Welcome to the Steel Structures Research Lab
The Steel Structures Research Laboratory (SSRL) is a research group within the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Arkansas. Our group focuses on steel infrastructure challenges related to extreme or repeated loads (earthquake, blast, vehicle/rail traffic, etc.). Research areas and interests currently include: ultra low-cycle fatigue damage prediction; simulation of ductile fracture in additively manufactured steels; seismic design and performance of ductile braced frame systems; and steel infrastructure fatigue assessment methods.
The SSRL is directed by Dr. Gary S. Prinz who joined the University of Arkansas from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), where he was a postdoctoral researcher in the Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics Group of the Institute of Metallic Construction (ICOM). Dr. Prinz received his PhD from Brigham Young University and is a registered professional engineer in California and Arkansas.
Research Funding News
NEW: The US Army Corps of Engineers recently awarded Dr. Cameron Murray (PI) and Dr. Gary Prinz (Co-PI) $500,000 to develop deployable bridge technologies for military field applications
NEW: The National Cooperative Highway Research Program recently awarded Dr. Gary Prinz (PI), Dr. Matt Hebdon (Co-PI, UT Austin), and Dr. Thomas Murphy (Co-PI, Modjeski and Masters) $800,000 to investigate the design of stud shear connectors in composite steel bridges. (Project No: NCHRP 12-124)
NEW: The US Army Corps of Engineers recently awarded Dr. Cameron Murray (PI), Dr. Gary Prinz (Co-PI), Dr. Rick Coffman (Co-PI), and Dr. Micah Hale (Co-PI) $3,000,000 to research advanced concrete materials for military applications. Co-PI Prinz is specifically tasked with developing self-prestressing UHPC materials using SMA steel fibers.
Dr. Gary Prinz received a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award to investigate a new micromechanics-based approach to ductile fracture simulation in additively manufactured steels for improved seismic structural fuse design. (NSF Award Number: 1751699)
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) awarded Dr. Gary Prinz with the Milek Fellowship. The four year fellowship will support research into the seismic performance of skewed special moment frame RBS connections.
The SSRL was awarded a new two-year project by the Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center (MarTREC) to investigate multi-axial fatigue retrofits for large steel waterway lock-gate pintle locations.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Music (STEMusic): CVEG students show their creativity and knowledge of engineering principles through song! This is a semester project designed to promote creativity, understanding, and retention of engineering principles through alternative cognitive processes. Click below for more STEMusic hit songs!
A UofA and Root Elementary collaboration to teach STEM topics through musical performance! Special thanks to Root Elementary music director Adriane Hapgood. The performance included songs with original (informative) lyrics, such as:
Click the image below to see an excerpt from the live performance!
Student News and Upcoming Events
Recent Student Achievements:
11/30/20: Alhussin Aliwan successfully defended his PhD dissertation on seismic loading effects within orthogonally connected steel lateral force resisting systems. Congratulations Alhussin and good luck in your future career!
SSRL STEMusic Outreach:
Gary Prinz and honors student Mallory Maestri recently visited McNair Middle School to teach 5th grade students about Newton’s 1st law of motion (the law of inertia) through hands-on experiments and songwriting! Special thanks to Mrs. Adriane Hapgood, music director at McNair Middle School, for helping organize the workshops.
SSRL Members Attend SPTC Symposium
SSRL group members Logan Verkamp and Hossein Kashefizadeh attended the SPTC Summer Symposium in Oklahoma City to present their recent research on multi-axial fatigue of lock-gate pintles and statistical methods for evaluating fatigue data. Good work Logan and Hossein!
Swiss Travels
Dr Gary Prinz recently traveled to Lausanne, Switzerland, to give an invited seminar at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) for the Resilient Steel Structures Lab (RESSLab). Dr. Prinz covered ongoing research efforts related to micro-mechanical fracture mechanisms in 3-D printed steels and discussed the formation of an international student exchange with RESSLAB under the current NSF Funded CAREER grant.
Available Research Positions
The SSRL at the University of Arkansas is always searching for excellent MS and PhD students in the domain of earthquake engineering and fatigue. Motivation and excellent English writing and speaking skills are required. Experience in finite element analysis or computer programming is a plus. The SSRL offers a stimulating scientific environment and excellent working conditions. Interested applicants are encouraged to send a letter of motivation (max 1pg) and detailed curriculum vitae to Dr. Gary S. Prinz. Please note that due to the high volume of emails received, responding to all applications is not possible.
Thinking about Graduate School at the University of Arkansas? … Arkansas is Fun!
Northwest Arkansas offers a myriad of fun activities, events, and beautiful outdoor scenery. Click on the image to the right to see my recent drive through the Ozark National Forest! or follow me on instagram @prinzgauer