Studies and analysis are carried out to evaluate construction materials and elements having different sizes and degrees of precision. The evaluation methods are based on sets of techniques, such as:

• Non-destructive and quasi non-destructive methods.
• Acoustic and thermal assessment.
• Advanced monitoring of materials, structures, buildings and construction environments.
• Dynamic structural identification.
• Numerical simulation based on finite difference and/or finite elements methods. Static and dynamic behavioural models of materials and structures.
• Structural analysis of the material and/or element undergoing diagnosis.

Research is being done on new procedures, especially non-destructive, that enable new control parameters or improvements in estimations of others that are currently carried out to be estimated. The non-invasive technologies used are sonic auscultation, ultrasound inspection, georadar exploration and magnified digital image processing

ACOUSTIC AND THERMAL DIAGNOSIS

The main aim is to carry out research work focused on evaluating and improving the acoustic/thermal properties of materials and systems used in the construction sector.

NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTS

Novel non-destructive methodologies are carried out for characterising materials and for evaluating building elements by means of sonic, ultrasonic and electromagnetic auscultation.

INSTRUMENTATION, MONITORING AND STRUCTURAL CONTROL

Working to apply structural monitoring technologies to keep a check on structures that might be affected by future excavations.

Static, dynamic and environmental behavioural assessment is carried out using information obtained by remote means using sensors and by the development of capturing, viewing and processing tools. All this is ongoing work.

STRUCTURAL AND PATHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTICS

Development work is carried out on studies and diagnosis applied to complex structures and local structural problems. This requires a large understanding of the diagnosis, in-depth study and recommendations of how to act when faced with localised pathologies in construction, whether they are structural, geotechnical or related to the building.
 

This area will not carry out any activity that could lead to a conflict of interests with the Institute’s work as a Control Body, with regard to the products assessed, in accordance with ENAC requirements laid out in PE-ENAC-OC/01.