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Introducing USTHB / LBE The Built Environment Research Laboratory (LBE) is hosted by the University of Bab Ezzouar (USTHB) which is a leading Algerian University of Sciences, Technology and Engineering. It was established in July 2000 by the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research as an autonomous research unit. Currently, the LBE comprises four teams and incorporates 25 researchers (from within USTHB and outside), six with PhDs. The LBE operates in the context of numerous national and international projects, with a specific research focus on Earthquake Engineering, Structural Dynamics, Engineering Seismology, Building Materials, Disaster Management, Vulnerability Evaluation and Preservation of Cultural Heritage. In this context, LBE staff and associates have offered consulting support to national and international organizations Within Algeria, the LBE has played a prominent role in seismic hazard and risk assessment; it has revised the Algerian earthquake catalogue and carries out continuous national research in historical seismicity. It also has extensive experience in seismic vulnerability assessment in Algiers. The LBE continues to participate in AURAN, with a specific focus on seismic vulnerability assessment.. In Phase II, the project gives emphasis to developing a manual to structurally reinforce buildings for Algeria. This manual will contribute effectively in earthquake risk reduction in Algeria and also in countries with similar building stock. Capacity building in DRR In addition to this specialised focus on seismic engineering, LBE staff members also give lectures within the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the USTHB. Since its establishment in 1974, The Faculty of Civil Engineering has generated degrees in Civil Engineering as well as Masters degrees and Doctorates in many fields of construction. In the framework of ‘PeriPeri U’, the main goal is to strengthen capacity-development in risk reduction in Algeria. Within this project; the first short course on “Earthquake Risk Reduction and Disaster Management” was conducted in March 2009 at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, with 36 people attending from Civil Protection, engineers, architects, contractors, and Ph.D. students. A second short course for the year 2009 is planned for November 2009. As these short courses are conducted in French, invitations will be extended to Francophonic countries in Africa. International Profile Members of the LBE are very active nationally and internationally. They regularly participate in conferences and workshops in Algeria and abroad. Also, they publish their research work in recognised international scientific journals. The LBE has been involved in many international projects such as UNESCO-IUGS-IGCP 457 Project which dealt with seismic hazard assessment in North African Countries (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia). It is also a member of the North African Seismological Group (NASG) and the Global Alliance for Disaster Reduction (GADR). The LBE has participated in consulting for the Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction initiated by the League of Arab States. Website The website for the University USTHB is http://www.usthb.dz, with the link for the LBE currently under construction.
Links to other PeriPeri U Parters: University of Ghana: Urban Environmental Management and Disaster Risk Reduction Study Group | Disaster Mitigation for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme (DiMP) | Makerere University School of Public Health (MUSPH) | Ardhi University and its Associated Disaster Management Training Centre (DMTC) | Introducing the DESS Multidisciplinaire en GRC | Introducing Gaston Berger University | Moi University, School of Public Health Profile
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Feb.08