Materials and Structural Laboratory

This multi-functional laboratory is at the heart of our Department of Civil and Environmental engineering teaching and research.

It includes dedicated areas for testing and optimising, through evidence-based approaches, sustainable and resilient structural engineering solutions for buildings and other civil infrastructure, from the nanoscale material level to full systems.

Students work on projects ranging from low carbon solutions made from waste, recycled materials and natural fibres to innovative infrastructure designs.

Using our advanced and unique testing facilities we analyse the combined effects of environmental and mechanical factors, such as ageing, earthquakes and climate change, on structural engineering materials and infrastructure. High-resolution measurement technologies monitor the static and dynamic response of structural materials, components and systems. Testing under extreme conditions, we design and test resilient modular buildings that can rise upwards above floodwaters or respond elastically during earthquakes to reduce damage.