University of Waterloo

Structures mechanics and construction engineering

Close up shot of drafts

The structures mechanics and construction engineering (SM&C) field of study is supported by 14.75 (FTE) tenure and tenure-track professors and one research assistant professor.

This research field is also extremely strong within civil and environmental engineering and has an outstanding track record of providing excellent education and training opportunities. In addition, the superb laboratory facilities and specialized technical staff provide support for a large cohort of lab-based graduate students.

Structures mechanics and construction engineering (SM&C) Faculty Members

Major areas of study

applied mechanics
structural mechanics
steel and concrete structures
structural reliability
properties of materials
experimental mechanics
stochastic systems
building science and performance

Current research activities

structural stability
static and dynamic response of structures
propagation of elastic disturbances in solids
stability of elastic and inelastic continua
structural response to random excitation
nonlinear stochastic processes
hydroelasticity
analysis and design of steel
reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete structures
building enclosure performance
structural optimization
conceptual design
computer-aided design of structures
strength and safety of structures
strength of pressure vessels
plastic behaviour of shells
mechanisms of fatigue failure in materials
structural model mechanics
experimental stress analysis
hybrid-experimental techniques for complex stress concentration regions
shape optimization
fluid flow theories and techniques of advanced experimental mechanics
principles of modelling reality
rheological responses of engineering materials
3-D mechanics of composite structures and of contact problems
fracture mechanics
optical methods in mechanics
isodyne and strain-gradient stress analysis
experimental testing of analytical models and solutions in mechanics
wall and roof performance
computational fracture mechanics
computational mechanics
extended finite element methods
carbon sequestration
hydraulic fracturing and shale gas/oil development
nanoscale and microscale mechanics of crystal plasticity
bayesian analysis and parameter estimation
seismic risk analysis and design
craft productivity
automated construction project state
electronic product and process management systems for construction projects
dynamic modelling of self-financing for water and waste-water
gerontechnology for construction
behavioural economics in construction

Research centres, groups and labs

Industry and government partnerships