Earthquake and structural dynamics
Overview
Work on earthquake engineering and structural dynamics includes field studies of damaging earthquakes, assessment of seismic vulnerability, strengthening design, testing dynamic performance of structures, controlling dynamic response and analytical methods.
Field studies are undertaken in collaboration with EEFIT. Staff of CSAE have been involved with EEFIT for over 20 years, have authored several EEFIT reports and led EEFIT field missions. This work has led to the publication of guidelines for improved building techniques.
While research on new build concentrates on reducing and controlling vibration, the large majority of the existing building stock proves highly vulnerable to major earthquakes and represents a life threat for many communities worldwide. Following reconnaissance missions in earthquake stricken areas, extensive work has been carried out on assessment of seismic vulnerability of historic masonry buildings leading to the development the procedure FaMIVE (Failure Mechanism Identification and Vulnerability Evaluation). This has been applied to case studies in India, Nepal, Italy, Turkey and Portugal. Work is underdevelopment on evaluating the seismic vulnerability of existing low engineered masonry infilled reinforce concrete frames, such as the ones that caused the widespread casualties in Turkey, India, and more recently Algeria.
Our work on structural response looks at combining testing, measurement and analysis. In particular, CSAE has been involved in investigating the dynamic behaviour of lightweight cable-net structures, developing theoretical models and non-contact measurement techniques.
Passive structural control systems are also being developed. The use of impact dampers to control the dynamic response of tall structures over a wide frequency range has successfully been demonstrated and suitable modelling techniques have been developed. Further work in this area is ongoing.
In addition to structural response, researchers at CSAE are investigating the geotechnical aspects of earthquake engineering. This involves analysis of ground conditions, dynamic response of soil, analysis of earthquake ground motion and investigation of foundation effects during strong shaking.
People
| Dina D'Ayala |
Senior Lecturer |
| Chris Williams |
Senior Lecturer |
| Antony Darby |
Lecturer |
|
Frederick Ellul |
Lecturer Research Student |
Projects
- Dynamic response of structures
- Earthquake field studies
- Vulnerability assessment of Serravalle, Italy
