The Structural Optimization and Design (SOD) Programme at the Centre for Construction Development & Research (CDR), NCB, undertakes research, experimental investigations and structural assessments aimed at improving the performance, safety, durability and efficiency of concrete structures. The Programme integrates material characterization, structural testing, analytical studies and field investigations to develop and validate performance-based approaches for both new and existing infrastructure and support safe, efficient and durable structural design.
SOD undertakes investigations into the structural behaviour and performance of conventional and advanced concretes. The programme has expertise in the structural behaviour of high-strength, very high-strength, ultra-high-strength and geopolymer concrete, including studies on stress-strain characteristics, mechanical and time-dependent properties, flexural and shear behaviour, and the development of structural design parameters. Research on fibre-reinforced concrete focuses on fracture performance, enhanced ductility and fire resistance, while specialized investigations address the effects of elevated temperatures on reinforcing steel and the residual structural performance of reinforced concrete members.
The Programme undertakes load testing and assessment of structural elements and has carried out investigations of prestressed concrete components and structures. Its capabilities also extend to the field and laboratory assessment of aged concrete structures, including dams, through detailed investigations of their mechanical, thermal, chemical and mineralogical characteristics. These studies provide technical inputs for structural analysis, finite element modelling and the formulation of appropriate repair, rehabilitation and strengthening strategies. SOD also undertakes performance and durability studies on prestressed concrete, evaluation of repair and strengthening systems for corrosion-damaged structures, and investigations into the structural performance of innovative concrete materials.
Through its multidisciplinary research and experimental capabilities, SOD contributes to the development of optimized structural solutions, improved design methodologies and effective strategies for extending the service life of concrete infrastructure. Its work supports the adoption of advanced materials, innovative construction practices and scientifically informed approaches to structural assessment, repair and rehabilitation.
Services Offered:
- Load testing and assessment of load-carrying capacity of structural elements
- Detailed investigation on mechanical, thermal, chemical & mineralogical properties of aged concrete dams
- Stress-strain characteristics of very high, ultra-high strength concrete and geopolymer concrete
- Development of design parameters in flexure and shear for High Strength Concrete
- Mechanical and time-dependent properties of Very High Strength Concrete and Ultra High Strength Concrete
- Development of structural design parameters in flexure and shear for Geopolymer Concrete
- Fracture performance of fibre reinforced concrete
- Effect of fibre on enhanced ductility & fire resistance
- Effect of fire on residual mechanical properties of reinforcing bars and structural performance of reinforced concrete beams in flexure & shear
Testing set-up for stress strain curve (a) View-1 (b) View-2
Experimental setup for evaluation of fracture parameters
Test set up for Flexural Strength of Reinforced Concrete Beams
Shear failure of Reinforced Concrete Beams
Four Point Bend test on Reinforced Concrete Beams
Test set-up for split-tensile strength on concrete specimens
Studies Undertaken:
- Load testing of Pre-stressed I girder for Delhi-Agra expressway project, Brijwasan and Dwarka (Dabri) flyovers in Delhi
- Performance and durability studies on Prestressed Concrete made with PPC
- Development of Design Parameters for High Strength Concrete
- Effectiveness of different repair systems for the repair, restoration and strengthening of corrosion damage Structures
- Performance Evaluation of Fibre Reinforced Concrete for Performance Improvement of Concrete Structures
- Experimental Study on Shear & Compression Design of High Strength Concrete including Effect of Fibre on Enhanced Ductility & Fire Resistance
- Studies on Mechanical properties, flexural behaviour and shear behaviour of Geopolymer Concrete
- Field & Laboratory Investigations of aged Concrete Dams for Finite Element Analysis and Deciding Repair/Rehabilitation Strategy
- Studies on Mechanical and Time Dependent Properties of Ultra-High Performance Concrete
- Studies on Effect of Fire on the Residual Mechanical Properties of reinforcing bars and Structural Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beams in flexure & Shear
Load Test on pre-stressed concrete I-girder
Creep Testing Arrangement for Ultra-High Performance Concrete
Concrete Core extraction of 150 mm diameter & 1 metre length from gallery of Gravity Dam
Study on effect of fire on residual mechanical properties of reinforcing bars and cross sections of different brands of TMT bars obtained from Ring Test
On-site investigation of Idduki Dam and Colour Staining Test on extracted concrete cores for detection of Alkali Silica Reaction
Study of Crack patterns in flexure for Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete beams
Tests on very high strength and ultra-high strength concrete specimens exposed to fire
Testing of High Strength Concrete Reinforced Concrete Columns
Testing of Reinforced High Strength Concrete Beams in Shear