BEE Faculty - Kifle Gebremedhin

Alumni

BEE Faculty

	Kifle Gebremedhin, Ph.D. Professor Profile and CV	322 Riley Robb kgg1@cornell.edu Web site
Structural mechanics, heat and mass transfer, computational fluid mechanics in bio. systems

Research Interests

My research interest in structural engineering has been: (1) testing and modeling metal-plate-connected wood truss joints, (2) testing and modeling system behavior of post-frame buildings including diaphragm action, and (3) development of novel software for analysis and design of two- and three-dimensional structures including diaphragm action.

Another research interest has been in: (1) modeling heat and mass transfer through porous media of biological systems as a means of characterizing stress factors of livestock and determining their energy budget for virtually any environmental conditions, and (2) characterization of flow field and environmental control in single or multiple-occupant ventilated space.

Professional CV

Research Interests

Testing and modeling metal-plate connected wood truss joints.
Full-scale testing and modeling system behavior of post-frame buildings including diaphragm action.
Heat and mass transfer through a porous media in biological systems.
CFD development and characterization of flow field and simulation of heat loss from single or multiple-occupant ventilated spaces.

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ph.D., Agricultural Engineering (Structures and Environment), 1978
University of Wisconsin-Madison, M.S., Agricultural Engineering (Structures and Environment), 1975
University of Wisconsin-Platteville, B.S., Civil Engineering (Structures), 1973
Building College, Addis-Abeba, Ethiopia, Dipl. Engineer, Building Engineering, 1970

Positions Held

Professor, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 1995-present
Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 2001-present
Associate Professor, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Cornell University, 1988-1995
Assistant Professor, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Cornell University, 1982-1988
Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 1979-1982
Research Associate, Agricultural Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1979-1979
Graduate Research Assistant, Agricultural Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1974-1978
District Engineer, Ethio-Swedish Building Unit (E.S.B.U.), Awassa, Ethiopia, 1970-1971

Sabbaticals

Visiting Professor, research on timber engineering, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieros de Montes, Depatmento de Estructuras, Madrid, Spain, March-May, 1991.
Visiting Research Engineer, research on timber engineering, Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA), High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, June-August, 1991.

Honors and Awards

Distinguished Alumni Award (2008), University of Wisconsin Platteville.
ASABE Fellow (2007), "... an engineer of unusual professional distinction, with outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience in the field of agricultural engineering. A Fellow shall have had 20 years of active practice in the profession of engineering or teaching of engineering."

Teaching Awards:

Excellence in Teaching Award. James and Mary Tien Award. College of Engineering, Cornell University, 2002-2003.
Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in recognition of exemplary teaching and significant contribution to institutional quality in instruction. State University of New York, 2002.
Excellence in Teaching Award. Abraham T.C. Wong '72 Award, College of Engineering, Cornell University, 1999-2000.
Excellence in Teaching Award. Abraham T.C. Wong'72 Award, College of Engineering, Cornell University, 1996-1997.

Research Awards:

ASABE Honorable Mention Paper Award (2008), for a research paper titled "Validation of a biogas production model and determination of thermal energy from plug-flow anaerobic digesters". Ten out of 370 manuscripts were selected for this award.
ASAE Superior Paper Award (2006), for a research paper titled, "Heat transfer model for plug-flow anaerobic digesters”. Eight (2.5%) papers were selected out of all papers published in 2006.
Rural Builder Hall of Fame (2001), “In recognition of leadership, foresight and outstanding contributions to the rural construction industry”, National Rural Builder Magazine.
Superior Research Paper Award for a research paper entitled, "Axial and Rotational Stiffness Model of Metal-Plate-Connected Wood-Truss Joints." Eight (2.5%) papers were selected from the papers published this year for this award. This paper was ranked No. 1. The Society for Engineering in Agriculture, Food and Biological Systems (ASAE), 2000.
Henry Giese Structures and Environment Award for distinguished work in advancing the knowledge and science of farm buildings. ASAE, 1999.
Research Paper Award for a research paper entitled, "Stiffness of Post-Frame Buildings and Walls". Ten (2%) papers were selected out of 500 for this award. ASAE, 1994.
Semi-finalist designee for "Excellence in Wood Truss Research Award" from entries submitted by wood technology and engineering academicians across the United States and Canada. The Truss Plate Institute (TPI), 1993.
Research Paper Award for a research paper entitled, "Predicting Roof Diaphragm and End-Wall Stiffness from Full-Scale Test Results of a Metal-Clad, Post-Frame Building". Ten (2%) papers were selected out of 500 for this award. ASAE, 1993.
Bernon G. Perkins Award, " . . . . for conducting research and developing design information of invaluable benefit to the post-frame construction industry." The National Frame Builders Association (NFBA), 1992.

Advising/Mentoring Awards:

Outstanding Educator for having most influenced a Merrill Presidential Scholar (Nieraj Jain). Cornell University, 2003.
Outstanding Educator for having most influenced a Merrill Presidential Scholar (Michael C. Gurzo). Cornell University, 2001.
Outstanding Educator for having most influenced a Merrill Presidential Scholar (Norbert H. Lou). Cornell University, 1996.

Software Development Awards:

Software Development Recognition. Selected by IBM to a national software show and tell symposium to showcase METCLAD--an instructional and research software I developed. Anaheim, CA, June 22-24, 1989.
Software Development Recognition. Selected by IBM as one of 85 scholars to a national software show and tell symposium to showcase SOLVER--an instructional and research software I developed. Dallas, Texas, June 18-20,1988.

Outreach/Extension Awards:

Blue Ribbon Award in a computer program competition. The winning software was "METCLAD - A Computerized System for Diaphragm Design of Metal-Clad, Post Frame Buildings." ASAE, 1988.
Blue Ribbon Award in a publication bulletin competition. The title of the winning publication was "Do's and Don'ts of Wood Joint Construction." ASAE, 1984.
Blue Ribbon Award in a computer program competition. The winning software was "SOLVER - An Interactive Structures Analyzer for Microcomputers." ASAE, 1984.

Fellowship Awards:

Travel Fellowship Award , (August 30 - Sept. 6, 2008), to present a paper at the Eighth International Livestock Environment Symposium, Eguassu Falls, Brazil.
Travel Fellowship Award (from CALS) to attend the International Livestock Environment Symposium, June 16-20, 2005, Beijing, China.
Travel Fellowship Award (from CALS) to attend an International Conference commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Eritrean Independence, July 22-26, 2001, Asmara, Eritrea.
Travel Fellowship Award (from CALS) to attend International Timber Engineering Conference, October 23-25, 1990, Tokyo, Japan.

Service Recognition

Recognized for dedicated services to students and faculty as Coordinator of Instruction. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Cornell University, 1993-1996.
ASAE Outstanding Manuscript Reviewer (1987), for excellent critiquing of peer reviewed publications

Membership in Professional Societies

American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), 2008 - present
Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE), 2001 - 2005
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASAE & ASABE), 1979 - present
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1981 - 2006
National Frame Builders Association (NFBA), 1992 - present
American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), 1994-98

Honor Societies

Alpha Epsilon, the honor society of Agricultural, Food, and Biological Engineering, 2004-present
Gamma Sigma Delta, The Honor Society of Agriculture, since 1994
Sigma Xi, Honor Society of Scientific Research, since 1978.
Alpha Epsilon, Agricultural Engineering Honor Society, 1974; Vice President, 1975.
Chi Epsilon, Civil Engineering Honor Society, 1973 - 74

Courses Taught

Biofluid Mechanics (BEE 331)
Biological and Environmental Transport Processes (BEE 350)
LRFD - Based Engineering of Wood Structures (BEE/CEE 481)
Undergraduate Seminar (ABEN 200)
Environmental Control - Agricultural Production Systems (ABEN 331)
Farm Building Design (ABEN 332)
Independent Study and Undergraduate Research (ABEN 497 and 499)
Statics (CE 213)
Mechanics of Solids (CE 300)
Construction Materials (CE 303)
Structural Mechanics (CE 310)
Advanced Structural Mechanics (CE 410)

Partial List of Peer-Reviewed Publications
(out of more than 165 publications, including conference papers)

Wu,B, E.L. Bibeau and K.G. Gebremedhin. 2009. Three-dimensional numerical simulation model of biogas production for anaerobic digesters. Canadian Biosystems Engineering Journal (in press).
Cabrero, J.M. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 2009. Finite element model for predicting stiffness of metal-plate connected tension splice and heel joints of wood trusses. Transactions of ASABE 52(2):565-573.
Hillman, P.E., K.G. Gebremedhin, S.T. Willard, C.N. Lee and A.D. Kennedy. 2009. Continuous measurements of vaginal temperature in female cattle. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, ASABE 25(2):291-296
Gebremedhin, K.G., P.E. Hillman, C.N. Lee, R.J. Collier, S.T. Willard, J. Arthington, and T.M. Brown-Brandl. 2008. Sweating rates of dairy cows and beef heifers in hot conditions. Transactions of ASABE 51(6): 2167-2178.
Gebremedhin, K.G., and S.F. Inglis. 2007. Validation of a biogas production model and determination of thermal energy from plug-flow anaerobic digesters. Transactions of ASABE 50(3): 975-979.
Gebremedhin, K.G., B. Wu, C. Gooch, P. Wright and S.F. Inglis. 2006. Heat transfer model for plug-flow anaerobic digesters. Transactions of ASAE 48(2):777-785.
Gebremedhin, K.G. 2007. Design and construction practices that affect diaphragm strength and stiffness of post-frame buildings. Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction, 12(3):153-160.
Jiang, M., K.G. Gebremedhin and L.D. Albright. 2005. Simulation of skin temperature and sensible and latent heat losses through fur layers. Transactions of ASAE 48(2):767-775.
Gebremedhin, K.G. and B. Wu. 2005. Simulation of flow field of a ventilated and occupied animal space with different inlet and outlet conditions. J. Thermal Biology 30(5):343-353.
Gebremedhin, K.G. and B. Wu. 2003. Characterization of flow field in a ventilated space and simulation of heat exchange between cows and their environment. J. Thermal Biology 28(2003):301-319.
Bastian, K.R., K.G. Gebremedhin and N.R. Scott. 2003. A finite difference model to determine conduction heat loss to a water-filled mattress for dairy cows. Transactions of ASAE 46(3):773-780.
Gebremedhin, K.G. 2002. Testing a full-scale building after nine years in service. Wood Focus-Journal of Contemporary Wood Engineering 12(3):20-24.
Gebremedhin, K.G. and B. Wu. 2002. Sensible and latent heat losses from wet-skin surface and fur layer. J. Thermal Biology 27(2002):291-297.
Wu, B. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 2001. CFD development and simulation of flow fields in ventilated spaces with multiple occupants. Trans. of ASAE 44(6):1839-1850.
Gooch, C.A. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 2001. Practices that enhance post-frame construction. Frame Building Professional 3(4):30-36.
Wu, B. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 2001. Numerical simulation of flow field around a cow using 3-D body-fitted coordinate system. J. Thermal Biology 26(4):563-573.
Gebremedhin, K.G. and B. Wu. 2001. A model of evaporative cooling of wet skin surface and fur layer. J. Thermal Biology 26(4):537-545.
Amanuel, S., K.G. Gebremedhin, S. Boedo and J.F. Abel. 2000. Modeling the interface of metal-plate-connected tension-splice joint by finite element method. Trans. of ASAE 43(5): 1269-1277.
Gebremedhin, K.G. and J.W. Price. 1999. Experience of a testing program of a post-frame building. Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 125(10):1170-1178.
Riley, G., K.G. Gebremedhin. 1999. An empirical model for predicting the foundation modulus of wood. Trans. of ASAE 42(3):755-760.
Riley, G., K.G. Gebremedhin. 1999. Axial and rotational stiffness model of metal-plate-connected wood truss joints. Trans. of ASAE 42(4):761-770.
Gebremedhin, K.G. 1998. Building to increase diaphragm strength and stiffness. Frame Building Professional, Vol. 10(3):50-58.
Gebremedhin, K.G., H. Ni and P.E. Hillman. 1997. Modeling temperature profile and heat flux through iradiated fur layer. Trans. of ASAE 40(5):1441-1447.
Niu, K.T. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 1996. Three-dimensional building stiffness model for post-frame buildings. Trans. of ASAE 40(3):795-801.
Niu, K.T. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 1996.Interaction of wood framing and metal-cladding in roof diaphragms. Trans. of ASAE 40(2):465-476.
Pollock, D.G., D.A. Bender and K.G. Gebremedhin. 1996. Designing for chord forces in post-frame roof diaphragms. Frame Building Professional, Vol 8(5):40-44.
Gebremedhin, K.G. 1994. Design of bracing systems for end walls with doors. Frame Building Professional, Vol. 6(4):64-70.
Riley, G., K.G. Gebremedhin, and R.N. White. 1993. Semi-rigid analysis of a metal-plate connected wood truss using fictitious members. Trans. of ASAE 36(3):887-894.
Gebremedhin, K.G. and M.C. Jorgensen. 1993. Stiffness of post-frame building end walls. Trans. of ASAE 36(3):905-913.
Albright, L.D. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 1992. Environmental Control for Animals and Plants. Chapter 9 in the ASHRAE Handbook: Fundamentals volume. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, Atlanta, GA, 9.1-9.21.
Gupta, R., K.G. Gebremedhin and M. D. Grigoriu. 1992. Characterizing the strength of wood truss joints. Trans. of ASAE 35(4):1285-1290.
Gupta, R. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 1992. Resistance distribution of a metal-plate connected wood truss. J. of Forest Products 42(7/8): 11-16.
Grupta, R., K.G. Gebremedhin and J.R. Cooke. 1992. Analysis of metal-plate connected wood trusses with semi-rigid joints. Trans. ASAE 35(3): 1011-1018.
Gebremedhin, K.G., J.A. Bartsch and M.C. Jorgensen. 1992. Predicting roof diaphragm and end-wall stiffness from full-scale test results of a metal-clad post-frame building. Trans. ASAE 35(3): 977-985.
Gebremedhin, K.G., M.C. Jorgensen and C.B. Woelfel. 1992. Evaluation of metal plate performance model applied to truss foints. Wood and Fiber Science 24(2): 118-132.
Gebremedhin, K.G. and H.B. Manbeck. 1992. Diaphragm design procedures for post-frame buildings. Wood Design Focus, Vol. 3(1): 15-18.
Gebremedhin, K.G. 1992. Application of diaphragm action in post-frame buildings. Wood Design Focus, Vol. 3(1): 7-10.
Hillman, P.E., K.G. Gebremedhin and R.G. Warner. 1992. Ventilation system to minimize airborne bacteria, dust, jumidity and ammonia in calf nurseries. J. of Dairy Science, 75(4): 1305-1312.
Gebremedhin, K.G. 1991. Diaphragm test results of a full-scale post-frame building. Frame Building Professional, Vol. 3(5): 4-8, 24-26.
Gebremedhin, K.G. 1991. Application of computer technology in the post-frame building industry. Frame Building Professional, Vol. 3(2): 14, 16-17 and 34.
Garcia-Ceca J.L. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 1991. A Decision support system for planning agro forestry systems. Forest Ecology and Management 45(1991): 199-206, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam.
Gebremedhin, K.G. and P.L. Crovella. 1990. Load distribution in metal plate connectors of tension joints in wood trusses. Trans. of ASAE 34(1): 281-287.
Crovella, P.L. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 1990. Analyses of light-frame wood truss tension joint stiffness. Forest Products Journal 40(4): 41-47.
Gupta, R. and K.G. Gebremedhin. 1990. Destructive testing of metal plate connected wood truss joints. J. lf the Structures division, ASCE 116(7): 1971-1982.

Computer Software Developed

Gebremedhin, K.G. 1986. SOLVER — An interactive structures analyzer for microcomputers, User's Manual. NRAES, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Gebremedhin, K.G. 1987. METCLAD — A computerized system for diaphragm design of metal-clad timber frame buildings, User's Manual. NRAES, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.

Invited Presentations

International:

"Biological Engineering: An Emergent Discipline." University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China, May 21, 2005.
"Biological Engineering: An Emergent Discipline." South China University of Tropical Agriculture, Hainan, China, May 19-20, 2005.
“Organizing Principles for Linking Research to National Development in the Context of Eritrea.” 2002. International Symposium on the Role of Research in Nation Building, June 15-18, Asmara, Eritrea.
"Computer-based Simulation Model for Educational Planning for the State of Eritrea", presentations for: the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, and visiting members of the World Bank, June 1997, Asmara, Eritrea.
"Technology Transfer in Eritrea: Roles of the Private and Public Sectors”, National Business Conference and Exhibition, December 12-14,1995, Asmara, Eritrea.
"Testing and modeling full-scale post-frame building". Second International Workshop on Full-Scale Behavior of Low-Rise Buildings. James Cook University of N. Queensland, Australia, July 7-8, 1994.
"Survey of designs and constructions of timber structures in the U.S.A., "Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA), High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, July 15, 1991.
"Survey of designs and construction of timber structures in the U.S.A." Civil engineering class, Polytechnic College of London, London, United Kingdom, July 9, 1991.
Presentations of “SOLVER and METCLAD software”, Universidad Politecnica De Madrid, Escuela Tecnica Superior De Ingenieros De Montes, Departmento De Estructuras, Madrid, Spain, 1991.
"Design of metal-plate connected trusses and post-frame buildings, Agricultural Engineering Department, Kitasato University, Tawada, Japan, October 25-28, 1990.

National:

“Teaching Transport Processes in Biological Engineering”, a workshop given at the 2002 ASAE Annual International Meeting/CIGR XVth World Congress, Chicago, IL July 27, 2002.
“Teaching Transport Processes in Biological Engineering”, International Meeting of the Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE), Baton Rouge, LA, January 18-21, 2002.
“Concepts of Biological Engineering Curriculum”, Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE) Annual Meeting, Sacramento, CA, July 27-29, 2001.
"End-wall design and construction", National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) Conference and Rural Builders Show, Kansas City, MO, February 23-26, 1994.
"Update on the full-scale diaphragm testing program", National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) Annual Convention, Cincinnati, OH, January 22-24, 1992.
"Diaphragm test results of a full-scale post-frame building", National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) Annual Convention, Indianapolis, IN, January 20-23, 1991.
"Full-scale diaphragm testing", Ninth Annual Pennsylvania Builders Conference, State College, PA, February 27-28,1990.
"METCLAD - A 2-D frame analyzer including diaphragm theory", IBM Academic Computing Conference, Anaheim, CA, June 22-24,1989.
"SOLVER - A 2-D and 3-D structures analyzer", IBM Academic Computing Conference, Dallas, TX, June 18-20, 1988.
"Computer-aided engineering of commercial post-frame buildings", Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 1987.
"Demonstration of the SOLVER computer program", ASAE International Winter Meeting, Chicago, IL, 1985.
"Demonstration of the SOLVER computer program”, ASAE International Summer Meeting, East Lansing, MI, 1985.
"Use of the SOLVER computer program in design of commercial and agricultural buildings", National Frame Builders Association (NFBA) Annual Convention, Fort Creek, OH, 1985.

Local:

“Do’s and don’ts in post-frame building construction”, NFBA New York Chapter formation meeting, May 14, 1999.
“SOLVER computer program” presented to ten IBM executives and Cornell University officials, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, March 24, 1987.