Transnational access to European seismic research facilities

The experimental research in this special issue on seismic design of timber buildings has been carried out in the context of seismic engineering research infrastructures for European synergies (Series), a project funded by the European Union's (EU) seventh framework programme for research. During its 4·5 year course, Series established a seamless and sustainable platform for cooperation between Europe's research infrastructures in earthquake engineering. Series partners enhanced their potential by jointly developing novel seismic testing techniques. Moreover, they advanced their outreach to the European community of science, technology and practice in earthquake engineering by providing (free of charge) access to their experimental capabilities and research outcomes. This was, indeed, the main goal of Series: to open up select research infrastructures for transnational access (TNA) and use by European groups of researchers. Advanced experimental work was jointly conducted by 27 user groups, after peer review and evaluation of research proposals. The portfolio of infrastructures offering TNA included the unique reaction wall/pseudodynamic testing at the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment at the Joint Research Centre, the four largest shaking table facilities and the leading laboratories for centrifuge testing in Europe. After providing general information about the TNA activities within Series, the paper highlights the outcomes of selected TNA projects on buildings, including on timber buildings.