The Head Research Group addresses real-world challenges related to structural monitoring and evaluation with emphasis on structural resilience, especially during earthquakes. Our methods for evaluating structures vary from conducting in-situ structural evaluations to developing numerical models to characterize and predict structural behaviors that are oftentimes validated by physical testing. We monitor and evaluate structures for condition assessment with the ultimate goal of predicting the life expectancy and developing new methodologies to inform design. Dr. Head has secured competitive state and federal research funding, which enables the group to make novel contributions in three (3) core and cutting-edge areas:
- bridge evaluation using vision-based measurements,
- earthquake engineering and the impact of earthquakes on structures, and
- flood load effects on infrastructure
