Laboratory of Structural Engineering

As of October 7, 2021

Basic information

Division

Architectural and Structural Design

* Please go to Courses to see the list of subjects offered by the division.

Laboratory's URL

http://www.hokudai-str-eng-eng.jpn.org/

Faculty members accepting applicants

OKAZAKI Taichiro (Prof.), MATSUI Ryota (Assoc. Prof.),

Other members

Shino TAKASE (secretary)

About the laboratory

Description

Our research is focused on the behavior of steel building structures, structural mechanics, and earthquake engineering. Our students are trained in theoretical and computational mechanics, experimental methods, and engineering practice. Our unique strengths are: (a) hard working students full of passion and potential; (b) volume and breadth of experiments; and (c) collaboration with international and domestic institutions.

Organization of research

First year Master's students split their time and effort evenly between coursework and research. Students acquire fundamental background through coursework (Advanced structural analysis; Advanced structural dynamics; Behavior and design of steel structures; Stability of steel structures) and supplemental reading assigned individually. Our research is 70% experimental and 30% theoretical/computational. 
We expect all students to acquire basic experimental techniques. Experimental activities take place primarily in our Structural Laboratory, but occationally we go out of campus. All students participate in annual safety training held over several weeks in April-May. Students who have completed the training participate in various experimental activities, regardless of whether the experiment is related to their individual research. We emphasize team work. Team leaders (senior students) of each experiment assemble a work team for each activity day. On average,  students participate in experimental activity for 5 hours per week. We have a shared schedule table to coordinate such that no student is overloaded. 
We hold weekly individual meetings where each student discuss with the faculty members. We also hold a weekly meeting for all members, to exchange important updates and to have one or two research presentations. Faculty members meet students during the meetings and experiments, and on a daily basis at office and at lunch. Our standard software is OpenSees (structural analysis); ADINA (finite element analysis); AutoCAD (engineering drawing); Matlab and Python (programming). 

Ongoing projects

See webpage for details: http://www.hokudai-str-eng-eng.jpn.org/research/
* Cyclic-loading tests of steel braces
* Seismic performance of steel braced frame systems
* Development of reuseable steel building systems
* Loading tests and microscopic study to understand plastic deformation and strain aging in structural steel
* Shake-table tests on the progressive failure and collapse of steel building systems
* Effect of damping on the computed nonlinear response of steel building systems
* Adhesively bonded connections in steel structures
* Seismic performance of prefabricated metal unit houses

Enrolled students' research topics

Research topic is determined according to the student's interests and aspirations, and based on mutual agreement betwen the student and advisor(s). Students are welcome to suggest their own ideas and preferences. In most cases, the advisor(s) suggest multiple options from which the studens choose (particularly true for experimental projects). Some students work on a continuing project inhereted from a previous student, often in collaboration with a senior student; some students work on a completely new project. Students who work on experiments are expected to aquire basic skills through participation in other ongoing experiments.

Information for potential applicants

Applicants' background

Applicants are expected to have a good command of basic mathematics (linear algebra; calculus; numerical methods) and structural mechanics (solid of mechanics; structural analysis; matrix structural analysis). Background and courses in structural design (construction material; reinforced concrete design; steel design) is helpful but not required.

Who should apply?

Students with a strong interest in steel structures, earthquake engineering, laboratory experiments, and an international learning environment that values team work.

How to choose a research proposal topic?

The research proposal need not be related to our ongoing research projects. Nonetheless, the information posted on our web page (http://www.hokudai-str-eng-eng.jpn.org/) should serve as good reference to know the nature of our activities.

How the research proposal is evaluated?

We evaluate the applicant's: (a) basic understanding of structraul engineering; (b) knowledge of engineering issues and knowledge gaps; (c) ability to formulate a tangible research plan; (d) ability to compose logical discussion; and (e) grammar skills.

Plan to accept applicants

Application type Enrollment semester Master’s course Doctoral course Comments
MEXT Scholarship (Uniform call) Oct. 2022
MEXT Embassy
e3 Special Selection Oct. 2022

How to apply

Please follow the application procedure for the respective application category announced at the e3 web page.

Accepting Research Students

We do not accept Research students. The only exception is students who have secured scholarship (such as MEXT embassy) and who wish to enrol for intensive Japanese language class prior to entering the graduate program.

Availability of financial support

Please check the e3 web page for information about the scholarships and other financial support.

Inquiries

If you have any inquiries about the application and admission procedures etc., please contact the e3 office. You can submit your application on-line during the "matching period" irrespective of prior contact with potential supervisor(s).

Achievements

Graduates employment

* Persuing doctoral degree at Hokkaido University (2)
* Persuing doctoral degree slsewhere: McGill University (Canada) (1)
* Owning private company at home country (1)
* Working for government agency at home country (1)
* Working in pricvate sector at different country (1)