Structures & Materials
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The UK Government has set a number of challenging targets for improving sustainability, with the overarching goal of a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050. Without dramatically improving the life-cycle environmental cost of infrastructure stock, it will not be possible to reduce resource consumption and meet this declared environmental target. Construction materials and structures therefore have an important role to play in sustainable development through efficient application, energy performance and durability. Developing new and modifying existing use of materials and their hybrid combinations permit significant improvements in the environment and the quality of life that can be achieved. Good design is synonymous with sustainable construction and this requires materials and structures research. Current research is focussing on the characterisation of components, joints and whole structures of new or traditional materials, and/ or of innovative or unusual forms. Research involves evaluation of results from both full-sized static and dynamic testing in our structures laboratories and advanced computational modelling. Research into vibration pollution and human-structure interaction is being developed with the potential to develop collaboration across the School of Engineering. There are links with other research groups focussing on health monitoring and smart structures. Smart structures use integrated communication and sensor systems to monitor and manage performance and within buildings to support the lifestyle choices of the occupants. Complementary research on soil-structure interaction is also undertaken. The transfer of academic results into the drafting of standards, industry manuals and codes of practice is also undertaken and this ensures there are strong links with end user groups. |
Contact details: School of Engineering |
