Structural Engineering & Civil Engineering Informatics

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Structural engineering is the branch of civil engineering that deals with large, modern buildings and similar structures. The focus of Civil engineering informatics is on fundamental methods, models and processes of civil engineering, as well as information technology. This provides the basis for the systematic mapping of problems to the computer in such a way that the potential of information technology can be fully exploited.

All aspects of structural engineering are provided for within the group, including structural analysis and computational mechanics, concrete, steel and other structures, building materials with special reference to concrete technology and masonry and fire engineering. Facilities are available for the experimental and numerical examination of structures.

Instruction is provided and research is conducted to lead to improved design and construction of civil engineering structures. The field of Information Technology for Civil Engineers, which resides within this Group, provides for the extensive use of information and modelling in civil engineering.

Fields of specialisation within the Group include concrete technology, 3D printing, building materials and sustainability, fire engineering, structural reliability, steel structures, application of information technology, facilities management and building infrastructure. A well-equipped materials laboratory and a large structural laboratory with servo-hydraulic loading equipment and computerised data measurement systems support advanced studies and research. Extensive computer facilities support structural analysis and information technology for civil engineers.

The Group also offers specialist consultation services to industry. In addition to commissioned research, industry is provided the opportunity to support academic research and to support training of specialists in the post-graduate programs.

Within the Group, the Centre for Development of Sustainable Infrastructure (CDSI) and the Unit for Construction Materials (UCM) strive to be centres of excellence and top institutes for infrastructure development and construction materials in South Africa for teaching, research and consulting. Members include both staff and postgraduate students, with a wide network of local and international collaborators. Student training and teaching is the fundamental function of the CDSI and the UCM, but service to the industry by means of consulting and dissemination of information in the form of seminars, is paramount to ensure relevancy.

For enquiries regarding laboratory testing services, contact Prof Riaan Combrinck.

Babafemi-Adewumi
Prof Adewumi Babafemi
Smart Materials & Construction, Sustainable Construction Technologies, Autonomous Construction, Modular and Off-Site Construction
021 808 4475
Office: S3019
ORCID Google Scholar
Combrinck
Prof Riaan Combrinck
Construction Materials, Cement Based Materials, Concrete
021 808 4946
Office: S4015
ORCID Google Scholar
Nico
Prof Nico de Koker
Uncertainty Quantification, Engineering Informatics
021 808 4434
Office: S3011
ORCID Google Scholar
De Villiers
Prof Wibke de Villiers
Masonry, Alternative Building Materials
021 808 4072
Office: S3021
ORCID Google Scholar
Courtney
Dr Courtney Devine
Fire Engineering Research Unit
Office: S4010
ORCID
Fataar
Dr Humaira Fataar
Fibre Reinforced Concrete
021 808 4445
Office: S3020
ORCID Google Scholar
Trevor
Prof Trevor Haas
Structural Engineering, Seismic Analysis, Structural Dynamics, Engineering Education
021 808 4438
Office: S4016
ORCID Google Scholar
Prof Jacques Kruger
Prof Jacques Kruger
3D Concrete Printing, Rheo-, Structural- And Interface Mechanics, Construction Materials
+27 21 808 4442
Office: S3051
ORCID Google Scholar
Pierre
Prof Pierre van der Spuy
Adjunct Associate Professor Bridge Engineering and Renewable Energy Structures
ORCID Google Scholar
Van
Dr Algurnon van Rooyen
Material Development, Characterization, Durability, 3D Printing
021 808 9510
Office: S3040
ORCID
Van
Prof Gideon van Zijl
3D Concrete Printing, Structural and Computational Mechanics, Durability
021 808 4436
Office: S3023
ORCID Google Scholar
Vilijoen
Prof Celeste Viljoen
Risk-Based Decision Making, Structural Design and Standardisation, Structural Reliability.
021 808 4444
Office: S3038
ORCID Google Scholar
Richard
Prof Richard Walls
Structural Fire Engineering, Fire Behaviour, Informal Settlement Fire Safety
021 808 9584
Office: S4009
ORCID Google Scholar

Specific research topics for the upcoming year are available below but feel free to contact our researchers directly as well.

Structural Engineering and Civil Informatics Research Topics 2026