SIERA Group


SIERA (Sustainable InfrastructurE ReseArch) Group within the Department of Civil Engineering, UBC studies all aspects of construction materials. The main focus lies on the improvement of sustainability, repair and condition assessment of concrete structures as well as engineering superior concrete mixes using alternative cementitious material. The internationally-recognized research generated by SIERA Group is led by Prof. Nemkumar (Nemy) Banthia who is one of Top 25 Most Cited in the field of Construction & Building Materials as per Platinum H-Index.

Student experience at the SIERA Group is enriched by a focus on multidisciplinary, hands-on approach to learning, delivered by world-class faculty and supportive academic advisors. SIERA Group researchers are experts in the field of composite materials such as concrete and mortar and in particular, the group is well known for its extensive research in the field of fiber reinforced concrete and shotcrete. We frequently partner with industry partners to find sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the industry and society.

Current areas of research focus on Sustainable Concrete Infrastructure with emphasis on nano-modified fiber reinforced composites, ultra-high performance concrete materials, waste recycling, fracture analysis, earthquake strengthening and sensor based structural health monitoring. We investigate all properties of concrete from nanoscale to full size, both in the lab and in the real world, including but not limited to concrete durability, shrinkage, early-age properties of concrete and the pursuit of high-performance civil engineering materials. Our state of the art laboratory can prepare and test chemical, mineralogical, physical, and durability properties of concrete materials. Our researchers are actively participating in the development of ASTM, ACI, CSA, AASHTO, and RILEM standards.

To read more about the SIERA group, click here.

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