Civil Engineering and Construction
The Civil Engineering theme has an interdisciplinary team of engineers, geologists, hydrologists, materials scientists and computer technology scientists. Its research funding is widely based, with grants being obtained from industry, research councils and the government.
This combination has brought with it a culture where industry and academia can work together to optimise design and practice in civil engineering and construction for its cost-effectiveness, whilst allowing flexibility for radical innovation and sustainable development.
Research themes
Research is organised under three main headings:
Structures and materials
- Concrete and masonry technology
- Concrete construction
- Sustainable construction materials
- Structural analysis and design
Ground and water engineering
- Engineering geology and geomorphology: landslide science
- Natural hazards and risk analysis
- Foundations and highways
- Hydraulic structures
Construction methods and management
- Design and construction process and quality management
- Sustainable/environmental assessment tools for buildings
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) in interdisciplinary practices
- Professionalism in digitally-mediated projects
Much of the current research within this theme is focused on the development of new sustainable construction materials and the structural properties and applications of other types of materials and material combinations.
One small group working on interdisciplinary research into landslides, slope instability and associated hazards across the geomorphology – engineering geology – geotechnical engineering spectrum. Other current research includes earthquake engineering, forensic geotechnics, fire safety in construction and developing creativity in civil engineering students.
Contact us
For general enquiries, please contact the Theme Leader, Dr Ted Donchev, or the Research Centre Director, Dr Alan Dykes.
