University of Delaware Civil and Environmental Engineering

Background

A four-year Precast Design Studio at the University of Delaware (UD). The design studio partners with multiple producer and associate members in the PCI Mid-Atlantic Chapter to provide rewarding educational, professional development and networking opportunities for UD students.

The specific objectives of the program are to: (1) educate students in precast; (2) immerse students in team-based precast design projects; (3) engage students in personalized mentoring experiences; (4) provide hands-on co-op opportunities for UD students; and, ultimately, (5) attract top talent to the precast industry.

These objectives are accomplished by delivering a re-designed course on precast and prestressed concrete to upper-level undergraduates and graduate students. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in Precast Co-op and other professional development and networking activities. By participating in the program, UD students are able to: (1) describe relevant technical concepts; (2) apply their knowledge to a preliminary design of a precast building; (3) demonstrate ability to lead and participate in teamwork; and (4) use oral communication to effectively communicate technical concepts. The proposed project benefits the PCI Foundation and precast industry by exposing over 200 students to precast, which will encourage them to consider precast and related industries as a possible career choice.

Principal Investigator

Jovan Tatar, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Delaware
DuPont Hall 356, Newark, DE 19716

PCI Mid-Atlantic Partners

Producer Members

Ernest Maier/Concrete Building Systems, Delmar, DE
Northeast Precast, Vineland, NJ
PennStress, Hollidaysburg, PA
Shockey Precast, Winchester, VA
Tindall Building Systems, Petersburg, VA

Associate Member

ALP Supply, Fairless Hills, PA

Photo Gallery

This Studio, led by Professor Jovan Tatar, includes industry guest lectures, plant tours, student projects with close mentoring by precast partners, participation in Project Precast at the annual PCI Convention, UD Precast Career Fairs, Big Beam Competition, and attendance at PCI Mid-Atlantic membership meetings. Many networking opportunities and much hands-on industry collaboration!