Research in the field of fracture mechanics and extreme structural states has been performed using materials and products of national ironworks (SŽ-A, SŽ - E). In this way results of the research are directly applicable for evaluation of used materials and products quality. Within the frame of the research programme equipment and team has been trained and qualified for the fracture mechanic tests and characterisation of material properties. Achievements of the research programme represent novelty, not only in Slovenia but also worldwide, confirming scientific experience of the research team. The extended and improved procedure of shape optimisation offers new possibilities for more effective design and forming of structural parts, what is important with respect to the competitivity of machine parts and systems manufacturers. Practical usage of developed 'products' is confirmed by e.g. publication of several papers on a truck vechicle frame optimisation and optimisation of coach buses suspension. Results of research effort in the field of nonlinear periodic and quasiperiodic oscillations by the method of incremental harmonic balance and several time scales, have practical meaning in determining stability in operation of rotating engines at high revolution speed, and also for stability of beams and general structures. Model for optimisation of joint forces and accelerations has been tested on a specified example of mining hydraulic support.