Teams

Established in 1982, the Centre de recherche sur les infrastructures en béton is a research center funded by the Fonds Québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT). Its objectives are to develop new materials and tools to predict and improve the life expectancy of existing structures and structures in need of repair.

CRIB also strives to better estimate the financial, social and environmental costs involved in constructing and maintaining concrete infrastructures. CRIB’s program is part of Quebec’s policy framework on the sustainable development of society’s resources.

In 2005, CRIB comprised over 200 members, including 27 principal investigators at the following institutions:

• Université de Concordia, Department of Building, Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)
• École Polytechnique, Civil, Geological and Mine Engineering Department

• Université de Montréal, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
• Université de Sherbrooke, Faculties of Engineering and Sciences
• Université Laval, School of Architecture, Faculties of Business Administration and Engineering Sciences
• McGill University, Faculty of Engineering.

Our multidisciplinary, complimentary teams are made up of civil engineers, geological engineers, chemists and economical analysts working in the following three research areas:

• Extending the service life of new structures.
• Optimizing the repair and maintenance of existing structures.
• Sustainable development and innovative technologies.

Since its inception, CRIB has continually striven to train highly skilled personnel. In the past three years, over 250 graduate students have benefited from the group’s activities. Student supervision and guidance is a very important aspect of CRIB’s mission. As it happens, the construction industry is currently undergoing a complete transformation, which significantly increases the demand for qualified engineers and scientists.

At the same time, CRIB works in collaboration with its industrial and government partners, setting up a number of demonstration projects. Our researchers also attend various events to share their knowledge and findings. Because of its concerted efforts and international reputation, CRIB has been selected by the Réunion internationale des laboratoires d’études sur les matériaux (RILEM) to host a major conference on the behaviour of concrete structures in September 2006.

The Researchers’ Assembly, which meets twice annually, brings together all the researchers and elected representatives (professional researchers, graduate students and postdoctoral interns at CRIB).

The executive officers are elected by the Researchers’ Assembly, and are responsible for the allocation and use of the annual budget as well as scientific development for the Centre. They conduct an annual review of the contributions of individual members to insure that everyone is participating equally in the collective research effort. They meet at least three times a year to examine and coordinate the various proposals for joint funding, intensive courses, etc.

Each research field at CRIB is overseen by a designated executive officer, who ensures scientific coordination between members.

The Advisory Council regularly reviews the research program and ensures synergy between scientific progress and the evolving needs of society. Every 18 months, the Council meets with the Chairman, the Executive Committee and the research offices of the universities.