Technical Narrative: This U.S.-Turkey collaborative research project involving civil engineers from Texas Tech University and Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey will develop a simplified model for the dynamic behavior of window glass panels during an artificially simulated earthquake. Project funding will enable Dr. Haluk Sucuoglu of METU to participate in a data collection survey on the behavior of window glass panels during earthquakes in both the U.S. and Europe, especially Turkey; he will then spend three months in the laboratory of Dr. C.V.G. Vallabhan at Texas Tech University jointly interpreting the survey data and developing the mathematical model. The research will continue when Dr. Sucuoglu returns to METU; Dr. Vallabhan will travel to METU and spend one month with Dr. Sucuoglu to complete the project. This project is important because understanding and predicting the dynamic load properties of window glass panels during earthquakes has widespread implications for construction planning and safety. This project in structural systems and construction processes fulfills the program objective in advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Turkey to combine complementary talents and pool research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
