Seismic testing is essential for a wide range of stakeholders across multiple industries. However, establishing such a facility requires careful consideration of numerous factors, including site selection, building design, equipment performance, power and cooling requirements. This presentation brings together contributions from Servotest – a specialist supplier of servo-hydraulic mechanical testing solutions – and researchers from the University of Camerino in Italy.
The speakers will discuss issues involved in realising a seismic testing facility, a step-by-step overview of the key decisions involved, and the options available at each stage and the advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions. Some of the challenges will be illustrated in an overview of the STRIC project at the University of Camerino, a new international research centre focused on physical, economic, and social reconstruction after natural disasters.
The presentation will describe the structural design of the laboratory, with particular attention to its caisson foundation, which performs several integrated functions: it houses the shaking tables and their hydraulic pumps, supports the steel superstructure, and acts as the reaction mass required for shaking-table operations. Given this multifunctional configuration, detailed investigations were conducted into the soil–structure interaction associated with vibrations transmitted to the surrounding ground, as well as the vibration levels induced in the other structures of the laboratory complex. Finally, the presentation will introduce the laboratory’s hybrid testing capabilities and discuss potential future experimental applications.
Darren Burke, Director of Sales & Marketing at Servotest, Originally trained as a research metallurgist and materials scientist. Now a business professional with more than 25 years of experience in multinational organisations, specialising in consultative sales and marketing for capital equipment serving both academic and industrial sectors
Prof. Andrea Dall'Asta, Professor of Structural Engineering at the University of Camerino, graduated from the Marche Polytechnic University and received his PhD degree in Mechanics of Structures from the University of Bologna. Since 2000, he has been a Full Professor of Structural Engineering at the University of Camerino, School of Science and Technology. His fields of interest are mainly oriented towards methods for the assessment of structural and infrastructural safety in seismic zones and probabilistic risk assessments at different scales. He has participated in coordination roles in numerous international and national research projects. He has been a member of CEN committees for updating the Eurocodes related to steel and mixed-structure bridge design, and currently coordinates the group appointed by the Ministry to revise the Technical Standards on Steel Construction. He is the Technical Director of Fabre, an inter-university research consortium for the evaluation and monitoring of bridges, viaducts and other structures.
The event will held in-person at the Institution of Civil Engineers (see map below). Prior registration is not required. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We encourage everyone to attend in person if they can.
The event will be online only. Click the Zoom link here to attend the meeting online.
The event is organised by SECED. The event is open to all and is free to attend.
| Event Date | 30/09/2026 6:00 pm |
| Event End Date | 30/09/2026 7:30 pm |
| Location | Institution of Civil Engineers |