Large Photo: Confederation Bridge. Small Photo: <strong>The</strong> first successful application <strong>of</strong> FRPs in post-tensioned masonry structures. Infrastructure and Materials Research Areas Structures and Materials Smart Structures Transportation Engineering Water Management Systems
Infrastructure and Materials University <strong>of</strong> Calgary Engineering p15 Building a Better World for our Advancing <strong>Society</strong> From clean drinking water and earthquake-resistant buildings, to 13-km bridges and efficient and durable roadways, research in the area <strong>of</strong> infrastructure and materials has a direct impact on our daily lives. Historically, research was aimed at the design, construction, and operation <strong>of</strong> infrastructure. However, in today’s economic environment, which emphasizes life-cycle costs, there is an increasing emphasis on management and monitoring <strong>of</strong> infrastructure. Research at the University <strong>of</strong> Calgary is focused on improving the economics, reliability and sustainability <strong>of</strong> these necessary, but expensive, elements <strong>of</strong> modern society. University <strong>of</strong> Calgary’s Materials group is developing and testing new, high-performance, traditional and advanced composite materials. <strong>The</strong>se materials will result in more durable and reliable infrastructure that will last longer and result in reduced life-cycle cost. Planning models developed by our Transportation group are being used by cities within Europe and North America to determine transportation needs and trends in cities, impacts <strong>of</strong> societal choices, and pressures on the flow <strong>of</strong> traffic. As our global population grows, water quality and security <strong>of</strong> water supply is critical. Research on the treatment and management <strong>of</strong> water supply will lead to very significant improvements in water quality and reduction in per capita water consumption. Sensors, and sensor systems, are being used by our Structures group to understand how structures perform under actual conditions. This information will refine the design <strong>of</strong> infrastructure elements leading to reduced initial cost, and better long-term management <strong>of</strong> our infrastructure. Researchers from all departments within the faculty, particularly Civil Engineering, collaborate with faculty members from the Sciences and Social Sciences on these and other projects. <strong>Together</strong>, these researchers are building better infrastructure for our advancing society. Ice Research – Uniting People, Improving Economies University <strong>of</strong> Calgary civil engineers are leading authorities on ice research and were key to the development and design <strong>of</strong> the Confederation Bridge – a bridge required to withstand significant ice forces. <strong>The</strong> 13-km bridge, which connects Prince Edward Islanders to the mainland, facilitates not only increased employment opportunities and tourism, but also potential benefits for future <strong>of</strong>fshore construction and oil and gas industries. Researchers currently monitor, in real time without ever leaving Calgary, the impact <strong>of</strong> ice on the Confederation Bridge. Data collected from new and reliable ice force instrumentation will facilitate the creation <strong>of</strong> numerical models to predict ice forces on structures. <strong>The</strong> results <strong>of</strong> their research will enable engineers to cost-effectively design structures resistant to external forces. Assessing Potential Futures <strong>The</strong> use <strong>of</strong> the high-speed rail link from London to the Channel Tunnel, and on to Paris and Brussels, was determined for British Rail. Potential strategies for diverting traffic and encouraging more dispersed economic growth were tested for the Oregon Department <strong>of</strong> Transportation. How? Using mathematical models developed by University <strong>of</strong> Calgary’s world-class transportation engineers. <strong>The</strong>se mathematical models <strong>of</strong> spatial economic systems place transportation systems within the larger economic system. <strong>The</strong>y integrate psychological, economic, and geographical data, including descriptions <strong>of</strong> household and business decisions about where to locate and how to travel and transport goods and services. Alternative scenarios are then considered in order to assess the expected costs and benefits <strong>of</strong> new systems <strong>of</strong> infrastructure, pricing, and regulation. Governments around the world are making wiser decisions thanks to the University <strong>of</strong> Calgary. Building on Strength Structural engineering research has been a longstanding area <strong>of</strong> strength for the University <strong>of</strong> Calgary. Researchers have patented numerous building-life extending and strengthening reinforcement technologies, such as shear studs. A new generation <strong>of</strong> researchers is continuing this tradition. One such researcher recently implemented the first successful application <strong>of</strong> Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) used in post-tensioned masonry structures. FRPs <strong>of</strong>fer an exciting alternative to steel. Not only is it lighter and stronger than steel, but the plastic material is not susceptible to corrosion, extending the sustainable life span <strong>of</strong> a structure and reducing the need for maintenance. <strong>The</strong> performance <strong>of</strong> FRPs and a University <strong>of</strong> Calgary patented anchorage system is being monitored at CCIT.
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