Civil and Environmental Engineering

Academic Year: 
2019-20
Address: 
Engineering Quadrangle
Phone: 
609-258-5539
Website: 
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Program offerings: 
Ph.D.
M.S.E.
M.Eng.
Director of Graduate Studies
Mark Zondlo
Graduate Program Administrator
Minmin Fan

Overview

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers programs of graduate study and research in the following two areas: mechanics, materials, and structures; and environmental engineering and water resources.

The department offers three degree programs of study: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.), and Master of Engineering (M.Eng.). Students must be admitted to one of these three degree programs.

The student-faculty ratio in the department is kept small to allow for productive working relationships between students and their advisers. The department maintains an atmosphere in which close interaction between students and faculty is the norm, whereby students benefit from the background, experience, and knowledge their advisers have gained in solving important engineering problems.

Applying

Application Deadline: 
December 31 - 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time
Program Length: 
Ph.D. 5 years, M.Eng. 1 year, M.S.E. 2 years
Application Fee: 
$90
Application Requirements: 
Statement of Academic Purpose
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Recommendation Letters
Transcripts
Fall Semester Grades
Required Tests
English Language Tests
GRE : 
General Test required
Additional Departmental Requirements: 

Applicants are required to select a subplan when applying.

Ph.D.

Ph.D. Requirements: 
Program Description:

Study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is offered in two areas: environmental engineering and water resources (EEWS); and materials, mechanics, and structures (MMS). When a student enters the department, an adviser is assigned to the student based on the student's area of interest.

Every admitted Ph.D. student is given financial support in the form of a first-year fellowship.

In addition, all admitted Ph.D. students are automatically considered for the prestigious Wu and Upton Fellowships.

Courses:

The plan of study for the first year is arranged by the student, in consultation with the adviser and the department’s director of graduate studies. All students must successfully complete CEE 509 and CEE 510 prior to the end of the semester preceding the general examination.  Students are also required to take two courses to complete the mathematics/computational methods requirement.  These courses must be in the areas of calculus, probability, statistics, and numerical methods, and are normally at the 500-level, but upon approval, an upper class undergraduate course may be used.  Mathematical/computational methods requirement courses are subject to the approval of the student's program.

Students are also required to take a minimum of six additional courses that inform their specialized area of study and breadth of knowledge in their field.   Students consult with the advisor, program director, and/or the departmental director of graduate studies regarding the appropriateness of a particular course.

General Exam:

Students are expected to complete the general examination successfully within the first two years of their Ph.D. studies. Students are not normally readmitted to a third year (fifth term) of graduate study unless they have successfully completed the general examination. In no case are students admitted to a fourth year (seventh term) of graduate study unless they have passed the general examination.

While specific elements of the examination vary between the EEWR and MMS programs, the general examination consists of an oral examination, in addition to some written requirements per the specific program.  The general examination committee is selected by the program faculty in consultation with the adviser.  The committee consists of three to six faculty members from the program and is normally chaired by the adviser.  A portion of the examination includes a research seminar, the basis of which is the dissertation research proposal, presented to the committee.  The faculty examining committee will provide the Program and DGS with a written evaluation of the student’s performance in the general examination, and this evaluation with be shared with the student.  Since specific requirements vary between the two programs, students should consult with the program about examination details well in advance of the examination.

Qualifying for the M.A.:

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully completes required coursework and the general examination.  It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that the coursework requirements have been met and the sections of the general exam showing proficiency and scholarship have been passed.  In such cases it is not required that students have completed the part of the general exam involving a research seminar based on a dissertation proposal.

Please note, students admitted to the Ph.D. program who do not wish to complete the program may be considered for an M.S.E. degree with approval from the department and the Graduate School.  Ph.D. students who have already been awarded the incidental M.A. are not eligible to earn an M.S.E. 

Teaching:

Teaching experience is considered to be a significant part of the graduate education. It is recommended that Ph.D. candidates assist with course instruction for at least one term.

Post-Generals Requirement(s):

Yearly Meetings with Research Committee
Upon completion of the general examination, students must have in place a research committee consisting of the adviser and two or more additional faculty members. The research committee meets with the candidate at least once per academic year to supervise the research and provide feedback on it.

Dissertation and FPO:

Upon completion and acceptance of the dissertation by the department, the candidate is admitted to the final public oral examination, in which the dissertation is presented and defended by the candidate.

The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the final public oral examination sustained.

M.S.E.

M.S.E. Requirements: 
Program Description:

Study leading to the degree of M.S.E. is offered in two areas: environmental engineering and water resources; and materials, mechanics, and structures. The M.S.E. program has a strong research focus reflected in the requirement of a master’s thesis. The M.S.E. is usually completed within two academic years of full-time study. Financial support in the form of a research or a teaching assistantship may be available for students enrolled in this program.

Courses:

 The course requirements are fulfilled by successfully completing 10 one-term courses.  Two of the courses must be CEE 509 and CEE 510, which are required research courses.  Other courses are selected with the approval of the program.

Thesis:

The M.S.E. program has a strong research focus reflected in the requirement of a master’s thesis. By the second term of study, a committee consisting of the adviser and one additional faculty member is formed to guide and supervise the candidate's thesis research. Candidates must prepare and submit an acceptable thesis as well as present an open seminar on their research.

M.Eng.

M.Eng. Requirements: 
Program Description:

An M.Eng. degree is offered to students who are interested in the applied aspects of engineering and who wish to prepare for professional practice and consulting. The department offers two such programs: the M.Eng. in structural engineering, and the M.Eng. in environmental engineering and water resources. The M.Eng. degree is usually completed in one academic year of full-time study.

Students interested in the M.Eng. degree should contact the departmental director of graduate studies prior to application. The program also provides the opportunity for formal study in nontechnical areas such as corporate finance, public policy, and regulatory issues.

Courses:

Students fulfill program requirements by successfully completing eight one-term courses selected from a list of relevant courses.

Faculty

Chair

Catherine A. Peters

Director of Graduate Studies

Mark Zondlo

Professor

Elie R. Bou-Zeid
Michael A. Celia
Maria E. Garlock
Peter R. Jaffé
Denise L. Mauzerall
Catherine A. Peters
Amilcare M. Porporato
Anu Ramaswami
Z. Jason Ren
James A. Smith

Visiting Lecturer

Michael Hopper

Associate Professor

Sigrid M. Adriaenssens
Branko Glišić
Ning Lin
Claire E. White
Mark A. Zondlo

Assistant Professor

Ian C. Bourg

Visiting Professor

Dominik J. Weiss

 

Courses

Permanent Courses

Courses listed below are graduate-level courses that have been approved by the program’s faculty as well as the Curriculum Subcommittee of the Faculty Committee on the Graduate School as permanent course offerings. Permanent courses may be offered by the department or program on an ongoing basis, depending on curricular needs, scheduling requirements, and student interest. Not listed below are undergraduate courses and one-time-only graduate courses, which may be found for a specific term through the Registrar’s website. Also not listed are graduate-level independent reading and research courses, which may be approved by the Graduate School for individual students.

CEE 502 Environmental Engineering Fundamentals II: Surface and Subsurface Processes Course focuses on surface and subsurface processes in environmental engineering. Topics to be addressed include the evapotranspiration and energy fluxes, physical hydrology of the surface and subsurface, and transport and chemistry of subsurface flows. Topics are discussed and analyzed through the use of governing equations and concepts of environmental engineering. Second of a two-part course.
CEE 505 Probability and Statistics for Civil and Environmental Engineering This course covers applications of probability and statistics to civil and environmental engineering. The course focuses on statistical methods that are relevant in research, such as how to design experiments to maximize inference potential, how to infer mathematical models from measurements, and how to draw defensible conclusions from datasets. Topics include analysis of variance, parameter estimation, regression analysis, nonparametric testing, probability models and spatial statistics.
CEE 507 Independent Study I Under the direction of a faculty member, each student carries out an independent study. Prior to course registrato, the student must complete the departmental Graduate Independent Study form by describing the work being undertaken, and have the form approved by the supervising faculty member and the director of graduate studies. 507 Fall, 508 Spring.
CEE 508 Independent Study II Under the direction of a faculty member, each student carries out an independent study. Prior to course registration, the student must complete the departmental Graduate Independent Study form by describing the work being undertaken, and have the form approved by the supervising facutly member and the director of graduate studies. Open only to graduate students. 507 Fall; 508 Spring.
CEE 509 Directed Research Under the direction of a faculty member, each student carries out research and presents the results. Directed research is normally taken during the first year of study.
CEE 510 Research Seminar This seminar is a continuation of CEE 509. Each student writes a report and presents research results. For doctoral students, the course must be completed one semester prior to taking general examinations.
CEE 511 Design of Large-Scale Structures: Buildings The design of large-scale buildings is considered from the conceptual phase up to the final design phase. The following issues are addressed in this course: building types, design codes, design of foundations, choice of different structural systems to resist vertical and horizontal loads, choice between different materials (steel versus concrete), design for wind and earthquake loading, construction management, and financial and legal considerations are examined in detail. Several computer codes for analysis and design of buildings are used in this course.
CEE 512 Design of Large-scale Structures: Bridges The design of bridges is considered from the conceptual phase up to the final design phase. The course addresses the following issues: bridge types, design codes, computer modeling of bridges, seismic analysis and design, seismic retrofit design, inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation of bridges, movable bridges, bridge aerodynamics, and organization of a typical engineering firm, and marketing for engineering work. Several computer codes for analysis and design of bridges are used in this course.
CEE 513 Introduction to Finite-element Methods Basic concepts of matrix structural analysis. Direct stiffness method. Axial force member. Beam bending member. Formation of element stiffness matrix. Assembling of global stiffness matrix. Introduction of boundary conditions. Solution of linear algebraic equations. Special analysis procedures. The finite-element method. Introduction. Basic formulation. Plane stress and plane strain problems. Plate bending problems. The use of structural analysis and finite-element computer codes is emphasized throughout the course.
CEE 514 Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering Analysis of forces and deformations in structures under dynamic loads. Idealization as discrete parameter systems. Single and multiple degrees of freedom. Response analysis under free vibration, harmonic, periodic, impulsive, and general dynamic loads. Time and frequency domains. Distributed parameter systems. Earthquake phenomena from the engineering point of view. Faulting and seismic waves. Measurement of strong ground motion. Influence of geology. The concept of response spectra, structural response to earthquakes, and design criteria.
CEE 515 Geotechnical Engineering Introduction to geotechnical/foundation engineering, subsurface material types and their properties, character of natural deposits, techniques of subsurface investigation, stability of slopes, earth retaining structures, types of foundation and methods of construction, design of shallow foundations (footings and raft/mat foundations), design of deep foundations (piles and caissons), ground impprovement techniques, use of computers in geotechnical engineering.
CEE 519 Geometry and Elasticity in Plates and Shells In this course we develop the mechanics of thin 2D bodies from an integrated mathematical and physical perspective. Under specific loading conditions, thin bodies can experience large non-linear deformations, even if the material properties remain linear. The course emphasizes the elasticity of these bodies in connection with their geometry. By using orthogonal curvilinear coordinates, vector calculus, differential equations and energy methods, we derive theory to give detailed, fully explicit solutions to these problems and apply this theory to real-life situations.
CEE 525 Applied Numerical Methods Introduction to a broad spectrum of numerical methods for the analysis of typical mathematics, physics, or engineering problems. Topics covered include: error analysis, interpolation and polynomial approximation, numerical differentiation and integration, ordinary differential equations, and partial differential equations.
CEE 530 Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics (also
MSE 530
/
MAE 560
) The course covers the fundamentals of the mechanics and thermodynamics of continua. It reviews concepts of tensor analysis on manifolds and tensor calculus. It then proceeds by developing the fundamental concepts of the kinematics of a deforming continuum. The notion of stress is then introduced and measures of stresses are discussed. Conservation of mass, balance of momentum and moment of momentum, conservation of energy in thermodynamic are discussed. Constitutive theories and the restriction of the second law are presented. The Euler-Lagrange equations are re-connected with balance laws.
CEE 532 Advanced Finite-element Methods Special techniques for solving classes of linear and nonlinear elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic and eigenvalue problems encountered in structures and mechanics. The course explores implicit, explicit, and implicit-explicit elements and subdomain strategies in transient analysis; stability, consistency, and accuracy of integration procedures; error estimates; approximation properties; and computer implementation. Prerequisite: a working knowledge of a computer language.
CEE 533 Seminar in Advanced Elasticity The governing equations of the three-dimensional theory of linear elasticity; compatibility conditions and uniqueness theorem of solutions; the tensor stress functions and Boussinesq-Papkovitch displacement potentials; applications to the 3-D static-boundary value problems; orthogonal curvilinear coordinates; and the theory of thin elastic shells.
CEE 535 Statistical Mechanics II: Methods (also
CBE 525
) Statistical mechanics provides a microscopic basis for calculating the equilibrium and nonequilibrium properties of matter. The course aims to provide engineers, physicists, chemists, biologists, and geologists with working knowledge of the fundamentals and applications of statistical mechanics. Part two covers modern theoretical and computational techniques.
CEE 537 Structural Health Monitoring Structural Health Monitoring is a relatively new, interdisciplinary branch of engineering. This course introduces the topic with basic definitions of measurement and monitoring, monitoring activities and entities, and with various available and emerging monitoring technologies. The fundamental criteria for applications on concrete, steel and composite materials are elaborated, and the basics on data interpretation and analysis for both static and dynamic monitoring are presented. Finally methods applicable to large spectrum of civil structures, such as bridges, buildings, geo structures, and large structures are developed.
CEE 538 Holistic Analysis of Heritage Structures (also
ART 538
) Heritage structures represent an important cultural legacy. First, this course identifies particularities relative to structural analysis of heritage structures; it correlates the space and time (where and when the structure was built, used, upgraded, damaged, repaired), with construction materials, techniques, and contemporary architectural forms. Second, the course presents the methods of structural analysis that take into account the identified particularities, that are efficient in finding solutions, and that are simple and intuitive in terms of application and interpretation.
CEE 539 Special Topics in MMS Advanced topics in structures and mechanics or the investigation of problems of current interest.
CEE 540 Special Topics in MMS Advanced topics in structures and mechanics or the investigation of problems of current interest.
CEE 550 Special Topics in Civil and Environmental Engineering Advanced studies in selected areas of civil and environmental engineering. Special topics vary according to the instructor's and the stiudents' interests.
CEE 566 Wind Engineering and Structural Dynamics Introduction of wind effects on the built environment. Topics include: the nature of wind storms, tropical cyclones and climate change, prediction of design wind speeds and structural safety, strong wind characteristics and turbulence, basic bluff-body aerodynamics, resonant dynamic response and effective static load distributions, wind tunnel experiments, tall buildings, low-rise buildings, windborne debris, wind loading codes and standards, wind-induced storm surge, wind and surge damage.
CEE 567 Advanced Design and Behavior of Steel Structures Advanced topics in the design and analysis of steel structures are considered including: plastic analysis, ductile lateral systems, behavior and design for fire, and local and global stability issues.
CEE 568 Advanced Design and Behavior of Concrete Structures This class covers advanced topics related to the design and behavior of concrete structures. A quick review of topics covered in the undergraduate course on concrete design is given followed by more advanced topics such as torsion, slender columns, two-way slabs, and prestressed concrete.
CEE 571 Environmental Chemistry (also
ENV 571
) A focus on organic pollutants in the environment through study of the theoretical basis for chemical, physicochemical, and microbiological processes. This foundation is used to explain chemical property estimation methods for phonemena such as phase partitioning, diffusion, and biodegradation. These processes are examined with respect to their implications for remediation technologies.
CEE 573 Environmental Issues Seminar (also
GEO 525
) Current problems in environmental sciences. Element cycles; geochemistry-biotic interactions, human impacts on the environment. A new topic is chosen every semester. Recent topics have included: the global carbon cycle, alternative energies, biodiversity, and genetically modified organisms.
CEE 576 Water Quality Modeling and Analysis The construction and solution of water-quality models for transport and transformation of pollutants in surface runoff, streams, lakes, estuaries, and groundwaters; and the basic principles of water quality modeling. The course reviews existing models and the utility and appropriateness of various modeling techniques for analysis and prediction.
CEE 581 Theory of Groundwater Flow Fundamental physics of fluid flow and contaminant transport in porous media; derivation of governing equations; analytical solution of simplified equations, with application to well hydraulics; and parameter estimation and analysis of field problems. The course examines the application of numerical models and gives an introduction to multiphase flow systems and advanced methods for equation development.
CEE 582 Advanced Groundwater Modeling Advanced treatment of fluid flow and contaminant transport innatural porous media; gives a comparison of the methodologies for deriving porous media equations, including volume averaging and stochastic methods; and explores the development of numerical methods for various flow and transcport systems, the influence of heterogeneity and scale issues, and the use of numberical models to study scale effects in unsaturated flow, multiphase flow, and reactive transport. Some familiarity with numerical methods is assumed. Prerequisite: 581.
CEE 586 Physical Hydrology Problems in surface hydrology, based upon the underlying physics. Precipitation and evapotranspiration; mechanisms of surface runoff generation; propagation of flood waves overland and in channels; and water balance modeling are studied.
CEE 587 Ecohydrology (also
ENV 587
) A description of the hydrologic mechanisms that underlie ecological observations. The space-time dynamics of soil-plant-atmosphere is studied at different temporal and spatial scales. A review is done of the role of environmental fluctuations in the distribution of vegetation. Emphasis is made in the dynamics of soil moisture. The signatures revealing fractal structures in landscapes and vegetation are reviewed as result of self-organizing dynamics. Unifying concepts in the processes responsible for these signatures will be studied with examples from hydrology and ecology.
CEE 588 Boundary Layer Meteorlogy This course covers the basic dynamics of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) and how it interacts with other environmental and geophysical flows. Topics to be covered include: mean, turbulence, and higher order flow equations, turbulence closure models for the ABL, similarity theories, surface exchanges and their impact on the stability of the atmosphere, the different ABL flow regimes, its role in the hydrologic cycle, the fundamentals of scalar (pollutant, water vapor, etc) transport, modeling and measurement approaches for the ABL, and the role and representation of the ABL in large-scale atmospheric flows and models.
CEE 591 Radar Hydrometeorology Remote sensing of precipitation and the hydrometerology of precipitation are the paired topics of this course.The fundamentals of radar remote sensing are introduced. Propagation and the scattering and absorption of electromagnetic waves are covered. Principles of Doppler radar are introduced, followed by techniques for measurement of precipitation and winds. The structure and evolution of precipitating cloud systems are covered as well.
CEE 593 Aerosol Chemistry and Physics (also
AOS 593
) This course focuses on ground-based and satellite observations of aerosol particles and their impacts on climate through modeling studies. Course material includes satellite and ground-based measurements of aerosol particles, mathematical formulation of transport, and numerical models of aerosol distribution. It studies how aerosols impact climate change through direct and indirect effects including cloud-aerosol interactions.
CEE 595 Extramural Summer Research Project Summer research project designed in conjuction with the students's advisor and an industrial, NGO, or government sponsor that will provide practical experience relevant to the student's research area. Start date no ealrier than June 1. A final paper is required.
CEE 596 Extramural Research Project Research project designed in conjunction with the student's advisor and an industrial, NGO, or government sponsor that will provide practical experience relevant to the student's research area. A final paper is required.
CEE 599 Special Topics in Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Advanced studies in selected areas of water resources. Special topics vary according to the instructor's and the students' interests.
CEE 599A Special Topics in Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Use of probability and statistics for hydrologic mideling and analysis. This methods- based course includes: probability models, including the L- Moment parameter estimation method; estimating bivariate distributions using copulas, time series analysis, spatial data analysis using kriging, as well as principle components ( empirical orthogonal functions, EOF), Monte Carlo simulation and hydrologic forecasting. The course involves readings from the stochastic hydrology literature and hands on computer analysis and simulation.
CEE 599B Special Topics in Environmental Engineering and Water Resources This course will provide a survey of current research topics at the intersection between plant ecology and surface hydrology. We will explore scientific questions and debates related to (1) eco-physiological constraints on water movement in plants, (2) environmental and biological determinants of transpiration and evaporation, (3) the manner by which hydrological processes mediate terrestrial biogeochemical processes, and (4) the extent to which hydrological and ecological dynamics interact to govern vegetation form and function.
ENE 506 Synchrotron and Neutron Techniques for Energy Materials (also
MSE 586
/
MAE 536
/
CEE 506
/
CBE 566
) Topics include an introduction to radiation generation at synchrotron and neutron facilities, elastic scattering techniques, inelastic scattering techniques, imaging and spectroscopy. Specific techniques include X-ray and neutron diffraction, small-angle scattering, inelastic neutron scattering, reflectometry, tomography, microscopy, fluorescence and infrared imaging, and photoemission spectroscopy. Emphasis is placed on application of the techniques for uncovering the material structure-property relationship, including energy storage devices, sustainable concrete, CO2 storage, magnetic materials, mesostructured materials and nanoparticles.
GEO 523 Geomicrobiology (also
CEE 572
) Relationships between low temperature geochemistry and microbiology. Applications of newly developed molecular biological techniques and isotope geochemical methods and how these approaches can be used to determine the physiological state of microorganisms. Each student is expected to make a research presentation to the seminar. Visiting scholars and faculty members from other departments may occasionally contribute guest lectures to the seminar.
MSE 501 Introduction to Materials (also
MAE 561
/
CEE 561
) Emphasizes the connection between microstructural features of materials (e.g., grain size, boundary regions between grains, defects) and their properties, and how processing conditions control structure. Topics include thermodynamics and phase equilibria, microstructure, diffusion, kinetics of phase transitions, nucleation and crystal growth, phase separation, spinodal decomposition, glass formation, and the glass transition.