experts@Minnesota 

Primary research areas involve the experimental investigation of reinforced and prestressed concrete structural systems subjected to earthquake or fatigue loadings. Interests include the design/detailing/behavior of connections between precast elements, participation of the floor slab/panel systems in resisting lateral loads, bond strength and durability of reinforcement in concrete, evaluation and repair of damaged structures, and development and application of new materials. Projects currently under investigation include the testing of a nonrectangular four-story reinforced concrete structural wall under multidirectional loading at the University of Minnesota Multi-Axial Subassemblage Testing (MAST) Laboratory, part of the National Science Foundation Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES).Other projects include development of rapid replacement bridges and cast-in-place connections between precast superstructure elements; discrepancies in shear rating; and performance of deck sealants. In addition, an extensive materials research project is under way to investigate the application of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) to the precast industry.

Education

• B. C . E., 1979, Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota
• M.S.C.E., 1980, Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Ph.D., 1984, Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Honors and Awards

National Academy of Engineers

American Society for Civil Engineers Distinguished Member

American Concrete Institute Honorary Member

Selected Publications

You, S., Gao, X.S., Thoen, B., French, C., Cosgriff, E., Bergson, P. 2024. Cascade control method for conducting hybrid simulation with stiff specimens. Experimental Techniques 48(4). 709–720.

Liu, Q., French, C.W., Sritharan, S. 2024. Design methodology for unbonded post-tensioned rocking walls. ACI Structural Journal 121 (4), 75–85.

Liu, Q., French, C.W., Sritharan, S. 2021. Comparative response of rocking-wall systems with cast-in-place and precast floor systems in buildings. Engineering Structures 234, 111942.

Liu, Q., French, C.W., Sritharan, S. 2020. Performance of a precast wall with end columns rocking-wall system with precast surrounding structure. ACI Structural Journal 117.3.

Aaleti, S.; Brueggen, B.; Johnson, B.; French, C.; Sritharan, S. 2014. Closure to “cyclic response of reinforced concrete walls with different anchorage details: Experimental investigation” by Sriram Aaleti, Beth L. Brueggen, Benton Johnson, Catherine E. French, and Sri Sritharan. Journal of Structural Engineering (United States) 9.

Aaleti, S.; Brueggen, B.; Johnson, B.; French, C.; Sritharan, S. 2013. Cyclic response of reinforced concrete walls with different anchorage details: Experimental investigation. Journal of Structural Engineering (United States) 7. 1181-1191.

Baran, E.; Schultz, A.; French, C. 2013. Performance of a prestressed concrete pedestrian bridge system under equivalent static lateral impact loads. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities 27. 886-887.

Ma, Z.; Cao, Q.; Chapman, C.; Burdette, E.; French, C.; Wang, D.; Lu, X. 2013. Longitudinal joint details with tight bend diameter u-bars. ACI Structural Journal 110. 886-887.

Hedegaard, B.; French, C.; Shield, C. 2013. Investigation of thermal gradient effects in the I-35W St. Anthony falls bridge. Journal of Bridge Engineering 18. 890-900.

Doyle, K.; Van Den Einde, L.; French, C.; Tremayne, H.; Brophy, S. 2013. Using educational “hands-on” experimental tools to introduce math, science and engineering concepts to k-16 students (research in practice). ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings.

Hedegaard, B.; French, C.; Shield, C.; Stolarski, H.; Jilk, B. 2013. Instrumentation and modeling of I-35W St. Anthony falls bridge. Journal of Bridge Engineering 18. 476-485.

Ma, Z.; Cao, Q.; Chapman, C.; Burdette, E.; French, C. 2012. Longitudinal joint details with tight bend diameter u-bars. ACI Structural Journal 6. 815-824.

Zhu, P.; Ma, Z.; French, C. 2012. Fatigue evaluation of longitudinal u-bar joint details for accelerated bridge construction. Journal of Bridge Engineering 17. 201-210.

Zhu, P.; Ma, Z.; Cao, Q.; French, C. 2012. Fatigue evaluation of transverse u-bar joint details for accelerated bridge construction. Journal of Bridge Engineering 17. 191-200.

Documents

NSF Workshop on Bridge Monitoring and Prognostication Final Report