Engineering protection for earthquakes in Europe
Skopje's Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIIS) ranks highly as a seismic research institute. However, due to a lack of resources, the Institute's facilities are unable to compete with those available in similar European research centres. Therefore, to regain its position as a leading earthquake research centre in Europe, the Institute's research and technological development (RTD) capabilities had to be upgraded and updated. This was the mission of the 'Upgrading of research equipment for dynamic testing of large-scale models' (UREDITEME) project, funded by the EU. The main project objective was to increase the Institute's research and human resource capacities to enable it to become an integral part of the European Research Area (ERA). Two of the Institute's laboratories were involved in UREDITEME: the Dynamic Testing Laboratory, and the Laboratory for Dynamics of Soil and Foundations. Two-way visits and exchanges among young researchers have enabled the transfer of knowledge and experience between the Institute and a network of European research centres in seismology. In addition, the project supported the Institute's researchers in their participation in workshops and lectures. As a result of UREDITEME, the Institute's RTD capacities have been enhanced, especially in the area of seismic-risk reduction and protection of engineering structures. The upgrade of its specialised equipment and training for its researchers means the Institute can now perform high-quality tests and experiments using the latest technology. Now completed, the successful UREDITEME project outcomes will enhance the quality of research into seismic-risk reduction and the protection of buildings against natural hazards. This top-level research will help save human lives and, in the long run, make it possible to reduce the economic losses caused by earthquakes in Europe.
