Civil Engineering Professor Available to Comment on California Mudslides; Coffman completing major research project for the U.S. Department of Transportation on landslide hazards to infrastructure

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Richard Coffman, civil engineering professor at the University of Arkansas, is available to comment on the mudslides that have invaded portions of Interstate 5 in Southern California.

Coffman studies deep foundations and remote sensing for geotechnical engineering applications. He is completing a $1.14-million research project for the United States Department of Transportation that will help to identify landslide hazard to transportation infrastructure following wildfires.

The research uses remote-sensing technologies to help highway managers determine the threat of mudslides or rock falls and develop plans to close routes and ensure public safety. More information about the project can be found wildfire-landslide-risk-dss.uark.edu.

CONTACTS: Richard Coffman, assistant professor, civil engineering College of Engineering479-575-8767 (office) or 479-935-6453 (mobile), [email protected], http://civil-engineering.uark.edu/directory/profile.php?uId=rick

Matt McGowan, science and research communications officerUniversity Relations479-575-4246 (office) or 479-856-2177 (mobile), [email protected]