Page 5 - CBT 2018

PREFACE
The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering (CEGE) at the University of Minnesota is known for its pioneering work in analytical, computational, and experimental methods. The culture of our department is one of research excellence using rigorous fundamentals for wide-ranging applications. Our research can be described generally as (i) covering a broad spectrum of areas, (ii) interdisciplinary, and (iii) having an emphasis on science and fundamentals. Our vision, inspired and innovative engineering for society, is directly related to contributions stemming from basic research. For example,
• studies of stream hydraulics and bed topography predicted macro-invertebrate spatial distribution in aquatic ecosystems for improved stream restoration designs (p 28)
• analyses of the fluid-driven fracture problem provided scaling laws, identification of propagation regimes, and the development of novel numerical algorithms (p 32)
• studies of pollutant fate and transport led to Minnesota banning the use of triclosan in consumer products (p 38)
• developments in isogeometric and embedded domain finite element methods allowed interaction between design and stress analysis (p 40)
In many ways, civil engineers, environmental engineers, and geoengineers have provided the bedrock on which our modern society has flourished. Challenges such as unprecedented consumption of resources, increased urbanization, and water scarcity demand innovative solutions to support human well-being and provide for a resilient planet. Our mission in CEGE is to learn concepts and methods, discover solutions and processes, and transform the world by addressing critical challenges in designing and protecting the infrastructure, environment, water and earth resources. The following panels visualize the contributions from CEGE faculty and students through learn, discover, transform. Enjoy the artwork and the inspired and innovative engineering for society.
– Joseph F. Labuz, MSES Miles Kersten Professor & Head
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