Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/S94179/01
Title:	Vulnerability and Integrity of Non-linear Dynamic Structural Systems
Principal Investigator:	Agarwal, Dr J
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Civil Engineering
Organisation:	University of Bristol
Scheme:	First Grant Scheme Pre-FEC
Starts:	01 October 2004	Ends:	30 September 2007	Value (£):	73,407
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Design Engineering Structural Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Construction
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Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
The performance and safety of many civil engineering systems is governed by their response to dynamic loads such as earthquake, wind and traffic. However, there is very little work on the robustness of structures under dynamic loads. In fact, robustness is not well understood even under static loads. In the proposed work, we will use a combination of Vulnerability Theory and an Interacting Objects Process Model, developed in previous research by the author, to investigate the vulnerability and integrity of non-linear dynamic structural systems. The method will involve modelling structures at different levels of definition. For example, a building can be modelled as an inverted pendulum with single degree-of-freedom or as a mass-spring system with a few degrees-of-freedom or using finite elements with many degrees-of-freedom. We will look for the emergent properties from one level to the next using Systems Theory concepts and identify dependable regimes in the space of control parameters. The systems philosophy recognizes the importance of the interactions amongst the components and the emerging behaviour from such interactions. The output from this research will be of practical use for the safety management of free standing structures under earthquake loading, offshore structures, bridges and structures supporting safety-critical machinery (e.g. in nuclear power plants).
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Organisation Website:	http://www.bris.ac.uk