Siang Zhou Research Group

  • Paper Published in Engineering Structures

    Paper “Gradient-based algorithmic cross-frame cross-section optimization for skewed steel I-girder integral abutment bridge deck placement response” has appeared in Engineering Structures. This paper presents a first trail to adopt gradient-based structural optimization strategies in bridge design and analysis to achieve cross-frame cross-section optimization for skewed steel I-girder bridges with integral abutments (IABs). The optimized design…

  • Papers Appeared in ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering

    Papers “Field and Numerical Evaluations of Static and Dynamic Live Load Response in Skewed Steel I-Girder Bridges with Stub and Integral Abutments” and “Evaluating Support Representation and Modeling Strategy for Skewed Steel I-Girder Integral Abutment Bridges during Deck Placement” have appeared in the Journal of Bridge Engineering. The “Field and Numerical Evaluation” paper documents a portion…

  • Sedhain Presented at TRB 2025

    Congratulations to Bikesh Sedhain (Graduate Research Assistant of UTRGV Civil Engineering) for a successful presentation on 01/06/2025 at the 2025 TRB Annual Meeting in Washington D.C. Bikesh’s presentation “Thermal Response of Horizontally Curved Steel I-Girder Bridges with Various Support Conditions: Uniform Variation and Gradient in Deck and Exterior Girders” summarizes our recent research that evaluates horizontally…

  • Structural Frame Construction In-Progress

    Structural Frame Construction In-Progress

    The on-going design and construction of structural testing system at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is approaching final stages with the delivery of the steel parts! The frame is 13 ft (length) by 6 ft (width,) in plane, and 12 ft in height, with a self-sustaining crane system designed on the top. This…

  • Paper Appeared in ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering

    Paper “Parametric Study of Skewed Steel I-Girder Bridge Truck Live Load Response” has appeared in the Journal of Bridge Engineering. This paper evaluates the effect of bridge geometric parameters — including skew of 0°–70°, bridge width ranging from 8 to 26 m (27-84 ft), and abutment type (stub versus integral) — on skewed steel I-girder bridge…

  • Paper Appeared in ASCE Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities

    Paper “Long-Term Field Response of Skewed Steel I-Girder Bridge Superstructures under Thermal Variation” has appeared in the Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities. This paper reported more than 2 years of field monitoring of two skewed two-span continuous steel I-girder bridges in Champaign, IL, one with stub abutments (and expansion joints) and the other with…

  • Thermal Response For Steel I-Girder Bridges: Data Measurements On-Going at UTRGV

    Thermal Response For Steel I-Girder Bridges: Data Measurements On-Going at UTRGV

    Two beams are positioned outside the Department of Civil Engineering Department at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley as part of a research project to evaluate thermal response for steel I-girder bridges. This experimental effort aims to measure vertical thermal gradient on exterior (exposed) girders due to uneven heating from solar radiation, which can…

  • Rodriguez Presents at JRC 2024

    Congratulations to Juan Rodriguez (Student Assistant at University Transportation Center for Railway Safety) for presenting on 05/14 at the Joint Rail Conference at University, in Columbia, SC. Juan’s presentation “Development of Rail Anchor Testing Through Literature Review of CWR Buckling Resistance Evaluation” summarizes rail resistance contribution studied by existing research and describes an experimental testing…

  • Group Attending NASCC Steel Conference

    Group Attending NASCC Steel Conference

    Zhou, Sthapit, and Sedhain are attending the NASCC Steel Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The conference this year consists of the World Steel Bridge Symposium, OualityCon, Architecture in Steel, SafetyCon, SEICon24, SSRC Annual Stability Conference, and NISD Conference on Steel Detailing. Zhou is a recipient of the SEICon Young Professional Scholarship; Sthapit and Sedhain are…

  • ASCE Editor’s Choice Collection

    Paper “Field and Numerical Evaluation of Lateral Bending in Skewed Steel I-Girder Bridges during Deck Placement” was selected as one an ASCE Editor’s Choice Paper for the month of February, 2024. This paper studies the behavior of skewed steel I-girder bridges during deck placement, and it’s published in (ASCE) Journal of Bridge Engineering. It presents…