ISIS Canada researcher receives major funding for infrastructure

March 21, 2001 - Dr. Dagmar Svecova, a University of Manitoba researcher and project leader for ISIS Canada (Intelligent Sensing for Innovative Structures), has secured $519,649 to develop a research and development facility for the renewal of public infrastructure in Northern Canada. The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), under its New Opportunities Fund, and the Manitoba Innovation Fund will each contribute $206,026 toward the facility with additional funding from Manitoba Hydro and local industries.

This advanced research facility will enable Dr. Svecova's research on the durability of FRP (fibre-reinforced polymer) strengthening techniques for timber structures. The facility houses accelerated environmental and loading tests to verify the durability of rehabilitated structural components and materials. Manitoba Highways and Government Services has estimated it will cost millions to replace its aging timber bridges that are nearing the end of their service life. By using ISIS Canada's technique to strengthen and rehabilitate the Tourond Creek Bridge (south of Winnipeg) the Province spent only 15 % of that required to replace the structure.

"This funding acknowledges the relevance of ISIS Canada's work and the need for world class R&D facilities if our researchers are to remain internationally competitive," said Dr. Aftab Mufti, President of ISIS Canada. " It is also an excellent investment in attracting and retaining the most sought after researchers."

ISIS Canada, head quartered at the University of Manitoba, is a network of 12 universities, 200 researchers, 36 demonstration projects, and 70 private sector partners.

Through its fundamental and applied research, ISIS Canada is providing civil engineers with smarter ways to build, repair and monitor civil engineering structures reinforced using high strength, non corroding fibre-reinforced polymers and fibre optic sensors. The high cost of maintaining and building new infrastructure is causing a crisis such that governments and industry are looking for construction components that are stronger, last longer, and cost less to build, maintain and repair.

As a federal Networks of Centres of Excellence program, ISIS is transferring its new technology to industry thus generating benefits and opportunities for Canadians.