Graduate and Research Central Coordination Office (CCPG)

Line of research 1: Application of Optimization Techniques

Employing optimization techniques for the development of formulations and computational programs for the optimal dimensioning of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, topological optimization and shape of structures.

Line of research 2: Biomechanics

The theory of bark and membranes is applied in the study of the structural behavior of veins, corneas and cardiac valves subject to great deformations. The aging of human skin and its behavior after plastic surgeries is also investigated.

Line of research 3: Applied Computer Graphics

Computer graphics techniques are applied in the development of interactive computer programs focused on the analysis and elaboration of engineering projects, integrating stages of pre-processing, analysis and post-processing.

Line of research 4: Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Structures

Its main objective is to research and develop, numerically and experimentally, constitutive models, methods and techniques for the design and analysis of the behavior of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures.

Line of research 5: Structures and Inelastic Materials

Special projects in the manufacture, design and maintenance of metallic structural elements with emphasis on constitutive models and numerical techniques. Topics in the scopes of plasticity and viscoplasticity theories, with or without thermomechanical coupling.

Line of research 6: Metallic Structures

Study of the development of constructive techniques and efficient structural systems that can reduce the execution time of the work, safely and economically, through the standardization of the components and use of computer graphics resources.

Line of research 7: Instability and Dynamic of Structures

Development of theoretical and experimental researches on stability loss problems in static and nonlinear dynamics of structures. Complex mathematical and computational models are used to simulate the behavior of such systems.

Line of research 8: Non-Conventional Materials

Investigation on methods and technologies for the utilization of natural fibers, such as coconut fibers, sisal, "piaçava" and bamboo, in the production of composites with matrix of mortar or soil. Research on the use of the stem of the whole bamboo as structural element.

Line of research 9: Contour Element Methods

Development of the variational and mathematical foundations of contour element methods for mechanic problems of the continuous means. Basic research is practiced, but also with application concerns to practical engineering problems.

Line of research 1: Computational Geomechanics

Research on the behavior of soils, rocks and geotechnical works with the aid of numerical methods, such as the finite element  and contour elements methods, hybrid methods, stochastic methods and other computational techniques such as neural networks.

Line of research 2: Petroleum Geomechanics

Basic and applied studies for the petroleum industry, with emphasis on the geomechanical aspects of the problem. Investigations cover the experimental area, the analysis of the behavior of wells and reservoirs and the development of analytical and numerical models.

Line of research 3: Environmental Geotechnics

Investigation of the mechanisms of earth mass movements and the transport of underground fluids. Development of basic and applied studies with waste and tailings deposits, recovery of degraded areas and prevention of geoenvironmental accidents.

Line of research 4: Experimental Geotechnics

Studies on the behavior of Brazilian soils in tests performed in the field and/or in the laboratory. Reinforced soils with geosynthetics, the development, manufacture and assembly of equipment and instrumentation apparatus are also considered in this line.

Line of research 5: Rock Mechanics and Geology of Engineering

Description of rock masses and the quantification of their mechanical and hydraulic properties, fundamental activities for the design of engineering works, as well as for studies of risk analysis and accident prevention.