Structures Under Extreme Loads lab

Extreme loading conditions cause structures to deform, crack and crush—complex behavior that is difficult to predict with analytical tools, no matter how advanced. Researchers at Dr. Brodsky’s advanced structural lab in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Ben-Gurion University use numerical and analytical methods. However, they also perform highly controlled physical tests on structures subject to such conditions, assessing the response of structural elements and characterizing their mechanisms and failure modes. The lab, called Structures Under Extreme Loads, enables the validation of innovative structural components and retrofitting techniques and opens new opportunities for collaboration with industry and other research centers. Such a testing facility is essential in a country with substantial seismic activity and terrorism threats. Dr. Brodsky hopes to eventually increase the robustness of structures and infrastructures and develop better code requirements to reduce casualties and economic losses.