The Structures Group (Drs. Hoult, Fam, Green, MacDougall, Genikomsou, Woods and Moore) focuses on research in the areas of (i) novel and sustainable materials for new construction, (ii) retrofitting of existing structures, (iii) the performance of structures in extreme temperatures, (iv) structural health monitoring, and (v) sustainable engineering in remote regions. Research projects in novel materials include FRPs for bridges, rapid transit systems, strengthening applications, and stay-in place formwork for reinforced concrete construction. Straw bale construction as both an energy efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction techniques is also an on-going topic of interest. The group has conducted pioneering research into strengthening concrete structures with FRPs, including prestressed FRPs for efficient flexural strengthening. Current research seeks to investigate if FRP can enhance the buckling and flexural strength of steel members. The group also has a well established research collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada that seeks to better understand the performance of both reinforced and retrofitted concrete structures in fire. Research projects in the area of structural health monitoring aim to investigate the link between deterioration and structural capacity through the application of advanced measurement systems for both above ground and buried infrastructure.
The Structures Group conducts a number of these research projects in co-operation with both industrial and government collaborators including the Ministry of Transportation Ontario, Transport Canada, and Bombardier Transportation.