LEDA Research Centers

Our country is characterized by high seismicity with an urban fabric not adequate to absorb even low and media intensity earthquakes. In this context, the study of seismic risk represents one of the most important and current issues for the protection of human lives, structures and infrastructures, and the natural and cultural heritage of which our territory is rich.

The presence of laboratories with high-tech instrumentation is essential for the study of seismic risk and strategies for its mitigation, as they play a fundamental role in understanding the phenomena related to the response of structures to earthquakes. They allow for the validation of analytical calculation models and qualification of equipment with advanced technologies, which can improve the performance of structures under seismic stresses.

Based on these considerations, through a PON R&C 2007-2013 funding – Axis I “Support for structural changes” a center equipped with large scientific equipment and instruments in the field of seismic engineering and experimental dynamics called LEDA Research Center – Laboratory of Earthquake engineering and Dynamic Analysis was created at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture of the University of Enna “Kore”, a center named LEDA Research Center – Laboratory of Earthquake engineering and Dynamic Analysis. Since the effects of an earthquake and in general of vibrations can be studied in an experimental laboratory through two complementary approaches:

• Dynamic tests on a shaking table (Skaking Table)
• Pseudo-dynamic tests with reaction structure/contrast system (Strong Floor – Reaction Wall)

The idea that was at the basis of the drafting of the project that led to the creation of the LEDA Research Center was to create a laboratory that, using vibrating tables and large reaction structures, would allow the execution of seismic tests in order to fully exploit the complementarity between both traditional techniques of dynamics and pseudo-dynamics. Furthermore, at the LEDA Research Center, advanced hybrid testing methods can also be explored. This feature allows LEDA to be placed in a privileged position in the national and international panorama of large laboratories for experimental tests. Finally, the laboratory is equipped with equipment (high dynamic vibrating benches) that allow it to operate at high frequencies and develop strategic research areas other than the civil one, such as the transport, automotive and telecommunications, aeronautics, environment, energy and defense sectors. All the laboratories, the Research Center and the teaching facilities are included in a single building, thus promoting the interaction between theoretical, experimental and teaching activities. The LEDA was built inside the campus building of the University of Enna Kore, in an area well served by the transport infrastructure of Sicily and in a central position with respect to the Mediterranean basin.