R&D partnerships
Unique engineering solutions for existing structures
Through collaborations with selected partners, our research solves real-world problems
Material testing
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Mechanical characterization
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Durability performance and reuse
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Freeze-thaw resistance
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In-situ and ambient vibration testing
Structural analysis
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Structural evaluation
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Seismic assessment
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Collapse analysis
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Deconstruction analysis
Structural retrofit/repair
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Structural retrofit/repair design
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Structural retrofit/repair evaluation
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Seismic upgrading
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Building reuse code compliancy
recent projects
Seismic assessment, Dickson chimneys
City of Montreal (partner)
Rocking dynamics is being used to determine the seismic resistance and best retrofit options for the two 1950 80m-tall masonry chimneys of the Dickson incinerators (Montreal, QC).
Retrofit design and testing, old masonry
FRQNT (funding agency)
CMHC (funding agency)
APT, CAHP, EVOQ, ERA, others (partners)
A new experimentally validated low-cost structural-thermal retrofit design, conceived for Eastern Canada's low-rise masonry buildings.
Videogame-inspired collapse analysis
NFRF (funding agency)
Physics engines, used for visually pleasing simulations in videogames and movies, have the potential for revolutionizing collapse analysis. Our explorative studies merge these with VR too.
Laboratory testing of traditional walls
Robert Hardy Inc. (partner)
NSERC (funding agency)
Walls flying? Just us extracting a few samples from a 1910 building in Montreal (QC). This first-of-its-kind project seek to determine via testing the shear resistance of local full-scale masonry walls.
Structural analysis, S. John's tower
Heritage Standing Inc. (partner)
MITACS (funding agency)
Onsite testing and structural (wind) analysis of the tower of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in St. John (NB). Goal is to inform the retrofit design and preservation interventions.
Old mortar mechanical characterization
NSERC (funding agency)
For the first time in Canada, we used double punch test to determine the compressive strength of local mortar extracted from various 19th century masonry buildings in Montreal (QC).
Existing masonry in-situ testing
City of Montreal (partner)
NSERC (funding agency)
Our pioneering studies on local 19th century traditional masonry seek to understand the typical mechanical and durability performance of existing building in Eastern Canada regions.
Masonry repair/retrofit with geosynthetics
Titan Inc. (partner)
NSERC (funding agency)
MITACS (funding agency)
Structures in cold climates require durable and sometimes creative solutions. This project assess experimentally the potentiality of geosynthetics for repairing and retrofitting existing buildings.
building partnerships
If our goals align with yours, let's work together. It is very easy to setup an R&D collaboration with us, and extremely convenient from all viewpoints:
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Partners can have their funds matched up to 1:3
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Small projects (< $20k, <1y): contract via McGill University
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Medium projects (≈ $50k, ≈1y): MITACS Accelerate
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Large projects (> $100k, >1y): NSERC Alliance
Example: for an R&D project with a partner cash contribution of $100k/y, the actual value of project can increase up tp $400k/y
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Unlock access to the latest engineering technologies
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Cutting-edge mobile laboratory for in-situ testing
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Large experimental lab facilities at McGill University
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Unique structural analysis capabilities
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Take advantage from our unique experience and skills
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Our team is highly trained and uniquely skilled
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Tackle problems with innovative, cost-effective solutions
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Established network of collaborator and consultants