Experimental Development
Work in this area can complement or provide an alternative to analytical and computational methods. It is usually laboratory based, but can involve field testing.
It is especially useful for non-standard conditions, such as cyclic and dynamic loading or inelastic response, and when fatigue or plasticity play a role. Work in this area is often designed to provide essential data for the development, calibration and validation of computational models. It can also provide primary research results which are of more immediate relevance to industry and the engineering profession, and can lead to opportunities for research funding.
Projects in this area include:
- The dynamic response and control of model structures
- In-situ monitoring of bridge structures and towers
- Inelastic, cyclic and fatigue testing of structural components
- Impact testing of concrete
- Load testing a full-scale model of the landing of a masonry building