Andrew Schanck
University of Maine
Degrees:
B.S. Civil & Environmental Engineering – University of Maine – 2017
M.S. Civil & Environmental Engineering – University of Maine – 2019
Ph.D. Civil Engineering – University of Maine – In Progress
Preferred Career after Graduation:
Consulting bridge engineering for a rail industry or highway industry
Broad research Area:
Using experimental methods and advanced numerical analysis to enhance understanding of bridges’ actual behavior and capacity.
Specific Research Area:
Analysis of reinforced concrete T-beam bridges through live-load testing and nonlinear proxy finite element analysis to determine more accurate live-load capacity and observation and analysis of a novel fiber reinforced polymer tub-girder bridge
Primary Modes: Field live-load testing and numerical (finite element) analysis
Other Interests & Activities: Scale modeling and instrumental and vocal music.
Student Bio: Andrew was born in Brick, New Jersey but has lived in central Maine for 24 of his 26 years. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine in May of 2017 and 2019, respectively. Throughout his academic career, Andrew has worked at the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center in numerous roles and for a variety of research projects, including those associated with his research and most currently as a full-time research engineer. Andrew lives in Bangor, Maine with his wife Morgan and son William.
Top Accomplishment in 2020: Accepting a full-time position (in additional to his Ph.D. work) at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center as a Research Engineer.
Thesis title: Determination of Reinforced Concrete T-Beam and Fiber Reinforced Polymer Tub-Girder Bridge Live-Load Behavior through Live-Load Testing and Advanced Finite Element Analysis
Thesis Summary: A sample of ten reinforced concrete T-beam bridges in the state of Maine were subjected to diagnostic live-load testing under very heavy load and then analyzed using a novel finite element modeling technique – Proxy Finite Element Analysis– which can account for their nonlinear constitutive behavior and track their behavior acting as a system up to its ultimate flexural capacity. This combined investigation confirmed the overall conservatism of conventional analysis of these bridges, and revealing that the ten bridges tested are likely to have adequate capacity for modern loading. In addition, the manufacture and construction of a novel-designed fiber reinforced composite tub-girder bridge will be monitored and the final bridge will be live-load tested. These observations and measurements, along with advanced numerical analysis, will help inform designers of these bridges’ behaviors in the future.
Presentation
Poster
