Research
The research activity at the Centre includes analytical, computational and experimental methods in solid and fluid mechanics. This includes probabilistic and statistical methods. Problems in mechanics related to civil and environmental engineering, as well as allied fields, are considered. A special emphasis is placed on research in earthquake and wind engineering. Topics of special interest are vibration and dynamics of complex structures and the use of computers in mechanics, particularly in the field of structural dynamics.
The main purpose of the earthquake research at the Centre is to obtain knowledge about the nature of earthquakes and their effects. The main fields of study are the following:
- Mathematical modelling of earthquakes
- Measurements
- Earthquake loading
- Side effects
- System identification of structures
- Earthquake response of complex structures
- Earthquake risk analysis
- Earthquake capacity of hydroelectric power plants
- Earthquake capacity of lifelines
The Centre operates and maintains the Icelandic Strong-Motion Network and distributes data through the Internet Site for European Strong-Motion Data (ISESD). On-going measurement programmes include full-scale measurements of wind and earthquake-induced structural response, as well as recording of data required for civil and environmental engineering design.
At the Earthquake Engineering Research Centre (EERC) interdisciplinary research is performed on the nature and effect of earthquakes. The EERC also houses the Applied Mechanics Laboratory where research within the field of computational and experimental mechanics. Emphasis is on applying probabilistic and statistical methods within the field of risk analysis and risk management.
Research on a variety of projects has been conducted spanning such diverse subjects as the design of artificial limbs to the design of a 200 m high earthfill dam.
Special emphasis has been placed on research related to Iceland’s environment, for example research on earthquakes, wind and snow. The EERC has performed extensive measurements of acceleration in earthquakes in the most earthquake-prone areas in South- and North Iceland. The purpose of the measurements is to estimate the effects of earthquakes on structures. Measurement systems have been installed in structures to measure response to earthquakes. Other types of measurements have been performed by the EERC for example wind, vibration and snow flood measurements. The results of the measurements have among other things been used for risk estimation and risk management.
In recent years many students in research-related graduate programs have worked on their research projects within the Centre. The Earthquake Engineering Research Centre and the Applied Mechanics Laboratory are in steady development and it provides a good working environment for students in research-related graduate studies.