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Case Study

Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre + University of Strathclyde

To develop innovative anti-seismic elastomeric devices for structural vibration control.                                                     

What was the need?

The Challenge

The construction sector demands more economical seismic protection measures than the conventional ones, such as Buckling Restrained Braces (BRB). From a technical perspective, there was a need to fill the gap between the complex numerical analysis and the manufacturing process for both dampers and wall joints. At the same time, TARRC was faced with the challenge of reviving a very large testing rig that had not been used for several years and needed a overhaul.

What did we do?

The Solution

The project is creating a new approach for VEDDs, which enables efficient manufacturing. In parallel, an R&D project is initialized to re-evaluate and optimize material and geometric arrangements for rubber joint technology.

For the large-scale testing facility, a new system is being developed, which is cost-effective and uses widely available This enables the machine to deliver high-capacity testing for bearings and seismic devices.

Validations in all areas are enabled by advanced numerical tools in Abaqus, OpenSees, SolidWORKS.

What changed?

The Impacts and Benefits

Impacts for the Company

  • Expansion of TARRC’s product portfolio to include both high-performance dampers and specialized rubber joints for seismic resilience.
  • Restoration of a unique commercial testing capability through the recommissioning of the large-scale machine, attracting international industrial partners.
  • Embedding of modern manufacturing workflows and advanced finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities within the company.

Impacts for the Academic Team

The academic team will be gathering important information regarding the physical performance of elastomeric devices, which will help in submitting research to the European Conference on Earthquake Engineering (ECEE 2026). The project is also helping in creating links between the Engineering Department and the Business School through modules and workshops.

 

Impacts for the KTP Associate

  • Leading the technical development of multiple product lines, from the VEDD prototypes to the optimization of wall joint systems.
  • Gaining hands-on experience in heavy mechanical engineering through the deconstruction and reconfiguration of the large-scale testing rig.
  • Enhancing professional and commercial skills through the ICURe program and strategic business development workshops.

The People

Meet the Team

Dr Numan Eren

KTP Associate


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Dr Enrico Tubaldi

Knowledge Base Supervisor


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Hamid Ahmadi

Company Supervisor


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