Research Focuses of the Faculty of Civil Engineering (BME)

Abstract:

The aim of this seminar in general is to provide an overview of the research activities carried out at the laboratories of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the BME University, with particular emphasis on experimental work in structural engineering. The presentation will outline the wide range of laboratory investigations in general, including advanced experimental programs performed in support of PhD research. Special focus is placed on large-scale structural testing, such as the loading of bridge structures and the development and application of structural health monitoring systems for bridges.

In addition to structural-scale experiments, the seminar will address material-oriented research, including the testing and analysis of high-strength steels, investigations into column buckling behavior, and studies on fatigue performance, particularly in trapezoidal welded girders. The effects of welding on residual stresses in structural elements is also presented. Further topics will include research on new prestressed reinforced concrete bridge girders and innovative structural solutions such as corrugated web girders. Moreover, the seminar will present experimental studies on corrugated steel sheets, ranging from the assessment of lateral stiffness of Z-purlins connected to corrugated sheets to the evaluation of bending and shear capacities of these sheets with varying geometrical parameters, including thickness and web height. Overall, the seminar aims to demonstrate how experimental methods and applied research contribute to advancing knowledge and practical applications in structural engineering within the faculty’s laboratories.

Short bio:

During my studies and later in my professional career, I had the opportunity to participate in the preparation of more than 100 bridges for their first load test, while simultaneously supervising over 50 students (including PhD candidates and undergraduate students) in the experimental aspects of their theses. Currently, I lead the Laboratory Practice of Testing of Structures and Materials course for BSc students, where I with my colleagues demonstrate the practical behavior of steel structural elements, including shear lag, buckling, and torsion, as well as the brittle failure of prestressed concrete roof beams and smaller roof plates.