Built Environment & Sustainability Cluster
Built Environment & Sustainability Cluster.
Building Strong Foundations, Shaping the Future.
Our researchers work on a broad range of issues underpinning the construction and environmental sectors at both national and international levels. Combining computational modelling with practical experimentation, we tackle issues directly associated with the many challenges posed by the Climate Emergency and linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our research has strong sub-group activities in the fields of Ground Engineering and Structural Engineering.
Postgraduate Taught Courses
Humanitarian Engineering (MSc/PGDip/PGCert/PGA)
Duration:
- Full-time: 1 year (MSc)
- Part-time: 2 years (MSc)
Entry requirements: 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent), ideally in Engineering, Science, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Business or Medical Sciences, although we will consider graduates of all disciplines.
Postgraduate Research Courses (PhD)
Warwick’s School of Engineering has a vibrant postgraduate research community, with over 150 students pursuing postgraduate research degrees and more than 40 postdoctoral researchers.
Our position as a general engineering department strengthens our capabilities, enabling multi-disciplinary collaborative research. Our researchers engage with colleagues from across Warwick and beyond to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Our partners include universities, SMEs, large businesses, NHS Trusts and charitable organisations.
Structural Engineering Group
Research focus within this group include but are not limited to; human-structure interactions, Fire engineering, computational mechanics and new construction materials. Furthermore, the group has continued commitment to transferring research into design guidance and codes of practice.
Ground Engineering Group
The Warwick Ground Engineering group researches geotechnical challenges, focusing on ground reinforcement, slope stability, high-speed rail, and renewable energy. They use advanced techniques like 3D printing, numerical simulations, and hazard assessment to support UK infrastructure projects.
Laboratory Equipment
Our laboratories are home to state-of-the-art testing equipment to produce cutting-edge research and provide consultancy services. Our equipment enables us to conduct a comprehensive range of advanced material characterization, soil mechanics, and structural testing. Our continuous investment in the latest technology ensures we remain a leading hub for research excellence in the UK.
Xueyu Geng
Professor Geng’s research is centred on transportation geotechnics, ground improvement techniques, and the prediction and remediation of geohazards. She integrates advanced laboratory testing with constitutive model development and numerical modelling to tackle complex engineering challenges. Her work has had a significant impact on industry practices and has contributed to revisions of established design standards.
Reyes Garcia
Dr. Reyes Garcia has over 25 years of experience on structural engineering, sustainable materials, FRP composites, and earthquake engineering. His research combines experimental, numerical and analytical techniques to make structures and buildings more sustainable in a journey towards net-zero. Reyes has authored more than 100 publications and actively contributes to several international technical groups.
Key Publications
Imjai, T., Garcia, R., Kim, B., Hansapinyo, C., Sukontasukkul, P., 2023a. Serviceability behaviour of FRP-reinforced slatted slabs made of high-content recycled aggregate concrete. Structures 51, 1071–1082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2023.03.075
Imjai, T., Kefyalew, F., Aosai, P., Garcia, R., Kim, B., Abdalla, H.M., Raman, S.N., 2023b. A new equation to predict the shear strength of recycled aggregate concrete Z push-off specimens. Cement and Concrete Research 169, 107181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2023.107181
Jiang, H., Li, Y., Wang, Y., Yao, K., Yao, Z., Xue, Z., Geng, X., 2022. Dynamic performance evaluation of ballastless track in high-speed railways under subgrade differential settlement. Transportation Geotechnics 33, 100721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2022.100721
Lin, B., Zhang, S., Živanović, S., Zhang, Q., Fan, F., 2023a. Verification of damped bipedal inverted pendulum model against kinematic and kinetic data of human walking on rigid-level ground. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 200, 110561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymssp.2023.110561
Lin, B., Zivanovic, S., Zhang, Q., Fan, F., 2023b. Implementation of damped bipedal inverted pendulum model of pedestrian into FE environment for prediction of vertical structural vibration. Structures 48, 523–532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2022.12.091
Lin, B., Živanović, S., Zhang, S., Zhang, Q., Fan, F., 2023c. Evaluation of compliant walking locomotion models for civil engineering applications. Journal of Sound and Vibration 561, 117815. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.2023.117815
Ma, G., Rezania, M., Mousavi Nezhad, M., Hu, X., 2022a. Uncertainty quantification of landslide runout motion considering soil interdependent anisotropy and fabric orientation. Landslides 19, 1231–1247. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-021-01795-2
Ma, G., Rezania, M., Nezhad, M.M., 2022b. Stochastic Assessment of Landslide Influence Zone by Material Point Method and Generalized Geotechnical Random Field Theory. Int. J. Geomech. 22, 04022002. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0002308
Meda, A., Rinaldi, Z., Spagnuolo, S., Eddie, C.M., 2021. Behaviour of FRC segments with GFRP cage under TBM thrust in presence of GAPs. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 107, 103669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103669
Ni, J., Li, S.-S., Geng, X.-Y., 2022. Mechanical and biodeterioration behaviours of a clayey soil strengthened with combined carrageenan and casein. Acta Geotech. 17, 5411–5427. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-022-01588-4
Pamuncak, A., Zivanovic, S., Adha, A., Liu, J., Laory, I., 2023. Correlation-based damage detection method using convolutional neural network for civil infrastructure. Computers & Structures 282, 107034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruc.2023.107034
Pamuncak, A.P., Salami, M.R., Adha, A., Budiono, B., Laory, I., 2021. Estimation of structural response using convolutional neural network: application to the Suramadu bridge. EC 38, 4047–4065. https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-12-2020-0695
Razavi Setvati, M., Hicks, S.J., 2022. Machine learning models for predicting resistance of headed studs embedded in concrete. Engineering Structures 254, 113803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.113803
Thai, H.-T., Thai, S., Ngo, T., Uy, B., Kang, W.-H., Hicks, S.J., 2021. Reliability considerations of modern design codes for CFST columns. Journal of Constructional Steel Research 177, 106482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2020.106482
Wang, C., Chen, B., Vo, T.L., Rezania, M., 2023. Mechanical anisotropy, rheology and carbon footprint of 3D printable concrete: A review. Journal of Building Engineering 76, 107309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2023.107309
Wei, X., Zhang, J., Zhou, H., Živanović, S., 2022. Sensitivity Analysis for Pedestrian-Induced Vibration in Footbridges. Buildings 12, 883. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070883
Xing, Z., Kucukler, M., Gardner, L., 2021a. Local buckling of stainless steel I-sections in fire: Finite element modelling and design. Thin-Walled Structures 161, 107486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2021.107486
Xing, Z., Zhao, O., Kucukler, M., Gardner, L., 2022. Fire testing and design of slender stainless steel I-sections in weak-axis flexure. Thin-Walled Structures 171, 108682. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2021.108682
Xing, Z., Zhao, O., Kucukler, M., Gardner, L., 2021b. Testing of stainless steel I-section columns in fire. Engineering Structures 227, 111320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2020.111320
Research Project Spotlights:
Coming soon...
Coming soon...
Coming soon...
| Title | Funder | Award start | Award end |
|---|---|---|---|
| UKRI guarantee for 76333-UPGRADE - MSCA Staff Exchanges 2022 | UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) | 01 Apr 2024 | 31 Mar 2028 |
| Multisensory assessments of built environment through immersive technologies | Royal Society | 31 Mar 2025 | 30 Mar 2026 |
| MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship transfer in- Stana Zivanovic | UK Research and Innovation | 01 Mar 2024 | 28 Feb 2026 |
| DCR with Vision Modular Systems UK Limited- Lightweight composite flooring | Vision Modular Systems UK Limited | 18 Mar 2024 | 21 Dec 2025 |
To be updated for the academic year 25/26
To be updated for the academic year 25/26