Project

ConStrucT – Conditioned Structural Testing

Code
F2021/IOF-Equip/023
Duration
01 May 2021 → 31 January 2023
Funding
Regional and community funding: Industrial Research Fund
Promotor
Research disciplines
  • Engineering and technology
    • Structural design
    • Sustainable building
    • Building technology
    • Construction materials
    • Construction materials technology
    • Non-destructive testing, safety and diagnosis
    • Structural engineering
    • Glass
    • Polymer composites
    • Destructive and non-destructive testing of materials
    • Life cycle engineering
Keywords
Conditioned mechanical testing multi-axial loading temperature humidity radiation fire artificial ageing
 
Project description

The goal of this project proposal is: 1) To develop and build an innovative experimental facility which responds to a growing industrial need for application driven research and testing of (mainly building) components, connections and materials, of which the mechanical performance strongly depends on temperature, humidity, and ageing. Its size (component scale), capability of applying loads in multiple directions, and range (deep freezing temperatures to fire conditions) make this a unique facility. 2) To develop new expertise regarding the mechanical behaviour of building components under simultaneous exposure to multi-axial loads and non-standard environmental conditions (temperature (gradients), humidity, radiation). This knowledge development is of strategic importance for the Department in the next decennia. 3) Strengthen and attract industrial research cooperation, with a strong emphasis on contract research (up to 95%, including industrial PhD’s) and to a minor extent on service contracts (at least 5%).