2025 Internship Project Overview

This project explored the hydrodynamic performance of sustainable hybrid bridge-barriers (SHBBs) through physical experiments in a small-scale wave flume. The objective was to quantify wave interactions on the SHBBs while examining the effects of perforation percentage, hole size and angle inclination on hydrodynamic loading. The models were constructed from clear acrylic with removable plates (20% and 40%, each with large and small holes) and tested at angle inclinations of 0, +30 and -30 degrees. Regular waves with steepness values of 0.04, 0.05 and 0.06 were generated to evaluate structural response. The results provided insight into how geometry influences the force magnitude and wave transmission across SHBBs, providing useful insight for future sustainable coastal infrastructure.

ORGANIZATION/RESEARCH GROUP

Creative and Resilient Urban Engineering (CRUE) and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) Research Groups, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University

LOCATION

Princeton, New Jersey

Interns

Madison Clark ’27
Major: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Minor(s): Computer Science, Robotics
"I gained hands-on skills in experimental design, data processing, and teamwork across engineering disciplines. Most interesting was seeing how structural design choices directly affected wave forces, which inspired me to further pursue sustainable infrastructure in my academic and career path."
John Cureton ’26
Major: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Minor(s): Architecture, Japanese Language
"I learned how to strategically process data and draw meaningful conclusions. I enjoyed seeing the project grow from a simple idea to a full experiment, while experiencing the ups and downs with my peers. This gave me a deeper appreciation for coastal infrastructure and heightened my awareness of the risks posed by climate change and sea level rise."
Maria Garlock
Daniel Tsui Professor in Engineering, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Mentors

  • Krisna Pawitan, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Zhaoyang Song, Ph.D. Candidate, Civil and Environmental Engineering