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1. Structural Dynamics Department 

2. Strengthening and Vulnerability Department

3. Lifeline Earthquake Engineering Department

4. Special Structures Department

The Structural Dynamics Group (SDG), a branch of the Structural Engineering Department, has been playing a major role in the development and success of the International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology (IIEES). Ever since IIEES was established, SDG has published numerous reports and technical articles in both domestic and international arenas on a variety of subjects related to structural engineering. The faculty at SDG is involved in different research projects covering different areas of structural dynamics and earthquake engineering. These areas include dynamic measurements and structural identification, experimental studies of steel structures, soil-structures interaction, isolation techniques in structural dynamics, and stability of structures.
In addition to its main responsibility, which is research, SDG faculty members are also involved in teaching. Every year, IIEES conducts entrance exams for those civil engineering graduates who are interested to continue their education toward Masters or Doctoral degrees in Earthquake Engineering. Having access to a well-equipped laboratory for structural testing, a library that has the most recent publications in the area of earthquake engineering, computer facilities, and a peaceful work environment, IIEES has created an excellent opportunity for its faculty and students to concentrate on scientific work.  

Helping to design seismically safer structures is the ultimate objective of the Vulnerability and Retrofitting Department of IIEES. The prime responsibility of the department is to conduct research studies on structural safety, particularly in the area of upgrading and strengthening different types of constructions in Iran against major earthquakes. The guidelines can also be applied in many other countries of the region with similar structures. The department is systematically working on the following plans: 

1. Classification and inventory of various types of constructions.

2. Development of a comprehensive data file on inventory of buildings.

3. Preparation of vulnerability zoning maps of vulnerable structures in towns and cities of the nation.

4. Vulnerability analysis of important and vital buildings for the purpose of future strengthening.

5. Conducting both full-scale and component tests to determine the effects of retrofitting scheme.

On education side, the department is constantly involved in preparing instruction manuals on various general and cost-effective strengthening solutions for different types of structures and for low-income constructions. As a public service, the vulnerability and retrofitting department is directly working with city officials to identify the potential seismic hazard of the populated centers. In this regard, the department has developed a seismic evaluation plan for existing hospitals, fire stations, schools, hotels, and many other major buildings of Iran.

As one of the groups in the Structural Engineering Department at the IIEES, Lifeline Earthquake Engineering Group has started its activity since 1991, just two years after the establishment of the IIEES. The main goal of this group is performing researches, which can result in upgrading the seismic behavior of the Lifeline systems. As it name implies, the Lifeline group has a crucial role in the Seismic Hazard Reduction Program of the country by providing the policy-makers with the basic knowledge for: Aseismic Design and Construction of Lifeline systems, Seismic Vulnerability Analysis of Lifeline systems which is necessary for the disaster Scenario & Emergency Management, and finally upgrading techniques for strengthening and retrofitting of existing Lifeline systems before and after the probable earthquakes. The Lifeline Group currently has 6 full-time personnel.

Department of special structures provides research and technical consultations on the following subjects:

• Seismic performance and design of industrial plants i.e. thermal power plants, oil refineries, petrochemical and chemical complex

• Seismic safety evaluation of existing dams, electrical power plants, and industrial facilities

• Seismic design and analysis of bridges

• Earthquake-resistant design of tanks and silos

• Seismic analysis and design of long-period structures i.e. chimneys and towers

• Seismic engineering for nuclear facilities

• Seismic protection of historical monuments

• System identification of special structures

• Passive and active control of special structures and industrial machineries

• Seismic performance of secondary systems and seismic analysis of equipment-structure interaction