Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2019
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.01.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Civil engineering |
|
| 2.05.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Mechanics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T000 |
Technological sciences |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.01 |
Engineering and Technology |
Civil engineering |
| 2.03 |
Engineering and Technology |
Mechanical engineering |
Mechanics, structures, computational methods, beams and frames, continuum, dynamics, stability, elasticity, viscoplasticity, steel, concrete, timber, fire, non-destructive methods.
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
April 18, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
212 |
3,731 |
3,076 |
14.51 |
| Scopus |
263 |
4,364 |
3,616 |
13.75 |
Researchers (19)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Members of the programme group are following modern trends in the development of structural mechanics, engineering problems in modern structures and other research fields such as numerical mechanics, applied mathematics and reliability of structures. Our main interests are dynamic behaviour of the systems of rigid or deformable bodies, numerical models for the analysis of spatial frame and shell structures, challenging stability problems of composite structural elements, coupled problems of heat and mass transfer in porous material, non-destructive experiments of structures and material with the emphasis on concrete, asphalt materials and timber, and non-linear modelling of structural material specifically the influences of softening. The evaluation of numerical models of the group is based on both verification and validation. Validation of the models employed is mostly based on experimental work and the data obtained from this work, which is an important advantage. The final result of programme will be specialized advanced computer programs for the analysis and design of demanding engineering products.
Actuality and excellence of our scientific work can be clearly recognized from numerous publications in international scientific journals with high impact factors. We present the latest results at scientific conferences and at invited lectures at foreign universities. The research work has an impact on teaching process at the University of Ljubljana and training of doctoral students. We are publishing textbooks for students. The programme group is actively participating in various professional projects closely related to business sector. Through these projects, group members are successfully applying theoretical and experimental knowledge into engineering practice.
Significance for science
Improving and validating numerical methods for the analysis of structural elements and systems of bodies taking into account their composite structure and nonlinearity of materials used under severe mechanical, temperature and hydrological conditions is extremely important for the development of the field of structural mechanics. We can expect that further research of our group will yield to important achievements and will enrich the knowledge in mechanics. Better understanding of important effects in structural mechanics such as contacts, softening, fire, collisions, rheology, etc. are expected to be obtained.
Newly developed models will be validated by the parallel experimental work which is completely in line with the world trends in the field of mechanics. Non-destructive methods are more and more often used since they enable the researchers to design new materials and composite structural elements. At the same time, these experimental methods give us better insight into the existing structures which yields to better guidelines for the reconstruction, strengthening and rehabilitation of structures.
We are convinced that a simultaneous use of non-destructive experimental techniques and advanced numerical tools and procedures will significantly improve the understanding of structural behaviour of engineering objects, their safety, durability and sustainability even in most sever conditions such as explosions, fire, earthquakes, as well as the structural response in the term of inhabitant comfort – better temperature, moisture and noise conditions.
The expected results have a significant applicable value in other research fields such as biomechanics in body movement modelling, nanotechnology in nano-tubes modelling, computer graphics in fast and realistic presentation of long and flexible elements such as hair, fur and slender plants. At the same time these new methods can be applied in mechanical multi-scale modelling with the reduction of the number of degrees of freedom in huge models and coupled mechanical problems.
Significance for the country
As it is pointed out in the Resolution for the national research and innovation strategy 2011-2020, it is a priority to use research resources to assist economy. Since this is one of the main goals of the proposed research, we feel that this condition is fully satisfied. The work of our research group is important in enabling the use of knowledge and results in multibody dynamics, composite structures, different structural materials, fire engineering for advanced industrial applications and for increasing and deepening the interdisciplinary collaboration.
The understanding and prediction of structural behaviour in severe transient and material dependent conditions is of extreme importance for the estimation of safety, reliability, comfort and durability of existing engineering structures and in optimal design of new ones. Advanced numerical procedures in the combination with modern non-destructive experimental methods are more economical than standard procedures since even slight changes in structures can be detected early which can prevent further deterioration or even structural collapse. Since dynamic response of the structure is often related to noise, better numerical models lead also to easier development of industrial product that have improved acoustic noise properties.
Advanced computer programmes will be developed for precise, effective and robust non-linear analysis of complex structures taking into account composite structure, material and geometric nonlinearity, dynamic effects and fire conditions. Such software represents an important tool in designing new engineering solutions and better assessment of existing structures. Some of the results may yield to improvements of existing standards and technical guidelines.
The development of modern non-destructive methods and their application in structural monitoring will make regular and specific structural examinations of concrete structures easier and more economic. Non-destructive methods will enable wider examinations of more structures in shorter period of time with minor or no negative effect on structures due to examinations themselves. At the same time a broader use of non-destructive experimental methods in rehabilitation after fire event will be enabled.
The results of our research will have a direct effect on forest and timber industry in Slovenia. After years of stagnation this industry recently gain some momentum. One of significant problems of timber production is the lack of efficient strength grading of timber in Slovenia. As a result bare logs or non-graded timber is exported from Slovenia while engineered timber products are imported. The second important issue is the use of hardwood in structural engineering. Since hardwood species have a large natural potential in Slovenian forests this issue has a real long term potential.
There are eight university professor among the researchers in our research group. This will effectively enable the knowledge transfer to students and professional alike. Team members will continue to be engaged in popularization of mechanics by publishing non-professional articles, by organizing high school knowledge competitions in mechanics and other similar activities.
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report
