Material science and structural engineering: a chance to make a difference

Drawing on insights from major infrastructure projects, this technical lecture explored best practices for reducing embodied carbon in construction.

This technical lecture provides an introduction to the design of seismically-resistant confined masonry structures, drawing on lessons from a project in East Africa. It supports the Institution’s Pan-African Structural Engineering Knowledge Partnership.

Calcined clay has emerged as one of the most promising solutions to the challenge of finding a replacement to ground granulated blast-furnace slag and pulverised fuel ash or fly ash. This article examines its technical properties, environmental benefits, and practical implementation for structural engineers within current standards and practices.