Opening of new engineering research centre

A new centre that will research prevention of landslips and establish the best procedures for the construction industry, one of the largest industries in the UK, has just opened at the University.

Nigel Griffiths, minister in the Department of Trade and Industry with responsibility for construction, enterprise and small business, opened the new Civil Engineering Research Laboratories (CERL), with Principal Sir Alan Langlands and representatives of the construction industry in attendance. The £1.25m project was funded by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council.

The CERL provides accommodation to enhance the research work being undertaken in the Division of Civil Engineering, in such diverse areas as concrete technology, construction management, physical and environment fluid mechanics and structural engineering.  One study is aimed at understanding why landslips occur and how best to protect infrastructure and minimise risks to the public.  A new centrifuge in the centre will allow researchers to test new technologies to prevent landslips like the recent one on the A9. These include strengthening slopes using 'soil nails' and developing techniques to allow reliable prediction of the stabilising effect of vegetation of slopes.

The new Civil Engineering Research Laboratories provide a physical link between teaching and research, and bring together the new generations of civil engineers and researchers. The aim is to provide graduates with the opportunity to develop an innovative and enterprising outlook and the skills and confidence that makes Scottish civil engineers world leaders.

The new centre also houses the only office outside London for CIRIA - an umbrella organisation for the construction industry with major influence in the construction sector.

Professor Michael Davies, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences said, "The opening of our new research laboratories and the decision by CIRIA to base their UK operation outside London at the University is proof of the strength and quality of our engineering research. We are leading the way in serving the construction industry and, in addition to our internationally recognised technical research, we want to contribute to the work of the Scottish Executive’s new Scottish Centre for Construction, Innovation and Excellence."