The Laboratory for Strength of Materials and Structures is a sub-unit of the Division of Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, Polytechnic School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The Laboratory was founded by Royal Decree on 18-9-1957 in Volume A, Issue 185, of the Bulletin of the Government of the Kingdom of Greece. Professor George Nitsiotas served as its first Director from 1957–1976, followed by Professor George Lianis from 1976–1983. During the period 1984-2004, the Laboratory was overseen by the Director of the Division of Structures. Following that, Professor George Manos was the director from 2004 – 2014, while the current director is Professor George Manolis.
The Laboratory is the largest one in the Department of Civil Engineering with a floor area of about 2000 m2 and office space of 150 m2. During the last 15 years, more than 40 research projects have been carried out for a budget exceeding 1,000,000 €. The main focus is on evaluating the mechanical properties to both static and dynamic loads of materials, structural components and structural units. In addition, the Laboratory can issue certificates to interested parties as a service since it is accredited according to ISO 9001.
In terms of equipment, the laboratory has 15 testing machines of various sizes, 2 reaction frames, 6 actuators with their controllers capable of applying a dynamic force ranging from 100 to 2000 kN, a small shaking table and an overhead crane.
Manos GC, Katakalos K, Kourtides V, “Construction structure with strengthening device and method”, European Patent Office, Patent Number WO 2011073696 (A1), 2011-06-23.