Visualizing Soil Structure Interaction and Flow, Non-Intrusively

Visualizing Soil Structure Interaction and Flow, Non-Intrusively

Zoom Recording

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Abstract: Measurement of three-dimensional deformation patterns and flow characteristics within a soil continuum are usually limited by the fact that soil sensors do not provide a continuous image of the measured continuum. Additionally, soil sensors exhibit static and dynamic characteristics that are different from those of the surrounding soils and therefore can change the response of the measured continuum. This seminar presents novel physical-modeling methods to study flow and soil-structure problems. The methods employ transparent synthetic soils that represent the macroscopic behavior of natural soils. Digital image correlation (DIC, also known as particle image velocimetry (PIV)) techniques are employed to quantify the meso-scale response of granular soils to high-speed penetration, non-intrusively. Advances in individual particle tracking and imaging of micro-scale phenomena are also introduced. Finally, recent developments in measurement of flow phenomena in transparent soils are presented.

Bio:  Magued Iskander, PhD, PE, F.ASCE is Professor of Geotechnical Engineering and Chair of the Civil and Urban Engineering Department at New York University Tandon School of Engineering (formerly Polytechnic Institute/University and Brooklyn Poly). Dr. Iskander has over 30 years of experience in analysis, design, and construction of foundations including teaching, research, and consulting.  He is widely recognized as the leading authority in two areas of geotechnical research (1) behavior piling made of recycled polymers, and (2) physical modeling of geotechnical applications using transparent soils.  He has also performed notable research on seismic earth pressure, plugging of pipe piles, and earth pressure against rigidly framed structures.  Dr. Iskander is a recipient of NSF CAREER award, Chi Epsilon (Civil Engineering Honor Society) Metropolitan District James M. Robbins Excellence in Teaching Award, Polytechnic’s Distinguished Teacher Award, and Polytechnic’s Jacobs Excellence in Education Award (twice).  Professor Iskander has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI on over $12 million of research and educational grants and contracts. He has authored four books, edited 11 books, and published over 150 papers dealing with penetration mechanics, experimental modeling, foundation engineering, pedagogy, and urban geotechnology. He graduated 12 doctoral and 35 masters’ students.  He can be reached at [email protected].