In our research we develop theoretical methods for building mechanics, i.e. we improve and automate methods of static and dynamic solutions for building structures. Emphasis is given to the real properties of materials and their interaction with the environment, with the aim of facilitating the design or assessment of structures with regard to their levels of reliability and durability. This is closely related to our research into the theory of reliability and numerical simulation methods, modelling material degradation, predicting a structure’s durability, risk analyses, effects of imperfections, developing the theory of cable and suspended structures, researching the fracture-mechanical parameters of materials on silicate or other bases (including composites, such as FRC, SHCC and TRC), the fractality of fracture surfaces/fissures, identifying model parameters, the so-called model lattice, methods of discrete elements, use of neural networks, the issue of lean structures, non-linear dynamic systems and so-call chaotic phenomena.

In terms of practical applications, STM staff have the means and know-how needed to apply in practice the very latest trends being promoted in the advanced countries, i.e. so-called sustainable construction, optimizing lifelong costs in civil engineering (see the activities or directives of the EU, ISO etc.), risk analyses and creating designs based on useful properties. We simultaneously use advanced numerical means (software and GPGPU supercomputers) in connection with standard and non-standard experiments; our own computing tools are also internally developed and applied.

A large spectrum of key areas is thus covered: modelling complex structures using modern comprehensive programme systems, including evaluating the reliability of building structures, their durability, and also using e.g. the fracture mechanics of quasi-fragile materials, modelling non-linear dynamic systems and their simulation. In so doing, we take advantage of our cooperation with software companies SCIA and Dlubal in developing the programme systems SCIA Engineer and RFEM (which cover more than a third of the EU market in the calculation of building structures).

We offer the following:

• Numerical analyses of both structural elements and complex structures, predicting their longevity using their static, dynamic, optimizing, identification, reliability qualities

• In the field of testing: fracture experiments, testing concrete fatigue

Equipment:

The basic research and application of analysis methods for the behaviour of various building structures can be carried out using the synergic effect of interconnecting advanced numerical means (software) with conducting and evaluating non-standard experiments (testing equipment). The key areas of structure modelling are covered with the programmes ANSYS, LS-DYNA, ATENA, FReET, NEXIS, SCIA Engineer and RFEM, as is the reliability of building structures, fracture mechanics of quasi-fragile materials and non-linear dynamic systems and their simulation. The free application FyDik has been developed at the institute precisely for simulating non-linear dynamic systems, which enables the use of potential of supercomputers built on GPGPU technologies.

The Institute also provides educational computer applications ForMet (force method) and MaFoDeM (deformation method).

References:

• Červenka Consulting s.r.o.
• Dlubal (Německo)
• Nemetschek SCIA (Německo, Belgie)
• Northwestern University (USA)
• RWTH Aachen (Německo)
• Technical University of Denmark – DTU (Dánsko)
• University of Minnessota (USA)
• University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna (Rakousko)