The day began at the Visitor Centre, where participants learned about the main research activities conducted in more than 40 laboratories of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and explored the role of these activities in the context of European Community policies.

The visit then focused on the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA) with a special focus on the Reaction Wall and the Large Hopkinson Bar Facility. These internationally unique research facilities allowed the students to explore the course topics at close quarters.

The Reaction Wall is a research installation used for full-scale specimen testing to assess the safety of structures against earthquakes and other natural hazards.

The Large Hopkinson Bar Facility (HopLab) is the world’s largest Hopkinson bar, 200 metres long, used to study the dynamic behaviour of materials and structural components subjected to extremely rapid loads.

The visit highlighted the strong link between the DynaMat SUPSI Laboratory and ELSA. The Laboratory was born thanks to the experience of professor Cadoni, who trained at the JRC, and has benefited from the collaboration with these infrastructures of excellence. Joint activities include both research projects and shared publications (including SUSHI - Steel Under Severe High Impact and Review of the testing techniques and mechanical properties at high strain rate of nuclear reactor steels.

Further collaborations are planned for the development of new research projects and training opportunities.