The Centre for Infrastructure Management provides research and development (R&D) expertise to industry (especially SMEs) to develop innovative and novel products which enable the companies to maintain a lead market position.

The Centre also provides a rigorous project management and business planning expertise to support the development and commercialisation stage of a project.

It has a significant track record of developing novel products in recent years - examples are

• a Cam Driven Coupling System for pressurised pipelines developed in collaboration with an SME. The system has been patented internationally and is in its commercialisation stage
• an innovative Restraining Joint System for steel pipes developed for a major utility company
• optimisation of a jacking pipe coupling system developed for an SME
• hi-tech, low voltage (eg 24v) versatile thermal system developed with an SME for construction applications e.g. accelerated curing system for concrete, winter concreting and de-icing applications for bridge decks
• optimisation of corrosion prevention systems being developed in collaboration with a leading professional practice through a Royal Society Industry Fellowship award
• an accelerated test for chloride diffusion in concrete, for industrial use, being developed in collaboration with a large professional practice
• an Expert System for optimum repair of bridge infrastructure, developed in collaboration with a software producer SME
• a bridge management expert system developed in collaboration with a software producer SME