SSRL Intranet
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 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 both California and Arkansas.
Research Funding & Award News
NEW: The US Army Corps of Engineers recently awarded Dr. Cameron Murray (PI) and Dr. Gary Prinz (Co-PI) an additional $1,000,000 from their initial development project, to execute the design and testing of a new deployable bridge technology for military field applications
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)
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 fellowship will support research into the seismic performance of skewed special moment frame RBS connections.
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:
1/31/2024: Charissa Puttbach successfully defended her PhD dissertation on the micro-mechanical characterization of UHPC stiffness mechanisms, towards a better understanding of concrete elastic modulus. Congratulations Charissa and good luck in your future career!
SSRL STEMusic Outreach:
Gary Prinz continues to engage in outreach efforts to local elementary schools, teaching 4th and 5th grade students about Newton’s laws and other physics/engineering concepts through hands-on experiments and songwriting! Special thanks to Mrs. Adriane Hapgood, 2024 Teacher of the Year and music director at Root Elementary School, for helping organize the outreach efforts.
Recent Student Achievements:
5/2/2024: Adam Kirchner successfully defended his MS thesis related to the experimental behavior of skewed, composite, special moment frame connections having reduced beam sections. Congratulations Adam and good luck in your future career!
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
