ALI M. MEMARI, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Professor

Department of Architectural Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 104 Engineering A Building, University Park, PA 16802-1416, Phone: (814) 865-3367, Fax: (814) 863-4789, E-mail: memari@engr.psu.edu

Architectural Engineering Department Web Page

 

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION AND RESEARCH INTEREST:

·         Seismic Evaluation/Assessment of Buildings and Bridges 

·         Seismic Retrofit of Buildings and Bridges 

·         Seismic Isolation Systems for Building Nonstructural Components including Curtain Walls, Infill Walls and Cladding Panels

·         Seismic Evaluation of Light-frame Wall Systems for Residential Construction

·         Evaluation of Building Envelope Systems under Environmental Loads 

·         Use of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) for Seismic Regions 

·         Seismic Analysis/Design of Precast Concrete Buildings 

·         Seismic Evaluation, Design, and Retrofit of Curtain Walls with Architectural Glass

·         Seismic Design of Panelized Exterior Wall Systems 

·         Application of Structural Optimization to Buildings and Bridges

 

COURSES TAUGHT IN THE PAST OR CURRENTLY TEACHING IN THE AE DEPARTMENT:

·         AE 124 - Introduction to Architectural Engineering

·         AE 308 – Introduction to Structural Analysis

·         AE 430 – Indeterminate Structures

·         AE 431 - Structural Design of Buildings

·         AE 432 – Design & Theory of Masonry Structures

·         AE 536 - Stability of Building Structures

·         AE 538 - Earthquake Resistant Design of Buildings

 

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:

A.     Refereed Journals

·         Eminaga, A. and Memari, A. M. “A Study on the Use of GFRP as an External Reinforcement for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete,” The Masonry Society Journal, in print.

·         Aliiari, M. and Memari, A. M., “Experimental Evaluation of a Sacrificial Seismic Fuse Device for Masonry Infill Walls,” ASCE Journal of Architectural Engineering, in print.

·         Memari, A. M., Shirazi, A. and Kremer, P. A., “Static Finite Element Analysis of Architectural Glass Curtain Walls Under In-Plane Loads and Corresponding Full-Scale Test,” Structural Engineering and Mechanics Journal, Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 365-382, March 2007.

·         Memari, A.M., Chen, X., Kremer, P.A., and Behr, R.A., “Seismic Performance of Two-Side Structural Silicone Glazing Systems,” Journal of ASTM International (JIA), Volume 3, Issue 10, pp. 1-10, October 2006.

·         Getz, D. R, and Memari, A. M., “Evaluating the Seismic Performance of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Cladding Panels,” Journal of Architectural Engineering, Vol. 12, pp. 1-12, March 2006.

·         Memari, A.M., Kremer, P.A., and Behr, R. A., “Architectural Glass Panels with Rounded Corners to Mitigate Earthquake Damage,” Earthquake Spectra Journal, Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 129-150, February 2006.

·         Aliaari, M. and Memari, A. M., “Analysis of Masonry Infilled Steel Frames with Seismic Isolator Subframes,” Engineering Structures Journal, Vol. 27, pp. 487-500, 2005.

·         Memari, A. M., Harris, H. G., Hamid, A. A. and Scanlon, A., “Ductility Evaluation for Typical Existing R/C Bridge Columns in the Eastern U.S.A.,” Engineering Structures Journal, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 203-212, January 2005.

·         Memari, A. M. and Scanlon, A., “Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Piers Under Low to Moderate Seismic Induced Loads,” Journal of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 57-64, Summer 2004.

·         Memari, A. M., Maneetes, H. and Bozorgnia, Y., “A Study of the Effect of Near-Source Vertical Ground Motion on Seismic Design of Precast Concrete Cladding Panels,” ASCE  Journal of Architectural Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 167-184, December 2004.

·         Memari, A. M., Kremer, P. A. and Behr, R. A., "Dynamic Racking Crescendo Tests on Architectural Glass Fitted with Anchored "PET" Film," ASCE Journal of Architectural Engineering, Vol. 10, No.1, pp. 5-14, March 2004.

  • Memari, A. M., Behr, R. A. and Kremer, P. A., “Seismic Behavior of Curtain Walls   Containing Insulating Glass Units,” ASCE Journal of Architectural Engineering, Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 70-85, June 2003.
  • Memari, A. M., Aliaari, M. and Hamid, A. A., “Evaluation of Seismic Performance of Anchored Brick Veneer Walls,” Accepted for Publication in Performance of Exterior Building Walls, ASTM STP 1422, P.G. Johnson, Ed., American Society of Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, pp. 115-131, 2002.
  • Memari, A. M., Burnett, E. F. P., and Kozy, B. M., "Seismic Response of a New Type of Masonry Tie Used in Brick Veneer Walls," Construction and Building Materials Journal, Volume 16, No. 7, pp. 397-407, October 2002.

·         Memari, A.M., Rafiee, S., Motlagh, A.Y. and Scanlon, A., “Comparative Evaluation of Seismic Assessment Methodologies Applied to a 32-Story Reinforced Concrete Office Building,” Journal of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, Vol. 3, No. 1., pp. 31-44, Summer 2001.

·         Brueggeman, J. L., Behr, R. A., Wulfert, H., Memari, A. M., and Kremer, P. A., "Dynamic Racking Performance of an Earthquake-Isolated Curtain Wall System," Earthquake Spectra, Vol. 16, No. 4, pp. 735-756, November 2000.

·         Astarlioglu, S., Memari, A. M., and Scanlon, A., "Ductility-Based Seismic Design of Precast Concrete Large Panel Buildings," Structural Engineering and Mechanics Journal, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 405-426, October 2000.

·         Memari, A. M., Motlagh, A. Y., and Scanlon, A., "Seismic Evaluation of an Existing Reinforced Concrete Framed Tube Building based on Inelastic Dynamic Analysis," Engineering Structures Journal, Vol. 22, No. 6, pp. 621-637, June 2000. 

·         Memari, A. M., Aghakouchak, A. A., Ashtiany, M. G., and Tiv, M. "Full-Scale Dynamic Testing of Steel Frame Buildings During Construction," Engineering Structures Journal, Vol. 21, No. 12, pp. 1115-1127, December 1999.

·         Memari, A. M., Motlagh, A. Y., Akhtari, M., Scanlon, A., and Ghafory Ashtiany, M. "Seismic Vulnerability Evaluation of a 32 Story Reinforced Concrete Building," Structural Engineering & Mechanics Journal, Vol. 7, No.1, pp. 1-18, January 1999.

·         Memari, A. M., and Madhkhan, M. "Optimal Design of Steel Frames Subject to Gravity and Seismic Codes’ Prescribed Lateral Forces." Structural Optimization Journal, Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 56-66, August 1999.

·         Memari, A. M. and West, H. H. "Computation of Bridge Design Forces form Influence Surfaces," Computers and Structures Journal, Vol. 38, No. 5/6, pp. 547-556, 1991.

·         Memari, A. M., West, H. H., and Cavalier, T. M. "Optimization of Continuous Steel Plate Girder Bridges," Structural Optimization Journal, 3, pp. 231-239, 1991.

·         Memari, A. M., West, H. H., and Belegundu, A. D. "A Methodology for Automated Continuous Highway Bridge Design," ASCE, Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 117, No. 9, pp. 2584-2599, September 1991.

 

B.      Conference Proceedings

·         Memari, A. M., Grossenbacher, S. V., and Iulo, L. D., “In-plane and Out-of-plane Load Testing and Evaluation of Sustainable Masonry Walls,” Proceedings of the AEI 2008 Conference – Building Integrated Solutions, Denver, CO, September 25-27, 2008, 10 pages.

·         Memari, A. M. and Sambol, M., “Experimental Evaluation of the Effect of Drywall Joint Compound on Shear Capacity of Wood-frame Walls,” Proceedings of the AEI 2008 Conference – Building Integrated Solutions, Denver, CO, September 25-27, 2008, 10 pages.

·         Memari, A. M., “Review of Seismic Performance of Architectural Glass in Windows, Storefronts, and Curtain Walls,” Proceedings of the AEI 2008 Conference – Building Integrated Solutions, Denver, CO, September 25-27, 2008, 10 pages.

·         Memari, A. M., Grossenbacher, S. V., and Iulo, L. D., “Structural Testing of High Thermal Mass Walls Used in Sustainable Designs,” Proceedings of 2008 Structures Congress – Crossing Borders, Vancouver, Canada, April 24-26, 2008, 9 pages.

·         Memari, A. M., Kasal, B., Adams, A. R., and Manbeck, H. B., “Comparison of In-plane Lateral Load Resistance of Interior Steel Stud and Wood Stud Light-frame Walls,” Proceedings of 2008 Structures Congress – Crossing Borders, Vancouver, Canada, April 24-26, 2008, 10 pages.

·         Aliaari, M. and Memari, A. M., “Experimental Evaluation of a Sacrificial System for Masonry Infill Walls,” Proceedings of 2006 Architectural Engineering Conference – Building Integration Solutions, Omaha, Nebraska, March 30-April 2, 2006, CD-ROM, 15 pages.

·         Memari, A. M., Chen, X., Kremer, P. A., and Behr, R. A., “Development of Failure Prediction Models for Structural Sealant Glazing Systems under Cyclic Racking Displacement Conditions,” Proceedings of 2006 Architectural Engineering Conference – Building Integration Solutions, Omaha, Nebraska, March 30-April 2, 2006, CD-ROM, 15 pages.

·         Memari, A. M., Chen, X., Kremer, P. A., and Behr, R. A., “Seismic Performance of Structural Silicone Glazing Systems,” Proceedings of the ASTM 2005-DBCSA Symposium on Durability of Building and Construction Sealants and Adhesives, June 15-16, 2005, Reno, Nevada.

·         Memari, A. M. and Kauffman, A., “Review of Existing Seismic Retrofit Methodologies for Adobe Dwellings and Introduction of a New Concept,” Proceedings of the SismoAdobe2005 Conference, Lima, Peru, May 16-19, 2005, CD-ROM, 15 pages.

·         Memari, A. M. and Shirazi, A., "Development of a Seismic Rating System for Architectural Glass in Existing Curtain Walls, Storefronts, and Windows," Proceedings of 13th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, August 1-6, 2004, CD-ROM 13 pages.

·         Astarlioglu, S., Scanlon, A. and Memari, A. M., "Recent Developments in SNAPS3D -- A Finite Element Analysis Program for 3-Dimensional Nonlinear Time-History Analysis of Precast Concrete Structures," Proceedings of 13th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, August 1-6, 2004, CD-ROM 8 pages.

·         Memari, A. M. and Aliaari, M., “Seismic Isolation of Masonry Infill Walls,” Proceedings of 2004 ASCE Structures Congress & Exposition, Nashville, Tennessee, May 22-26, 2004, CD-ROM 10 pages.

·         Memari, A. M., “Full-Scale Racking Test Evaluation of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Cladding Panels,” Proceedings of ATC-29-2 Seminar on Seismic Design, Performance, and Retrofit of Nonstructural Components in Critical Facilities, October 23-24, 2003, Los Angeles, CA, 14 pages.

·         Memari, A. M. and Aliaari, M., “Pushover Analysis of Masonry Infilled R/C Frames with Seismic Infill Wall Isolator Subframe (SIWIS) System,” Proceedings of Earthquake Resistant Engineering Structures (ERES) 2003, September 22-24, 2003, Ancona, Italy.

·         Behr, R. A., Kremer, P. A., and Memari, A. M., “Earthquake Damage Resistant Architectural Glass Panels,” Proceedings of 2003 Architectural Engineering Conference -- Building Integration Solution, ASCE-AEI, September 17-20, 2003, Austin, TX. 

·         Memari, A. M., “Recent Developments in Seismic Isolation Systems for Masonry Infill and Brick Veneer Walls,” Proceedings of 2003 Architectural Engineering Conference -- Building Integration Solution, ASCE-AEI, September 17-20, 2003, Austin, TX. 

·         Memari, A. M. and Chusid, M. T., “Introduction to Architectural Aspects and Developments in Research on Structural Performance of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Products,” Proceedings of 2003 Architectural Engineering Conference -- Building Integration Solution, ASCE-AEI, September 17-20, 2003, Austin, TX. 

·         Memari, A. M., Liang, J., and Burnett, E. F. P., “Development of a Multihazard Resistant Panelized Brick Veneer Wall System,” Proceedings of Structural Faults & Repair-2003, July 1-3, 2003, London, UK, CD-ROM, pp. 1-10. 

·         Memari, A. M. and Eminaga, A., "Preliminary Results on the Use of GFRP as an External Reinforcement for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete," Proceedings, Advances in Building Technology (ABT 2002), December 4-6, 2002, Hong Kong.

·         Memari, A. M., Shirazi, A., and Kremer, P. A., "Finite Element Analysis of Architectural Glass Curtain Walls Subjected to In-Plane Lateral Loads," Proceedings, 2nd  International Conference on Advances in Structural Engineering and Mechanics (ASEM’02), August 21-23, 2002, Busan (Pusan), Korea.

·         Memari, A. M., Maneetes, H., and Bozorgnia, Y., "Effect of Near-Field Vertical Ground Motion on Seismic Design of Precast Concrete Cladding Panels," Proceedings, 2nd  International Conference on Advances in Structural Engineering and Mechanics (ASEM’02), August 21-23, 2002, Busan (Pusan), Korea.

·         Memari, A. M. and Getz, D., “Seismic Performance of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Cladding Panels,” Proceedings, 12th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering, September 9-13, 2002, London, UK.

·         Memari, A. M., Harris, H. G., Hamid, A. A. and Scanlon, A., “Estimation of R-Factor for Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns with Apparently Deficient Confinement Reinforcement,” Proceedings, 7th U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering, July 21-25, 2002, Boston, Massachusetts.

·         Memari, A. M., Behr, R. A. and Kremer, P. A., “Seismic Retrofit of Architectural Glass Using Anchored Applied Film,” Proceedings, 7th U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering, July 21-25, 2002, Boston, Massachusetts.

·         Memari, A. M. and Aliaari, M., "Seismic Infill Wall Isolator Subframe (SIWIS) System for Use in Buildings," Proceedings, ATC-17-2 Seminar on Response Modification Technologies for Performance-Based Design, May 30-31, 2002, Los Angeles, CA.

·         Memari, A. M., Harris, H. G. and Hamid, A. A., "Seismic Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Piers in Typical Pennsylvania Bridges," Proceedings, 10th International Conference on Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Oct. 7-10, 2001.

·         Memari, A. M. and Kremer, P. A., "Employing Glass Panels with Rounded Corners to Reduce Seismic Damage in Architectural Glass Wall Systems," Proceedings, 3rd International Conference on Earthquake Resistant Engineering Structures (ERES 2001), Malaga, Spain, Sept. 4-6, 2001.

·         Scanlon, A., Memari, A. M., and Amini, A. R., "Assessment of Bridge Piers for Seismic Resistance in the Eastern United States," Proceedings, 9th International Conference on Structural Faults and Repair, Kensington, London, England, July 4-6, 2001.

·         Memari, A. M., Burnett, E. F. P., and Kozy, B. M., "Seismic Response of a New Type of Masonry Tie Used in Brick Veneer Walls," Proceedings, 9th International Conference on Structural Faults and Repair, Kensington, London, England, July 4-6, 2001.

·         Memari, A. M., Aliaari, M., and Hamid, A. A., "Evaluation of Seismic Performance of Anchored Brick Veneer Walls," Symposium on Performance of Exterior Building Walls, Phoenix, Arizona, March 31-April 1, 2001.

·         Behr, R. A., Wulfert, H., Memari, A. M., Kremer, P. A., and Brueggeman, J. L., "An Earthquake-Isolated Curtain Wall System," Fifth Conference on Tall Buildings in Seismic Regions, Los Angeles, California, May 5-6, 2000.

·         Astarlioglu, S., Memari, A. M., and Scanlon, A. "Modeling Strategies for Three-Dimensional Analysis of Precast Panel Buildings Under Seismic Load," Proceedings, 12th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Auckland, New Zealand, Jan. 30 – Feb. 4, 2000.

·         Memari, A. M., Behr, R., and Kremer, P. "The Role of Small-Scale Tests of Glass Plates in Seismic Design of Architectural Glazing Systems," Proceedings, 12th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Auckland, New Zealand, Jan. 30 – Feb. 4, 2000.

·         Memari, A. M. "Seismic Damage Analysis of a 32-Story Framed Tube Building," Proceedings, 8th Canadian Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Vancouver, Canada, June 13 – June 16, 1999.

·         Astarlioglu, S., Memari, A. M., and Scanlon, A., "Use of Inelastic Design Spectra in Seismic Design of Precast Concrete Wall Panel Buildings," Proceedings, Sixth U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Seattle, Washington, May 31-June 4, 1998.

·         Scanlon, A., Memari, A. M., and Darbari, A., "Seismic Upgrade of Bridge Piers in Pennsylvania," Proceedings, Structural Engineers Association of California 1998 Convention, Reno, Nevada, October 7-10, 1998.

·         Memari, A. M., "Dynamic Testing of a Steel Frame Building with Autoclaved Cellular Concrete Block Infill Walls," Proceedings, Structural Engineers Association of California 1998 Convention, Reno, Nevada, October 7-10, 1998.

·         Aghakouchak, A. A. and Memari, A. M., "Determination of Dynamic Characteristics of Multistory Buildings Using Ambient and Forced Vibration Tests," Proceedings, 2nd International Conference on Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, Tehran, Iran, May 15-17, 1995.

·         Memari, A. M. and Fuladgar, A., "Minimum Weight Design of Trusses by BEHSAZ Program," Proceedings, 2nd International Conference on Computational Structures Technology, Athens, Greece, Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, 1994.

·         Memari, A. M. and Madhkhan, M., "Optimal Design of Steel Frames to Resist Seismic Loads," Proceedings, 5th International Conference on Civil and Structural Engineering Computing, Edinburgh, Scotland, Aug. 17-19, 1993.

·         Memari, A. M. and Fuladgar, A., "BEHSAZ - A Computer Program for Optimal Design of Structures," Proceedings, International Congress on Computational Methods in Engineering, Shiraz, Iran, May 2-6, 1993.

·         Memari, A. M., Ahmadi, M. M., and Rezaee, B., "Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Water Towers During Manjil-Rudbar Earthquake of June 1990," Proceedings, 10th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Madrid, Spain, July 19-24, 1992.

·         Memari, A. M., Ahmadi, M. M., and Rezaee, B., "An Investigation of the Failure of the Water Tower in Rasht," Proceedings, First International Conference on Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, Tehran, Iran, May 27-29, 1991.

 

C.      Other Articles

·         Chung, C., Lou, J. J., Memari, A. M., and Ting, R., “Testing Curtain Wall Durability – A New Perspective on Mock-ups,” The Construction Specifier, January 2007.

·         Memari, A. M., “On the Challenge of Designing Building Envelope for Seismic Loads,” AEI/CI Quarterly Online Magazine: Means, Methods, and Trends, Summer 2005, http://www.mmtmagazine.org/archives/summer05.html. 

·         Koffel, W. E., Memari, A. M., Rittenhouse, T., Dawson, H., and Ettouney, M., “Curtainwalls in Modern Buildings,” Structures Magazine, pp. 32-35, January 2005.

·         Memari, A. M., "Book Review: Design for Earthquakes," by James Ambrose and Dimitry Vergun, Published by Wiley 1999, ASCE Journal of Architectural Engineering, Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 156-158, December 1999.

 

D.     Recent Technical Reports

·        Memari, A. M., Kasal, B., Manbeck, H. B., and Adams, A. R., Experimental Cyclic Racking Evaluation of Light-frame Wood Stud and Steel Stud Wall Systems, Research Report Submitted to Pennsylvania Housing Research Center (PHRC), University Park, PA, July 2008.

·         Memari, A. M., In-plane Shear Perfor