Built Environment Research Cluster

The Built Environment Research Cluster (BERC) is a group of academics and researchers working towards achieving net-zero carbon in the construction industry and buildings. Our focus is on achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the built environment through research into low-carbon construction materials, energy-efficient design and reducing the environmental impact of building construction and maintenance. 

Our aims

The main aim of the BERC is to promote sustainable and energy-efficient solutions in the construction industry and buildings to reduce the environmental impact of the built environment and achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

BERC brings together experts and researchers from various fields, including civil engineering, quantity surveying, architecture and mineral products. This multidisciplinary team brings a wide range of expertise and knowledge to the table, allowing for a holistic approach to addressing the complex challenges of sustainable construction and building.

In terms of collaboration opportunities, BERC works closely with industry partners, government agencies and other research organizations to advance sustainable construction and building practices. We also collaborate with other research clusters and academic institutions to conduct joint research projects and share knowledge and expertise.

Our areas of focus are:

Research Cluster Lead

Van Bac Nguyen
Dr Van Bac Nguyen

Van Bac is an Associate Professor in Civil Engineering. His work is based predominantly in different disciplines of engineering, including structural, mechanical, manufacturing and medical-biolog...

Research Cluster Team

Our research

Detail of the Quarry Stones house in Little Eaton
A novel way to build 'true sustainability'

A “truly sustainable” house, with breathable walls and an “earth tube” for heating, has been built near Derby with the help of a team from our Architecture programme.

Join us

If you are interested in collaborating with our research group or undertaking a PhD, please contact Dr Van Bac Nguyen for further information. 

Publications

  • Hamza, O., Kourdey, A., Hussain, Y. and Mawas, A.H., 2023. Subgrade reaction for closely spaced raft and isolated foundations on sand: case study. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Geotechnical Engineering, pp.1-12. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeen.21.00212 Nguyen, T.T.T., Nguyen, V.B. and Thai, M.Q., 2023. Flexural Strength of Partially
  • Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes Subjected to Lateral Loads by Experimental Testing and Finite Element Modelling. Buildings, 13(1), p.216. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010216   
  • Al-Habaibeh, A., Shakmak, B., Athresh, A., Parker, K. and Hamza, O., 2022. Extracting Energy from Flooded Coal Mines for Heating and Air-Conditioning of Buildings: Opportunities and Challenges. New Technologies in Building and Construction, pp.353-365. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-1894-0_20    
  • Hussain, Y., Schlögel, R., Innocenti, A., Hamza, O., Iannucci, R., Martino, S. and Havenith, H.B., 2022. Review on the Geophysical and UAV-Based Methods Applied to Landslides. Remote Sensing, 14(18), p.4564. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14184564    
  • Qadir, S.J., Nguyen, V.B., Hajirasouliha, I. and English, M.A., 2022. October. Influences of cold working on tensile and bending strength of cold roll formed steel sections contain complex folded-in stiffeners. Cold-Formed Steel Research Consortium (CFSRC) Colloquium. 
  • Ramdas V and Varveri K Connolly L, Sheils E, Lamb M, O’Connor A, Obrien E, Viner H, Bailey H., 2022. Transport Research Arena (TRA) Conference, Portugal, November 2022. 
  • Qadir, S.J., Nguyen, V.B., Hajirasouliha, I., Ceranic, B., Tracada, E. and English, M.A., 2022. Shape optimisation of cold roll formed sections considering effects of cold working. Thin-Walled Structures, 170, p.108576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tws.2021.108576    
  • Do, K.H., Nguyen, V.B., Doan, T.S., Le, H.S. and Phan, V.D., 2021, September. Power energy generation fuel cost optimization for thermal power plants using different type of fuels. In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 2406, No. 1, p. 060009). AIP Publishing LLC. 
  • Hamza, O., Esaker, M., Elliott, D. and Souid, A., 2020. The effect of soil incubation on bio self-healing of cementitious mortar. Materials Today Communications, 24, p.100988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.100988      
  • Hooper R, Bailey H. K, Givens R, Haynes M, Scutt D., 2020. Developing the case for extending service life of asphalt surfacings using hydrated lime. 19th Annual International Conference on Highways, Airports Pavement Engineering, Infrastructures & Asphalt Technology – Sensor City, Liverpool UK 11-12 March 2020.  
  • Hamza, O. and Ikin, J., 2020. Electrokinetic treatment of desiccated expansive clay. Géotechnique, 70(5), pp.421-431. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.18.P.266    
  • Rajpurohit, J.S., Ceranic, B., Latham, D., 2019. Innovative approach to sustainable material sourcing and its impact on building performance. Eco-Architecture VII: Harmonisation between Architecture and Nature, 183, pp.113. https://doi.org/10.2495/ARC180111   
  • Jin-long, L., Hamza, O., Davies-Vollum, K.S. and Jie-qun, L., 2018. Repairing a shield tunnel damaged by secondary grouting. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 80, pp.313-321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2018.07.016    
  • Poon, J. 2017. Relationships between demographic factors and employment prospects of architecture, construction and urban planning graduates. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 13(2), 83–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2016.1153008