Technology Platform 1

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Large-scale Laboratory Facilities

Leader: Rick Henry
Deputy Leader:

 

Email TP1 Leader

Both the University of Canterbury and University of Auckland have recently constructed new earthquake engineering laboratories for large-scale experimental testing, a total commitment of $37M in direct support of QuakeCoRE research activities. QuakeCoRE provides a means for these facilities to become a national resource through shared use agreements, providing access for all QuakeCoRE researchers regardless of institution. Furthermore, strategic collaboration with international research centres with a shared focus on earthquake resilience will enable access to unique experimental facilities not available in New Zealand.  This Technology Platform accelerates the development of large-scale laboratory testing procedures, instrumentation, and multi-institutional collaboration.

 

Key Thrust Areas

 
 

1: Sustained capacity

Sustained capacity for state-of-the-art experimental research, including training of research and laboratory personnel on advanced large-scale testing techniques and equipment. (Intended to build long-term capacity).

  • Deliverable 1.1: 100%
    • Facilitate improved communication between national testing facilities by establishing a national TP1 working group with representatives from UC, UA and private industry laboratories.
    Timeline: 1/1/2016 - 31/12/2016
  • Deliverable 1.2: 50%
    • Perform at least two workshops per annum to support the training of personnel in world class experimental research in New Zealand.
    Timeline: 1/1/2016 - 31/12/2020
 
  • Deliverable 1.3: 1%
    • Develop at least 3 significant resources for the electronic forum such as guidelines for a sharing of testing equipment across UC and UA .
    Timeline: 1/1/2018 - 31/12/2020
 

2: NZ Inc approach

Development of a NZ Inc approach to laboratory testing, including, but not limited to, development of policies on sharing of lab space and equipment, and development of resources and/or software to facilitate collaboration between laboratories and increase efficiency of operations within laboratories.

  • Deliverable 2.1: 75%
    • Develop a strategy that identifies specific experimental needs at UC and UA, for example equipment and protocols that the laboratories will develop and share.
    Timeline: 1/1/2016 - 31/12/2017
  • Deliverable 2.2: 50%
    • Develop an electronic forum for sharing the resources such as equipment lists, short course materials.
    Timeline: 1/1/2016 - 31/12/2018
 

3: International lab facilities

Exploring approaches to enable access to internationally-unique lab facilities and enhance international collaboration for QuakeCoRE projects.

  • Deliverable 3.1: 50%
    • Negotiate and sign at least 1 MOU or similar agreement per annum with international testing laboratories.
    Timeline: 1/1/2016 - 31/12/2020
  • Deliverable 3.2: 50%
    • At least three large-scale collaborative experimental projects will have been performed by QuakeCoRE investigators at international laboratories .
    Timeline: 1/1/2016 - 31/12/2020