explains why it’s important to measure the sheer strength properly over a wide range of shaking intensities, not just for the really strong ground motions, a finding he says is in parallel with other fundamental profiling studies. davis, nheri, earthquake, uc, ucla, engineering false full 38 ecadab842111393d2792d692df52aff1 Episode 33 Soil testing in the world's biggest blender - with Scott Brandenberg Today, DesignSafe radio host Dan Zehner starts a conversation with geotechnical research engineer Scott Brandenberg, engineering professor at UCLA. In his investigations, Brandenberg employs the very large geotechnical centrifuge at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI experimental facility.

 

Brandenberg was raised on a cattle ranch, where he helped his father fix machinery. What hooked him on engineering as a kid, he says, was entering a toothpick bridge competition. He majored in geotechnical engineering at Cal Poly in San Louis Obispo, and in graduate school at UC Davis, he did research with professors Ross Boulanger and Bruce Kutter. Brandenberg enjoyed grad school at UC Davis so much that he ended up completing his PhD there. Although he has been on faculty at UCLA for about 12 years, he spends much of his research time at the UC Davis centrifuge — a world-class facility that’s available to researchers everywhere.

 

Geotechnical centrifuge. Brandenberg describes the nine-meter radius centrifuge, which was originally used by NASA to test components in high-G fields. The machine can reach up to about 80 Gs. When the centrifuge spins at 60 Gs, the nine-foot arm is spinning about one-and-a-half times per second. Brandenberg jokes: “It’s like the world’s biggest blender.”

 

Brandenberg explains how soil modeling via centrifuge works, including the scaling effect, and why understanding soil behavior is so important in seismic engineering. Centrifuge testing mimics real, field-level stress conditions — the behavior of soil under stress.

 

Spinning — and shaking. Not only does the contraption spin, Brandenberg explains that the soil models are built in containers that rest on top of a shake table. Then, while the soil models are spinning around, researchers impose earthquake motions on them. He explains the scaling effect that high-G force has for simulating earthquakes. Time gets compressed, he says; it takes mere seconds to impose a shaking-motion equivalent to a one-minute-long earthquake.

 

In each soil model, hundreds of sensors monitor and record acceleration, displacement, and even water pressure inside the soil. Researchers also embed structures with strain gauges mounted to them to measure the bending or the axial load demands on a structure.

 

Brandenberg emphasized that researchers make models to capture fundamental mechanisms of loading, not to mimic the world perfectly. By measuring simplified models that let them capture fundamental load mechanisms — researchers ultimately understand how engineers should be doing design calculations for real infrastructure, on real sites that are more complicated and difficult.

 

In the second half of the podcast, Brandenberg provides a fascinating and detailed overview of his first major research project, which was to study propagation of earthquake ground motions through soft soil layer —  from painstakingly building the models, to testing them and then analyzing the results.

 

Among other things, Brandenberg explains why it’s important to measure the sheer strength properly over a wide range of shaking intensities, not just for the really strong ground motions, a finding he says is in parallel with other fundamental profiling studies.

]]> Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:17:39 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today, DesignSafe radio host Dan Zehner starts a conversation with geotechnical research engineer Scott Brandenberg, engineering professor at UCLA. In his investigations, Brandenberg employs the very large geotechnical centrifuge at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI experimental facility.

 

Brandenberg was raised on a cattle ranch, where he helped his father fix machinery. What hooked him on engineering as a kid, he says, was entering a toothpick bridge competition. He majored in geotechnical engineering at Cal Poly in San Louis Obispo, and in graduate school at UC Davis, he did research with professors Ross Boulanger and Bruce Kutter. Brandenberg enjoyed grad school at UC Davis so much that he ended up completing his PhD there. Although he has been on faculty at UCLA for about 12 years, he spends much of his research time at the UC Davis centrifuge — a world-class facility that’s available to researchers everywhere.

 

Geotechnical centrifuge. Brandenberg describes the nine-meter radius centrifuge, which was originally used by NASA to test components in high-G fields. The machine can reach up to about 80 Gs. When the centrifuge spins at 60 Gs, the nine-foot arm is spinning about one-and-a-half times per second. Brandenberg jokes: “It’s like the world’s biggest blender.”

 

Brandenberg explains how soil modeling via centrifuge works, including the scaling effect, and why understanding soil behavior is so important in seismic engineering. Centrifuge testing mimics real, field-level stress conditions — the behavior of soil under stress.

 

Spinning — and shaking. Not only does the contraption spin, Brandenberg explains that the soil models are built in containers that rest on top of a shake table. Then, while the soil models are spinning around, researchers impose earthquake motions on them. He explains the scaling effect that high-G force has for simulating earthquakes. Time gets compressed, he says; it takes mere seconds to impose a shaking-motion equivalent to a one-minute-long earthquake.

 

In each soil model, hundreds of sensors monitor and record acceleration, displacement, and even water pressure inside the soil. Researchers also embed structures with strain gauges mounted to them to measure the bending or the axial load demands on a structure.

 

Brandenberg emphasized that researchers make models to capture fundamental mechanisms of loading, not to mimic the world perfectly. By measuring simplified models that let them capture fundamental load mechanisms — researchers ultimately understand how engineers should be doing design calculations for real infrastructure, on real sites that are more complicated and difficult.

 

In the second half of the podcast, Brandenberg provides a fascinating and detailed overview of his first major research project, which was to study propagation of earthquake ground motions through soft soil layer —  from painstakingly building the models, to testing them and then analyzing the results.

 

Among other things, Brandenberg explains why it’s important to measure the sheer strength properly over a wide range of shaking intensities, not just for the really strong ground motions, a finding he says is in parallel with other fundamental profiling studies.

]]> Episode 33 Soil testing in the world's biggest blender - with Scott Brandenberg DesignSafe Radio 00:34:24 Today, DesignSafe radio host Dan Zehner starts a conversation with geotechnical research engineer Scott Brandenberg, engineering professor at UCLA. In his investigations, Brandenberg employs the very large geotechnical centrifuge at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI experimental facility.   Brandenberg was raised on a cattle ranch, where he helped his father fix machinery. What hooked him on engineering as a kid, he says, was entering a toothpick bridge competition. He majored in geotechnical engineering at Cal Poly in San Louis Obispo, and in graduate school at UC Davis, he did research with professors Ross Boulanger and Bruce Kutter. Brandenberg enjoyed grad school at UC Davis so much that he ended up completing his PhD there. Although he has been on faculty at UCLA for about 12 years, he spends much of his research time at the UC Davis centrifuge — a world-class facility that’s available to researchers everywhere.   Geotechnical centrifuge. Brandenberg describes the nine-meter radius centrifuge, which was originally used by NASA to test components in high-G fields. The machine can reach up to about 80 Gs. When the centrifuge spins at 60 Gs, the nine-foot arm is spinning about one-and-a-half times per second. Brandenberg jokes: “It’s like the world’s biggest blender.”   Brandenberg explains how soil modeling via centrifuge works, including the scaling effect, and why understanding soil behavior is so important in seismic engineering. Centrifuge testing mimics real, field-level stress conditions — the behavior of soil under stress.   Spinning — and shaking. Not only does the contraption spin, Brandenberg explains that the soil models are built in containers that rest on top of a shake table. Then, while the soil models are spinning around, researchers impose earthquake motions on them. He explains the scaling effect that high-G force has for simulating earthquakes. Time gets compressed, he says; it takes mere seconds to impose a shaking-motion equivalent to a one-minute-long earthquake.   In each soil model, hundreds of sensors monitor and record acceleration, displacement, and even water pressure inside the soil. Researchers also embed structures with strain gauges mounted to them to measure the bending or the axial load demands on a structure.   Brandenberg emphasized that researchers make models to capture fundamental mechanisms of loading, not to mimic the world perfectly. By measuring simplified models that let them capture fundamental load mechanisms — researchers ultimately understand how engineers should be doing design calculations for real infrastructure, on real sites that are more complicated and difficult.   In the second half of the podcast, Brandenberg provides a fascinating and detailed overview of his first major research project, which was to study propagation of earthquake ground motions through soft soil layer —  from painstakingly building the models, to testing them and then analyzing the results.   Among other things, Brandenberg explains why it’s important to measure the sheer strength properly over a wide range of shaking intensities, not just for the really strong ground motions, a finding he says is in parallel with other fundamental profiling studies. Today, DesignSafe radio host Dan Zehner starts a conversation with geotechnical research engineer Scott Brandenberg, engineering professor at UCLA. In his investigations, Brandenberg employs the very large geotechnical centrifuge at the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling, a NHERI experimental facility.   Brandenberg was raised on a cattle ranch, where he helped his father fix machinery. What hooked him on engineering as a kid, he says, was entering a toothpick bridge competition. He majored in geotechnical engineering at Cal Poly in San Louis Obispo, and in graduate school at UC Davis, he did research with professors Ross Boulanger and Bruce Kutter. Brandenberg enjoyed grad school at UC Davis so much that he ended up completing his PhD there. Although he has been on faculty at UCLA for about 12 years, he spends much of his research time at the UC Davis centrifuge — a world-class facility that’s available to researchers everywhere.   Geotechnical centrifuge. Brandenberg describes the nine-meter radius centrifuge, which was originally used by NASA to test components in high-G fields. The machine can reach up to about 80 Gs. When the centrifuge spins at 60 Gs, the nine-foot arm is spinning about one-and-a-half times per second. Brandenberg jokes: “It’s like the world’s biggest blender.”   Brandenberg explains how soil modeling via centrifuge works, including the scaling effect, and why understanding soil behavior is so important in seismic engineering. Centrifuge testing mimics real, field-level stress conditions — the behavior of soil under stress.   Spinning — and shaking. Not only does the contraption spin, Brandenberg explains that the soil models are built in containers that rest on top of a shake table. Then, while the soil models are spinning around, researchers impose earthquake motions on them. He explains the scaling effect that high-G force has for simulating earthquakes. Time gets compressed, he says; it takes mere seconds to impose a shaking-motion equivalent to a one-minute-long earthquake.   In each soil model, hundreds of sensors monitor and record acceleration, displacement, and even water pressure inside the soil. Researchers also embed structures with strain gauges mounted to them to measure the bending or the axial load demands on a structure.   Brandenberg emphasized that researchers make models to capture fundamental mechanisms of loading, not to mimic the world perfectly. By measuring simplified models that let them capture fundamental load mechanisms — researchers ultimately understand how engineers should be doing design calculations for real infrastructure, on real sites that are more complicated and difficult.   In the second half of the podcast, Brandenberg provides a fascinating and detailed overview of his first major research project, which was to study propagation of earthquake ground motions through soft soil layer —  from painstakingly building the models, to testing them and then analyzing the results.   Among other things, Brandenberg explains why it’s important to measure the sheer strength properly over a wide range of shaking intensities, not just for the really strong ground motions, a finding he says is in parallel with other fundamental profiling studies. geotechnical, nheri, earthquake, ucla, engineering false full 37 66a09d910fe60b253bcf654d76c34231 Episode 32 From Earthquakes to Other Hazards with John van de Lindt In part two of our interview with hazards engineer John van de Lindt, we learn how his career expanded from earthquake engineering to other hazards.

 

After the NEESsoft project, van de Lindt won a grant for investigating sustainable buildings, looking at tornado loading, trying to reduce damage and injury in expansive soils. The team’s structure provided safety by devising shelter in basement with sustainable backfill that prevents basement walls from being damaged. Ironically, during this time, his own family lived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and was caught in the famous 2011 EF4 tornado that ripped through the area. Although his house was not damaged, he worked on an NSF RAPID grant to do reconnaissance on the area damage. (NHERI’s own David Prevatt led that work, showing what a small world it is for natural hazards engineers.)

 

He explains that, interestingly, mitigation methods in one hazard can translate to other hazards, which is why collaborative work is so beneficial. He says it is a popular PhD dissertation topic these days: showing how it’s possible to port a method from one hazard to another.

 

Currently, van de Lindt is co-director of the Center for Risk-Based Community Resilience Planning, a NIST-funded center at Colorado State University.

 

And he is still working on wood projects. He describes wrapping up a project focused on cross laminated timber, which he describes as plywood on steroids. (Take 2x6 planks, laminated with epoxy, and build a large wall) Like the Tall Wood project, it shows that wood is strong enough to be used for building 10 10-18 story structures.

 

FEMA P69 analysis, “rational” approach to establish perf factors. For CLT. To establish update to building code in ASCE 2022.

 

Although he admits engineers grumble about building codes, and the amount of work involved in creating them, but they are what make buildings in the U.S. and Japan the safest in the world.

 

He describes how, in hazards engineering, multiple fundamental projects often lead to one really focused project. Or sometimes it’s just a matter of an ASCE committee doing the work to return to other, related codes, or talk to engineering groups in other countries, to “find the missing pieces.” Committees try to fill in the gaps, he says, so the world can share the data that codes are based on. “It’s how stuff becomes code,” he says.

 

Indeed, Van de Lindt gives back to the engineering community in these important ways. As a member of NHERI’s Network Independent Advisory Committee (NIAC), he sits with academics and practitioners to review the NHERI quarterly reports and independent advice for the grant managers and NSF.

 

NHERI CENTRIFUGE USERS' WORKSHOP

Hosted by the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling

Friday, May 18, 8AM-5PM PST

Register on the DesignSafe website: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/training/workshops/3rd-annual-centrifuge-users/

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

The Center for Geotechnical Modeling will be hosting a one-day centrifuge users’ workshop at the NHERI equipment facility at UC Davis on Friday, May 18th, 2018. The workshop will include tours and lectures by UC Davis personnel and outside users that will allow participants to understand the capabilities of the centrifuge facility, explore research opportunities and challenges, and discuss specific details toward developing proposals.

Participation will be limited and priority registration will be given to:

  1. faculty planning to submit or participate in the development of NSF proposals to use the centrifuge facility at UC Davis;
  2. research team members currently funded to use the centrifuge facility;
  3. other individuals interested in learning about the NHERI equipment facility at UC Davis.

Limited travel support will be available for workshop participants and those interested in receiving travel support should indicate so using the workshop registration form on this page. Participants receiving funds will be reimbursed for actual expenses up to a pre-assigned threshold of $1000 (junior faculty) or $500 (senior faculty). Currently funded NSF research teams are expected to support their travel costs within their existing research funds.

]]> Fri, 16 Mar 2018 12:43:26 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In part two of our interview with hazards engineer John van de Lindt, we learn how his career expanded from earthquake engineering to other hazards.

 

After the NEESsoft project, van de Lindt won a grant for investigating sustainable buildings, looking at tornado loading, trying to reduce damage and injury in expansive soils. The team’s structure provided safety by devising shelter in basement with sustainable backfill that prevents basement walls from being damaged. Ironically, during this time, his own family lived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and was caught in the famous 2011 EF4 tornado that ripped through the area. Although his house was not damaged, he worked on an NSF RAPID grant to do reconnaissance on the area damage. (NHERI’s own David Prevatt led that work, showing what a small world it is for natural hazards engineers.)

 

He explains that, interestingly, mitigation methods in one hazard can translate to other hazards, which is why collaborative work is so beneficial. He says it is a popular PhD dissertation topic these days: showing how it’s possible to port a method from one hazard to another.

 

Currently, van de Lindt is co-director of the Center for Risk-Based Community Resilience Planning, a NIST-funded center at Colorado State University.

 

And he is still working on wood projects. He describes wrapping up a project focused on cross laminated timber, which he describes as plywood on steroids. (Take 2x6 planks, laminated with epoxy, and build a large wall) Like the Tall Wood project, it shows that wood is strong enough to be used for building 10 10-18 story structures.

 

FEMA P69 analysis, “rational” approach to establish perf factors. For CLT. To establish update to building code in ASCE 2022.

 

Although he admits engineers grumble about building codes, and the amount of work involved in creating them, but they are what make buildings in the U.S. and Japan the safest in the world.

 

He describes how, in hazards engineering, multiple fundamental projects often lead to one really focused project. Or sometimes it’s just a matter of an ASCE committee doing the work to return to other, related codes, or talk to engineering groups in other countries, to “find the missing pieces.” Committees try to fill in the gaps, he says, so the world can share the data that codes are based on. “It’s how stuff becomes code,” he says.

 

Indeed, Van de Lindt gives back to the engineering community in these important ways. As a member of NHERI’s Network Independent Advisory Committee (NIAC), he sits with academics and practitioners to review the NHERI quarterly reports and independent advice for the grant managers and NSF.

 

NHERI CENTRIFUGE USERS' WORKSHOP

Hosted by the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling

Friday, May 18, 8AM-5PM PST

Register on the DesignSafe website: 

https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/training/workshops/3rd-annual-centrifuge-users/

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

The Center for Geotechnical Modeling will be hosting a one-day centrifuge users’ workshop at the NHERI equipment facility at UC Davis on Friday, May 18th, 2018. The workshop will include tours and lectures by UC Davis personnel and outside users that will allow participants to understand the capabilities of the centrifuge facility, explore research opportunities and challenges, and discuss specific details toward developing proposals.

Participation will be limited and priority registration will be given to:

  1. faculty planning to submit or participate in the development of NSF proposals to use the centrifuge facility at UC Davis;
  2. research team members currently funded to use the centrifuge facility;
  3. other individuals interested in learning about the NHERI equipment facility at UC Davis.

Limited travel support will be available for workshop participants and those interested in receiving travel support should indicate so using the workshop registration form on this page. Participants receiving funds will be reimbursed for actual expenses up to a pre-assigned threshold of $1000 (junior faculty) or $500 (senior faculty). Currently funded NSF research teams are expected to support their travel costs within their existing research funds.

]]> Episode 32 From Earthquakes to Other Hazards with John van de Lindt DesignSafe Radio 00:34:27 In part two of our interview with hazards engineer John van de Lindt, we learn how his career expanded from earthquake engineering to other hazards.   After the NEESsoft project, van de Lindt won a grant for investigating sustainable buildings, looking at tornado loading, trying to reduce damage and injury in expansive soils. The team’s structure provided safety by devising shelter in basement with sustainable backfill that prevents basement walls from being damaged. Ironically, during this time, his own family lived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and was caught in the famous 2011 EF4 tornado that ripped through the area. Although his house was not damaged, he worked on an NSF RAPID grant to do reconnaissance on the area damage. (NHERI’s own David Prevatt led that work, showing what a small world it is for natural hazards engineers.)   He explains that, interestingly, mitigation methods in one hazard can translate to other hazards, which is why collaborative work is so beneficial. He says it is a popular PhD dissertation topic these days: showing how it’s possible to port a method from one hazard to another.   Currently, van de Lindt is co-director of the Center for Risk-Based Community Resilience Planning, a NIST-funded center at Colorado State University.   And he is still working on wood projects. He describes wrapping up a project focused on cross laminated timber, which he describes as plywood on steroids. (Take 2x6 planks, laminated with epoxy, and build a large wall) Like the Tall Wood project, it shows that wood is strong enough to be used for building 10 10-18 story structures.   FEMA P69 analysis, “rational” approach to establish perf factors. For CLT. To establish update to building code in ASCE 2022.   Although he admits engineers grumble about building codes, and the amount of work involved in creating them, but they are what make buildings in the U.S. and Japan the safest in the world.   He describes how, in hazards engineering, multiple fundamental projects often lead to one really focused project. Or sometimes it’s just a matter of an ASCE committee doing the work to return to other, related codes, or talk to engineering groups in other countries, to “find the missing pieces.” Committees try to fill in the gaps, he says, so the world can share the data that codes are based on. “It’s how stuff becomes code,” he says.   Indeed, Van de Lindt gives back to the engineering community in these important ways. As a member of NHERI’s Network Independent Advisory Committee (NIAC), he sits with academics and practitioners to review the NHERI quarterly reports and independent advice for the grant managers and NSF.   NHERI CENTRIFUGE USERS' WORKSHOP Hosted by the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling Friday, May 18, 8AM-5PM PST Register on the DesignSafe website:  https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/training/workshops/3rd-annual-centrifuge-users/ WORKSHOP DETAILS: The Center for Geotechnical Modeling will be hosting a one-day centrifuge users’ workshop at the NHERI equipment facility at UC Davis on Friday, May 18th, 2018. The workshop will include tours and lectures by UC Davis personnel and outside users that will allow participants to understand the capabilities of the centrifuge facility, explore research opportunities and challenges, and discuss specific details toward developing proposals. Participation will be limited and priority registration will be given to: faculty planning to submit or participate in the development of NSF proposals to use the centrifuge facility at UC Davis; research team members currently funded to use the centrifuge facility; other individuals interested in learning about the NHERI equipment facility at UC Davis. Limited travel support will be available for workshop participants and those interested in receiving travel support should indicate so using the workshop registration form on this page. Participants receiving funds will be reimbursed for actual expenses up to a pre-assigned threshold of $1000 (junior faculty) or $500 (senior faculty). Currently funded NSF research teams are expected to support their travel costs within their existing research funds. In part two of our interview with hazards engineer John van de Lindt, we learn how his career expanded from earthquake engineering to other hazards.   After the NEESsoft project, van de Lindt won a grant for investigating sustainable buildings, looking at tornado loading, trying to reduce damage and injury in expansive soils. The team’s structure provided safety by devising shelter in basement with sustainable backfill that prevents basement walls from being damaged. Ironically, during this time, his own family lived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and was caught in the famous 2011 EF4 tornado that ripped through the area. Although his house was not damaged, he worked on an NSF RAPID grant to do reconnaissance on the area damage. (NHERI’s own David Prevatt led that work, showing what a small world it is for natural hazards engineers.)   He explains that, interestingly, mitigation methods in one hazard can translate to other hazards, which is why collaborative work is so beneficial. He says it is a popular PhD dissertation topic these days: showing how it’s possible to port a method from one hazard to another.   Currently, van de Lindt is co-director of the Center for Risk-Based Community Resilience Planning, a NIST-funded center at Colorado State University.   And he is still working on wood projects. He describes wrapping up a project focused on cross laminated timber, which he describes as plywood on steroids. (Take 2x6 planks, laminated with epoxy, and build a large wall) Like the Tall Wood project, it shows that wood is strong enough to be used for building 10 10-18 story structures.   FEMA P69 analysis, “rational” approach to establish perf factors. For CLT. To establish update to building code in ASCE 2022.   Although he admits engineers grumble about building codes, and the amount of work involved in creating them, but they are what make buildings in the U.S. and Japan the safest in the world.   He describes how, in hazards engineering, multiple fundamental projects often lead to one really focused project. Or sometimes it’s just a matter of an ASCE committee doing the work to return to other, related codes, or talk to engineering groups in other countries, to “find the missing pieces.” Committees try to fill in the gaps, he says, so the world can share the data that codes are based on. “It’s how stuff becomes code,” he says.   Indeed, Van de Lindt gives back to the engineering community in these important ways. As a member of NHERI’s Network Independent Advisory Committee (NIAC), he sits with academics and practitioners to review the NHERI quarterly reports and independent advice for the grant managers and NSF.   NHERI CENTRIFUGE USERS' WORKSHOP Hosted by the UC Davis Center for Geotechnical Modeling Friday, May 18, 8AM-5PM PST Register on the DesignSafe website:  https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/training/workshops/3rd-annual-centrifuge-users/ WORKSHOP DETAILS: The Center for Geotechnical Modeling will be hosting a one-day centrifuge users’ workshop at the NHERI equipment facility at UC Davis on Friday, May 18th, 2018. The workshop will include tours and lectures by UC Davis personnel and outside users that will allow participants to understand the capabilities of the centrifuge facility, explore research opportunities and challenges, and discuss specific details toward developing proposals. Participation will be limited and priority registration will be given to: faculty planning to submit or participate in the development of NSF proposals to use the centrifuge facility at UC Davis; research team members currently funded to use the centrifuge facility; other individuals interested in learning about the NHERI equipment facility at UC Davis. Limited travel support will be available for workshop participants and those interested in receiving travel support should indicate so using the workshop registration form on this page. Participants receiving funds will be reimbursed for actual expenses up to a pre-assigned threshold of $1000 (junior faculty) or $500 (senior faculty). Currently funded NSF research teams are expected to support their travel costs within their existing research funds. university, colorado, state, nheri, earthquakes, research false full 36 29e503999d5ff2b5dbe9c1366a2825af Episode 31 Engineered Wood Structures with John van de Lindt Today our host Dan Zehner talks with renowned earthquake engineer John van de Lindt, who has spent the past 20 years exploring wood-structure engineering and community resilience. Van de Lindt also is active in the NHERI hazards engineering community.

 

As an undergraduate, he started as a physics major, then moved to criminal justice and considered becoming a lawyer. Fortunately for the engineering world, he was inspired by a Statics course professor and changed his major to structural engineering – and went on to earn a graduate degree. Ultimately, he appreciates the transfer of knowledge: teaches earthquake engineering and wood.

 

He describes working as an engineer studying off shore structures: deep water oil platforms. It was his work at Michigan Tech that led him to testing wood structures. For one thing, he laughs, wood was a cheap material. He focused on testing shear walls in wood. (Sheer walls resist inertial loads, specifically the side-to-side forces.)

 

He explains that in the early 2000s, there were not many wood projects being funded, and they did not tend to be seismic projects. He says wood was thought of as a “conventional product,” meaning that it tended to be used in standard building projects --  although wood is used in less conventional ways In earthquake-prone regions.

 

Next, van de Lindt describes being part of a rather spectacular large wood project in Japan, called NEESWood. There, from 2005-2009, a group focused on building a mid-rise, six-story building — to a performance based seismic design. The shake at the E-Defense facility validated that design.

 

Building on such findings, a current wood project is underway at UC San Diego. The project, called Tall Wood is led by van de Lindt’s former student Shiling Pei. It will validate a 10-story at full scale at UCSD. Van de Lindt says that with so many universities and industry partners, including architects, involved, it is now possible we may see large wood buildings actually implemented. This project recently completed their first round of testing at UC San Diego this past summer.

 

After 2009, van de Lindt was part of a project called NEESsoft. It looked at large buildings with soft stories in San Francisco, buildings with relatively unsupported first floors that served as garages or retail space. Van de Lindt says everyone knew the buildings were dangerous but that the building owners no real incentives to retrofit. The NEESsoft project developed retrofits to protect buildings – which ultimately would prevent population dislocation after an earthquake. The team tested number of retrofits, including FEMA-based retrofits and performance based retrofits, hoping to give options to building owners. Because the buildings already existed, he says, there are many constraints, but achieved the best solution. He describes collapsing a four-story building to demonstrate what would happen without retrofits. Soft-story retrofits are now mandatory and still ongoing in San Francisco.

]]> Fri, 9 Mar 2018 17:00:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today our host Dan Zehner talks with renowned earthquake engineer John van de Lindt, who has spent the past 20 years exploring wood-structure engineering and community resilience. Van de Lindt also is active in the NHERI hazards engineering community.

 

As an undergraduate, he started as a physics major, then moved to criminal justice and considered becoming a lawyer. Fortunately for the engineering world, he was inspired by a Statics course professor and changed his major to structural engineering – and went on to earn a graduate degree. Ultimately, he appreciates the transfer of knowledge: teaches earthquake engineering and wood.

 

He describes working as an engineer studying off shore structures: deep water oil platforms. It was his work at Michigan Tech that led him to testing wood structures. For one thing, he laughs, wood was a cheap material. He focused on testing shear walls in wood. (Sheer walls resist inertial loads, specifically the side-to-side forces.)

 

He explains that in the early 2000s, there were not many wood projects being funded, and they did not tend to be seismic projects. He says wood was thought of as a “conventional product,” meaning that it tended to be used in standard building projects --  although wood is used in less conventional ways In earthquake-prone regions.

 

Next, van de Lindt describes being part of a rather spectacular large wood project in Japan, called NEESWood. There, from 2005-2009, a group focused on building a mid-rise, six-story building — to a performance based seismic design. The shake at the E-Defense facility validated that design.

 

Building on such findings, a current wood project is underway at UC San Diego. The project, called Tall Wood is led by van de Lindt’s former student Shiling Pei. It will validate a 10-story at full scale at UCSD. Van de Lindt says that with so many universities and industry partners, including architects, involved, it is now possible we may see large wood buildings actually implemented. This project recently completed their first round of testing at UC San Diego this past summer.

 

After 2009, van de Lindt was part of a project called NEESsoft. It looked at large buildings with soft stories in San Francisco, buildings with relatively unsupported first floors that served as garages or retail space. Van de Lindt says everyone knew the buildings were dangerous but that the building owners no real incentives to retrofit. The NEESsoft project developed retrofits to protect buildings – which ultimately would prevent population dislocation after an earthquake. The team tested number of retrofits, including FEMA-based retrofits and performance based retrofits, hoping to give options to building owners. Because the buildings already existed, he says, there are many constraints, but achieved the best solution. He describes collapsing a four-story building to demonstrate what would happen without retrofits. Soft-story retrofits are now mandatory and still ongoing in San Francisco.

]]> Episode 31 Engineered Wood Structures with John van de Lindt Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure 00:25:11 Today our host Dan Zehner talks with renowned earthquake engineer John van de Lindt, who has spent the past 20 years exploring wood-structure engineering and community resilience. Van de Lindt also is active in the NHERI hazards engineering community.   As an undergraduate, he started as a physics major, then moved to criminal justice and considered becoming a lawyer. Fortunately for the engineering world, he was inspired by a Statics course professor and changed his major to structural engineering – and went on to earn a graduate degree. Ultimately, he appreciates the transfer of knowledge: teaches earthquake engineering and wood.   He describes working as an engineer studying off shore structures: deep water oil platforms. It was his work at Michigan Tech that led him to testing wood structures. For one thing, he laughs, wood was a cheap material. He focused on testing shear walls in wood. (Sheer walls resist inertial loads, specifically the side-to-side forces.)   He explains that in the early 2000s, there were not many wood projects being funded, and they did not tend to be seismic projects. He says wood was thought of as a “conventional product,” meaning that it tended to be used in standard building projects --  although wood is used in less conventional ways In earthquake-prone regions.   Next, van de Lindt describes being part of a rather spectacular large wood project in Japan, called NEESWood. There, from 2005-2009, a group focused on building a mid-rise, six-story building — to a performance based seismic design. The shake at the E-Defense facility validated that design.   Building on such findings, a current wood project is underway at UC San Diego. The project, called Tall Wood is led by van de Lindt’s former student Shiling Pei. It will validate a 10-story at full scale at UCSD. Van de Lindt says that with so many universities and industry partners, including architects, involved, it is now possible we may see large wood buildings actually implemented. This project recently completed their first round of testing at UC San Diego this past summer.   After 2009, van de Lindt was part of a project called NEESsoft. It looked at large buildings with soft stories in San Francisco, buildings with relatively unsupported first floors that served as garages or retail space. Van de Lindt says everyone knew the buildings were dangerous but that the building owners no real incentives to retrofit. The NEESsoft project developed retrofits to protect buildings – which ultimately would prevent population dislocation after an earthquake. The team tested number of retrofits, including FEMA-based retrofits and performance based retrofits, hoping to give options to building owners. Because the buildings already existed, he says, there are many constraints, but achieved the best solution. He describes collapsing a four-story building to demonstrate what would happen without retrofits. Soft-story retrofits are now mandatory and still ongoing in San Francisco. Today our host Dan Zehner talks with renowned earthquake engineer John van de Lindt, who has spent the past 20 years exploring wood-structure engineering and community resilience. Van de Lindt also is active in the NHERI hazards engineering community.   As an undergraduate, he started as a physics major, then moved to criminal justice and considered becoming a lawyer. Fortunately for the engineering world, he was inspired by a Statics course professor and changed his major to structural engineering – and went on to earn a graduate degree. Ultimately, he appreciates the transfer of knowledge: teaches earthquake engineering and wood.   He describes working as an engineer studying off shore structures: deep water oil platforms. It was his work at Michigan Tech that led him to testing wood structures. For one thing, he laughs, wood was a cheap material. He focused on testing shear walls in wood. (Sheer walls resist inertial loads, specifically the side-to-side forces.)   He explains that in the early 2000s, there were not many wood projects being funded, and they did not tend to be seismic projects. He says wood was thought of as a “conventional product,” meaning that it tended to be used in standard building projects --  although wood is used in less conventional ways In earthquake-prone regions.   Next, van de Lindt describes being part of a rather spectacular large wood project in Japan, called NEESWood. There, from 2005-2009, a group focused on building a mid-rise, six-story building — to a performance based seismic design. The shake at the E-Defense facility validated that design.   Building on such findings, a current wood project is underway at UC San Diego. The project, called Tall Wood is led by van de Lindt’s former student Shiling Pei. It will validate a 10-story at full scale at UCSD. Van de Lindt says that with so many universities and industry partners, including architects, involved, it is now possible we may see large wood buildings actually implemented. This project recently completed their first round of testing at UC San Diego this past summer.   After 2009, van de Lindt was part of a project called NEESsoft. It looked at large buildings with soft stories in San Francisco, buildings with relatively unsupported first floors that served as garages or retail space. Van de Lindt says everyone knew the buildings were dangerous but that the building owners no real incentives to retrofit. The NEESsoft project developed retrofits to protect buildings – which ultimately would prevent population dislocation after an earthquake. The team tested number of retrofits, including FEMA-based retrofits and performance based retrofits, hoping to give options to building owners. Because the buildings already existed, he says, there are many constraints, but achieved the best solution. He describes collapsing a four-story building to demonstrate what would happen without retrofits. Soft-story retrofits are now mandatory and still ongoing in San Francisco. natural, university, colorado, hazards, state, nheri, earthquake, engineering false full 35 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/407694744 Episode 30 Economics Of Natural Hazards Research The economics of natural hazards engineering Kevin Simmons, Professor of Economics Austin College After spending 17 years working for an electric utility, Kevin Simmons enrolled in PhD program at Texas Tech thinking about starting a new career in the energy sector. But then, a prominent wind engineering researcher, Kishor Mehta, recruited him to examine the societal impacts of engineering against wind hazards. After examining variables like MLS data in Galveston, Texas, and running models, Simmons determined that indeed, wind mitigation features had strong positive impact on the selling price of a home. That became his dissertation. Since then, Simmons has found his calling as a researcher, including a stint at the National Severe Storms Lab in Norman, Oklahoma. Today, he continues to investigate the economics of natural hazards mitigation. Simmons describes his work studying the town of Moore, Oklahoma, which suffered 3 EF5 tornadoes in 14 years. He discusses the specific mitigations incorporated into the city’s building code, including things like wind-rated garage doors. His studies indicated that, over time, the cost of implementing the codes beats the estimated damage across the life of the house, with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 3:1. And he describes other assessments, including the hurricane-prone zone in Florida, where coastal areas have additional building code requirements. (That study will appear in the May issue of Land Economics.) Overall, he says, building codes reduce property damage and loss in two ways. First, homes built after code implementation had 53% less damage. Second, the codes reduced the likelihood that an insurance claim would need to be filed at all. All toted up, there was a 72 percent reduction in filed claims from wind losses, compared to construction cost increases. Simmons details the findings. Simmons discusses different economic considerations when it comes to flooding. He stresses that city planners need to consider potential flooding before building. As an economist, he finds it tragic that people do not take wind (or other) hazards into account before building. Generally speaking, he says, it doesn’t cost that much more to build a strong structure. Retrofits cost more, he says. And he is not optimistic that people are prepared to take natural hazards into account. “The human tendency is to fix things quick and cheaply,” he says. Ironically, he adds, in his studies he has observed that a destructive tornado will raise awareness about life safety during storms, and will tend to spike demand for tornado shelters. Nevertheless, new construction is still problematic for most towns in Oklahoma. Data show that new codes increase the cost of construction, and cities fear that developers will avoid building in communities with higher building costs. His research shows, however, that this is not necessary a problem. He recently compared Moore, Oklahoma, a city with tough codes, with the nearby city of Norman, without such building regulations. The study found there was no difference in real estate development between towns. Simmons discusses retrofits for wind storms, and specifically, work that U of Florida researcher David Prevatt has done to devise techniques for driving down the cost of retrofits. He refers to a recent study at the U of Alabama, where homes built to new standards have been shown to increase in value. If this data holds up across markets, Simmons says, it is justified to retrofit, and retrofitting may be seen as an investment, not a cost. He suggests that states have incentives that encourage citizens in wind-hazard regions to retrofit. For an economist like Simmons, it is exciting that engineers are able to remove financial objections people might have to retrofitting their homes and businesses.

]]> Fri, 2 Mar 2018 18:38:23 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org The economics of natural hazards engineering Kevin Simmons, Professor of Economics Austin College After spending 17 years working for an electric utility, Kevin Simmons enrolled in PhD program at Texas Tech thinking about starting a new career in the energy sector. But then, a prominent wind engineering researcher, Kishor Mehta, recruited him to examine the societal impacts of engineering against wind hazards. After examining variables like MLS data in Galveston, Texas, and running models, Simmons determined that indeed, wind mitigation features had strong positive impact on the selling price of a home. That became his dissertation. Since then, Simmons has found his calling as a researcher, including a stint at the National Severe Storms Lab in Norman, Oklahoma. Today, he continues to investigate the economics of natural hazards mitigation. Simmons describes his work studying the town of Moore, Oklahoma, which suffered 3 EF5 tornadoes in 14 years. He discusses the specific mitigations incorporated into the city’s building code, including things like wind-rated garage doors. His studies indicated that, over time, the cost of implementing the codes beats the estimated damage across the life of the house, with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 3:1. And he describes other assessments, including the hurricane-prone zone in Florida, where coastal areas have additional building code requirements. (That study will appear in the May issue of Land Economics.) Overall, he says, building codes reduce property damage and loss in two ways. First, homes built after code implementation had 53% less damage. Second, the codes reduced the likelihood that an insurance claim would need to be filed at all. All toted up, there was a 72 percent reduction in filed claims from wind losses, compared to construction cost increases. Simmons details the findings. Simmons discusses different economic considerations when it comes to flooding. He stresses that city planners need to consider potential flooding before building. As an economist, he finds it tragic that people do not take wind (or other) hazards into account before building. Generally speaking, he says, it doesn’t cost that much more to build a strong structure. Retrofits cost more, he says. And he is not optimistic that people are prepared to take natural hazards into account. “The human tendency is to fix things quick and cheaply,” he says. Ironically, he adds, in his studies he has observed that a destructive tornado will raise awareness about life safety during storms, and will tend to spike demand for tornado shelters. Nevertheless, new construction is still problematic for most towns in Oklahoma. Data show that new codes increase the cost of construction, and cities fear that developers will avoid building in communities with higher building costs. His research shows, however, that this is not necessary a problem. He recently compared Moore, Oklahoma, a city with tough codes, with the nearby city of Norman, without such building regulations. The study found there was no difference in real estate development between towns. Simmons discusses retrofits for wind storms, and specifically, work that U of Florida researcher David Prevatt has done to devise techniques for driving down the cost of retrofits. He refers to a recent study at the U of Alabama, where homes built to new standards have been shown to increase in value. If this data holds up across markets, Simmons says, it is justified to retrofit, and retrofitting may be seen as an investment, not a cost. He suggests that states have incentives that encourage citizens in wind-hazard regions to retrofit. For an economist like Simmons, it is exciting that engineers are able to remove financial objections people might have to retrofitting their homes and businesses.

]]> Episode 30 Economics Of Natural Hazards Research DesignSafe Radio 00:46:27 The economics of natural hazards engineering Kevin Simmons, Professor of Economics Austin College After spending 17 years working for an electric utility, Kevin Simmons enrolled in PhD program at Texas Tech thinking about starting a new career in the energy sector. But then, a prominent wind engineering researcher, Kishor Mehta, recruited him to examine the societal impacts of engineering against wind hazards. After examining variables like MLS data in Galveston, Texas, and running models, Simmons determined that indeed, wind mitigation features had strong positive impact on the selling price of a home. That became his dissertation. Since then, Simmons has found his calling as a researcher, including a stint at the National Severe Storms Lab in Norman, Oklahoma. Today, he continues to investigate the economics of natural hazards mitigation. Simmons describes his work studying the town of Moore, Oklahoma, which suffered 3 EF5 tornadoes in 14 years. He discusses the specific mitigations incorporated into the city’s building code, including things like wind-rated garage doors. His studies indicated that, over time, the cost of implementing the codes beats the estimated damage across the life of the house, with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 3:1. And he describes other assessments, including the hurricane-prone zone in Florida, where coastal areas have additional building code requirements. (That study will appear in the May issue of Land Economics.) Overall, he says, building codes reduce property damage and loss in two ways. First, homes built after code implementation had 53% less damage. Second, the codes reduced the likelihood that an insurance claim would need to be filed at all. All toted up, there was a 72 percent reduction in filed claims from wind losses, compared to construction cost increases. Simmons details the findings. Simmons discusses different economic considerations when it comes to flooding. He stresses that city planners need to consider potential flooding before building. As an economist, he finds it tragic that people do not take wind (or other) hazards into account before building. Generally speaking, he says, it doesn’t cost that much more to build a strong structure. Retrofits cost more, he says. And he is not optimistic that people are prepared to take natural hazards into account. “The human tendency is to fix things quick and cheaply,” he says. Ironically, he adds, in his studies he has observed that a destructive tornado will raise awareness about life safety during storms, and will tend to spike demand for tornado shelters. Nevertheless, new construction is still problematic for most towns in Oklahoma. Data show that new codes increase the cost of construction, and cities fear that developers will avoid building in communities with higher building costs. His research shows, however, that this is not necessary a problem. He recently compared Moore, Oklahoma, a city with tough codes, with the nearby city of Norman, without such building regulations. The study found there was no difference in real estate development between towns. Simmons discusses retrofits for wind storms, and specifically, work that U of Florida researcher David Prevatt has done to devise techniques for driving down the cost of retrofits. He refers to a recent study at the U of Alabama, where homes built to new standards have been shown to increase in value. If this data holds up across markets, Simmons says, it is justified to retrofit, and retrofitting may be seen as an investment, not a cost. He suggests that states have incentives that encourage citizens in wind-hazard regions to retrofit. For an economist like Simmons, it is exciting that engineers are able to remove financial objections people might have to retrofitting their homes and businesses. The economics of natural hazards engineering Kevin Simmons, Professor of Economics Austin College After spending 17 years working for an electric utility, Kevin Simmons enrolled in PhD program at Texas Tech thinking about starting a new career in the energy sector. But then, a prominent wind engineering researcher, Kishor Mehta, recruited him to examine the societal impacts of engineering against wind hazards. After examining variables like MLS data in Galveston, Texas, and running models, Simmons determined that indeed, wind mitigation features had strong positive impact on the selling price of a home. That became his dissertation. Since then, Simmons has found his calling as a researcher, including a stint at the National Severe Storms Lab in Norman, Oklahoma. Today, he continues to investigate the economics of natural hazards mitigation. Simmons describes his work studying the town of Moore, Oklahoma, which suffered 3 EF5 tornadoes in 14 years. He discusses the specific mitigations incorporated into the city’s building code, including things like wind-rated garage doors. His studies indicated that, over time, the cost of implementing the codes beats the estimated damage across the life of the house, with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 3:1. And he describes other assessments, including the hurricane-prone zone in Florida, where coastal areas have additional building code requirements. (That study will appear in the May issue of Land Economics.) Overall, he says, building codes reduce property damage and loss in two ways. First, homes built after code implementation had 53% less damage. Second, the codes reduced the likelihood that an insurance claim would need to be filed at all. All toted up, there was a 72 percent reduction in filed claims from wind losses, compared to construction cost increases. Simmons details the findings. Simmons discusses different economic considerations when it comes to flooding. He stresses that city planners need to consider potential flooding before building. As an economist, he finds it tragic that people do not take wind (or other) hazards into account before building. Generally speaking, he says, it doesn’t cost that much more to build a strong structure. Retrofits cost more, he says. And he is not optimistic that people are prepared to take natural hazards into account. “The human tendency is to fix things quick and cheaply,” he says. Ironically, he adds, in his studies he has observed that a destructive tornado will raise awareness about life safety during storms, and will tend to spike demand for tornado shelters. Nevertheless, new construction is still problematic for most towns in Oklahoma. Data show that new codes increase the cost of construction, and cities fear that developers will avoid building in communities with higher building costs. His research shows, however, that this is not necessary a problem. He recently compared Moore, Oklahoma, a city with tough codes, with the nearby city of Norman, without such building regulations. The study found there was no difference in real estate development between towns. Simmons discusses retrofits for wind storms, and specifically, work that U of Florida researcher David Prevatt has done to devise techniques for driving down the cost of retrofits. He refers to a recent study at the U of Alabama, where homes built to new standards have been shown to increase in value. If this data holds up across markets, Simmons says, it is justified to retrofit, and retrofitting may be seen as an investment, not a cost. He suggests that states have incentives that encourage citizens in wind-hazard regions to retrofit. For an economist like Simmons, it is exciting that engineers are able to remove financial objections people might have to retrofitting their homes and businesses. false full 34 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/404050152 Episode 29 Barbecue Diplomacy And Climate Change Research Barbeque diplomacy with Ben Preston Ben Preston is fascinated not just by scientific problems, but by how humans respond to weather and other large-scale hazards. He wants to know what societies can do to make different, better choices – to be more resilient over time. After events like hurricanes and wildfires, we feel vulnerable. Cities want to prepare better, attribute responsibility and grant compensation. But why do we value putting people in low lying coastal areas in the first place? Why do we value building expensive subdivisions at wildland interface? Preston discusses risk and our perception of it. Why protect against terrorism but not hurricanes? He says when it comes to hazard and risk, people tend to de-prioritize disasters that are familiar, routine, that we do not have control over. We figure we have to live with it. Because we view terrorism as a human choice, Preston says, we tend to think they can prevent it. In terms of resilient infrastructure, another problem we face is the consequences of old decisions. So when city managers are trying to manage storm water, for example, they are concerned about future hazards, but the may be constrained by an antiquated storm water system. For example, in Houston, people are dealing with the fact that the city is built in a flood plain. Outcomes are products of old human decisions, he says. So how do we deal with problems in the future? Preston says we have to be in it for the long haul. We can’t be resilient instantly. Preston says the good news is that the concept of resilience has caught on at the local level, where the problems are immediate and an existential issue. In situations where communities need to leave an area, Preston says, people are forced to assess their values and make hard decisions, such as how do to pay for the move or preserve the community. Cities and state governments can enhance resilience by thinking long term, by considering what problems will look like decades in the future. Depending on where you live, Preston says, people can develop common values. For instance, protecting homes and people should be a value. So how can communities be proactive? We have a long way to go, he says. Barbeque diplomacy. Preston says it can be hard to convince people to adopt resilience as a value. So, he practices what he calls “barbeque diplomacy,” a friendly approach to engaging people in informal settings -- something he learned while living in Australia, where they take their barbies seriously. You can try to show people data, he says, but it won’t help if they don’t perceive it’s their problem. So, Preston says when talking with people who don’t share his values, he tries to give examples that might affect people personally, such as electricity costs. Try to have realistic expectations, he says. People need to see the benefits of adopting policies that ensure resilience. We’ll get there, he says. https://www.rand.org/about/people/p/preston_benjamin_lee.html Benjamin_Preston@rand.org @bl_preston https://www.rand.org/news/experts.html?topic=natural-hazards https://www.rand.org/about/people/p/preston_benjamin_lee.html

]]> Fri, 23 Feb 2018 15:15:05 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Barbeque diplomacy with Ben Preston Ben Preston is fascinated not just by scientific problems, but by how humans respond to weather and other large-scale hazards. He wants to know what societies can do to make different, better choices – to be more resilient over time. After events like hurricanes and wildfires, we feel vulnerable. Cities want to prepare better, attribute responsibility and grant compensation. But why do we value putting people in low lying coastal areas in the first place? Why do we value building expensive subdivisions at wildland interface? Preston discusses risk and our perception of it. Why protect against terrorism but not hurricanes? He says when it comes to hazard and risk, people tend to de-prioritize disasters that are familiar, routine, that we do not have control over. We figure we have to live with it. Because we view terrorism as a human choice, Preston says, we tend to think they can prevent it. In terms of resilient infrastructure, another problem we face is the consequences of old decisions. So when city managers are trying to manage storm water, for example, they are concerned about future hazards, but the may be constrained by an antiquated storm water system. For example, in Houston, people are dealing with the fact that the city is built in a flood plain. Outcomes are products of old human decisions, he says. So how do we deal with problems in the future? Preston says we have to be in it for the long haul. We can’t be resilient instantly. Preston says the good news is that the concept of resilience has caught on at the local level, where the problems are immediate and an existential issue. In situations where communities need to leave an area, Preston says, people are forced to assess their values and make hard decisions, such as how do to pay for the move or preserve the community. Cities and state governments can enhance resilience by thinking long term, by considering what problems will look like decades in the future. Depending on where you live, Preston says, people can develop common values. For instance, protecting homes and people should be a value. So how can communities be proactive? We have a long way to go, he says. Barbeque diplomacy. Preston says it can be hard to convince people to adopt resilience as a value. So, he practices what he calls “barbeque diplomacy,” a friendly approach to engaging people in informal settings -- something he learned while living in Australia, where they take their barbies seriously. You can try to show people data, he says, but it won’t help if they don’t perceive it’s their problem. So, Preston says when talking with people who don’t share his values, he tries to give examples that might affect people personally, such as electricity costs. Try to have realistic expectations, he says. People need to see the benefits of adopting policies that ensure resilience. We’ll get there, he says. https://www.rand.org/about/people/p/preston_benjamin_lee.html Benjamin_Preston@rand.org @bl_preston https://www.rand.org/news/experts.html?topic=natural-hazards https://www.rand.org/about/people/p/preston_benjamin_lee.html

]]> Episode 29 Barbecue Diplomacy And Climate Change Research DesignSafe Radio 00:38:46 Barbeque diplomacy with Ben Preston Ben Preston is fascinated not just by scientific problems, but by how humans respond to weather and other large-scale hazards. He wants to know what societies can do to make different, better choices – to be more resilient over time. After events like hurricanes and wildfires, we feel vulnerable. Cities want to prepare better, attribute responsibility and grant compensation. But why do we value putting people in low lying coastal areas in the first place? Why do we value building expensive subdivisions at wildland interface? Preston discusses risk and our perception of it. Why protect against terrorism but not hurricanes? He says when it comes to hazard and risk, people tend to de-prioritize disasters that are familiar, routine, that we do not have control over. We figure we have to live with it. Because we view terrorism as a human choice, Preston says, we tend to think they can prevent it. In terms of resilient infrastructure, another problem we face is the consequences of old decisions. So when city managers are trying to manage storm water, for example, they are concerned about future hazards, but the may be constrained by an antiquated storm water system. For example, in Houston, people are dealing with the fact that the city is built in a flood plain. Outcomes are products of old human decisions, he says. So how do we deal with problems in the future? Preston says we have to be in it for the long haul. We can’t be resilient instantly. Preston says the good news is that the concept of resilience has caught on at the local level, where the problems are immediate and an existential issue. In situations where communities need to leave an area, Preston says, people are forced to assess their values and make hard decisions, such as how do to pay for the move or preserve the community. Cities and state governments can enhance resilience by thinking long term, by considering what problems will look like decades in the future. Depending on where you live, Preston says, people can develop common values. For instance, protecting homes and people should be a value. So how can communities be proactive? We have a long way to go, he says. Barbeque diplomacy. Preston says it can be hard to convince people to adopt resilience as a value. So, he practices what he calls “barbeque diplomacy,” a friendly approach to engaging people in informal settings -- something he learned while living in Australia, where they take their barbies seriously. You can try to show people data, he says, but it won’t help if they don’t perceive it’s their problem. So, Preston says when talking with people who don’t share his values, he tries to give examples that might affect people personally, such as electricity costs. Try to have realistic expectations, he says. People need to see the benefits of adopting policies that ensure resilience. We’ll get there, he says. https://www.rand.org/about/people/p/preston_benjamin_lee.html Benjamin_Preston@rand.org @bl_preston https://www.rand.org/news/experts.html?topic=natural-hazards https://www.rand.org/about/people/p/preston_benjamin_lee.html Barbeque diplomacy with Ben Preston Ben Preston is fascinated not just by scientific problems, but by how humans respond to weather and other large-scale hazards. He wants to know what societies can do to make different, better choices – to be more resilient over time. After events like hurricanes and wildfires, we feel vulnerable. Cities want to prepare better, attribute responsibility and grant compensation. But why do we value putting people in low lying coastal areas in the first place? Why do we value building expensive subdivisions at wildland interface? Preston discusses risk and our perception of it. Why protect against terrorism but not hurricanes? He says when it comes to hazard and risk, people tend to de-prioritize disasters that are familiar, routine, that we do not have control over. We figure we have to live with it. Because we view terrorism as a human choice, Preston says, we tend to think they can prevent it. In terms of resilient infrastructure, another problem we face is the consequences of old decisions. So when city managers are trying to manage storm water, for example, they are concerned about future hazards, but the may be constrained by an antiquated storm water system. For example, in Houston, people are dealing with the fact that the city is built in a flood plain. Outcomes are products of old human decisions, he says. So how do we deal with problems in the future? Preston says we have to be in it for the long haul. We can’t be resilient instantly. Preston says the good news is that the concept of resilience has caught on at the local level, where the problems are immediate and an existential issue. In situations where communities need to leave an area, Preston says, people are forced to assess their values and make hard decisions, such as how do to pay for the move or preserve the community. Cities and state governments can enhance resilience by thinking long term, by considering what problems will look like decades in the future. Depending on where you live, Preston says, people can develop common values. For instance, protecting homes and people should be a value. So how can communities be proactive? We have a long way to go, he says. Barbeque diplomacy. Preston says it can be hard to convince people to adopt resilience as a value. So, he practices what he calls “barbeque diplomacy,” a friendly approach to engaging people in informal settings -- something he learned while living in Australia, where they take their barbies seriously. You can try to show people data, he says, but it won’t help if they don’t perceive it’s their problem. So, Preston says when talking with people who don’t share his values, he tries to give examples that might affect people personally, such as electricity costs. Try to have realistic expectations, he says. People need to see the benefits of adopting policies that ensure resilience. We’ll get there, he says. https://www.rand.org/about/people/p/preston_benjamin_lee.html Benjamin_Preston@rand.org @bl_preston https://www.rand.org/news/experts.html?topic=natural-hazards https://www.rand.org/about/people/p/preston_benjamin_lee.html false full 33 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/400715067 Episode 28 Science Based Decision Making Episode 28 Science Based Decision Making by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure

]]> Fri, 16 Feb 2018 20:57:12 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 28 Science Based Decision Making by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure

]]> Episode 28 Science Based Decision Making DesignSafe Radio 00:26:36 Episode 28 Science Based Decision Making by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure Episode 28 Science Based Decision Making by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure false full 32 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/396870483 Episode 27 Oldie But A Goodie - Commander Justin Kibbey Rebroadcast Do you ever wonder how meteorologists get their hurricane data? On today’s show, host Dan Zehner gets the answers from Commander Justin Kibbey, one of NOAA’s “hurricane hunter” pilots. Kibbey flies NOAA’s P-3 Orion aircraft missions straight into hurricanes, multiple times, while a crew of weather experts and technicians gather data to predict the path and strength of the storm. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kibbey spent 10 years doing aerial reconnaissance and wartime flights over places like Iraq and Afghanistan. He flew the P-3, a four-engine turboprop designed to fly low and hunt submarines. After his Naval service, Kibbey joined NOAA’s crew of hurricane hunters, where he is wrapping up his eighth season. Kibbey describes NOAA’s rugged planes (built in the 1970s and based on 1950s designs) as flying research laboratories. The aircraft are powerful, with redundant systems, and built to fly low. Each mission is crewed with 15-20 people: NOAA officers, navigators, government and civilian technicians and meteorologists – and scientists, all working to collect data as they fly though hurricane storms. Kibbey describes the low altitude flights (5,000 to 12,000 feet), aiming for the “sweet spot,” or the eye of the storm, to get what he calls “an MRI” of the hurricane. In the no-wind, low-pressure center, researchers gather data for creating the spaghetti models that the public studies to see where a storm will travel. One tool used by hurricane hunters is tail Doppler radar, which reveals a storm’s inner structure. The missions also deploy “dropsondes” small cylindrical tubes that fall through the atmosphere measuring pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed, providing a profile of a column of air. Assembled together, these data paint an accurate picture of a storm and its intensity. NOAA’s planes cover the breadth of a storm, 400 miles or more. While satellites can provide some data, a plane in the storm provides the most and most accurate information. Kibbey describes flying through Superstorm Sandy, the largest he’s experienced. He also recalls his first mission as a hurricane hunter, an eight-hour flight through Hurricane Earl. It was a white-knuckle ride, until the plane passed into the eye. He describes the shock of seeing stars overhead – and a bolt of lightning that lit up the entire eye wall. One of his most turbulent flights was in Hurricane Irma, which put the plane through the wringer, he says. The crew on this flight was particularly stressed – because many of them had family in the path of the hurricane. The goal for hurricane hunters is to find out where the storm is will go, via reconnaissance and research. Technology constantly improves, and Kibbey speculates someday the research can be gathered remotely. Already, crews launch UAVs into hurricanes, into places too dangerous to fly a plane. And satellites may one day be able make readings as accurate as instruments on flying laboratories. Until then, from June through November, hurricane hunters fly through storms gathering data that can save lives. Hurricane data, including photos, from the 2017 hurricane season www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/data_sub/hurr.html More about NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/aircraft-o…urricane-hunters Hurricane Hunters on Facebook www.facebook.com/NOAAHurricaneHunters/ National Hurricane Center, to see data collected by the Hurricane Hunters. www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Justin Kibbey www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Storm_pages/…F(DavidHall).jpg

]]> Fri, 9 Feb 2018 13:51:55 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Do you ever wonder how meteorologists get their hurricane data? On today’s show, host Dan Zehner gets the answers from Commander Justin Kibbey, one of NOAA’s “hurricane hunter” pilots. Kibbey flies NOAA’s P-3 Orion aircraft missions straight into hurricanes, multiple times, while a crew of weather experts and technicians gather data to predict the path and strength of the storm. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kibbey spent 10 years doing aerial reconnaissance and wartime flights over places like Iraq and Afghanistan. He flew the P-3, a four-engine turboprop designed to fly low and hunt submarines. After his Naval service, Kibbey joined NOAA’s crew of hurricane hunters, where he is wrapping up his eighth season. Kibbey describes NOAA’s rugged planes (built in the 1970s and based on 1950s designs) as flying research laboratories. The aircraft are powerful, with redundant systems, and built to fly low. Each mission is crewed with 15-20 people: NOAA officers, navigators, government and civilian technicians and meteorologists – and scientists, all working to collect data as they fly though hurricane storms. Kibbey describes the low altitude flights (5,000 to 12,000 feet), aiming for the “sweet spot,” or the eye of the storm, to get what he calls “an MRI” of the hurricane. In the no-wind, low-pressure center, researchers gather data for creating the spaghetti models that the public studies to see where a storm will travel. One tool used by hurricane hunters is tail Doppler radar, which reveals a storm’s inner structure. The missions also deploy “dropsondes” small cylindrical tubes that fall through the atmosphere measuring pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed, providing a profile of a column of air. Assembled together, these data paint an accurate picture of a storm and its intensity. NOAA’s planes cover the breadth of a storm, 400 miles or more. While satellites can provide some data, a plane in the storm provides the most and most accurate information. Kibbey describes flying through Superstorm Sandy, the largest he’s experienced. He also recalls his first mission as a hurricane hunter, an eight-hour flight through Hurricane Earl. It was a white-knuckle ride, until the plane passed into the eye. He describes the shock of seeing stars overhead – and a bolt of lightning that lit up the entire eye wall. One of his most turbulent flights was in Hurricane Irma, which put the plane through the wringer, he says. The crew on this flight was particularly stressed – because many of them had family in the path of the hurricane. The goal for hurricane hunters is to find out where the storm is will go, via reconnaissance and research. Technology constantly improves, and Kibbey speculates someday the research can be gathered remotely. Already, crews launch UAVs into hurricanes, into places too dangerous to fly a plane. And satellites may one day be able make readings as accurate as instruments on flying laboratories. Until then, from June through November, hurricane hunters fly through storms gathering data that can save lives. Hurricane data, including photos, from the 2017 hurricane season www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/data_sub/hurr.html More about NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/aircraft-o…urricane-hunters Hurricane Hunters on Facebook www.facebook.com/NOAAHurricaneHunters/ National Hurricane Center, to see data collected by the Hurricane Hunters. www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Justin Kibbey www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Storm_pages/…F(DavidHall).jpg

]]> Episode 27 Oldie But A Goodie - Commander Justin Kibbey Rebroadcast DesignSafe Radio 00:35:34 Do you ever wonder how meteorologists get their hurricane data? On today’s show, host Dan Zehner gets the answers from Commander Justin Kibbey, one of NOAA’s “hurricane hunter” pilots. Kibbey flies NOAA’s P-3 Orion aircraft missions straight into hurricanes, multiple times, while a crew of weather experts and technicians gather data to predict the path and strength of the storm. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kibbey spent 10 years doing aerial reconnaissance and wartime flights over places like Iraq and Afghanistan. He flew the P-3, a four-engine turboprop designed to fly low and hunt submarines. After his Naval service, Kibbey joined NOAA’s crew of hurricane hunters, where he is wrapping up his eighth season. Kibbey describes NOAA’s rugged planes (built in the 1970s and based on 1950s designs) as flying research laboratories. The aircraft are powerful, with redundant systems, and built to fly low. Each mission is crewed with 15-20 people: NOAA officers, navigators, government and civilian technicians and meteorologists – and scientists, all working to collect data as they fly though hurricane storms. Kibbey describes the low altitude flights (5,000 to 12,000 feet), aiming for the “sweet spot,” or the eye of the storm, to get what he calls “an MRI” of the hurricane. In the no-wind, low-pressure center, researchers gather data for creating the spaghetti models that the public studies to see where a storm will travel. One tool used by hurricane hunters is tail Doppler radar, which reveals a storm’s inner structure. The missions also deploy “dropsondes” small cylindrical tubes that fall through the atmosphere measuring pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed, providing a profile of a column of air. Assembled together, these data paint an accurate picture of a storm and its intensity. NOAA’s planes cover the breadth of a storm, 400 miles or more. While satellites can provide some data, a plane in the storm provides the most and most accurate information. Kibbey describes flying through Superstorm Sandy, the largest he’s experienced. He also recalls his first mission as a hurricane hunter, an eight-hour flight through Hurricane Earl. It was a white-knuckle ride, until the plane passed into the eye. He describes the shock of seeing stars overhead – and a bolt of lightning that lit up the entire eye wall. One of his most turbulent flights was in Hurricane Irma, which put the plane through the wringer, he says. The crew on this flight was particularly stressed – because many of them had family in the path of the hurricane. The goal for hurricane hunters is to find out where the storm is will go, via reconnaissance and research. Technology constantly improves, and Kibbey speculates someday the research can be gathered remotely. Already, crews launch UAVs into hurricanes, into places too dangerous to fly a plane. And satellites may one day be able make readings as accurate as instruments on flying laboratories. Until then, from June through November, hurricane hunters fly through storms gathering data that can save lives. Hurricane data, including photos, from the 2017 hurricane season www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/data_sub/hurr.html More about NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/aircraft-o…urricane-hunters Hurricane Hunters on Facebook www.facebook.com/NOAAHurricaneHunters/ National Hurricane Center, to see data collected by the Hurricane Hunters. www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Justin Kibbey www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Storm_pages/…F(DavidHall).jpg Do you ever wonder how meteorologists get their hurricane data? On today’s show, host Dan Zehner gets the answers from Commander Justin Kibbey, one of NOAA’s “hurricane hunter” pilots. Kibbey flies NOAA’s P-3 Orion aircraft missions straight into hurricanes, multiple times, while a crew of weather experts and technicians gather data to predict the path and strength of the storm. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kibbey spent 10 years doing aerial reconnaissance and wartime flights over places like Iraq and Afghanistan. He flew the P-3, a four-engine turboprop designed to fly low and hunt submarines. After his Naval service, Kibbey joined NOAA’s crew of hurricane hunters, where he is wrapping up his eighth season. Kibbey describes NOAA’s rugged planes (built in the 1970s and based on 1950s designs) as flying research laboratories. The aircraft are powerful, with redundant systems, and built to fly low. Each mission is crewed with 15-20 people: NOAA officers, navigators, government and civilian technicians and meteorologists – and scientists, all working to collect data as they fly though hurricane storms. Kibbey describes the low altitude flights (5,000 to 12,000 feet), aiming for the “sweet spot,” or the eye of the storm, to get what he calls “an MRI” of the hurricane. In the no-wind, low-pressure center, researchers gather data for creating the spaghetti models that the public studies to see where a storm will travel. One tool used by hurricane hunters is tail Doppler radar, which reveals a storm’s inner structure. The missions also deploy “dropsondes” small cylindrical tubes that fall through the atmosphere measuring pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed, providing a profile of a column of air. Assembled together, these data paint an accurate picture of a storm and its intensity. NOAA’s planes cover the breadth of a storm, 400 miles or more. While satellites can provide some data, a plane in the storm provides the most and most accurate information. Kibbey describes flying through Superstorm Sandy, the largest he’s experienced. He also recalls his first mission as a hurricane hunter, an eight-hour flight through Hurricane Earl. It was a white-knuckle ride, until the plane passed into the eye. He describes the shock of seeing stars overhead – and a bolt of lightning that lit up the entire eye wall. One of his most turbulent flights was in Hurricane Irma, which put the plane through the wringer, he says. The crew on this flight was particularly stressed – because many of them had family in the path of the hurricane. The goal for hurricane hunters is to find out where the storm is will go, via reconnaissance and research. Technology constantly improves, and Kibbey speculates someday the research can be gathered remotely. Already, crews launch UAVs into hurricanes, into places too dangerous to fly a plane. And satellites may one day be able make readings as accurate as instruments on flying laboratories. Until then, from June through November, hurricane hunters fly through storms gathering data that can save lives. Hurricane data, including photos, from the 2017 hurricane season www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/data_sub/hurr.html More about NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/aircraft-o…urricane-hunters Hurricane Hunters on Facebook www.facebook.com/NOAAHurricaneHunters/ National Hurricane Center, to see data collected by the Hurricane Hunters. www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Justin Kibbey www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Storm_pages/…F(DavidHall).jpg false full 31 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/393540279 Episode 26 Natural Climate Solutions Make A Difference Today, DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner talks with Joe Fargione, science director with The Nature Conservancy. The largest non-governmental organization in the world, The Nature Conservancy is also one of the first land trusts. Fargione explains how, by purchasing land in need of protection, the group saves natural environments with a non-confrontational approach. The group is also active in protecting oceans and freshwater areas. As a researcher with TNC, Fargione focuses on zero-carbon energy release as a way to protect against global warming. He explains why preventing a two-degree temperature rise is so important. Fargione discusses the science behind research projects that keep carbon in the earth – for example protecting peat-based wetlands that, if drained, would emit carbon into the atmosphere. He and his diverse collaborators focus on natural methods of preventing climate change, often using remote sensing to analyze land characteristics and compare distributions, for example, of forests. He helps land owners and managers keep carbon emissions low. Tidal wetlands, he explains, are important to preserve because salt water, unlike encroaching freshwater, has no methane emissions. Similarly, for farmers, cover crops help keep carbon in the soil – and can also increase yields and retain nutrients. Fargione describes a successful project with the Soil Health Partnership and corn growers. Fargione says that efforts to retain carbon in the soil and water helps local environments, land owners and farmers, and helps keep global temperatures from rising. Follow TNC’s Cool Green Science blog for more stories about conservation science.

]]> Fri, 2 Feb 2018 18:56:00 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today, DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner talks with Joe Fargione, science director with The Nature Conservancy. The largest non-governmental organization in the world, The Nature Conservancy is also one of the first land trusts. Fargione explains how, by purchasing land in need of protection, the group saves natural environments with a non-confrontational approach. The group is also active in protecting oceans and freshwater areas. As a researcher with TNC, Fargione focuses on zero-carbon energy release as a way to protect against global warming. He explains why preventing a two-degree temperature rise is so important. Fargione discusses the science behind research projects that keep carbon in the earth – for example protecting peat-based wetlands that, if drained, would emit carbon into the atmosphere. He and his diverse collaborators focus on natural methods of preventing climate change, often using remote sensing to analyze land characteristics and compare distributions, for example, of forests. He helps land owners and managers keep carbon emissions low. Tidal wetlands, he explains, are important to preserve because salt water, unlike encroaching freshwater, has no methane emissions. Similarly, for farmers, cover crops help keep carbon in the soil – and can also increase yields and retain nutrients. Fargione describes a successful project with the Soil Health Partnership and corn growers. Fargione says that efforts to retain carbon in the soil and water helps local environments, land owners and farmers, and helps keep global temperatures from rising. Follow TNC’s Cool Green Science blog for more stories about conservation science.

]]> Episode 26 Natural Climate Solutions Make A Difference DesignSafe Radio 00:35:16 Today, DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner talks with Joe Fargione, science director with The Nature Conservancy. The largest non-governmental organization in the world, The Nature Conservancy is also one of the first land trusts. Fargione explains how, by purchasing land in need of protection, the group saves natural environments with a non-confrontational approach. The group is also active in protecting oceans and freshwater areas. As a researcher with TNC, Fargione focuses on zero-carbon energy release as a way to protect against global warming. He explains why preventing a two-degree temperature rise is so important. Fargione discusses the science behind research projects that keep carbon in the earth – for example protecting peat-based wetlands that, if drained, would emit carbon into the atmosphere. He and his diverse collaborators focus on natural methods of preventing climate change, often using remote sensing to analyze land characteristics and compare distributions, for example, of forests. He helps land owners and managers keep carbon emissions low. Tidal wetlands, he explains, are important to preserve because salt water, unlike encroaching freshwater, has no methane emissions. Similarly, for farmers, cover crops help keep carbon in the soil – and can also increase yields and retain nutrients. Fargione describes a successful project with the Soil Health Partnership and corn growers. Fargione says that efforts to retain carbon in the soil and water helps local environments, land owners and farmers, and helps keep global temperatures from rising. Follow TNC’s Cool Green Science blog for more stories about conservation science. Today, DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner talks with Joe Fargione, science director with The Nature Conservancy. The largest non-governmental organization in the world, The Nature Conservancy is also one of the first land trusts. Fargione explains how, by purchasing land in need of protection, the group saves natural environments with a non-confrontational approach. The group is also active in protecting oceans and freshwater areas. As a researcher with TNC, Fargione focuses on zero-carbon energy release as a way to protect against global warming. He explains why preventing a two-degree temperature rise is so important. Fargione discusses the science behind research projects that keep carbon in the earth – for example protecting peat-based wetlands that, if drained, would emit carbon into the atmosphere. He and his diverse collaborators focus on natural methods of preventing climate change, often using remote sensing to analyze land characteristics and compare distributions, for example, of forests. He helps land owners and managers keep carbon emissions low. Tidal wetlands, he explains, are important to preserve because salt water, unlike encroaching freshwater, has no methane emissions. Similarly, for farmers, cover crops help keep carbon in the soil – and can also increase yields and retain nutrients. Fargione describes a successful project with the Soil Health Partnership and corn growers. Fargione says that efforts to retain carbon in the soil and water helps local environments, land owners and farmers, and helps keep global temperatures from rising. Follow TNC’s Cool Green Science blog for more stories about conservation science. false full 30 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/389483076 Episode 25 World's Worst Weather On Mount Washington Episode 25 World's Worst Weather On Mount Washington by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure

]]> Fri, 26 Jan 2018 16:39:08 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 25 World's Worst Weather On Mount Washington by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure

]]> Episode 25 World's Worst Weather On Mount Washington DesignSafe Radio 00:44:45 Episode 25 World's Worst Weather On Mount Washington by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure Episode 25 World's Worst Weather On Mount Washington by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure false full 29 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/385966826 Episode 24 Tsunami Resistant Evacuation Structures Episode 24 Tsunami Resistant Evacuation Structures by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure

]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2018 13:45:10 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 24 Tsunami Resistant Evacuation Structures by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure

]]> Episode 24 Tsunami Resistant Evacuation Structures DesignSafe Radio 00:45:38 Episode 24 Tsunami Resistant Evacuation Structures by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure Episode 24 Tsunami Resistant Evacuation Structures by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure false full 28 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/382708496 Episode 23 The Life Of A Scientist Episode 23 The Life Of A Scientist by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure

]]> Fri, 12 Jan 2018 21:08:32 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 23 The Life Of A Scientist by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure

]]> Episode 23 The Life Of A Scientist DesignSafe Radio 00:32:29 Episode 23 The Life Of A Scientist by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure Episode 23 The Life Of A Scientist by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure false full 27 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/379138646 Episode 22 Ski Patrol And Meteorology Episode 22 Ski Patrol And Meteorology by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure

]]> Fri, 5 Jan 2018 13:25:09 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Episode 22 Ski Patrol And Meteorology by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure

]]> Episode 22 Ski Patrol And Meteorology DesignSafe Radio 00:38:04 Episode 22 Ski Patrol And Meteorology by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure Episode 22 Ski Patrol And Meteorology by Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure false full 26 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/373069217 Episode 21 Secrets Of The Stormy Seas On this week’s episode, Dan Zehner interviews an expert on oceans and ocean storms. Dr. Philip Orton studies ocean physics and evaluates coastal problems, such as storm surge, at the Stevens Institute of Technology. Growing up on Lake St. Clair in Michigan, Orton developed an affinity for water early on. Perhaps it was surfing on those stormy lake waves that got him interested in studying storms and thinking like an oceanographer. As an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, he majored in physical oceanography, an offshoot of engineering. His parents, cancer researchers, were role models – scientists who wanted to help people. “Storms were always underneath it all,” he says. Orton completed his postdoc at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, which became his research home. At SIT, he studies ocean and atmospheric interactions -- and climate, with a focus on sea level rise. He works with influential researchers developing modeling systems in ocean science. Hurricanes Irene and Sandy Orton talks about his trial-by-fire during Hurricane Irene, when he was one of the primary scientists providing public forecasts -- on his blog and on local television. That experience helped provide similar services during hurricane Sandy, especially providing real-time instruction about storm surges for the individuals living in the affected areas. He describes working with multidisciplinary teams to solve the post-storm problems in the New York City area, including brainstorming with a variety of specialists (teachers, public policy experts, engineers) to design resilient coastal community. In particular he talks about a project to rebuild the Hudson Bay oyster beds, which will serve as a living breakwater to protect Staten Island (http://www.silive.com/news/2014/06/60_million_living_oyster_reef.html). Phase 1 of the project involves creating a scale model. He and Dan discussed the possibility of using the Oregon State University wave tank facility, a NHERI experimental site, for testing the model oyster bed. Orton details his work with designers, including artists, who have influenced his thinking about what a resilient coastline might look like. He also discusses the complexity of solving the problem of sea level rise and storm surge. For example, he says, understanding human behavior crucial. Many residents in the coastal area do not understand tides and do not know how to swim. And there is terminology to learn. What does it mean to a homeowner if he’s facing a 6-to-11 foot storm surge? Orton talks about improvements in forecasting since hurricane Sandy, which help people better understand the actual impact of a storm. He discusses the importance of probabilistic data, which you obtain by running the model for 100 different forecasts, representing a range of different weather conditions. The results can tell you what the median flood height might be. At the Stevens institute, Orton and his colleagues provide probabilistic forecasts and data on flood hazards in the NYC area, including near worst case scenarios, which are crucial for decision-making.

]]> Fri, 22 Dec 2017 14:52:39 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this week’s episode, Dan Zehner interviews an expert on oceans and ocean storms. Dr. Philip Orton studies ocean physics and evaluates coastal problems, such as storm surge, at the Stevens Institute of Technology. Growing up on Lake St. Clair in Michigan, Orton developed an affinity for water early on. Perhaps it was surfing on those stormy lake waves that got him interested in studying storms and thinking like an oceanographer. As an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, he majored in physical oceanography, an offshoot of engineering. His parents, cancer researchers, were role models – scientists who wanted to help people. “Storms were always underneath it all,” he says. Orton completed his postdoc at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, which became his research home. At SIT, he studies ocean and atmospheric interactions -- and climate, with a focus on sea level rise. He works with influential researchers developing modeling systems in ocean science. Hurricanes Irene and Sandy Orton talks about his trial-by-fire during Hurricane Irene, when he was one of the primary scientists providing public forecasts -- on his blog and on local television. That experience helped provide similar services during hurricane Sandy, especially providing real-time instruction about storm surges for the individuals living in the affected areas. He describes working with multidisciplinary teams to solve the post-storm problems in the New York City area, including brainstorming with a variety of specialists (teachers, public policy experts, engineers) to design resilient coastal community. In particular he talks about a project to rebuild the Hudson Bay oyster beds, which will serve as a living breakwater to protect Staten Island (http://www.silive.com/news/2014/06/60_million_living_oyster_reef.html). Phase 1 of the project involves creating a scale model. He and Dan discussed the possibility of using the Oregon State University wave tank facility, a NHERI experimental site, for testing the model oyster bed. Orton details his work with designers, including artists, who have influenced his thinking about what a resilient coastline might look like. He also discusses the complexity of solving the problem of sea level rise and storm surge. For example, he says, understanding human behavior crucial. Many residents in the coastal area do not understand tides and do not know how to swim. And there is terminology to learn. What does it mean to a homeowner if he’s facing a 6-to-11 foot storm surge? Orton talks about improvements in forecasting since hurricane Sandy, which help people better understand the actual impact of a storm. He discusses the importance of probabilistic data, which you obtain by running the model for 100 different forecasts, representing a range of different weather conditions. The results can tell you what the median flood height might be. At the Stevens institute, Orton and his colleagues provide probabilistic forecasts and data on flood hazards in the NYC area, including near worst case scenarios, which are crucial for decision-making.

]]> Episode 21 Secrets Of The Stormy Seas DesignSafe Radio 00:33:19 On this week’s episode, Dan Zehner interviews an expert on oceans and ocean storms. Dr. Philip Orton studies ocean physics and evaluates coastal problems, such as storm surge, at the Stevens Institute of Technology. Growing up on Lake St. Clair in Michigan, Orton developed an affinity for water early on. Perhaps it was surfing on those stormy lake waves that got him interested in studying storms and thinking like an oceanographer. As an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, he majored in physical oceanography, an offshoot of engineering. His parents, cancer researchers, were role models – scientists who wanted to help people. “Storms were always underneath it all,” he says. Orton completed his postdoc at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, which became his research home. At SIT, he studies ocean and atmospheric interactions -- and climate, with a focus on sea level rise. He works with influential researchers developing modeling systems in ocean science. Hurricanes Irene and Sandy Orton talks about his trial-by-fire during Hurricane Irene, when he was one of the primary scientists providing public forecasts -- on his blog and on local television. That experience helped provide similar services during hurricane Sandy, especially providing real-time instruction about storm surges for the individuals living in the affected areas. He describes working with multidisciplinary teams to solve the post-storm problems in the New York City area, including brainstorming with a variety of specialists (teachers, public policy experts, engineers) to design resilient coastal community. In particular he talks about a project to rebuild the Hudson Bay oyster beds, which will serve as a living breakwater to protect Staten Island (http://www.silive.com/news/2014/06/60_million_living_oyster_reef.html). Phase 1 of the project involves creating a scale model. He and Dan discussed the possibility of using the Oregon State University wave tank facility, a NHERI experimental site, for testing the model oyster bed. Orton details his work with designers, including artists, who have influenced his thinking about what a resilient coastline might look like. He also discusses the complexity of solving the problem of sea level rise and storm surge. For example, he says, understanding human behavior crucial. Many residents in the coastal area do not understand tides and do not know how to swim. And there is terminology to learn. What does it mean to a homeowner if he’s facing a 6-to-11 foot storm surge? Orton talks about improvements in forecasting since hurricane Sandy, which help people better understand the actual impact of a storm. He discusses the importance of probabilistic data, which you obtain by running the model for 100 different forecasts, representing a range of different weather conditions. The results can tell you what the median flood height might be. At the Stevens institute, Orton and his colleagues provide probabilistic forecasts and data on flood hazards in the NYC area, including near worst case scenarios, which are crucial for decision-making. On this week’s episode, Dan Zehner interviews an expert on oceans and ocean storms. Dr. Philip Orton studies ocean physics and evaluates coastal problems, such as storm surge, at the Stevens Institute of Technology. Growing up on Lake St. Clair in Michigan, Orton developed an affinity for water early on. Perhaps it was surfing on those stormy lake waves that got him interested in studying storms and thinking like an oceanographer. As an undergraduate at the University of Michigan, he majored in physical oceanography, an offshoot of engineering. His parents, cancer researchers, were role models – scientists who wanted to help people. “Storms were always underneath it all,” he says. Orton completed his postdoc at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, which became his research home. At SIT, he studies ocean and atmospheric interactions -- and climate, with a focus on sea level rise. He works with influential researchers developing modeling systems in ocean science. Hurricanes Irene and Sandy Orton talks about his trial-by-fire during Hurricane Irene, when he was one of the primary scientists providing public forecasts -- on his blog and on local television. That experience helped provide similar services during hurricane Sandy, especially providing real-time instruction about storm surges for the individuals living in the affected areas. He describes working with multidisciplinary teams to solve the post-storm problems in the New York City area, including brainstorming with a variety of specialists (teachers, public policy experts, engineers) to design resilient coastal community. In particular he talks about a project to rebuild the Hudson Bay oyster beds, which will serve as a living breakwater to protect Staten Island (http://www.silive.com/news/2014/06/60_million_living_oyster_reef.html). Phase 1 of the project involves creating a scale model. He and Dan discussed the possibility of using the Oregon State University wave tank facility, a NHERI experimental site, for testing the model oyster bed. Orton details his work with designers, including artists, who have influenced his thinking about what a resilient coastline might look like. He also discusses the complexity of solving the problem of sea level rise and storm surge. For example, he says, understanding human behavior crucial. Many residents in the coastal area do not understand tides and do not know how to swim. And there is terminology to learn. What does it mean to a homeowner if he’s facing a 6-to-11 foot storm surge? Orton talks about improvements in forecasting since hurricane Sandy, which help people better understand the actual impact of a storm. He discusses the importance of probabilistic data, which you obtain by running the model for 100 different forecasts, representing a range of different weather conditions. The results can tell you what the median flood height might be. At the Stevens institute, Orton and his colleagues provide probabilistic forecasts and data on flood hazards in the NYC area, including near worst case scenarios, which are crucial for decision-making. false full 25 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/369605924 Episode 20 Legends Of Hurricane Hunting Part 2 Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. The P3 Orion Marks discusses the P3 aircraft capabilities and describes flying into his first hurricane, Hurricane Alan. After that ride, he explains, seeing the data coming in through all the instruments, he was hooked. He discusses early experiments trying to understand the nature of the hurricane eyewall replacement cycle. The Doppler revolution In 1981, another highlight for Marks was the addition of Doppler radar to the P3 aircraft, which he describes as a revolutionary technique for understanding the three-dimensional structure of storms. Marks details the ways that Doppler, which he calls a “CAT scan of the wind,” improved scientific understanding of hurricanes. A watershed for meteorologists, Doppler data helped scientists figure out storm structure and how they work. He recalls the enthusiasm with which he and his colleagues “did some of the best science ever.” Surviving Hugo One of Marks’s scariest experiences, complete with a P3 engine on fire, involves flying into category 5 Hurricane Hugo at 1,500 feet. It wasn’t exactly planned, he explains, to fly that low into wind speeds over 150 MPH. He describes the miscalculations, the incredible view — and how the crew survived the experience. “The data was incredible,” he says, “And it was a labor of love to analyze.” Rainfall climatology Over and over, Marks says, serendipity played a role in his work. He describes working with a NASA team interested in tropical storms called the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), a satellite system that examined storms around the globe. By chance he stopped to chat with the TRMM chief scientist, and he ended up volunteering to analyze the TRMM hurricane data — which had yet to be examined. That, in turn, led to a project that used TRMM to devise global climatology for 700 tropical systems. Connecting to TACC In 2008, after a series of active and damaging hurricane seasons, NOAA formed a committee to improve forecasts, which became the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project that Marks now leads. By chance, the team was offered 1 million hours on the newly available Texas Advanced Computer Center – an opportunity to put the new system through its paces. Marks describes the challenge of feeding large weather datasets to the models on the TACC system. Fortunately, the data scientist on his team made it all work. That pioneering experiment laid the groundwork for today’s weather scientists to use supercomputers like TACC for accurate and real-time hurricane forecasts.

]]> Thu, 14 Dec 2017 20:43:13 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. The P3 Orion Marks discusses the P3 aircraft capabilities and describes flying into his first hurricane, Hurricane Alan. After that ride, he explains, seeing the data coming in through all the instruments, he was hooked. He discusses early experiments trying to understand the nature of the hurricane eyewall replacement cycle. The Doppler revolution In 1981, another highlight for Marks was the addition of Doppler radar to the P3 aircraft, which he describes as a revolutionary technique for understanding the three-dimensional structure of storms. Marks details the ways that Doppler, which he calls a “CAT scan of the wind,” improved scientific understanding of hurricanes. A watershed for meteorologists, Doppler data helped scientists figure out storm structure and how they work. He recalls the enthusiasm with which he and his colleagues “did some of the best science ever.” Surviving Hugo One of Marks’s scariest experiences, complete with a P3 engine on fire, involves flying into category 5 Hurricane Hugo at 1,500 feet. It wasn’t exactly planned, he explains, to fly that low into wind speeds over 150 MPH. He describes the miscalculations, the incredible view — and how the crew survived the experience. “The data was incredible,” he says, “And it was a labor of love to analyze.” Rainfall climatology Over and over, Marks says, serendipity played a role in his work. He describes working with a NASA team interested in tropical storms called the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), a satellite system that examined storms around the globe. By chance he stopped to chat with the TRMM chief scientist, and he ended up volunteering to analyze the TRMM hurricane data — which had yet to be examined. That, in turn, led to a project that used TRMM to devise global climatology for 700 tropical systems. Connecting to TACC In 2008, after a series of active and damaging hurricane seasons, NOAA formed a committee to improve forecasts, which became the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project that Marks now leads. By chance, the team was offered 1 million hours on the newly available Texas Advanced Computer Center – an opportunity to put the new system through its paces. Marks describes the challenge of feeding large weather datasets to the models on the TACC system. Fortunately, the data scientist on his team made it all work. That pioneering experiment laid the groundwork for today’s weather scientists to use supercomputers like TACC for accurate and real-time hurricane forecasts.

]]> Episode 20 Legends Of Hurricane Hunting Part 2 DesignSafe Radio 00:37:33 Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. The P3 Orion Marks discusses the P3 aircraft capabilities and describes flying into his first hurricane, Hurricane Alan. After that ride, he explains, seeing the data coming in through all the instruments, he was hooked. He discusses early experiments trying to understand the nature of the hurricane eyewall replacement cycle. The Doppler revolution In 1981, another highlight for Marks was the addition of Doppler radar to the P3 aircraft, which he describes as a revolutionary technique for understanding the three-dimensional structure of storms. Marks details the ways that Doppler, which he calls a “CAT scan of the wind,” improved scientific understanding of hurricanes. A watershed for meteorologists, Doppler data helped scientists figure out storm structure and how they work. He recalls the enthusiasm with which he and his colleagues “did some of the best science ever.” Surviving Hugo One of Marks’s scariest experiences, complete with a P3 engine on fire, involves flying into category 5 Hurricane Hugo at 1,500 feet. It wasn’t exactly planned, he explains, to fly that low into wind speeds over 150 MPH. He describes the miscalculations, the incredible view — and how the crew survived the experience. “The data was incredible,” he says, “And it was a labor of love to analyze.” Rainfall climatology Over and over, Marks says, serendipity played a role in his work. He describes working with a NASA team interested in tropical storms called the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), a satellite system that examined storms around the globe. By chance he stopped to chat with the TRMM chief scientist, and he ended up volunteering to analyze the TRMM hurricane data — which had yet to be examined. That, in turn, led to a project that used TRMM to devise global climatology for 700 tropical systems. Connecting to TACC In 2008, after a series of active and damaging hurricane seasons, NOAA formed a committee to improve forecasts, which became the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project that Marks now leads. By chance, the team was offered 1 million hours on the newly available Texas Advanced Computer Center – an opportunity to put the new system through its paces. Marks describes the challenge of feeding large weather datasets to the models on the TACC system. Fortunately, the data scientist on his team made it all work. That pioneering experiment laid the groundwork for today’s weather scientists to use supercomputers like TACC for accurate and real-time hurricane forecasts. Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. The P3 Orion Marks discusses the P3 aircraft capabilities and describes flying into his first hurricane, Hurricane Alan. After that ride, he explains, seeing the data coming in through all the instruments, he was hooked. He discusses early experiments trying to understand the nature of the hurricane eyewall replacement cycle. The Doppler revolution In 1981, another highlight for Marks was the addition of Doppler radar to the P3 aircraft, which he describes as a revolutionary technique for understanding the three-dimensional structure of storms. Marks details the ways that Doppler, which he calls a “CAT scan of the wind,” improved scientific understanding of hurricanes. A watershed for meteorologists, Doppler data helped scientists figure out storm structure and how they work. He recalls the enthusiasm with which he and his colleagues “did some of the best science ever.” Surviving Hugo One of Marks’s scariest experiences, complete with a P3 engine on fire, involves flying into category 5 Hurricane Hugo at 1,500 feet. It wasn’t exactly planned, he explains, to fly that low into wind speeds over 150 MPH. He describes the miscalculations, the incredible view — and how the crew survived the experience. “The data was incredible,” he says, “And it was a labor of love to analyze.” Rainfall climatology Over and over, Marks says, serendipity played a role in his work. He describes working with a NASA team interested in tropical storms called the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), a satellite system that examined storms around the globe. By chance he stopped to chat with the TRMM chief scientist, and he ended up volunteering to analyze the TRMM hurricane data — which had yet to be examined. That, in turn, led to a project that used TRMM to devise global climatology for 700 tropical systems. Connecting to TACC In 2008, after a series of active and damaging hurricane seasons, NOAA formed a committee to improve forecasts, which became the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project that Marks now leads. By chance, the team was offered 1 million hours on the newly available Texas Advanced Computer Center – an opportunity to put the new system through its paces. Marks describes the challenge of feeding large weather datasets to the models on the TACC system. Fortunately, the data scientist on his team made it all work. That pioneering experiment laid the groundwork for today’s weather scientists to use supercomputers like TACC for accurate and real-time hurricane forecasts. false full 24 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/366705599 Episode 19 - Legendary Hurricane Hunter Frank Marks Legendary hurricane hunter Frank Marks Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. Curiosity and a career path. He got curious about weather in grade school. His neighbor, a science teacher, kept weather instruments in his yard. Soon Marks was one of his students, learning how to make measurements with such instruments. He joined the school’s weather club and learned things like how to decode meteorological messages that came in by teletype machine. He explains using “old fashioned” methods of gathering and interpreting data to make forecasts, which were and posted at school every day. He lived near an IBM facility, and he describes a senior class project that involved learning how to program an IBM computer, using punch cards, to do meteorological work. In college, Marks enjoyed learning from brilliant professors and became interested in fluid dynamics. In graduate school at MIT, he had an opportunity to do a three-month internship in Senegal -- to work on an important Atlantic tropical weather experiment that involved multiple aircraft and a fleet of weather ships. It was a life-changing experience. Marks urges young researchers to take risks when opportunities knock. He details his “trial by fire” during that internship, which included doing a lot of analysis by hand. Eventually, by studying lots of data and watching for patterns, he became an expert on tropical convection variability. That internship led to a job offer from NOAA’s hurricane research lab — where he’s worked for the past 37 years.

]]> Fri, 8 Dec 2017 13:57:33 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Legendary hurricane hunter Frank Marks Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. Curiosity and a career path. He got curious about weather in grade school. His neighbor, a science teacher, kept weather instruments in his yard. Soon Marks was one of his students, learning how to make measurements with such instruments. He joined the school’s weather club and learned things like how to decode meteorological messages that came in by teletype machine. He explains using “old fashioned” methods of gathering and interpreting data to make forecasts, which were and posted at school every day. He lived near an IBM facility, and he describes a senior class project that involved learning how to program an IBM computer, using punch cards, to do meteorological work. In college, Marks enjoyed learning from brilliant professors and became interested in fluid dynamics. In graduate school at MIT, he had an opportunity to do a three-month internship in Senegal -- to work on an important Atlantic tropical weather experiment that involved multiple aircraft and a fleet of weather ships. It was a life-changing experience. Marks urges young researchers to take risks when opportunities knock. He details his “trial by fire” during that internship, which included doing a lot of analysis by hand. Eventually, by studying lots of data and watching for patterns, he became an expert on tropical convection variability. That internship led to a job offer from NOAA’s hurricane research lab — where he’s worked for the past 37 years.

]]> Episode 19 - Legendary Hurricane Hunter Frank Marks DesignSafe Radio 01:05:06 Legendary hurricane hunter Frank Marks Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. Curiosity and a career path. He got curious about weather in grade school. His neighbor, a science teacher, kept weather instruments in his yard. Soon Marks was one of his students, learning how to make measurements with such instruments. He joined the school’s weather club and learned things like how to decode meteorological messages that came in by teletype machine. He explains using “old fashioned” methods of gathering and interpreting data to make forecasts, which were and posted at school every day. He lived near an IBM facility, and he describes a senior class project that involved learning how to program an IBM computer, using punch cards, to do meteorological work. In college, Marks enjoyed learning from brilliant professors and became interested in fluid dynamics. In graduate school at MIT, he had an opportunity to do a three-month internship in Senegal -- to work on an important Atlantic tropical weather experiment that involved multiple aircraft and a fleet of weather ships. It was a life-changing experience. Marks urges young researchers to take risks when opportunities knock. He details his “trial by fire” during that internship, which included doing a lot of analysis by hand. Eventually, by studying lots of data and watching for patterns, he became an expert on tropical convection variability. That internship led to a job offer from NOAA’s hurricane research lab — where he’s worked for the past 37 years. Legendary hurricane hunter Frank Marks Today’s guest is Frank Marks, legendary NOAA meteorologist and tropical cyclone expert. Since the 1980s, he’s flown 10,000 hours on NOAA’s P3 Orion aircraft, including through many, many hurricanes. Marks, who now leads NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division, clearly enjoys learning. He shares some of his favorite experiences with us. Curiosity and a career path. He got curious about weather in grade school. His neighbor, a science teacher, kept weather instruments in his yard. Soon Marks was one of his students, learning how to make measurements with such instruments. He joined the school’s weather club and learned things like how to decode meteorological messages that came in by teletype machine. He explains using “old fashioned” methods of gathering and interpreting data to make forecasts, which were and posted at school every day. He lived near an IBM facility, and he describes a senior class project that involved learning how to program an IBM computer, using punch cards, to do meteorological work. In college, Marks enjoyed learning from brilliant professors and became interested in fluid dynamics. In graduate school at MIT, he had an opportunity to do a three-month internship in Senegal -- to work on an important Atlantic tropical weather experiment that involved multiple aircraft and a fleet of weather ships. It was a life-changing experience. Marks urges young researchers to take risks when opportunities knock. He details his “trial by fire” during that internship, which included doing a lot of analysis by hand. Eventually, by studying lots of data and watching for patterns, he became an expert on tropical convection variability. That internship led to a job offer from NOAA’s hurricane research lab — where he’s worked for the past 37 years. false full 23 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/363472325 Episode 18 Pioneers In Post Disaster Recovery Part 2 In the U.S., in the wake of the 2017 hurricanes, she and her team helped coordinate recon teams in Texas, post Hurricane Harvey. She describes reconnaissance efforts as a way for to see if engineers “got it right.” Was it a problem with the structure or codes? Or did the hazard deliver an unexpected load? Unlike with laboratory and computer simulations, after a disaster, engineers get to forensically try to find out what exactly happened. Trying to capture the hazard loading on one hand and on the other, understand what the structure’s capacity was. Reconnaissance teams get to ask “Why?” On reconnaissance missions, teams not only gather data, they interact with people in the community. She says she learned that people’s political and religious beliefs affected their willingness to prepare for disaster. Trust in government or religious fatalism both inclined people to invest less in securing their homes and property. Understanding such community attitudes can help engineers reach people in language they can understand. She says in religious communities, it makes sense to have workshops on resilience and preparedness run through their church, by their pastors. She describes making recon assessments, covering dozens of homes each day. Her teams use an application called Fulcrum, a mobile data collector. This season, her teams in Texas post-Harvey collected 1,685 assessments; in Florida post-Irma 1,094 assessments; and in Puerto Rico after Maria 260 assessments. The team in the Virgin Islands is currently collecting data. Kijewski-Correa says she always includes time to speak with people, even though it slows things down. People who have been through disaster often ask questions about their homes, and she answers as best she can. She describes being amazed at the strength of people she met in Texas, who showed true American spirit. “Strength greater than a building,” she says. She discusses how communities make decisions, even without much data. They took care of their neighbors, which was what they did know. But to carry out new engineering ideas, people need to trust. Engineers need to know how communities make decisions, what the barriers are to rebuilding, what the opportunities are. She calls it “the last mile problem.” Engineers need to know all the things that must happen so that the community can adopt a new system. No matter how good the engineers’ math is, they need that data to close the deal, to complete the rebuilding. Kijewski-Correa looks forward to NSF-funded projects that are able to collaborate with other funding agencies – in order to do what’s necessary to complete the rebuilding of disaster-damaged communities. “It can’t just be a miracle when the work is all the way complete. We have to do something more systematic,” she says. The last mile takes hard work and commitment, she says. If engineers are doing research to save lives and property, then more human-centered, interdisciplinary research is necessary, including cobbling together different sources of funding. For her part, she looks to NGOs, foundations, public and private sector funding. She says engineers need to stop talking to engineers, stop coming to conferences, and start talking with social scientists and public policy experts. Have new conversations, she says. In Haiti, where she and others trained locals in engineering basics, she says the people were accustomed to using their own ingenuity for solving problems: designing stoves, inventing ways to handle flooding. One evening one of her Haitian “problem solvers” described the problem: “The answer was always inside us, but no one bothered to show us.” The statement resonated with Kijewski-Correa, the idea that answers reside inside us, within every community. She sees it as her job is to empower people to implement those answers. To help them tap their ability be part of the process. Resilience is inside all of us, she says. She is committed to helping everyone find that answer.

]]> Fri, 1 Dec 2017 13:14:38 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In the U.S., in the wake of the 2017 hurricanes, she and her team helped coordinate recon teams in Texas, post Hurricane Harvey. She describes reconnaissance efforts as a way for to see if engineers “got it right.” Was it a problem with the structure or codes? Or did the hazard deliver an unexpected load? Unlike with laboratory and computer simulations, after a disaster, engineers get to forensically try to find out what exactly happened. Trying to capture the hazard loading on one hand and on the other, understand what the structure’s capacity was. Reconnaissance teams get to ask “Why?” On reconnaissance missions, teams not only gather data, they interact with people in the community. She says she learned that people’s political and religious beliefs affected their willingness to prepare for disaster. Trust in government or religious fatalism both inclined people to invest less in securing their homes and property. Understanding such community attitudes can help engineers reach people in language they can understand. She says in religious communities, it makes sense to have workshops on resilience and preparedness run through their church, by their pastors. She describes making recon assessments, covering dozens of homes each day. Her teams use an application called Fulcrum, a mobile data collector. This season, her teams in Texas post-Harvey collected 1,685 assessments; in Florida post-Irma 1,094 assessments; and in Puerto Rico after Maria 260 assessments. The team in the Virgin Islands is currently collecting data. Kijewski-Correa says she always includes time to speak with people, even though it slows things down. People who have been through disaster often ask questions about their homes, and she answers as best she can. She describes being amazed at the strength of people she met in Texas, who showed true American spirit. “Strength greater than a building,” she says. She discusses how communities make decisions, even without much data. They took care of their neighbors, which was what they did know. But to carry out new engineering ideas, people need to trust. Engineers need to know how communities make decisions, what the barriers are to rebuilding, what the opportunities are. She calls it “the last mile problem.” Engineers need to know all the things that must happen so that the community can adopt a new system. No matter how good the engineers’ math is, they need that data to close the deal, to complete the rebuilding. Kijewski-Correa looks forward to NSF-funded projects that are able to collaborate with other funding agencies – in order to do what’s necessary to complete the rebuilding of disaster-damaged communities. “It can’t just be a miracle when the work is all the way complete. We have to do something more systematic,” she says. The last mile takes hard work and commitment, she says. If engineers are doing research to save lives and property, then more human-centered, interdisciplinary research is necessary, including cobbling together different sources of funding. For her part, she looks to NGOs, foundations, public and private sector funding. She says engineers need to stop talking to engineers, stop coming to conferences, and start talking with social scientists and public policy experts. Have new conversations, she says. In Haiti, where she and others trained locals in engineering basics, she says the people were accustomed to using their own ingenuity for solving problems: designing stoves, inventing ways to handle flooding. One evening one of her Haitian “problem solvers” described the problem: “The answer was always inside us, but no one bothered to show us.” The statement resonated with Kijewski-Correa, the idea that answers reside inside us, within every community. She sees it as her job is to empower people to implement those answers. To help them tap their ability be part of the process. Resilience is inside all of us, she says. She is committed to helping everyone find that answer.

]]> Episode 18 Pioneers In Post Disaster Recovery Part 2 DesignSafe Radio 00:39:03 In the U.S., in the wake of the 2017 hurricanes, she and her team helped coordinate recon teams in Texas, post Hurricane Harvey. She describes reconnaissance efforts as a way for to see if engineers “got it right.” Was it a problem with the structure or codes? Or did the hazard deliver an unexpected load? Unlike with laboratory and computer simulations, after a disaster, engineers get to forensically try to find out what exactly happened. Trying to capture the hazard loading on one hand and on the other, understand what the structure’s capacity was. Reconnaissance teams get to ask “Why?” On reconnaissance missions, teams not only gather data, they interact with people in the community. She says she learned that people’s political and religious beliefs affected their willingness to prepare for disaster. Trust in government or religious fatalism both inclined people to invest less in securing their homes and property. Understanding such community attitudes can help engineers reach people in language they can understand. She says in religious communities, it makes sense to have workshops on resilience and preparedness run through their church, by their pastors. She describes making recon assessments, covering dozens of homes each day. Her teams use an application called Fulcrum, a mobile data collector. This season, her teams in Texas post-Harvey collected 1,685 assessments; in Florida post-Irma 1,094 assessments; and in Puerto Rico after Maria 260 assessments. The team in the Virgin Islands is currently collecting data. Kijewski-Correa says she always includes time to speak with people, even though it slows things down. People who have been through disaster often ask questions about their homes, and she answers as best she can. She describes being amazed at the strength of people she met in Texas, who showed true American spirit. “Strength greater than a building,” she says. She discusses how communities make decisions, even without much data. They took care of their neighbors, which was what they did know. But to carry out new engineering ideas, people need to trust. Engineers need to know how communities make decisions, what the barriers are to rebuilding, what the opportunities are. She calls it “the last mile problem.” Engineers need to know all the things that must happen so that the community can adopt a new system. No matter how good the engineers’ math is, they need that data to close the deal, to complete the rebuilding. Kijewski-Correa looks forward to NSF-funded projects that are able to collaborate with other funding agencies – in order to do what’s necessary to complete the rebuilding of disaster-damaged communities. “It can’t just be a miracle when the work is all the way complete. We have to do something more systematic,” she says. The last mile takes hard work and commitment, she says. If engineers are doing research to save lives and property, then more human-centered, interdisciplinary research is necessary, including cobbling together different sources of funding. For her part, she looks to NGOs, foundations, public and private sector funding. She says engineers need to stop talking to engineers, stop coming to conferences, and start talking with social scientists and public policy experts. Have new conversations, she says. In Haiti, where she and others trained locals in engineering basics, she says the people were accustomed to using their own ingenuity for solving problems: designing stoves, inventing ways to handle flooding. One evening one of her Haitian “problem solvers” described the problem: “The answer was always inside us, but no one bothered to show us.” The statement resonated with Kijewski-Correa, the idea that answers reside inside us, within every community. She sees it as her job is to empower people to implement those answers. To help them tap their ability be part of the process. Resilience is inside all of us, she says. She is committed to helping everyone find that answer. In the U.S., in the wake of the 2017 hurricanes, she and her team helped coordinate recon teams in Texas, post Hurricane Harvey. She describes reconnaissance efforts as a way for to see if engineers “got it right.” Was it a problem with the structure or codes? Or did the hazard deliver an unexpected load? Unlike with laboratory and computer simulations, after a disaster, engineers get to forensically try to find out what exactly happened. Trying to capture the hazard loading on one hand and on the other, understand what the structure’s capacity was. Reconnaissance teams get to ask “Why?” On reconnaissance missions, teams not only gather data, they interact with people in the community. She says she learned that people’s political and religious beliefs affected their willingness to prepare for disaster. Trust in government or religious fatalism both inclined people to invest less in securing their homes and property. Understanding such community attitudes can help engineers reach people in language they can understand. She says in religious communities, it makes sense to have workshops on resilience and preparedness run through their church, by their pastors. She describes making recon assessments, covering dozens of homes each day. Her teams use an application called Fulcrum, a mobile data collector. This season, her teams in Texas post-Harvey collected 1,685 assessments; in Florida post-Irma 1,094 assessments; and in Puerto Rico after Maria 260 assessments. The team in the Virgin Islands is currently collecting data. Kijewski-Correa says she always includes time to speak with people, even though it slows things down. People who have been through disaster often ask questions about their homes, and she answers as best she can. She describes being amazed at the strength of people she met in Texas, who showed true American spirit. “Strength greater than a building,” she says. She discusses how communities make decisions, even without much data. They took care of their neighbors, which was what they did know. But to carry out new engineering ideas, people need to trust. Engineers need to know how communities make decisions, what the barriers are to rebuilding, what the opportunities are. She calls it “the last mile problem.” Engineers need to know all the things that must happen so that the community can adopt a new system. No matter how good the engineers’ math is, they need that data to close the deal, to complete the rebuilding. Kijewski-Correa looks forward to NSF-funded projects that are able to collaborate with other funding agencies – in order to do what’s necessary to complete the rebuilding of disaster-damaged communities. “It can’t just be a miracle when the work is all the way complete. We have to do something more systematic,” she says. The last mile takes hard work and commitment, she says. If engineers are doing research to save lives and property, then more human-centered, interdisciplinary research is necessary, including cobbling together different sources of funding. For her part, she looks to NGOs, foundations, public and private sector funding. She says engineers need to stop talking to engineers, stop coming to conferences, and start talking with social scientists and public policy experts. Have new conversations, she says. In Haiti, where she and others trained locals in engineering basics, she says the people were accustomed to using their own ingenuity for solving problems: designing stoves, inventing ways to handle flooding. One evening one of her Haitian “problem solvers” described the problem: “The answer was always inside us, but no one bothered to show us.” The statement resonated with Kijewski-Correa, the idea that answers reside inside us, within every community. She sees it as her job is to empower people to implement those answers. To help them tap their ability be part of the process. Resilience is inside all of us, she says. She is committed to helping everyone find that answer. false full 22 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/359540456 Episode 17 Tales of Natural Hazards We all have a story to tell about how natural hazards have impacted our lives. Today, we hear from listeners and past podcast guests about their personal encounters with hazards and their aftermath.

]]> Wed, 22 Nov 2017 20:01:39 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org We all have a story to tell about how natural hazards have impacted our lives. Today, we hear from listeners and past podcast guests about their personal encounters with hazards and their aftermath.

]]> Episode 17 Tales of Natural Hazards DesignSafe Radio 00:17:47 We all have a story to tell about how natural hazards have impacted our lives. Today, we hear from listeners and past podcast guests about their personal encounters with hazards and their aftermath. We all have a story to tell about how natural hazards have impacted our lives. Today, we hear from listeners and past podcast guests about their personal encounters with hazards and their aftermath. false full 21 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/357115946 Episode 16 Pioneers In Post Disaster Recovery Engineer Tracy Kijewski-Correa has been doing post-disaster reconnaissance missions since 2005, after the Indian Ocean tsunami. On today’s episode, host Dan Zehner talks with Kijewski-Correa about assessing structural damage and the difficulty of rebuilding communities hit by a natural disaster. At Notre Dame, Kijewski-Correa holds a dual position in engineering and global affairs, the first engineer there to hold such a joint appointment. With her engineering background, she studies how political, socio-economic, religious and cultural norms come into play when making public policy decisions – including preparing for disasters and re-building after one. She cites the example of Haiti, where seven years after a major earthquake the country is still not returned to normal. Thanks to NGOs and others, there are new materials and skill sets to build resilient houses in Haiti, but because people do not have access to mortgages, many Haitians are still in shelters, waiting for financing to access those new homes. She explains that the engineering world lacks proper pipelines for linking fundamental research, such as post-disaster assessment, to concrete advancements in building codes, or practical advocacy programs. What holds back progress, she says, is that different funding agencies have differing priorities and timelines – making it hard to link the projects and complete the work necessary. After Hurricane Sandy, there was a remarkable coordination of NSF RAPID funding, which documented the damage, sustained funding from Army Corps of Engineers, to develop the coastal hazard simulation tool to map and recommend structural changes, and then funding from the state of New Jersey, which was necessary to implement the changes. It was a rare example of early seed funding, linked to translational funding down a pipeline that led to successfully rebuilding the area. Dual appointment engineers are pioneers, she says. You have to have an understanding of social constructs – if you want stuff to really happen. Academia traditionally does not focus on solving real problems, she explains. With her dual appointment, she tries to push the traditional research/education model to do more translational work. For most engineers, translational work is like a “night job,” work done on weekends and evenings. During the day, engineers do traditional, NSF-funded research, work that leads to publishing. Work such as post-earthquake reconnaissance or community-building, has to be done in an academic’s free time. And it takes years to make a difference. She’s grateful that Notre Dame recognizes the importance of having engineers with a dual focus. She credits it small size and its religious mission. Kijewski-Correa details the problems in Haiti, starting with difficulty reaching the cities after the 2010 earthquake. Hurricane Matthew in 2016 made the situation even worse. It was a struggle to move from reconnaissance to rebuilding. When a major earthquake struck Chile in 2016, she says that NGOs and funding agencies left Haiti for Chile, calculating they could be of more use in a country with an infrastructure similar to one many Western cities. Kijewski and her team are the only NGOs working to rebuild in Haiti, currently.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2017 14:37:52 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Engineer Tracy Kijewski-Correa has been doing post-disaster reconnaissance missions since 2005, after the Indian Ocean tsunami. On today’s episode, host Dan Zehner talks with Kijewski-Correa about assessing structural damage and the difficulty of rebuilding communities hit by a natural disaster. At Notre Dame, Kijewski-Correa holds a dual position in engineering and global affairs, the first engineer there to hold such a joint appointment. With her engineering background, she studies how political, socio-economic, religious and cultural norms come into play when making public policy decisions – including preparing for disasters and re-building after one. She cites the example of Haiti, where seven years after a major earthquake the country is still not returned to normal. Thanks to NGOs and others, there are new materials and skill sets to build resilient houses in Haiti, but because people do not have access to mortgages, many Haitians are still in shelters, waiting for financing to access those new homes. She explains that the engineering world lacks proper pipelines for linking fundamental research, such as post-disaster assessment, to concrete advancements in building codes, or practical advocacy programs. What holds back progress, she says, is that different funding agencies have differing priorities and timelines – making it hard to link the projects and complete the work necessary. After Hurricane Sandy, there was a remarkable coordination of NSF RAPID funding, which documented the damage, sustained funding from Army Corps of Engineers, to develop the coastal hazard simulation tool to map and recommend structural changes, and then funding from the state of New Jersey, which was necessary to implement the changes. It was a rare example of early seed funding, linked to translational funding down a pipeline that led to successfully rebuilding the area. Dual appointment engineers are pioneers, she says. You have to have an understanding of social constructs – if you want stuff to really happen. Academia traditionally does not focus on solving real problems, she explains. With her dual appointment, she tries to push the traditional research/education model to do more translational work. For most engineers, translational work is like a “night job,” work done on weekends and evenings. During the day, engineers do traditional, NSF-funded research, work that leads to publishing. Work such as post-earthquake reconnaissance or community-building, has to be done in an academic’s free time. And it takes years to make a difference. She’s grateful that Notre Dame recognizes the importance of having engineers with a dual focus. She credits it small size and its religious mission. Kijewski-Correa details the problems in Haiti, starting with difficulty reaching the cities after the 2010 earthquake. Hurricane Matthew in 2016 made the situation even worse. It was a struggle to move from reconnaissance to rebuilding. When a major earthquake struck Chile in 2016, she says that NGOs and funding agencies left Haiti for Chile, calculating they could be of more use in a country with an infrastructure similar to one many Western cities. Kijewski and her team are the only NGOs working to rebuild in Haiti, currently.

]]> Episode 16 Pioneers In Post Disaster Recovery DesignSafe Radio 00:25:04 Engineer Tracy Kijewski-Correa has been doing post-disaster reconnaissance missions since 2005, after the Indian Ocean tsunami. On today’s episode, host Dan Zehner talks with Kijewski-Correa about assessing structural damage and the difficulty of rebuilding communities hit by a natural disaster. At Notre Dame, Kijewski-Correa holds a dual position in engineering and global affairs, the first engineer there to hold such a joint appointment. With her engineering background, she studies how political, socio-economic, religious and cultural norms come into play when making public policy decisions – including preparing for disasters and re-building after one. She cites the example of Haiti, where seven years after a major earthquake the country is still not returned to normal. Thanks to NGOs and others, there are new materials and skill sets to build resilient houses in Haiti, but because people do not have access to mortgages, many Haitians are still in shelters, waiting for financing to access those new homes. She explains that the engineering world lacks proper pipelines for linking fundamental research, such as post-disaster assessment, to concrete advancements in building codes, or practical advocacy programs. What holds back progress, she says, is that different funding agencies have differing priorities and timelines – making it hard to link the projects and complete the work necessary. After Hurricane Sandy, there was a remarkable coordination of NSF RAPID funding, which documented the damage, sustained funding from Army Corps of Engineers, to develop the coastal hazard simulation tool to map and recommend structural changes, and then funding from the state of New Jersey, which was necessary to implement the changes. It was a rare example of early seed funding, linked to translational funding down a pipeline that led to successfully rebuilding the area. Dual appointment engineers are pioneers, she says. You have to have an understanding of social constructs – if you want stuff to really happen. Academia traditionally does not focus on solving real problems, she explains. With her dual appointment, she tries to push the traditional research/education model to do more translational work. For most engineers, translational work is like a “night job,” work done on weekends and evenings. During the day, engineers do traditional, NSF-funded research, work that leads to publishing. Work such as post-earthquake reconnaissance or community-building, has to be done in an academic’s free time. And it takes years to make a difference. She’s grateful that Notre Dame recognizes the importance of having engineers with a dual focus. She credits it small size and its religious mission. Kijewski-Correa details the problems in Haiti, starting with difficulty reaching the cities after the 2010 earthquake. Hurricane Matthew in 2016 made the situation even worse. It was a struggle to move from reconnaissance to rebuilding. When a major earthquake struck Chile in 2016, she says that NGOs and funding agencies left Haiti for Chile, calculating they could be of more use in a country with an infrastructure similar to one many Western cities. Kijewski and her team are the only NGOs working to rebuild in Haiti, currently. Engineer Tracy Kijewski-Correa has been doing post-disaster reconnaissance missions since 2005, after the Indian Ocean tsunami. On today’s episode, host Dan Zehner talks with Kijewski-Correa about assessing structural damage and the difficulty of rebuilding communities hit by a natural disaster. At Notre Dame, Kijewski-Correa holds a dual position in engineering and global affairs, the first engineer there to hold such a joint appointment. With her engineering background, she studies how political, socio-economic, religious and cultural norms come into play when making public policy decisions – including preparing for disasters and re-building after one. She cites the example of Haiti, where seven years after a major earthquake the country is still not returned to normal. Thanks to NGOs and others, there are new materials and skill sets to build resilient houses in Haiti, but because people do not have access to mortgages, many Haitians are still in shelters, waiting for financing to access those new homes. She explains that the engineering world lacks proper pipelines for linking fundamental research, such as post-disaster assessment, to concrete advancements in building codes, or practical advocacy programs. What holds back progress, she says, is that different funding agencies have differing priorities and timelines – making it hard to link the projects and complete the work necessary. After Hurricane Sandy, there was a remarkable coordination of NSF RAPID funding, which documented the damage, sustained funding from Army Corps of Engineers, to develop the coastal hazard simulation tool to map and recommend structural changes, and then funding from the state of New Jersey, which was necessary to implement the changes. It was a rare example of early seed funding, linked to translational funding down a pipeline that led to successfully rebuilding the area. Dual appointment engineers are pioneers, she says. You have to have an understanding of social constructs – if you want stuff to really happen. Academia traditionally does not focus on solving real problems, she explains. With her dual appointment, she tries to push the traditional research/education model to do more translational work. For most engineers, translational work is like a “night job,” work done on weekends and evenings. During the day, engineers do traditional, NSF-funded research, work that leads to publishing. Work such as post-earthquake reconnaissance or community-building, has to be done in an academic’s free time. And it takes years to make a difference. She’s grateful that Notre Dame recognizes the importance of having engineers with a dual focus. She credits it small size and its religious mission. Kijewski-Correa details the problems in Haiti, starting with difficulty reaching the cities after the 2010 earthquake. Hurricane Matthew in 2016 made the situation even worse. It was a struggle to move from reconnaissance to rebuilding. When a major earthquake struck Chile in 2016, she says that NGOs and funding agencies left Haiti for Chile, calculating they could be of more use in a country with an infrastructure similar to one many Western cities. Kijewski and her team are the only NGOs working to rebuild in Haiti, currently. false full 20 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/353486141 Episode 15 NOAA Hurricane Hunters Ride Out The Storms Do you ever wonder how meteorologists get their hurricane data? On today’s show, host Dan Zehner gets the answers from Commander Justin Kibbey, one of NOAA’s “hurricane hunter” pilots. Kibbey flies NOAA’s P-3 Orion aircraft missions straight into hurricanes, multiple times, while a crew of weather experts and technicians gather data to predict the path and strength of the storm. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kibbey spent 10 years doing aerial reconnaissance and wartime flights over places like Iraq and Afghanistan. He flew the P-3, a four-engine turboprop designed to fly low and hunt submarines. After his Naval service, Kibbey joined NOAA’s crew of hurricane hunters, where he is wrapping up his eighth season. Kibbey describes NOAA’s rugged planes (built in the 1970s and based on 1950s designs) as flying research laboratories. The aircraft are powerful, with redundant systems, and built to fly low. Each mission is crewed with 15-20 people: NOAA officers, navigators, government and civilian technicians and meteorologists – and scientists, all working to collect data as they fly though hurricane storms. Kibbey describes the low altitude flights (5,000 to 12,000 feet), aiming for the “sweet spot,” or the eye of the storm, to get what he calls “an MRI” of the hurricane. In the no-wind, low-pressure center, researchers gather data for creating the spaghetti models that the public studies to see where a storm will travel. One tool used by hurricane hunters is tail Doppler radar, which reveals a storm’s inner structure. The missions also deploy “dropsondes” small cylindrical tubes that fall through the atmosphere measuring pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed, providing a profile of a column of air. Assembled together, these data paint an accurate picture of a storm and its intensity. NOAA’s planes cover the breadth of a storm, 400 miles or more. While satellites can provide some data, a plane in the storm provides the most and most accurate information. Kibbey describes flying through Superstorm Sandy, the largest he’s experienced. He also recalls his first mission as a hurricane hunter, an eight-hour flight through Hurricane Earl. It was a white-knuckle ride, until the plane passed into the eye. He describes the shock of seeing stars overhead – and a bolt of lightning that lit up the entire eye wall. One of his most turbulent flights was in Hurricane Irma, which put the plane through the wringer, he says. The crew on this flight was particularly stressed – because many of them had family in the path of the hurricane. The goal for hurricane hunters is to find out where the storm is will go, via reconnaissance and research. Technology constantly improves, and Kibbey speculates someday the research can be gathered remotely. Already, crews launch UAVs into hurricanes, into places too dangerous to fly a plane. And satellites may one day be able make readings as accurate as instruments on flying laboratories. Until then, from June through November, hurricane hunters fly through storms gathering data that can save lives. Hurricane data, including photos, from the 2017 hurricane season http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/data_sub/hurr.html More about NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/aircraft-operations/about/hurricane-hunters Hurricane Hunters on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NOAAHurricaneHunters/ National Hurricane Center, to see data collected by the Hurricane Hunters. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Justin Kibbey http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Storm_pages/edouard2014/LCDRJustinKibbeyN42RF(DavidHall).jpg

]]> Thu, 9 Nov 2017 20:44:51 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Do you ever wonder how meteorologists get their hurricane data? On today’s show, host Dan Zehner gets the answers from Commander Justin Kibbey, one of NOAA’s “hurricane hunter” pilots. Kibbey flies NOAA’s P-3 Orion aircraft missions straight into hurricanes, multiple times, while a crew of weather experts and technicians gather data to predict the path and strength of the storm. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kibbey spent 10 years doing aerial reconnaissance and wartime flights over places like Iraq and Afghanistan. He flew the P-3, a four-engine turboprop designed to fly low and hunt submarines. After his Naval service, Kibbey joined NOAA’s crew of hurricane hunters, where he is wrapping up his eighth season. Kibbey describes NOAA’s rugged planes (built in the 1970s and based on 1950s designs) as flying research laboratories. The aircraft are powerful, with redundant systems, and built to fly low. Each mission is crewed with 15-20 people: NOAA officers, navigators, government and civilian technicians and meteorologists – and scientists, all working to collect data as they fly though hurricane storms. Kibbey describes the low altitude flights (5,000 to 12,000 feet), aiming for the “sweet spot,” or the eye of the storm, to get what he calls “an MRI” of the hurricane. In the no-wind, low-pressure center, researchers gather data for creating the spaghetti models that the public studies to see where a storm will travel. One tool used by hurricane hunters is tail Doppler radar, which reveals a storm’s inner structure. The missions also deploy “dropsondes” small cylindrical tubes that fall through the atmosphere measuring pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed, providing a profile of a column of air. Assembled together, these data paint an accurate picture of a storm and its intensity. NOAA’s planes cover the breadth of a storm, 400 miles or more. While satellites can provide some data, a plane in the storm provides the most and most accurate information. Kibbey describes flying through Superstorm Sandy, the largest he’s experienced. He also recalls his first mission as a hurricane hunter, an eight-hour flight through Hurricane Earl. It was a white-knuckle ride, until the plane passed into the eye. He describes the shock of seeing stars overhead – and a bolt of lightning that lit up the entire eye wall. One of his most turbulent flights was in Hurricane Irma, which put the plane through the wringer, he says. The crew on this flight was particularly stressed – because many of them had family in the path of the hurricane. The goal for hurricane hunters is to find out where the storm is will go, via reconnaissance and research. Technology constantly improves, and Kibbey speculates someday the research can be gathered remotely. Already, crews launch UAVs into hurricanes, into places too dangerous to fly a plane. And satellites may one day be able make readings as accurate as instruments on flying laboratories. Until then, from June through November, hurricane hunters fly through storms gathering data that can save lives. Hurricane data, including photos, from the 2017 hurricane season http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/data_sub/hurr.html More about NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/aircraft-operations/about/hurricane-hunters Hurricane Hunters on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NOAAHurricaneHunters/ National Hurricane Center, to see data collected by the Hurricane Hunters. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Justin Kibbey http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Storm_pages/edouard2014/LCDRJustinKibbeyN42RF(DavidHall).jpg

]]> Episode 15 NOAA Hurricane Hunters Ride Out The Storms DesignSafe Radio 00:36:24 Do you ever wonder how meteorologists get their hurricane data? On today’s show, host Dan Zehner gets the answers from Commander Justin Kibbey, one of NOAA’s “hurricane hunter” pilots. Kibbey flies NOAA’s P-3 Orion aircraft missions straight into hurricanes, multiple times, while a crew of weather experts and technicians gather data to predict the path and strength of the storm. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kibbey spent 10 years doing aerial reconnaissance and wartime flights over places like Iraq and Afghanistan. He flew the P-3, a four-engine turboprop designed to fly low and hunt submarines. After his Naval service, Kibbey joined NOAA’s crew of hurricane hunters, where he is wrapping up his eighth season. Kibbey describes NOAA’s rugged planes (built in the 1970s and based on 1950s designs) as flying research laboratories. The aircraft are powerful, with redundant systems, and built to fly low. Each mission is crewed with 15-20 people: NOAA officers, navigators, government and civilian technicians and meteorologists – and scientists, all working to collect data as they fly though hurricane storms. Kibbey describes the low altitude flights (5,000 to 12,000 feet), aiming for the “sweet spot,” or the eye of the storm, to get what he calls “an MRI” of the hurricane. In the no-wind, low-pressure center, researchers gather data for creating the spaghetti models that the public studies to see where a storm will travel. One tool used by hurricane hunters is tail Doppler radar, which reveals a storm’s inner structure. The missions also deploy “dropsondes” small cylindrical tubes that fall through the atmosphere measuring pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed, providing a profile of a column of air. Assembled together, these data paint an accurate picture of a storm and its intensity. NOAA’s planes cover the breadth of a storm, 400 miles or more. While satellites can provide some data, a plane in the storm provides the most and most accurate information. Kibbey describes flying through Superstorm Sandy, the largest he’s experienced. He also recalls his first mission as a hurricane hunter, an eight-hour flight through Hurricane Earl. It was a white-knuckle ride, until the plane passed into the eye. He describes the shock of seeing stars overhead – and a bolt of lightning that lit up the entire eye wall. One of his most turbulent flights was in Hurricane Irma, which put the plane through the wringer, he says. The crew on this flight was particularly stressed – because many of them had family in the path of the hurricane. The goal for hurricane hunters is to find out where the storm is will go, via reconnaissance and research. Technology constantly improves, and Kibbey speculates someday the research can be gathered remotely. Already, crews launch UAVs into hurricanes, into places too dangerous to fly a plane. And satellites may one day be able make readings as accurate as instruments on flying laboratories. Until then, from June through November, hurricane hunters fly through storms gathering data that can save lives. Hurricane data, including photos, from the 2017 hurricane season http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/data_sub/hurr.html More about NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/aircraft-operations/about/hurricane-hunters Hurricane Hunters on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NOAAHurricaneHunters/ National Hurricane Center, to see data collected by the Hurricane Hunters. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Justin Kibbey http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Storm_pages/edouard2014/LCDRJustinKibbeyN42RF(DavidHall).jpg Do you ever wonder how meteorologists get their hurricane data? On today’s show, host Dan Zehner gets the answers from Commander Justin Kibbey, one of NOAA’s “hurricane hunter” pilots. Kibbey flies NOAA’s P-3 Orion aircraft missions straight into hurricanes, multiple times, while a crew of weather experts and technicians gather data to predict the path and strength of the storm. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Kibbey spent 10 years doing aerial reconnaissance and wartime flights over places like Iraq and Afghanistan. He flew the P-3, a four-engine turboprop designed to fly low and hunt submarines. After his Naval service, Kibbey joined NOAA’s crew of hurricane hunters, where he is wrapping up his eighth season. Kibbey describes NOAA’s rugged planes (built in the 1970s and based on 1950s designs) as flying research laboratories. The aircraft are powerful, with redundant systems, and built to fly low. Each mission is crewed with 15-20 people: NOAA officers, navigators, government and civilian technicians and meteorologists – and scientists, all working to collect data as they fly though hurricane storms. Kibbey describes the low altitude flights (5,000 to 12,000 feet), aiming for the “sweet spot,” or the eye of the storm, to get what he calls “an MRI” of the hurricane. In the no-wind, low-pressure center, researchers gather data for creating the spaghetti models that the public studies to see where a storm will travel. One tool used by hurricane hunters is tail Doppler radar, which reveals a storm’s inner structure. The missions also deploy “dropsondes” small cylindrical tubes that fall through the atmosphere measuring pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed, providing a profile of a column of air. Assembled together, these data paint an accurate picture of a storm and its intensity. NOAA’s planes cover the breadth of a storm, 400 miles or more. While satellites can provide some data, a plane in the storm provides the most and most accurate information. Kibbey describes flying through Superstorm Sandy, the largest he’s experienced. He also recalls his first mission as a hurricane hunter, an eight-hour flight through Hurricane Earl. It was a white-knuckle ride, until the plane passed into the eye. He describes the shock of seeing stars overhead – and a bolt of lightning that lit up the entire eye wall. One of his most turbulent flights was in Hurricane Irma, which put the plane through the wringer, he says. The crew on this flight was particularly stressed – because many of them had family in the path of the hurricane. The goal for hurricane hunters is to find out where the storm is will go, via reconnaissance and research. Technology constantly improves, and Kibbey speculates someday the research can be gathered remotely. Already, crews launch UAVs into hurricanes, into places too dangerous to fly a plane. And satellites may one day be able make readings as accurate as instruments on flying laboratories. Until then, from June through November, hurricane hunters fly through storms gathering data that can save lives. Hurricane data, including photos, from the 2017 hurricane season http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/data_sub/hurr.html More about NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters https://www.omao.noaa.gov/learn/aircraft-operations/about/hurricane-hunters Hurricane Hunters on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NOAAHurricaneHunters/ National Hurricane Center, to see data collected by the Hurricane Hunters. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Justin Kibbey http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Storm_pages/edouard2014/LCDRJustinKibbeyN42RF(DavidHall).jpg false full 19 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/350731759 Episode 14 Innovations In Disaster Reconnaissance What does it mean to do “reconnaissance” after a natural disaster? To find out, host Dan Zehner catches up with Ellen Rathje, an earthquake engineer at the University of Texas, Austin. Among her many interests, Rathje is a founding member and co-chair of the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association (http://www.geerassociation.org). Rathje explains that although she originally wanted to be a journalist, she really liked math in high school. When she learned that civil engineers worked on big projects like bridges, she was hooked. During her undergraduate years at Cornell, the Loma Prieta earthquake occurred. She was fascinated. She decided she wanted to be the kind of engineer who designed structures that could withstand earthquakes. In 1999, as a new faculty member at UT, she was selected for a reconnaissance team investigating Turkey’s Kocaeli earthquake, a 7.6 magnitude temblor that killed 17,000 people. Rathje describes the experience and the damage she encountered, including liquefaction. On this trip, she says she came to understand the importance of collecting post-disaster information. She says natural disasters are “Nature’s large-scale tests.” With reconnaissance, we can begin to understand the results of the tests. Rathje describes GEER, an NSF-funded association that organizes recon teams. With modest federal funding, GEER volunteers document natural disaster events large and small. To date, more than 50 events have been documented, and all the reports are available on the GEER website (http://www.geerassociation.org/reconnaissance-reports/map-view). Rathje says technology is enabling better and better observations. She describes hunting for paper maps and using a camera with 3.5” floppy discs in 1999. Hand-held GPS devices helped provide latitude and longitude for observations and photos. Later came geotagging. GEER teams were among the first to geotag photos. After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, a 7.0 magnitude quake that killed hundreds of thousands of people, technology was much more advanced. Rathje describes using Google Earth and digital camera synching. New recon tools included high-resolution aerial photography. Teams used sensors and weights for measuring shear wave velocity. In 2017, Rathje says, technology such as LIDAR and drones allow for fast, relatively inexpensive 3D models of damage, models which can be used in perpetuity for research. In less than 20 years, reconnaissance efforts have changed dramatically. Now, it is possible to get high quality datasets and make them publically available. Rathjes, the PI for NHERI’s cyberinfrastructure, DesignSafe, says the goal is to provide a mechanism for researchers to publish and organize their datasets for the whole research community. She discusses DesignSafe’s online data repository and the ability for researchers to publish data, much like a research paper, as a scholarly contribution. DesignSafe researchers access and analyze data in the cloud. In the Discovery workspace, tools include Jupyter and Matlab for lab experiments and simulations. Rathje describes DesignSafe’s Reconnaissance Portal with provides access to hazard event datasets. Currently, NHERI-affiliated recon teams are providing data from recent natural disasters in Mexico, Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Rathje says the most difficult disaster she experienced was the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where so many people lost their lives. Her team brought their own food, stayed in tents, and worked under the protection of armed guards. After the recon mission was over, her team worked with the United Nations to educate local Haitians about geotechnics, which would help them in rebuilding efforts.

]]> Fri, 3 Nov 2017 18:29:57 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org What does it mean to do “reconnaissance” after a natural disaster? To find out, host Dan Zehner catches up with Ellen Rathje, an earthquake engineer at the University of Texas, Austin. Among her many interests, Rathje is a founding member and co-chair of the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association (http://www.geerassociation.org). Rathje explains that although she originally wanted to be a journalist, she really liked math in high school. When she learned that civil engineers worked on big projects like bridges, she was hooked. During her undergraduate years at Cornell, the Loma Prieta earthquake occurred. She was fascinated. She decided she wanted to be the kind of engineer who designed structures that could withstand earthquakes. In 1999, as a new faculty member at UT, she was selected for a reconnaissance team investigating Turkey’s Kocaeli earthquake, a 7.6 magnitude temblor that killed 17,000 people. Rathje describes the experience and the damage she encountered, including liquefaction. On this trip, she says she came to understand the importance of collecting post-disaster information. She says natural disasters are “Nature’s large-scale tests.” With reconnaissance, we can begin to understand the results of the tests. Rathje describes GEER, an NSF-funded association that organizes recon teams. With modest federal funding, GEER volunteers document natural disaster events large and small. To date, more than 50 events have been documented, and all the reports are available on the GEER website (http://www.geerassociation.org/reconnaissance-reports/map-view). Rathje says technology is enabling better and better observations. She describes hunting for paper maps and using a camera with 3.5” floppy discs in 1999. Hand-held GPS devices helped provide latitude and longitude for observations and photos. Later came geotagging. GEER teams were among the first to geotag photos. After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, a 7.0 magnitude quake that killed hundreds of thousands of people, technology was much more advanced. Rathje describes using Google Earth and digital camera synching. New recon tools included high-resolution aerial photography. Teams used sensors and weights for measuring shear wave velocity. In 2017, Rathje says, technology such as LIDAR and drones allow for fast, relatively inexpensive 3D models of damage, models which can be used in perpetuity for research. In less than 20 years, reconnaissance efforts have changed dramatically. Now, it is possible to get high quality datasets and make them publically available. Rathjes, the PI for NHERI’s cyberinfrastructure, DesignSafe, says the goal is to provide a mechanism for researchers to publish and organize their datasets for the whole research community. She discusses DesignSafe’s online data repository and the ability for researchers to publish data, much like a research paper, as a scholarly contribution. DesignSafe researchers access and analyze data in the cloud. In the Discovery workspace, tools include Jupyter and Matlab for lab experiments and simulations. Rathje describes DesignSafe’s Reconnaissance Portal with provides access to hazard event datasets. Currently, NHERI-affiliated recon teams are providing data from recent natural disasters in Mexico, Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Rathje says the most difficult disaster she experienced was the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where so many people lost their lives. Her team brought their own food, stayed in tents, and worked under the protection of armed guards. After the recon mission was over, her team worked with the United Nations to educate local Haitians about geotechnics, which would help them in rebuilding efforts.

]]> Episode 14 Innovations In Disaster Reconnaissance DesignSafe Radio 00:40:22 What does it mean to do “reconnaissance” after a natural disaster? To find out, host Dan Zehner catches up with Ellen Rathje, an earthquake engineer at the University of Texas, Austin. Among her many interests, Rathje is a founding member and co-chair of the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association (http://www.geerassociation.org). Rathje explains that although she originally wanted to be a journalist, she really liked math in high school. When she learned that civil engineers worked on big projects like bridges, she was hooked. During her undergraduate years at Cornell, the Loma Prieta earthquake occurred. She was fascinated. She decided she wanted to be the kind of engineer who designed structures that could withstand earthquakes. In 1999, as a new faculty member at UT, she was selected for a reconnaissance team investigating Turkey’s Kocaeli earthquake, a 7.6 magnitude temblor that killed 17,000 people. Rathje describes the experience and the damage she encountered, including liquefaction. On this trip, she says she came to understand the importance of collecting post-disaster information. She says natural disasters are “Nature’s large-scale tests.” With reconnaissance, we can begin to understand the results of the tests. Rathje describes GEER, an NSF-funded association that organizes recon teams. With modest federal funding, GEER volunteers document natural disaster events large and small. To date, more than 50 events have been documented, and all the reports are available on the GEER website (http://www.geerassociation.org/reconnaissance-reports/map-view). Rathje says technology is enabling better and better observations. She describes hunting for paper maps and using a camera with 3.5” floppy discs in 1999. Hand-held GPS devices helped provide latitude and longitude for observations and photos. Later came geotagging. GEER teams were among the first to geotag photos. After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, a 7.0 magnitude quake that killed hundreds of thousands of people, technology was much more advanced. Rathje describes using Google Earth and digital camera synching. New recon tools included high-resolution aerial photography. Teams used sensors and weights for measuring shear wave velocity. In 2017, Rathje says, technology such as LIDAR and drones allow for fast, relatively inexpensive 3D models of damage, models which can be used in perpetuity for research. In less than 20 years, reconnaissance efforts have changed dramatically. Now, it is possible to get high quality datasets and make them publically available. Rathjes, the PI for NHERI’s cyberinfrastructure, DesignSafe, says the goal is to provide a mechanism for researchers to publish and organize their datasets for the whole research community. She discusses DesignSafe’s online data repository and the ability for researchers to publish data, much like a research paper, as a scholarly contribution. DesignSafe researchers access and analyze data in the cloud. In the Discovery workspace, tools include Jupyter and Matlab for lab experiments and simulations. Rathje describes DesignSafe’s Reconnaissance Portal with provides access to hazard event datasets. Currently, NHERI-affiliated recon teams are providing data from recent natural disasters in Mexico, Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Rathje says the most difficult disaster she experienced was the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where so many people lost their lives. Her team brought their own food, stayed in tents, and worked under the protection of armed guards. After the recon mission was over, her team worked with the United Nations to educate local Haitians about geotechnics, which would help them in rebuilding efforts. What does it mean to do “reconnaissance” after a natural disaster? To find out, host Dan Zehner catches up with Ellen Rathje, an earthquake engineer at the University of Texas, Austin. Among her many interests, Rathje is a founding member and co-chair of the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association (http://www.geerassociation.org). Rathje explains that although she originally wanted to be a journalist, she really liked math in high school. When she learned that civil engineers worked on big projects like bridges, she was hooked. During her undergraduate years at Cornell, the Loma Prieta earthquake occurred. She was fascinated. She decided she wanted to be the kind of engineer who designed structures that could withstand earthquakes. In 1999, as a new faculty member at UT, she was selected for a reconnaissance team investigating Turkey’s Kocaeli earthquake, a 7.6 magnitude temblor that killed 17,000 people. Rathje describes the experience and the damage she encountered, including liquefaction. On this trip, she says she came to understand the importance of collecting post-disaster information. She says natural disasters are “Nature’s large-scale tests.” With reconnaissance, we can begin to understand the results of the tests. Rathje describes GEER, an NSF-funded association that organizes recon teams. With modest federal funding, GEER volunteers document natural disaster events large and small. To date, more than 50 events have been documented, and all the reports are available on the GEER website (http://www.geerassociation.org/reconnaissance-reports/map-view). Rathje says technology is enabling better and better observations. She describes hunting for paper maps and using a camera with 3.5” floppy discs in 1999. Hand-held GPS devices helped provide latitude and longitude for observations and photos. Later came geotagging. GEER teams were among the first to geotag photos. After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, a 7.0 magnitude quake that killed hundreds of thousands of people, technology was much more advanced. Rathje describes using Google Earth and digital camera synching. New recon tools included high-resolution aerial photography. Teams used sensors and weights for measuring shear wave velocity. In 2017, Rathje says, technology such as LIDAR and drones allow for fast, relatively inexpensive 3D models of damage, models which can be used in perpetuity for research. In less than 20 years, reconnaissance efforts have changed dramatically. Now, it is possible to get high quality datasets and make them publically available. Rathjes, the PI for NHERI’s cyberinfrastructure, DesignSafe, says the goal is to provide a mechanism for researchers to publish and organize their datasets for the whole research community. She discusses DesignSafe’s online data repository and the ability for researchers to publish data, much like a research paper, as a scholarly contribution. DesignSafe researchers access and analyze data in the cloud. In the Discovery workspace, tools include Jupyter and Matlab for lab experiments and simulations. Rathje describes DesignSafe’s Reconnaissance Portal with provides access to hazard event datasets. Currently, NHERI-affiliated recon teams are providing data from recent natural disasters in Mexico, Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Rathje says the most difficult disaster she experienced was the 2010 Haiti earthquake, where so many people lost their lives. Her team brought their own food, stayed in tents, and worked under the protection of armed guards. After the recon mission was over, her team worked with the United Nations to educate local Haitians about geotechnics, which would help them in rebuilding efforts. false full 18 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/348890872 Episode 13 Story Of A Stormchaser This week Dan meets storm chaser Warren Causey, founder of The Sirens Project. Causey, an engineer with a lifelong passion for weather, studies tornadoes from a safe distance, using unmanned aerial vehicles, drones. In the interview, Causey describes growing up in Georgia and chasing storms in the mountainous Southeast, in Dixie Alley. Hoping to design weather research systems, he studied mechanical engineering, including 3D modeling and drone development. Chemistry gelled with college classmates Nolan Lunsford and Brent Bouthiller, he says, “And it escalated from there.” The three formed The Sirens Project. They study supercells and tornadoes by guiding UAVs directly into the storms. Causey details how Sirens started as a Kickstarter project, and he discusses the team’s partnership with Ag Eagle, a UAV manufacturer specializing in rugged UAVs used in farming applications. As citizen scientists, the team is careful to avoid intercepting tornadoes near populated areas. He describes the ideal intercept: a slow-moving EF4 tornado in Kansas, in the middle of nowhere. He relates his experience with the El Reno, Oklahoma, tornado on May 31, 2013. Several storm chasers lost their lives that day, including the respected meteorologist Tim Samaras, when the storm made an unexpected change-of-course. The tragic incident spurred Causey to start The Sirens Project, a safer way to study storms. Causey says working with fellow researchers is necessary for gathering more data — data that will lead to improved forecasting and storm-resistant structures. Ultimately, he wants to create models for forecasting convection, which would allow for mapping how and where tornadoes will “fire” — which would reduce false-alarms. The supercell storms that spawn tornadoes change abruptly, require many variables to generate a tornado, and are very short-lived, all of which makes tornadoes more difficult to forecast than hurricanes. The Sirens Project team is prepping for the 2018 storm season and producing a documentary on stormchasing. Causey encourages fellow weather enthusiasts to contact the group. “We love interacting with other stormchasers,” he says.

]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2017 18:19:33 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org This week Dan meets storm chaser Warren Causey, founder of The Sirens Project. Causey, an engineer with a lifelong passion for weather, studies tornadoes from a safe distance, using unmanned aerial vehicles, drones. In the interview, Causey describes growing up in Georgia and chasing storms in the mountainous Southeast, in Dixie Alley. Hoping to design weather research systems, he studied mechanical engineering, including 3D modeling and drone development. Chemistry gelled with college classmates Nolan Lunsford and Brent Bouthiller, he says, “And it escalated from there.” The three formed The Sirens Project. They study supercells and tornadoes by guiding UAVs directly into the storms. Causey details how Sirens started as a Kickstarter project, and he discusses the team’s partnership with Ag Eagle, a UAV manufacturer specializing in rugged UAVs used in farming applications. As citizen scientists, the team is careful to avoid intercepting tornadoes near populated areas. He describes the ideal intercept: a slow-moving EF4 tornado in Kansas, in the middle of nowhere. He relates his experience with the El Reno, Oklahoma, tornado on May 31, 2013. Several storm chasers lost their lives that day, including the respected meteorologist Tim Samaras, when the storm made an unexpected change-of-course. The tragic incident spurred Causey to start The Sirens Project, a safer way to study storms. Causey says working with fellow researchers is necessary for gathering more data — data that will lead to improved forecasting and storm-resistant structures. Ultimately, he wants to create models for forecasting convection, which would allow for mapping how and where tornadoes will “fire” — which would reduce false-alarms. The supercell storms that spawn tornadoes change abruptly, require many variables to generate a tornado, and are very short-lived, all of which makes tornadoes more difficult to forecast than hurricanes. The Sirens Project team is prepping for the 2018 storm season and producing a documentary on stormchasing. Causey encourages fellow weather enthusiasts to contact the group. “We love interacting with other stormchasers,” he says.

]]> Episode 13 Story Of A Stormchaser DesignSafe Radio 00:43:12 This week Dan meets storm chaser Warren Causey, founder of The Sirens Project. Causey, an engineer with a lifelong passion for weather, studies tornadoes from a safe distance, using unmanned aerial vehicles, drones. In the interview, Causey describes growing up in Georgia and chasing storms in the mountainous Southeast, in Dixie Alley. Hoping to design weather research systems, he studied mechanical engineering, including 3D modeling and drone development. Chemistry gelled with college classmates Nolan Lunsford and Brent Bouthiller, he says, “And it escalated from there.” The three formed The Sirens Project. They study supercells and tornadoes by guiding UAVs directly into the storms. Causey details how Sirens started as a Kickstarter project, and he discusses the team’s partnership with Ag Eagle, a UAV manufacturer specializing in rugged UAVs used in farming applications. As citizen scientists, the team is careful to avoid intercepting tornadoes near populated areas. He describes the ideal intercept: a slow-moving EF4 tornado in Kansas, in the middle of nowhere. He relates his experience with the El Reno, Oklahoma, tornado on May 31, 2013. Several storm chasers lost their lives that day, including the respected meteorologist Tim Samaras, when the storm made an unexpected change-of-course. The tragic incident spurred Causey to start The Sirens Project, a safer way to study storms. Causey says working with fellow researchers is necessary for gathering more data — data that will lead to improved forecasting and storm-resistant structures. Ultimately, he wants to create models for forecasting convection, which would allow for mapping how and where tornadoes will “fire” — which would reduce false-alarms. The supercell storms that spawn tornadoes change abruptly, require many variables to generate a tornado, and are very short-lived, all of which makes tornadoes more difficult to forecast than hurricanes. The Sirens Project team is prepping for the 2018 storm season and producing a documentary on stormchasing. Causey encourages fellow weather enthusiasts to contact the group. “We love interacting with other stormchasers,” he says. This week Dan meets storm chaser Warren Causey, founder of The Sirens Project. Causey, an engineer with a lifelong passion for weather, studies tornadoes from a safe distance, using unmanned aerial vehicles, drones. In the interview, Causey describes growing up in Georgia and chasing storms in the mountainous Southeast, in Dixie Alley. Hoping to design weather research systems, he studied mechanical engineering, including 3D modeling and drone development. Chemistry gelled with college classmates Nolan Lunsford and Brent Bouthiller, he says, “And it escalated from there.” The three formed The Sirens Project. They study supercells and tornadoes by guiding UAVs directly into the storms. Causey details how Sirens started as a Kickstarter project, and he discusses the team’s partnership with Ag Eagle, a UAV manufacturer specializing in rugged UAVs used in farming applications. As citizen scientists, the team is careful to avoid intercepting tornadoes near populated areas. He describes the ideal intercept: a slow-moving EF4 tornado in Kansas, in the middle of nowhere. He relates his experience with the El Reno, Oklahoma, tornado on May 31, 2013. Several storm chasers lost their lives that day, including the respected meteorologist Tim Samaras, when the storm made an unexpected change-of-course. The tragic incident spurred Causey to start The Sirens Project, a safer way to study storms. Causey says working with fellow researchers is necessary for gathering more data — data that will lead to improved forecasting and storm-resistant structures. Ultimately, he wants to create models for forecasting convection, which would allow for mapping how and where tornadoes will “fire” — which would reduce false-alarms. The supercell storms that spawn tornadoes change abruptly, require many variables to generate a tornado, and are very short-lived, all of which makes tornadoes more difficult to forecast than hurricanes. The Sirens Project team is prepping for the 2018 storm season and producing a documentary on stormchasing. Causey encourages fellow weather enthusiasts to contact the group. “We love interacting with other stormchasers,” he says. false full 17 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/347176959 Episode 12 Disaster risk and resilience in Haiti Host Dan Zehner interviews Crystal Felima, a social anthropologist who focuses on natural hazard risks and recovery in Haiti. She collects stories from residents to better understand the country’s responses to hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes. Currently, Felima is a PhD candidate at the University of Florida at Gainesville. By providing a social understanding of how disasters affect vulnerable populations in Haiti, her work is a bridge to effective technical hazard research. Felima discusses her immersive studies in the northern and southern parts of the island nation, learning the language and cultural customs. She describes a riverside community near the city of Cap-Haïtien where residents commonly use landfill materials to create new ground for building houses. The reclaimed land floods easily and the practice worsens flooding in nearby towns. For vulnerable people trying to make better lives for themselves, Felima explains, such risks are acceptable. She cites a Haitian proverb: behind every mountain is a mountain, which she says illustrates the people’s quietly ironic view of life as a series of obstacles. Haitians may face difficulties, but they are resilient. She discusses government efforts to prepare the populace for impending storms, but many rural areas are not electrified, which makes mass communication difficult. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew devastated southern portions of the country. Hundreds died, and many more were displaced. The destruction of farms had long-term effects on the availability of fresh food for the region. People are still struggling. As she collects stories from survivors, she’s learned how much people depend on aid from their communities and personal relationships – family, neighbors and relatives abroad. Gathering stories about disasters from Haitian people helps Felima understand the complexities involved in preparing for and recovering from natural disasters in Haiti, especially in poor areas. She hopes her continued research and insights will help engineers and builders improve the infrastructure in these areas.

]]> Fri, 20 Oct 2017 01:59:17 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Host Dan Zehner interviews Crystal Felima, a social anthropologist who focuses on natural hazard risks and recovery in Haiti. She collects stories from residents to better understand the country’s responses to hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes. Currently, Felima is a PhD candidate at the University of Florida at Gainesville. By providing a social understanding of how disasters affect vulnerable populations in Haiti, her work is a bridge to effective technical hazard research. Felima discusses her immersive studies in the northern and southern parts of the island nation, learning the language and cultural customs. She describes a riverside community near the city of Cap-Haïtien where residents commonly use landfill materials to create new ground for building houses. The reclaimed land floods easily and the practice worsens flooding in nearby towns. For vulnerable people trying to make better lives for themselves, Felima explains, such risks are acceptable. She cites a Haitian proverb: behind every mountain is a mountain, which she says illustrates the people’s quietly ironic view of life as a series of obstacles. Haitians may face difficulties, but they are resilient. She discusses government efforts to prepare the populace for impending storms, but many rural areas are not electrified, which makes mass communication difficult. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew devastated southern portions of the country. Hundreds died, and many more were displaced. The destruction of farms had long-term effects on the availability of fresh food for the region. People are still struggling. As she collects stories from survivors, she’s learned how much people depend on aid from their communities and personal relationships – family, neighbors and relatives abroad. Gathering stories about disasters from Haitian people helps Felima understand the complexities involved in preparing for and recovering from natural disasters in Haiti, especially in poor areas. She hopes her continued research and insights will help engineers and builders improve the infrastructure in these areas.

]]> Episode 12 Disaster risk and resilience in Haiti DesignSafe Radio 00:40:14 Host Dan Zehner interviews Crystal Felima, a social anthropologist who focuses on natural hazard risks and recovery in Haiti. She collects stories from residents to better understand the country’s responses to hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes. Currently, Felima is a PhD candidate at the University of Florida at Gainesville. By providing a social understanding of how disasters affect vulnerable populations in Haiti, her work is a bridge to effective technical hazard research. Felima discusses her immersive studies in the northern and southern parts of the island nation, learning the language and cultural customs. She describes a riverside community near the city of Cap-Haïtien where residents commonly use landfill materials to create new ground for building houses. The reclaimed land floods easily and the practice worsens flooding in nearby towns. For vulnerable people trying to make better lives for themselves, Felima explains, such risks are acceptable. She cites a Haitian proverb: behind every mountain is a mountain, which she says illustrates the people’s quietly ironic view of life as a series of obstacles. Haitians may face difficulties, but they are resilient. She discusses government efforts to prepare the populace for impending storms, but many rural areas are not electrified, which makes mass communication difficult. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew devastated southern portions of the country. Hundreds died, and many more were displaced. The destruction of farms had long-term effects on the availability of fresh food for the region. People are still struggling. As she collects stories from survivors, she’s learned how much people depend on aid from their communities and personal relationships – family, neighbors and relatives abroad. Gathering stories about disasters from Haitian people helps Felima understand the complexities involved in preparing for and recovering from natural disasters in Haiti, especially in poor areas. She hopes her continued research and insights will help engineers and builders improve the infrastructure in these areas. Host Dan Zehner interviews Crystal Felima, a social anthropologist who focuses on natural hazard risks and recovery in Haiti. She collects stories from residents to better understand the country’s responses to hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes. Currently, Felima is a PhD candidate at the University of Florida at Gainesville. By providing a social understanding of how disasters affect vulnerable populations in Haiti, her work is a bridge to effective technical hazard research. Felima discusses her immersive studies in the northern and southern parts of the island nation, learning the language and cultural customs. She describes a riverside community near the city of Cap-Haïtien where residents commonly use landfill materials to create new ground for building houses. The reclaimed land floods easily and the practice worsens flooding in nearby towns. For vulnerable people trying to make better lives for themselves, Felima explains, such risks are acceptable. She cites a Haitian proverb: behind every mountain is a mountain, which she says illustrates the people’s quietly ironic view of life as a series of obstacles. Haitians may face difficulties, but they are resilient. She discusses government efforts to prepare the populace for impending storms, but many rural areas are not electrified, which makes mass communication difficult. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew devastated southern portions of the country. Hundreds died, and many more were displaced. The destruction of farms had long-term effects on the availability of fresh food for the region. People are still struggling. As she collects stories from survivors, she’s learned how much people depend on aid from their communities and personal relationships – family, neighbors and relatives abroad. Gathering stories about disasters from Haitian people helps Felima understand the complexities involved in preparing for and recovering from natural disasters in Haiti, especially in poor areas. She hopes her continued research and insights will help engineers and builders improve the infrastructure in these areas. false full 16 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/346291110 Episode 11 Lessons from Irma: Don’t bet your life! This week, host Dan Zehner catches up with Tom Iovino, the public information director for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. Iovino, who mans the county’s emergency operations center during hurricanes, talks about storm preparation in the Tampa Bay area and about what he learned from Hurricane Irma. Although the Florida forecast was dire, precipitating the largest evacuation in the state’s history, Hurricane Irma took an unexpected eastward course, which improved the forecast dramatically and left the Tampa-Orlando area relatively unscathed. Despite relatively light damage, however, there was plenty to learn from this storm. For days after the storm, a major problem was lack of power. Iovino lists items missing in his own hurricane kit: an extra flashlight, a power brick, and a battery-operated fan. Traffic accidents were frequent, he says, due to incautious drivers sailing through intersections with no traffic lights. While he and his area first-responders hunkered down to wait out the storm, his center was still getting phone calls from people who decided – at the last minute – that they needed help. Such poor planning endangers the lives of first responders, and he warned that even first responders cannot rescue people in the midst of a Cat 5 hurricane. Iovino urges everyone in hurricane-prone regions to plan ahead, and the best way to know if the threat is serious is to listen to the National Weather Service. Iovino recalls what a beloved area weatherman, Dick Fletcher, was fond of saying: “If you don’t listen to what the emergency managers are telling you, you are betting your life they are wrong.” Iovino urges everyone to be safe and plan ahead, to take what they’ve learned from the last storm and apply it to the next.

]]> Fri, 13 Oct 2017 17:56:29 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org This week, host Dan Zehner catches up with Tom Iovino, the public information director for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. Iovino, who mans the county’s emergency operations center during hurricanes, talks about storm preparation in the Tampa Bay area and about what he learned from Hurricane Irma. Although the Florida forecast was dire, precipitating the largest evacuation in the state’s history, Hurricane Irma took an unexpected eastward course, which improved the forecast dramatically and left the Tampa-Orlando area relatively unscathed. Despite relatively light damage, however, there was plenty to learn from this storm. For days after the storm, a major problem was lack of power. Iovino lists items missing in his own hurricane kit: an extra flashlight, a power brick, and a battery-operated fan. Traffic accidents were frequent, he says, due to incautious drivers sailing through intersections with no traffic lights. While he and his area first-responders hunkered down to wait out the storm, his center was still getting phone calls from people who decided – at the last minute – that they needed help. Such poor planning endangers the lives of first responders, and he warned that even first responders cannot rescue people in the midst of a Cat 5 hurricane. Iovino urges everyone in hurricane-prone regions to plan ahead, and the best way to know if the threat is serious is to listen to the National Weather Service. Iovino recalls what a beloved area weatherman, Dick Fletcher, was fond of saying: “If you don’t listen to what the emergency managers are telling you, you are betting your life they are wrong.” Iovino urges everyone to be safe and plan ahead, to take what they’ve learned from the last storm and apply it to the next.

]]> Episode 11 Lessons from Irma: Don’t bet your life! DesignSafe Radio 00:28:58 This week, host Dan Zehner catches up with Tom Iovino, the public information director for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. Iovino, who mans the county’s emergency operations center during hurricanes, talks about storm preparation in the Tampa Bay area and about what he learned from Hurricane Irma. Although the Florida forecast was dire, precipitating the largest evacuation in the state’s history, Hurricane Irma took an unexpected eastward course, which improved the forecast dramatically and left the Tampa-Orlando area relatively unscathed. Despite relatively light damage, however, there was plenty to learn from this storm. For days after the storm, a major problem was lack of power. Iovino lists items missing in his own hurricane kit: an extra flashlight, a power brick, and a battery-operated fan. Traffic accidents were frequent, he says, due to incautious drivers sailing through intersections with no traffic lights. While he and his area first-responders hunkered down to wait out the storm, his center was still getting phone calls from people who decided – at the last minute – that they needed help. Such poor planning endangers the lives of first responders, and he warned that even first responders cannot rescue people in the midst of a Cat 5 hurricane. Iovino urges everyone in hurricane-prone regions to plan ahead, and the best way to know if the threat is serious is to listen to the National Weather Service. Iovino recalls what a beloved area weatherman, Dick Fletcher, was fond of saying: “If you don’t listen to what the emergency managers are telling you, you are betting your life they are wrong.” Iovino urges everyone to be safe and plan ahead, to take what they’ve learned from the last storm and apply it to the next. This week, host Dan Zehner catches up with Tom Iovino, the public information director for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. Iovino, who mans the county’s emergency operations center during hurricanes, talks about storm preparation in the Tampa Bay area and about what he learned from Hurricane Irma. Although the Florida forecast was dire, precipitating the largest evacuation in the state’s history, Hurricane Irma took an unexpected eastward course, which improved the forecast dramatically and left the Tampa-Orlando area relatively unscathed. Despite relatively light damage, however, there was plenty to learn from this storm. For days after the storm, a major problem was lack of power. Iovino lists items missing in his own hurricane kit: an extra flashlight, a power brick, and a battery-operated fan. Traffic accidents were frequent, he says, due to incautious drivers sailing through intersections with no traffic lights. While he and his area first-responders hunkered down to wait out the storm, his center was still getting phone calls from people who decided – at the last minute – that they needed help. Such poor planning endangers the lives of first responders, and he warned that even first responders cannot rescue people in the midst of a Cat 5 hurricane. Iovino urges everyone in hurricane-prone regions to plan ahead, and the best way to know if the threat is serious is to listen to the National Weather Service. Iovino recalls what a beloved area weatherman, Dick Fletcher, was fond of saying: “If you don’t listen to what the emergency managers are telling you, you are betting your life they are wrong.” Iovino urges everyone to be safe and plan ahead, to take what they’ve learned from the last storm and apply it to the next. false full 15 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/345486217 Episode 10 Just To Help Somebody For The Most Pure Reasons Possible Nick Mrzlak from Team Rubicon joins Dan Zehner to talk about this unusual disaster-relief organization. We learn about the group’s trick of teaming veterans and first responders and its mission to focus on the underserved. With his background of serving in the U.S. Navy, working as an emergency medical technician, teaching EMTs, and volunteering with FEMA, Mrzlak is skilled and eager to help. A volunteer with Team Rubicon since 2010, he’s worked in places like Haiti, where he trained local civilians as EMTs. He has worked full-time for Team Rubicon since December 2017. “There’s not much we can’t do,” Mrzlak says. Team Rubicon volunteers are a special breed. “A tribe,” Mrzlak laughs. In one of their first deployments, in Haiti, the Team Rubicon founders realized that pairing veterans and first responders made for especially effective teams. “These types of people want to help, and they have unique skills.” Plus, these particular volunteers crave a sense of purpose and community. Light and nimble, Team Rubicon bridges the gap between disaster and the arrival of established aid organizations, like FEMA. Mrzlak describes current work in the Houston area post-Harvey. 400-450 volunteers are still in the first phase of recovery: clearing debris, sawing down trees and hauling stuff away. They are mucking out homes, removing drywall and salvaging what’s possible – often for residents who do not have a lot to begin with. In these desperate situations, Mrzlak says, Team Rubicon volunteers form meaningful bonds with each other and with the people they help. Team Rubicon has 60,000 volunteers in the U.S. Mrzlak says 13,000 people have volunteered since Hurricane Harvey alone. In this year’s busy disaster season, teams are deployed in Texas, Puerto Rico, Florida, the Caribbean and in the Mexico City area. Mrzlak describes organization’s data-gathering and logistics. The group depends heavily on volunteers in affected regions, like local EMTs, firefighters and police. They also leverage help from corporate partners, like Home Depot, who can ship equipment and supplies to local stores. “We often set up operations in Home Depot parking lots,” Mrzlak explains. Other partners include Tyson Foods, Walmart, the National Fish and Wildlife Service, and Palantir – which provides software for mapping and tracking work orders and assets. Links from the episode: https://teamrubiconusa.org/response/capabilities-services/ https://teamrubiconusa.org/operation/operation-hard-hustle/#overview https://www.palantir.com/

]]> Thu, 5 Oct 2017 15:00:48 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Nick Mrzlak from Team Rubicon joins Dan Zehner to talk about this unusual disaster-relief organization. We learn about the group’s trick of teaming veterans and first responders and its mission to focus on the underserved. With his background of serving in the U.S. Navy, working as an emergency medical technician, teaching EMTs, and volunteering with FEMA, Mrzlak is skilled and eager to help. A volunteer with Team Rubicon since 2010, he’s worked in places like Haiti, where he trained local civilians as EMTs. He has worked full-time for Team Rubicon since December 2017. “There’s not much we can’t do,” Mrzlak says. Team Rubicon volunteers are a special breed. “A tribe,” Mrzlak laughs. In one of their first deployments, in Haiti, the Team Rubicon founders realized that pairing veterans and first responders made for especially effective teams. “These types of people want to help, and they have unique skills.” Plus, these particular volunteers crave a sense of purpose and community. Light and nimble, Team Rubicon bridges the gap between disaster and the arrival of established aid organizations, like FEMA. Mrzlak describes current work in the Houston area post-Harvey. 400-450 volunteers are still in the first phase of recovery: clearing debris, sawing down trees and hauling stuff away. They are mucking out homes, removing drywall and salvaging what’s possible – often for residents who do not have a lot to begin with. In these desperate situations, Mrzlak says, Team Rubicon volunteers form meaningful bonds with each other and with the people they help. Team Rubicon has 60,000 volunteers in the U.S. Mrzlak says 13,000 people have volunteered since Hurricane Harvey alone. In this year’s busy disaster season, teams are deployed in Texas, Puerto Rico, Florida, the Caribbean and in the Mexico City area. Mrzlak describes organization’s data-gathering and logistics. The group depends heavily on volunteers in affected regions, like local EMTs, firefighters and police. They also leverage help from corporate partners, like Home Depot, who can ship equipment and supplies to local stores. “We often set up operations in Home Depot parking lots,” Mrzlak explains. Other partners include Tyson Foods, Walmart, the National Fish and Wildlife Service, and Palantir – which provides software for mapping and tracking work orders and assets. Links from the episode: https://teamrubiconusa.org/response/capabilities-services/ https://teamrubiconusa.org/operation/operation-hard-hustle/#overview https://www.palantir.com/

]]> Episode 10 Just To Help Somebody For The Most Pure Reasons Possible DesignSafe Radio 00:43:25 Nick Mrzlak from Team Rubicon joins Dan Zehner to talk about this unusual disaster-relief organization. We learn about the group’s trick of teaming veterans and first responders and its mission to focus on the underserved. With his background of serving in the U.S. Navy, working as an emergency medical technician, teaching EMTs, and volunteering with FEMA, Mrzlak is skilled and eager to help. A volunteer with Team Rubicon since 2010, he’s worked in places like Haiti, where he trained local civilians as EMTs. He has worked full-time for Team Rubicon since December 2017. “There’s not much we can’t do,” Mrzlak says. Team Rubicon volunteers are a special breed. “A tribe,” Mrzlak laughs. In one of their first deployments, in Haiti, the Team Rubicon founders realized that pairing veterans and first responders made for especially effective teams. “These types of people want to help, and they have unique skills.” Plus, these particular volunteers crave a sense of purpose and community. Light and nimble, Team Rubicon bridges the gap between disaster and the arrival of established aid organizations, like FEMA. Mrzlak describes current work in the Houston area post-Harvey. 400-450 volunteers are still in the first phase of recovery: clearing debris, sawing down trees and hauling stuff away. They are mucking out homes, removing drywall and salvaging what’s possible – often for residents who do not have a lot to begin with. In these desperate situations, Mrzlak says, Team Rubicon volunteers form meaningful bonds with each other and with the people they help. Team Rubicon has 60,000 volunteers in the U.S. Mrzlak says 13,000 people have volunteered since Hurricane Harvey alone. In this year’s busy disaster season, teams are deployed in Texas, Puerto Rico, Florida, the Caribbean and in the Mexico City area. Mrzlak describes organization’s data-gathering and logistics. The group depends heavily on volunteers in affected regions, like local EMTs, firefighters and police. They also leverage help from corporate partners, like Home Depot, who can ship equipment and supplies to local stores. “We often set up operations in Home Depot parking lots,” Mrzlak explains. Other partners include Tyson Foods, Walmart, the National Fish and Wildlife Service, and Palantir – which provides software for mapping and tracking work orders and assets. Links from the episode: https://teamrubiconusa.org/response/capabilities-services/ https://teamrubiconusa.org/operation/operation-hard-hustle/#overview https://www.palantir.com/ Nick Mrzlak from Team Rubicon joins Dan Zehner to talk about this unusual disaster-relief organization. We learn about the group’s trick of teaming veterans and first responders and its mission to focus on the underserved. With his background of serving in the U.S. Navy, working as an emergency medical technician, teaching EMTs, and volunteering with FEMA, Mrzlak is skilled and eager to help. A volunteer with Team Rubicon since 2010, he’s worked in places like Haiti, where he trained local civilians as EMTs. He has worked full-time for Team Rubicon since December 2017. “There’s not much we can’t do,” Mrzlak says. Team Rubicon volunteers are a special breed. “A tribe,” Mrzlak laughs. In one of their first deployments, in Haiti, the Team Rubicon founders realized that pairing veterans and first responders made for especially effective teams. “These types of people want to help, and they have unique skills.” Plus, these particular volunteers crave a sense of purpose and community. Light and nimble, Team Rubicon bridges the gap between disaster and the arrival of established aid organizations, like FEMA. Mrzlak describes current work in the Houston area post-Harvey. 400-450 volunteers are still in the first phase of recovery: clearing debris, sawing down trees and hauling stuff away. They are mucking out homes, removing drywall and salvaging what’s possible – often for residents who do not have a lot to begin with. In these desperate situations, Mrzlak says, Team Rubicon volunteers form meaningful bonds with each other and with the people they help. Team Rubicon has 60,000 volunteers in the U.S. Mrzlak says 13,000 people have volunteered since Hurricane Harvey alone. In this year’s busy disaster season, teams are deployed in Texas, Puerto Rico, Florida, the Caribbean and in the Mexico City area. Mrzlak describes organization’s data-gathering and logistics. The group depends heavily on volunteers in affected regions, like local EMTs, firefighters and police. They also leverage help from corporate partners, like Home Depot, who can ship equipment and supplies to local stores. “We often set up operations in Home Depot parking lots,” Mrzlak explains. Other partners include Tyson Foods, Walmart, the National Fish and Wildlife Service, and Palantir – which provides software for mapping and tracking work orders and assets. Links from the episode: https://teamrubiconusa.org/response/capabilities-services/ https://teamrubiconusa.org/operation/operation-hard-hustle/#overview https://www.palantir.com/ false full 14 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/344578846 Episode 9 Twister In Real Life Host Dan Zehner talks with Dr. Jamey Jacob of Oklahoma State University about his research on how tornadoes form using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)to gather data by flying through thunderstorms. This research has been going on since the 1960s, but most of us heard about it during the 1990s with the movie Twister. The real 'Toto' that inspired the movie is actually at the National Weather Service about 60 miles from Dr. Jacob's lab! To find out more about his research, follow him here: https://ceat.okstate.edu/weather-research-uavs-take-flight-osu

]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2017 14:36:07 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Host Dan Zehner talks with Dr. Jamey Jacob of Oklahoma State University about his research on how tornadoes form using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)to gather data by flying through thunderstorms. This research has been going on since the 1960s, but most of us heard about it during the 1990s with the movie Twister. The real 'Toto' that inspired the movie is actually at the National Weather Service about 60 miles from Dr. Jacob's lab! To find out more about his research, follow him here: https://ceat.okstate.edu/weather-research-uavs-take-flight-osu

]]> Episode 9 Twister In Real Life DesignSafe Radio 00:32:04 Host Dan Zehner talks with Dr. Jamey Jacob of Oklahoma State University about his research on how tornadoes form using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)to gather data by flying through thunderstorms. This research has been going on since the 1960s, but most of us heard about it during the 1990s with the movie Twister. The real 'Toto' that inspired the movie is actually at the National Weather Service about 60 miles from Dr. Jacob's lab! To find out more about his research, follow him here: https://ceat.okstate.edu/weather-research-uavs-take-flight-osu Host Dan Zehner talks with Dr. Jamey Jacob of Oklahoma State University about his research on how tornadoes form using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)to gather data by flying through thunderstorms. This research has been going on since the 1960s, but most of us heard about it during the 1990s with the movie Twister. The real 'Toto' that inspired the movie is actually at the National Weather Service about 60 miles from Dr. Jacob's lab! To find out more about his research, follow him here: https://ceat.okstate.edu/weather-research-uavs-take-flight-osu false full 13 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/343277705 Episode 8 - We Want To Prevent Natural Hazards From Turning Into Disasters Host Dan Zehner talks with scientists whose jobs are forecasting and planning for stormsurge and flooding. Coastal engineer Cheryl Ann Blain works in the oceanography division in the Office of Naval Research. David Johnson is a professor of engineering and political science at Purdue University. At the Naval Research Lab in Mississippi, Blain develops storm surge models and forecasts with the ADCIRC tool. She discusses the history and importance of ADCIRC, one of the first hurricane modeling tools developed. It is used around the nation for regional forecasting and predicting local storm surge. ADCIRC makes relatively accurate predictions, usually within three days of the event. Blain discusses data that is used to build a forecast, including wind and topography data. She explains the trend for using ensembles of data, different groupings of info, which produce the “spaghetti plots” we see in hurricane forecasts. David Johnson agrees with Blain that some things, such as storm direction, are hard to predict because we don’t fully understand how hurricanes form. As a result, we still make guesses about what sorts of data should go into our models. One of projects Johnson works on is Louisiana’s coastal master plan project. Louisiana seeks to reduce flood risk and land loss, so policy-makers and scientists are trying to determine how factors like changing climate, population and ground subsidence will affect the region. To plan, they develop multiple scenarios and estimate risk, depending on various strategies, such as building levies or wetlands. Planners weigh priorities, which are often in conflict. For example, building a levee takes years; so should the state first dedicate itself to elevating houses? Such planning is not limited to the Gulf Coast. New Jersey and New York, after Superstorm Sandy, are making similar plans. Johnson and Blain discuss how national infrastructure is affected by storm surge affects, including NASA, which has many coastal installations. They discuss how levees prevent river flooding but then prevent natural distribution of river sediments – a natural process that creates protective coastal wetlands. In Louisiana, planners must manage river flooding as well as stormstorm flooding. Johnson and Blain discuss why it is not possible for the US to replicate the success of the Netherlands, when it comes to preventing flooding and sea inundation.

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2017 12:51:04 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Host Dan Zehner talks with scientists whose jobs are forecasting and planning for stormsurge and flooding. Coastal engineer Cheryl Ann Blain works in the oceanography division in the Office of Naval Research. David Johnson is a professor of engineering and political science at Purdue University. At the Naval Research Lab in Mississippi, Blain develops storm surge models and forecasts with the ADCIRC tool. She discusses the history and importance of ADCIRC, one of the first hurricane modeling tools developed. It is used around the nation for regional forecasting and predicting local storm surge. ADCIRC makes relatively accurate predictions, usually within three days of the event. Blain discusses data that is used to build a forecast, including wind and topography data. She explains the trend for using ensembles of data, different groupings of info, which produce the “spaghetti plots” we see in hurricane forecasts. David Johnson agrees with Blain that some things, such as storm direction, are hard to predict because we don’t fully understand how hurricanes form. As a result, we still make guesses about what sorts of data should go into our models. One of projects Johnson works on is Louisiana’s coastal master plan project. Louisiana seeks to reduce flood risk and land loss, so policy-makers and scientists are trying to determine how factors like changing climate, population and ground subsidence will affect the region. To plan, they develop multiple scenarios and estimate risk, depending on various strategies, such as building levies or wetlands. Planners weigh priorities, which are often in conflict. For example, building a levee takes years; so should the state first dedicate itself to elevating houses? Such planning is not limited to the Gulf Coast. New Jersey and New York, after Superstorm Sandy, are making similar plans. Johnson and Blain discuss how national infrastructure is affected by storm surge affects, including NASA, which has many coastal installations. They discuss how levees prevent river flooding but then prevent natural distribution of river sediments – a natural process that creates protective coastal wetlands. In Louisiana, planners must manage river flooding as well as stormstorm flooding. Johnson and Blain discuss why it is not possible for the US to replicate the success of the Netherlands, when it comes to preventing flooding and sea inundation.

]]> Episode 8 - We Want To Prevent Natural Hazards From Turning Into Disasters DesignSafe Radio 00:49:26 Host Dan Zehner talks with scientists whose jobs are forecasting and planning for stormsurge and flooding. Coastal engineer Cheryl Ann Blain works in the oceanography division in the Office of Naval Research. David Johnson is a professor of engineering and political science at Purdue University. At the Naval Research Lab in Mississippi, Blain develops storm surge models and forecasts with the ADCIRC tool. She discusses the history and importance of ADCIRC, one of the first hurricane modeling tools developed. It is used around the nation for regional forecasting and predicting local storm surge. ADCIRC makes relatively accurate predictions, usually within three days of the event. Blain discusses data that is used to build a forecast, including wind and topography data. She explains the trend for using ensembles of data, different groupings of info, which produce the “spaghetti plots” we see in hurricane forecasts. David Johnson agrees with Blain that some things, such as storm direction, are hard to predict because we don’t fully understand how hurricanes form. As a result, we still make guesses about what sorts of data should go into our models. One of projects Johnson works on is Louisiana’s coastal master plan project. Louisiana seeks to reduce flood risk and land loss, so policy-makers and scientists are trying to determine how factors like changing climate, population and ground subsidence will affect the region. To plan, they develop multiple scenarios and estimate risk, depending on various strategies, such as building levies or wetlands. Planners weigh priorities, which are often in conflict. For example, building a levee takes years; so should the state first dedicate itself to elevating houses? Such planning is not limited to the Gulf Coast. New Jersey and New York, after Superstorm Sandy, are making similar plans. Johnson and Blain discuss how national infrastructure is affected by storm surge affects, including NASA, which has many coastal installations. They discuss how levees prevent river flooding but then prevent natural distribution of river sediments – a natural process that creates protective coastal wetlands. In Louisiana, planners must manage river flooding as well as stormstorm flooding. Johnson and Blain discuss why it is not possible for the US to replicate the success of the Netherlands, when it comes to preventing flooding and sea inundation. Host Dan Zehner talks with scientists whose jobs are forecasting and planning for stormsurge and flooding. Coastal engineer Cheryl Ann Blain works in the oceanography division in the Office of Naval Research. David Johnson is a professor of engineering and political science at Purdue University. At the Naval Research Lab in Mississippi, Blain develops storm surge models and forecasts with the ADCIRC tool. She discusses the history and importance of ADCIRC, one of the first hurricane modeling tools developed. It is used around the nation for regional forecasting and predicting local storm surge. ADCIRC makes relatively accurate predictions, usually within three days of the event. Blain discusses data that is used to build a forecast, including wind and topography data. She explains the trend for using ensembles of data, different groupings of info, which produce the “spaghetti plots” we see in hurricane forecasts. David Johnson agrees with Blain that some things, such as storm direction, are hard to predict because we don’t fully understand how hurricanes form. As a result, we still make guesses about what sorts of data should go into our models. One of projects Johnson works on is Louisiana’s coastal master plan project. Louisiana seeks to reduce flood risk and land loss, so policy-makers and scientists are trying to determine how factors like changing climate, population and ground subsidence will affect the region. To plan, they develop multiple scenarios and estimate risk, depending on various strategies, such as building levies or wetlands. Planners weigh priorities, which are often in conflict. For example, building a levee takes years; so should the state first dedicate itself to elevating houses? Such planning is not limited to the Gulf Coast. New Jersey and New York, after Superstorm Sandy, are making similar plans. Johnson and Blain discuss how national infrastructure is affected by storm surge affects, including NASA, which has many coastal installations. They discuss how levees prevent river flooding but then prevent natural distribution of river sediments – a natural process that creates protective coastal wetlands. In Louisiana, planners must manage river flooding as well as stormstorm flooding. Johnson and Blain discuss why it is not possible for the US to replicate the success of the Netherlands, when it comes to preventing flooding and sea inundation. false full 12 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/342506700 Episode 7 The Beast Quake DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Dr. John Vidale, renowned geophysicist and seismologist. Until recently, Vidale directed the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. Now he directs the Southern California Earthquake Center at USCCS. He discusses highlights of his research career. As a college physics student, he became enamored with geology – taking 11 geology courses in his senior year — and went on to study geophysics. He discusses the PNSN study called IMUSH, Imaging Magma Under St. Helens. His team uses various excitation sources to image and map the three-dimensional structure of underground features, including the large magma chamber, under Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Rainer. It is the most comprehensive study of the geology under a chain of volcanos, involving numerous institutions and agencies. Also at the University of Washington, Vidale worked on the M9 Project (https://hazards.uw.edu/geology/m9/), a large, NSF-funded study exploring the potential impact of a large earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. (M9 stands for a “magnitude 9” earthquake.) Part of that PNSN study included measuring the vibrations made by Seattle Seahawks fans at CenturyLink Field (https://www.livescience.com/57441-seattle-seahawks-stadium-seismology.html)– which were especially strong after a play by Marshawn Lynch, the infamous Beast Quake (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfdJqpbUPIE&t=8s). Vidale discusses streaming data real time and educating the public about earthquake warning systems. In his new job as director of the Southern California Earthquake Center, one project he’ll undertake is developing a physical model, a hazard map, of the Southern California fault system. A large, multi-institutional undertaking, the idea is to understand the geophysical properties of the region in order to predict behaviors of the earth. Vidale says supercomputing simulations play a major role in this work. For young scientists, Vidale recommends studying chemistry and physics and learning computer tools, which are crucial for modern science experiments. In general, he warns against fake science and extreme claims. He recommends vetting information about earthquakes with reputable agencies such as the United States Geological Service and local emergency managers.

]]> Fri, 15 Sep 2017 16:27:01 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Dr. John Vidale, renowned geophysicist and seismologist. Until recently, Vidale directed the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. Now he directs the Southern California Earthquake Center at USCCS. He discusses highlights of his research career. As a college physics student, he became enamored with geology – taking 11 geology courses in his senior year — and went on to study geophysics. He discusses the PNSN study called IMUSH, Imaging Magma Under St. Helens. His team uses various excitation sources to image and map the three-dimensional structure of underground features, including the large magma chamber, under Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Rainer. It is the most comprehensive study of the geology under a chain of volcanos, involving numerous institutions and agencies. Also at the University of Washington, Vidale worked on the M9 Project (https://hazards.uw.edu/geology/m9/), a large, NSF-funded study exploring the potential impact of a large earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. (M9 stands for a “magnitude 9” earthquake.) Part of that PNSN study included measuring the vibrations made by Seattle Seahawks fans at CenturyLink Field (https://www.livescience.com/57441-seattle-seahawks-stadium-seismology.html)– which were especially strong after a play by Marshawn Lynch, the infamous Beast Quake (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfdJqpbUPIE&t=8s). Vidale discusses streaming data real time and educating the public about earthquake warning systems. In his new job as director of the Southern California Earthquake Center, one project he’ll undertake is developing a physical model, a hazard map, of the Southern California fault system. A large, multi-institutional undertaking, the idea is to understand the geophysical properties of the region in order to predict behaviors of the earth. Vidale says supercomputing simulations play a major role in this work. For young scientists, Vidale recommends studying chemistry and physics and learning computer tools, which are crucial for modern science experiments. In general, he warns against fake science and extreme claims. He recommends vetting information about earthquakes with reputable agencies such as the United States Geological Service and local emergency managers.

]]> Episode 7 The Beast Quake DesignSafe Radio 00:38:33 DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Dr. John Vidale, renowned geophysicist and seismologist. Until recently, Vidale directed the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. Now he directs the Southern California Earthquake Center at USCCS. He discusses highlights of his research career. As a college physics student, he became enamored with geology – taking 11 geology courses in his senior year — and went on to study geophysics. He discusses the PNSN study called IMUSH, Imaging Magma Under St. Helens. His team uses various excitation sources to image and map the three-dimensional structure of underground features, including the large magma chamber, under Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Rainer. It is the most comprehensive study of the geology under a chain of volcanos, involving numerous institutions and agencies. Also at the University of Washington, Vidale worked on the M9 Project (https://hazards.uw.edu/geology/m9/), a large, NSF-funded study exploring the potential impact of a large earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. (M9 stands for a “magnitude 9” earthquake.) Part of that PNSN study included measuring the vibrations made by Seattle Seahawks fans at CenturyLink Field (https://www.livescience.com/57441-seattle-seahawks-stadium-seismology.html)– which were especially strong after a play by Marshawn Lynch, the infamous Beast Quake (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfdJqpbUPIE&t=8s). Vidale discusses streaming data real time and educating the public about earthquake warning systems. In his new job as director of the Southern California Earthquake Center, one project he’ll undertake is developing a physical model, a hazard map, of the Southern California fault system. A large, multi-institutional undertaking, the idea is to understand the geophysical properties of the region in order to predict behaviors of the earth. Vidale says supercomputing simulations play a major role in this work. For young scientists, Vidale recommends studying chemistry and physics and learning computer tools, which are crucial for modern science experiments. In general, he warns against fake science and extreme claims. He recommends vetting information about earthquakes with reputable agencies such as the United States Geological Service and local emergency managers. DesignSafe Radio host Dan Zehner catches up with Dr. John Vidale, renowned geophysicist and seismologist. Until recently, Vidale directed the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. Now he directs the Southern California Earthquake Center at USCCS. He discusses highlights of his research career. As a college physics student, he became enamored with geology – taking 11 geology courses in his senior year — and went on to study geophysics. He discusses the PNSN study called IMUSH, Imaging Magma Under St. Helens. His team uses various excitation sources to image and map the three-dimensional structure of underground features, including the large magma chamber, under Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Rainer. It is the most comprehensive study of the geology under a chain of volcanos, involving numerous institutions and agencies. Also at the University of Washington, Vidale worked on the M9 Project (https://hazards.uw.edu/geology/m9/), a large, NSF-funded study exploring the potential impact of a large earthquake in the Pacific Northwest. (M9 stands for a “magnitude 9” earthquake.) Part of that PNSN study included measuring the vibrations made by Seattle Seahawks fans at CenturyLink Field (https://www.livescience.com/57441-seattle-seahawks-stadium-seismology.html)– which were especially strong after a play by Marshawn Lynch, the infamous Beast Quake (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfdJqpbUPIE&t=8s). Vidale discusses streaming data real time and educating the public about earthquake warning systems. In his new job as director of the Southern California Earthquake Center, one project he’ll undertake is developing a physical model, a hazard map, of the Southern California fault system. A large, multi-institutional undertaking, the idea is to understand the geophysical properties of the region in order to predict behaviors of the earth. Vidale says supercomputing simulations play a major role in this work. For young scientists, Vidale recommends studying chemistry and physics and learning computer tools, which are crucial for modern science experiments. In general, he warns against fake science and extreme claims. He recommends vetting information about earthquakes with reputable agencies such as the United States Geological Service and local emergency managers. false full 11 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/341484720 Episode 6 We Grew Up On An Island Surrounded By Water, So That Calls For Trouble For two engineering undergrads from Puerto Rico, working on the beach is a dream job. In this week’s edition of DesignSafe Radio, host Dan Zehner meets up with these two students, who took part in NHERI’s 2017 Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Civil engineering students Hector Colon Delacruz and Peter Rivera Casillas talk to host Dan Zehner about their summer working at Oregon State University’s Hinsdale Wave Lab, one of NHERI’s eight experimental sites. Both students attend the University of Puerto Rico. Hector Colon De la Cruz, a senior, plans to earn his master’s degree in coastal engineering. Doing hands-on research at OSU confirmed his desire to be a coastal engineer. He wants to explore using mangrove plantings to prevent coastal erosion. Similarly, Peter Rivera Casillas, a surfer, says his summer experience convinced him earn an advanced degree in a profession that involves the sea: coastal engineering or oceanography. In the Hinsdale Wave Lab, the students worked on several research projects, including a multi-university effort that examined how tsunami waves are affected by conical islands. Much of their work involved creating and validating computer models; they describe using Matlab and a new tool called Celeris (https://arxiv.org/abs/1611.05984) , an open-source program that can compute wave paths, and visualize them, at the same time. Peter, who had experience in coding, helped Hector learn Matlab over the course of the summer. As for their experiences in natural disasters, Peter describes surfing in 12-foot foot hurricane swells – and getting dragged out to sea by the current. Fortunately, he was able to reach shoreline rocks and climb out. Hector describes his own sea-going scare when a sudden series of waves appeared and threatened to capsize his small boat. Waves can be scary -- but not as scary as tornados, they say!

]]> Fri, 8 Sep 2017 15:40:33 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org For two engineering undergrads from Puerto Rico, working on the beach is a dream job. In this week’s edition of DesignSafe Radio, host Dan Zehner meets up with these two students, who took part in NHERI’s 2017 Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Civil engineering students Hector Colon Delacruz and Peter Rivera Casillas talk to host Dan Zehner about their summer working at Oregon State University’s Hinsdale Wave Lab, one of NHERI’s eight experimental sites. Both students attend the University of Puerto Rico. Hector Colon De la Cruz, a senior, plans to earn his master’s degree in coastal engineering. Doing hands-on research at OSU confirmed his desire to be a coastal engineer. He wants to explore using mangrove plantings to prevent coastal erosion. Similarly, Peter Rivera Casillas, a surfer, says his summer experience convinced him earn an advanced degree in a profession that involves the sea: coastal engineering or oceanography. In the Hinsdale Wave Lab, the students worked on several research projects, including a multi-university effort that examined how tsunami waves are affected by conical islands. Much of their work involved creating and validating computer models; they describe using Matlab and a new tool called Celeris (https://arxiv.org/abs/1611.05984) , an open-source program that can compute wave paths, and visualize them, at the same time. Peter, who had experience in coding, helped Hector learn Matlab over the course of the summer. As for their experiences in natural disasters, Peter describes surfing in 12-foot foot hurricane swells – and getting dragged out to sea by the current. Fortunately, he was able to reach shoreline rocks and climb out. Hector describes his own sea-going scare when a sudden series of waves appeared and threatened to capsize his small boat. Waves can be scary -- but not as scary as tornados, they say!

]]> Episode 6 We Grew Up On An Island Surrounded By Water, So That Calls For Trouble DesignSafe Radio 00:28:17 For two engineering undergrads from Puerto Rico, working on the beach is a dream job. In this week’s edition of DesignSafe Radio, host Dan Zehner meets up with these two students, who took part in NHERI’s 2017 Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Civil engineering students Hector Colon Delacruz and Peter Rivera Casillas talk to host Dan Zehner about their summer working at Oregon State University’s Hinsdale Wave Lab, one of NHERI’s eight experimental sites. Both students attend the University of Puerto Rico. Hector Colon De la Cruz, a senior, plans to earn his master’s degree in coastal engineering. Doing hands-on research at OSU confirmed his desire to be a coastal engineer. He wants to explore using mangrove plantings to prevent coastal erosion. Similarly, Peter Rivera Casillas, a surfer, says his summer experience convinced him earn an advanced degree in a profession that involves the sea: coastal engineering or oceanography. In the Hinsdale Wave Lab, the students worked on several research projects, including a multi-university effort that examined how tsunami waves are affected by conical islands. Much of their work involved creating and validating computer models; they describe using Matlab and a new tool called Celeris (https://arxiv.org/abs/1611.05984) , an open-source program that can compute wave paths, and visualize them, at the same time. Peter, who had experience in coding, helped Hector learn Matlab over the course of the summer. As for their experiences in natural disasters, Peter describes surfing in 12-foot foot hurricane swells – and getting dragged out to sea by the current. Fortunately, he was able to reach shoreline rocks and climb out. Hector describes his own sea-going scare when a sudden series of waves appeared and threatened to capsize his small boat. Waves can be scary -- but not as scary as tornados, they say! For two engineering undergrads from Puerto Rico, working on the beach is a dream job. In this week’s edition of DesignSafe Radio, host Dan Zehner meets up with these two students, who took part in NHERI’s 2017 Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Civil engineering students Hector Colon Delacruz and Peter Rivera Casillas talk to host Dan Zehner about their summer working at Oregon State University’s Hinsdale Wave Lab, one of NHERI’s eight experimental sites. Both students attend the University of Puerto Rico. Hector Colon De la Cruz, a senior, plans to earn his master’s degree in coastal engineering. Doing hands-on research at OSU confirmed his desire to be a coastal engineer. He wants to explore using mangrove plantings to prevent coastal erosion. Similarly, Peter Rivera Casillas, a surfer, says his summer experience convinced him earn an advanced degree in a profession that involves the sea: coastal engineering or oceanography. In the Hinsdale Wave Lab, the students worked on several research projects, including a multi-university effort that examined how tsunami waves are affected by conical islands. Much of their work involved creating and validating computer models; they describe using Matlab and a new tool called Celeris (https://arxiv.org/abs/1611.05984) , an open-source program that can compute wave paths, and visualize them, at the same time. Peter, who had experience in coding, helped Hector learn Matlab over the course of the summer. As for their experiences in natural disasters, Peter describes surfing in 12-foot foot hurricane swells – and getting dragged out to sea by the current. Fortunately, he was able to reach shoreline rocks and climb out. Hector describes his own sea-going scare when a sudden series of waves appeared and threatened to capsize his small boat. Waves can be scary -- but not as scary as tornados, they say! false full 10 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/341065710 Harvey Special 3 - Dr Brian Phillips On Wind Speed Measurements In this special episode on NHERI's response to Hurricane Harvey, I talk with Dr. Brian Phillips from the University of Maryland who traveled with the NHERI team from the University of Florida (led by Dr. Forrest Masters and his colleagues) to deploy truck mounted sensor towers ahead of the storm. They were able to capture ground level wind speed measurements of the eye of the storm as it hit land in Rockport, Texas as a Category 4 hurricane. Their data and other reconnaissance data is available here: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/rapid/

]]> Thu, 7 Sep 2017 17:39:08 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In this special episode on NHERI's response to Hurricane Harvey, I talk with Dr. Brian Phillips from the University of Maryland who traveled with the NHERI team from the University of Florida (led by Dr. Forrest Masters and his colleagues) to deploy truck mounted sensor towers ahead of the storm. They were able to capture ground level wind speed measurements of the eye of the storm as it hit land in Rockport, Texas as a Category 4 hurricane. Their data and other reconnaissance data is available here: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/rapid/

]]> Harvey Special 3 - Dr Brian Phillips On Wind Speed Measurements DesignSafe Radio 00:22:05 In this special episode on NHERI's response to Hurricane Harvey, I talk with Dr. Brian Phillips from the University of Maryland who traveled with the NHERI team from the University of Florida (led by Dr. Forrest Masters and his colleagues) to deploy truck mounted sensor towers ahead of the storm. They were able to capture ground level wind speed measurements of the eye of the storm as it hit land in Rockport, Texas as a Category 4 hurricane. Their data and other reconnaissance data is available here: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/rapid/ In this special episode on NHERI's response to Hurricane Harvey, I talk with Dr. Brian Phillips from the University of Maryland who traveled with the NHERI team from the University of Florida (led by Dr. Forrest Masters and his colleagues) to deploy truck mounted sensor towers ahead of the storm. They were able to capture ground level wind speed measurements of the eye of the storm as it hit land in Rockport, Texas as a Category 4 hurricane. Their data and other reconnaissance data is available here: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/rapid/ false full 9 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/341009885 Irma Special - You Can't Hit A Pause Button On A Disaster Today on this special episode as Hurricane Irma comes closer, we talk with Tom Iovino, Public Information Director at Florida Department of Health in Manatee County about hurricane preparedness, where to find quality information, and the latest on Irma as the storm approaches. You can find his recommendations for information below: National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Irma Florida Emergency Management: http://www.floridadisaster.org/Preparedness/

]]> Tue, 5 Sep 2017 15:10:39 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today on this special episode as Hurricane Irma comes closer, we talk with Tom Iovino, Public Information Director at Florida Department of Health in Manatee County about hurricane preparedness, where to find quality information, and the latest on Irma as the storm approaches. You can find his recommendations for information below: National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Irma Florida Emergency Management: http://www.floridadisaster.org/Preparedness/

]]> Irma Special - You Can't Hit A Pause Button On A Disaster DesignSafe Radio 00:27:07 Today on this special episode as Hurricane Irma comes closer, we talk with Tom Iovino, Public Information Director at Florida Department of Health in Manatee County about hurricane preparedness, where to find quality information, and the latest on Irma as the storm approaches. You can find his recommendations for information below: National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Irma Florida Emergency Management: http://www.floridadisaster.org/Preparedness/ Today on this special episode as Hurricane Irma comes closer, we talk with Tom Iovino, Public Information Director at Florida Department of Health in Manatee County about hurricane preparedness, where to find quality information, and the latest on Irma as the storm approaches. You can find his recommendations for information below: National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Irma Florida Emergency Management: http://www.floridadisaster.org/Preparedness/ false full 8 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/340349542 Episode 5 There Used To Be Buildings Right There Profile of Elaina Sutley(https://ceae.ku.edu/elaina-j-sutley), structural engineer and assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of Kansas. In her research, she focuses on multiple aspects of designing hazard-proof wood structures, including seismic safety in low-income housing. Sutley relates her “origin story” about becoming a structural engineer — with a public policy bent. She relates the influence of the noted wood-frame researcher John van de Lindt, the principal investigator on the NEESwood (https://www.nsf.gov/news/newsmedia/neeswood/resources3.jsp) project, a watershed study that demonstrated the resilience of tall, wood-framed structures (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXl6-8UUrM). Studying under van de Lindt at the University of Alabama inspired Sutley to enter the field of hazard engineering. (van de Lindt now teaches at Colorado State University: http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~jwv) Sutley discusses current topics in wood-frame research: rocking wall panels, light frames, CLT (cross-laminated timber), and seismic retrofitting of “soft story” buildings. Although wood is a strong and sustainable construction material, she says architects and construction companies often do not understand the benefits of wood construction. Researchers in her field like to say the biggest challenges to wood-frame construction are “fire, water, and ignorance.” As an early career faculty member, Sutley is eager to get involved in the NHERI community. She attended NHERI’s inaugural Summer Institute program (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2017/nheri-summer-institute) in San Antonio this summer. She also is a member of the NHERI User Forum (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/governance/user-forum), which helps ensure engineering researchers are able to find the resources they need from NHERI’s experimental facilities. Sutley also is active in the ASCE community and is chair of wood structures division. Lastly, Sutley relates a dramatic story of getting caught in tornado. Be sure to tune in!

]]> Fri, 1 Sep 2017 19:09:13 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Profile of Elaina Sutley(https://ceae.ku.edu/elaina-j-sutley), structural engineer and assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of Kansas. In her research, she focuses on multiple aspects of designing hazard-proof wood structures, including seismic safety in low-income housing. Sutley relates her “origin story” about becoming a structural engineer — with a public policy bent. She relates the influence of the noted wood-frame researcher John van de Lindt, the principal investigator on the NEESwood (https://www.nsf.gov/news/newsmedia/neeswood/resources3.jsp) project, a watershed study that demonstrated the resilience of tall, wood-framed structures (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXl6-8UUrM). Studying under van de Lindt at the University of Alabama inspired Sutley to enter the field of hazard engineering. (van de Lindt now teaches at Colorado State University: http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~jwv) Sutley discusses current topics in wood-frame research: rocking wall panels, light frames, CLT (cross-laminated timber), and seismic retrofitting of “soft story” buildings. Although wood is a strong and sustainable construction material, she says architects and construction companies often do not understand the benefits of wood construction. Researchers in her field like to say the biggest challenges to wood-frame construction are “fire, water, and ignorance.” As an early career faculty member, Sutley is eager to get involved in the NHERI community. She attended NHERI’s inaugural Summer Institute program (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2017/nheri-summer-institute) in San Antonio this summer. She also is a member of the NHERI User Forum (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/governance/user-forum), which helps ensure engineering researchers are able to find the resources they need from NHERI’s experimental facilities. Sutley also is active in the ASCE community and is chair of wood structures division. Lastly, Sutley relates a dramatic story of getting caught in tornado. Be sure to tune in!

]]> Episode 5 There Used To Be Buildings Right There DesignSafe Radio 01:02:40 Profile of Elaina Sutley(https://ceae.ku.edu/elaina-j-sutley), structural engineer and assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of Kansas. In her research, she focuses on multiple aspects of designing hazard-proof wood structures, including seismic safety in low-income housing. Sutley relates her “origin story” about becoming a structural engineer — with a public policy bent. She relates the influence of the noted wood-frame researcher John van de Lindt, the principal investigator on the NEESwood (https://www.nsf.gov/news/newsmedia/neeswood/resources3.jsp) project, a watershed study that demonstrated the resilience of tall, wood-framed structures (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXl6-8UUrM). Studying under van de Lindt at the University of Alabama inspired Sutley to enter the field of hazard engineering. (van de Lindt now teaches at Colorado State University: http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~jwv) Sutley discusses current topics in wood-frame research: rocking wall panels, light frames, CLT (cross-laminated timber), and seismic retrofitting of “soft story” buildings. Although wood is a strong and sustainable construction material, she says architects and construction companies often do not understand the benefits of wood construction. Researchers in her field like to say the biggest challenges to wood-frame construction are “fire, water, and ignorance.” As an early career faculty member, Sutley is eager to get involved in the NHERI community. She attended NHERI’s inaugural Summer Institute program (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2017/nheri-summer-institute) in San Antonio this summer. She also is a member of the NHERI User Forum (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/governance/user-forum), which helps ensure engineering researchers are able to find the resources they need from NHERI’s experimental facilities. Sutley also is active in the ASCE community and is chair of wood structures division. Lastly, Sutley relates a dramatic story of getting caught in tornado. Be sure to tune in! Profile of Elaina Sutley(https://ceae.ku.edu/elaina-j-sutley), structural engineer and assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of Kansas. In her research, she focuses on multiple aspects of designing hazard-proof wood structures, including seismic safety in low-income housing. Sutley relates her “origin story” about becoming a structural engineer — with a public policy bent. She relates the influence of the noted wood-frame researcher John van de Lindt, the principal investigator on the NEESwood (https://www.nsf.gov/news/newsmedia/neeswood/resources3.jsp) project, a watershed study that demonstrated the resilience of tall, wood-framed structures (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoXl6-8UUrM). Studying under van de Lindt at the University of Alabama inspired Sutley to enter the field of hazard engineering. (van de Lindt now teaches at Colorado State University: http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~jwv) Sutley discusses current topics in wood-frame research: rocking wall panels, light frames, CLT (cross-laminated timber), and seismic retrofitting of “soft story” buildings. Although wood is a strong and sustainable construction material, she says architects and construction companies often do not understand the benefits of wood construction. Researchers in her field like to say the biggest challenges to wood-frame construction are “fire, water, and ignorance.” As an early career faculty member, Sutley is eager to get involved in the NHERI community. She attended NHERI’s inaugural Summer Institute program (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/community/news/2017/nheri-summer-institute) in San Antonio this summer. She also is a member of the NHERI User Forum (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/facilities/nco/governance/user-forum), which helps ensure engineering researchers are able to find the resources they need from NHERI’s experimental facilities. Sutley also is active in the ASCE community and is chair of wood structures division. Lastly, Sutley relates a dramatic story of getting caught in tornado. Be sure to tune in! false full 7 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/339491468 Harvey Special Part 2 - Dr Clint Dawson On Storm Surge Forecasting On this special episode covering Hurricane Harvey and the NHERI network's commitment to science during this extreme event, host Dan Zehner talks with Dr. Clint Dawson of the University of Texas at Austin about his team's work in storm surge forecast modelling over his career. They have developed one of only two high fidelity models of coastal storm surge that experts use for forecasting and local officials rely upon for their disaster response. You can find out more about Dr. Dawson's work and the most up to date storm surge forecast for Hurricane Harvey here: http://chg.ices.utexas.edu/

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2017 19:15:20 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On this special episode covering Hurricane Harvey and the NHERI network's commitment to science during this extreme event, host Dan Zehner talks with Dr. Clint Dawson of the University of Texas at Austin about his team's work in storm surge forecast modelling over his career. They have developed one of only two high fidelity models of coastal storm surge that experts use for forecasting and local officials rely upon for their disaster response. You can find out more about Dr. Dawson's work and the most up to date storm surge forecast for Hurricane Harvey here: http://chg.ices.utexas.edu/

]]> Harvey Special Part 2 - Dr Clint Dawson On Storm Surge Forecasting DesignSafe Radio 00:24:45 On this special episode covering Hurricane Harvey and the NHERI network's commitment to science during this extreme event, host Dan Zehner talks with Dr. Clint Dawson of the University of Texas at Austin about his team's work in storm surge forecast modelling over his career. They have developed one of only two high fidelity models of coastal storm surge that experts use for forecasting and local officials rely upon for their disaster response. You can find out more about Dr. Dawson's work and the most up to date storm surge forecast for Hurricane Harvey here: http://chg.ices.utexas.edu/ On this special episode covering Hurricane Harvey and the NHERI network's commitment to science during this extreme event, host Dan Zehner talks with Dr. Clint Dawson of the University of Texas at Austin about his team's work in storm surge forecast modelling over his career. They have developed one of only two high fidelity models of coastal storm surge that experts use for forecasting and local officials rely upon for their disaster response. You can find out more about Dr. Dawson's work and the most up to date storm surge forecast for Hurricane Harvey here: http://chg.ices.utexas.edu/ false full 6 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/339331053 Episode 4 Data And Trained People In this episode, host Dan Zehner talks with UC San Diego’s Darren McKay, development engineer and operations manager for LHPOST, the world’s largest outdoor shake table. The shake table, part of the UCSD Jacobs School of Civil Engineering, is one of NHERI’s 8 experimental facilities. At McKay’s site, researchers “build big.” They construct full-scale and near-full scale structures, often multiple-story buildings, to test designs for seismic reliability. McKay introduces three engineering students who did summer research at the facility as part of NHERI’s research experiences for undergraduates program. The REU students relate their experiences doing hands-on things like setting up instrumentation, applying sensors and analyzing data -- and using construction power tools for the first time. A little scary! And find out what NOT to wear when spending the summer climbing in and around a large-scale test structure. Also, learn why safety is a top priority at the facility, when McKay tells anecdotes about engineers don’t follow safety protocols. Feeling goulish, host Dan Zehner asks everyone to tell their favorite natural disaster story – including the one about a plane-ride through a typhoon. Lastly, find out about the engineering research capabilities of the LHPOST shake table, where multi-university research projects are the order of the day – even if the schools are football rivals like Oregon State and the University of Washington.

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2017 19:06:11 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org In this episode, host Dan Zehner talks with UC San Diego’s Darren McKay, development engineer and operations manager for LHPOST, the world’s largest outdoor shake table. The shake table, part of the UCSD Jacobs School of Civil Engineering, is one of NHERI’s 8 experimental facilities. At McKay’s site, researchers “build big.” They construct full-scale and near-full scale structures, often multiple-story buildings, to test designs for seismic reliability. McKay introduces three engineering students who did summer research at the facility as part of NHERI’s research experiences for undergraduates program. The REU students relate their experiences doing hands-on things like setting up instrumentation, applying sensors and analyzing data -- and using construction power tools for the first time. A little scary! And find out what NOT to wear when spending the summer climbing in and around a large-scale test structure. Also, learn why safety is a top priority at the facility, when McKay tells anecdotes about engineers don’t follow safety protocols. Feeling goulish, host Dan Zehner asks everyone to tell their favorite natural disaster story – including the one about a plane-ride through a typhoon. Lastly, find out about the engineering research capabilities of the LHPOST shake table, where multi-university research projects are the order of the day – even if the schools are football rivals like Oregon State and the University of Washington.

]]> Episode 4 Data And Trained People DesignSafe Radio 00:38:17 In this episode, host Dan Zehner talks with UC San Diego’s Darren McKay, development engineer and operations manager for LHPOST, the world’s largest outdoor shake table. The shake table, part of the UCSD Jacobs School of Civil Engineering, is one of NHERI’s 8 experimental facilities. At McKay’s site, researchers “build big.” They construct full-scale and near-full scale structures, often multiple-story buildings, to test designs for seismic reliability. McKay introduces three engineering students who did summer research at the facility as part of NHERI’s research experiences for undergraduates program. The REU students relate their experiences doing hands-on things like setting up instrumentation, applying sensors and analyzing data -- and using construction power tools for the first time. A little scary! And find out what NOT to wear when spending the summer climbing in and around a large-scale test structure. Also, learn why safety is a top priority at the facility, when McKay tells anecdotes about engineers don’t follow safety protocols. Feeling goulish, host Dan Zehner asks everyone to tell their favorite natural disaster story – including the one about a plane-ride through a typhoon. Lastly, find out about the engineering research capabilities of the LHPOST shake table, where multi-university research projects are the order of the day – even if the schools are football rivals like Oregon State and the University of Washington. In this episode, host Dan Zehner talks with UC San Diego’s Darren McKay, development engineer and operations manager for LHPOST, the world’s largest outdoor shake table. The shake table, part of the UCSD Jacobs School of Civil Engineering, is one of NHERI’s 8 experimental facilities. At McKay’s site, researchers “build big.” They construct full-scale and near-full scale structures, often multiple-story buildings, to test designs for seismic reliability. McKay introduces three engineering students who did summer research at the facility as part of NHERI’s research experiences for undergraduates program. The REU students relate their experiences doing hands-on things like setting up instrumentation, applying sensors and analyzing data -- and using construction power tools for the first time. A little scary! And find out what NOT to wear when spending the summer climbing in and around a large-scale test structure. Also, learn why safety is a top priority at the facility, when McKay tells anecdotes about engineers don’t follow safety protocols. Feeling goulish, host Dan Zehner asks everyone to tell their favorite natural disaster story – including the one about a plane-ride through a typhoon. Lastly, find out about the engineering research capabilities of the LHPOST shake table, where multi-university research projects are the order of the day – even if the schools are football rivals like Oregon State and the University of Washington. false full 5 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/339444704 Special Episode - Hurricane Harvey Approaches And NHERI Is Ready Get ready for Hurricane Harvey! If you aren't prepared already, get that way and get safe. Here are some last minute preparations you can do, good sources of information, and how you can help those who are in the path. Hurricane kit: Medication Cash Battery powered radio First aid supplies Bottled water Flashlight Cell phone car charger Credible info sources: National Weather Service: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Harvey NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov/ Weather Channel: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane How you can help: Donate to the American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/ Reach out to friends and neighbors!

]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2017 13:11:20 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Get ready for Hurricane Harvey! If you aren't prepared already, get that way and get safe. Here are some last minute preparations you can do, good sources of information, and how you can help those who are in the path. Hurricane kit: Medication Cash Battery powered radio First aid supplies Bottled water Flashlight Cell phone car charger Credible info sources: National Weather Service: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Harvey NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov/ Weather Channel: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane How you can help: Donate to the American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/ Reach out to friends and neighbors!

]]> Special Episode - Hurricane Harvey Approaches And NHERI Is Ready DesignSafe Radio 00:08:30 Get ready for Hurricane Harvey! If you aren't prepared already, get that way and get safe. Here are some last minute preparations you can do, good sources of information, and how you can help those who are in the path. Hurricane kit: Medication Cash Battery powered radio First aid supplies Bottled water Flashlight Cell phone car charger Credible info sources: National Weather Service: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Harvey NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov/ Weather Channel: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane How you can help: Donate to the American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/ Reach out to friends and neighbors! Get ready for Hurricane Harvey! If you aren't prepared already, get that way and get safe. Here are some last minute preparations you can do, good sources of information, and how you can help those who are in the path. Hurricane kit: Medication Cash Battery powered radio First aid supplies Bottled water Flashlight Cell phone car charger Credible info sources: National Weather Service: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Harvey NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov/ Weather Channel: https://weather.com/storms/hurricane How you can help: Donate to the American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/ Reach out to friends and neighbors! false full 4 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/338276121 Episode 3 Science Works! Today I talked with Dr. Arindham Chowdhury and Dr. Maryam Refan from the Wall of Wind at Florida International University. Dr. Refan shared some great stories from her research career including how her storm chasing truck got hit with a piece of a wind turbine, creating a tornado in a laboratory setting, and how wind engineering research can focus on using wind to generate energy or prevent damage to structures. I talked to Dr. Chowdhury about how the Wall of Wind got started, the current research taking place, and some of the great innovations that have come out of there including AMPS (http://bit.ly/2vM9LY6). For more information on the Wall of Wind, here's an overview video from their YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2wds4bN

]]> Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:49:57 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Today I talked with Dr. Arindham Chowdhury and Dr. Maryam Refan from the Wall of Wind at Florida International University. Dr. Refan shared some great stories from her research career including how her storm chasing truck got hit with a piece of a wind turbine, creating a tornado in a laboratory setting, and how wind engineering research can focus on using wind to generate energy or prevent damage to structures. I talked to Dr. Chowdhury about how the Wall of Wind got started, the current research taking place, and some of the great innovations that have come out of there including AMPS (http://bit.ly/2vM9LY6). For more information on the Wall of Wind, here's an overview video from their YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2wds4bN

]]> Episode 3 Science Works! DesignSafe Radio 00:50:37 Today I talked with Dr. Arindham Chowdhury and Dr. Maryam Refan from the Wall of Wind at Florida International University. Dr. Refan shared some great stories from her research career including how her storm chasing truck got hit with a piece of a wind turbine, creating a tornado in a laboratory setting, and how wind engineering research can focus on using wind to generate energy or prevent damage to structures. I talked to Dr. Chowdhury about how the Wall of Wind got started, the current research taking place, and some of the great innovations that have come out of there including AMPS (http://bit.ly/2vM9LY6). For more information on the Wall of Wind, here's an overview video from their YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2wds4bN Today I talked with Dr. Arindham Chowdhury and Dr. Maryam Refan from the Wall of Wind at Florida International University. Dr. Refan shared some great stories from her research career including how her storm chasing truck got hit with a piece of a wind turbine, creating a tornado in a laboratory setting, and how wind engineering research can focus on using wind to generate energy or prevent damage to structures. I talked to Dr. Chowdhury about how the Wall of Wind got started, the current research taking place, and some of the great innovations that have come out of there including AMPS (http://bit.ly/2vM9LY6). For more information on the Wall of Wind, here's an overview video from their YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2wds4bN false full 3 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/338159973 Pedro Lomonaco Interview (full) Here's the full version of my interview with Dr. Pedro Lomonaco from Oregon State University's O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Lab! We went into a few more topics than we could fit into one episode on the full length version of this.

]]> Wed, 16 Aug 2017 18:38:20 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Here's the full version of my interview with Dr. Pedro Lomonaco from Oregon State University's O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Lab! We went into a few more topics than we could fit into one episode on the full length version of this.

]]> Pedro Lomonaco Interview (full) DesignSafe Radio 01:01:41 Here's the full version of my interview with Dr. Pedro Lomonaco from Oregon State University's O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Lab! We went into a few more topics than we could fit into one episode on the full length version of this. Here's the full version of my interview with Dr. Pedro Lomonaco from Oregon State University's O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Lab! We went into a few more topics than we could fit into one episode on the full length version of this. false full 2 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/337137934 Episode 2 A Tsunami Is Not A Tidal Wave On today's episode, I talked with Dr. Pedro Lomonaco from Oregon State University about coastal engineering and his work at the Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory. He has a wealth of experience in this area and loves to talk about it! In fact, we had more to talk about than could fit in an episode, so the full interview will be published separately.

]]> Fri, 11 Aug 2017 12:37:33 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org On today's episode, I talked with Dr. Pedro Lomonaco from Oregon State University about coastal engineering and his work at the Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory. He has a wealth of experience in this area and loves to talk about it! In fact, we had more to talk about than could fit in an episode, so the full interview will be published separately.

]]> Episode 2 A Tsunami Is Not A Tidal Wave DesignSafe Radio 00:34:33 On today's episode, I talked with Dr. Pedro Lomonaco from Oregon State University about coastal engineering and his work at the Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory. He has a wealth of experience in this area and loves to talk about it! In fact, we had more to talk about than could fit in an episode, so the full interview will be published separately. On today's episode, I talked with Dr. Pedro Lomonaco from Oregon State University about coastal engineering and his work at the Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory. He has a wealth of experience in this area and loves to talk about it! In fact, we had more to talk about than could fit in an episode, so the full interview will be published separately. false full 1 tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks/335692812 Episode 1 When Can I Get Back Into My House Dr. Julio Ramirez talks about how he got interested in Civil Engineering as a boy following his dad to job sites in Mexico, and has turned that into a career dedicated to designing resilient structures. We talk about the amazing facilities that make up the NHERI network and how the team is bringing together the earthquake, geotechnical, wind, and coastal engineering communities to do multi-hazard research. At the end of the interview he shares a great personal experience with a reconnaissance mission in Columbia.

]]> Mon, 31 Jul 2017 20:20:02 +0000 zehner2@purdue.edu (DesignSafe Radio) http://www.designsafe-ci.org Dr. Julio Ramirez talks about how he got interested in Civil Engineering as a boy following his dad to job sites in Mexico, and has turned that into a career dedicated to designing resilient structures. We talk about the amazing facilities that make up the NHERI network and how the team is bringing together the earthquake, geotechnical, wind, and coastal engineering communities to do multi-hazard research. At the end of the interview he shares a great personal experience with a reconnaissance mission in Columbia.

]]> Episode 1 When Can I Get Back Into My House DesignSafe Radio 00:31:54 Dr. Julio Ramirez talks about how he got interested in Civil Engineering as a boy following his dad to job sites in Mexico, and has turned that into a career dedicated to designing resilient structures. We talk about the amazing facilities that make up the NHERI network and how the team is bringing together the earthquake, geotechnical, wind, and coastal engineering communities to do multi-hazard research. At the end of the interview he shares a great personal experience with a reconnaissance mission in Columbia. Dr. Julio Ramirez talks about how he got interested in Civil Engineering as a boy following his dad to job sites in Mexico, and has turned that into a career dedicated to designing resilient structures. We talk about the amazing facilities that make up the NHERI network and how the team is bringing together the earthquake, geotechnical, wind, and coastal engineering communities to do multi-hazard research. At the end of the interview he shares a great personal experience with a reconnaissance mission in Columbia. false full 0