UBC leads groundbreaking research in Arctic infrastructure engineering, focusing on permafrost preservation, coastal resilience, and innovative construction technologies that address the unique challenges of building and maintaining infrastructure in Canada's northern regions.

Researchers at UBC are developing comprehensive solutions for Arctic infrastructure challenges, including artificial ground freezing systems to combat permafrost thaw, modular construction technologies optimized for cold climates, and coastal engineering approaches for Arctic shoreline protection. These innovations are critical for maintaining existing northern infrastructure and enabling sustainable development in Arctic regions.

UBC's interdisciplinary approach combines geotechnical engineering, structural design, and climate adaptation strategies to create resilient infrastructure solutions that can withstand the changing Arctic environment while supporting northern communities and economic development. 

Research Excellence Clusters

Smart Infrastructure and Construction Research Cluster (SICRC)

Led by Dr. Tony Yang, this research excellence cluster focuses on next-generation construction technologies including earthquake-resilient modular construction, mass timber building systems, and automated construction processes. The group's work on modular construction is particularly relevant for Arctic applications.

Coastal Systems Engineering Laboratory

Directed by Dr. Enda Murphy, this laboratory specializes in coastal hazard risk management, nature-based coastal solutions, and climate adaptation strategies. The lab's expertise in coastal engineering and flood risk assessment is essential for addressing the unique challenges of Arctic coastlines.

Mining and Geotechnical Engineering Research

Dr. Ali Madiseh's research program addresses advanced mine energy systems and ground stability challenges, with particular focus on artificial ground freezing technologies and sustainable mining operations in permafrost regions. This research directly applies to Arctic infrastructure challenges related to foundation stability.

Major Partners

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Research Expertise

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Ali Madiseh portrait

Ali Madiseh

Associate Professor, Mining Engineering, Canada Research Chair in Advanced Mine Energy Systems

Artificial ground freezing systems for permafrost preservation, renewable energy systems for northern operations, thermal management for infrastructure stability, sustainable mining technologies in Arctic conditions

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Tony Yang portrait

Tony Yang

Professor, Civil Engineering

Modular and automated construction systems, cold climate construction technologies, earthquake-resilient building design, mass timber construction for northern applications, robotic construction systems

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Enda Murphy portrait

Enda Murphy

Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering

Coastal engineering and hazard management, nature-based coastal protection solutions, climate adaptation for Arctic shorelines, compound flood risk assessment, sustainable coastal infrastructure design

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Carlos Molina-Hutt portrait

Carlos Molina-Hutt

Associate Professor, Civil Engineering

Structural engineering for extreme environments, seismic design of northern infrastructure, performance-based design approaches, structural health monitoring systems

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UBC is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people (Musqueam; which means 'People of the River Grass') and Syilx Okanagan Nation. The land has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam and Syilx peoples, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history and traditions from one generation to the next.

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