Background

OISD: Technology is an interdisciplinary research group working in the fields of construction technology, structures, building physics and sustainability. The group is involved in both pure and 'close to industry' research with a wide portfolio of UK, European and international activities. It has a broad technical skill base that includes architecture, building physics, structural and mechanical engineering and construction economics.

Research expertise

• Modern methods of construction and prefabrication
• Sustainable building design
• Construction and life cycle costing
• Steel, concrete, timber, masonry and glass construction
• Construction design guidance and regulation
• Building physics including: thermal, acoustic, structural and air-tightness testing and analysis
• Building envelope systems
• Product and systems development
• CAD and computer modelling

Selected recent/current research activity

• International building monitoring for IISI ‘Living Steel’ demonstration projects (Poland, India, China) (International Iron and Steel Institute).
• Development of novel high performance cladding systems including systems based on nanotechnology materials (DTI).
• Support to UK steel sector.
• Development of thin wall cladding systems
• Development of off-site and modular construction technologies
• Design of cladding systems to achieve air-tightness

Training opportunities

• PhD and research opportunities exist generally in the field of architectural technology and particularly in the areas of expertise listed above.

Some recent research publications

• Baiche, B., Walliman, N. & Ogden, R. (2007) Thin-joint glued brickwork: A novel technique for the UK construction industry. Masonry International, 19, pp 97-112.
• Baiche, B., Kendrick, C., Ogden, R. & Walliman, N. (2007) The development of a composite masonry unit for the UK construction industry. Masonry International, 20, pp 11-28.
• Baiche, B., Walliman, N. and Ogden, R., (2006) Compliance with Building Regulations in England and Wales. Structural Survey, 24 (4), pp 279-299 (Emerald Literati Network 2007 Highly Commended award)
• Ogden, R.G., Grubb, P.J., Lawson, R.M. and Pedreschi, R. (2006) Developments in light steel composites in floors and roofs. The Structural Engineer, 84 (21), pp 44-50.
• Kendrick, C and Walliman, N. (2007) Removing unwanted heat in lightweight buildings using phase change materials in building components: simulation modelling for PCM plasterboard. Architectural Science Review, 50 (3), pp 265-273.
• Baiche, B., Kendrick, C. and Ogden, R. (2007) Airtightness in the recent Part L of the Building Regulations; the case of buildings with metal envelopes. Structural Survey, 25 (5), pp 355-373.
• Wang, X. et al. (2007) Re-use of condensed water to improve performance of an air cycle refrigeration system for transport applications. Applied Energy, 84(9), pp 874-881

External links

• Research and consultancy partnerships with practice and industry, especially in the area of modern methods of construction
• Strategic research partnerships with UK steel sector
• Host institute of the Corus Colorcoat Centre for the Building Envelope