Engineering - Laboratories and Research projects

The lab works in the field of mechanical characterization of construction materials and structures. It is mainly devoted to the mechanical characterization of traditional and advanced cementitious materials both in standard and extreme conditions. The laboratory also deals with the structural assessment by means of destructive and non-destructive test on whole structures or portions both in–situ and in laboratory. The main research topics are: - mechanical characterization of advanced cement based composites (Fibre reinforced concrete, textile reinforced concrete ect) - investigation of the mechanical behaviour of cement based materials when exposed to accidental conditions (e.g. fire) - investigation of the mechanical behaviour of cement based materials when exposed to extreme environmental conditions (e.g freezing and thawing) - investigation of the mechanical behaviour of cement based materials when exposed to extreme environmental conditions (e.g freezing and thawing) - structural applications of advanced cementitious composites investigation of the structural behaviour under exceptional loads (fire and blast)

The main fields of interest refer to the numerical modelling of the mechanical behaviour of geo-materials (frictional and cohesive soils, soft rocks, rocks) and the studying of soil-structure interaction problems; both static and dynamic/impulsive loadings are considered.

A video presenting +Lab; the aim of the laboratory is to diffuse 3D Printing culture from accademies to society, intervening on the topics where this technology could represent [oppure represents] a revolutionary way of thinking and realizing the objects we use in our everyday life.

The laboratory was established in 1973 to support research and teaching activities of professors, students and researchers in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Artificial Vision. In the 4 sites belonging to AIRLab, more than 20 robots (both on wheels and biomimetic, mostly designed and implemented in the lab), a mechanical and electronics workshop and a large set of sensors and computers are available.