Overview

Recent bombings of civilian facilities have raised awareness of blast risk to buildings, bridges, dams, transportation systems and communication lifelines. Plenty of classified research has been conducted to protect physical infrastructure against military bomb attacks, but limited information is available for mitigating blast risk in civilian infrastructure.

The department established the Blast Research Laboratory in 2008, with a strong research program studying blast-induced loading on infrastructure. The lab is equipped with a unique shock tube for testing large-scale structural and non-structural elements under blast shock waves.

The long-term objective of this research is to develop blast-resistant design and mitigation strategies that can be adopted in engineering practice. The short-term objectives include developing design and retrofit techniques for structural and non-structural components of building structures; transportation systems, including bridges; water distribution and treatment facilities; hydraulic structures, dams and power generation facilities; industrial plants; and telecommunication towers. Analytical research, including computer software development for blast-load analysis, is also happening in parallel.

Overview

The University of Ottawa has a strong research program on earthquake engineering. It involves experimental and analytical research as well as reconnaissance missions and field investigations after major earthquakes. Experimental research includes tests of large-scale and full-size building and bridge components in the Structures Laboratory under simulated seismic loading. Analytical research includes dynamic inelastic response history analysis on structures and developing mathematical models for hysteretic behaviour of structural elements.

The main thrust of current research is developing innovative seismic retrofit methods for concrete columns, structural walls, masonry infill panels and reinforced concrete frame systems. The examined techniques include external prestressing, steel bracing and using fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets.

Another area of research involves investigating seismic performance of normal‐strength and high‐strength concrete structures reinforced with FRP bars, shape-memory alloys, steel and FRP grids and stay‐in‐place FRP formworks. A new program on seismic resistance of timber structures has also been implemented. Projects geared towards new construction involve developing design procedures and provisions for use in practice.

Overview

Environmental engineering research encompasses water treatment, wastewater treatment, solid waste management, landfill design, biosolids treatment and biofilm treatment system design.

Overview

The Geotechnical Engineering Group conducts cutting-edge research in mining geotechnics, saturated and unsaturated soil mechanics, energy geotechnics, pavement geotechnics, underground disposal of nuclear waste, advanced numerical modelling and rock mechanics. They address critical challenges in sustainable infrastructure, resource development and the clean energy transition.

Overview

The Pavement Engineering Group conducts cutting-edge research on the design, construction, monitoring and management of resilient and sustainable transportation infrastructure. Current research emphasizes cold-region roads, climate-resilient pavements, innovative materials, smart monitoring technologies and data-driven asset management to improve the safety, durability and sustainability of transportation networks.

Overview

The main thrust of structural engineering research involves investigating analysis, design and construction methods for buildings, bridges and other infrastructure. At the department, areas of expertise include reinforced concrete structures, fibre-reinforced concrete, steel structures, oil and gas pipelines, wood structures, wind effects on structures and seismic, blast and tsunami effects on structures.

Overview

Civil infrastructure is critical to society, providing housing, mobility and a platform for business development. Yet infrastructure development, operation and maintenance accounts for a significant share of energy and natural resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation.

The department’s Sustainable Materials and Construction Group is aligned with current Canadian infrastructure needs. It aims to conduct research on areas such as low-carbon, renewable and bio-sourced building materials; energy-efficient and green building systems; bioclimatic and net-positive buildings; indoor environmental quality; and condition assessment (diagnosis and prognosis) and management protocols for critical infrastructure.

Overview

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami raised awareness of the deadly consequences of earthquake-induced tsunamis worldwide. Tsunamis are rare events often caused by subduction earthquakes and resulting uplifts at the ocean floor. Massive, rapidly displaced bodies of water generate a series of waves that can have devastating effects on coastlines and nearby infrastructure.

There’s currently a lack of research data for accurate numerical modelling of tsunamis and their effects on coastal structures and nearby infrastructure. The Tsunami Research Group is actively pursuing research to mitigate risks associated with this natural disaster.

Overview

The Water Resources Engineering Group specializes in morphodynamics of rivers and coastlines, mixing processes, hydraulic structures, stochastic hydrology and climate change. Solutions combine cutting-edge research in high-resolution field measurements, detailed laboratory physical models and advanced numerical modelling techniques.

Overview

Windstorms are one of the greatest natural causes of damage and loss of structures. Major events, like hurricanes Katrina and Andrew, have caused tens of billions of dollars’ worth of damage each. Local extreme winds, such as tornadoes, downbursts and gusty winds, cause much damage and suffering every year. Although there have been significant advances in understanding wind effects on structures, new approaches in theoretical and experimental techniques are always being developed.

The Wind Research Group is currently involved in research projects on estimating aerodynamic vibration of tall buildings and suspension bridges, as well as assessing wind-induced pressure on a vast majority of structures and clean energy systems (such as solar panels and wind turbines).