UoA 14 Civil and Construction Engineering
Ranked as 1st in the UK with a GPA of 3.44 we are at the forefront of finding solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges related to the built and natural environments. A distinctive feature of this unit is that 100% of our research has been deemed ‘outstanding’ for its impact in terms of its reach and significance. 75% of our research environment was rated as conducive to producing research of world-leading quality in terms of its vitality and sustainability.
| Quality level | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | UC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 47.0% | 50.0% | 3.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Outputs | 24.6% | 70.1% | 5.3% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Impact | 100.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Environment | 75.0% | 25.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | About the REF |
Our world-leading civil engineers are applying their research to meet industrial and societal needs, providing news ways of constructing and managing national infrastructure as well as understanding, protecting and exploiting the environment.
Through multidisciplinary research we're playing a vital role in reducing environmental impact and increasing sustainable practices in a wide range of areas including construction, fuel, energy, waste disposal, water quality and flood protection.
Over the REF period we've secured 110 new research awards with a total value of £16.5M and published more than 800 papers. We also maintain strong industrial links, undertaking 30 research contracts with industrial sponsors in recent years, including seven knowledge transfer partnerships.
Our research is underpinned by high-quality infrastructure including the £2.4M Cardiff University Structural Performance Laboratory and the £2.5M Characterisation Laboratories for Environmental Engineering Research.
Case studies
Research themes
| Themes | Details |
|---|---|
| Environment and Sustainability | The Environment and Sustainability research theme represents a multidisciplinary approach to some of the biggest challenges that face a society moving towards more renewable energy use and increased need for sustainability. |
| Mechanics, Materials and Advanced Manufacturing | This wide ranging research theme incorporates cutting edge research which fosters innovation and sustainability, supports social and economic development, and contributes to improvements in health and quality of life. |
Centres and groups
| Centres/groups | Details |
|---|---|
| Geoenvironmental Research Centre (GRC) | Shaping the future by tackling the problems caused by the environmental effects of waste, regionally and around the world, and is providing new solutions to energy generation. |
| Hydro-environmental Research Centre (HRC) | Has the aim of of pursuing research into the development and application of computer models for investigating flow, water quality, sediment and contaminant transport processes, in coastal waters, estuaries and river basins. |
| BRE Trust Centre for Sustainable Engineering | Aims to pave the way for a new generation of digital buildings that have lifelong resilience and adaptability to their environment, usage and occupancy. This will be made possible by smart materials and products, integrated design and manufacturing systems, and total lifecycle approaches. |
| Advanced Materials and Computational Mechanics Group | The Group carries out internationally recognised research into engineering materials and processes which can be applied to improve the economics, efficiency and efficacy of construction materials, and the design of safer and more resilient structures. |
Overall ranking
| Pos. | Institution | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cardiff University | 3.44 |
| 2 | Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine | 3.42 |
| 3 | University of Dundee | 3.31 |
| 4 | University of Sheffield | 3.20 |
| 4 | University of Manchester | 3.19 |
| 6 | Newcastle University | 3.18 |
| 7 | University of Leeds | 3.04 |
| 8 | University of Strathclyde | 2.98 |
| 9 | Queen's University of Belfast | 2.84 |
| 9 | University of Birmingham | 2.69 |
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