North Carolina State University
University of Miami
University of Texas at Arlington
West Virginia University
Last Reviewed: (not done)
The primary objective of the Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) is to usher applications and cost effective rehabilitation schemes using composites in civil and military structures to the next level through integral efforts between the university sites in collaboration with the composites and construction industries. The focus areas synergize different fibers and polymers, including natural and bioconstituent materials to create new application areas and rehab techniques; thus expanding market potential.
Efficient infrastructure systems such as highways, bridges, buildings, pipelines, flood control systems and utilities are all necessary for a healthy economy and comfortable standard of living. Concrete, steel and timber are the backbones of physical infrastructure. High strength polymer composites have been used for aerospace structures for about five decades and their use in civil infrastructure spans about 20 years. The widespread use of polymer composites in infrastructure will allow for longer service lives and reduced maintenance costs.
The mission of CICI is to accelerate the adoption of polymer composites and innovated construction material into infrastructure and transportation applications through collaborative research.
Composites in Infrastructure
Research on fundamental scientific topics concerning polymer composites such as strength/service life predictions, smart structure development, fire/blast protection, fatigue response, aging phenomenon, and nondestructive testing.
Development of products that can be made through a wide variety of manufacturing processes and in which numerous market opportunities exist.
Education is a cornerstone of CICI as students and practicing engineers in infrastructure require new skills to take advantage of composites.
The facilities available to CICI members are vast, ranging from nano-scale research to full scale testing. With the combined resources of the center universities, there is no composite research challenge that cannot be conquered.
West Virginia University
549 Engineering Sciences Building
Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506
United States
North Carolina State University
2414 Campus Shore Drive
Campus Box 7533
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695-7533
United States
University of Miami
325 McArthur Engineering Building
Coral Gables, Florida, 33124
United States
University of Texas at Arlington
Department of Civil Engineering
Box 19308
Arlington, Texas, 76019
United States
(817) 272-5821