I am one of the lecturers in Civil Engineering, Syiah Kuala University. I love Structural Engineering especially Steel Structures. After having finished my undergraduate study at North Sumatera University, I pursued master degree at ITB and finished my mastercourse at July 10 th, 2010 with Cumlaude Predicate. Besides teaching activities, I conducted some research projects and community services. Together they are named Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi. Since October 1 st, 2017, I have been continued my study at Doctoral Program (Ph.D Program) at Nagoya University, Japan with Steel Structures and Bridges Engineering aspect as my research interest. Here, at Nagoya University, I have obtained and learned many things especially friendliness and the importance of the research of fatigue aspect on bridge structures. 

During my observation, there are some equalitinesses between Indonesia and Japan. Firstly, Indonesia and Japan have the same characteristic in their land. Both of them have non flat contour and remote areas on their land. Therefore, bridge structures are essentially needed to connect one area to another. Bridges are absolutely important. They hold a role as transportation lines and they also can enhance economic aspect of a country. 

Secondly, Indonesia and Japan are located on seismic hazard area. Therefore, every structure especially bridge structures have to be built to have a resistancy to  earthquake attack. Japan has evolved many advanced technologies in seismic resistant structure. They are not persistant in technology but always evolve day to day. It would be a great advantage for me in continuing my study in Japan.

Bridge structures are usually loaded by many vehicles, either moving vehicles or non-moving vechicles. Nevertheless, a bridge structure that has been planned strong enough to accomodate vehicle load instead of other loads, until a certain condition, it may achieve its fatigue condition. It can occur around 50, 100, 200 years or even more. In overcoming fatigue failure there are two solution that can be taken. Firstly, enhancing fatigue capability of bridge structures either on components or connections. Secondly, decreasing stress concentration that may occur on components or connections. These are common ways in decreasing but not eliminating fatigue cases.

After I gradute, there will be a great hopeness in my heart in developing bridge structures in Indonesia especially on fatigue aspect as well as evolving knowledge of every Acehnese on the research interest where I work.

arief_panjaitan@usk.ac.id
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZnzLNK8AAAAJ&hl=id