Hybrid engineering: Testing and simulation in the civil construction field

Hybrid Engineering (HE) is a novel methodology in the field of the engineering of simulation and testing. This methodology joins mathematical methods and experimental tests to solve problems in the Construction field. The method is based on the use of prototypes to validate numerical models developed. Simulation is used to define the problem qualitatively rather than quantitatively. Numerical simulations are used to refine understanding, specifying the conceptual design and the architecture of a new model. Numerical simulations simplify initial decisions and make it easier to predict the solutions. Prototype tests are used to validate numerical models, and so numerical simulations provide an accurate and optimized solution. Our research group applies this overall methodology to various problems, taking into account previous knowledge in the field of numerical simulation. Various research projects undertaken by the authors illustrate this approach in the field of the civil construction. The combination of mathematical models and scale prototype tests provides an accurate and efficient method of solving many engineering problems.

The GICONSIME Research Group at the University of Oviedo, Spain has extensive experience in numerical analysis applied to mechanical engineering. We work in structural stability analysis, thermal and hygrothermal properties of materials, development of new materials for the construction field, studies of building collapses, and so on. Current research work is focused on fire tests of floor slabs. Our research group has undertaken various important projects in the civil engineering field. These include several civil engineering projects such as development of new launching methods for building bridges or studying slope stability.