Last month, the National Science Foundation’s Industry–University Cooperative Research Center, the Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (NSF-IUCRC, CICI), hosted an Industrial Advisory Board meeting. This event was held at the Center for Infrastructure Renewal on the RELLIS Campus of Texas A&M University.
The IAB meeting was a hub of innovation and collaboration. The event was initiated with impactful opening remarks by Dr. Zachary Grasley, Dr. Hota Gangarao of West Virginia University (WVU), and Dr. Anand Puppala, emphasizing Texas’s rapid growth and the burgeoning opportunities in civil engineering and infrastructure research. Dr. Nripojyoti Biswas further underscored the center’s accomplishments, backed by the collective efforts of all parties involved. Dr. Rudi Seracino and Dr. Greg Lucier from North Carolina State University (NCSU), Dr. Francisco De Caso and Dr. Alvaro Ruiz Emparanza of University of Miami (UM), Dr. Ruifeng (Ray) Liang of West Virginia University (WVU), Dr. Surya Congress of Michigan State University (MSU) as well as postdoc team at TAMU including Dr. Jianxin Huang, students from all four partners, TAMU, WVU, UM and NCSU along with Board Chair Dr. Vijaya Gopu from Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) and CICI Evaluator Mr. Steve McGregor were involved in the presentations made at this meeting.
Founded in 2009, CICI aims to expedite the integration of cutting-edge composite materials and systems into vital infrastructure. This is achieved through collaborative research initiatives involving university locations, the composites and construction sectors, and infrastructure proprietors. The NSF-IUCRC program is structured to enable industrially relevant, pre-competitive research through a long-term partnership among industry, academia, and government. The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds these partnerships with the objective of promoting mutually interesting research programs, contributing to the nation’s research infrastructure, enhancing the intellectual capacity of the engineering or science workforce through the integration of research and education, and facilitating technology transfer.
The industry members of IUCRC comprise private companies, federal/state/local government agencies, and non-profit organizations. These members play a crucial role in steering the direction of the Center’s research through active involvement and mentoring. The IUCRCs provide a platform for industry members to significantly leverage their financial investment, thereby accelerating the knowledge base in emerging technological and manufacturing sectors and developing an industry-oriented workforce to benefit the U.S. economy.
Texas A&M University presented their work on sandbags for flood protection, exploring environmental impacts and different mix designs. They also delved into thermal encapsulation in foundations using geofoam, prompting engaging discussions about simulation types and model dimensions as well as different types of geosynthetic products. The University of Miami’s presentations on AI in fiber-reinforced concrete and the use of composites in building construction opened new avenues of thought in construction materials. West Virginia University and North Carolina State University presented their studies on FRP pedestrian bridges and precast concrete beam repair, respectively. These discussions not only highlighted the technical aspects but also the practical implications of these innovations in real-world scenarios.
Day two included an intriguing tour of the Center for Infrastructure Renewal’s laboratories, showcasing the Hyper Velocity Impact Lab (HVIL), High Bay Lab, Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s crash test demonstration, and many more. Each university presented updates on their recent progress, reiterating the commitment to advancing the field of civil engineering.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Dr. Thomas Lacy (Professor, Mechanical Engineering, TAMU) and Mr. James Tovar (Assistant Research Scientist, Roadside Safety, TTI) for their generosity in conducting tours of the Hypervelocity Impact Lab and the TTI Test Crash Site for the attendees of the CICI IAB. Thank you for your time and effort!
We anticipate the Spring 2024 meeting in Morgantown, West Virginia and are excited about the future of this collaboration!
