Eucentre trees lab: Laboratory for training and research in earthquake engineering and seismology

Abstract

Italian awareness about the seismic vulnerability of its building stock dramatically increased after two earthquakes hit the nation: Umbria-Marche earthquake (1997) and Molise earthquake (2002). These two seismic events caused important losses in terms of human life as well as to the economic and artistic wealth. From here the decision to take important actions aiming to the reduction of the national seismic risk: creation of a new seismic zonation of Italy; adoption of a new seismic code; foundation of a research center on earthquake engineering. The paper reviews the development of Eucentre Foundation (European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering) and its experimental laboratory TREES Lab (Laboratory for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering and Seismology). A brief description of the experimental facilities at TREES Lab is reported, describing the principal characteristics of Shaking Table, Bearing Tester System, Reaction Wall- Strong Floor Structure and Mobile Unit. Furthermore, an introduction to some past and current research projects is given to explain what can be done exploiting the capabilities of the TREES Lab facility. Finally, the experimental activities within the SERIES (Seismic Engineering Research Infrastructures for European Synergies) project are described. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012.