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Analysis, modeling, and numerical simulation
Singular structures and architectural project
Configuration of singular building structures in relation to the architectural project.
DEFE Researcher: Alejandro Bernabéu Larena.
Wood structures
Design, structural analysis, optimization, digital fabrication, and assembly of wooden structures, with a particular interest in mid-rise buildings and lightweight structures.
DEFE Researchers: Almudena Majano Majano, Antonio J. Lara Bocanegra and José Luis Gómez Royuela.
Steel structures
DEFE Researcher: Jorge Conde Conde.
Design and sustainability
Assessment and measurement of the impact of design on sustainability in building structures.
DEFE Researcher: Jorge Conde Conde.
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Design of structural connections
Connections in steel structures
- Development of new joints that facilitate reuse and circularity in metal construction through the use of advanced materials.
- Analysis of joints using finite element models validated experimentally in the laboratory.
- Analysis, development, and coding of new components for the design of joints using analytical and experimental methods.
DEFE Researchers: Alejandro Bernabéu Larena and Jorge Conde Conde.
Connections in wood structures
- Analysis of joints using experimentally validated finite element models in the laboratory.
- Innovative applications of carpentry joints made by CNC.
- Connections for mixed wood-concrete systems.
- Development and characterization of high-performance products.
DEFE Researchers: Almudena Majano Majano, Antonio J. Lara Bocanegra and José Luis Gómez Royuela.
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Structural advanced materials
Mechanical characterization of new materials
Design and development of advanced structural materials with high performance. This line encompasses, among other aspects, the improvement of concrete and cement-based matrices to achieve enhanced durability without compromising strength parameters. Additionally, specific performance characteristics are sought through additions, fiber-reinforced concrete, etc.
DEFE Researcher: Paula Villanueva Llauradó.
Modeling and numerical simulation of materials
Development of finite element models with different approaches (macromodel, mesomodel, micromodel) for the characterization of materials and interfaces between materials. This includes, among other activities, the modeling of FRP-concrete or FRP-wood adhesion with cohesive elements.
DEFE Researcher: Paula Villanueva Llauradó.
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Seismic risk and seismic-resistant structures
Seismic risk in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain
The five main factors of seismic risk are addressed:
- Hazard. Study of the expected seismic movement due to future earthquakes.
- Vulnerability. Analysis of susceptibility to structural and non-structural damage in the event of an earthquake of a certain intensity.
- Exposure. Distribution of people, assets, and services that are at risk.
- Losses. Human, economic, and social costs, as well as the resilience of the area affected by the earthquake.
- Emergency management.
Recognition campaign following the 2022 Morocco earthquake.
DEFE Researchers: Laura A. Navas Sánchez and César de Santos Berbel.
Seismic exposure in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain
Exposed buildings and their attributes, including behavior modifiers. This is carried out through the analysis of geospatial images and drone flights, or by using artificial intelligence to study and obtain data from street-level photographs from web applications or users.
DEFE Researcher: Laura A. Navas Sánchez.
Seismic vulnerability in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain
- Vulnerability of historic buildings in Chile.
- Thin-walled buildings with limited ductility in the Dominican Republic.
- Seismic behavior of buildings in Mexico City.
DEFE Researcher: Belén Orta Rial.
- Vulnerability of buildings in Lorca, Murcia, Peru, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
- Assessment of the influence of behavior modifiers on seismic vulnerability.
- Select.FC: methodology, calibration, web application, and database for evaluating and selecting fragility curves for seismic risk studies (Select.FC application).
News in the UPM Press Room “It is now possible to assess earthquake damage with an app”
DEFE Researchers: Belén Orta Rial and Laura A. Navas Sánchez.
Seismic-resistant structural solutions
- Structural configuration in high seismicity areas.
- Seismic-resistant wooden structures.
- Analysis using passive methods.
DEFE Researchers: Alejandro Bernabéu Larena and Jorge Conde Conde.