Specialized Laboratory Unit ‐ Laboratory for Numerical Modeling


DESCRIPTION

The Laboratory for Numerical Modeling conducts numerical research in the field of theoretical and computational mechanics and the mechanics of structures and materials as a basis for solving various engineering problems, developing new numerical models, performing realistic 3D simulations, creating new software, and supporting the design and research of new products and processes. The activities of the Laboratory include the implementation of scientific and research work, teaching activities and professional work in cooperation with the economy, and especially the analysis of building structures exposed to extreme loads (wind, earthquake, fire, explosions) and climate changes (high temperatures, rising sea levels), historical buildings for the purpose of preserving cultural heritage, building structures in soil and water, rock mechanics and soil mechanics with the emphasis on the analysis of rock falls, landslides, and compacted and unsaturated materials.
 


LIST OF SERVICES

  • Consultations with the client for research preparation

  • Development of a numerical models for simulating the behaviour of structures / materials / buildings

  • Creation of numerical studies of behaviour of structures / materials / buildings, with computer programmes developed in the Laboratory

  • Creation of numerical studies of behaviour of structures / materials / buildings, with commercial (professional) computer programmes

  • Field research to define the input data required for the implementation of numerical research

  • Interpretation of the research results in cooperation with the client

  • Creation of a report with the results of the conducted research


REFERENCES

Scientific and development projects

  • Numerical modelling in civil engineering, Institutional project, 2023-2026.

  • Parameter estimation framework for fracture propagation problems under extreme mechanical loads (FracID), HRZZ-UIP-2020-02-6693, Croatian Science Foundation, 2022-2026.

  • STRategies for assessing climate change and natural hazards' impact on urban ecosystems, increasing resilience to ENvironmental hazards, and promoting territorial GrowTH (STRENGTH), ITHR0200318, EU Interreg Italy-Croatia Programme, 2024-2026.

  • Open Network on DEM Simulations (ON-DEM), COST action CA22132, EU Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, 2023-2027.

  • Intelligent Methods for Structures, Elements and Materials (IM4StEM), Erasmus + EU Programme Strategic Partnerships, 2023-2026.

  • Preventing, Managing and Overcoming Natural-Hazards Risks to mitiGATE economic and social impact (PMO-GATE), EU Interreg Italy-Croatia Programme, 2019-2022.

  • Development of numerical models for reinforced-concrete and stone masonry structures under seismic loading based on discrete cracks (SeismoNuMod), HRZZ-IP-2014-09-2319, Croatian Science Foundation, 2015-2019.

  • Multiphysics modelling of surface-subsurface water systems, HRZZ-IP-2020-02-2298, Croatian Science Foundation, 2020-2025.

  • Experimental and numerical investigations of mechanisms in unsaturated geomaterials, HRZZ-UIP-2017-05-3429, Croatian Science Foundation, 2018-2023.

  • Groundwater flow modelling in karst aquifers, HRZZ-UIP-2013-11-8103, Croatian Science Foundation, 2014-2017.

  • Nonlinear dynamic analysis of three-dimensional reinforced concrete structures, Project no. 083-0831541-1532, Ministarstvo znanosti, obrazovanja i sporta RH, 2007-2013.

  • Modelling of the bearing capacity and stability of the structures under large displacement, Project no. 083-0831541-1545, Ministarstvo znanosti i tehnologije RH, 2007-2013.

  • Non-linear stability and bearing capacity of line and plate structures, Project no. 0083051, Ministarstvo znanosti i tehnologije RH, 2002-2005.

  • Numerical and experimental modelling of engineering systems, Project no. 0083061, Ministarstvo znanosti i tehnologije RH, 2002-2005.

  • Numerical modelling of engineering structures, Project no. 083133, Ministarstvo znanosti i tehnologije RH, 1996-2001.

  • Full reinforced light weight concrete structures, Project no. 083130 Ministarstvo znanosti i tehnologije RH, 1996-2001.

  • Non-linear numerical modelling of civil engineering structures, Project no. 2-11-054 Ministarstvo znanosti i tehnologije RH, 1991-1995.


TEACHING ACTIVITY

  • holding classes in the form of laboratory exercises and seminars on the courses of undergraduate and graduate studies in civil engineering and architecture, professional studies in civil engineering and postgraduate doctoral study in civil engineering

  • work in the laboratory as part of final and graduate theses

  • research works on doctoral studies


LABORATORY MEMBERS
 

  Laboratory member name    Member status 
  Željana Nikolić    Leader 
  Vedrana Kozulić    Co-leader 
  Maja Andrić    member 
  Ivan Balić    member 
  Senka Banić    member 
  Nives-Brajčić Kurbaša    member 
  Mirela Galić    member 
  Blaž Gotovac – prof. emeritus    member 
  Gabrijela Grozdanić    member 
  Slavica Ivelić Bradanović    member 
  Matea Jelić    member 
  Neda Lovričević    member 
  Pavao Marović  – prof. emeritus    member 
  Ante Mihanović – prof. emeritus    member 
  Ante Munjiza    member 
  Mijo Nikolić    member 
  Nives Ostojić Škomrlj    member 
  Nikolina Ratković Rubić    member 
  Jelena Sedlar    member 
  Hrvoje Smoljanović    member 
  Matej Šodan    member 
  Dominka Tadić    member 
  Milena Vulević Pribudić    member 
  Nikolina Živaljić    member 

 

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLES OF NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS CONDUCTED IN THE LABORATORY

  • Modelling of the processes in materials

  • Mapping the geometry obtained by tomography to a 3D discrete model

  • Development of cracks in a discrete 3D model

  • Modeling by isogeometric analysis with higher order functions

           

  • Modeling the behavior of reinforced concrete structures using the finite-discrete element method

 

  • Modeling of the roof surface of the Church of St. Liberan, Split

 

  • Numerical and experimental modeling of the behavior of historical stone structures exposed to seismic loads (Protiron, Diocletian's Palace, Split)

     

  • Numerical modeling of the behavior of historical masonry structures exposed to seismic load

  • Evaluation of seismic resistance of historical stone buildings using the pushover method

     

  • Unsaturated flow in porous material, discrete model

  • Large-scale seismic vulnerability and risk assesment