Sustainable offsite construction university project completes

The academic and industry partnership between the University of Cambridge, Ramboll, Laing O'Rourke, Trimble and Severfield reached a major milestone this week, completing the launch of the university’s engineering department’s innovative project module to actively promote sustainable offsite construction.

The 2-week module ‘Sustainable Offsite Construction’, led by Professor Dr Brian Sheil prepares third-year students with fundamental project management skills, and modern construction methodologies with practical skill development sessions culminating in the on-site construction of a 13m bridge using modular components. The bridge uses fundamental principles and innovations from Ramboll's ongoing partnership with Laing O'Rourke in modular 'Digital Bridges', using reusable precast reinforced concrete to expand the environmental and financial sustainability in construction methodology.

The module also focusses on the importance of teamwork, health and safety, scheduling and the practical aspects of engineering theory, and aims to provide students with a rounded insight into the collaborative nature required throughout a project from design to completion. At the end of the module, the students presented on their experience, which will feed into next year’s module.

Speaking following the completion of the construction, Dr Brian Sheil said: “We are delighted to have successfully completed this new hands-on ‘Sustainable Offsite Construction’ project to our third-year engineering students offering them a window into the design and delivery of a real-world construction project. Working closely with our industry partners, they learned the importance of collaboration, communication, the need to draw on their technical strengths to problem-solve on-the-fly, and the complexity (and fun!) of the construction industry.”

John Armitage, Ramboll Technical Director, UK added: "It has been a great privilege for Ramboll to have been involved in the design and construction of this bridge, and see the enthusiasm, passion and skills that the students have brought to it. Collaboration has been at the heart of this, between Ramboll's Buildings and Transport teams, and partners at Laing O'Rourke and the University of Cambridge.

“By embedding ourselves into the learning of the next generation of engineers, we build a group more conscious of sustainability challenges we as industry to face, who have the spark to seek out the solutions that will make a difference for the future”.