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64TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE OF RTU

The Plenary Session of the Conference will be held on 13 October at 10.00 a.m. at the Domus Auditorialis auditoria centre, 8 Zunda krastmala, Rīga.

64th International Scientific Conference of RTU

5th International Conference “Innovative Materials, Structures and Technologies” (IMST 2022) in Riga 28th-30th September 2022.

The Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Riga Technical University is pleased to invite engineers and scientists from all over the world to attend the 5th International Conference “Innovative Materials, Structures and Technologies” (IMST 2022) to be held in Riga on 28th-30th September 2022. Conference is organized by Faculty of Civil Engineering, RTU in collaboration with EIT RawMaterials Baltic HUB.

The conference aims to promote and discuss the latest results of industrial and academic research on analysis and design of advanced structures and buildings; innovative, ecological and energy efficient building materials; development of maintenance, inspection and monitoring methods; structural management; sustainable and safe transport infrastructure. The conference is intended for scientists, engineers, students, managers and professionals of the construction sector providing a possibility to share the latest achievements, discuss recent advances and highlight the current challenges. Participants will be given an excellent opportunity for networking as well as meeting colleagues and friends.

All accepted abstracts will be included in the printed conference abstract book. Full papers will be peer-reviewed, and the accepted papers are planned to be published in IOP Conference Series: Material Science and Engineering indexed by SCOPUS and Web of Science.

Get moore on web site imst.rtu.lv

Riga Technical University Development Foundation invites everyone to support Ukrainian students and teachers

The Development Fund of Riga Technical University (RTU AF) is involved in providing support to Ukraine. We invite RTU employees, students and cooperation partners to donate funds to Ukrainian students and teachers. We will use the donations to provide financial support to the immigrants to cover their daily expenses and to start studying and working in Latvia. RTU AF together with cooperation partners will also offer paid internships for Ukrainian students in the summer.

Since the start of the war, more than 2 million refugees have fled Ukraine, including undergraduate and graduate students, who have been left homeless, have no means of subsistence and have the opportunity to continue their studies. RTU has received letters from several students asking for help: “I am writing this letter from a bomb shelter. [..] I am extremely passionate about computer science and engineering. I wholeheartedly want to continue my studies, so please consider my application to continue your studies at Riga Technical University. ”

We invite everyone to support Ukrainian students and teachers with their help!

Beneficiary: Riga Technical University Development Fund
Registration number: 40008067097
Purpose of the donation: Support for Ukrainian students and teachers

Bank accounts for donations:

AS «SEB banka»: LV35UNLA0050001320294
AS «Swedbank»: LV44HABA0551032123394

The whole world has joined hands to help Ukraine. You can also participate and support the Ukrainians. Don’t be indifferent and give a helping hand to those who need it so much right now!

In Memoriam. Rolands Rikards (15.12.1942–02.02.2022)

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Rolands Rikards, a respected scientist, professor and politician. He passed away on February 2, 2022 at the age of 79. A funeral service will be held at Riga Crematorium on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 12:00.

Rolands Rikards was born on December 15, 1942 in Riga. In 1966 he graduated from Riga Polytechnic Institute. From 1966 to 1981 he worked at the Polymer Mechanical Institute as a leading researcher.

In 1970, Rolands Rikards defended his Candidate of Technical Sciences degree and continued his work at Riga Polytechnic Institute as an assistant professor at the Department of Resistance of Materials.

Rolands Rikards defended his doctoral degree in technical sciences in 1983 at Moscow Institute of Electronics Engineering. A few years later, he became a professor at the Department of Strength of Materials.

From 1994, Rolands Rikards was a professor at the Faculty of Civil Engineering of Riga Technical University (RTU). In 2001, he was assigned the duties of the Director of the RTU Institute of Materials and Structures.

From 1990 to 1992, Rolands Rikards was the editor of the Baltic co-operation magazine Revue Baltique.

In 1997, he became a full member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.

Rolands Rikards’ research interests were related to the mechanics of composite and polymer materials, optimisation and identification of material properties, fracture mechanics of composite materials, shell theory and finite element method.

He is the author of more than 300 scientific papers, including five monographs.

Rolands Rikards cared about the future of Latvia. In 1988, he was one of the founders of the support group of the Popular Front of Latvia at Riga Polytechnic Institute. From 1990 to 1993, he was a member of the Supreme Council. As one of the four original authors of the Declaration ‘On the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia’ adopted on May 4, 1990, he has made an invaluable contribution to the rebirth of independent Latvia.

Rolands Rikards worked on The Law on the Restoration of Citizenship of the Republic of Latvia, The Law on Immigration, the Constitutional Law on Human and Civil Rights and The Saeima Election Law (on Elections to the 5th Saeima). He was active in the European Movement in Latvia. From 1993 to 1994, Rolands Rikards was an adviser to the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Latvia Egils Levits.

Rolands Rikards was awarded The Commemorative Medal for Participants of the Barricades of 1991. In 1996, he received the Friedrich Cander Prize for his research in the mechanics of composite materials. In 1997, he was awarded the Medal of Honour, the First Class, of the Order of the Three Stars for his merits in scientific work. In 2000, Rolands Rikards also received the Order of the Three Stars the Third Class.

Latvian science has suffered a heavy loss, the life of a bright scientist and politician is over. Riga Technical University expresses its deepest condolences to Rolands Rikards’ relatives, friends and colleagues.

A representative of RTU is appointed to the Board of the Most Influential Innovation Council in Europe

Liene Briede, Acting Director of the Science and Innovation Center of Riga Technical University (RTU), has been confirmed as the first representative of Latvia in the Board of the European Innovation Council. The Council, set up this year, is Europe’s largest innovation initiative to boost research, innovation and start-ups to bring Europe a technological breakthrough.

The European Commission has appointed 20 leading researchers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovation ecosystems and innovation experts with expertise in Europe’s future innovations, including digital technologies, healthcare and green transformation, to the Board of the European Innovation Council (EIC). More information.

L. Briede is the only representative of Latvia in the newly established council, to which more than 430 specialists applied. The European Commission has assessed her ten years of experience in improving the Latvian and Baltic innovation ecosystem by implementing and improving various business development and support programs at RTU, such as pre-incubation, incubation and acceleration activities for students, researchers and start-ups. Under her leadership, the activities of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) knowledge communities EIT Climate-KIC, EIT Food, and EIT RawMaterials have also been implemented in Latvia, increasing the innovation capacity in various sectors of the economy.

“Following the development of the innovation ecosystem in Latvia and Europe, I see the need to change the focus from technology-based processes to human resource development processes. Scientists and innovators create many technologies, but not all of them enter the market. An essential precondition for the commercialization of science-intensive solutions is the cooperation of specialists from different fields and levels, a unified motivation and value system, as well as a systemic approach to the implementation of support processes, »emphasizes L. Briede.

She said that the new board would review European innovation policy, evaluate the functioning of EIC instruments and, if necessary, propose new solutions that would ensure a more efficient exchange of knowledge and the development and implementation of innovative solutions. “Membership in the Board will ensure Latvia’s representation and more active involvement in the global innovation ecosystem. Latvia ranks one of the last places in the use of EIC tools. Participation in the board opens up an opportunity to become an “interpreter”, ie to explain the needs of Latvia and other small countries to European innovation policy makers, and the opportunities and benefits of EIC to members of the Latvian ecosystem, “L. Briede continues.

RTU has a developed innovation environment that offers knowledge, support in product development, as well as various tools for the development of ideas from the early stage to the global conquest. With the continuous improvement of this system, the RTU Science and Innovation Center has almost been established, which will promote both the involvement of students and academic staff in the transfer of knowledge and the creation of innovations, as well as cooperation with industry in the creation of high value-added products.

The European Commission announced the establishment of the council this spring. The EIC has a budget of more than ten billion euros for 2021-2027.

Professor Mārtiņš Vilnītis elected Dean of RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering

RTU professor Mārtiņš Vilnītis will further head the RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering.

He was elected to the position of Dean of the RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering by a majority of votes in the elections held on June 29. Three candidates applied for the position: Anatolijs Borodiņecs, Mārtiņš Zaumanis and Mārtiņš Vilnītis.

Development strategy of RTU BIF

Congratulations to Professor Vilnītis and good luck in the implementation of all plans and plans!

The first 3D concrete printing laboratory in the Baltics is established

Riga Technical University (RTU) in partnership with the manufacturer of construction mixtures SIA “Sakret” has established a scientific laboratory for 3D concrete printing.
The laboratory will provide knowledge and infrastructure to students, researchers, start-ups and various construction-related industries.

Vaivare pointed out that 3D concrete printing is an innovative direction of scientific and technological development that is developing rapidly all over the world. Technology is sustainable, ensures the efficient use of human resources and materials, and offers the architectural and construction industries almost endless possibilities in terms of freedom of shape, size and structure. The 3D concrete printer was made by RTU scientists with the support of RTU Design Factory engineers.

The head of the scientific laboratory, the leading researcher of RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering, Māris ŠinkaŠinka, said that the laboratory was created to develop innovative ways for the production of concrete structures. He emphasized that currently there is no one in the Baltics who has the infrastructure and knowledge of all stages of 3D concrete printing – dry material production, printer, printer head and feed equipment, modeling and software, material properties and testing in fresh and hardened state, structural design, regulations and legislation.

The laboratory will be able to print concrete mass, develop prototypes for 3D printing of objects or structural details, research and test innovative materials, test printed objects. The research carried out in the laboratory could become the basis for the development of standards so that 3D technologies can be used for the construction of various buildings not only in Latvia, but also in Europe.

It is planned to become an open access science platform for printing 3D concrete and other building materials. It will be available to students and researchers, as well as to various companies and start-ups for the commercialization of knowledge.

RTU in partnership with SAKRET establishes the first 3D concrete printing laboratory in the Baltics

Riga Technical University (RTU) in partnership with the largest manufacturer of dry and ready-to-use building mixes in the Baltic region SIA Sakret establishes a scientific laboratory for 3D concrete printing, laying the foundations for the use of innovative technologies in construction in the Baltics. The laboratory will provide knowledge and infrastructure to students, researchers, start-ups and various construction-related industries. It will open on April 13 at 16.00.

The lab will be unveiled online on the Zoom platform.
RTU Vice-Rector for Science Tālis Juhna, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering JSC Smirnovs and Chairman of the Council of JSC Sakret Holdings Andris Vanags will participate in the opening. Māris Šinka, the head of the RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering, will present the development trends of 3D concrete printing in the world and the possibilities to use the technology in Latvia and the Baltics.

3D concrete printing is an innovative development in science and technology that is developing rapidly all over the world. Technology is sustainable, ensures the efficient use of human resources and materials, and offers the architectural and construction industries almost endless possibilities in terms of freedom of shape, size and structure.

The 3D concrete printer was made by RTU scientists with the support of RTU Design Factory engineers.

“The laboratory is designed to develop innovative ways to make concrete structures. Currently, there is no one in the Baltics who has the infrastructure and knowledge of all stages of 3D concrete printing – dry material production, printer, printer head and feed equipment, modeling and software, material properties and testing in fresh and hardened state, construction design, regulations and legislation. The goal is to create a knowledge and technological base, allowing researchers to create scientific projects and industry to develop new products, ”emphasizes M. Šinka.

“It is common for construction to be one of the industries where materials and technologies that have been tested for centuries are widely used. In search of opportunities to build more environmentally friendly, sustainable and economically advantageous, various innovations are entering the construction industry more and more rapidly. By starting cooperation with the 3D laboratory of Riga Technical University, Sakret aims to promote a faster entry of modern materials into the Latvian construction industry, which will increase the international competitiveness of Latvian building materials producers and builders, ”says Andris Vanags, Chairman of the Board of Sakret Holdings.

The laboratory will be able to print concrete mass, develop prototypes for 3D printing of objects or structural details, research and test innovative materials, test printed objects. The research carried out in the laboratory could become the basis for the development of standards so that 3D technologies can be used for the construction of various buildings not only in Latvia, but also in Europe. It is planned to become an open access science platform for printing 3D concrete and other building materials. It will be available to students and researchers, as well as to various companies and start-ups for the commercialization of knowledge.

RTU extends the deadines for study semesters

With the Rector’s order, Riga Technical University (RTU) extends the deadline for the end of the spring semester up to 14 August, whereas a new academic year will start on 14 September. Such a decision has been taken in order to enable students to perform all study assignments and laboratory works, which have been delayed due to the emergency situation caused by Covid-19, in a qualitative way.

The extension of the study semester does not at all mean that all students of RTU will have mandatory studies until 14 August. RTU study programmes differ — some of them can be completed earlier, possibly even in June, whereas for others, especially programmes in engineering sciences, it is required to perform laboratory works, which, unlike lectures, cannot be performed remotely.

The RTU diploma confirms that the university prepares high-skilled engineering and high-tech specialists and, therefore, even in extraordinary circumstances, the RTU study process should be carried out in full volume and students should acquire practical skills in working with special equipment, in order to be fully prepared for the labour market.

To achieve this, the set examination session period scheduled from 25 May to 21 June has been cancelled, and the nine faculties of RTU will have flexible planned schedules for lectures and exams to allow students completing this semester as soon as possible.

The deadlines currently set for the semesters can still be changed, depending on the deadlines and conditions prescribed by the government for the emergency situation.

RTU scientists are developing advanced technology for the production of composite materials

Scientists at Riga Technical University (RTU) are developing advanced technology to make composite materials used in construction and infrastructure, aeronautics, automotive and shipbuilding 30% more efficient and cheaper.

One of the most widespread and fastest growing composite materials in the world is pultrusion – when passed through a heated mold, fiberglass raw materials are impregnated with thermosetting resins. In Latvia, most of the resins are based on epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester. The pultrusion process produces a variety of bars, angles and double-T profiles, as well as curved profiles (with constant cross-section), such as wind turbine rotor blades. It is also possible to produce high-quality pelted profiles with protective coatings that are light and durable, with excellent mechanical and chemical properties, resistance to aggressive environments such as fire or corrosion. This is important in a variety of material applications, such as reinforced concrete, where composite bars and non-corroded gratings are used instead of metal reinforcement and are used intensively in port construction.

The traditional pultrusion process, which uses electric heaters to heat molds, has been known since the 1950s, when it was patented. Researchers of the Institute of Materials and Structures of RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering, under the guidance of Professor Evgeny Barkanov, in cooperation with Juvitek Ltd., are planning to significantly increase the efficiency of this process by using new heating sources, reducing production steps and real-time

The electric heaters used to date are characterized by high heat losses, so scientists suggest replacing them with high-frequency heat sources, namely microwaves. This would increase energy efficiency by 30%.

In turn, optimizing and automating the pultrusion process could reduce profile costs by up to 35%, scientists estimate. They develop an innovative in-line pultrusion process that combines several production steps, such as profiling, polymerization, surface preparation and coating, into one. This new idea will significantly increase production speed while reducing the number of employees involved in the process, says Pavel Akashin, a researcher at the RTU Institute of Materials and Structures. Advanced technology will also be more environmentally and human friendly by reducing volatile organic compound and fine particle emissions from the production of profiles and the application of coatings.

It is also planned to develop a combined prototype of in-line ultrasound and optical measuring equipment for quality control of pultruded profiles online. The equipment is required to ensure that the finished materials do not show cracks, pores and resins are fully polymerized.

The research project will generate new knowledge to improve the competitiveness of the Latvian economy, and its results and inventions will be useful to local and international manufacturers of thermosetting and thermoplastic composite materials and structures for the development of new high value-added products. These products will continue to promote the use of lightweight composite materials in various applications such as aeronautics, automotive and shipbuilding, construction and infrastructure.

The project “Improvement of the Effectiveness of Traditional Pultrusion Processes” (project no.1.1.1.1 / 18 / A / 053) is being implemented with financial support from the ERDF under the “Practical Studies” program. The project will be completed in 2022.

Study Forum «Digitalisation in the Study Process»

What will the study environment look like in five years time? Can digitalisation improve the study process and how? Why would it be useful to overcome the fears and prejudices of new opportunities and to learn and use them? The RTU Studies Department and the Student Parliament invite the academic staff and students to discuss these and other issues on March 5, when the RTU Scientific Library will be open from 10am to 10pm. 11.00 – 15.00 forum «Digitalisation in the study process».

Various digital tools are already available that can be used by faculty and students in the study process, making it more interactive and effective. Some of them will be available in the forum. Leonard Budnik, lecturer at the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management at IEVF, will talk about his experience in using digital tools in the study process. He is not afraid to experiment, and his passion for diversifying the study process has proved his worth. In 2018, L. Budņiks received the “New Teacher of the Year honor” and has been repeatedly recognized by students as one of the best teaching staff by awarding the Student Parliament of the Year Award.

In order to inspire and encourage the use of modern methods and tools in the study process, RTU lecturers’ courses in the ORTUS e-learning environment will be demonstrated and positively evaluated by the students and the authors themselves as they improve study results and facilitate their work. In the practical part of the forum, those who are on the digital world with “you” will also be able to try different digital tools and make sure their use is neither complicated nor time consuming.

Forum Program:

10.30 Registration and Interactive Activity

11.00 Opening

11. 20 Summary of Interactive Activity

11.25 Students’ summary of the current situation in the ORTUS E-learning environment

11.55 Good examples of ORTUS E-learning environment

12.25 Why use digital tools in the study process?

13.00 Coffee break

13.30-15.00 Practical exercise

For attending the conference, participants will receive a certificate of professional development for five academic hours.

Login to forum

RTU Career Day

Riga Technical University (RTU) Career Day, which will take place on March 6 at the International Exhibition Hall in Kipsala and will bring together 130 companies from 40 different sectors, is welcomed by students of all Latvian universities, especially RTU students, to meet employers, as well as participate in educational activities such as discussion, inspirational seminar and short interviews to find out how to get a very specific job offer.

RTU Career Day, which is the largest youth event in Latvia, will be attended by Latvian and four foreign companies this year, and Latvian and foreign students are invited to attend.

Career Day Exhibition – Meeting with Business Representatives in the Exhibition Hall 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., participation is free.

To ensure that all RTU students can attend Career Day, March 6, 12.30 students have canceled classes.

In the meanwhile to the activities in the hall, where young people will meet with business representatives, three educational and practical career education events will take place.

Seminar on the choice of profession “The future is in your hands” will be at 11.00 – 12.00 moderated by TV personality and actress Ieva Florence-Vīksne. The lecturer will share her experience of finding her profession, talk about obstacles, how to overcome them and use them for her own benefit. You will also learn where to find inspiration when you want to give up. To participate in the seminar, please register in advance.

Discussion on future skills and labor market challenges at 12.30 – 13.30, attended by Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science Reinis Znotiņš, RTU Vice Rector for Development Artūrs Zeps, Anta Praņeviča from Fontes, board member of RTU Alumni Association and CEO of MILZU . Each participant in the discussion will present his or her vision of the key issues of the labor market in terms. The discussion will be moderated by Ivars Svilāns, Director of Public Relations Department of RTU.

From 13:00 to 17:00 there will be a speed dating event featuring 50 companies, inviting students to a four-minute conversation during which both parties will be able to assess the potential for starting a job. If the parties’ interests coincide, young people will be able to receive very specific job offers after the event. After a short interview, students will have the opportunity to meet and speak with other companies. Time from 13.00 to 15.00 are open for talks in Latvian, and from 15.00 to 17.00 in English, allowing foreign students to attend the event. To participate in the speed dating event organized by the social enterprise «All Opportunities», you must register in advance and fill in the application form.We invite everyone to take the opportunity to find out what the labor market situation is today, what companies expect from their employees and what career opportunities they offer to students and graduates.

More info

RTU scientists help to improve the equipment of Latvian luge athletes

Latvian luge athletes this season, starting at home and on international tracks, carry the name of Riga Technical University (RTU), as the RTU logo appears on athlete’s sleigh. This confirms that the Latvian toboggan team’s sleds have been improved at RTU Design Factory with the support of RTU scientists. The RTU logo will be displayed on the sleigh on December 28, when luge athletes will fight for the Latvian Cup in Sigulda.

The Latvian Basketball Federation has been cooperating with RTU since 2017 in the development and technical development of sports sleighs and special equipment. During this time, 3D laser scanning and modeling has been carried out at the RTU Design Factory to improve the aerodynamics and mechanical properties of the sleigh, tailored individually for each athlete.

The RTU Design Factory also prints out individual parts mounted on sleighs and acting as vibration damping elements using 3D printers. “It helps athletes to maintain stability on the track, and makes sleighs easier to control during the ride and, thus, more accurately steered,” says Martins Rubenis, Olympic medalist and now Latvian national team coach and mechanic.

Ultrasound tests have been carried out with Kaspar Kalniņš, a scientist at the RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Materials and Structures, to optimize the interaction of sleigh construction materials. RTU has also tested various materials that may be more suitable for sledge jointing.

Latvian sledging team RTU improved its equipment also in 2018 in preparation for the start of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. At that time, the Design Factory created the so-called penguins – special needle caps that are attached to gloves at the tips of the fingers to help athletes kick off the ice more forcefully.

The sleigh RTU is continuously improved, even during the same season between races, as each improvement gives athletes a hundredths of a second, which is crucial for athlete performance.

The next step, together with scientists from the RTU Institute of Design Technology, is to begin developing customized overalls for athletes, using a body scanner and creating accurate patterns.

Sandris RUČEVSKIS has elected as the correspondent member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences

On Wednesday, December 18, Sandris RUČEVSKIS was elected as the correspondent member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.

Brief biography of newly elected correspondent

Sandris RUČEVSKIS – Dr.sc.ing. (2010). Senior Researcher, Institute of Materials and Structures, RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering.

Research areas: structural damage identification and technical condition monitoring, machine learning and artificial intelligence, composite materials mechanics, numerical calculations and optimization.

Published works: more than 40 scientific articles, incl. 32 publications indexed in SCOPUS database, H index – 7.

Pedagogical work: scientific supervisor for 1 defended doctoral thesis, 4 lecturer.

Scientific projects: participation in more than 10 scientific projects, incl. ES IP5, IP6, H2020, ESF, ERDF, MERA-NET, National Research Program: 6 Project Leads, 2 Project Managers.

Organizational work: Member of the Promotion Council “RTU P-06”, Member of Latvian National Mechanics Committee, LZP expert, member of scientific committees of international conferences and editorial boards of scientific journals.

Acknowledgments: LAS Young Scientist Award (2004), Swiss Baltic Net Alumni Award RTU (2003)

On May 17, 2019 at 15.00 the Doctoral Thesis Defense

Reviewers:

– Dr.sc.ing. Jānis Andersons (Institute of Polymer Mechanics, University of Latvia);

– Dr.habil.sc.ing. Andrzej Katunin (Silesian University of Technology, Poland);

– PhD Manuel Chiachio Ruano (University of Granada, Spain).

The doctoral thesis can be found at the RTU Scientific Library (Riga, Paula Valdena Street 5), the National Library of Latvia (Mūkusalas street 3) and the website http://www.rtu.lv (Science> Doctoral Studies> Doctoral Thesis> Doctoral Thesis).

Participate in space technology competition

Invitation to participate in Space Technology Competition

Scientific institutions and companies can apply by 1 May to participate in European Space Agency (ESA) projects in space technology. Participants are not Latvia in collaboration with ESA expert and potential innovative and internationally competitive value-added offers. The ESA program has available funding of 2 million. euro.

Information on the competition can be obtained on the website of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES). Information on Latvia’s participation in ESA projects can be obtained by contacting Kaspar Karoli, Senior Expert of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, kaspars.karolis@izm.gov.lv or 67047996.

March 21 at 8.30 pm A seminar will be held at the National Library of Latvia, Mūkusalas Street 3, where it will be possible to get more information about this competition.

RTU students are calling for a wafer tower building competition

Riga Technical University (RTU) Faculty of Civil Engineering (BIF) Students’ Self-Government organizes traditional waffle tower design competition “Wafer Engineer 10”, to be held on Thursday, March 7, at. 16.00 at the International Exhibition Center in Kipsala, Kipsala Street 8.

The competition will take place in two categories – the “Supreme Tower” and the “Design object” – and there will be a wafer tower or a design object from six wafer plates and one chocolate bar. The team that will build the highest and most durable construction will win.

The tower will only be built from wafer plates and chocolates issued by the organizers. The team that will build the tallest tower will be able to win a 250 ml heavy canister placed on a dedicated platform for at least five seconds.

The design object, on the other hand, will have to be thematically designed to reflect the theme defined by the organizers of the competition, which participants will learn when starting work. The most challenging, creative and creative design will win.

For each team without wafers and chocolate work, a ruler, a paper knife, a paper, a pencil, a plastic spoon, and a chocolate melting pot will be provided and hot water will be provided.

Work hours are three hours – from. 17:00 to 20:00 After that, the evaluation of the work will begin. The winner of the category «Supreme Tower» will be able to travel.

Students, students, business representatives and other interested parties who want to test their skills in the design of waffle objects are invited to the competition. Potential participants must set up a team of three and up to 6 March at noon. 23.59 fill in the registration form.

Last year, in the winning engineer competition, creating a 2-meter high tower, «PWr team» won the laurels in the category «High Tower» – a team from Poland. In turn, the «Design object» was won by the team «Ulmaniiku engineers».

Evgeny BARKANOV has elected as the correspondent member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences

On Thursday, November 29, Evgeny BARKANOV (mechanics) was elected as the correspondent member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.

Short biography of the newly elected member

Evgeny BARKANOV – Dr.sc.ing. (1993). Professor at RTU, leading researcher at the Institute of Materials and Structures.

Areas of scientific research: finite element method, composite mechanics, structural dynamics and strength, fluctuation of fluctuations, reverse problems, optimization.

Published works: 3 textbooks, 2 book editors, 124 scientific publications, of which 59 in the SCOPUS database, 92 conference theses, H-index – 10.

Pedagogical work: scientific supervisor for 3 defended doctoral theses, responsible lecturer for 5 developed subjects, guest lecturer in Germany, Russia, etc.

Scientific projects: Coordinator of 2 international projects, incl. EU 7th Program Project and Research Project of the Taiwan-Latvia-Lithuania Scientific Cooperation Fund; 7 International Project Manager.

Organizational work: member and secretary of the Council of Professors of Construction and Architecture, Member of the RTU P-03 and RTU P-06, Member of the RTU Academic Assembly, Member of the Latvian National Mechanics Association, Expert of the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science, LZP Expert, EU 7.

Expert of the Framework Program and the EU HORIZON2020 program, member of the editorial boards of various international scientific committees and scientific journals.

Acknowledgments: RTU Rector’s Recognition Articles.

RTU researcher about construction resistance research and engineering thinking

Riga Technical University (RTU) Construction Engineering Faculty of Materials and Constructions Institute senior researcher Kaspars Kalnins conversation with the Latvian Radio 6 Latvian University radio NABA program “Science on behalf of” driver Ivar Oyster tells about their research interests, as well as engineering thinking principle and the fact that is important in engineering studies.

The main research interests of Kaspars Kalnins are related to structural durability. His doctoral thesis defended in 2006 was dedicated to this topic as well. He has participated in several major studies, including the development of space-satellite manufacturing technologies by the European Space Agency.

Currently, K. Kalnins with colleagues working on the 3D printer filament improvement – investigating how to incorporate the glass fibers to the printout of the material could be given functionality.

When asked about the nuances of engineering thinking, Kaspar admits that everything that does not speak is well suited for this type of thinking. If you engage a person with his view that it, for example, like the white color, it’s this kind of thinking does not fall by as «love» is not an argument in engineering, so that there is an important functionality – if this color specific situation fit and «work». Good engineering thinking is characterized by the ability to perceive the whole product or solution cycle as a whole and think of several steps forward.

On October 11, 2018, the radio NABA program can be heard on the Latvian Public Media Portal.

On September 3, begins new year of studies

On Monday, September 3, calling ceremony, which will be held at the Riga Technical University (RTU) student camp in Ķīpsala, will be officially launched in 2018/2019. academic year of study. Event will start at 10.30 am in the Column, located on the square between the Student Service Hotel, Electronics and Telecommunications, Materials Science and Applied Chemistry and Civil Engineering Faculties.

From 10.30 to 12.00, special event for young students – Opportunities Market – RTU structural units, student and interest clubs will introduce themselves, their activities and opportunities at the university. New students will be able to meet RTU Sports Center, Culture Center, Career Center, Attrition Foundation, Design Factory, Student Self-government and other structural units. Representatives of RTU Cheese Command will be pleased to present the presentations. Various activities and competitions will take place during the event.

From noon The official opening ceremony will take place from 12.00 to 13.00, at which students will be addressed and welcomed by RTU rector academician Leonīds Ribickis, vice rectors and others.

At noon At 13.00 students will go to their faculties to take the first introductory lectures that will be introduced to the faculty, its management, the self-government and the cadres. For the first year students of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics (MTAF), an introductory lecture will be held at 10:00. 13.30 at the RTU Central Building, Kalku Street 1, in the Great Hall.

The Facebook page of the event.

The RTU researcher comments a «TESLA ROADSTER» deliver to the space with «FALCON HEAVY»

“In some way, this event is a new era, as a private company was able to do it,” commenting on the fact that on February 6, the Tesla Roadster, a dummy on the pilot’s site, the Latvian Radio 1 with the world’s largest and most powerful rocket, Falcon Heavy, was landed in orbit. Kaspars Kalniņš, the leading researcher of the Institute of Materials Engineering at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University (RTU), says on February 15 in the broadcast “Known in the Unknown”.

The US company SpaceX, which launches a rocket, is founded by Elon Musk, who has an idea of how a business can be developed at a reasonable cost, K. Kalniņš said. In his opinion, this flight is a test run that has succeeded. This is also confirmed by the fact that the flight organizers were able to bring back accelerators back to Earth, moreover, they did so accurately. K. Kalniņš was most fascinated by the structural durability of this flight – this area is also at the heart of his research interests.

K. Kalnins is convinced that the rocket’s successful star was a surprise to itself. Mask and SpaceX representatives. He commends the example of this rocket flight as a good precedent for a significant cost reduction in space technology. The missile will be reusable and will be able to return precisely.

The February 15 broadcast “Known in the Unknown” can be heard on the homepage of Latvian Radio 1.

RTU students’ visit wooden construction companies and MeKA

On November 30 all students of RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering and other interested persons are invited to go on an excursion to two wooden construction companies and the Institute of Forestry and Wood Products Research and Development.

Guided tour plan:

9.00 meeting RTU BIF in Kipsala
10.00 visit NORDIC HOMES
12.00 Visit Cross Timber Systems
14.00 Visit to the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Institute
16.30 return to Kipsala

The times are about, but we will try to stick to this schedule.

For all who plan to participate, please mark the “going” event on Facebook. The number of participants will be taken into consideration when ordering a bus.

Please take the sandwiches so that we can save time and have a dinner on the bus.

The tour organizer Gatis Zamtaurs will have taken all the tests. Those who have not written any of the works will be able to do it on the bus.

If you have any questions, please write to Facebook.!

RTU students are invited to participate in the construction competition “Paper Bridges 4”

Student Self-government of the Riga Technical University (RTU), Faculty of Civil Engineering, invites all interested persons to participate in the world’s toughest paper bridge construction competition, which will take place on November 2 at. 16.30 at the Faculty of Architecture, Kipsalas iela 6.

The bridge will have to be constructed of 50 A4 sheets and glue, and these materials will be provided to the participants by the organizers. The teams will also be given tools for paper processing – 30 cm ruler, paper knife, pencil. Participants will also be able to use their own knives or scissors. For the construction of paper bridges two hours are planned – from noon. 17 to 19. Estimation of the bridges will start at noon. 20. The bridge will be placed in the loader and then monitored by the load. The winner will recognize the bridge that will withstand the greatest load.

Students, students and business representatives who want to test their skills in bridge design can apply for the competition. To participate in the competition, the team must have three members. The evaluation will take place in the category of students, students and businesses.

Apply for a paper bridging competition may be before November 1 at noon. 23.59. Application form and Facebook event.

The toughest paper bridge construction competition this year has been taking place for the fourth year. Last year, Bridge IT’s bridge proved to be the strongest, holding 126.22 kg, significantly above the 2015 record of 57.4 kg. The second place with a result of 92.65 kg was WITTEVEEN + BOS LATVIA team, while the third best was the team “JAM”, whose bridge managed to withstand 75.22 kg load.

The winners of this year’s winners are the supporters – road design company Polyroad Ltd., Latvian Green Point JSC, UPB JSC, Ezis Migla bar, SIA Ligatne paper and card game KAVA.

The 58th International Scientific Conference dedicated to the 155th anniversary of RTU

From October 12 to 15, 2017, the 58th International Scientific Conference of the Riga Technical University will be held.

The conference work will take place in all RTU faculties in a total of 17 sections, covering RTU research areas. It is planned that the conference will be attended by more than 700 authors who will present the topical issues, problems and achievements of science and science in Latvia.

The conference will be held at the solemn plenary on October 14th at. 11.30 RTU rector Academician Leonīds Ribickis will open and Professor Tolis Juhns, Vice Rector for Science.

Civil Engineering Section

Section Manager:
Juris Smirnov: juris.smirnovs@rtu.lv

+371 67089278

Section contact person:
Janis Kaminskis: janis.kaminskis@rtu.lv

+371 67089287

Scientists’ Night 2017

Riga Technical University, in its 155th anniversary year, in cooperation with Industry Service Partner, UNESCO Latvian National Commission, Latvenergo AS and many other partners will decipher what is hidden under the name SCIENCE.
Z – KNOWLEDGE
I – INNOVATION
N – THE FUTURE
A – V = s / t
T – TECHNOLOGY
N – NOBEL
E – EXPERIMENT
Visiting all events is free!
More information can be found at HERE
Apply for the event on Facebook and get news HERE

3th International Conference

Innovative Materials, Structures and Technologies

27th-29th September 2017, Riga

We invite engineers, industry specialists, industry representatives and scientists to attend the international conference “IMST 2017”, which will take place in Riga for the third time, where the latest research results will be presented. The conference will host practical workshops in the field of construction. Participants from more than 20 countries will attend the event, promoting scientific cooperation between foreign universities and research centers.

Organized by: Faculty of Civil Engineering
More information: conference@imst-rtu.lv

RTU scientists prove themselves in the world space research

We need to be once in four five years alive, proven and in the right place, at the right moment, says the leading researcher Kaspars Kalniņš, the RTU FCE Institute of Materials Science and Design Institute (RTU FCE), in the broadcast “Eyewitness”.

Scientist with a space grip – this is what she describes as the creator of the program. Mr Kalnins told ATV that he has been working with the German Space Agency for 15 years and has been at the US Space Research Center at NASA. Now scientists of the RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering, headed by K. Kalniņš, are developing space satellite technologies for the European Space Agency, which will increase the security of the satellites and will significantly reduce the costs of manufacturing and operating costs for future missions.

K. Kalniņš says that the task of RTU scientists is to investigate the impact of visually difficult damage on space satellite structures and to test the structural impact of the bearing bearing capacity. Based on the analysis of the research findings, scientists will develop guidelines for the European Space Agency for the construction of new satellites. The RTU study will allow the manufacturing process to verify the reliability of the satellite design and, if necessary, to replace it in time without risking the mission or damage to the aircraft in open space.

In the space industry, seemingly minor mistakes can cause millions of losses. The scientist in the program mentions an example of an unsuccessful Mars expedition – how much has it cost the billion, how many thousands of people work “tangled up” just because someone did not count something, not completely tested. K. Kalniņš says that one problem that exists in science – people do not try to check if the experiments are reliable. “The German Space Agency has invested several millions only in the test procedure alone. They have grown to the last nancy for 30 years, “says Kalnins. Therefore, Latvian scientists must first prove that “we will not be guilty” because the German does not understand how three, four or five scientists in Latvia can do the same thing as a 500-strong institute in Germany. “This means that we work at least five times the capacity than they would do,” says K. Kalnins about experiments and their quantity.

For the development of the guidelines necessary for the European Space Agency, the researchers obtain information from satellite laboratories prototype in RTU laboratories from certified materials. They are used to simulate the damage that occurs in the constructions due to transport and assembly. In different tests, scientists are testing how the bearing capacity of the structure varies depending on the type and location of the damage. In turn, test results are used in computer simulations, which allows predicting behavior for much larger combinations.

“Self-demonstration – we proved more than required from us. This means that colleagues and partners keep in touch with us. Continuity is the most difficult, “says K. Kalniņš about the situation in Latvia. Why is it? “We have to work ourselves. Let Germany know that we have to work. That the Frenchman understands – we have to work, because those brave people did everything, “says RTU scientist.

Broadcast “Eyewitness” (Jan 21, 2017)

Technologies for safe future space satellites

Scientists of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Riga Technical University (RTU) have been developing space satellite manufacturing technologies for the European Space Agency that will increase the safety of satellites and significantly lower production and operational costs for future missions.

The task of RTU scientists — to investigate the impact of visually hard detectable damage on the structures of space satellites and test the remaining load-carrying capacity of structures under the influence of damage. Based on the analysis of results obtained in the research, the researchers will develop guidelines for the European Space Agency for construction of new satellites. This is necessary because satellite production lasts for several years and during this time, «while each of the components «travels» through hands of many people and robots, a variety of dents and damages may be caused,» explains Kaspars Kalniņš, the Leading Researcher of RTU Institute of Materials and Structures.

In the space industry, seemingly minor errors can lead to multi-million losses. RTU research in the production process will enable to check the safety of a particular satellite design, and, if necessary, replace it in a timely manner without risking the progress of the mission or aircraft damage in open space.

Researchers at RTU laboratories obtain the necessary information for development of guidelines by using certified materials for developing satellite design prototypes. They are used for simulating the damage to the structures that occurs during transportation and assembly. In different tests, scientists examine how, depending on the type and the location of damage, load-carrying capacity of structure is changing. The test results are used in computer simulations, which allow predicting the behavior of a much larger number of combinations. After the data analysis, the guidelines necessary for the European Space Agency will be developed.

The research conducted by RTU scientists will contribute not only to the safety of space structures, but will also help reduce production costs because in the design of satellites and carrier rockets there is no clearly defined hard detectable damage assessment practice. Therefore, structures with inadequately high margin of safety and increased mass are built, which significantly increases the operating costs, as additional weight must be delivered into open space.