The campus will remain closed until 12 noon Thursday, 02/13/25. Students should log into Canvas for specific class information from their instructors. Please contact event organizers for information on specific activities. Normal operations will resume at 12pm on Thursday.
Dr. Nabil Grace is the Senior Vice President of Research & Economic Development at Lawrence Technological University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, as an Honor Graduate, from Cairo University; and a Master of Science and a Ph. D., both in Civil Engineering, and both from the University of Windsor.
His specialization is structural engineering, highway bridges and composite materials. He successfully obtained funding for and is the founder and director of the Nabil Grace Center for Innovative Materials Research (CIMR) at Lawrence Tech, a multimillion-dollar facility dedicated in 2008. CIMR offers students a variety of applied research opportunities and is currently primarily for investigating the use of composite materials in various structural applications, automotive components, and for the defense industry.
His research has attracted more than $29 million in private, state, and federal contracts, some of which were implemented in the design, construction, instrumentation, and field testing for the first carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) prestressed concrete highway bridge in United States history. Twenty similarly constructed bridges have been deployed across the eastern United States, with six of them being continuously monitored for performance by Dr. Grace’s research team until 2026.
He and his research team developed and issued the first design guidelines for CFRP prestressed concrete bridges for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). He has been awarded four U.S. patents in innovative bridge design, armor components and for advanced composite materials such as ductile hybrid fabric, and has published over 150 papers for conferences and national and international journals.
Before being named Senior Vice President for Research & Economic Development, he served as dean of LTU’s College of Engineering from 2010-2024, and chaired what is now the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering from 2001-2010. He is registered as a professional engineer in the state of Michigan.
Composite Armor with a Cellular Structure – Patent No. US 7,703,375 B1
Box Beam Bridge and Method of Construction – Patent No. US 7,296,317 B2
Ductile Hybrid Structural Fabric – Patent No. US 6,790,518 B2
Continuous CFRP Decked Bulb T Beam Bridges for Accelerated Bridge Construction – Patent No. US 9,309,634 B2
| Source | Time Period | Amount |
| Influence of Revising CFCC Guaranteed Strength on Performance of CFCC Prestressed Beams Subjected to Various Environmental Conditions | 2021-2026 | $575,000 |
| Michigan Department of Transportation, State-Wide Monitoring for CFRP Prestressed Concrete Bridges | 2014-2026 | $1,166,711 |
| Pool-Fund, FHWA & DOTs (MDOT, OHDOT, NCDOT & MEDOT), CFRP Pre-tensioning Strands in Bridges | 2017-2022 | $587,307 |
| Center of Excellence for Sustainable Infrastructure MDOT-FHWA – CIMR | 2008-2026 | $1,440,000 |
| Tank Automotive Research Development Engineering Center (TARDEC) US Army, Composites Armor | 2013-2015 | $260,000 |
| Michigan Department of Transpiration, First-USA Design Guidelines for CFRP Prestressed Concrete Bridges | 2013-2019 | $341,814 |
| National Science Foundation, LCCA for Bridges | 2013-2014 | $53,000 |
| FHWA-Michigan Department of Transportation, Durability Evaluation for CFRP Prestressed Concrete Bridges | 2013-2018 | $345,000 |
| Pool-Fund, FHWA & DOTs (MI, IOWADOT, MNDOT& WISDOT) Development of Innovative CFRP Decked-Bulb-T Beam Bridges | 2011-2014 | $349,000 |
| US Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) | 2010-2013 | $1,480,000 |
| National Science Foundation | 2010-2014 | $260,000 |
| National Science Foundation | 2010-2011 | $50,000 |
| National Science Foundation | 2010-2011 | $49,900 |
| US Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center TARDEC | 2009-2011 | $730,000 |
| US Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center TARDEC | 2008-2011 | $850,530 |
| Michigan Economic Development Corporation (2006-2011) | 2006-2011 | $900,000 |
| US-Department of Transportation | 2006-2012 | $1,100,000 |
| Michigan Department of Transportation (2006-2008) | 2006-2008 | $168,000 |
| US-Army Research Laboratory-ARL Agreement (2005-2010) | 2005-2010 | $11,196,300 |
| National Science Foundation (2005-2007) | 2005-2007 | $99,500 |
| Mitsui/Tokyo Rope Manufacturer, Inc., Japan | 2007-2011 | $200,000 |
| National Science Foundation | 2004-2008 | $315,000 |
| Mitsui/Tokyo Rope Manufacturer, Inc., Japan | 2004-2007 | $150,000 |
| Michigan Department of Transportation | 2002-2004 | $310,918 |
| National Science Foundation | 2000-2004 | $210,650 |
| Diversified Composites, Inc. | 2002-2003 | $33,000 |
| Glasforms, Inc., and Grafil Co., CA. | 2000-2002 | $22,000 |
| Ohio Department of Transportation | 2000-2003 | $223,158 |
| National Science Foundation | 1999-2004 | $203,415 |
| Grant for the Design and Construction of the First CFRP-Prestressed Concrete Bridge in the US-City of Southfield, MI Transportation Bill “TEA-21” | 1998 | $3,150,000 |
| National Science Foundation (1999-2003) | 1999-2003 | $152,000 |
| US-FHWA, Grant for Instrumentation and Monitoring | ||
| “City of Southfield Bridge” | 1999-2005 | $700,000 |
| National Science Foundation | 1997-2000 | $221,691 |
| Ohio Department of Transportation | 1999-2002 | $326,089 |
| DaimlerChrysler Challenge Fund | 1999-2001 | $200,000 |
| Visteon (1999-2001) | 1999-2001 | $50,000 |
| Chrysler Corporation, Detroit, MI (1997-99) | 1997-1999 | $200,000 |
| American Concrete Institute (ACI-CRC) | 1999-2001 | $20,000 |
| American Concrete Institute-ACI (CRC) | 1997-1999 | $18,000 |
| City of Southfield, Michigan | 1996-1999 | $92,000 |
| Great Lakes Steel Fabricators (1996) | 1996 | $25,000 |
| Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Japan | 1996 | ¥1,500,000 |
| National Science Foundation | 1994-1997 | $216,250 |
| National Science Foundation | 1991-1994 | $125,920 |
| National Science Foundation | 1989-1991 | $103,444 |
| Holnam Inc., Michigan | 1999 | $18,000 |
| Sika Corporation | 1998-1999 | $67,000 |
Top Research Project “SWEET 16” Award 2020 American Association State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) |
Best Paper Award 2018 CICE 2018, Paris, France |
Best Paper Award 2013 APFIS 2013, Melbourne, Australia |
Leader and Innovator 2009 From Lawrence Technological University |
Emerging Leader of the Year Finalist 2008 From Lawrence Technological University |
University Distinguished Professor From the Lawrence Technological University Board of Trustees |
| ESD Construction and Design Award 2003 |
| NOVA Award, Construction Innovation of Michigan 2003 |
| PCI-Harry H. Edwards Award 2002 |
| ACEC-Fostering Excellence in Engineering Design- Honor Award 2002 |
| APWA-MI-Technical Innovation Award 2002 |
| Harry D Edwards Industry Advancement Award Co-Winner for the Bridge Street Bridge |
Engineering Surveying Excellence Award 2002 Eminent Conceptor Award for Engineering From The American Consulting Engineers Council (ACEC) of Michigan, and the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers |
| Michigan Leading Edge Technologies Award 1997 |
| CERF – Charles Pankow Award for Innovation 1997 |
| CERF – Finalist Innovative Application Awards 1996 |
2016
Continuous CFRP decked bulb T beam bridges for accelerated bridge construction
2015
Performance of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer stirrups in prestressed-decked bulb T-beams
New bridge design promises to lengthen service life: research spotlight.
Evaluation and analysis of decked bulb T beam bridges.
Development of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bridges in USA
Non-Corrosive CFRP Reinforcement for USA Bridges
2014
Field application of composite post-tensioning system
Fire protection for beams with fiber-reinforced polymer flexural strengthening systems
2013
Flexural Behavior of CFRP Prestressed Decked
Flexural behavior of a carbon fiber–reinforced polymer prestressed decked bulb T-beam bridge system
Performance of an AASHTO Beam Bridge Prestressed
Performance of an AASHTO beam bridge prestressed with CFRP tendons
Are carbon nanotubes released during failure-testing of heat-treated Portland cement nanocomposites
What is released during failure of carbon nanotube-doped portland cement?
基于成本和维护不确定性因素桥梁上部结构替代性补强材料的寿命周期成本分析
Shear behavior of prestressed decked bulb t beams reinforced with CFCC stirrups
Three-dimensional material properties of composites with s2-glass fibers or ductile hybrid fabric
2012
Innovative CFCC prestressed decked bulb T beam bridge system
Life-cycle cost analysis of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer reinforced concrete bridges
Investigating causes and determine repair needs to mitigate falling concrete from bridge decks.
Adjacent box-beam bridges Discussion
Life extension of prestressed concrete bridges using CFCC tendons and reinforcements
Flexural Behavior of CFRP Precast Prestressed Decked Bulb T-Beams
Transverse post-tensioning arrangement for side-by-side box-beam bridges
Performance of Newly Developed CFRP Precast Prestressed Decked Bulb T Beams
Life cycle cost analysis of prestressed concrete bridges using CFRP reinforcement
Test Methods for Measuring Material Properties of Composite Materials in all Three Material Axes
On numerical investigation of transverse post tensioned decked bulb T-beam bridges
2011
Flexural behavior of side-by-side box-beam bridges: A comparative study.
2010
Composite armor with a cellular structure
Transverse diaphragms and unbonded CFRP post-tensioning in box-beam bridges
SUSTAINALBLE FIRE PROTECTION MATERIALS IN GREEN BUILDINGS
2009
US-Japan workshop on life cycle assessment of sustainable infrastructure materials
Life cycle cost analysis of CFRP prestressed concrete bridges
2008
Use of unbonded CFCC for transverse post-tensioning of side-by-side box-beam bridges
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer strand application on cable-stayed bridge, Penobscot Narrows, Maine
2007
Box beam bridge and method of construction
2006
Evaluation of stay-in-place metal forms
Behavior of prestressed concrete box-beam bridges using CFRP tendons
Guide for the design and construction of concrete reinforced with FRP bars
Guide for the design and construction of structural concrete reinforced with FRP bars
Evaluation of Stay-in-Place Metal Forms.
Use of CFRP/CFCC reinforcement in prestressed concrete box-beam bridges
Porównawcze zachowanie mostów z betonowych elementów prefabrykowanych ze zbrojeniem z CFRP i stali
2005
Innovative triaxailly braided ductile FRP fabric for strengthening structures
Truck load distribution behavior of the bridge street bridge, Southfield, Michigan
Concrete beams reinforced with CFRP
Concrete beams prestressed with CFRP
Monitoring and Response of CFRP Prestressed Concrete Bridge
Ductile FRP strengthening systems
2004
Ductile hybrid structural fabric
Load testing a CFRP-reinforced bridge
Strengthening of cantilever and continuous beams using new triaxially braided ductile fabric
Flexural response of CFRP Prestressed concrete box beams for highway bridges
Behavior of CFRP Prestressed Concrete Beam
Developing and modeling of new ductile FRP systems for strengthening concrete structures
2003
Flexural and shear strengthening of concrete beams using new triaxially braided ductile fabric
Experimental study and analysis of a full-scale CFRP/CFCC double-tee bridge beam
FRP Composite Prestressing Strands
Design approach for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer prestressed concrete bridge beams
Full-scale test of prestressed double-tee beam
Environmental/durability evaluation of FRP composite strengthened bridges
Construction and evaluation of full-scale CFRP prestressed concrete DT-girder
FIRST CFRP PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE IN THE UNITED STATES” BRIDGE STREET BRIDGE”
Construction and evaluation of CFRP prestressed concrete DT-girder.
Continuous Prestressed Bridges Using“Leadline”Tendons
Discussion-Strengthening of Concrete Beams Using Innovative Ductile Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Fabric.
Bridge Street Bridge: the first CFRP prestressed concrete bridge in the United States
2002
Design-construction of bridge street bridge-first CFRP bridge in the United States
Unified Analysis and Design Approach for CFRP Prestressed Concrete Bridge Girders
Construction, evaluation and ultimate load test of CFRP/CFCC prestressed concrete DT-beam
Strengthening of concrete beams using innovative ductile fiber-reinforced polymer fabric
Behavior of CFCC and CFRP leadline prestressing systems in bridge construction
An analytical approach towards determining the strength of FRP-reinforced/prestressed concrete beams
NEW APPROACH TO MULTI-SPAN CFRP CONTINUOUS PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGES
An innovative ductile composite fabric for strengthening concrete structures
2001
Improved Anchoring System lor CFRPStrips
New approach to multi-span CFRP continuous prestressed bridges
Strength of concrete beams reinforced and/or prestressed with FRP bars
2000
Response of continuous CFRP prestressed concrete bridges under static and repeated loadings
City of Wichita Implements Pioneering Rehab Technologies
Transfer length of CFRP/CFCC strands for double-T girders
Discussion-Strengthening Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Laminates
Behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced prestressed concrete skew bridges
1999
Mathematical solution for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer prestressed concrete skew bridges
Continuous CFRP prestressed concrete bridges
Strengthening reinforced concrete beams using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates
Strengthening of continuous beams using fiber reinforced polymer laminates
USE OF CARBON FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC (CFRP) COMPOSITES WITH HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE IN BRIDGES
1998
Behavior and ductility of simple and continuous FRP reinforced beams
Behavior of externally draped CFRP tendons in prestressed concrete bridges
Ductility of prestressed bridges using CFRP strands
1997
Resonance/vibration problem of deep foundation
Ductility of prestressed concrete bridges using internal/external CFRP strands
Use of CFRP Composites with High Strength Concrete in Bridges
1996
Dynamic characteristics of post-tensioned girders with web openings
Double” ee and CFRPIOFRPBridge System
Double Tee and CFRP/GFRP Bridge System
1995
Concrete Foundation for a Truck and Bus Road Test Simulator
1991
WELDED-STEEL VERSUS BOLTED-STEEL I-DIAPHRAGMS IN COMPOSITE BRIDGES-CLOSURE
Nonlinear deformation of laminated composites
Use of composites for vibration control in buildings
1990
Dynamic characteristics of prestressed waffle slabs
Dynamic and fatigue responses of prestressed concrete girders with openings
Prestressed continuous composite bridges under dynamic load
Cost optimization of structures with low permissible vibration level
Fiber-Reinforced Composite vs. Steel and Concrete for Vibration Control of Industrial Building
1989
Welded-versus bolted-steel I-diaphragms in composite bridges
Nonlinear deformation of laminated composites
Optimization of structures subjected to vibrations
Dynamic response of thick plates and shells
1988
DESIGN OF COMPOSITE BRIDGES (CONSISTING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE DECKING ON STEEL GIRDERS)
DESIGN OF COMPOSITE BRIDGES (CONSISTING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE DECKING ON STEEL GIRDERS)
Dynamic response of two-span continuous composite bridges
1987
Recent studies in composite bridges
1986
Free vibration of prestressed continuous composite bridges and skew orthotropic plates.
1985
Dynamic analysis of orthotropic plate structures
1984
Dynamic-Fatigue Response of Continuous Composite Bridges
1983
Load distribution in continuous composite bridges
1982
Prestressed decks in continuous composite bridges
1981
Effect of prestressing the deck in continuous bridge of composite construction.
| Project | Year |
| M-30 over US-10 in Sanford, MI, MDOT | 2025 |
| Replacement of outside beams on adjacent box-beam structures, MDOT | 2025 |
| Mackinaw Rd over US-10 in Bay City, MDOT | 2024 |
| Burns Ave Bridge over I-94, MDOT | 2021 |
| Cadillac Ave. Bridge over I-94, MDOT | 2020 |
| Brush St. Bulb-T Beam Bridge over I-94, MDOT | 2019 |
| M-3 Bulb-T Beam Bridge over I-94, MDOT | 2018 |
| I-75 Bulb-T Beam Bridge over Sexton & Kilfoil Drain, MDOT | 2017 |
| M-86, Bulb-T Beam Bridge over Prairie Creek, MDOT | 2016 |
| M-102, WB, Southfield, Spread Box-Beam Bridge, MDOT | 2014 |
| Kittery Overpass – NEXT Beams Bridge, Maine-DOT | 2014 |
| I-94 at Port-Huron, Side-by-Side Box Beam Bridge, MDOT | 2014 |
| M-102, EB, Southfield, Spread Box Beam Bridge, MDOT | 2013 |
| Nimmo Pkwy Bridge – Prestressed Concrete Piles, VADOT | 2012 |
| M-50, Jackson, Side-by-Side Box Beam Bridge, MDOT | 2012 |
| M-39, Southfield HWY, Side-by-Side Box Beam Bridge, MDOT | 2011 |
| Fryeburg Little Pond Bridge, Deck slab Bridge, Maine-DOT | 2009 |
| Penobscot Cable-Stayed Bridge, Maine-DOT | 2007 |
| Bridge Street Bridge – Three-span Bridge, MDOT (First CFRP Bridge in USA) | 2001 |
Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom
From Computer
Log in and start your Zoom session with participants
From Phone
To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera
