Research

PI: Robin Tuchscherer

Prescriptive shear requirements from ACI 318 (2019), AASHTO LRFD (2020), and
the fib Model Code (2010) include a minimum web reinforcement requirement. In general,
slender beams require a minimum area of web reinforcement equal to 0.08% of the cross-
section, while non-slender beams require up to 0.30%, or roughly three times more than the
slender beam requirement. This investigation aims to evaluate the discrepancy between these
requirements in terms of the strength and serviceability behavior of experimental… Read more

Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration

PI: Robin Tuchscherer

Co-PIs: Benjamin Dymond, Joshua Hewes

Traditionally, undergraduate engineering students view their course work as a
necessary means toward a degree. At which point, they enter the workforce and learn what it
“really takes” to be an engineer. They do not necessarily view the knowledge acquired as the
important means toward the foundational theoretical and mathematical principles needed to be
an engineer. Thus, there is a need for an engineering program that provides skills which areRead more

Sponsor: Arizona Department of Transportation

PI: Robin Tuchscherer

Co-PI: Benjamin Dymond

Given contemporary understandings and recent research, there is a need to update
the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Bridge Design Guidelines to include the latest
state-of-practice and provide guidance to designers as to when and where the strut-and-tie
method (STM) is most advantageous. The objective of this project is to research, develop, and
implement criteria for updating and improving the Bridge Design Guidelines and corresponding
examples.

Sponsor: City of Scottsdale

PI: Dr. Brendan Russo

Co-PI: Dr. Edward Smaglik

Dates: 10/01/2023-10/31/2024

The City of Scottsdale, Arizona contains numerous examples (approximately 60) of left-in left-out (LILO) treatments at intersections or driveways. An aerial view of a typical LILO treatment in the City of Scottsdale is shown in Figure 1. These treatments are typically applied on arterial roadways with medians and consist of a channelizing island in the median which helps direct vehicles turning left both on to and out of minor… Read more

Sponsor: U.S. Department of Transportation, Pacific Southwest Region 9 UTC

PI: Steven R. Gehrke

Co-PIs: Brendan J. Russo and Edward J. Smaglik

A continuation of automobile dependence over the past half-century within American cities has resulted in significant public health, environmental, and economic challenges. The further motivation of bicycling as a utilitarian and sustainable travel alternative has been identified as a viable solution to address societal concerns regarding physical inactivity, climate change, and transportation-related inequities. However, to date, a profound… Read more