Structural Engineers Foundation (SEF)

Congratulations to Saeed Bozorgmehr Nia, the recipient of this year's SEF Research Grant. Saeed Bozorgmehr Nia is a graduate research assistant pursuing a PhD in civil (structural) engineering at Iowa State University. He also holds an Engineer in Training (EIT) license from the Iowa Board of Engineering. His blend of academic research and practical experience has enriched his expertise in selecting materials for ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) mix design for infrastructure. Throughout his academic journey, he has focused on employing UHPC for bridge deck substrates concreting, and bridge repair solutions, and using it as overlays. He is also proficient in advanced in-field implementation of monitoring technologies like LVDT and strain gauges. He has an in-depth understanding of essential codes and standards, including ACI, ASCE 7, ASTM, and AASHTO. He also has numerous presentations in related conferences, and has publications listed in his Google Scholar profile.

The primary goal of his research is to innovate in the design of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) for application in bridge deck substrates and overlays. This involves the in-field implementation of advanced monitoring technologies to evaluate the performance of bridge deck systems under load. His study utilizes a variety of instrumentation, such as linear variable differential transducers (LVDTs) and string potentiometers, to measure vertical displacements of deck panels and bridge girders, alongside strain gauges for comprehensive structural analysis. A key focus is on the deployment of non-proprietary UHPC as an impermeable material for both new bridge deck construction and the rehabilitation of existing structures. This includes meticulous attention to batching, mixing, placement, and curing processes for UHPC, as well as detailing surface preparation requirements for the concrete casting process. Furthermore, his project aims to establish robust short and long-term monitoring programs to evaluate the UHPC's performance and the structural behavior of the bridge superstructure over time. These monitoring strategies are designed to assess the quality of substrate concrete and the efficacy of overlays, using specialized test methods and instrumentation.

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SEF Scholarship Awards

The Foundation strongly believes that the future of structural engineering depends on today's students.

Without them and their vision, there literally is no future for our profession.

The Structural Engineers Foundation is privileged to provide merit-based tuition scholarships to encourage undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in structural engineering programs. 

Six scholarship categories are available:

Apply online at the link in the title above, or download an application below.