Civil engineering research
Civil engineering deals with the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the infrastructure behind the buildings, transportation networks and public amenities that keep modern society moving. Our research in the subject explores how such projects can become more efficient, and how civil engineering and surveying can help solve the environmental problems facing society.
In our construction management and surveying research, we're working to better understand the increasingly-complex and highly-pressurised nature of modern construction – from the rising prevalence of hybrid technology, to the challenges of managing component supply chains. And in doing so, we're developing new approaches to project management that take these new challenges into account.
At a time when the issues of climate change and pollution are ever-more at the forefront of public concern and political debate, we're also exploring ways to transform our civil engineering and surveying expertise into real-world solutions to the planet's environmental crises.
In our environmental technology and management research, we're finding sustainable ways of tackling pollution caused by rising populations and increased urbanisation, and developing the technology required to deal with new pollutants in the environment, such as pharmaceuticals and microplastics. We're also studying how to create better urban infrastructure – so that the urban landscape of the future is more sustainable and environmentally-friendly.
Explore our areas of expertise
Find out more about the facilities and research methods that shape our Civil Engineering research – and learn more about our recent projects, the academic and industrial partners with whom we collaborate, and the major funders who fund our work.
Building Design, Construction Management and Surveying
We're working to understand the increasingly complex and pressurised nature of modern construction, and developing new approaches to project management that take these new challenges into account.
Environmental Technology and Management
We're finding sustainable ways of tackling pollution, developing the technology needed to deal with new pollutants, and finding ways to build sustainable, environmentally-friendly urban landscapes.
Interested in a PhD in Business & Management?
Explore our Business & Management postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils.
Research groups
Construction Management and Surveying Research Group
Our construction management and surveying researchers explore sustainability and regeneration, quantity surveying and construction law, the application of computer systems in construction, and design in construction processes.
Environmental Technology and Management Research Group
This University of Portsmouth research group was one of the pioneers in establishing Constructed Wetlands. Explore their previous research projects. Read more.
Microplastics research group
The University of Portsmouth is researching the impact of microplastics on human health and the environment, and finding innovative solutions to plastic pollution.
Materials Structures and Geotechnics Research Group
Our research group at the University of Portsmouth covers advanced composite structures, safety & security engineering, and more. Discover our research now.
