Welcome to the online home of the Fahnestock Research Group within CEE at Illinois. Led by Prof. Larry Fahnestock, and collaborating with colleagues at Illinois and other universities, the group conducts research broadly related to behavior, design and performance of large-scale structural systems. We employ laboratory and field testing in conjunction with analytical and numerical models to illuminate critical aspects of behavior that inform advances in system configurations and design methods, ultimately leading to superior performance that contributes to infrastructure resiliency and sustainability. Research topics span across buildings and bridges, moderate and high seismic design, low and high ductility response, service and extreme load conditions. Current projects are sponsored by the National Science Foundation, American Institute of Steel Construction, Illinois Center for Transportation and Illinois Tollway. This site provides a brief overview of the group activities, so please inquire for more details about anything posted here.
Dorado Passes Prelim
Congratulations to Ricardo Dorado on passing the Ph.D. preliminary exam! Ricardo is co-advised by Professors Fahnestock and LaFave and is studying the influence of skew and integral construction on load distribution in steel I-girder bridges as part of a project sponsored by the Illinois Center for Transportation.
Ricardo Dorado presents Ph.D. research proposal.
Schissler Passes QE
Congratulations to Lauren Schissler for passing the Structures Ph.D. Qualifying Exam! Lauren is an M.S. candidate and Lewis Graduate Fellow working on a collaborative research project (“Strength and Serviceability of Damaged Steel Girders,” sponsored by the Illinois Center for Transportation) with Professors Elbanna, Fahnestock and LaFave. After completing the M.S. this spring, Lauren will be admitted into candidacy as a Ph.D. student.
Illinois Structural Engineering Conference
Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center in Champaign, IL
AISC Scholarships
New ASCE JBE Paper
A new paper, “Short-Term Structural Response of Integral Abutment Bridge Approach Slabs Subjected to Live Loading and Thermal Effects,” is now available online in the ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering. This paper documents research that was sponsored by the Illinois Tollway.
AISC Internships – Summer 2024
AISC is now accepting applications from students enrolled in structural, architectural, or civil engineering programs for a full-time paid summer internship at AISC’s headquarters in downtown Chicago. AISC interns support both the AISC Engineering and Research Department and the Education Department in developing technical resources for structural steel design and education.
Qualified applicants:
- Will be enrolled in either a master’s degree curriculum or at least the third year of a Bachelor of Science curriculum.
- Will have completed at least one course in structural steel design.
- Should be planning to continue with their education full-time in Fall 2024.
- Are authorized to work in the United States.
Interested students can learn more about the position and application process here. Any questions can be directed to hr@aisc.org.
New ASCE JBE Paper
A new paper, “Field and Numerical Evaluation of Lateral Bending in Skewed Steel I-Girder Bridges during Deck Placement,” is now available online in the ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering. This paper documents research that is part of an ongoing project sponsored by the Illinois Center for Transportation.
Shi Receives AISC Travel Grant
Congratulations to Shitao Shi for receiving a Student Travel Grant from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) to attend the November Task Committee and Committee on Specifications meetings in Chicago! This program connects students with AISC Staff mentors and provides the opportunity to meet some of the leading engineers and researchers in the industry and to see firsthand how AISC’s specifications and standards are made. Shitao’s Ph.D. research on seismic stability assessment and design of steel buildings is partially funded by AISC.
Journal Special Issue Opportunities
Submissions are currently being accepted for two journal special issues related to innovations in earthquake engineering:
Schissler Wins AISC Scholarship
Congratulations to Lauren Schissler for receiving an AISC/Associated Steel Erectors of Chicago Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year! Lauren is an M.S. candidate and Lewis Graduate Fellow working on a collaborative research project with Professors Elbanna, Fahnestock and LaFave. The project, Strength and Serviceability of Damaged Steel Girders, is sponsored by the Illinois Center for Transportation.