Center Overview
The Center for the Integration of Composites Into Infrastructure (CICI) improves, in cost and quality, the process of building and fixing civil and military structures through the use of composites. CICI carries out its work by coordinating efforts between universities and the composites and construction industries. Education is a cornerstone of CICI, as students and practicing engineers in infrastructure require new skills to take advantage of composites.
The mission of CICI is to accelerate the adoption of polymer composites and innovated construction material into infrastructure and transportation applications through collaborative research.
Efficient infrastructure systems such as highways, bridges, buildings, pipelines, flood control systems, and utilities are necessary for a healthy economy and comfortable standard of living. Concrete, steel, and timber are the backbones of physical infrastructure. High-strength polymer composites have been used in aerospace technologies for about five decades and their use in civil infrastructure spans about 20 years. The widespread use of polymer composites in infrastructure allows for longer service lives and reduced maintenance costs.
CICI’s research focuses on ways to synergize different fibers and polymers, including natural materials and those with biological components, to create new application areas and rehabilitation techniques, thus expanding market potential.
Universities
- Texas A&M University
- West Virginia University
- North Carolina State University
- University of Miami
- University of Texas, Arlington
Center Personnel
Ray Liang
Managing Director
3042939348
rliang@wvu.edu
Rudolf Seracino
9195152444
rudi_seracino@ncsu.edu
Anand Puppala
9798626777
anandp@tamu.edu
Anand Puppala
8172722105
anandp@tamu.edu
Antonio Nanni
3052843924
nanni@miami.edu
Hota GangaRao
3042933998
Hota.Gangarao@mail.wvu.edu
Research Focus
Research is carried out on scientific topics fundamental to polymer composites, including:
- Aging phenomenon.
- Fatigue response.
- Fire and blast protection.
- Smart structure development.
- Nondestructive testing.
- Strength and service life predictions.
CICI also develops products that can be made through a wide variety of manufacturing processes and that offer numerous market opportunities. Those research projects can be grouped into the following four topic areas:
- Codes, specifications, and guidance.
- Design implementation and evaluation.
- Durability and aging.
- Materials development, characterization, manufacturing, and recycling.