Projects / Programmes
Building and Civil Engineering Structures
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.01.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Civil engineering |
|
| 2.05.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Mechanics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T220 |
Technological sciences |
Civil engineering, hydraulic engineering, offshore technology, soil mechanics |
| T230 |
Technological sciences |
Building construction |
building and civil engineering structures, buildings, bridges, traffic infrastructure, geotechnical structures, waste deposits, underground structures and tunnels, architectural heritage, impact on environment, protection, earthquakes, fire, experimental investigations, mathematical modelling
Researchers (16)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The research of the group is aimed at identification and modelling of specific action effects on building and civil engineering structures. It is also aimed at proposing new and improved technological and system solutions, which will ensure the required essential properties and safety to new construction and existing building. These are the main research areas of the group:
a. Earthquake engineering:
The conditions and limits of uses of modern technologies of masonry constructions in seismic zones are investigated. Mathematical models for the analysis of masonry structures at micro and macro levels are developed. By using experimental testing, the values of parameters needed for seismic resistance verification of masonry structures, based on the up-to-date principles, but only qualitatively specified in the codes, will be assessed. The possibilities and conditions of use of non-destructive testing techniques for the assessment of existing masonry structures will be estimated, and solutions for seismic strengthening of heritage buildings, based on new technologies, will be experimentally verified. Specifically, the efficiency of retrofitting the structures with polymer materials, will be investigates.
b. Fire engineering:
Increasing number of catastrophic fires in industry requires the tightening up of measures for fire protection, whereas the mitigation of consequences requires the knowledge of detailed causes of fire and mechanisms of spreading, as well as of effects of flames on building structures. Laboratory testing of fire resistance is indispensable. Since one of the key parameters that need to be known is heat radiation on the side of the structural element not exposed to fire, a method for measuring the radiation will be developed. As the number of tunnels on the motorway network in Slovenia is increasing, fire simulations will be carried and measures to prevent catastrophic events proposed.
c. Structures:
The use of wood for technologically demanding structures requires the modeling of its behavior in changing natural environment. In order to determine the parameters and develop numerical models, long-term observations of the behavior of wood elements in natural environment are needed. Therefore, the data on loads, deformation, temperature and humidity will be measured for a longer period of time. At the end of investigations, the measure data will be analyzed and used for the verification of influence factors proposed by the design codes.
d. Traffic infrastructures:
The overloading freight vehicles enormously increase the maintenance costs of the road network. The experiences indicate that the invisible, 24 hours a day operating weight-in-motion system represents the only efficient way of control. SiWIM system, developed by the group is among the most accurate and efficient such systems,m world-wide. The system will be upgraded so as to enable immediate police actions in the case of violation of allowable axle load limits.
e. Geotechnical structures:
In rock mechanics, GSI (Geological Strength Index), determined on the basis of geological assessment and geomechanical data, is used to assess the geotechnical characteristics of rocks. The correlation between the predicted and actual data will be verified on the basis of actual situation obtained at different construction cases. Improvements in the method for the determination of GSI Index will be proposed.
A method, where the values of parameters which determine the properties of soil at dynamic loading and different levels of deformations, will be obtained on the non-standardized samples, will be developed. By using the experimental data, numerical methods for the analysis of behavior of geotechnical structures and foundations when subjected to dynamic loads, will be improved.
Since Slovenia is obliged to prepare deposit for low and medium radioactive waste, the investigations are aimed at geochemical environment of location, hydro
Significance for science
The research, carried out by the group is part of internationally coordinated research activities. Individual parts of the program are part of European or bilateral projects, carried out within the framework of EC or bilateral research programs and protocols. The topics investigated are not only of local importance; they represent internationally important issues. International impact of research results and a contribution of research to international scientific community is expected. The problems of construction industry within the country are similar to the problems of construction abroad. On the one side, there are new and improved materials and technologies of construction, which need to be investigated and their efficiency verified. On the other, there are problems of ageing, maintenance and rehabilitation of existing building and civil engineering structures and architectural heritage, as well as built environment in general, which are not only the problems of Slovenia, but world-wide. The implementation of new European standards for structural design, Eurocodes, has risen a series of questions. However, straighforward answers have yet to be given. Therefore, national parameters need to de defined in National Annexes to Eurocodes, which can only be determined by research and testing, based on the national characteristics, conditions and tradition. It is expected that research, carried out by the group, will provide urgently needed answers to some questions, and, hence, made possible making the decisions when preparing these documents. Newly developed and improved scientific, research and development oriented experimental and analytical methods, developed within the framework of this reserach program, will have a broader impact to research community. Their application will make possible further experimental research and analytical in the behavior of civil engineering and buildings structures when subjected to different kinds of actions.
Significance for the country
Safe and reliable, usable, durable and environment-friendly building and civil engineering structures of all kinds provide place for life and work, education, medical care and entertainment. Civil engineering structures make possible the production of energy. They protect people against natural hazards, and take care of clean environment. Traffic infrastructure ensures mobility of people and goods. Therefore, any research result leading to improvement of technology of construction and design is important for the sustainable development of the society. It is expected that the research results will lead to: - optimisation of use of traditional natural building materials, such as wood and brick, hence reducing the impact of production on environment; - improvement of living and working conditions in buildings; - revitalization of cultural heritage buildings; - rational and efficient maintenance of building and civil engineering structures, hence increasing their expected life-time; - protection of built environment against natural and other disasters, such as earthquakes and fire; - protection of environment. The results of research will make a contribution to the technological development of Slovenia. The implementation of new and improved technologies of construction with contemporary and improved traditional materials will strengthen the competitivness of construction and construction product industry. New knowledge and improved methods will make possible reliable design of specific types of structures, including structures which are important for environmental protection, like radioactive waste deposits. Last but not least, the results of research will make a contribution to the preservation of architectural cultural as well as natural heritage. By using new and/or improved methods, the values of parameters needed for the design of economic but safe, reliable and user friendly structures, have been determined. Also, road maintenance and management systems will be optimised. Part of the knowledge will be implemented into graduate and postgraduate university teaching programs.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
