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Glenda Torres Rivera Administrative Officer gltorres@pupr.edu (787) 622-8000, Ext. 487
Click here to download the Procedures to Submit Protocols to the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico is supporting and encouraging the submission of patent applications from faculty and staff, according to the current Intellectual Property Policy approved on February 24th, 2010. This effort is done to incentivize the production of intellectual property that benefits both, the IP originators and the university. The following steps will be followed to submit an application for patent:
1. The applicant will fill an Intellectual Property Disclosure Form and submit it to the Sponsored Research Office (SRO).
2. The SRO will hire a firm to conduct a Patent Search, and will determine if the Intellectual Property (IP) is considered a University Assisted or Assigned Effort or an Individual Effort. Based on the outcomes of the patent search, the SRO will submit a recommendation to the Intellectual Property Committee (IPC).
3. The IPC decides if the University will pursue a patent for the submitted IP.
4. If the University IPC decides to pursue the patent,
– The applicant will fill out an Originator Assignment Document
– The SRO will hire a firm to conduct a patent application. The applicant will meet with the firm personnel for any further explanation necessary in the generation of the claims for the patent application.
5. Once the patent pending status is documented, the University may initiates negotiations for the commercialization of the Intellectual Property.
6. If the University decides not to pursue the patent, the applicant may request a copy of the IP decision to pursue the patent of the IP on his/her own.
Highly-interactive, graphically-oriented, special purpose Finite Element Analysis program, within MS-Windows environment as the Graphical User Interface (GUI). The system has been developed for PC computers, and Visual Basic has been selected as the programming language, due to its versatility and the advantages of its toolbox to develop applications following the MS-Windows standards.
The application is called NPB program, which can be defined as an interactive computer program for the analysis of Non-Prismatic Beams (or similar structures) by means of plane stress Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The program performs plane stress analysis, using four nodes isoparametric elements (Q4), considering static loads, linear elastic material behavior, and the small displacements theory. It is specifically oriented to non-prismatic beam type models (defined by two vertical boundaries at the most left and the most right limits).
A model analysis may be divided into three implementation phases: a) Pre-processing Stage, where the model data is defined, b) Processing Stage, where the automatic meshing of the model, and the finite element analysis are performed, and c) Post- Processing Stage, where results are consulted. Regarding these phases, the program permits the user, among other features, to:
Define the parameters to control the number of divisions for the meshing II.2Perform the automatic meshing of the solid modeling with quadrilateral elements Perform an static linear elastic analysis of the model, using plane stress elements.
Review the results file (nodal displacements, element strains and stresses) Future developments will include the graphical post-processing of the results (i.e. deflected shape, stress contours, etc.)
Figure 1: Drawing Toolbar to Generate Solid Model
Figure 2: Solid Model Generation, with Support and Load Conditions
Figure 3: Beam After Automatic Meshing of the Solid Model
Figure 4: Partial View of Finite Element Model Element Identification
Pacheco G., and Veras E., 1998. Development of an Interactive Finite Element Analysis Program within MS Windows 95 Environment,
– XXV Pan-American Convention of Engineers UPADI 98, Lima, Perú, November 1998.
– Engineering and Land Surveying Congress COINAR 1998, Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón Campus, March 1998.
– First Forum for the Promotion of Engineering Research in Puerto Rico (FoPER’98), University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, PR, February 1998
Pacheco G., and Veras E., 1997. “NPBeam Project Report”, Report submitted to the PR DOT detailing all the research and development process.
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, Department of Transportation and Public Works, 1997-1998.
Highly-interactive, graphically-oriented, special purpose Finite Element Analysis program, within MS-Windows environment as the Graphical User Interface (GUI). The system has been developed for PC computers, and Visual Basic has been selected as the programming language, due to its versatility and the advantages of its toolbox to develop applications following the MS-Windows standards.
The application is called Visual Slab program, which can be defined as an interactive computer program for the analysis of slabs on grade models, subjected to moving truck loads, and falling weights. The program speed up model generation, performs the automatic meshing (Finite Element Model) of the solid model, and performs static and dynamic (time history) analysis using isoparametric four nodes plate elements, dowels connecting plates, considering non-linear soil behavior, and the small displacements theory.
A model analysis may be divided into three implementation phases: a) Pre-processing Stage, where the model data is defined, b) Processing Stage, where the automatic meshing of the model, and the finite element analysis are performed, and c) Post- Processing Stage, where results are consulted. Figure 5 schematizes this processes, and Figures 6 to 8 show examples of the program capabilities.
Figure 5: Program Stages
Program Window Layout
Post-Processing Example – Plate Stress Contour Plots
Tito J., and Pacheco G., 2000. “Comparison Between Visual-Slab Computer Program and Experimental Results of Minnesota Road Research Project”
– International Steering Committee of the IX Panamerican Conference on Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Gramado, RS, Brasil, November 19-23 2000.
– XI Engineering and Land Surveying Congress COINAR 1999, College of Engineers and Land Surveyors of Puerto Rico, Caribbean University, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Tito J., and Pacheco G., 1999. “Visual Slab”, Report submitted to the PR DOT detailing all the research and development process.
The UPR / PUPR / ATI Professional Development Program, in operation since the summer of 2004, integrates students and faculty from eight disciplines, three campuses, and two universities: the Mayagüez and Río Piedras Campuses of the University of Puerto Rico and the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) through the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority (PRHTA) and the Integrated Transportation Alternative (ATI).
The development program is based on four focal principles: real learning experience, multi-disciplinary approach, applied-research, and leadership development.
The primary objective of the program is to develop local professionals and leaders that are able to plan, design, build, operate, and maintain public transportation systems. The secondary objectives are to:
1. strengthen the education and research in key transportation infrastructure-related disciplines,2. establish a interdisciplinary cooperative model between engineering, architecture, urban planning, business administration, and social sciences professionals working alongside with government and industry officials, and
3. develop a cooperative relationship among the campuses of UPR Mayagüez, UPR Rio Piedras, the Puerto Rico Polytechnic University, the ATI, PRHTA and the PR-DTOP.
The UPR/PUPR/ATI Professional Development Program exposes students to the SJMA complex transportation environment through an applied research experience that has the following three stages:
Figure 10 Study Trip to Portland, USA
Study Trip to Chicago, USA
Student Erick Rivera Presenting his Progress Report
Proposed New AMA Station (Tatis and Vigo Final report, 2005)
Pacheco-Crosetti, G. E., Moreno-Viqueira, G., Figueroa-Medina, A., Gutiérrez, J. (2008). “UPR/PUPR/ATI Professional Development Program: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Public Transportation and Sustainable Development”, Dimensión, Revista del Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico, Año 22, Vol 1, 2008.
Tatis, F. and Vigo, G. “Intermodal Integration at Bayamón Station”,– Hispanic in Engineering Conference, San Juan, PR, 2006. They obtain the first place award in the poster session competition.
-COINAR 2007, College of Engineering and Land Surveying of Puerto Rico. They obtain the first place award in the poster session and second place award in the oral presentation competitions.
There are eleven (11) Research Reports, available in the project site: uprati.uprm.edu
The Professional Development Program In Transportation Infrastructure Inspection (PDP-TII) is a cooperative agreement between Alternate Concepts Inc (ACI) and Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR).
The Program has three principal objectives: – Stimulate the development of engineering students in the area of Transportation Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance. – Perform an inspection and maintenance assessment program of the San Juan Railway System (TU) structures and drainage infrastructure. – Propose possible improvements to the inspection, condition evaluation, and maintenance assessment processes of transportation facilities. The program consists of five stages:Students have to perform extensive literature review on visual inspection procedures and condition assessment rating around the world, and propose improvements in all the stages of the process:
– Inspection procedures and equipment. – Inspection forms. – Infrastructure identification and location. – Findings documentations. – Assessment of the field conditions found trough objective and quantitative rating scales.– Required level of intervention according to obtained rating (i.e. routine maintenance, repair, replacement, among others),to support the establishment of priorities in the maintenance process.
The concepts learned in the previous stage are applied to different components of the TU infrastructure.
Example of Damage Found in Sidewalk Parapet
The findings of the inspection are evaluated, and a condition rating is assigned (that helps decide the type of maintenance process required to assure adequate safety and operational conditions).
A detailed report of the findings and the assigned condition is developed. An evaluation of possible causes to the discovered findings, and recommended intervention are also developed.
Rivera, Erik et al, 1.4. “Professional Development Program in Transportation Infrastructure Inspection PUPR/ACI”, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Annual Poster exhibition, June 2010.
More than eighteen (18) inspection reports submitted to ACI.Zurcher, Felix “The Effect of Base Material Permeability on Pavement Performance”, Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Washington DC, January 2007.
Pinto,Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Washington DC, January 2008.Márquez-Berríos, Gisselle and Díaz-Torres, Melvin. “Analysis of Trip Generation Trends in Urban Shopping Centers. Case Study: San Juan Metropolitan Area, Puerto Rico”, COINAR 2007, College of Engineering and Land Surveying of Puerto Rico. They obtain the third place award in the poster session competition
Rivera-Hernández, Erick. “Assessment of the Actual Condition of the San Juan Metropolitan Area from a Smart Growth Point of View”, Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, Washington DC, January 2009.
Research Reports submitted to the FHWAChair of the 11th Americas Conference on Wind Engineering, June 2009. This conference is convened every four years by American Association on Wind Engineering.
Research Assistant / Research Associate, Texas Tech University – Supervised full‐scale experiments on wind‐induced vibrations of cantilever traffic signal structures. – Participated in the Texas Tech Hurricane Intercept Team (Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Dennis). – Participated in the Texas Tech Storm Chasing Team (Summers 2004, 2005, and 2006).Visiting Researcher, Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory, University of Western Ontario. Designed and tested on the wind tunnel an aeroelastic model of a cantilever traffic signal structure (Fall 2009)
Gustavo E. Pacheco and Héctor J. Cruzado, “Strategies to Teach Wind Engineering Fundamentals to Undergraduate Students.” 11th Americas Conference on Wind Engineering, San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 22‐26, 2009.
Héctor J. Cruzado and Chris Letchford. “Wind tunnel studies of cantilever traffic signal structures.” 12th International Conference on Wind Engineering, Cairns, Australia, July 1‐6, 2007.
Chris Letchford, Héctor J. Cruzado, and Greg Kopp. “Mast arm vibrations of cantilever traffic signal structures.” 7th UK Conference on Wind Engineering, Glasgow, United Kingdom, September 4‐6, 2006.
Kishor Mehta, Chris Letchford, and Héctor J. Cruzado. “Multidisciplinary Doctoral Degree in Wind Science and Engineering.” 9th International Conference on Engineering Education, San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 23‐28, 2006.
Chris Letchford, Héctor J. Cruzado, and Guoqing Huang. “Wind‐induced Oscillations of Cantilevered Traffic Signal Structures.” 10th Americas Conference on Wind Engineering, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 31 – June 4, 2005.
Research Assistant, “Geometric Design of Two-lane Roadways, Capacity of Two- lane Roadways, and Simulation of the Motion of an Isolated Vehicle”, sponsored by Córdoba State Highway and Transportation Authority (Argentina), National University of Córdoba, 1986-1988.
Research Assistant, “Matrix Analysis of Plane Frame Structures”, sponsored by the Department of Structures, National University of Córdoba, 1987-1988.
Research Assistant, “Analysis and Design of Thin-walled Structures” (Non-linear Analysis and Design of Reinforced Concrete Thin-walled Beam-shells Considering Material Non-linear Behavior and Concrete Cracking, by means of integration procedures), sponsored by CONICOR (Council for Scientific and Technical Research of Córdoba State, Argentina), National University of Córdoba, 1988-1990.
Research Assistant, MS Thesis, “Synthesis of the Nonlinear Behavior of Multistory Steel Buildings” (Linear and Non-linear Static Analysis of Spatial Steel Frames. Computer and Computer Graphics Applications), University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez Campus, 1991-1993.
Principal Investigator, “Interactive Computer Program for the Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Girders”, sponsored by Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, Department of Transportation and Public Works, 1996- 1997.
Co- Principal Investigator, “Development of an Interactive Program for the Analysis of Rigid Pavement Slabs Under Truck Loads”, sponsored by Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, Department of Transportation and Public Works, 1997-1998.
Researcher, PhD Thesis, “Dynamic Lateral Response of Single Piles Considering Soil Inertia Contribution”, University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez Campus, 2003- 2007.
Principal Investigator and Coordinator of the Program for the PUPR, “Professional Development Program UPR/PUPR/ATI”, sponsored by Alternative for Integrated Transportation (ATI) – Puerto Rico DOT, 2004-2008.
Backup Campus Manager and Faculty Advisor, “Dwight Eisenhower Transportation Fellowships Program”, sponsored by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 2006-present.
Principal Investigator, “Professional Development Program In Transportation Infrastructure Inspection PUPR/ACI”, sponsored by Alternate Concepts Inc. (ACI), 2007 – present.
Pacheco, Gustavo E.; Cruzado, Héctor J. (2009) “Strategies to Teach Wind Engineering Fundamentals to Undergraduate Students”, 11 Americas Conference on Wind Engineering (11ACWE), San Juan, Puerto Rico, June 22-26 2009
Cruzado, Héctor J.; Pacheco, Gustavo E. (2009) “11a Conferencia de las Américas de Ingeniería del Viento, un Orgullo para la Ingeniería de Puerto Rico”, Revista Tecnomundo, Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico.
Pacheco-Crosetti, G. E., Suarez L. (2008) “Dynamic Lateral Response of Single Piles Considering Soil Inertia Contribution”, accepted as an oral presentation in Session 5, Structural engineering, of the 14th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (14WCEE), Beijing, China, October 12-17 2008
Pacheco-Crosetti, G. E., Moreno-Viqueira, G., Figueroa-Medina, A., Gutiérrez, J. (2008). “UPR/PUPR/ATI Professional Development Program: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Public Transportation and Sustainable Development”, Dimensión, Revista del Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico, Año 22, Vol 1, 2008.
Pacheco G., Suárez L. y Pando M. (2007). “Modelo Simplificado para el Análisis Dinámico de Pilotes Sometidos a Carga Horizontal”, ENIEF 2007 XVI CONGRESO SOBRE MÉTODOS NUMÉRICOS Y SUS APLICACIONES, Córdoba, Argentina, October 2-5 2007.
Pacheco G. E. (2007). “Dynamic Lateral Response of Single Piles Considering Soil Inertia Contribution”. Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Puerto Rico; May 2007
Pacheco G. and Godoy L. (2006). “Contributions of Porfirio Ballesteros in the Area of Shell Structures”, Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institution (LACCEI) – The Fourth Latin American and Caribbean Conference: Breaking Frontiers and Barriers in Engineering: Education, Research and Practice, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.
Tito J., and Pacheco G. (2000). “Comparison Between Visual-Slab Computer Program and Experimental Results of Minnesota Road Research Project”, International Steering Committee of the IX Panamerican Conference on Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Gramado, RS, Brasil, November 19-23 2000.Tito J., and Pacheco G. (1999). “Comparison Between Visual-Slab Computer Program and Experimental Results of Minnesota Road Research Project” XI Engineering and Land Surveying Congress COINAR 1999, College of Engineers and Land Surveyors of Puerto Rico, Caribeam University, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Tito J., and Pacheco G. (1998). “Teaching Structures Using Experimental and Analytical Methods”, ASCE 12th Engineering Mechanics Conference, San Diego, California, May 1998
Pacheco G., and Veras E. (1998). “Development of an Interactive Finite Element Analysis Program within MS Windows 95 Environment”, XXV Pan-American Convention of Engineers UPADI 98, Lima, Perú, November 1998.
Pacheco G., and Veras E. (1998). “Development of an Interactive Finite Element Analysis Program within MS Windows 95 Environment”, a) Engineering and Land Surveying Congress COINAR 1998, Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón Campus, March 1998. b) First Forum for the Promotion of Engineering Research in Puerto Rico (FoPER’98), University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, PR, February 1998
Pacheco G. (1996). “The Stiffness Method Implementation within MathCad Computation Environment”, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Magazine, vol 6, Dec. 1996, 205-238
Almánzar L., Pacheco G., and Cáceres A. (1994). “UPR-Build User Manual”, Civil Infrastructure Research Center (CIRC), University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Puerto Rico; August 1994
Pacheco G. E., and Pesquera C. I. (1994). “Synthesis of the Advanced Analysis of Multistory Steel Buildings Within the UPR-Build System”, Proceedings of the Sixth Puerto Rico EPSCoR Annual Conference, San Juan, Puerto Rico; May 6-7 1994[/p]
Pacheco G. E. (1994). “Computer-Aided Nonlinear Analysis of Multistory Steel Buildings”, Proceedings of the Seventh Congress of Computer Sciences and their Applications, Ponce, Puerto Rico; April 14-15 1994
– 2009, M.S. Computer Engineering PUPR
– 1997, B.S. Regents College
t. (787) 622-8000 ext. 340 Office: M-214
email. ageigel@pupr.edu
– 2006, M.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
– 2002, B.S. Computer Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University
t. (787) 622-8000 ext. 340 Office: M-213
email. jtorres@pupr.edu
t. (787) 622-8000
email. fnevarez@pupr.edu
– 1996, M.S. Electrical Engineering, Florida International University
– 1990, Telecommunication Engineer, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
t. (787) 622-8000 ext. 344 Office: L-308B
email. lvicente@pupr.edu
PUPR has state-of-the-art facilities, including classrooms with large screen projectors, computer laboratories, and an educational content delivery system that has the capacity to integrate distance learners into the classroom experience. This institution also uses a Blackboard Enterprise learning system that allows the virtualization of personal assignments, exams, and grading over a secure internet connection.
Data Communication Laboratory and Advanced Network Laboratory
– High Performance Computing Laboratory (HPC)
– Windows to the Caribbean Laboratory
– Turing Laboratory for Graduate Studies
– Information Assurance Wireless Laboratory
– Computer Forensics Investigation Laboratory (CFIL)
– Signal Processing and Communication Laboratory
– Plasma Laboratory
PO Box 192017
San Juan, PR 00919-2017
Tel. (787) 622-8000 ext. 344 / 340
Fax: (787) 250-8131
– 2005, Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut
– 1997, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University
– 1995, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico
t. (787) 622-8000 ext. 323 Office: L-403
email. calvarado@pupr.edu
– 2010, M.B.A., University of New Orleans
– 1996, Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech
– 1993, B.S. Civil Engineering, University of Puerto Rico
t. (787) 622-8000 ext. 323 Office: L-403
email. hrodriguez@pupr.edu
– 2011, Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, West Virginia University
– 2000, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico
– 1995, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Corp. Technology of Bolivar
t. (787) 622-8000 ext. 323 Office: L-402
email. brestrepo@pupr.edu
– 2006, Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, West Virginia University
– 1993, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico
– 1984, Post-Grade Geophysics and Geology for Prospecting Hydrocarbons, University of San Carlos, Guatemala
– 1983, B.S. Mechanical Engineering,University of San Carlos, Guatemala
t. (787) 622-8000 ext. 323 Office: L-412
email. jnoriega@pupr.edu
– 1980, D.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, AGH University, Poland
– 1970, Ph.D. Manufacturing Engineering, AGH University, Poland
– 1961, M.S. Manufacturing Engineering, Polytechnic University, Poland
t. (787) 622-8000 ext. 323 Office: L-403
email. askrzypinsky@pupr.edu
– Engineering Materials
– Engineering Measurements
– Fluid Mechanics
– Manufacturing – Conventional and CAM
– Mechatronics
– Thermal Sciences Lab
– Plasma Lab[/p]
– Flight Simulator (coming soon)
– State-of-the-art videoconference room
– Computer-aided engineering lab
– High-performance computer lab
PO Box 192017
San Juan, PR 00919-2017
Tel. (787) 622-8000 ext. 323 / 297
Fax: (787) 771-0011
