Professor Restrepo focuses on the discovery of construction alternatives for state-of-the-art, performance-based designs. This involves the conceptual design of reinforced, prestressed and precast concrete structures, reinforcement detailing and strut-and-tie models. By using shake table tests on buildings and building components, Restrepo evaluates their non-linear dynamic response. Currently, Restrepo is developing "articulated" buildings with linked components that form a moveable whole. This flexibility provides damage free response, externally and internally. Concrete or steel columns are linked together with braided strands of steel that run through internal ducts and are anchored to the ground. The strands will not yield during a quake and will reposition the building when it is displaced. Vibration dampeners in the floor act like shock absorbers to minimize movement and eliminate damage.