Research
Teaching and research are linked: the skills and leading edge technology utilized in research projects are transferred to students in the classrooms and laboratories.
The Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering operates environmental, geotechnical, materials, hydraulics, structures and transportation laboratories in Bevill, H.M. Comer, Shelby Hall, and the Science and Engineering Complex Phase III. The Department also maintains several computer labs and two Senior Design Studios equipped with the latest computer-aided design software for students enrolled in CE 401 Civil Engineering Design Project.
Major research topics include pre-project planning for construction projects, evacuation routing during emergencies, contaminants in wet-weather flows, affordable housing through engineering and manufacturing innovation, and the potential safety enhancements of seat belts in school buses.
Specialized Research Units
The Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering also directs four specialized research units:
- Center for Sustainable Infrastructure
- Atmospheric and Environmental Research Operations Program
- Environmental Institute
- University Transportation Center for Alabama