CUIIC awarded major NSERC Alliance Grant for underground infrastructure research

The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) announces the award of a Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Alliance Grant for the groundbreaking project titled "Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction in Design, Construction, Repair, and Maintenance of Underground Infrastructure."

This initiative, led by Dr. Alireza Bayat, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of CUIIC, brings together three Canadian universities to develop innovative strategies and technologies aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions across various phases of underground infrastructure projects. The co-applicants include Dr. E. Davies, Dr. L. Hashemian, and Dr. S. J. Birchall (University of Alberta); Dr. R. Dziedzic (Concordia University); and Dr. I. L. Stefanovic (University of Toronto).

NSERC and 21 industry partners are funding cash and in-kind contributions totalling three million dollars over five years. The research will provide training opportunities for ten graduate and undergraduate students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and interact with industry professionals in the field of underground infrastructure.

The Industry Partners include: Associated Engineering, EPCOR Water Services Inc., Metro Vancouver, Insituform Technologies, Region of Peel, AECOM, UDI Edmonton, Alberta Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association, Mott MacDonald Canada Ltd, Stantec Consulting Ltd., ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd, Dura-Line, eTrenchless Group, Lafarge Canada Inc., North American Society for Trenchless Technologies-NW Chapter, ParklandGEO, Precon, PW Trenchless Construction Inc., Westlake Pipe & Fittings, Benjamin Media Inc., Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association.

Jason Lueke, P.Eng., Ph.D., National Discipline Leader, Trenchless Technologies, says, “Associated Engineering is excited to collaborate with CUIIC, NSERC, and our industry partners on this important program to develop strategies to reduce GHG emissions on underground infrastructure projects.”

CUIIC, housed at the University of Alberta, continues to be at the forefront of research and innovation in underground infrastructure leading collaborative efforts between academia and industry to address critical infrastructure challenges.

Dr. Bayat expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "This initiative will advance sustainable practices in the design, construction, repair, and maintenance of underground infrastructure, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to environmental conservation efforts."