The Laboratory carries out experimental and theoretical research in the field of structural dynamics. Regarding the experimental study, the main activities of the Laboratory include the characterization of the dynamic response of structures and infrastructures (residential buildings, historical constructions, bridges, dams, and more) through the identification of their modal features under operating conditions, seismic (threshold-based) Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications, continuous static/dynamic monitoring of response parameters, and the study of dynamic problems in fluid-structure interaction (e.g., seismic behavior of reservoirs and dams). On the theoretical side, numerical mechanical models, equivalent to digital twins, are defined to numerically reproduce the in-service dynamic behavior of structures and infrastructures and simulate their response under potential damage scenarios. Innovative SHM strategies based on machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence are also developed to perform novelty detection.
The Laboratory of Structural Dynamics also carries out commercial and consulting activities for third parties in the field of structural dynamics. Below is a list of the most requested services:
- Characterization of the dynamic response of structures (multi-story buildings, historical constructions) and infrastructures (e.g., road/rail/pedestrian bridges) under operating conditions, aimed at identifying their modal parameters (natural frequencies of vibration, modal shapes, and damping ratios)
- Installation of seismic (threshold-based) and continuous dynamic SHM systems on structures and infrastructures, along with data processing services for automated identification of anomalies in structural response potentially associated with damage occurrence and/or material deterioration
- Development of software for modal identification and dynamic monitoring of structures and infrastructures
- Scientific and technical consulting regarding vibration problems in civil construction (e.g., design and verification of vibration reduction systems and protection of structures from dynamic actions such as wind and earthquakes)
- Consulting in the area of SHM system implementation and data processing
- Validation, characterization, and calibration of innovative or low-cost sensing technologies
- Development, characterization, and validation of smart sensors and data acquisition systems for monitoring structures and infrastructures, including multifunctional structural materials that are sensitive to changes in their strain state under dynamic loading
- Consulting services in structural analysis problems, with particular attention to aspects concerning the seismic design/retrofit of new/existing structures.
