Byungik Chang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering

Office: Engineering Building, Room 109-B
Email: bchang@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-2507

Professional Profile

Dr. Byungik Chang joined the Department of Engineering and Computer Science in Spring 2009. Dr. Chang’s background and research activities are in the areas of structural engineering and wind engineering. He received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in civil engineering from the Iowa State University in 2002, 2004, and 2007, respectively. His doctoral work focused on addressing a critical need related to the unexpected failure of slender light poles. Prior research from his master’s degree work at Iowa State University included design verification, behavior analysis, and nonlinear modeling of an incrementally launched bridge to obtain roller-girder contact stress using the finite element method.  

Before Dr. Byungik Chang joined West Texas A&M University, he had worked for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) as a bridge designer for a while. While working in the ADOT, Dr. Chang conducted on the development of the ADOT LRFD bridge design specification and accomplished several bridge design projects as well. Recently he passed the Professional Engineering (PE) exam and is preparing to receive a Texas PE license in civil engineering.

Teaching and Related Service

Dr. Chang's teaching interests are in the areas of structural engineering in civil engineering aspects such as structural analysis, steel/reinforced concrete design, bridge design, wind engineering, and others. He currently teaches fundamentals of engineering, statics, and plastics and composites.

Research and Creative Activity

Dr. Chang’s research interests include modeling and simulation in the areas of structural engineering, structural health monitoring, full-scale measurement, and aerodynamic analysis. His current academic research activities focus on aerodynamic model for predicting aerodynamic loads on a slender support structure.

Personal Sketch

 Dr. Byungik Chang and his wife, Hyesun Cheong, have two children:  Eugene is 6, and Justin is 4. Dr. Chang loves to play tennis, basketball, racquetball, soccer, and most all sports.