How Shaky Structures Become the Safest Structures in Taiwan

Courses

• SE 164GS: Sensors and Data Acquisition for Structural Engineering (draft PDF)
• SE 167GS: Signal Processing and Spectral Analysis (draft PDF)

Why you should go

Extreme events – such as earthquakes, hurricanes, landslides, floods, and other natural and manmade hazards – can jeopardize the safety and performance of our built infrastructure, which directly impact societal well-being, prosperity, and security. One way to mitigate the effects of these hazards is by integrating structural health monitoring (SHM) technologies with our built infrastructure so that we can sense degradation and damage, diagnose its impact on structural performance, and determine the most optimal corrective actions needed. Students who join this program will gain significant technical knowledge about sensing technologies and signal processing methods.

This Global Seminar is held in Taiwan specifically because it regularly experiences a multitude of natural hazards including strong earthquakes, typhoons, floods, landslides, and debris flow. A direct consequence of being susceptible to these extreme natural events is its long history of research and commercial practices in SHM, hazard mitigation, and community resiliency. The Global Seminar will also include guest speakers that can speak about how different sensors and signal processing methods are being used in real-life to protect people, structures, and communities. Taiwan also offers rich culture, diverse foods, and nature excursions, which are all inexpensive and easily accessible through its dense public transit network, where students can safely explore in their own time.

Who should go

Sensor technologies and signal processing methods form the foundation of the field of structural health monitoring (SHM). SHM is intrinsically cross-cutting and multidisciplinary, where students gain knowledge in three broad technology areas: (1) sensing technology; (2) data interrogation; and (3) modeling and analysis. The cross-disciplinary nature of this field and these courses means that students in all areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will gain tremendously from these courses. The program is open to all STEM majors and students who are sophomores or higher. Experience in programming in Matlab will be helpful, especially during the SE 167GS Signal Processing and Spectral Analysis portion of this Global Seminar. Students will work in teams in SE 164GS to conduct research on specific sensing technologies, sensing mechanisms, and design SHM solutions for practical applications and problems. If you are interested in this topic and are interested in experiencing a rich culture, phenomenal food, and living in a lively city for five weeks, then this Global Seminar is perfect for you. Contact Professor Ken Loh for with questions about whether you have the appropriate academic preparation for the included courses.

Dates

Flight Information

• You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program coordinator will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
• Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed. All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.