The future of geotechnical and structural engineering research

A review of publicly funded UK structural and geotechnical research showed it was among the best in the world, but incremental rather than transformational. Furthermore, public research investment in this area is less than in other sectors despite significant investment in construction and infrastructure generally. This is also at a time of rapid change driven by population growth, resource scarcity and security, developments in technology, society’s expectations and aspirations, and climate. A major review of the purpose of infrastructure and construction was thus undertaken by representatives from academia, industry, research organisations, clients and government. They concluded that, if transformational research is to take place, the research themes to address are hazards, understanding material behaviour, paradigm shift in design, construction processes, building performance, smart buildings, asset management, intervention, decarbonisation and adaption.