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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/K006118/1
Title: Resilient and sustainable steel frame with innovative post-tensioned connections and rate-dependent passive dampers for multi-hazard resistant design
Principal Investigator: Karavasilis, Professor T
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Arup Group Ltd Edmund Booth Consulting Engineer Steel Construction Institute
Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre
Department: Sch of Engineering
Organisation: University of Warwick
Scheme: First Grant - Revised 2009
Starts: 21 May 2013 Ends: 20 May 2015 Value (£): 98,310
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Structural Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Construction
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
15 Jun 2012 Engineering Prioritisation Meeting - 15 June 2012 Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
This project will investigate a steel moment-resisting frame with innovative post-tensioned beam-column connections and rate-dependent (elastomeric or fluid) passive dampers for multi-hazard resistant design. The overall research objectives are: a) decrease in the construction cost, rapid assembly on-site, simple deconstruction, adaptability, and potential for reuse of structural members; b) enhanced progressive collapse resistance and reparability against a sudden loss of column simulating bomb blast or heavy vehicle collision (terrorist attacks); and c) easy inspection/repair allowing almost immediate return to service after a strong (design) earthquake as well as increased life safety under a very strong (maximum credible) earthquake.

The project will develop fundamental knowledge, design details, and design methods for the proposed steel frame by conducting integrated design, analysis and experimental research. In particular, the project will: a) develop design details and criteria for an innovative post-tensioned connection; b) experimentally evaluate the behaviour of the post-tensioned connection with large-scale monotonic and cyclic tests simulating a loss of column scenario and seismic loading, respectively; c) evaluate the seismic performance and the progressive collapse resistance of the proposed steel frame; d) develop a practical seismic design procedure for the proposed steel frame in the context of the European seismic design standard-Eurocode 8; and e) compare the costs and sustainability aspects of constructing the proposed steel frame and a conventional steel moment-resisting frame.

The project will go beyond the state-of-the-art in the field of minimal-damage structural systems; significantly improve the UK's competitiveness in structural engineering; meet important national priorities related to sustainability and resilience; and align with EPSRC's global, economic and societal challenge themes.

Key Findings
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.warwick.ac.uk