Dr. Abdeldjelil "D.J." Belarbi, professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla, will receive the 2004 National James M. Robbins Excellence in Teaching Award and the 2004 Chi Epsilon Excellence in Teaching Award for the Central District during the National Chi Epsilon Conclave Awards Banquet at Purdue University on March 6.
Chi Epsilon is a civil engineering honor society with127 chapters at universities all over the country.
"It is a great honor and I owe it to my students, our Chi Epsilon Chapter and my colleagues at UMR," Belarbi says.
One person is considered from each university within the district (made of several states) for the 2004 Chi Epsilon Excellence in Teaching Award for the Central District to recognize dedication in teaching. Then one person from the district winners is selected to receive the 2004 National James M. Robbins Excellence in Teaching Award.
Belarbi received a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Oran, Algeria, in 1983. He received master of science and Ph.D. degrees in civil engineering from the University of Houston in 1986 and 1991, respectively.
Belarbi’s primary research efforts include the modeling of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, developing and evaluating fiber-reinforced polymer composites for use in concrete, and monitoring of civil engineering structures and the use of smart sensors.
He joined the UMR faculty in 1991. His memberships include the Sigma Xi scientific research society, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, the American Concrete Institute, the Precast and Prestressed Concrete Institute, the American Society for Engineering Education, the Masonry Society and the Transportation Research Board.
Belarbi is active on several international technical and educational committees within the American Concrete Institute. He is a fellow of the institute and served as the president of its Missouri Chapter.