PENED (2004-2008) Non-linear Dynamic Soil Structure and development of novel Seismic Isolation Techniques in areas of intense topographic relief.

PENED was a 4-year duration research project (commenced in May 2004) and funded by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology to support young Researchers (Doctoral Students) to conduct original research.
Scope of the Project was the development of novel technologies and state of the art methodologies in order to:

• Deterministically assess the seismic or landslide risk at a particular region.
• Estimate the inelastic response of typical structural elements/ components (i.e. bridge piers, frames, immersed tunnels e.t.c.) when subjected.
• Develop innovative isolation systems against seismic action and large tectonic deformations (fault rupture outcrop).

Some additional objectives of the PENED project were:

• The determination of the most possible seismic excitation at a specific project location by incorporating not only 1-d soil dynamics analysis, but also 2-dimensional inelastic wave propagation analyses accounting for the complex surface (i.e. slope) or subsurface geometry (i.e. basin).
• The investigation of the non-linear soil–structure–interaction phenomena considering simplified structural systems (founded on either level or sloping ground) with varying foundation systems. Complicated phenomena associated with inelastic soil behavior, or non-linear geometric nonlinearities such as possible detachment between the soil-foundation interface (in the form either of sliding or uplifting).
• The review of existing and the development of new seismic isolation systems aiming to confront spatially variable and asynchronous excitation.

The research project incorporated three (3) individual yet interrelated Doctoral Theses.