Concrete structures expert recognised by leading institution

Professor Nick Buenfeld made new Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering - News

Tuesday 18 July 2011
by Colin Smith

An Imperial expert who has helped to make some of the world’s largest concrete infrastructures more sustainable, reliable, safe and durable has been recognised this month for his outstanding contribution to engineering by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Professor Nick Buenfeld, from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, was made a new Fellow of the Academy, which promotes excellence in the science, art and practice of engineering. Professor Buenfeld was among 59 new Fellows from around the world to be recognised by the Academy.

Imperial’s Professor Buenfeld, who will take over from Professor David Nethercot as the new head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in September 2011, says:

“I feel very fortunate to be elected a new Fellow by an institution that plays such a vital role in advancing engineering in the UK and abroad. I am indebted to the excellent students and research assistants who I have worked with over the years who have helped to make this honour possible. This recognition is a pat on the back for my technical contributions in the fields of concrete technology and structural engineering. It also comes at a time when I am about to take on a new challenge, where my focus will move away from my own research to fostering excellence in the department, building on the good work already done to provide an environment where students and staff can excel.”

Professor Buenfeld has been involved in developing sensor systems that give an early warning to engineers, telling them if structures such as bridges are becoming unsafe.

Professor Buenfeld was recognised by the Academy for his research and consultancy work with industry on concrete structures including bridges, tunnels, dry-docks, offshore structures and major public buildings. Approximately 6 billion cubic metres of concrete is produced each year and for every tonne generated, a further tonne of CO₂ is emitted into the atmosphere. Professor Buenfeld’s work focuses on developing techniques to help governments and industry to conserve existing infrastructures and build new structures that last longer to ensure that the use of concrete is more sustainable.

Imaging the structure of concrete at the microscopic level using electron microscopy, is one example of the techniques that Professor Buenfeld uses to improve our understanding of how concrete deteriorates over time. He has developed computer models to predict how structures will age and methods to make new structures more durable. He is also involved in developing sensor systems to monitor concrete structures, providing an early warning for engineers by alerting them if structures are in danger of failing.

Working with the UK consultancy firm AMEC and EDF Energy on the Hinkley Point nuclear power plant project in the UK is one example of Professor Buenfeld’s work. Nuclear power plants rely on concrete shells and massive concrete platforms called “rafts” to prevent radiation from leaking and to protect the reactors from external impacts such as aircraft damage. Professor Buenfeld has been advising engineers on how to overcome some of the technical challenges including pouring thousands of cubic metres of concrete in one go and preventing cracking.

Professor Jeff Magee, Principal of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial, adds: “I think many of us do not even realise just how important concrete is to our modern existence. It forms the basis of our built environment; from our cities, to our transport systems, to our energy generation methods. Nick’s research ensures that these infrastructures, which we rely on so heavily, will be safe and last for years to come. I am delighted to hear that he has been made a new Fellow the Royal Academy of Engineering. It is an honour that is well deserved.”