Description

The Users Networks of MCEER are dedicated to share and distribute the information developed and studied by the member institutions of MCEER. The networks cover the experimentation, computation and education aspects of the research tasks.

MCEER's experimental and computational resources are distributed geographically throughout the core institutions (University at Buffalo (UB-SUNY), Cornell University, University of Nevada Reno, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, etc). For instance, the State University of New York at Buffalo and the University of Nevada Reno have large shaking tables and floor testing systems. Cornell University has a large floor testing; geotechnical facilities and a small shaking table. RPI has a large centrifuge equipped with dynamic models for liquefaction studies and other foundation problems. Each of the institutions is specialized in unique areas of testing. Each lab has a set of costly models, which either can be jointly used or reanalyzed for new interpretations. In addition, University at Buffalo and Cornell University have supercomputing facilities. All institutions have various computer workstations, from desktop personal computers to high-end graphics workstations, linked in local area networks. Most institutions have developed or are developing individual software packages or have access to proprietary platforms. However, the researchers often need platforms not available in their own institutions, or need developments made elsewhere. Moreover, the platforms need calibration and verification, which can be done at specific locations only, before these platforms can be shared in daily practice.

Objectives

The Users Networks of MCEER distribute information about the facilities available to researchers and other users and about the methodologies available at the specific facilities or their related satellites.   Moreover, the network distributes information about benchmark problems emphasizing use of the methodologies specified and about case studies relevant to the current research tasks.

The objective of this program is to overcome these limitations and leverage the existing capabilities by creating an advanced framework for sharing experimental and advanced computational resources and data, through electronic and computerized networks, using innovative information technologies. To reach these objectives, efforts must be invested to structure accessibility and establish connectivity, but a large research component is also required to provide the experimental and analytical framework to support Programs 1 and 2. Due to the complexity and the diversity of hospitals and urban water and power distribution systems, and due to the distributed location of computational and experimental facilities throughout the MCEER institutions, integration of resources will provide a better infrastructure for research and for dissemination of information. It will also provide the infrastructure for real-time remote observations and interaction during testing, for distributed data storage and for development of software platforms available to research teams and industry users. Intended initially to support the research efforts of researchers in the MCEER member institutions, the framework will eventually open-up to serve researchers nationwide as well as the industry and engineering community.

Goals

The Users Networks of MCEER will develop distributed management of the information and  interactive methods for use of computational tools, experimentation data and educational facilities. The Users Networks of MCEER are dynamic developments and their format and content is subjected to changes.

Establishment of the MCEER networks will require development of new procedures and methods, adaptation and integration of existing information technologies, as well as development of new ways of communication, storage and interpretation. It also implies development of new computational platforms equipped with visualization tools for integration and dissemination of research developments made for assessment and rehabilitation of critical facilities and systems. Note that once linkage of the experimental and computation facilities is underway, the education mission of MCEER requires that a classroom be linked to the network. This will permit broader sharing of experimental information in a setting proper to real-time observation and interaction.

For information on accessing the protected sites, participation in the Users Network and change of information contact Andrei M. Reinhorn at University at Buffalo.

Site Designed by: Jason Hanley
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14260
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