FutureStructures

The FutureStructure group is delivering cutting-edge research to advance structural engineering practices, pushing the boundaries for future-proof and intelligent structures. We are pioneers in original research that matters with a mission to streamline sustainability, resilience and digitalisation of structures.

The futurestructures logo depicts a sketch of a suspension bridge and tall buildingsWe are publishing prolifically, cultivating the next generation of multidisciplinary scientists, actively shaping standards such as Eurocodes and British Standards. We play a central role in infrastructure maintenance, addressing ageing, climate impacts on structures and actively contributing to the achievement of the United Nations SDGs. Our expertise in computational analysis, generative materials and design, digital modelling and intelligent computing aligns with these goals, facilitating the evolution of engineering theory and practice, and ultimately enhancing the industry of future structures.

Capabilities

We are delivering globally recognised research on:

  • Structural resilience and robustness against natural and human-induced hazards
  • Advanced structural design
  • Smart and sustainable materials
  • Digitalisation and intelligent computing for infrastructure
  • Sustainable Energy Systems
  • Railway and infrastructure engineering

Impact

We are building strong partnerships with universities, professional bodies and industry to translate University of Birmingham's expertise into real-world recovery strategies used by policy makers. We are actively promoting sustainability through pioneering research in adaption of building and infrastructure design, to meet the future requirements and goals associated with climate change. We enrich research and education aligned with sustainable development goals and EU circular economy action plan.

We actively participate with networks and projects related to Net-Zero, promotng retrofitting solutions and novel adaptive materials for structures (repairability, adjustability, self-healing) for new and aging infrastructure, to enable weight reduction at no expense of structural performance, as well as bring old structures to current or future design demands.


News

Secrets of the Van Allen belt revealed in new study

Green and yellow radiation belts swirling around the Earth, identified by NASA’s Van Allen Probes.
Description:
A challenge to space scientists to better understand our hazardous near-Earth space environment has been set in a new study led by the University of Birmingham.
Date:
21 March 2024

Novel technologies for transforming wind turbine and power grid stability control

wind turbines in green fields
Description:
The technologies overcome forced oscillations and grid frequency events, which can cause widespread disruption over entire power grids.
Date:
13 March 2024

University of Birmingham on track with Japan rail partnership

Professor Stephen Jarvis and Shunzo Miyake signing the MoU
Description:
Railways experts forge partnership to create innovative technology for Japan’s railways.
Date:
19 February 2024