Brief Intro

SOLVE is a research hub devoted to turning rigorous structural mechanics into viable engineering. The lab integrates structural optimization, computational mechanics, experimental testing, and machine learning to deliver designs that raise strength and ductility while respecting serviceability, constructability, and cost.

 

 

Why SOLVE

Contemporary infrastructure demands higher performance with lower embodied carbon, resilience under multiple hazards, and dependable delivery. SOLVE addresses these demands by placing shape and performance optimization at the start of the design process and validating the results with high-fidelity models and targeted laboratory evidence.

​

How SOLVE Works

Optimization: Gradient-free and heuristic frameworks (GSO, SSCO) explore high-dimensional, multi-criteria design spaces to identify Pareto-optimal solutions across beams, plates with openings, sandwich and prestressed elements.

Computational Mechanics: Calibrated finite-element models (material nonlinearity, contact/interface behaviour, geometric nonlinearity) quantify capacity, failure modes, and post-yield response with traceable assumptions.

Experiments: Axial, flexural, eccentric, cyclic/lateral, impact/blast, and post-fire testing anchors predictions to physical behaviour.

Data-Driven Insight: Machine-learning tools provide fast surrogates, sensitivity analyses, and predictive charts, always grounded in physics and test data.

Translation to Practice: Findings are distilled into design notes, parametric section generators, and curated datasets for practicing engineers.

​

What SOLVE Works On
Application domains include concrete-filled steel tubes (CFST/CFDST/CFQST), reinforced and prestressed concrete members, steel and steel-concrete hybrids, FRP-strengthened systems, and sandwich/composite panels. Performance is studied under axial and flexural actions, seismic drifts, impact/blast, and post-fire conditions, with equal attention to constructability, inspection, and durability.

​

Sustainability by Design

SOLVE investigates low-carbon mix strategies (e.g., geopolymer and recycled-aggregate concretes, cement-reduced mixes) and evaluates trade-offs using metrics that couple strength, stiffness, ductility, energy absorption, durability, and residual capacity. The lab’s goals align with SDG 9, 11, 12, and 13 by targeting material efficiency, extended service life, and reduced lifecycle impacts. Where appropriate, optimization is paired with retrofit strategies such as FRP strengthening to extend the life of existing assets.

​

From Lab to Field

Experience from large scale projects including buildings, bridges, assessments and rehabilitation feeds real world constraints back into SOLVE’s models. Fabrication limits, detailing practices, site logistics and inspection requirements shape the assumptions and the design guidance developed by the lab.

​

Community & Collaboration
SOLVE collaborates with academic and industry partners, contributes to peer review and workshops, and shares selected tools, datasets, and benchmark problems so new algorithms and design concepts can be compared on common ground.