About CE & AM
The Civil Engineering program at Caltech has been active since the founding of the Institute. Currently, the department is concentrated primarily on earthquake engineering, a field in which Caltech researchers have been important contributors since the 1920's. Research is currently being conducted in areas such as seismic early warning, characterization of near-source motion in earthquakes, soil-structure interaction, nonlinear finite element analysis of civil structures, structural health monitoring and earthquake loss-estimation.
The Applied Mechanics department was founded nearly five decades ago to focus on research and education in the areas of solid mechanics and dynamics. Current research is mainly in the area of dynamics, dealing with topics such as vibrations of structures and machinery, structural response to earthquakes, including system identification and control of structural response, and fundamental studies of the behavior of nonlinear dynamical systems. |
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Upcoming Events
Seismic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Frame Buildings in Southern California in the Magnitude 7.8 ShakeOut Scenario Earthquake
Abbie Liel, University of Colorado, Boulder
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Due to the seismic nature and economic significance of the Los Angeles region, it is important to evaluate the safety of structures in the area if a large earthquake were to occur. This presentation will examine damage and collapses possible in reinforced concrete frame structures in Southern California due to the magnitude 7.8 ShakeOut scenario earthquake on the San Andreas Fault. Reinforced concrete frame structures constructed before approximately 1975 are known to have a relatively high risk of earthquake-induced collapse, compared to other types of modern construction. Read more... 11-17-09
Material Modeling through Inverse Analysis Utilizing Artificial Neural Networks
Hwayeon Song, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Conventional inverse analysis techniques in material modeling focus on the development and refinement of a constitutive model that represents observed laboratory behavior. This presentation will address a capability of a new data-driven inverse analysis method, Self-Learning Simulation (SelfSim), focusing on material behavior rather than development of a material model.
Read more... 11-25-09 |
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Recent Spotlights
Bruce Bolt Medal
 Wilfred Iwan, Professor of Applied Mechanics, Emeritus, has received the Bruce Bolt Medal. The medal is awarded jointly by the Consortium of Organizations for Strong Motion Observation Systems, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute and Seismological Society of America to recognize individuals worldwide whose accomplishments involve the promotion and use of strong-motion earthquake data and whose leadership in the transfer of scientific and engineering knowledge into practice or policy has led to improved seismic safety. Iwan is honored for his many accomplishments in advancing earthquake strong-motion monitoring networks and instrumentation in the US and internationally, his research accomplishments in earthquake engineering and engineering seismology, and his effective leadership roles in professional organizations to further the acquisition and application of strong-motion data. 10.14.09
Distinguished Member
Congratulations to Professor Iwan who was elected to the grade of Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. This is in recognition of his research on seismic performance of structures, for leadership in earthquake hazard mitigation and improvement of public safety, and for service to the structural engineering and engineering mechanics professions. 10.14.09 |
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