J. David Frost, Ph.D.,P.E.,P.Eng.

Director, Georgia Tech Savannah
Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
Vice Provost, Georgia Institute of Technology
Contact
Office: PARB A246
Email: david.frost@ce.gatech.edu
Files
Research Thrusts
Geosystems Engineering
Post-Disaster Data Reconnaissance
Education
Ph.D., Civil Eng., Purdue University, 1989
M.S., Civil Eng., Purdue University, 1986
B.A.I., Civil Eng., Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, 1980, with honors
B.A., Mathematics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, 1980
Diploma, Technical French, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, 1979
Research Interests
  • Reconstruction, visualization and characterization of 3D geomaterial microstructure
  • Geomaterial interface characterization and behavior
  • Spatial information systems in natural and man-made hazard forensics
  • Subsurface characterization using innovative multi-sensor systems

Dr. Frost's research uses digital technologies at a range of spatial scales. At one scale of study, his research is developing and using high-resolution optical image analysis techniques to study the micro-scale surface and structure characteristics and behavior of natural and man-made geomaterials. His research group is currently using these techniques to reconstruct and visualize the 3D microstructure of granular materials. For larger scale studies, his research group is developing custom software for hand-held and desktop platforms to enhance forensic reconnaissance and analysis. Dr. Frost led an NSF-funded team using software they developed for the Palm Pilot to assess damage at the World Trade Center site. The application they developed was first successfully utilized following the devastating earthquake in Gujarat, India in 2001 and was modified to form the core of post-event surveys in New York. The software allows several teams to simultaneously collect digital data, digital photos and GPS coordinates as they assess a damaged area in a consistent, comprehensive manner. He has received a number of awards for his research including an NSF National Young Investigator Award in 1994, the ASCE Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize in 2001, and the ASTM Hogentogler Award in 2003. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Indiana, USA and Alberta, Canada.