General Information

Teaching & Educational Activities

Research & Scholarship

Service & Professional Affiliations

Honduras Mission Trip

Structural Engineering Teaching & Research Laboratory (SETRL)

GENERAL INFORMATION

• B.S.E. (Civil Engineering) Tulane University, 1993
• M.S.E. (Civil Engineering) The University of Texas at Austin, 1995
• Ph.D. (Civil Engineering) The University of Texas at Austin, 1998

• EIT, Louisiana, 1993, No. 15119

TEACHING & EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Undergraduate and Graduate courses in Structural Engineering and Mechanics, including Statics/Dynamics, Structural Analysis & Design, Structural Engineering Capstone (Senior Design), Reinforced Concrete, Prestressed Concrete, and Wood & Masonry

• Spring 2008:  CEE 4606⁽¹⁾, CEE 4611⁽¹⁾, CEE 8436
• Fall 2007:  CEE 2104⁽²⁾, CEE 8435
• Summer 2007:
• Spring 2007:  CEE 4606⁽¹⁾, CEE 4611⁽¹⁾, LAS 3950⁽³⁾
• Fall 2006:  CEE 2104⁽²⁾
• Summer 2006:
• Spring 2006:  CEE 4606⁽¹⁾, CEE 4611⁽¹⁾, CEE 8436
• Fall 2005:  CEE 2104⁽²⁾, CEE 8435
• Summer 2005:  CEE 7401
• Spring 2005:  CEE 3412⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾, CEE 4606⁽¹⁾, CEE 4611⁽¹⁾, LAS 1100⁽³⁾
• Fall 2004:  CEE 2104⁽²⁾
• Summer 2004:
• Spring 2004:  CEE 3412⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾, CEE 4606⁽¹⁾, CEE 4611⁽¹⁾, CEE 8436
• Fall 2003:  CEE 3401⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾, CEE 8435
• Summer 2003:
• Spring 2003:  CEE 3422⁽¹⁾, CEE 4423, CEE 4606⁽¹⁾, CEE 4611⁽¹⁾, LAS 1100⁽³⁾
• Fall 2002:
• Summer 2002: CEE 7401
• Spring 2002:  CEE 3422⁽¹⁾, CEE 4606⁽¹⁾, CEE 8436, LAS 1100⁽³⁾
• Fall 2001:  CEE 2101⁽²⁾, CEE 8435
• Summer 2001:
• Spring 2001:  CEE 3422⁽¹⁾, CEE 4606⁽¹⁾, CEE 8441
• Fall 2000:    CEE 2101⁽²⁾, CEE 4605⁽²⁾
• Summer 2000:, CEE 7401
• Spring 2000:  CEE 3422⁽¹⁾, CEE 4423⁽¹⁾, CEE 8436
• Fall 1999:  CEE 4605, CEE 8435
• Summer 1999:  CEE 2101, CEE 8601
• Spring 1999:  CEE 4423, CEE 8433

⁽¹⁾ Co-taught with another instructor    

⁽²⁾ Taught two sections

⁽³⁾ One lecture given in multi-disciplinary seminar

• Spring 2008:  Spring 2008 Trip (March 1-8)
• Spring 2007:  Foundations for Computer Lab Building
• Spring 2006:  Foundations for Classroom Building #2
• Spring 2005:  Foundations for Classroom Building #1
• Spring 2004:  Retaining Wall Behind Chapel/Volunteer Center
• Spring 2003:  Elevated Slab for Chapel/Volunteer Center
• Spring 2002:  Columns for Chapel/Volunteer Center
• Spring 2001:  Foundations for Chapel/Volunteer Center
• Spring 2000:  25-foot Tall Reinforced Concrete Cross

Click here for more information about the Villanova-Amigos de Jesus service-learning partnership.

1. Gross, S.P, Glynn, E.F., Wadzuk, B.W., Dinehart, D.W., and Hampton, F.P., "Development of an Integrated Mechanics Sequence in Civil Engineering," Sponsors: Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning (VITAL) and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, $11,250, 2007-2009.
2. Dinehart, D.W., Gross, S.P., and Yost, J.R., "Incorporation of Research into the Undergraduate Structural Engineering Curriculum," Sponsor: Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning (VITAL), $8,000, 2004-2006.
3. Chrestay, J., Dinehart, D.W., Gross, S.P., Hoffman, R.H., Johnson, B.C., and Yost, J.R., "Transforming Undergraduate Engineering Curriculum at Villanova University: A Request for Structural Engineering Equipment," Sponsor: W.M. Keck Foundation, $500,000, 2003-2005.
4. Dinehart, D.W. and Gross, S.P., "Incorporation of the Villanova Mission into the Structural Engineering Curriculum," Sponsor: Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning (VITAL), $8,000, 2000-2002.

1. Dinehart, D.W. and Gross, S.P. (2007), "Development, Implementation, and Outcomes of International Service Learning in Structural Engineering," Proceedings of the First National Capstone Design Course Conference, Boulder, CO, National Science Foundation, Paper #11819, pp. 1-7.  [paper]
2. Dinehart, D.W., Gross, S.P., and Yost, J.R. (2005), "Development of a Model Program in Structural Engineering," Academics: Reflections on Teaching and Learning at Villanova, Villanova University Office of Academic Affairs, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 20-31.  [paper]
3. Dinehart, D.W. and Gross, S.P. (2002), "Teaching Constructability Using Third World Constraints," Proceedings of the 2002 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition - Montreal, Canada, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Paper #2069, pp. 1-12.  [paper]
4. Dinehart, D.W. and Gross, S.P. (2002), “Engineering in a Third World Country", Occasional Papers – Spring 2002, Villanova University Office of Mission Effectiveness, Vol. 4, pp. 6-8.  [paper]
5. Welch, R., Hitt, J., Baldwin, J., Bentler, D., Clarke, D. and Gross, S. (2001), "The ExCEEd Teaching Workshop: Hints to Successful Teaching," Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition - Albequerque, NM, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Paper #375, pp. 1-12.  [paper]
6. Welch, R., Baldwin, J., Bentler, D., Clarke, D., Gross, S., and Hitt, J. (2001), "The ExCEEd Teaching Workshop: Participants' Perspective and Assessment," Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition - Albequerque, NM, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Paper #376, pp. 1-12.  [paper]
7. Gross, S.P. and Dinehart, D.W. (2000), "Villanova University Capstone Design Course," PCA Academic News - Fall 2000, Portland Cement Association, p. 4.  [paper]

1. Dinehart, D.W. and Gross, S.P. (2007), "Development, Implementation, and Outcomes of International Service Learning in Structural Engineering," First National Capstone Design Course Conference, Boulder, CO. (presented by David W. Dinehart)
2. Dinehart, D.W. and Gross, S.P. (2006), "A Service Learning Project in Structural Engineering at Villanova University," National Conference on Service Learning in Engineering, Washington, DC. (poster presentation) 
3. Gross, S.P. (2002), “Service-Oriented Learning in a Capstone Reinforced Concrete Design Course,” American Concrete Institute Fall 2002 Convention, Phoenix, AZ.  [presentation]
4. Gross, S.P. (2002), "Building Crosses and Planting Trees: Service and the Engineer," Villanova University College of Engineering Dean's List Dinner Speech, Villanova, PA.    [presentation]
5. Dinehart, D.W. and Gross, S.P. (2002), "Teaching Constructability Using Third World Constraints," American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition, Montreal, Canada.  (poster and oral presentation) (co-presented with Dr. David W. Dinehart)
6. Welch, R., Hitt, J., Baldwin, J., Bentler, D., Clarke, D. and Gross, S. (2001), "The ExCEEd Teaching Workshop: Hints to Successful Teaching," American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition, Albequerque, NM.  (presented by Dr. R. Welch)
7. Welch, R., Baldwin, J., Bentler, D., Clarke, D., Gross, S., and Hitt, J. (2001),  "The ExCEEd Teaching Workshop: Participants' Perspective and Assessment," American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition, Albequerque, NM.  (presented by Dr. R. Welch)
8. Gross, S.P. and Dinehart, D.W. (2001), "Design and Construction of a Reinforced Concrete Cross in Honduras," American Concrete Institute Spring 2001 Convention, Philadelphia, PA.   [presentation]

1. Gudas, Christopher (2007), Full Scale Tests of Open-Web Steel Joists with and without Wood Nailer Top Chord Attachments (primary advisor)
2. Buckley, Eric (2007), Experimental Study of Open Web Steel Joists with Crimped Critical Web Members (co-advisor with Dr. David W. Dinehart)
3. Cook, Jeffrey (2006), Load Capacity of Open-Web Steel Joists with Wood Nailer Top Chord Attachments  (primary advisor)
4. Deitch, Michael (2006), Strengthening of Concrete Members Using near Surface Mounted FRP  (secondary advisor/faculty reader)
5. Reither, Jason (2005), Effect of Connection Type on the Behavior of Non-Composite Castellated and Cellular Beams (secondary advisor)
6. Gaynor, Elizabeth (2005), Time-Dependent Properties of Prestressed Concrete Beams Constructed with High-Strength Self Consolidating Concrete (primary advisor)
7. Bzdick, John (2005),  Experimental Study of Open Web Steel Joists with Cold-Formed Web Members  (primary advisor)
8. Hennessey, Jason (2004), Effect of Cope Geometry on the Strength and Failure Behavior of Open Web Expanded Beams  (secondary advisor)
9. Dionisio, Michelle (2004), Critical Bending Stresses in Non-Composite Cellular Beams  (secondary advisor)
10. Theisz, Peter (2004), Properties of High Performance Concrete Beams Reinforced with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars  (co-advisor with Dr. David W. Dinehart)
11. Mildenberg, Jason (2003), Flexural Strengthening of Steel Reinforced Concrete Beams using Near Surface Mounted CFRP Reinforcement(secondary advisor)
12. Deeney, James (2003), Strength and Deflection of Open Web Steel Joists with Crimped, Uncrimped, and Full-Crimped Web Members  (secondary advisor)
13. D'Angelo, Matthew (2003),  Bond Characteristics and Performance of CFRP Rods in Prestressed Concrete Beams  (primary advisor)
14. Gargan, Brian (2002), Performance of Open Web Steel Joists with Crimped and Uncrimped Web Members (secondary advisor)
15. Kevgas, George (2002), Time-Dependent Deflection Behavior of Normal and High Strength Concrete Beams Reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bars  (primary advisor)
16. Svensen, Erik (2002), Strength and Deflection of Normal Strength Concrete Beams Reinforced with GFRP Bars (secondary advisor)
17. Liu, Ning (2002), Shear Strength Tests of High Strength Concrete Beams Reinforced with GFRP Bars  (primary advisor)
18. Reiter, Matthew (2002), Experimental Tests on Non-Composite Cellular Beams  (secondary advisor)
19. Aloi, Nicole (2002), Experimental Tests of Singly- and Doubly-Symmetric Noncomposite Castellated Beams  (primary advisor)

1. Cianci, Paul (Spring 2006), Experimental Testing of Steel Joists with Wood Nailer Top Chords Under Axial Loads
2. Scheibe, Elizabeth (Spring 2006), Deflection and Crack Width of CFRP Reinforced Concrete Beams Under Sustained Loads
3. Sensi, Brian and Wallin, Steven (Spring 2005), Investigation of Composite Action in Double Angle Flexural Members with Wood Nailer Attachments (co-advised with Dr. Joseph Yost)
4. Buckley, Eric (Spring 2004), Experimental Tests of Open-Web Steel Joists with Wood Nailer Chord Attachments
5. Halcovage, Kathleen (Spring 2003), Transfer Length in Prestressed Concrete Beams with CFRP Rods
6. Dhamer, Elizabeth (Spring 2003), Fresh and Hardened Properties of Various Types of High-Strength Concrete

1. National Conference on Service Learning in Engineering, Washington, DC, May 2006.
2. Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY) Wood Design Seminar, May 2005. (Presented 90 minute design seminar)
3. Center for Advanced Cement Based Materials (ACBM) Faculty Enhancement Workshop, Austin, TX, June 2003.
4. American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference and Exposition, Montreal, Canada, June 2002.
5. Portland Cement Association (PCA) Teaching Workshop on Design and Construction of Bridges by the AASHTO LRFD Specifications, Skokie, IL, August 2001.
6. Portland Cement Association (PCA) Teaching Workshop on The Engineering and Economics of Reinforced Concrete Buildings, Skokie, IL, August 2001.
7. American Society of Civil Engineers ExCEED Teaching Workshop, West Point, NY, July 1999.
8. The Masonry Society University Professors' Workshop, Chicago, IL, March 1999.
9. Rutgers/NJDOT LRFD Bridge Design Workshop, New Brunswick, NJ, March 1999.

RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP

• Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement for concrete structures
• Instantaneous and time-dependent deformations concrete structures
• Design and behavior of open-web steel joists
• Structural applications of high performance and high strength concrete (HPC/HSC)
• Design and behavior of prestressed and reinforced concrete structures
• Design and behavior of castellated steel beams

1. Dinehart, D.W., Gross, S.P., Hoffman, R.H., and Yost, J.R., "Villanova University Research Partnership with SMI Joist/SMI Steel Products - Phase II: Structural Performance of Prefabricated Steel Joists and Castellated/Cellular Beams," Sponsor: CMC Joist/CMC Steel Products (formerly SMI Joist/SMI Steel Products), $750,000, 2005-2010.
2. Dinehart, D.W. and Gross, S.P., "Development of a Durable Concrete for Use at Villanova University," Sponsor: Villanova Office of Facilities Management, $40,000, 2006-2008.
3. Dinehart, D.W., Gross, S.P., and Yost, J.R., "Experimental Investigation of Crimped Web Members," Sponsor: Steel Joist Institute, $57,295, 2006-2007.
4. Gross, S.P., "Verification of Hand and FEA Analytical Methods for Welded Aluminum Box Sections," Sponsor: Pagnotta Engineering, Inc. (Ben Franklin Technology Partnership), $16,500, 2006-2007.
5. Dinehart, D.W., Gross, S.P., and Yost, J.R., "Construction Infrastructure Research Fellowship," Sponsor: Conti Enterprises, Inc., $35,000, 2005-2007.
6. Gross, S.P., Dinehart, D.W., and Yost, J.R., "Acquisition of a Closed-Loop Hydraulic Loading System and Data Acquisition System," Sponsor: National Science Foundation, $248,742, 2003-2005.
7. Dinehart, D.W., Gross, S.P., and Yost, J.R., "Villanova University Research Partnership with SMI Joist/SMI Steel Products - Structural Performance of Prefabricated Steel Joists and Castellated/Cellular Beams," Sponsor: CMC Joist/CMC Steel Products (formerly SMI Joist/SMI Steel Products), $588,662, 2000-2005.
8. Dinehart, D.W., Gross, S.P., Hoffman, R.H., and Yost, J.R., "Donation of MTS Testing Equipment for Structural Engineering Research and Teaching Laboratory," Sponsor: MTS, Inc., $80,000, 2004.
9. Gross, S.P. and Yost, J.R., "Instrumentation of a 15-Foot Wide Double-Tee at High Concrete Structures, Inc., Sponsor: High Concrete Structures, Inc., $6,350, 2003.
10. Gross, S.P. and Yost, J.R., "Investigative Study of High Performance Lightweight Concrete for Use in Bridge Superstructure Applications," Sponsor: Villanova University Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, $25,000, 2003.
11. Gross, S.P. and Yost, J.R., "Structural Performance of Innovative Materials for Infrastructure Applications," Sponsor: Villanova University Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, $22,635, 2000.

SERVICE & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• American Concrete Institute      

  • Committee 213 - Lightweight Concrete (Associate Member)

  • Committee 363 - High-Strength Concrete (Voting Member)

  • Committee 423 - Prestressed Concrete (Voting Member)

  • Committee 435 - Deflection of Concrete Structures (Voting Member)

  • Committee 440 - Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (Voting Member)

  • Committee E803 - Faculty Network Coordinating (Voting Member)

• Prestressed/Precast Concrete Institute

• American Society of Civil Engineers
• American Society for Engineering Education

• Reviewer for the following technical journals and special conferences:     

  • ACI Structural Journal

  • ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering

  • ASCE Journal of Composites for Construction

  • ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering

  • ASCE Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice

  • Transportation Research Record

  • PCI/FHWA High Performance Concrete Symposium

  • United Engineering Foundation Conference on High Performance Materials for Bridges and Buildings

  • American Concrete Institute Symposium on Self-Consolidating Concrete for Precast Prestressed Applications

• Judge, Delaware Valley American Concrete Institute Awards Program (2001, 2006)

• Reviewer, National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program in Civil & Mechanical Systems

• Project Panel Member, National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project 18-07: "Prestress Losses in Pretensioned High-Strength Concrete Bridge Girders"

• Events Policy Committee (2006 - 2007)
• VITAL New Faculty Orientation (2001, 2006)
• Office of Mission Effectiveness New Faculty Orientation (2004, 2005)
• Invited Speaker, St. Thomas of Villanova Day Academic Convocation, Villanova University (2004)
• Academic Integrity Case Review Panel (2000, 2007)

• CoE Space Committee (2006 - )
• Center for Innovation in Engineering Education (CIEE) Planning Committee (2007)
• Dean Search Committee (2005 - 2006)
• Engineers Without Border, Faculty Advisor (2003 - 2005)

• CEE Departmental Rank & Tenure Committee (2006 - )
• CEE Mechanics Committee (2003 - )
• CEE Day Planning Committee (2002 - )
• CEE Transportation & Materials Faculty Search Committee (2007 - 2008)
• Director, Structural Engineering Teaching & Research Laboratory (2006)
• CEE Staffing Committee (2005 - 2006)
• CEE Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (1999 - 2004)
• ASCE Concrete Canoe Team, Faculty Co-Advisor (2002 - 2003)
• CEE Transportation Faculty Search Committee (2000 - 2001)