Dr. Srubar's experimental and computational materials science research integrates biology with polymer and cement chemistry to create responsive, biomimetic, and/or living materials for the built environment. His investigations are motivated by two main classes of problems, namely water (manipulating and controlling phase changes and transport) and carbon (reducing carbon footprints and enhancing carbon sequestration). Materials of current focus include (1) ice-binding proteins and synthetic biomimetics, (2) pH- and chloride-responsive alkali-activated cements, (3) multifunctional superabsorbent biopolymers, (4) cellulose-based composites, (5) ordinary portland cement concrete, and (5) engineered living building materials from lichen and cyanobacteria. We focus our experimental efforts on elucidating fundamental process-structure-property relationships and our computational efforts on transport phenomena, service-life modeling, and life cycle assessment.
keywords
materials science, structural engineering, biomimicry, synthetic biology, sustainability, mechanics, sustainable materials, durability, cement chemistry, infrastructure materials, polymer chemistry, life cycle assessment, LCA, environmental impact assessment, deterioration, acid resistance, freeze-thaw durability, service-life modeling, history of building technology
Teaching
courses taught
AREN 4830 - Special Topics for Seniors/Grads
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Supervised study of special topics of interest to students under instructor guidance. May be repeated up to 12 total credit hours.
AREN 5650 - Forensic Engineering
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020
Identify and explore the physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological deterioration mechanisms in the most common construction materials; concrete, masonry, metals, wood, polymers, and fiber-reinforced composites. Course topics include an introduction to failure analysis; materials science; ion diffusion; electrochemistry (corrosion); fracture, fatigue, and creep; and diagnostic, retrofit, and rehabilitation strategies for extended service life.
CVEN 3161 - Mechanics of Materials 1
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2021
Addresses concepts of stress and strain; material properties, axial loading, torsion, simple bending, and transverse shear; analysis of stress and strain; and deflections of beams. Includes selected experimental and computational laboratories. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCEN 2063.
CVEN 4565 - Design of Wood Structures
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2021
Applies basic principles of structural engineering and mechanics to the design of wood structures, including the design and analysis of columns, trusses, beams and connections using dimensional lumber, glulam and cross-laminated timber.
CVEN 5835 - Special Topics for Seniors/Grads
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2021
Supervised study of special topics of interest to students under instructor guidance. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
