Energy
Our research in this challenging field aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of our infrastructure in terms of energy efficiency and optimisation of resources and materials.
We also investigate how our urban environments operate as systems, how they can generate and store low-carbon energy, and what operational methods they can use to reduce energy demand.
Our Geotechnical Engineering group works on fundamental civil engineering infrastructure that underpins the construction of renewable and low-carbon energy generating systems, such as foundations to support offshore wind energy structures and thermally active underground infrastructure for heat exchange. At the operational end, our RISE research group aims to develop novel control systems for our buildings to maintain comfort and create a high standard of living, while simultaneously reducing energy demand.
Our Structural Engineering & Materials research group investigates the embodied carbon and energy in the materials we are building with and the construction processes used in their aim to drive down the operational use of carbon resources.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration with other academic research groups, as well as industry and other relevant stakeholders, we also work to consider societal issues connected to energy demand, such as health and wellbeing, and fuel poverty.
Disciplines
Our department has been research-led for over 100 years and our academic staff are organised into four overarching disciplines, the main ones being Water Engineering and Structural Engineering and Materials.
Structural Engineering & Materials
Resources, Infrastructure Systems and Built Environments
Current Research
INTEGRADDE (Horizon 2020)
Multi-scale, circular economic potential of non-residential building stock (EPSRC)
Previous Research - last 5 years
Particle-Scale Investigation of Seepage Induced Geotechnical Instablility (EPSRC)
Academics Involved
| Name | Other Research Themes |
|---|---|
| Arbabi, Dr Hadi | Infrastructure |
| de Borst, Prof. René | Infrastructure, Hazards & Materials |
| Boxall, Prof. Joby | Infrastructure, Digital, Hazards & Materials |
| Densley Tingley, Dr Danielle | Infrastructure, Digital & Materials |
| Hathway, Dr Abigail | Infrastructure & Digital |
| Mayfield, Prof. Martin | Infrastructure, Digital & Materials |
| McLaggan, Dr Martyn | Hazards & Materials |
| Rougé, Dr Charles | Infrastructure, Hazards & Digital |
| Schellart, Dr Alma | Infrastructure & Hazards |
| Tait, Prof. Simon | Infrastructure & Hazards |