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Research

Students

Research in the Faculty of Environmental and Civil Engineering is carried out under the auspices of the Engineering Research Institute, the venue for engineering research at the University of Iceland. The faculty is also party to Georg, GEOthermal Research Group.

A variety of theoretical and practical projects are carried out in collaboration with Icelandic businesses, and with specialists in the international research community.

Research is primarily carried out in four fields:

Energy Studies and Load Bearing Capacity Studies

The Earthquake Engineering Research Centre at the Engineering Research Institute carries out research in the field of practical energy studies. The majority of projects are carried out in close collaboration with businesses and institutions. A particular emphasis is placed on research related to Icelandic environmental conditions. For instance, research on earthquakes, avalanches and extreme weather. The centre carries out large-scale earthquake measurements. The goal of the measurements is to assess the impact of earthquakes on structures. Furthermore, measurements of wind-induced structural response as carried out, as well as measurements of avalanches and landslides. The results of such measurements have, amongst other things, been used in risk assessment and risk management.

Hydraulics and Environmental Engineering

Hydrology Centre The role of the Hydrology Centre is to carry out research in the fields of environmental engineering, hydrology, hydraulics, fire engineering, geology and structural design. At the centre, lecturers at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental engineering work on a diversity of theoretical and practical projects in collaboration with Icelandic businesses and specialists from European and North American universities. Research results are published as peer-reviewed articles, lectures at Icelandic and international research conferences, and as publications in books and other academic mediums.

Geotechnics, road construction, transportation

Within this field research is carried out in geological technics, as well as in the mechanical qualities of Icelandic cement, measurements in the vibration qualities of minerals as well as research in road construction and transportation. Examples of research projects include: the effect of moisture and heat on the load bearing capacity of roads, and the utilisation of traffic analysis instruments to improve road design and traffic safety.

Planning and execution studies

This research field has tackled issues of planning of the highlands and construction projects there. It also deals with planning in urban areas, for instance projects have been carried out regarding the area where the Reykjavík Airport now lies. Projects have also been carried out in the field of environmental evaluation.

Research results are published in the form of peer-reviewed articles, books and other academic publications, in addition to lectures at Icelandic and international conferences.