RAINDROP
(Resilient eArthwork INfrastructure: Diagnosis, RehabilitatiOn and Prognosis)
An interdisciplinary research cluster for sustainable, intelligent and climate change-resilient infrastructure slopes.
Deterioration of earthworks slopes - such as cuttings and embankments - which support transport infrastructure and act as flood defences is accelerating under increasing weather extremes resulting from global change, damaging critical infrastructure resilience.
This research cluster is a unique opportunity to deliver diagnostic, rehabilitation and forecasting approaches for earthworks stewardship in a dynamic and changing climate.
The cluster will be underpinned by a programme of unique, world-first large-scale experiments in the National Engineered Slope Simulator (NESS) facility, where 45-tonne model slopes will be subjected to accelerated environmental cycles.
Our multi-disciplinary academic team spans Civil Engineering, Materials, Robotics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Computer Science. We will work closely with Network Rail as well as other key stakeholders and collaborators.
