UT Research: Klingner’s Research Aims at Creating Stronger Structures
Richard Klingner's research leads to more earthquake-resistant buildings.
Richard E. Klingner, the Phil M. Ferguson Professor in Civil Engineering and the outgoing director of the Phil M. Ferguson Structural Engineering Research Laboratory, has been named a 2000 recipient of the Award of Merit from the American Society for Testing and Materials, and thereby, has become a fellow of the society.
Part of Dr. Klingner’s research has led to modern building codes for earthquake-resistant masonry structures. He has conducted research on the most advanced building materials, including an aerated, autoclaved cement product that is stronger and lighter than conventional materials, and has great thermal insulation properties. Techniques developed by Klingner and his colleagues are now widely recognized, and helped masonry structures in the Los Angeles area withstand the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
The Ferguson Lab, established in 1959, continues to be the most active structural engineering research facility in the country. The laboratory’s main structural test area is 400 feet long and 50 feet wide and provides ample room for projects that might include examining the innovative use of modern materials in highway construction, the noninvasive electronic inspection of tanks and railroad tank cars, and the real-time monitoring of highway bridge spans.
The facility benefits researching professors, and graduate and undergraduate researchers. Contact Dr. Klingner at klingner@mail.utexas.edu or phone (512) 471-4577.
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