Research in the Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering focuses on developing materials, structures, design, construction, and maintenance technologies that ensure the longevity and performance of civil infrastructure throughout its service life.
Our expertise spans a wide range of applications, including buildings, bridges, underground utilities, power and energy systems, transport networks, roads and airport infrastructure, railways, and mining structures. Sustainability is a key driver in our research, guiding the development of resilient designs, efficient construction methods, sustainable usage and maintenance practices, as well as recycling and end-of-life management solutions. Our expertise has led to the establishment of the Resilient Infrastructure Hub, which aims to foster long-term, sustainable partnerships with industry by enhancing workforce skills, translating academic research into practical solutions, and delivering clear, measurable impacts to our partners.
Our research in Intelligent Materials focuses on developing advanced, high-performance materials that enhance the strength, durability, and sustainability of civil infrastructure. We explore self-healing concrete, bio-inspired structures, nanocomposites, and adaptive materials that respond to environmental conditions. By integrating AI-driven material design, digital manufacturing, and advanced testing techniques, we aim to create materials that optimize structural performance, reduce carbon footprints, and extend the lifespan of infrastructure. Our work contributes to next-generation resilient and energy-efficient construction materials for sustainable urban development.
Our research in Design & Construction Methods advances innovative, efficient, and sustainable construction techniques to reduce costs, improve safety, and enhance infrastructure resilience. We investigate modular construction, prefabrication, digital twin technology, and AI-driven design optimization to streamline construction processes. Our focus on automation, robotic construction, and material-efficient designs enables us to develop next-generation sustainable infrastructure that meets the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change.
The Net Zero Solutions research area is dedicated to developing carbon-neutral infrastructure through low-carbon materials, life-cycle assessments, and circular economy principles. We focus on carbon sequestration in construction materials, energy-efficient building technologies, and innovative structural designs that minimize environmental impact. Our work supports the global push for zero-emission cities, green buildings, and climate-resilient infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable built environment for future generations.
Our Safety & Hazard Engineering research is committed to enhancing the safety and resilience of buildings, transportation networks, and infrastructure systems. We specialize in fire and façade engineering, earthquake-resistant structures, blast protection, disaster mitigation strategies and Hazard management. Using advanced computational modelling, large-scale testing, and real-world simulations, we develop robust engineering solutions that improve structural integrity, occupant safety, and risk management in high-stakes environments.
Our Numerical Modelling research harnesses computational mechanics, finite element analysis (FEA), and AI-driven simulations to analyse and optimize infrastructure performance. We develop high-fidelity models to simulate material and structural behaviour under extreme loads, optimize material properties, and predict long-term performance. Our work enables data-driven decision-making in structural engineering, geotechnical analysis, fluid dynamics, and construction processes, leading to more efficient, resilient, and cost-effective engineering solutions.
Our research in smart transport infrastructure focuses on developing sustainable and efficient transportation systems. We explore Transport Network Design and Vulnerability Analysis to enhance network resilience and optimize designs for future growth. Infrastructure Management and Land Use integrates land use planning with transport infrastructure and supports smart city initiatives. Driving Behaviour studies driver interactions with Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and autonomous vehicles. Freight Management Strategies aim to optimize logistics and promote sustainable freight solutions. In Traffic Operations and ITS, we improve traffic flow and safety through advanced signal control and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication. Pavement Technology research includes innovative materials and smart pavement systems, while Sustainable Pavement focuses on eco-friendly materials and life cycle assessments to promote sustainability. These efforts collectively aim to create a resilient and efficient transport infrastructure for the future.
Our research in Fire and Façade Engineering is dedicated to enhancing safety and sustainability in building design and construction. Fire Dynamics and Fire Protection Engineering examines the behaviour of fire and develops advanced protection systems. Fire Safety Design Compliant to Codes and Standards ensures that building designs meet the latest safety regulations. CFD Modelling uses computational fluid dynamics to simulate fire scenarios and improve safety measures. We also investigate the Fire Performance of Materials and the Effect of Flame Retardants to enhance material resilience. High Performance Concrete and Nanotechnology and Sustainable Materials in Construction focus on developing innovative, eco-friendly materials for better building performance. Nanocomposites research aims to create materials with superior fire resistance and mechanical properties. Finally, High Performance Building Façade Systems are designed to provide both safety and energy efficiency. These research areas collectively aim to advance fire safety and sustainable building practices.
Our research in Next Generation Construction Materials aims to innovate and enhance the sustainability and performance of construction materials and structures. Concrete research focuses on developing geopolymer concrete and green concrete using eco-friendly cementitious materials. Soils and Pipelines study includes improving soil stabilization and pipeline durability. Steel research aims to enhance the strength and corrosion resistance of structural steel. In Asphalt, we explore polymer-modified asphalt, recycled asphalt, and other bituminous materials for better performance and sustainability. Polymer-Wood Composites are developed from waste materials to create sustainable construction solutions. The use of Waste Water Sludge in Construction Materials aims to recycle waste while improving material properties.
Our work on Innovative Structures includes developing new structural forms and topology optimization for better efficiency and performance. Nano-Structures and Materials research focuses on creating materials with superior properties at the nanoscale. Metamaterials and Bio-Inspired Structures aim to mimic natural systems for enhanced structural performance. Structural Design for Dynamic Loading addresses challenges in earthquake and wind engineering, ensuring the resilience of large-scale structures. These research areas collectively aim to advance construction materials and structural engineering for a sustainable and resilient built environment.
The Whole of Life Cycle Engineering research at RMIT is dedicated to transforming the way civil infrastructure is designed, built, and maintained, ensuring sustainability and carbon neutrality from inception to end-of-life. Our approach integrates advanced methodological frameworks, digital technologies, and sustainable material innovations to assess and optimize the entire life cycle of infrastructure projects.
With infrastructure contributing significantly to global carbon emissions, our research focuses on carbon-neutral design principles, enabling engineers to predict, measure, and mitigate environmental impact before construction begins. We work towards developing uniform sustainability indices aligned with industry standards, allowing for a systematic evaluation of carbon footprints, material efficiency, and structural longevity.
Our commitment extends beyond research—through industry collaborations, workforce training, and real-world implementation, we aim to equip engineers with the expertise needed to drive a more resilient, low-carbon built environment. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, RMIT is at the forefront of shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure, ensuring that every phase of civil engineering contributes to a more sustainable and climate-resilient world.
Our research in Digital Construction is focused on advancing sustainable and efficient building practices. We prioritize Lower Carbon Construction to minimize environmental impact and promote Green Buildings and Benchmarking of Green Construction Practices. Life-Cycle Analysis is used to assess the environmental impacts of construction processes and materials over their entire life span. Noise Management in Urban Environments addresses the challenge of urban noise pollution. Environmental Impact Assessment evaluates the potential environmental effects of construction projects.
We utilize BIM Application for Sustainable Construction to enhance project efficiency and sustainability. Prefabrication methods are explored to reduce waste and improve construction speed. Innovative Procurement Methods such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and relational contracting are studied to foster collaboration and efficiency. Finally, Construction and Demolition Waste Management aims to reduce waste and promote recycling in the construction industry. These research areas collectively aim to transform construction practices towards greater sustainability and efficiency through digital innovation.
Our research in Geo and Water Infrastructure aims to advance the understanding and development of sustainable solutions for soil and water challenges. We study Expansive Soils Mechanics to improve the stability and performance of structures built on expansive soils. Soil Contamination research focuses on identifying and mitigating the effects of pollutants in the soil. In Bulk Material Handling, we develop methods to enhance the efficiency and safety of handling large volumes of materials.
We work on Improving Residential Footings and Slab Design to increase the durability and safety of residential structures. Monitoring In-Situ Soil Moisture Movement and Modelling Unsaturated Soils helps in predicting soil behaviour and managing water resources. Design and Construction Methods of Screw Piles are explored to provide efficient and sustainable foundation solutions.
Our research also includes the development of Innovative Drilling Fluids to improve the efficiency of exploration activities. We are pioneering the Development of a Separation-Based Technological Platform for removing emerging pollutants, such as nano/microplastics, from water and wastewater. These research areas collectively aim to improve the sustainability and performance of geo and water infrastructure systems.
Our research in disaster risk and resilient engineering aims to better understand the impacts (tangible and intangible) of natural hazards on built environment and communities and develop advanced knowledge to make our infrastructure and communities more resilient to natural hazards. It includes assessing vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure to extreme loading, conducting damage and risk assessment studies to assess consequences and severity of risk and developing cost-effective mitigation strategies to inform decision making in reducing future risk. We conduct post-disaster surveys to evaluate performance of buildings and infrastructure by recording failure mechanisms and identifying factors contributing to damage. Furthermore, the Disaster Risk and Resilient Engineering theme includes research examining household behaviour during disasters, utilising innovative techniques and virtual reality to collect human response data and to develop new evacuation models and emergency alert systems. The research theme aligns very well with the RMIT’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly related to SDG11 (Sustainable cities and communities) and SDG13 (Climate action).
At the Department of Civil & Infrastructure Engineering, our world-class research facilities provide the foundation for groundbreaking advancements in materials, structures, geotechnical engineering, water systems, and digital construction. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, these facilities enable researchers to test, refine, and validate engineering solutions that are sustainable, resilient, and industry-ready.
Our Heavy Structure Lab supports large-scale testing of infrastructure components, ensuring they meet real-world load and durability requirements. The Lightweight Structure Lab specializes in advanced composite materials, sustainable materials and bio-inspired designs, optimizing performance for modular construction applications. In the Material Testing Lab, researchers develop and evaluate next-generation construction materials, focusing on strength, durability, and environmental impact.
The Pavement Lab enables cutting-edge research into smart and sustainable road surfaces, while the Soil and Water Lab provides critical insights into geotechnical stability, erosion control, and flood resilience. Together, these state-of-the-art facilities bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, ensuring our research leads the way in resilient and net-zero infrastructure development.
By combining industry collaboration, advanced testing capabilities, and digital simulations, our research facilities empower the next generation of engineers to design, build, and maintain infrastructure that meets the challenges of the future.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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