Institute of Structural Engineering
The Institute was established in 1993 and is one of the structural engineering departments of Riga Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering. The first director of the Institute was Professor Kārlis Rocēns (1993 – 2011). Since 2011 the Institute is headed by Professor, Dr.sc.ing. Leonīds Pakrastiņš. According to the Statute, the Institute consists of the Department of Building Mechanics (headed by Prof. L.Gaile), the Department of Building Structures (headed by Prof. L.Pakrastins) and the Department of Computer Aided Engineering Graphics (headed by Prof. M.Dobelis). The Institute currently employs 50 people.
The scientific research work at the Institute of Civil Engineering is developed in several directions: the latest generation of composite material constructions are developed, in which a rational relationship between self-weight and payload is respected. Analysis of the actual performance of the structures to be reconstructed and of the load-bearing structures and design of reinforcements, as well as research into the operating conditions of construction and improvement of reconstruction methods. Research in the field of technological mechanics of composite structures and composite building materials is developing.
The staff of the Institute actively participates in the working groups of the technical committee for standardisation LVS/STK30 “Construction” and LVS/STK4 “Construction Materials”. Work has started on the transfer of innovative solutions of the modern Building Information Modelling (BIM) process both to industry and to the study process. Financial support for scientific research is obtained from participation in various national and foreign projects or scientific research programmes.
The main objectives of the Institute are:
- To carry out scientific research activities on the methods of calculation, design, inspection and reinforcement of load-bearing structures and their elements made of various materials, taking into account the specific features of the production technology, transport, assembly and operation of these structures;
- To advise manufacturers on the design and use of advanced building structures in construction;
- Develop methodological materials and carry out further training of construction professionals in accordance with current design standards;
- To train Doctors of Engineering in the field of Building Science, in the sub-fields of Building Structures and Building Mechanics; Masters and Bachelors in Building Construction.