My ORCID profile (url)
My RESEARCHERID (url)
Research lines (updated December 2014)
[Game over]
Sensitivity analysis and optimization of structures. There was a time when I thought that computers were wonderful tools. I imagined that the world could be created by pushing one button. This is why I started to learn programming languages like FORTRAN, C and C++ (and the windows library). When I discover structures and the finite element method I thought that a computer program could design the best solution. The death of human engineering. I studied sensitivity analysis and optimization problems with boundary conditions to fit the best structure for a given problem. I programmed several routines to perform efficient sensitivity analysis with non-linearity (plasticity and damage models) in the material response. Moreover several optimization codes. The final result was my PhD dissertation (url) and the convincement that computers will never substitute a human engineer. A new technology of machines is necessary to overcome the barrier of human creativity.
[Standby]
Dislocation dynamics. After finishing my PhD I wanted to go deeper in the physics of plasticity. I studied dislocation dynamics and I wrote a code for molecular simulation by minimization of energy functional (deterministic approach). You could set some defects inside the crystal mesh and let the system evolve. The quasi-continuum approach was used to simulate large pieces of matter. Unfortunately I lost the codes (always keep a backup!) and I could not find funds in my country to keep my research going on. If ever I have the time I will tackle again the problem.
Historical structures. I felt fascinated looking at the old cathedrals. They have never been calculated, because modern mechanics date from the XVIII Century, but those buildings remain. After working for more than 8 years with F.E.M. the simple approach of thrust line interested me very much. I co-directed a PhD thesis with Prof. Pere Roca (url) about funicular calculations using modern computation. PhD Antoni Andreu.
[Running]
Structural performance of masonry structures. Masonry is a complex material made of bricks and mortars. His performance is not well understood. Kept apart by concrete and steel it is quite forgotten in experiments. We want to known better the behaviour of walls under different load conditions and create new reinforcement strategies with advanced materials to improve its performance. Co-direction of a PhD thesis with Prof. Pere Roca. Now Ernest Bernat is a Doctor (url).
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| Collapse of a wall in real time |
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| Collapse of a wall in slow motion |
Application of advanced materials in construction
1. Reinforcement of concrete with advanced materials. Concrete is a wonderful material but has durability problems. Reinforcement solution with fibers and resins CFRP is a challenging opportunity for maintenance and rehabilitation of structures. PhD candidate Juan Jose Cruz.
2. Resins have some environmental problems and a fire low response therefore we are testing another advanced materials with fibers and cements for the reinforcement of concrete.
PhD candidate Christian Escrig
3. New type of mixt structures combining composite materials and concrete.
PhD candidate Catalin Neagoe
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4. Postensioning of composite bars made of CFRP. Development of a chemical bonding between composites and steel. PhD dissertation of Francesc Puigvert (url).
The use of elastic waves for damage detection in structures. Elastic waves travel across solids. When the solid contains defects like cracks the mechanical response of the structure changes from an intact one. This change can be seen in the vibration properties of the structure. Modal analysis is a tool that can be used to predict the amount and the localization of damage in structures. Co-direction of a PhD thesis with Prof. Sergio Oller (url). PhD Marco Antonio Perez used this technology to detect delamination damage in composite plates.
[Other]
Biomechanics. I have a collaboration with Dr. Jordi Marcé (url) and the Institute Catalan of Paleonthology ICP (url) for the analysis of mechanical performance of extincted species.
Scientific knowledge. After working for more than 10 years programming computers, performing hundred of simulations and calculations for engineering projects (+15 years of experience) I wonder myself for the value of the kind of knowledge that computers produces. Moreover the experimental testing, as a basis of scientific knowledge, is every day depending more and more of computer data analysis. Could we feel confident in future about Science?
