 Mission
To enhance durability and improve functionality of our infrastructure by conducting applied research and disseminating the gained knowledge to all sectors of the engineering community as well as the general public.
Background
Infrastructure, including bridges, towers, and large buildings, needs to be strong to withstand an earthquake or a sudden impact. However they also need to be flexible, they have to be able to move and absorb shock in other to survive. The iSTAR Laboratory features a large platform that reproduces the seismic shaking of real earthquakes and is used to test the resiliency of engineered structures and their materials. The laboratory’s capability is of enormous value to public agencies and engineering firms that are designing structures for the earthquake-prono regions of the Pacific Northwest. Faculty and students conduct project that focuses on the effects of extreme loads on our infrastructure and on utilization of innovative materials. Masters and PhD degree programs are offered in our department, where students work closely with faculty on research projects. Outreach and technology transfer are also an important function of the laboratory through tours that highlight the laboratory's efforts and seminars for the practicing industry. |
Laboratory Activities
Research and testing conducted at the laboratory are in the area of earthquake engineering, application of innovative materials and numerical simulation designed to achieve our mission. Large-scale experiments are used to study the structural elements, assemblies or non-structural equipment using the laboratory’s unique shake table and hydraulic actuator capability. Complementary detailed numerical models and analyses are conducted to broaden the results. Physical tests and numerical modeling are combined to thoroughly investigate a wide range of issues including:
- Seismic testing and earthquake simulation to failure or to specific test protocol, able to conduct tests to IEEE Standard 693-2005 and IEE Evaluation Service AC156
- Evaluation of fatigue and dynamic impact load effects
- Non-linear numerical modeling of structural systems and critical components using Abaqus, SAP2000, and OPENSEES.
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