§ 05

Open Thesis Projects

BSc · MSc · PhD

I welcome motivated students — at Bachelor, Master and PhD level — interested in developing a thesis in the field of timber engineering and seismic design. Below is a selection of current research directions; topics can be adapted to the student's background and interests. Experimental, numerical and theoretical approaches are all possible.

  1. T.01Effects of the structural interactions in CLT buildingsInvestigation of how perpendicular walls, floor diaphragms and lintels affect the lateral stiffness and post-elastic behaviour of multi-storey Cross-Laminated Timber structures. The study combines experimental benchmarks with advanced finite-element models to derive simplified design tools.
    Level
    MSc · PhD
    Method
    Numerical · Experimental
    Co-sup.
    Prof. M. Fossetti (UniKore) · Prof. W. Seim (U. Kassel)
  2. T.02In-plane behaviour of CLT floor diaphragmsCharacterisation of the rigid-vs-flexible diaphragm conditions for Cross-Laminated Timber floors, with emphasis on panel-to-panel connections and geometry effects. Outcomes support seismic design assumptions in Eurocode 8.
    Level
    MSc · PhD
    Method
    Numerical · Analytical
    Co-sup.
    Prof. D. Casagrande (U. Trento)
  3. T.03Methods for estimating the fundamental period of CLT structuresDevelopment and validation of simplified formulations for the fundamental vibration period of CLT buildings, benchmarking them against detailed FE models and modal-analysis data. Relevant to the application of code-based spectra and to wind-induced vibrations.
    Level
    BSc · MSc
    Method
    Analytical · Numerical
    Co-sup.
    Prof. D. Casagrande (U. Trento)
  4. T.04Cyclic behaviour of innovative timber shear wallsExperimental and numerical study of CLT, Glulam and LVL/GLVL shear walls under cyclic lateral loading, with focus on base connections and ductility classes. Results feed into the second-generation Eurocode 5 and 8.
    Level
    MSc · PhD
    Method
    Experimental · Numerical
    Co-sup.
    Prof. M. Fossetti (UniKore) · Prof. W. Seim (U. Kassel)
  5. T.05Connections for engineered-wood structuresMechanical characterisation of novel wall-to-floor and hold-down connectors, including biaxial-behaviour devices. The work can lead to a prototype tested under monotonic and cyclic loads in partnership with industry.
    Level
    MSc · PhD
    Method
    Experimental · Numerical
    Co-sup.
    Prof. M. Fossetti (UniKore)
  6. T.06Hybrid timber–steel and timber–concrete structuresInvestigation of hybrid lateral-load-resisting systems combining timber with steel or reinforced concrete. The work addresses composite action, connection detailing and seismic response, targeting taller and mixed-use buildings.
    Level
    MSc · PhD
    Method
    Numerical · Analytical
    Co-sup.
    Prof. M. Fossetti (UniKore)
  7. T.07Lateral behaviour of timber modular structuresStudy of the lateral-load response of volumetric modular timber buildings, focusing on inter-module connections, diaphragm continuity and seismic design implications. Experimental validation of simplified analytical models.
    Level
    MSc · PhD
    Method
    Numerical · Experimental
    Co-sup.
    Prof. J. Branco (UniMinho)
  8. T.08Wind-induced vibrations of tall timber buildingsInvestigation of the dynamic response of tall (>8 storeys) CLT and hybrid buildings under turbulent wind loads, focusing on peak accelerations, occupant comfort and the damping contribution of connections. Comparison between finite element models, spectral approaches and full-scale measurements.
    Level
    MSc · PhD
    Method
    Numerical · Analytical
    Co-sup.
    Prof. W. Seim (U. Kassel)
Interested in one of these topics, or have a related proposal of your own? Write to giuseppe.darenzo@unikore.it with a short CV and a couple of lines on your motivation.