Bridge Management for Safety and Sustainability

Good infrastructure such as bridges on a transport network is the 'lifeline' of a nation's economic growth. However, bridges are man-made and are therefore subject to deterioration. In a world where carbon emissions need to be minimised for everyone's benefit, bridges needs to be maintained in a manner which not only supports everyday lifestyles, but is done so with minimal impact on the environment. Bridge managers face many challenges in keeping their assets safe and in-service to avoid tragedy or severe disruption. This professorial lecture will explore how to ensure infrastructures are fit for purpose with ideas on how to design a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly infrastructure to improve and increase its lifespan and how they can be retained which will in turn reduce the need for more costly demolition and replacement processes.

Fin has researched this topic for many years and his work is one of many examples of how our research tackles global challenges including technological and digital advancements, energy, climate change and the future of work - ensuring future economies can grow and prosper.

Fin O'Flaherty is a Professor of Infrastructure Engineering and Chartered Engineer. He is a researcher and consultant in the University's Centre for Infrastructure Management within the Materials and Engineering Research Institute. He has expertise in the repair and maintenance of concrete bridges and energy efficiency in the built environment. He has a passionate interest in creating solutions to real world infrastructure problems, such as developing analytical solutions for the in-service performance and maintenance of concrete bridges.

He research also involves developing eco-friendly materials and components for use in construction, energy conservation in buildings and transportation.

Fin has regularly and frequently published his research findings in the area of bridge management and low energy infrastructure in high quality journals and international conferences and workshops.

Fin also leads the world's first six-day 'Bridge Inspectors Competence and Training Course' for bridge inspectors, a course that is delivered both in the UK and abroad which provides high impact for his research findings.

Please arrive from 6:00pm for refreshments which will be served in the Cutting Edge Cafe. The lecture will begin at 6:30pm prompt followed by wine and nibbles.