With recent focus on our country’s aging infrastructure, CAIT’s Structures and Advanced Materials (SAM) program has never been more important. SAM augments other CAIT programs to examine and develop materials and methods relating to security, construction, maintenance practices, and condition monitoring. These factors are as strongly linked as the bridges, tunnels, and roadways of infrastructure itself.

SAM focuses on several areas of structures and materials engineering and infrastructure operations:

• Research and develop enhanced structural materials including composites, coatings, and high-performance and self-compacting concretes.
• Test and monitor bridge loads, stress, wear, and other impacts using advanced technologies such as state-of-the-art sensors and nondestructive evaluation (NDE) tools including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), ultrasonic, electromagnetic, and other methods.
• Formulate new protocols and procedures for bridge condition testing and monitoring, management, security, and safety.
• Work closely with government agencies and bridge owners to update and improve design codes, specifications, and practices.
• Examine ways to increase seismic- and blast-resistance of bridges, embankments, and retaining walls.
• Research and improve performance of bridge components such as isolation bearings and joints.