2016 Fazlur R. Khan
Distinguished Lecture Series

Honoring a legacy in structural engineering and architecture  


Distinguished Lecturers    

speaker image speaker image speaker image
RONALD O. HAMBURGER
Senior Principal
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.
  JOHN ZILS
Senior Structural Consultant
Skidmore Owings & Merrill, LLP
  JIN-GUANG TENG
Chair Professor of Structural Engineering
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Performance-based Design: What, How, When, Why, and Why Not to Use It
 
Lessons Learned
 
Structural Use of FRP Composites in Construction: Past Achievements and Future Opportunities


 

RONALD O. HAMBURGER

Senior Principal
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Inc.

Performance-based Design: What, How, When, Why, and Why Not to Use It
click here to view video

Friday, March 4th, 2016– 4:30 pm

Location: Whitaker Lab 303, Lehigh University, 5 East Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA

Overview:

Performance-based design is a powerful alternative approach to design in accordance with the building code.  It enables the use of structural materials and systems for which building code requirements do not presently exist; as well as the use of systems and materials beyond the limits prescribed by the building code.  It can also allow design of buildings capable of better or more reliable performance than would be obtained strictly by adherence to the code.  However, the use of performance-based design entails a number of risks that both the design professional and developer need to be aware of.  Mr. Hamburger will provide details of the basic process, its benefits and the associated risks.

MORE DETAILS available on Hamburger's presentation. (PDF)

 


 

JOHN ZILS

Senior Structural Consultant
Skidmore Owings & Merrill, LLP

Lessons Learned
click here to view video

Friday, April 15th, 2016– 4:30 pm

Location: Whitaker Lab 303, Lehigh University, 5 East Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA

Overview:

Fazlur Khan was a visionary and innovator in building design during a very exciting period in the evolution and development of tall building and long span structural systems. Upon joining Skidmore Owings & Merrill in 1960, Dr. Khan immediately recognized that the computer could provide unprecedented analytical and design power that would revolutionize the design profession.  He convinced SOM to purchase a computer for the structural department which then provided him with the means to explore structural behavior in great depth and develop the many innovative structural systems attributed to him. What may not be as well-known about him was his unique ability to mentor, motivate and teach all who came in contact with him to include not only other structural engineers but architects and clients as well. 

During my early and formative years as a structural engineer, I had the enormous benefit to work with Faz on numerous major buildings to include the Sears Tower in Chicago and the Haj Terminal in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The experience and lessons learned during this 16-year period (1966-1982) were invaluable and provided me with a foundation and approach to my career as a structural engineer and architect. This lecture will attempt to articulate some of these lessons and ideas using various projects to illustrate the lessons learned. Dr. Khan was an innovative and brilliant engineer but his legacy will also include the impact of his ability to communicate and teach these lessons to all of us. Even though his professional career of 22 years was relatively short, his impact on the building profession and those who came in contact with him is enormous.

MORE DETAILS availalable on Zil's presentation. (PDF)

 


 

JIN-GUANG TENG

Chair Professor of Structural Engineering
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Structural Use of FRP Composites in Construction: Past Achievements and Future Opportunities
click here to view video

Friday, April 22nd, 2016– 4:30 pm

Location: Whitaker Lab 303, Lehigh University, 5 East Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA

Overview:

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are formed by embedding continuous fibers (e.g. carbon, glass and aramid fibers) in a polymeric resin matrix. The advantages of FRP composites include their excellent corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio and tailorability of material properties. They also have some significant weaknesses, including a relatively poor fire resistance and relatively high costs. Over the past two decades, FRP composites have gained increasingly wide acceptance as a new class of construction materials, initially in the strengthening of existing structures and more recently in the construction of high-performance new structures 

This presentation will provide a review of the major achievements in the structural use of FRP composites in construction over the past two decades, covering both research and practical implementations. A strong emphasis will be placed on the optimal use of FRP composites to enhance the performance of structures, which often means that FRP composites need to be used in combination with traditional materials such as steel and concrete. In the area of strengthening, externally bonded FRP reinforcement is now a mainstream technology. In the area of new construction, many innovative structural forms enabled by FRP composites are being explored. The presentation will also examine future opportunities and challenges in the area.

MORE DETAILS available on Teng's presentation. (PDF)

 



1 PDH will be awarded to eligible attendees for each lecture


2016 Fazlur R. Khan Distinguished Lecture Series Announcement Flyer
(PDF)

 

The Fazlur R. Khan Distinguished Lecture Series has been initiated and organized by Dan M. Frangopol, the first holder of Lehigh's Fazlur Rahman Khan Endowed Chair of Structural Engineering and Architecture.

Sears or Willis Tower

Willis (formerly Sears) Tower

The Fazlur R. Khan Distinguished Lecture Series honors Dr. Khan’s legacy of excellence in structural engineering and architecture.