Dr. Erin Santini Bell 
- Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering
T: 603 862 3850
erin.bell@unh.edu
236 D Kingsbury Hall
Civil Engineering, UNH
Durham, NH 03824
Research Overview
Currently, Dr. Bell is beginning research on the application of condition assessment techniques to in-service structures. Specifically her research is associated with developing a deeper understanding of the behavior of an in-service structure.
She is also working on expanding the types of non-destructive test data that are currently used for parameter estimation, mainly static displacements and natural modes of vibration. She plans to continue to investigate using other forms of non-destructive test data, including modal strain measurements, and frequency response functions recorded during a modal non-destructive test for parameter estimation. Dr. Bell is also investigating the application of non-linear parameter estimation for condition assessment.
Given the complex mathematics associated with parameter estimation a robust optimization technique is required. Dr. Bell has a great interest in examining the use of genetic algorithms and other optimization techniques to lead the search for parameter estimates both alone or in conjunction with a Gauss-Newton solution technique.
She is interested in continuing to enhance engineering education in both the elementary and secondary education level.
Selected Research Project
Structural Health Bridge Monitoring in New Hampshire
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Non-Linear Parameter Estimation
Currently most parameter estimation techniques assume that the behavior of the structure is linear-elastic. Dr. Bell is investigating an efficient method of non-linear parameter estimation in collaboration with Dr. Tom Attard. She plans on then comparing the parameter estimates from the linear-parameter estimation procedure and the non-linear parameter estimation procedure to gauge the additional benefit if any, gained with non-linear parameter estimation.
Dr. Bell is also interested in investigated the process of parameter estimation symbolically to better understand the distribution of error throughout the system.
Selected Publications
Selected Publications:
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles:
- Sanayei, M., Wadia-Fascetti, S., Arya, B., and Santini, E ., "Significance of Modeling Error in Structural Parameter Estimation, "Special issue of the International Journal of Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering devoted to Health Monitoring of Structures, Vol. 16, pp. 12-27, 1/ 2001.
- Sanayei, M . , McClain, J.A.S., Wadia-Fascetti, S., and Santini, E. M. "Parameter Estimation Incorporating Modal Data and Boundary Conditions," ASCE, Journal of Structural Engineering , 1999, 125(9), 1048-1055.
Conference Papers:
- Santini, E. M ., Sanayei, M., Liu M., and Olson, L. D. “Bridge Foundation Stiffness Identification Using Dynamic Field Measurements,” ASCE, Proceedings of the 1999 Structures Congress, April 18-21, 1999, New Orleans, LA, 316-319.
- Sanayei, M., Wadia-Fascetti, S., McClain, J.A.S., Gornshteyn, I., and Santini, E. M . "Structural Parameter Estimation Using Modal Responses and Incorporation of Boundary Conditions," ASCE, Proceedings of the Structural Engineers World Congress, July 18-23, 1998, San Francisco, CA, Elsevier Science, New York, T118-2.
- Arya, B., Santini, E. M. , and Sanayei, M. “Impact of Finite Element Modeling Error in Model Updating,” Proceedings of the Second World Conference on Structural control, John Wiley & Sons Publishers, New York , TA654.9.W67 1998, 2269-227.
Research Report:
- Sanayei, M. and Santini, E.M . "Dynamic Bridge Substructure Evaluation and Monitoring System," FHWA Grant to Olsen Engineering: DTFH61-96-00030, June 1998.
Classes Taught
- CiE 525 Engineering Mechanics: Statics – Fall 2003
- CiE 793 Structural Design in Steel – Spring 2003
Biography:
Ph.D., Structural Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 2003
- Dissertation Title: "Using Multiple Non-Destructive Test Data Medford , MA Types and Data Sets for Condition Assessment of Bridge Decks"
- Advisor: Masoud Sanayei
M. S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 1998
- Thesis Title: "Bridge Foundation Stiffness Estimation Medford, MA Using Dynamic Non-Destructive Test Data"
- Advisor: Masoud Sanayei
B.S.C.E., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 1996
- Concentration: Structural Engineering
- Senior Design Project: "Morgan Falls Bridge Project"
Professional Memberships and Registrations
- Professional Engineer, State of New Hampshire (No. 12372)
- Member, Transportation Research Board
- Member, TRB Committee AFF40, Dynamics and Field Testing of Bridges
- Member, American Society of Civil Engineers
- Member, ASCE Committee on Methods of Monitoring and Evaluation Structural Performance
- Member, American Society of Engineering Educators
- Member, Society of Women Engineers
- Member, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
- Member, Chi Epsilon Engineering Honor Society
- Member, Order of the Engineer
Research Assistants:
Current Graduate Students:
- Jesse Sipple
- Jack Welch
Former Graduate Students:
- Rebekah Briggs, MS 2006
- Huanxi Lu, MS 2007
- Matthew Kelly, MS 2007
Undergraduate Students:
- Jake Carmody
- Kevin Buruchian