We investigate a broad spectrum of Structural Engineering topics using experimental, computational and theoretical techniques. We focus on the behaviour and design of various structural components under a range of deterministic and probabilistic loadings, such as fire, blast, seismic and wind. 

 Find out more about this research below. 

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Behaviour and design of concrete structures

Our work in this area includes:

  • Cracking in edge restrained walls 
  • Shear failure in beams and slabs 
  • Design of connections between insitu and precast concrete members  
  • Strut and tie modelling  

A sample of some recent projects:

  • Design of transfer slabs for shear at closely offset planted columns
  • Understanding the cracking behaviour of reinforced concrete elements subjected to the restraint of imposed strains
  • Robustness assessment of precast concrete connections using component-based modelling 

Studies of structures against hazardous loading

Our work in this area includes:

  • Fire and blast
  • Seismic interactions
  • Fluid structure interaction 

A sample of some recent projects: 

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Steel and concrete composite construction

Our work in this area includes:

  • Behaviour and design of composite steel/concrete buildings and bridges 
  • Static and fatigue behaviour of composite connections and members 
  • Performance of semi-rigid and partial strength connections 

A sample of some recent projects: 

Structural reliability and assessment

Our work in this area includes:

  • Deterioration and lifetime assessment of structures 
  • Structural reliability of components and systems 
  • Risk and reliability assessment of highway bridges 
  • Risk assessment of structures under extreme loading 

A sample of some recent projects: 

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Behaviour and design of steel structures

Our steel structures work includes:

  • Additively manufactured and hybrid structures
  • Development of Eurocodes for steel structures
  • Design by advanced analysis
  • The Continuous Strength Method
  • Reuse of reclaimed structural steel
  • Steel elliptical hollow sections
  • Cold-formed steelwork 
  • Behaviour of metallic tubular structures 

Visit the Steel Structures group website to find out more. 

Large-scale civil engineering metal shells

Our work in this area includes:

  • Computational shell buckling
  • Advanced GMNIA methods for complex multi-thickness civil engineering shells
  • Fundamental behaviour of cylindrical shells
  • Applications to offshore engineering and containment structures
  • Development of high performance modelling software
  • Geometric digital twins from large-scale 3D point clouds
  • Development of the capacity curve framework for shell buckling design
  • Development of EN 1993-1-6 on the strength and stability of metal shells

A sample of some recent projects: