A large scale Pseudo-Dynamic/Cyclic Test Facility has been developed in which full scale three storey structural models can be tested under earthquake simulation conditions. The facility is very useful for validating/ verifying and also updating the numerical modelling of new/innovative concepts under simulated earthquake loading conditions. The facility consists of a Strong Floor (12 m x 10m), Reaction Wall (2 No’s of 9m x 9m) and Reaction Frame (6m x 9m with 100 tonne capacity under any combination of loads i.e. axial, flexure shear and torsion).

Component level tests are conducted in the lab to study the earthquake behaviour of structures right up to its failure stage. The tests are directed to study the component’s hysteretic behaviour, lateral resistance and ductility, strength and stiffness degradation, plastic hinge rotation, mode of failure and to verify analytical and numerical models. The facility consists of a 1 m thick reinforced concrete reaction floor and two 3 m x 3 m (600 mm thick) reaction wall.

The facility available in the department is equipped to test materials commonly related to the construction industry like concrete, steel and masonry. The aim of this facility is to generate reliable, accurate and reproducible test results. Equipped to conduct variety of test including tensile coupon test, compression and flexural tests, masonry prism test along with accurate data acquisition system, the lab provides the required data for researchers as well for industries.

(a) Servo-Hydraulic Actuators Heavy duty force generators, which can be used to apply equal axial force in tension and compression with excellent dynamic characteristics.
Specifications
1000 kN, Double ended, Fatigue rated actuator. Stroke Capacity 500 mm (+/- 250 mm) with peak velocity 1 cm/sec to 12 cm/sec.
500 kN, Double ended, Fatigue rated actuator. Stroke Capacity 500 mm (+/- 250 mm) with peak velocity 1 cm/sec to 75 cm/sec.
500 kN, Double ended, Dynamic actuator. Stroke Capacity 500 mm (+/- 250 mm) with peak velocity 1 cm/sec to 30 cm/sec.
250 kN (Two numbers), Double ended, Dynamic actuator. Stroke Capacity 500 mm (+/- 250 mm) with peak velocity 1 cm/sec to 50 cm/sec.
100 kN (Three numbers), dynamic actuator. Stroke Capacity: 300 mm (+/- 150 mm) with peak velocity 27.2 cm/sec at no load.

(b) Hydraulic Power Unit Capable of generating huge amount of power to drive the servo-hydraulic actuators during testing. Specifications
For Pseudo-Dynamic: Delivery at least 400 LPM at 210 bar/ 21 MPa/ 3000 psi. For Quasi-Static: Delivery at least 90 LPM at 207 bars.

(c) Data Acquisition System and Instrumentation
Specifications
Digital Electronic Controller (Unit 1): Modular type flexible digital compact eight channel controller to control six actuators (with provision to add two control cards in future) during pseudo-dynamic / quasi- static test.
Digital Electronic Controller (Unit 2): Modular type twelve channel (4 channel for each actuator) controller.
LVDTs, strain gauges and accelerometers.

Research Scholar - Nidhin S. Pachappoyil
Supervisor - Prof. Pankaj Agarwal

In this study, slotted concrete blocks with visco-elastic links are used as infill panel in RC frame construction. The energy dissipation is provided in the form of effective damping in the structure through the low yield strength visco-elastic link element as well as friction. These blocks are cast in concrete and links are prepared by pieces of used rubber tyres (co-polymer of Styrene-butadiene rubber) sandwitched between thin steel plates. These links not only hold each concrete blocks in place and provide initial stiffness to the structure, but also dissipate the energy through yielding and small slips under extreme earthquake loading conditions.

Research Scholar - K. V. Naveen Kumar
Supervisor - Prof. Pankaj Agarwal

The research study is focused on retrofitting severely damaged RC frames. The critically damaged RC frames accessible subsequent to the study on flexible infills were reconstructed using conventional and global retrofitting techniques. The ruptured or buckled rebars of the columns were linked using in-house made rebar coupling sleeves which were later interlinked using flat rectangular steel bars. Fibre Reinforced Polymer strengthening is carried out in a specific frame. The Global capacity of the frames are enhanced using two distinctive techniques such as the concentrically placed hollow steel brace and a Combined Metallic Damper made up of flexure and shear steel plates.

Research Scholar - Adil Ahmad
Supervisor - Prof. Yogendra Singh

In this study, strength and seismic safety of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core sandwich panel wall is determined under in-plane cyclic load test. The wall panels were constructed by concrete wythes with welded wire mesh joined by shear connectors and EPS core. The micro concrete was sprayed on EPS panel on both sides of required thickness. This structural system is environment friendly and have various advantages over conventional construction methods, such as speedy construction, cost effective, energy efficient, light weight, avoiding shuttering and heavy machinery, thermal, sound and moisture resistant. Ideal for mass housing projects.