Upcoming Webinar
Upcoming Webinar
The Transportation Infrastructure Precast Innovation Center (TRANS-IPIC) is proud to host Research Highlights Webinars each month to showcase the exciting research conducted by teams from five universities as we seek to address the U.S.'s transportation infrastructure durability challenges by focusing on Precast Concrete (PC)-related technologies.
Register for TRANS-IPIC next Research Highlights Webinar below!
Friday, 01/23/2026
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (CST)
Topic 1:
Environmentally-Informed, Data-Driven Precast Concrete Bridge Condition Modeling for Future-Proof Transportation Infrastructure
Abstract
This project develops a data-driven framework to estimate and project precast concrete bridge conditions by integrating structural, traffic, and environmental variables. Advanced modeling techniques, including feature selection and model refinement, enhance predictive performance. The resulting tool supports proactive infrastructure management by identifying vulnerable bridges.
Project PI
Eun Jeong Cha
Eun Jeong Cha is an associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. She holds a Ph.D. (2012) and an M.S. (2009) in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a B.S. (2006) in Architectural Engineering from Seoul National University, South Korea. Her research focuses on risk-informed decision-making for civil infrastructure systems, with emphasis on structural reliability, bridge and lifeline performance, and long-term infrastructure resilience. Her work advances data-driven and probabilistic methods for modeling deterioration, assessing performance under environmental stressors, and supporting maintenance and adaptation strategies for structures. She integrates statistical modeling, machine learning, and system-level analysis to improve infrastructure durability and extend service life.
Topic 2:
3D Printed Smart Permanent Concrete Formwork for Precast Structural Component
Abstract
This project focuses on developing smart permanent concrete formwork using robotic 3D printing with self-sensing concrete. The study optimized the rheological, mechanical, and electrical properties of the printable mix, then, identified the optimal placement of sensing zones, and evaluated the structural performance and functionality of the printed smart formwork.
Project PI
Yen-Fang Su
Dr. Yen-Fang Su is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Louisiana State University (LSU). Prior to joining LSU, he was a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, where he collaborated with the UK’s National Highways to implement 3D printing technologies and smart sensing systems for civil infrastructure, leading to the development of the world’s first 3D-printed smart headwall. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University, where his doctoral research contributed to the development of the new AASHTO T-412 standard. Before pursuing his Ph.D., he worked as a structural engineer at the largest shipbuilding design and consulting firm in Taiwan. At LSU, Dr. Su leads a research lab, which focuses on developing multifunctional infrastructure materials and structural systems by leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies for applications in extreme environments. His current research is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), TRANS-IPIC, the Louisiana Board of Regents (BoR), and several industry partners.