About iSTAR Laboratory
Mission
To enhance durability and improve functionality of our infrastructure by conducting applied research and disseminating the gained knowledge to all sectors of the engineering community as well as the general public.
Background
The iSTAR Laboratory is located downtown Portland, Oregon, as part of the urban campus of Portland State University. Faculty and students conduct research that focuses on the effects of extreme loads on our infrastructure and on utilization of innovative materials. Masters and PhD degree programs are offered in our department, where students work closely with faculty on research projects. Outreach and technology transfer are also an important function of the laboratory through tours that highlight the laboratory's efforts and seminars for the practicing industry.
Laboratory Activities
Research and testing conducted at the laboratory are in the area of earthquake engineering, application of innovative materials and numerical simulation in an effort to meet our mission. Large scale experiments are used to study the structural elements, assemblies or non-structural equipment using our shake table and hydraulic actuators. Detailed numerical models and analyses are also conducted.
The facilities include a strong floor laboratory equipped with dynamic hydraulic actuators and the largest shake table in the Pacific Northwest. Physical tests and numerical modeling are combined to thoroughly investigate a wide range of issues including:
- seismic testing and earthquake simulation to failure or to specific test protocol
- evaluation of fatigue and dynamic impact load effects
- non-linear numerical modeling of structural systems and critical components
For a brief description of some of the projects, click for more...
Location and Directions to iSTAR Laboratory
The laboratory is located on lower level (elevator to LL) in Science Building 2. For printable campus map and directions click on <iSTARmap+directions.pdf>. Deliveries should be directly to the laboratory shown by the arrow starting on SW12th Avenue on the map - look for a ramp down towards a sign that says "Civil Engineering". Closest public parking is
available in Parking Structure 3 (grid B1 on the map).
Related Organizations and Links
- American Society of Civil Engineers - ASCE
- Earthquake Engineering Research Institute - EERI
- Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation - NEES