About Us
About the RAmCI Cluster
Driving Innovation in Infrastructure Risk and Asset Management
The Risk and Asset Management on Civil Infrastructures (RAmCI) Cluster is a dynamic research group integrated within the Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE) at the University of Minho, Portugal.
Our core mission is to advance the state-of-the-art in managing the built environment. We focus on developing innovative approaches and cutting-edge solutions for the comprehensive risk assessment and asset management of civil infrastructures. This includes addressing the challenges posed by natural aging, the increasing frequency of extreme events, and the evolving demands of a sustainable society.
Through interdisciplinary research and strong collaborations, RAmCI aims to enhance the safety, resilience, performance, and sustainability of critical infrastructures, contributing significantly to both academic knowledge and practical applications in the industry.
10+ ongoing
- €5.1M total funding
Our Mission & Vision
Driving Innovation for a Resilient Future
At RAmCI, our research and activities are guided by a clear commitment to advancing the field of civil infrastructure management. We strive to contribute meaningfully to a safer, more resilient, and sustainable built environment through the following core principles and goals:
Our Mission
To be a leading international research cluster advancing knowledge and developing innovative solutions for the risk and asset management of civil infrastructures, ensuring their safety, resilience, and sustainability for society and the environment.
Our Philosophy
At RAmCI, we believe that the future of civil infrastructure hinges on a proactive, collaborative, and innovative approach. Our philosophy is rooted in the pursuit of scientific excellence combined with a strong commitment to real-world impact. We foster an environment that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, embraces cutting-edge technologies, and champions sustainable and resilient solutions. We are dedicated to not only advancing knowledge but also to sharing it widely and nurturing the next generation of experts who will shape a safer and more efficient built environment.
Our Vision
To be globally recognized for excellence in research, education, and impactful contributions that shape the future of infrastructure management, fostering a paradigm shift towards proactive, data-driven, and sustainable practices.
Our Strategic Objectives
- To enhance the management of the built environment, addressing both natural aging and the increasing occurrence of extreme events of natural and human origin.
- To develop and implement advanced survey technologies for existing infrastructures across various scales.
- To support institutions in optimizing the management of information derived from their assets.
- To formulate robust recommendations and protocols for incorporation into future regulations and standards.
- To establish and define effective strategies for the improved implementation of inspection and maintenance plans.
- To integrate multi-scale measurement techniques, from satellite observations to on-site data acquisition.
- To comprehensively study the most probable extreme events, whether occurring individually or in combination, and to develop scenarios considering associated climate change impacts.
Areas of Expertise
Mastering the Complexities of Infrastructure Management
The RAmCI cluster brings together a diverse range of specialized skills and deep knowledge in critical areas of civil infrastructure risk and asset management. Our expertise enables us to tackle complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions across the entire lifecycle of the built environment. Our main competences include:
Structural Performance Evaluation
Assessing the robustness, redundancy, and safety of existing structures through advanced evaluation methods.
Risk and Resilience Analysis
Analyzing and enhancing the resilience of infrastructure against extreme events, including climate change impacts.
Data Analysis and Modelling
Developing forecasting models and applying Big Data analysis for decision-making in infrastructure management.
Infrastructure Asset Management
Specializing in asset management strategies, optimization, and decision-making models for infrastructures.
Digital Technologies for Facility Management
Implementing BIM, BrIM, Digital Twins, and Holographic Computing for facility management and infrastructure data visualization.
Advanced Sensing and GIS
Utilizing GIS, UAVs/drones, and sensing technologies for comprehensive data acquisition and spatial analysis of infrastructures.
Structural Evaluation of Existing Structures:
In-depth assessment of the structural performance, including robustness and redundancy, of existing civil infrastructures to ensure their safety and longevity.
Development of Forecasting Models for Existing Structures:
Creating advanced predictive models to forecast the future condition and behavior of structures, enabling proactive maintenance and management strategies.
"Big Data" Analysis and Data Fusion (Inference):
Leveraging the power of Big Data analytics and sophisticated data fusion techniques to extract meaningful insights and support informed decision-making for infrastructure assets.
Asset Management for Infrastructures:
Comprehensive asset management strategies specifically tailored for civil infrastructures, optimizing performance, cost, and risk throughout their operational life.
Optimization and Decision-Making (Resilience Models):
Developing and applying advanced optimization algorithms and decision-making frameworks, including resilience models, to enhance infrastructure preparedness and response.
Risk Analysis and Resilience for Extreme Events (incl. Climate Changes):
Specialized analysis of risks associated with extreme events (natural and man-made), including the impacts of climate change, and developing strategies to bolster infrastructure resilience.
BIM and BrIM for Facility Management (FM):
Utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM) for efficient and integrated facility management, data handling, and lifecycle support.
GIS and UAV / Drones:
Employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/Drones) for advanced spatial data acquisition, mapping, inspection, and monitoring of infrastructures.
Design and Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions:
Innovating in the design and practical application of nature-based solutions to enhance infrastructure sustainability, resilience, and environmental harmony.
Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life-Cycle Cost (LCC):
Conducting thorough life-cycle assessments and life-cycle cost analyses to evaluate the environmental and economic performance of infrastructure projects and assets.
Circular Economy in Construction:
Promoting and researching circular economy principles within the construction sector, focusing on material reuse, waste reduction, and sustainable resource management.
Design and Production of Sustainable Materials:
Advancing the development and application of innovative and sustainable construction materials to reduce environmental impact and enhance durability.
Holographic Computing (AR/MR):
Exploring and implementing holographic computing, Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies for enhanced visualization, interaction, and on-site support in infrastructure projects.
Our Impact & Recognition
Driving Change, Earning Distinction
The RAmCI cluster is committed to research that not only advances academic knowledge but also creates a tangible positive impact on society, industry, and the environment. Our work is recognized through significant contributions to global challenges and distinctions awarded to our team and projects.
Making a Difference: Our Contributions:
Advanced Applications & Decision Support: We develop and implement advanced applications for comprehensive risk assessment, resilience building, and sustainable practices in infrastructure management. Our work directly supports improved decision-making through robust support systems.
Cutting-Edge Technologies & Data Management: RAmCI efficiently integrates and manages cutting-edge technologies, emphasizing careful data processing and utilization. This includes sensoring applications, GIS platforms, BIM databases, and early warning systems, ensuring data-driven insights for asset management.
Influencing Standards & Practices: Through our research, we contribute to the development of rigorous quality control plans, a comprehensive understanding of natural and human-made hazards, and strategies for adapting to climate change, aiming to influence future regulations and industry best practices.
Alinhamento com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS):
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Our research actively aligns with and contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals. We focus on:
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): By providing technical support for transport infrastructure management, developing BIM/GIS and road management software, and utilizing technologies like sensors and robotics to improve data acquisition and operational functionality.
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Through engagement with local communities and stakeholders to understand their needs, identify vulnerabilities (e.g., fire, flooding), and develop risk assessment and prevention plans for urban critical infrastructures.
SDG 13 (Climate Action): By researching the effects of climate change on extreme events, developing forecasting models, and promoting sustainable development practices such as CO2 reduction through optimized traffic flow and infrastructure lifecycle management.
Recognized Excellence
Awards & Distinctions
Senior Scientist Award (EUROSTRUCT 2021)
Awarded at the first conference of EUROSTRUCT – European Association for the Quality Control of Bridges and Structures, Padua, Italy.
IconSWM-CE Award (2020)
For Excellent Presentation by E.R. Teixeira on "Reduction of construction and demolition wastes with its reuse in different construction scenarios" at the 10th International Conference on Sustainable Waste Management.
Outstanding Paper Award (IABSE Awards 2019)
In the Scientific Paper category (OPAC) for "Shear Performance Mechanism Description Using Digital Image Correlation” (Co-author: J.C. Matos).
GRAA Award (2017)
For "Asset Preservation & Maintenance Management,” Projecto SustIMS – Sustainable Infrastructure Management System (Coordinator: Jose C. Matos, University of Minho).
Best Paper (CERI2016)
At the Civil Engineering Student Research Competition in Ireland 2016 for “Integrating multivariate techniques in bridge management systems for life-cycle prediction" (Hanley, C., Matos, J. C., Kelliher, D., Pakrashi, V.).