Edmonton, ALTA — The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) announces that an underground infrastructure research initiative has received a $3 million grant from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).
Titled “Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in Design, Construction, Repair, and Maintenance of Underground Infrastructure,” the initiative will see three Canadian universities work together to develop innovative strategies and technologies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions across various phases of underground infrastructure projects.
“This initiative will advance sustainable practices in the design, construction, repair, and maintenance of underground infrastructure, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to environmental conservation efforts,” said Dr. Alireza Bayat, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of CUIIC.
Dr. Bayat leads the project, with his co-applicants including Dr. E. Davies, Dr. L. Hashemian, and Dr. S. J. Birchall (University of Alberta); Dr. R. Dziedzic (Concordia University); and Dr. I. L. Stefanovic (University of Toronto).
NSERC and 21 industry partners are funding cash and in-kind contributions totalling $3 million over five years.
The research will provide training opportunities for ten graduate and undergraduate students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and interact with industry professionals in underground infrastructure.