Civil Engineering Department News

The Glenn Department of Civil Engineering has received a prestigious grant from the U.S. Department of Education through its GAANN program.  This grant provides seven Ph.D. Fellowships in Sustainability and Resilience of Existing Infrastructure.  Click here for details.
The sixth edition of Surveying will be used by several civil engineering programs this fall (including ours). This edition is co-authored by Clemson Emeritus Professor Jack McCormac and current Associate Professor Wayne Sarasua as well as Professor William Davis from the Citadel. Dr. McCormac authored the previous five editions. The sixth edition is a significant update which includes discussion of modern surveying techniques and recent advances in geomatics.
Structural Steel Design by Professor Jack McCormac and Professor Steve Csernak was published in August 2011. The authors’ major objective in preparing this new edition was to update the text to conform to both the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) 2010 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings and the 14th edition of the AISC Steel Construction Manual published in 2011. Also, changes were incorporated from the new ASCE 7-10 (Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, published by the American Society of Civil Engineers, 2010). Professor Csernak is the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering Undergraduate Program Coordinator and teaches structural engineering courses and the Capstone Design Course. Professor McCoramc continues to publish textbooks in structural engineering as well as write mystery novels (four so far)!
CE Students Receive Graduate Research Fellowships. In 2011, three Civil Engineering students received the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowships. This brings the total to five students in the Department to receive the NSF Fellowship in two years.
A group of Clemson University students has come up with a way football fans can make tailgating more environmentally friendly. A team led by students in civil engineering and architecture designed a sustainable tailgating trailer that can be pulled by a bicycle for a Creative Inquiry project. Their goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of tailgating by providing a way to do it without using a car." More on the article on Green Tailgating

Dr. Lance Bell, Professor of Civil Engineering was presented the Service Learning Award by the SC Commission on Higher Education for the Water System Design for Cange, Haiti. Dr. Bell is the faculty advisor for this service learning project. The project was initiated in September 2008 to provide students meaningful international service learning opportunities.
Click here for more.
Dr. Abdul Khan, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering has been elected Fellow of the ASCE, the American Society of Civil Engineers. The society grants the Fellow status to fewer than 4 percent of its 125,000 members. Dr. Khan's specialty is modeling river flow and associated phenomena including sediment transport and flows with shocks, such as dam failure. Click here for more.
Dr. Juang Organizes GeoRisk 2011 Conference - Dr. C. Hsein Juang, Professor of Civil Engineering is chairing the Organizing Committee of ASCE's GeoRisk 2011. The goal of GeoRisk 2011 is to provide an opportunity for participants to learn more about how to explicitly consider risk and uncertainty in order to improve the value and scope of their service and to better serve the public.
Slade Exley (BSCE '72 and MSCE '74) established an endwoment for a CE graduate fellowship in transportation. After nearly 40 years, Slade Exley still remembers the names attached to the awards he won as a civil engineering student at Clemson University: The Ronald J. Britz Award for an outstanding junior ROTC engineering student included a small trophy and recognition during the ROTC drill on awards day; the Wilbur Smith Outstanding Transportation Engineering Student award carried with it a $50 prize. Read more about the endowment.
Dr. Leidy Klotz received a NSF CAREER grant to study irrationalities of designers to support their decisions for net-zero energy buildings. The project will bridge engineering and behavioral sciences to advance understanding of how irrationalities influence design decisions. The project's research and education components support the civil engineering department's focus on sustainable and resilient infrastructure. D More on Dr. Klotz' research.
ITE Students at TRB Meeting in DC - January 23-26, 2011 The Chapter started the Spring semester by supporting a trip to the annual Transportation Research Board Meeting in Washington, D.C. with 22 student members and three professors in attendance. The trip was an opportunity for several students to tour our nation's capital for the first time as well as experience the conference. Members Priyanka Alluri, Parth Bhavsar, Yiming He, and Lee Tupper presented their research results during the conference. On Sunday, three professors conducted two workshops that were well attended by the students, researchers, and practitioners. Our Chapter also sponsored a social at a local restaurant.
Professor Leidy Klotz is working hard to change a common misconception about sustainability — it’s more than simply saving the planet. Of course, polar bears and oil spills are important, but Klotz wants to show Clemson how much more there is to sustainability. Read more about Leadership in Sustainability
Dr. Ronnie Chowdhury was named the Eugene Douglas Mays Professor of Transportation in the Department of Civil Engineering. Dr. Chowdhury is an expert in intelligent transportation systems. He also conducts research in vehicle-infrastructure integration, security and energy. His research is funded by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Transportation, state departments of transportation and national transportation centers. More.
Professor Bell's Haiti Project wins Clemson's nomination for State Award. Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries (CEDC): Water System Design for Cange, Haiti project was selected to be Clemson's nominee for the SC Commission on Higher Education Service-Learning Award for 2010. CEDC took on the challenge to engage students in a service learning project to help the residents of Cange, Haiti.
Program in Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure The CE Department offers a graduate focus in "sustainable and resilient infrastructure" with funding from the NSF. This fall, 5 MS graduate students have been selected to receive fellowships to work on a variety of research projects dealing with the broader issues involving the nation's infrastructure problems. Applications for Fellowships starting in January 2010 will be available soon. Read more...
Alumna Suzanne Aultman, P.E., is the 2009 Young Engineer of the Year named by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Aultman is the chief engineer for the Atlanta Division of Metromont Corp. and holds the BSCE (2000) and MSCE (2002) degrees from the Clemson Civil Engineering Department. NSPE: "Solid Engineering Experience and Dedication to Global Community Service Earn Recognition for Young Engineer." Read more.
Dr. Ronnie Chowdhury, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, is leading a new research project funded by the NSF to study energy savings with electric cars and IntelliDrive technology. Read more.
Dr. Wei Chiang Pang was among the team of researchers who converged in Japan Miki City this summer to participate in the world's largest earthquake simulation ever performed on a light-frame wood building. This earthquake experiment was part of the NSF NEESWood project.
The Civil Engineering Undergraduate Program is among the top 20 programs in the nation (US News & World Report). Read more..
The Aniket Shrikhande Memorial Annual Graduate Fellowship and Assistantship was established by the Shrikhande family to honor the memory of Aniket ('06 MSCE). Aniket cherished his experience at Clemson as a civil engineering graduate student, and his family is graciously and generously honoring his memory by enhancing the Clemson experience for others.
Mr. David S. Rozendale, P.E. (BSCE 1957) selected first recipient of the Civil Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Rozendale was selected for his long and distinguished professional career as well as for his outstanding service to society and to the University.
Civil Engineering students are Traffic Bowl champs for the fourth year in a row. Read more. They represented South Carolina and competed at the Southern District ITE Annual Meeting in Birmingham, AL. Eight other university teams participated in the "Jeopardy" style competition that tests their road engineering mettle.
Could Rice Help Cut Concrete's Carbon Footprint? Dr. Prasad Ranagarju, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering says yes! Read VOA article. Rice Hull Ash is highly pozzolanic in nature and its reaction with cement hydration products enhances the strength and durability of concrete. Research shows that its use as a cement replacement material can reduce the carbon foot-print of concrete.
Clemson Civil Engineering Students bring home the 2009 Carolinas Conference first-place trophy. Congratulations Students and faculty advisors!
Dr. Prasad Rangaraju, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, develops a de-icing chemical for airfield concrete pavements that is economical and environmentally friendly.
The Carolina Concrete Masonry Association (CCMA) establishes The Russell H. Brown - CCMA Graduate Fellowship.
June 2008 - Concrete Canoe Team finishes seventh in national competition
Students drive away as Traffic Bowl champions May 27, 2008
Professor Juang Receives International Honor
Professor Juang Receives the McQueen Quattlebaum Award. Dr. C. Hsein Juang received the 2008 McQueen Quattlebaum Faculty Achievement Award. This is a College of Engineering and Science wide award. Primary emphasis of this award is placed on previous year's accomplishments, distinctions and awards within the context of the past three years.
Professor Nielson Receives the Byars Prize for Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Bryant G. Nielson received the 2008 Byars Prize for Excellence in Teaching. This is a College of Engineering and Science wide award. Eligible faculty are those who have taught at least nine credit hours of fundamental engineering courses during the past 1.5 years.
Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge Teams Head to Nationals
CE Alumna Vicki Willis Ford - One of 40 AEC Superstars According to Building Design + Construction editors, "The 40 remarkable individuals profiled here are some of the brightest stars in the AEC universe - and they're under the age of 40. These young architects, engineers, contractors, designers, and developers stood out among a group of 275 outstanding entrants in our third annual "40 Under 40" competition." Vicki Ford, PE, Principal at Walter P Moore, Houston, specializes in structural renovation of historic buildings and complex 3D structures. She is one of the youngest of the firm's 72 principals. She is an in-house mentor for younger engineers. Her more recent projects include the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas and the Palazzo Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Vicki is the President-elect of the Structural Engineers Association of Texas. Vicki received her BSCE and MS from the Department.

Professor C. Hsein Juang Elevated to Fellow of ASCE From ASCE News (December 2007). Charng Hsein Juang, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, is a professor in the civil engineering department at Clemson University. He holds a doctorate in civil engineering from Purdue University. Juang is known internationally for his innovations and contributions concerning the application of reliability methods, fuzzy and neural methods, and probabilistic methods in the field of geotechnical engineering. Juang is a member of the editorial board of ASCE's Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering. He has more than 100 refereed papers to his credit. In 2001 Juang received the T.K. Hsieh Award from the United Kingdom's Institution of Civil Engineers for a paper he wrote on reliability design.
Professor Nowack Retiring after 60 Years of Teaching
PB, as he is known to many, will retire in May 2008. He started teaching at Clemson in 1947 and has taught multiple generations of the same family. In 1999, PB was awarded the honorary doctorate in recognition for his service to students and the university. Dr. Nowack also holds the distinction of being an Alumni Professor, a title held by only a few.
Alumni Receives AWWA Award One of our alumni and Advisory Board member, Frank Eskridge, Jr. received the AWWA George Warren Fuller Award. The award "is given for distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of the sound engineering skill, the brilliant diplomatic talent, and the constructive leadership." He is the Manager of Engineering and Operations at the Greenville Water System in Greenville, SC. The award was presented at the AWWA's Annual Conference and Exposition in Toronto on June 27, 2007.
Dr. Ed Sutt designed the nail that Popular Science magazine has named its 2006 Innovation of the Year. Ed Sutt is a graduate of the Wind Engineering Program in the Civil Engineering Department. Read the Press Release
The Clemson University Civil Engineering Department is Ranked 14th. The Clemson University Civil Engineering Department was ranked among the top 20 undergraduate civil engineering programs at public universities. According to the US News & World Report, the department is ranked #14 among civil engineering departments in public universities that offer a doctoral program. This ranking is based on the opinion of engineering deans and senior faculty in engineering colleges throughout the country.
Student Wins National Competition in Transportation Mark Sorrell, a recent graduate of Clemson Civil Engineering Transportation Program, received 1st place in the Philip E. Rollhaus, Jr. Highway Safety Essay Contest sponsored by Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. (a Quixote Corporation Company). Mark's paper entitled, "Legal Liability of Vehicle Design Compatibility with Roadside Safety Hardware" was one of over 40 papers submitted by graduate students across the country. It appears that the 1st place vote was unanimous - a first in the history of the competition. Mark will receive a $3,000 award and his paper will be published in World Highways Magazine. The sponsoring professor, Dr. Jennifer Ogle, also receives a $1,000 award. A plaque will be presented to Mark at an upcoming event in SC (TBD). Congratulations Mark and Dr. Ogle.
Endowment Established Mr. Michael N. Byrd (BSCE, 1979; MSCE 1983) established a Civil Engineering Department endowment to support the Department's Strategic Plan. Mr. Byrd is the Executive Vice-President of Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. headquartered in Raleigh, NC. Mr. Byrd is a member of the Civil Engineering Department Advisory Board (2004-2006 term). He made the announcement at the CE Department Advisory Board meeting on April 14, 2006. The Endowment is open to contributions from alumni and friends of the Department. Contributions should specifically mention "The Civil Engineering Department Unrestricted Endowment."
Clemson Student Concrete Canoe Team Places 3rd at Nationals
About 20 students attended the National Concrete Canoe Competition held at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma from June 15 to 18, 2006. The Clemson Concrete Canoe Team (3CT) placed third in the overall competition. The ranking is based on a presentation, technical report, final product and endurance and sprint races. The canoe this year was called "Take it for Granit" and included a tiger paw lit with fiber optics. For placing third, Clemson will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Read about it from ASCE
Clemson ITE Student Chapter Wins the 2006 Outstanding Student Chapter Award
The Clemson University Student Chapter of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) capped a stellar year by being selected as the 2006 Outstanding Student Chapter recipient. Clemson's student chapter was recognized for its outstanding chapter organization, activities and efforts to foster the close association of students with practicing professionals. There are over 120 ITE student chapters internationally. The award was presented at the ITE 2006 Annual Meeting and Exhibit, held August 6-9, 2006 in Milwaukee, WI. Student Chapter Past-President James Mattox and Faculty Advisor Wayne Sarasua were in attendance to receive the award on the Chapter's behalf.
Dr. Russell H. Brown Named Fellow of The Masonry Society The Masonry Society's Board of Directors voted to name Dr. Russell H. Brown, professor of Civil Engineering as an Honorary Member of the Society. This is the highest Award of the TMS and is made in recognition of Dr. Brown's lifetime commitment and contributions to the Society. Dr. Brown is a founding member of TMS, served as a director on TMS' first Board, Director for the Board, Chairman of the Education Committee, and chair of the 9th North American Masonry Conference, among many others. Dr. Brown received the President's Award in 2003, and was named a Fellow of TMS in 2005. Read about it from TMS
Clemson Student Steel Bridge Team Places 6th at Nationals
About 20 students competed in the AISC/ASCE National Student Steel Bridge Competition that was held in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 26-27, 2006. The competition included 45 teams that qualified based upon their performance at 18 regional competitions. Each year the team must design and fabricate a new bridge. Although the desire is to have a light, stiff bridge, it must have the strength to support 2500 pounds of load. The performance is quantified by determining the "cost" of the bridge which is based on two major factors: materials and construction economy. The he team also earned plaques for their third place finish in stiffness, third place finish in construction speed and a second place in construction economy. Go to SBT web site
Clemson ITE Student Chapter Wins the ITE Southern District Traffic Bowl Clemson ITE Student Chapter members competed in the Traffic Bowl, which is the 2006 William H. Temple Scholarship Challenge, a Jeopardy-style team competition. To bring home first prize and a $3,000 scholarship, the students defeated teams from Tennessee, North Carolina and Mississippi. The competition included an audience of more than 200 transportation professionals who attended the conference. Clemson also walked away with the Outstanding Student Chapter Award for activities during the last year. Graduate Jae Mattox won the Outstanding Student Paper Award. The chapter will now go on for consideration in the international competition. Read the news brief
Clemson ASCE Student Chapter Wins the Carolinas Conference. Read the news brief