CEC research activities for the period 2003-2005

Abstract

The Civil Engineering Research Center of the University of Minho will carry out research at an internationally recognised standard of excellence in the following areas: - Construction Materials, dealing with achieving sustainable materials focussing in durability design, use of eco-efficient materials and techniques for materials repair; - Construction Processes & Management, dealing with construction management, building physics and construction technology focusing on sustainable development and building rehabilitation; - Geotechnics, dealing with properties and modelling of natural ground (soil and rocks) and treated materials, focussing in environmental aspects and structures for transportation infrastructures; - Highways, dealing with pavement materials characterisation, pavement recycling, pavement design and pavement evaluation, both functional and structural; - Hydraulics, dealing with modelling techniques of processes in natural environments and engineered systems and decision support systems for sustainable use of water resources; - Structures, dealing with innovation, safety, strengthening and conservation of structures, focussing in new concrete and masonry structures, FRP, ancient structures and bridges; - Urban and Regional Planning, dealing with land use planning and policy, built environment and urban quality of life, and stressing the evaluation aspects. The management of research is the responsibility of the scientific committee, on which a representative of each group is represented. It is also under the auspicious of the Advisory Committee. The Center provides a core of people with internationally recognised expertise in the areas of Civil Engineering, particularly through PhD programs and post-doctoral training. The dynamism of the staff provides a stimulating atmosphere that will attract research students and professionals assuring excellent academic and technical support of their studies. A financial goal is to attract research funding from industry and other National and European research grants to continue its operation at an excellence research level.