Leader: Ken Elwood
Deputy: Alessandro Palermo
The Large-Scale Experimental Facilities Platform is focused on developing an NZinc approach to laboratory testing and achieving a sustained capacity for state-of-the-art experimental research.
Key research thrust areas:
There are two key thrust areas in this Technology Platform:
- Training of research and laboratory personnel on advanced large-scale testing techniques and equipment. (Intended to build long-term capacity, not for students).
- Development of resources and/or software to facilitate collaboration between laboratories and increase efficiency of operations within laboratories.
Updates:
06/10/16
The Large-Scale Experimental Facilities Platform is focused on developing an NZinc approach to laboratory testing and achieving a sustained capacity for state-of-the-art experimental research.
Two short training courses were delivered in September to upskill UC Structural Engineering Laboratory (SEL) facility users, about the potential benefits and hazards associated with high speed hydraulic testing systems. These courses were organized by Tim Sullivan, who is in charge of the coordination of the Structural Laboratory activities at University of Canterbury. Tim secured funding to support the courses from the UC College of Engineering Teaching Grant.
The short courses were delivered by Alberto Pavese, who has more than 15 years’ experience as laboratory manager at the University of Pavia and the European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering; a laboratory at which high speed dynamic testing is routinely conducted.
The courses were attended by several UC Academic Staff, Technicians and Students and three staff from University of Auckland. The ongoing interactions between the UC and UA structural testing facilities are key to supporting the NZinc approach to laboratory testing. Alessandro Palermo will have a planning meeting with the UA Lab manager Felix Scheibmair early in November.
A one day training workshop for technicians is being tentatively scheduled late in 2016. If you are interested in engaging with this platform, please consider submitting an EOI to the 2017 RfP, or get in touch with Ken Elwood or Alessandro Palermo to join the monthly video conference.