2019
Dr. Ali Imanpour
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta
Innovative Modular Structural System for Steel Framed Structures
Steel moment-resisting frames (MRFs) are one of the most desirable load resisting systems for the construction of building structures under gravity and lateral loads such as the wind and earthquake because of high architectural versatility, use of long span beams and significant ductility capacity. A low perception of construction cost and ingrained building practices lead building stakeholders to often select alternative systems and materials.
This research project investigates a novel and innovative steel modular structural system that utilizes the advantages of moment-resisting frames and knee-braced frames to resist wind and seismic loads in mid- and high-rise buildings. The proposed system referred to as the modular steel moment-resisting frame with knee elements also benefits from the modular construction technology. This system aims to resist the lateral wind or earthquake load in the regions of low and moderate seismicity, and utilizes the advantages of large span steel moment-resisting systems to provide high architectural flexibility and braced frames to improve lateral stiffness of the structure. It is expected that his structural system can effectively overcome the constraints associated with conventional steel moment resisting frames. Furthermore, the innovative features investigated in this project will allow the proposed modular system to economically and efficiently resist gravity and lateral loads while providing several fabrication, erection and schedule benefits.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Imanpour received his B.Sc. (2005) in Civil Engineering from the University of Tabriz and his M.Sc. (2008) in Civil-Earthquake Engineering from the University of Tehran. From 2006 to 2010, he worked as a structural engineer in Iran and was involved in major design and retrofit projects. He received his Ph.D. (2015) in Structural Engineering from Polytechnique Montreal. He also worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2016) at McGill University where he was awarded FRQNT Research Scholarship from the Quebec Ministry of Education. Dr. Imanpour’s primary research focus involves improving seismic stability of steel structures through advanced analytical simulation and experimental testing. He has developed new seismic design guidelines for steel multi-tiered braced frames that have been recently adopted by the Canadian steel design standard (CSA S16) and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC 341) in the United States. Prof. Imanpour joined the University of Alberta in January 2017.
