School of Civil Engineering

Introduction:

The Structures Laboratory of the Faculty of Civil Engineering was established in 1990, occupying approximately 300 square meters. The primary goal of this laboratory is the experimental study of structural behavior under static and quasi-dynamic loading.

This laboratory primarily serves the needs of industry and research, with results contributing to the development of building codes, providing solutions for retrofitting and improving seismic and non-seismic performance of structures, and evaluating innovative ideas and designs in structural engineering. It also supports doctoral and master’s students in conducting structural-seismic studies.

Equipped with modern static and dynamic (harmonic) loading systems and staffed by experienced personnel, the laboratory is ready to offer a wide range of research and practical services. The facility allows the study of both structural elements and sub-structures. Structural elements include beams, columns, slabs, reinforced concrete shear walls, composite and masonry walls, as well as foundations. Sub-structures include limited-size frames, beam–column connections, slab–column connections, foundation–column connections, and other types of sub-structural systems.

Experimental studies involve uni- and bi-directional repeated static and dynamic loading. Load application is achieved using reaction frames and 11 hydraulic jacks with capacities ranging from 20 to 3000 kN. The primary objective of these studies is to understand structural behavior and damage mechanisms to enhance performance levels and control damage under various loads, including seismic events.