Dynamics of Deformable Continua

Structural Dynamics – Earthquake and Wind Engineering

The expert group dealing with the structural dynamics focuses primary to the analysis of different dynamic actions properties and their effects on civil engineering structures, using both experimental and theoretical methods. This work is connected with wide international cooperation, the group is able to solve current urgent problems of safety design of structures and relating environmental problems.

The dynamic laboratory facilities include 2 small shaking tables for seismic tests (first one has horizontal harmonic seismic input motion, its carrying capacity is 5 t, second one enables simultaneous horizontal and vertical earthquake like input motion, and its carrying capacity is 1t). The input signal is computer controlled, data acquisition system works either in 32 or 64 channels mode. For combined static-dynamic tests the deterministic or stochastic modeling of loading can be applied with utilization of electro-hydraulic laboratory systems. The auxiliary dynamic tests can be performed on elements or fragments of structures up to 1000 kN.

The wind tunnel tests can be done for wind velocity up to 40 m/s, with modeling the wind gusts, and observing the free tail vibration of tested model. Data acquisition system can be used either in 32 or 64 channels mode.

In situ dynamic tests can comprise mechanical exciters of vibration working either in phase or out of phase mode. Portable configuration of measuring devices allows to measure and record velocities, accelerations, strains, with simultaneous records of wind velocities, or other source signals. The obtained data are analyzed using the verified supporting computer codes.

In theoretical and numerical analysis the dynamic calculation models are built and then calibrated and optimized. The expert assessment of structural design can follow the sensitivity of structure in case of dynamic loading and so provide the supporting data for the most effective choice of structural system to be used.

Dynamic response of different structures can be solved with application of finite element method, finite difference method, transfer matrix method or their combinations.