Sponsored Research

Research Direction

Dr. Torres focuses his research in three areas.

  • Cement and Concrete Materials Development with a Focus on Sustainability and Durability
    • Low Carbon Footprint Concrete
    • Alternative Cementing Materials Testing and Discovery
    • Advanced/Alternative Characterization
    • High and Ultra High Performance Concrete
    • Alternative Concretes such as Geopolymer Concretes
    • Concrete Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) for Off-Wold Habitations and Exploration
  • Fiber Optic Testing and Development for Zero-Gravity (i.e. Space Manufacturing)
    1.  ZrF4 BaF2 LaF3 AlF3 NaF (ZBLAN) and other Heavy Metal Fluoride Glasses
    2. Crystallization and Growth Kinetics
    3. Development of Advanced Novel Testing Payloads
  • Engineering Education and Active Pedagogy
    1. Project Based Learning (PrBL)
    2. Problem Based Learning (PBL)
    3. Challenge Based Learning (CBL)
    4. Peer Teaching
    5. Flipped Classroom

Active Research Projects

  1. Shi, X. (PI), Collins, K (Co-PI), Torres, A. (Senior Personnel), “Planning grant: Lunar Concrete for Additive Manufacturing Using Locally Available Resources on the Moon” NASA M-STTR, October 1, 2022 – September 31, 2023, Awarded: $50,000
  2. Collins, K., Torres, A. (Co-PI), “FAMA 3: High School IDEAS (Innovation, Discovery, and Exploration in Aerospace and Science” NASA NSPIRES, November 2022 – October 2025, Awarded $479,800
  3. Torres, A., (PI), “Short and Long-term Durability Performance of Rapid Setting Hydraulic Cements for Structural Applications” Texas Department of Transportation September 2022 – August 2023, Awarded: $107,509
  4. Torres, A., (PI), “Understanding the Effect of Vibration on the Crystallization of Materials for Space Exploration” Universities Space Research Association/Space Force, June 2022 – February 2025; Awarded $350,000
  5. Torres, A (PI), “Understanding the Effects of Vibration on Space Based Construction Materials” AFRL Hyperspace Challenge 3rd Place and Overall Crowd Favorite, December 2021 – August 2023; Awarded: $10,000
  6. Torres, A (PI), “Challenge Based Learning for the Future of Construction: An International Learning & Research Opportunity for Concrete Industry Management Students” Texas State University International Research Accelerator (IRA) Funded amount: $15,000
  7. Shi, X., Torres, A. (Co-PI), “Fostering technology-enhanced infrastructure research with Panamanian collaborators” Texas State University International Research Accelerator (IRA) Funded amount: $15,000
  8. Shi, X., Torres, A. (Co-PI), “Undergraduate and Graduate Student International Collaboration Program with Panama and Texas State University” Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Discretionary Funds; Director Support] $15,000
  9. Torres, A. (PI), Ortiz, A., Membrillo, J., Sriraman, V. “Developing an Active Teaching and Learning Monograph for Engineering Classes” LBJ Institute for STEM Education and Research, September 2021- July 2023, Funded amount: $9,500
  10. Torres, A. (PI), Ortiz, A. (Co-PI), Membrillo, J. (Co-PI), ” Enhancing Student Understanding of Statics and Strength of Materials Using Challenge-Based Learning in a Cooperative Global Exchange Setting” LBJ Institute for STEM Education and Research, September 2020- July 2023, Funded amount: $24,000
  11. Torres, A, (PI), “Acquisition of an Accelerated Carbonation Chamber for More Sustainable and Longer-Lasting Concrete” Texas State University Materials Application Research Center (MARC) Equipment Fund, Funded $20,000,
  12. Torres, A. (PI), “Developing Low Carbon Footprint Concrete Mixtures Using Local Materials” TxState Research Enhancement Program (REP), January 1, 2022 – January 1, 2023, Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), Texas State University-San Marcos, TX Funded amount: $8,000

Past Research Projects

  1. Torres, A. (PI), “Use of Rapid Setting Hydraulic Cements for Structural Applications” Texas Department of Transportation, September 2021 – August 2022, Awarded: $101,796
  2. Torres, A. (PI), Aguayo, F. (Co-PI), “Enhanced Entrained Air Void System Characterization for Durable Highway Concrete” National Road Research Alliance (Executed through the Minnesota Department of Transportation). Jan 2021 – September 2022, Awarded: $120,000
  3. Torres, A. (PI), Carbonation-Induced Corrosion: Laboratory and Field Evaluations, Lafarge Holcim, December 2021 – December 2025, Awarded: $22,000
  4. Torres, A. (PI), Student endowment from private investor for student support in CIM program. Refel Rushing. Ralph B. Rushing Engineering Technology Scholarship October 2021 – ongoing, Awarded: $60,000
  5. Shi, Xijun (PI), Torres, A., (Co-PI), “Geopolymer for Future Lunar 3D Construction” NASA University MINDS 2-semester Undergraduate Student Research Opportunity, October 2021 – October 2022, Awarded $1,500
  6. Torres, A., (PI), “Mechanical Performance of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete” The Fountain People, San Marcos, TX: Awarded $1,500 (May 2018 – August 2019)
  7. Torres, A. (PI), Aguayo, F., Kim, Y.J., Wilde, J., “Developing Sustainable High Strength Concrete Mixtures” Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Patrons Board, San Marcos, TX: Awarded: $50,000 (May 2018 – August 2019)
  8. Torres, A. (PI), “Assessing Surface Void Ratio of In-Place Concrete Using Comparative Test Measures” American Society of Concrete Contractors, Education, Research, and Development Foundation, St. Louis, MO, Awarded: $5,000 (March 2016 – March 2017)
  9. Torres, A. (PI), “The Impact of Fibers on the Compressive Strength of Conventional Concrete” Fountain People, San Marcos, TX: Awarded: $1,500 (Nov. 2015 – Nov. 2016)
  10. Torres, A. (PI), “Optimizing The Effect of Foundry Waste on the Performance of Concrete” Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Patrons, San Marcos, TX: Awarded: $6,000 (May 2015 – May 2016),
  11. Torres, A. (PI), “Development of a CIM Webpage” Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Patrons, San Marcos, TX: Awarded: $4,500 (May 2015 – August 2015)
  12. Torres, A. (PI), “The Effect of Gravity on Material Properties,” Utah State University Research Foundation – Space Dynamics Laboratory, North Logan, UT, June 1, 2014 – May 31, 2016; Received (TxState): $286,198
  13. Kim, Y. J. (PI), Torres, A. (Co-PI), “Concrete Based on Portland Limestone Cement with Limestone Content Greater Than 15%,” Capital Aggregates Inc., Austin, TX, June 1, 2014 – May 31, 2015; Received: $30,000