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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/J004294/1
Title: Future Infrastructure Forum (FIF) - a network for resilient and sustainable infrastructure
Principal Investigator: Middleton, Professor C
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Arup Group Ltd Atkins BRE Group (Building Res Establishment)
Cardiff University CH2M Hill (Halcrow) CIRIA
Costain Geotechnical Asset Owners Forum Gifford and Partners
Hapold Consulting Ltd Highways Agency Humber Bridge Board
Imperial College London Infrastructure and Project Authority Institution of Civil Engineers
Laing O'Rourke Ltd London Underground Ltd Loughborough University
Modern Built Environment Mott Macdonald National Grid
Network Rail Newcastle University Parsons Brinckerhoff
Sir Robert McAlpine Transport for London Transport Scotland
TRL Ltd (Transport Research Laboratory) UCL University of Bath
University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Edinburgh
University of Manchester, The University of Nottingham University of Oxford
University of Reading University of Sheffield University of Southampton
University of Surrey University of Warwick Vinci Construction UK Ltd
Welsh Government WSP Civils
Department: Engineering
Organisation: University of Cambridge
Scheme: Network
Starts: 03 October 2011 Ends: 02 April 2013 Value (£): 143,809
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Building Ops & Management Construction Ops & Management
Ground Engineering Structural Engineering
Urban & Land Management
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Construction
Related Grants:
EP/J004251/1
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
07 Apr 2011 Ground and Structural Engineering Research Challenge Networks Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
The economic and social well-being of society is dependent on the efficient performance of the nation's infrastructure which encompasses transport networks (roads, bridges, railways, tunnels, airports and canals), the energy sector (power stations, electricity and gas distribution networks), water supply and waste treatment facilities, buildings and also digital communications networks (telephone and internet).

Much of this infrastructure is in a serious state of disrepair or reaching the end of its economic life (e.g. the first generation nuclear power stations) and governments have recognised the need for substantial investment to regenerate and expand the existing infrastructure as well as build new infrastructure to meet the challenges posed by increasing population and climate change.

In addition to these requirements, a recent Infrastructure UK report suggests that the construction industry in the UK is less efficient and significantly more expensive than counterparts on the continent and overseas. It highlighted the need for a radical rethink of the entire industry which is often characterised as being 'old and slow' as opposed to the 'new and fast' technology sectors such as the aerospace and automobile industries. The fragmented nature of the overall supply chain, and the length of innovation cycle (20 years or more) have historically made industry transformation difficult to deliver. The industry also creates significant waste. Out of 420m tonnes of material consumed in the UK each year, an estimated 20% is thrown away.

In 2008 the then Labour government set a series of challenging targets to improve sustainability in the construction sector. These include: (a) improve design; (b) promote innovation sustainability; (c) improve procurement and adopt whole life cycle principles; (d) increase training and reduce accidents; (e) achieve 50% reduction in construction waste to landfill by 2012; (f) reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050 and at least 34% by 2020 and (g) conserve water and enhance biodiversity on construction sites. Although some of these targets may be modified by the new government, it is likely that many will still be enforced and there remains a firm commitment to sustainable construction.

On top of these targets, there is growing recognition that our infrastructure needs to be more resilient to the extremes of weather (such as floods and snow in the UK and hurricanes in Australia), and to the loads imposed by natural hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as man-made events such as terrorist bombs and fires. All of these drivers serve to emphasise the importance of finding a mechanism to promote and implement the changes required. A 'business as usual' approach cannot be continued if these targets are to be achieved.

The mission of the proposed Future Infrastructure Forum (FIF) is to generate a new vision of the shape of tomorrow's construction industry by providing a roadmap of research priorities in the ground and structural engineering sectors which will lead to firm proposals for innovative research aimed at revolutionizing how we procure, design and deliver major infrastructure projects. A key feature of this Forum is its broad membership which includes academics from over 20 of the top research Universities in the UK plus representatives from major consultants, contractors and industry and client organisations. In addition, a panel of experts from key international markets will be invited to participate and highlight the state-of-the-art and recent innovations across the globe. A core function will be to identify specific areas of focus and research projects which could be instigated immediately to precipitate this transformation. It will promote a total rethink of the fundamental approach to design, challenge established norms and stimulate innovation in construction.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website: http://www.cam.ac.uk