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NRC-IRC: who we are and what we do

		NRC-IRC Advisory Board
		The NRC-IRC Advisory Board provides the National Research Council with an industrial perspective on strategic requirements, opportunities and priorities within the construction sector.
		View our Strategic Plan, 2004-2009

The NRC Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) is the leading construction research agency in Canada. Equipped with world-class facilities, NRC-IRC carries out applied and contract research on issues of strategic importance to the Canadian construction sector. Through an integrated, multi­disciplinary approach, NRC-IRC assists the sector to become more competitive through innovation and to foster the provision of safe and sustainable built environments.

Core Research Programs

Building Envelope and Structure: technologies for the design, construction, and operation of durable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective building systems. These technologies address both new construction and repair or renovation, for all types of buildings and some concrete building structures. Expanding from a traditional emphasis on systems for cold climates, the program now encompasses technology development for conditions in key export markets.

Fire Research: technologies for advancing the fire safety design and operation of buildings and transportation systems, enhancing fire detection and suppression systems, and reducing the risks and costs of fire. Experiments, computer modelling and consideration of human factors all figure in the research.

Indoor Environment: cost-effective and energy-efficient technologies and tools for the design and operation of indoor environments that optimize the comfort, satisfaction and health of building occupants. The research addresses acoustics, lighting, thermal comfort, and ventilation and air quality.

Urban Infrastructure: technologies for the design and rehabilitation of infrastructure systems, and innovative tools and techniques for the evaluation and management of these systems. The research focuses on buried utilities, urban roads and concrete structures (Ottawa) and sustainable infrastructure for water and wastewater systems (Regina).

Codes and Evaluation

NRC-IRC further contributes to safety and efficiency in construction through its code support and product evaluation service. The Canadian Codes Centre supports the development of the National Building Code and other national codes on which construction regulation across Canada is based. The Canadian Construction Materials Centre determines the suitability of innovative products in accordance with code requirements.

Technology Transfer

NRC-IRC delivers results and solutions to the construction sector through its research contracts, consortium projects, licence agreements, its newsletter Construction Innovation, technical publications such as Construction Technology Updates, national seminars , and many other means.

Contact information