The civil & environmental engineering department at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering is well-known for its research, and faculty in the department have expertise in environmental engineering, geotechnical, and materials engineering, structural engineering, oceans and water resources engineering and geosensing systems engineering. The civil and environmental engineering department is also home to the NSF-funded National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping (NCALM). Undergraduate students have the opportunity to become involved in the fascinating research being conducted by faculty members and graduate students in the department. Learn more here.
Highlighted Research
Probablistic Seismic Hazard Analysis
The research delves into the interaction between soil and structures during seismic events. By analyzing liquefaction susceptibility and ground motion amplification, insights are gained to bolster seismic hazard assessment and develop mitigation strategies for infrastructure resilience.
Soil-Pipe Interaction Investigation and Analysis
This research delves into the interaction between soil and pipes within geotechnical engineering. It explores factors influencing this interaction, such as soil type, pipe material, and installation methods. Insights gained contribute to enhancing the resilience of underground infrastructure, reducing the risk of pipe failure and ensuring long-term performance.
Numerical Modeling for Geotechnical Analysis
Advanced software packages such as FLAC, FLAC3D, and PLAXIS are utilized to develop and refine numerical models. These models simulate complex geotechnical processes accurately, facilitating the evaluation of engineering structures under various scenarios and informing design decisions and risk assessments.