Andrea V. Solis
Bio
Andrea has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from New Mexico State University (NMSU) and graduated as the Outstanding Senior in the School of Engineering at NMSU (with honors) in 2006. Andrea received her Master of Science in Civil Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in 2008.
Her graduate research at NMSU focused on the behavioral evaluation of twin steel girder bridges that were built in Las Cruces, New Mexico at the intersection of U.S. Highway 70 and Sonoma Ranch Boulevard. The twin structures were the first in New Mexico to use the Simple for Dead Load – Continuous for Live Load (SDL-CLL) system for steel bridges. To evaluate in-service behavior, a diagnostic load test was performed and the bridge was also evaluated using finite element analysis to obtain a better understanding of the behavior; in particular the girder moment connection at the interior pier supports.
Andrea’s other work and research experience includes materials testing and traffic simulation at Los Alamos National Laboratory, investigating nonstructural component behavior in earthquakes at Stanford University, evaluation of the moment capacity of damaged steel girders at the University of Delaware, and bridge design and analysis at the Department of Bridge Design at the New Mexico Department of Transportation.
Research
One of Andrea’s goals is to combine her experience and knowledge in the area of structures with the understanding of material behavior. Additionally, Andrea would like to focus on the role of the structural engineer in sustainability and policy.
Her research currently focuses on looking at the surface deterioration of concrete pavements, sidewalks, curbs, etc due to deicing chemicals. Based on this research Andrea’s dissertation work will concentrate on studying concrete deterioration in marine environments and research sustainable solutions (such as green concrete) that can be effective in preventing certain deterioration. Andrea’s research will also include the quantification of the environmental impacts (LCA) along with a material flow analysis for concrete used at a regional level in India.
Solis, A.; Ramaswami, A.; Main D.; Teske, P.; Weible, C.; Ren, J.; et al.“University-City Collaborations for Climate Action”. Poster Presentation to the IGERT PI meeting, Alexandria, VA, USA, May 17-18, 2009.
Non-research highlights
She is currently a member in Chi Epsilon (civil engineering honor society), American Society of Civil Engineers, Tau Beta Pi, and Phi Kappa Phi.