Shawn Kenny
Professor in Geomechanics and Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies – Academic
- B.Eng., M.Eng. (Memorial University), Ph.D. (Dalhousie University), P.Eng.
- Canal Building, Carleton University
- 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6
- Email Shawn Kenny
Prof. Kenny’s mailbox is located in room 3432 C.J. Mackenzie Building, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada
Teaching Assignments 2024-2025
- CIVE 4201/5103 Finite Element Methods in Civil Engineering
- CIVE 4918 Design Project
Previous Teaching Assignments
- CIVE 3202 Mechanics of Solids II
- CIVE 4201 Finite Element Methods in Civil Engineering
- CIVE 5103 Finite Element Analysis I
- CIVE 5105 Finite Element Analysis II
- ECOR 1045 Statics
- ECOR 1046 Mechanics
- ECOR 1053 Fundamentals of Eng III
Research Interests
Linear civil infrastructure systems (e.g. pipeline, culvert, road, railway) are assets that provide services and support our current standard of living. Climate change effects may impact service delivery through added stressors, increase the frequency of service disruption, increase costs to meet performance goals and levels of service, and affect infrastructure performance or integrity (e.g., damage, failure) that could have negative consequences (e.g., personal injury, loss of life). Sustainable practices and resilient infrastructure are needed for communities to flourish.
Our research is focused on the response of these linear assets to geohazards and climate change effects (e.g., permafrost thaw, ground subsidence, relative ground movement, frost heave and ice gouging). The research program addresses the advancement of computational simulation tools, primarily using finite element methods, to assess load effects on the performance and integrity of these civil assets. Remote sensing technologies and field studies to characterize the physical environment and monitor field sites, laboratory testing to establish material and engineering mechanical properties, and physical models to verify the numerical models are key enabling and supporting elements of the research framework.
The multi-disciplinary research team incorporates faculty members and highly-qualified personnel from the Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Geography and Environmental Studies. Current studies are investigating the effects of permafrost thaw on the natural environment and infrastructure in the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun, permafrost thaw and flooding on the performance and integrity of the Hudson Bay Railway, and climate change on the performance of the Rideau Canal Skateway.
Shawn also has research expertise in the fields of impact engineering (Ph.D. studies) and ice mechanics, which has been acquired through MEng thesis studies and engineering consulting activities.
Visit Prof. Kenny’s website for more information.