UA_Engineer_25_FINAL_spreads (1) - Flipbook - Page 6
Students measure a UHPC panel
in the College’s Large-Scale
Structures Laboratory.
models, Crawford and one of his graduate students
run simulations of destructive storms in various cities.
Their simulations seek to predict the possible effects a
natural hazard could have and encourage researchers
to think critically about proactive measures that might
spare the city from future damage.
“We’re essentially creating models and
computational platforms that allow decision makers to
make better risk-informed decisions,” he said.
While scienti昀椀c modeling is an integral aspect of
Crawford’s work, developing a greater understanding
of the social and behavioral patterns of individuals
who reside in disaster-prone areas is equally as
important. He analyzes the barriers, such as cost and
education level, that might prevent residents from
constructing or purchasing a storm shelter for their
homes. His determination to untangle the complexities
of the decision-making process for residents and aid
communities in becoming more prepared for future
events is not only pertinent to his research but is also
advancing the work of his colleague, Dr. Sriram Aaleti.
MAKING PROTECTION MORE ACCESSIBLE
The quad-barrel debris cannon
simulates wind-borne debris
causing damage to structures
during weather-related events.
“
Undergraduate student Stella Day
a two-by-four into one of
6 | CAPSTONE ENGINEER | FALL 2025inserts
the barrels of the debris cannon.
Although Aaleti was not living in Tuscaloosa in April 2011,
he was quickly exposed to the tornado’s grueling impact.
He visited UA not long after the tornado when he was
interviewing for a position in the civil, construction and
environmental engineering department. As faculty drove
him through some of the hardest-hit areas of town, the
damage that he surveyed proved to be incontrovertible
evidence that a practical solution was needed to increase
chances of survival during severe weather.
Aaleti was hired as a faculty member after that
memorable visit. His tenure in the College has led to
innovative research projects centered around designing
structures built to withstand natural and man-made
hazards. Today, the associate professor’s focus is on
developing a widely accessible protective solution that
homeowners can easily assemble and install in their
own homes.
Through a project called SmartGuard, Aaleti and his
students and collaborators are developing an innovative
modular wall system of panels comprised of ultra-highperformance concrete and metamaterials.
“The UHPC panels are connected with polymeric
mechanical material shear connectors,” Aaleti said.
“This smart panel system can be easily con昀椀gured
to create a multifunctional storm shelter, which is
both lighter and more modular compared to current
alternatives available on the market. The lightweight and
easy-to-assemble modular smart panel system can also
promote do-it-yourself installation and will help enhance
the degree of safety for our population as a whole.”
A key advantage of the novel system is its suitability
for retro昀椀tting existing homes, apartments and
commercial buildings. Rather than having to conduct
renovations, individuals can easily build and install
the modular safe room within an existing structure.
