The built environment faces major challenges. Climate change, ageing infrastructure, earthquakes and the need for sustainability call for new knowledge and innovative solutions. The professorship on Structural Safety and Earthquakes focuses on one central question: how can we ensure that structures are safe, sustainable and future-proof — now and in the future?
Our focus areas
- Earthquake-resistant construction
In the earthquake-prone region of the Northern Netherlands, we study how buildings can be made safer. We work on strengthening methods for existing homes, research on soil behaviour, and AI-driven damage detection. In doing so, we contribute to safe living environments and increased confidence in the built environment.
- Digitalisation in construction
By making better use of digitalisation, inspections, maintenance and management can be carried out more efficiently, quickly and safely. Our research focuses on optimising inspection and maintenance processes through innovative digital tools and on the application and integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in construction practice. This enhances insight, predictability and reliability at every stage of the building process.
- Environmentally friendly structures
The construction sector plays a key role in the transition to a sustainable society. We develop and test biobased and circular materials such as timber and fibre-reinforced panels. Projects like Trust in Timber, vibration testing of timber floor systems and biobased panel development show how environmentally friendly structures can contribute to both safety and sustainability.
Our approach
The professorship takes an applied approach, connecting research, education and projects with companies, governments and knowledge institutions to create directly applicable solutions for the construction sector. We combine digital innovation with sustainable materials and structural safety.
BuildinG
Our professorship is based at BuildinG, the centre of expertise and innovation for construction and infrastructure in the Northern Netherlands. Here we work closely with partners from the construction sector on research, testing and full-scale demonstrations. We make use of unique testing facilities, including the only shake table in the Netherlands, where scaled tests can be carried out with horizontal loads such as earthquakes. Other facilities include a cyclic in-plane testing machine and various equipment for testing materials, floor and façade systems. This allows us to link theory to practice and to test innovations under realistic conditions.
