Raw Materials Research Portfolio - RDI - UPC
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Research and Innovation
Support Service
July 2019
Raw Materials
Research Portfolio
The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) is a public institution of research
and higher education in the fields of engineering, architecture, sciences and technology, and one
of the leading technical universities in Europe. Every year, more than 6.000 bachelor’s and
master’s students and more than 500 doctoral students graduate. The UPC has a high graduate
employment rate: 93% of its graduates are in work and 76% find a job in under three months. It is
ranked in the main international rankings.
Materials science and engineering is an interdisciplinary field of knowledge that covers the study
of the structure, properties, processing and applications of all types of materials: metallic, ceramic,
polymeric, composite and biological. It encompasses not only traditional structural materials, but
also functional, nanomaterials and biomaterials. This discipline is essential to enhance industrial
capacity and technological innovation and to improve the quality of life of a country.
Content
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3
Thematic Classification of research groups .................................................................................. 4
Research Groups............................................................................................................................ 6
ANiComp ............................................................................................................................... 6
ATEM ..................................................................................................................................... 8
BIT ....................................................................................................................................... 10
CRAHI .................................................................................................................................. 12
EC ......................................................................................................................................... 14
EGEO.................................................................................................................................... 16
EnGeoModels...................................................................................................................... 18
EScGD .................................................................................................................................. 20
FLUMEN............................................................................................................................... 22
GEMMA ............................................................................................................................... 24
GHS ...................................................................................................................................... 26
GIES ..................................................................................................................................... 28
GMNE .................................................................................................................................. 30
LACÀN ................................................................................................................................. 32
LESEC ................................................................................................................................... 34
LIM/UPC .............................................................................................................................. 36
MATCAR .............................................................................................................................. 38
(MC)2 ................................................................................................................................... 40
MECMAT ............................................................................................................................. 42
MSR ..................................................................................................................................... 44
RMEE ................................................................................................................................... 46
2
UPC- ETSECCPB Research Portfolio
Introduction
This document reflects the will of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) to identify the
activity of research groups that carry out research related to the materials.
The portfolio is divided into different study areas with the aim of clearly identifying the research
field of each research group. Starting with a brief description of research groups and ending with
a compilation of some competitive projects, agreements, patents and spinoffs that the group
has in any field.
The information collected in this document has been mainly compiled through the web pages
of the UPC research groups.
The result of this effort is this document, which briefly and synthetically collects a first approach
to the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya Raw Materials Research Map.
3
UPC- ETSECCPB Research PortfolioThematic Classification of research
groups
THEMATIC CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH
GROUPS
Civil Engineering
Numerical Analysis and Infrastructure
and Modelling 7% Computational
13% Mechanics
4%
Data Analysis
Mobility 7%
4%
Earthquake
engineering
Materials 2%
11%
Energy
9%
Hydrogeology
9%
Environment
16%
Geophysics and Failure Mechanisms
Geomechanics 2%
16%
4
UPC- ETSECCPB Research PortfolioEC
BIT
GHS
GIES
MSR
EGEO
LESEC
RMEE
ATEM
(MC)2
CRAHI
EScGD
GMNE
LACÀN
GEMMA
FLUMEN
MATCAR
LIM/UPC
MECMAT
ANiComp
EnGeoModels
Civil Engineering and
x
x
x
Infrastructure
Computational Mechanics
x
x
x
x
x
Data Analysis
x
Earthquake engineering
x
x
x
x
Energy
x
x
x
x
x
x
x Environment
5
x
Failure Mechanisms
Geophysics and
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Geomechanics
x
x
x
x
Hydrogeology
x
x
x
x
x
Materials
x
x
Mobility
Numerical Analysis and
x
x
x
x
x
x
ModellingResearch Groups
ANiComp
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: ANiComp – Numerical analysis and scientific computation
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/ANiComp
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The group has worked on several issues related to the simulation of complex problems in computer science
and engineering governed by equations in partial derivatives.
On the one hand, the groups has worked on the development of highly scalable multi-level gradient
decomposition algorithms that can efficiently exploit the largest supercomputers in the world, positioning
the group's scientific code in the High-Q Club of the most scalable codes of the world.
On the other hand, the group has worked on the additive manufacturing simulation.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by ANiComp group:
• Computational engineering
• Finite elements
• Numerical analysis
• Parallel computation
• Scientific calculation
• Simulation
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
IMAGE - Innovative Methodologies and technologies for
reducing Aircraft noise Generation and Emission
The purpose of IMAGE is to investigate experimentally and numerically innovative airframe and engine noise-
reduction technologies and, in a systematic conjunction, to develop robust methodologies of addressing
these technologies. Airframe noise is addressed by tackling landing gears and high-lift devices, and engine
noise through its fan component. Fundamental investigations of three key control strategies are carried out:
plasma actuation, turbulence screens and innovative porous materials, on a platform of three configurations,
relevant to airframe and aero-engine noise generation and control, including a wing mock-up, tandem
cylinder and engine-fan duct. Beyond this, IMAGE explores further the installation effect of aeroacoustic
engine-jet/wing interaction with a simplified configuration, as well as low-noise concepts and optimal noise-
actuation methods by means of aeroacoustic optimization. Amount: 190.000,00 €
ExaQute, EXAscale Quantification of Uncertainties for Technology and Science Simulation; Funding
Competitive Project 1 entity: European Commission. Start date: 2018-06-01; End date: 2021-05-31
On a Nuclear Waste Deep Repository Simulator (NuWaSim). Funding entity: European Research
Competitive Project 2 Council. Start date: 2016-11-01; End date: 2018-04-30
6Variational Multi-Scale error estimators for Adaptive Mesh Refinement simulations of turbulent and
Competitive Project 3 aeroacoustic flows. Funding entity: RES - Red Española de Supercomputacion FI-2017-3-0015, Start
date: 2017-09-01; End date: 2017-12-31
Computational tools for adaptive compressible flow solvers. Funding entity: PRACE-Parnership for
Competitive Project 4 Advanced Computing in Europe 2010PA3789, Start date: 2017-05-01; End date: 2017-12-31
KEY WORDS
• Computational engineering • Parallel computation
• Finite elements • Scientific calculation
• Numerical analysis • Simulation
RESEARCH TEAM
• Badia Rodriguez, Santiago I. • Moreno Martínez, Laura
• Baiges Aznar, Joan • Pont Ribas, Arnau
• Barzegar, Mostafa • Principe Rubio, Ricardo Javier
• Bayona Roa, Camilo Andres • Reyes Sotomayor, Ricardo
• Bonilla De Toro, Jesus • Tello Guerra, Alexis
• Codina Rovira, Ramon • Verdugo Rojano, Francesc
• Martín Huertas, Alberto Francisco
• Miranda Neiva, Eric
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona, 3, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord, 08034, Barcelona (Spain)
Person in charge: Badia Rodriguez, Santiago I. - sbadia@cimne.upc.edu
7ATEM
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: ATEM – Structural and Materials Technology
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/ATEM
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The scientific activity of the group focuses on the analysis and design of structures through the development
of conceptual and numerical models and the realization of laboratory tests to know their behaviour and verify
the developed models. The objective is to evaluate the safety, functionality and durability of the structures
under static, seismic and environmental actions. The activity of the group also includes the mechanical,
physical and chemical characterization and the recycling of structural materials as well as the sustainable
design of structures and interventions for their reinforcement and remodelling.
The scope of work extends to buildings and transport infrastructures as well as historical heritage buildings,
offshore structures for wind energy collection and other types. Structures of reinforced and pre-stressed
concrete, metallic and mixed, of factory work, of wood, of reinforced polymers with fibres and of alloys with
shape memory, among others are studied.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by ATEM group:
• Analysis, design and construction of civil engineering structures.
• Development of conceptual and numerical models
• Sustainability of the constructive procedures and the recycling of the structural materials.
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
Cost reduction and increase performance of floating wind
technology (COREWIND)
The COREWIND project aims to achieve significant cost reductions and enhance performance of floating wind
technology through the research and optimization of mooring and anchoring systems and dynamic cables.
COREWIND aims to strength the European Leadership on wind power technology (and specially floating). To
do so, the project consortium has been designed to ensure proper collaboration between all stakeholders
(users, developers, suppliers, academia, etc.) which is essential to accelerate commercialization of the
innovations carried out in the project. Amount: 291.625,00 €
New Generation Design Methods for Stainless Steel Structures. Funding entity: Commission of
Competitive Project 1 European Communities. Amount: 269.939,52 €. Start date: 2019-06-01; End date: 2022-05-31.
Evaluación multinivel de la vulnerabilidad sísmica y mitigación de riesgo de edificios de obra de
Competitive Project 2 fábrica para centros urbanos históricos resilentes Amount: 173.030,00 € Start date: 2019-01-01; End
date: 2021-12-31
Valorisation of knowledge for European pre-QUALified steel JOINTS. Amount: 62.021,95 € Start date:
Competitive Project 3 2017-07-01; End date: 2019-06-30
8Elements d'aïllament sísmic i dissipació energètica en ponts de ferrocarril en zones d'alta sismicitat
Competitive Project 4 (Elements of seismic isolation and energy dissipation in railway bridges in areas of high seismicity).
2014 DI 035. Amount: 27.360,00 € Start date: 2015-01-14; End date: 2018-01-13
KEY WORDS
• Analysis • Large-scale tests • Reinforcement
• Cement • Materials • Resilience
• Design • Metal Structures • Shape memory alloys
• Durability • Numerical models (SMA)
• Factory work • Offshore structures • Steel
• Fibre reinforced • Pre-stressed Concrete • Structures
polymers (FRP) • Recycled concrete • Sustainability
• Historic buildings • Reinforced concrete
RESEARCH TEAM
• Arrayago Luquin, Itsaso • Real Saladrigas, Esther
• Bairan Garcia, Jesus Miguel • Etxeberria Larrañaga, Miren
• Chacon Flores, Rolando Antonio • Fernández Carrasco, Lucía
• Duarte Gomez, Noemi • Mari Bernat, Antonio Ricardo
• Molins Borrell, Climent • Mirambell Arrizabalaga, Enrique
• Oller Ibars, Eva • Roca Fabregat, Pedro
• Pelà, Luca • Saloustros, Savvas
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona,1-3, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord, Enginyeria de la Construcció,
Building C1, Office 201C, 08034, Barcelona (Spain). Phone: (+34) 93 401 10 53.
Person in charge: Mari Bernat, Antonio Ricardo – antonio.mari@upc.edu
9BIT
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: BIT – Barcelona Innovative Transportation
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/BIT
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The group's aims are to generate knowledge on transport, mobility and logistics, in addition to transmit this
knowledge to society through research, innovation, education and technology transfer.
The group comprises a full university professor and four young PhD holders whose doctoral theses were
supervised by the professor. All four of these were unanimously awarded as mark of Excellent cum laude and
have received research awards from enterprise chairs and special doctoral awards.
Every year, this tight-knit group produces 10 SCI papers that are published in high-impact ISI journals in the
field of transport engineering, and one or two doctoral theses are defended. The group is complemented by
another full professor who works part-time and obtained practical experience from his brilliant work at the
European Investment Bank.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by BIT group:
• Transport engineering
• Mobility
• Logistics
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
ELIPTIC electrification of public transport in cities
ELIPTIC aims to develop new concepts and business cases in order to
optimise existing electric public transport infrastructure and rolling stock, saving both money and energy. The
project strengthens the role of electric public transport, leading to reduced fossil fuel consumption and
improved air quality. Amount: 58.000,00€
Cooperative freeway driving strategies in a mixed environment driverless and traditional vehicles.
Competitive Project 1 Amount: 141.570,00 €. Start date: 2016-12-30; End date: 2019-12-29
Development of a ship weather routing software for academic purposes. Funding Entity:
Competitive Project 2 International Association of Maritime Universities. Start date: 2018-05-01; End date: 2019-03-31
NOVELOG: New cooperative business models and guidance for sustainable city logistics. European
Competitive Project 3 Commission. Amount: 1.114.53,00 € Start date: 2015-01-01;End date: 2018-12-31
Zero Emission bUs Systems. FP7-605485-ZeEUS. Amount: 59.644,00 € € Start date: 2013-11-01;End
Competitive Project 4 date: 2018-04-30
KEY WORDS
• Airports • Autonomous vehicles • Bus
• Appraisal • Bicycles • Concessions
10• Demand • Mobility • Public transport
• Emergencies • Mobility as a Service • Railways
• Feasibility • Motorbikes • Regulation
• Freight transportation • Operations • Road safety
• Funding • Optimization • Smart cities
• Inter-modality • Pedestrians • Taxi
• ITS • Planning • Traffic
• Logistics • Ports • Tramway
• Management • Pricing • Transportation
RESEARCH TEAM
• Campos Cacheda, José Magín • Robuste Anton, Francesc
• Caram Muller, Bruno • Sala Sanmarti, Marcel
• Estrada Romeu, Miguel Angel • Soriguera Marti, Francesc
• Grifoll Colls, Manel
• Medina Tapia, Marcos Christian
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona, 1-3, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord, Enginyeria Civil i Ambiental,
Building B1, Office 101, 08034, Barcelona (Spain). Phone: 93 401 71 04.
Person in charge: Robuste Anton, Francesc – f.robuste@upc.edu
11CRAHI
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: CRAHI – Centre of Applied Research in Hydrometeorology
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/CRAHI
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The CRAHI, the centre of Applied Research in Hydrometeorology (CRAHI) was founded as a result of an
agreement between the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), the Catalonia Department of the
Environment and the Catalonian Water Agency. These entities agreed on the need of a hydro-meteorological
research group in Catalonia. The CRAHI became one of the centres of the Technological Innovation Network
of Catalonia (xarxa IT) in January 2002.
The CRAHI focuses its activity on providing scientific and technological support in the area of hydro-
meteorological management and forecasting, particularly on developing models of the processes that drive
the cycle of surface waters.
The CRAHI aims to be a pioneer centre in hydro-meteorological research, which will enable it to be a leader in
technology transfer and in the support of innovation in the companies in the sector.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by CRAHI group:
• Development of algorithms and models of the processes that control the surface water cycle.
• Development of meteorological and hydrological forecasting models capable of converting rain
forecasts into flow forecasts.
• Development of techniques for measuring and quantifying rainfall, flow and other hydro-
meteorological variables.
• Development of hydrological applications of meteorological radar.
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
Seamless probabilistic multi-source forecasting of heavy
rainfall hazards for European flood awareness
Losses due to the hazards associated with heavy rainfall and
storms are the largest and growing social risk associated with natural phenomena. The capability to monitor
and predict such events is crucial for preparedness and decision making in emergency operations.
The objective of this project is to develop improved tools for assessing and forecasting the hazards and risks
induced by intense rainfall and severe storms (e.g. flash floods, urban floods, landslides) in the scales from
individual towns to pan-European. This will be achieved by combining multi-instrument pan-European
precipitation observations together with state of the art forecasting methods.
The output of the project is a set of tools and products for seamless probabilistic high-resolution hazard and
risk forecasting for lead times from 15 minutes to 5 days. Amount: 204.280,68 €
EnhANcing emergencY management and response to extreme WeatHER and climate Events. Funding
Competitive Project 1 entity: Commission of European Communities. Amount: 2.503.261,86 €. Start date: 2016-06-01; End
date: 2019-12-31.
12Theoretical and experimental study of morphodynamics mountain rivers in flooding. Funding entity:
Competitive Project 2 MInisterio de Economia y Competitividad. Amount: 67.518,00 €. Start date: 2016-01-01; End date:
2019-05-31.
Integrating a European Rainfall-InduCed Hazard Assessment system. Funding entity: Commission of
Competitive Project 3 European Communities. Amount: 302.138,29 €. Start date: 2016-01-01; End date: 2017-08-31.
KEY WORDS
• Early Warning Systems • Weather radar
• Erosion and sedimentation • Resilience
• Hydrology • Warning systems
• Hydrometeorology • Emergency management support
• Floods • Debris flow
• Flash flood • Hydrological modelling
• Hydraulics modelling • Hydrometeorological forecast
RESEARCH TEAM
• Bateman Pinzon, Allen • Melendez Landaverde, Erika Roxana
• Berenguer Ferrer, Marc • Miguel Queralt, Sonsoles
• Berruezo Parejas, Anna • Palau Berastegui, Rosa Maria
• Carmona Bautista, Carlos • Park, Shinju
• Corral Alexandri, Carlos • Ritter, Josias Manuel Gisbert
• Espinosa Fernandez, Bernardo • Sanchez Diaz, Alexandre
• González Garrido, Victor • Sempere Torres, Daniel
• Marín Esteve, Blanca • Vilalta Aguilar, Gisela
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona, 3, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord, Buiding C4, Floor S1, 08034,
Barcelona (Spain)
Person in charge: Sempere Torres, Daniel - sempere@upc.edu
13EC
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: EC – Construction Engineering
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/EC
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The group focus on the life cycle of large modern civil infrastructure projects from a global perspective,
involving planning; design; construction; service life and exploitation; maintenance and dismantling and
recycling, taking into account economic, social, environmental, quality and health and safety issues. This group
has a global perspective and targets to develop management methods and technology to be applied in any
civil infrastructure whatsoever (including highways, railway lines, bridges, dams, channels, tunnels,
underground structures and civil buildings).
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by EC group:
• Civil infrastructure:
o Highways o Channels
o Railway lines o Tunnels
o Bridges o Underground structures
o Dams o Civil buildings
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
Smart structural BIM Models for the efficient management of infrastructures
During infrastructure life cycle, both during construction and during service life, the
contractor or the owner can measure different physical parameters (displacements, strains,
service loads, temperatures, energy consumption) in order to know if a certain project
behaves in the manner envisaged at the design stage. However, few times the data obtained
are associated with a certain probability of surpassing a limit state threshold.
The purpose of this project is to correct this deficiency by developing a decision support
system for managing life cycle of large civil infrastructures (intelligent infrastructure such as bridges, buildings
or wind turbines). This will consist of an inverse analysis tool, in which the functional adequacy of the
infrastructures associated with certain reliability index (adequacy of structural systems, adequacy of loads,
adequacy of energy balance) will be identified. Amount: 127.050,00 €
Development of green facades using improved bioreceptivity concrete Funding entity: AGAUR.
Competitive Project 1 Amount: 99.125,00 €. Start date: 2019-05-01; End date: 2020-10-31.
Development of new systems for the optimised design of reinforced concrete slabs with more
Competitive Project 2 competitive and sustainable fibres Funding entity: AGAUR. Amount: 33.960,00 €. Start date: 2019-04-
01; End date: 2022-03-31.
BICISENDAS. BIKE LANE: sustainable, energy self-sufficient, intelligent, decontaminating, integrated
Competitive Project 3 and safe Funding entity: FCC CONSTRUCTION, S.A. Amount: 135.000,00 €. Start date: 2019-03-01;
End date: 2023-02-01.
14KEY WORDS
• Bridges • Life cycle
• Buildings • Material technology
• Channels • Monitoring
• Construction methods • Planning
• Dams • Robustness
• Design • Structural system identification
• Infrastructure management and • Sustainable construction
maintenance • Underground structures
RESEARCH TEAM
• Aguado De Cea, Antonio • Pujadas Alvarez, Pablo
• Aparicio Bengoechea, Angel Carlos • Ramos Schneider, Gonzalo
• Casanovas Rubio, Maria Del Mar • Segura Pérez, Ignacio
• Casas Rius, Joan Ramon • Turmo Coderque, Jose
• De la Fuente Antequera, Alberto
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona, 3, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord, Building C1, 08034, Barcelona
(Spain)
Person in charge: Turmo Coderque, Jose – jose.turmo@upc.edu
15EGEO
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: EGEO – Geomatics Engineering
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/EGEO
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The group works in the field of Geomantic Engineering. As it is a transversal area, the methods and techniques
are applied to other fields such as civil engineering, risk management, heritage management and
representation, etc. with special attention to new sensors and techniques for the capture, processing, storage
and processing of geographic information.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by EGEO group:
• Areas of Geodesy, Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry and Topography.
• Geographic information and its cartography representation.
• New sensors and techniques for the capture, processing, storage and treatment of geographic
information.
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
Characterization and modeling of rockfalls
The goal of this project is to develop procedures for the
characterization and modelling of fragmental rock falls and provide tools for risk reduction. Based on the
knowledge generated in the Rockrisk project, we will address the quantification of the fracture pattern of the
rock mass, the assessment of the mobilized volume and the failure conditions and the rock fall modelling.
Amount: 145.200,00 €
stablishment of the geomechanical behaviour of the Montserrat Mountain rock massif as a basis for
Competitive Project 1 sustainable management of the risk of landslides in the Monastery area and accesses. Funding
entity: AGAUR. Amount: 8.472,00 €. Start date: 2017-03-01; End date: 2020-02-29.
Slope Mass-wasting under Climate change. Physical mechanisms, predictive modelling and possible
Competitive Project 2 mitigation strategies Funding entity: Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad.
Amount: 143.990,00 €. Start date: 2016-01-01; End date: 2019-12-31.
Les Comunitats Prehistòriques del Massís del Garraf Nord. Orígens, Genètica, Trets Culturals,
Patrons d’Assentament, Diets i Recursos durant la Prehistòria Recent. Funding entity: Agència de
Competitive Project 3
Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris I de Recerca (AGAUR). Amount: 384.000,00 €. Start date: 2018-01-01;
End date: 2021-12-31.
KEY WORDS
• Cartography • Geoinformation
• Digital cartography • Geomatics
• Civil and environmental engineering • Laser scanner
• Photogrammetry • 3D models
• Geodesy • Topograph
16RESEARCH TEAM
• Buill Pozuelo, Felipe • Matas Casado, Gerard
• Gili Ripoll, Jose Antonio • Nuñez Andres, Maria Amparo
• Janeras Casanova, Marc • Prades Valls, Albert
• Lantada Zarzosa, Nieves • Puig Polo, Carolina
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona, 3, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord, Building D2, 08034, Barcelona
(Spain)
Person in charge: Nuñez Andres, Maria Amparo – m.amparo.nunez@upc.eduEnGeoModels
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: EnGeoModels – Monitoring and Modelling in Engineering Geology
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/EnGeoModels
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
EnGeoModels group performs research on the analysis, monitoring, and modelling in engineering geology
focussing on the analysis of the characteristics and behaviour of the rock masses, and on the evaluation of
geological risks. Their main areas of interest are:
• Application of remote sensing techniques for the capture of geological data
• Ground 3D modelling
• Characterization, monitoring and modelling of failure mechanisms of the rock masses and surficial
formations (particularly, landslides, torrential processes, and rockfalls)
• Hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment
• Design of early warning and alarm systems of geological processes
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by EnGeoModels group:
• Monitoring and modelling of rock mass: improvement of monitoring; structural and joint set
characterization of rock mass; analysis of the geomechanical properties and the global behaviour of
the rock mass.
• Monitoring and modelling of landslides, rockfalls and torrential processes: monitoring of failure and
post-failure mechanisms; modelling of failure and post-failure mechanisms.
• Impacts and mitigation of future climate changes for engineering geology practice: scenario analysis
at local and regional scale; mitigation strategies.
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
Simulating cascading rainfall-triggered landslide hazards in Philippines
The SCaRP project combines the research strengths of the UK and the
Philippines and brings together experts in geomorphology, meteorology
and hydraulic engineering to effectively and efficiently address the need
for better understanding of the impact of hydrometeorological hazards and support increased preparedness
and resilience to future events.
First, the characteristics of past extreme rainfall-triggered landslide events and their meteorological and
geological controls over the Philippines will be determined, using a combination of in situ station data from
the Philippines and global data sets from satellites to map landslides and determine rainfall patterns.
Second, a number of events will be used to develop and test models for simulation of landslides and
downstream sedimentation. Once the model has been tuned, it will be used to predict landslide events and
river sedimentation in the future using climate projections for the region. In conjunction with our Filipino
project partners, PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration),
(MGB) Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Weather Philippines Foundation (WPF), we will develop a landslide
early warning system for the Philippines using our modeling framework, ensuring a legacy from the SCaRP
project. Amount: 425.000,00 €
18Slope Mass-wasting under Climate change. Physical mechanisms, predictive modelling and possible
Competitive Project 1 mitigation strategies Funding entity: Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad.
Amount: 143.990,00 €. Start date: 2016-01-01; End date: 2019-12-31.
Caracterisation and modelling of rockfalls. Funding entity: Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad.
Competitive Project 2
Amount: 145.200, 00€. Start date: 2016-12-30; End date: 2019-12-29.
Enhancing emergency management and response to extreme weather and climate events. Funding
Competitive Project 3 entity: European Commission. Amount: 2.503.261, 86€. Start date: 2016-06-01; End date: 2019-12-
31.
KEY WORDS
• Climate change
• Engineering geology • Remote-sensing data capture
• Geological risks • Rock masses
• Landslides • Rockfalls
• Modelling • Surficial formations
• Monitoring • Torrential flows
RESEARCH TEAM
• Abanco Martinez de Arenzana, Claudia • Moya Sanchez, Jose
• Corominas Dulcet, Jordi • Oorthius Gómez, Raül
• Hürlimann Ziegler, Marcel • Ruiz Carulla, Roger
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona, 3, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord, Building D2, 08034, Barcelona
(Spain)
Person in charge: Hürlimann Ziegler, Marcel – marcel.hurlimann@upc.edu
19EScGD
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: EScGD – Engineering Sciences and Global Development
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/EScGD
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The EScGD group contribute and network with development actors promoting research for
development through the engineering practice. The group approach includes the analysis of reality and
development problems with a systemic and holistic perspective, an essentially practical nature and a strong
focus in the effective production and transfer of knowledge.
EScGD approach to local societies in connection with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, with special
emphasis on the most vulnerable people, communities and ecosystems.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are in the basis of our work. Engineering Sciences offer the basis
to transform new ideas into reality and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable societies.
Research and innovation with this aim are the main goals, and this is how EScGD work.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by EScGD group:
• Global Development priorities
o Living standards
o Sustainable growth
o Natural resource management
o Equality and justice
o Peace and security
• Challenges
o Climate change
o Food security
o Sustainable agriculture
o Poverty eradication
o Human development
• Water and energy
Meeting basic needs through infrastructure and services promote universal development of societies
and ensure sustainable management of natural resources.
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
Securing future-proof environmentally compatible
bioenergy chains
SecureChain promotes a Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) that meets highest environmental
quality standards and targets local biomass suppliers, energy producers and financial sector players to mobilise
more biomass, maximise the share of sustainable bioenergy in the final energy consumption, and reduce the
transaction costs for further market uptake of most efficient systems in six European model regions. An open
call for SSCM pilot projects is launched encouraging market actors to mobilise and secure additional supplies
of biomass from regional sources. Amount: 176.125,00 €
20Pedagogy of the Social and Solidarity Economy: A privileged tool for inclusive development in the
Competitive Project 1 Mediterranean. Funding entity: AGAUR. Amount: 33.960,00 €. Start date: 2019-04-01; End date:
2022-03-31
Enhancing Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability in Higher Education in Africa (EEIS-HEA).
Competitive Project 2 Funding entity: EACEA. Amount: 999.849,00 €. Start date: 2018-01-01; End date: 2020-12-31
Learning for Innovative Design for Sustainability. Funding entity: European Commission. Amount:
Competitive Project 3 256.766,00 €. Start date: 2016-11-01; End date: 2019-10-31
KEY WORDS
• Civil engineering • International co-operation for
• Energy engineering development
• Environmental engineering • Mathematical modelling
• Sustainable development goals
RESEARCH TEAM
• Arranz Piera, Pol • Pérez Foguet, Agustí
• Castro Coma, Mauro • Requejo Castro, David
• Ezbakhe, Fatine • Ríos Hernández, Julio Alejandro
• Giné Garriga, Rircard • Van Wunnik, Lucas Philippe
• Horta Sellares, Frederic • Velo Carcia, Enrique
• Lazzarini, Boris
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona, 1-3, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, ETSECCPB – Campus Nord, Building C2 206 C,
08034, Barcelona (Spain). Phone: (+34) 93 401 10 72 (Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Av/ Diagonal, 647, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, ETSEIB – Campus Sud, Building H, 08034, Barcelona
(Spain). Phone: (+34) 93 401 69 09 (Thermal Technology Lab)
C/ Jordi Girona, 1-3. IS.UPC Building TG, 08034, Barcelona (Spain). Phone: (+34) 93 401 60 66 (University
Research Institute)
Person in charge: Pérez Foguet, Agustí – agusti.perez@upc.edu
21FLUMEN
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: FLUMEN - River Dynamics and Hydrological Engineering
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/FLUMEN
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
Flumen is an Academic Research Institute affiliated with UPC (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) and CIMNE
(the International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering). The Government of Catalonia (Generalitat
de Catalunya) through the order ECO/305/2012 founded Flumen on October 3rd (DOGC October 17th) and it
is an interdisciplinary research group (SGR 1139).
The FLUMEN Institute is actively engaged in research activities, consulting, training and technology transfer in
relation to hydrology and river dynamics. When first established in the 1980’s the experience of the Flumen
Research Group was incorporated. These activities have been developed and perpetuated inside the
framework provided by the School of Civil Engineering of Barcelona, and the Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering of UPC.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by FLUMEN group:
• River hydrodynamics: settlements and land use concerning flood risks, solid transport and river
geomorphology, transport of non-reactive substances, river rehabilitation, preservation and
rehabilitation of wetlands.
• Urban Hydrology: urban drainage (sewer network/surface runoff. Inlets), Pollutant load in urban
hydrology, flood risks in urban areas.
• Reservoir dynamics: thermal and hydrodynamic behaviour, sediment and nutrients dynamics,
reservoir impact on river dynamics. Corrective measures.
• Dam hydraulics: New designs for spill flows, spills over crest.
• Irrigation canals exploitation: Automatic control algorithms, control structure and lateral storage.
• Development of methodologies for using remote sensing in the study of the thermal and
hydrodynamic behaviour of water bodies: flood areas definition, superficial temperature of river and
reservoirs, characterization of vegetation in flooded areas.
• Flow-soil-structure interaction: new numerical methods based on the integration particles technique
with discrete element methods and finite elements, stability and safety of structures under hydraulic
influences (water).
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
Hydroinformatics for water resources and water related
hazards management in Europe/WaterEurope
The WaterEurope project is a Strategic Partnership under Erasmus+. Each partner has a pivotal role in the
project as each contributes with its experience and competence to develop the pedagogic resources and the
collaborative platform.
UPC will develop pedagogic resources (course material, exercises and data sets) dedicated to drought
management and assessment of water uses in a specific catchment. These resources will be integrated within
the collaborative platform and will be used by the course participants. Amount: 48.936,00 €
22New Tools for Assessing Physical Habitat Suitability and Potential Useful Habitat for Fish Funding
Competitive Project 1 entity: Fundación biodiversidad. Amount: 31.385,28 €. Start date: 2017-12-01; End date: 2018-11-30
Modelling and study of spillages in rain episodes within the Besòs Tordera Consortium. Funding
Competitive Project 2 entity: AGAUR. Amount: 33.960,00 €. Start date: 2017-07-03; End date: 2020-07-02
Turbulence Generated by Sparse 3D Multiscale Grid Funding entity: Pan Euroean Laboratory on Non
Competitive Project 3 Homogeneous Turbulence (ERCOFTAC). Amount: 9.880,00 €. Start date: 2017-01-03;
End date: 2020-01-03
KEY WORDS
• Fluvial dynamics • Environment
• Hydrological engineering • Presses
• Superficial hydrology • Rivers
• Hydraulics
RESEARCH TEAM
• Blade i Castellet, Ernest • Ramos Fuertes, Anaïs
• Bonet Gil, Enrique • Russo, Beniamino
• Dolz Ripolles, Jose • Sanchez Cordero, Esteban
• Gomez Valentin, Manuel • Sanchez Juny, Marti
• Marti Cardona, Belen • Tellez Alvarez, Jackson David
• Olivares Cerpa, Gonzalo Javier • Triadu Gali, Arnau
• Pomares Abad, Juan
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona, 1-3, Uniersitat Politècnica de Catalunya, ETSECCPB – Campus Nord, Building B0, Floor S1,
08034, Barcelona (Spain). Phone: (+34) 93 401 73 73 / (+34) 93 401 70 70. E-mail: flumen@upc.edu
Person in charge: Blade i Castellet, Ernest – ernest.blade@upc.edu
23GEMMA
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: GEMMA– Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/GEMMA
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology (GEMMA) is located at the Department of
Hydraulic, Maritime and Environmental Engineering (DEHMA) of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
BarcelonaTech (UPC).
The Group is dedicated to interdisciplinary research, innovation, knowledge transfer and education in
environmental engineering; particularly in the fields of environmental biotechnology, water supply,
wastewater and solid waste treatment, and bioenergy generation.
Also, is specialized in investigating non-conventional wastewater and sewage sludge treatment systems, such
as constructed wetlands and high rate ponds. The production of bioenergy from wastewater through
anaerobic digestion and microbial fuel cells is a complementary research field. Mathematical modelling and
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of these treatment processes are also undertaken. In addition, it collaborates with
the Research Group on Cooperation and Human Development (GRECDH) in the area of Sustainable Energy,
through research projects on appropriate technologies for biogas production from organic wastes in
developing countries
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by GEMMA group:
• Non-conventional wastewater and sludge treatment systems.
• Technologies for the production of bioenergy from wastewater and organic wastes.
• Mathematical modelling of processes.
• Environmental evaluation of treatment systems and technologies for bioenergy production.
• Anaerobic digestion of algal biomass and sludge from wastewater treatment.
• Microbial fuel cells for electricity generation in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment.
• Biogas production in low-cost household digesters in developing countries.
• Life Cycle Assessment and Energy Balance of alternative treatment systems.
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
Innovative Eco-Technologies for Resource Recovery from
Wastewater
INCOVER concept has been designed to move wastewater treatment from being primarily a sanitation
technology towards a bio-product recovery industry and a recycled water supplier. INCOVER added-value
plants will generate benefits from wastewater offering three recovery solutions: 1) Chemical recovery (bio-
plastic and organic acids) via algae/bacteria and yeast biotechnology; 2) Near-zero-energy plant providing
upgraded bio-methane via pre-treatment and anaerobic co-digestion systems; 3) Bio-production and
reclaimed water via adsorption, biotechnology based on wetlands systems and hydrothermal carbonisation.
To improve added-value production efficiency, INCOVER solutions will include monitoring and control via
optical sensing and soft-sensors. Amount: 807.500,00 €
24Potential and Validation of Sustainable Natural & Advance Technologies for Water & Wastewater
Competitive Project 1 Treatment, Monitoring and Safe Water Reuse in India Funding entity: Commission of European
Communities. Amount: 224.812,50 € Start date: 2019-02-01; End date: 2023-01-31
Sustainable production of bioproducts from microalgae and reclaimed water. Funding entity:
Competitive Project 2 Agencia Estatal de Investigación. Amount: 175.450,00 € Start date: 2019-01-01; End date: 2021-12-31
Prétraitement des déchets pour la production d’hydrogène (Pretreatment of waste for hydrogen
Competitive Project 3 production). Funding entity: Montpellier Université d’Excellence. Amount: 180.000,00 € Start date:
2018-01-01; End date: 2021-06-30
Improving sustainable sanitation and energy access in rural areas of Peru and Colombia: constructed
Competitive Project 4 wetlands and small-scale digesters. Funding entity: Centre de Cooperació per al Desenvolupament.
Amount: 10.948,00 €. Start date: 2018-05-01; End date: 2019-04-30
Sustainable Product, Energy and Resource Recovery from Wastewater — SuPER-W. Funding entity:
Competitive Project 5 Commission of European Communities. Amount: 452.545,92 €. Start date: 2016-03-01; End date:
2020-02-28
KEY WORDS
• Water • Modelling
• Bioenergy • Microbial batteries
• Biogas • Purification
• Depuration • Organic residues
• Anaerobic digestion • Reuse
• Sludge • Treatment of organic waste
• Microalgae
RESEARCH TEAM
• Álvarez San Millán, Eduardo • Garfi, Marianna
• Arashiro, Larissa Terumi • Hartl, Marco
• Arias Lizarraga, Dulce Maria • Ortiz Ruiz, Antonio
• Carretero Ariza, Javier • Puigagut Juarez, Jaume
• Ferrer Martí, Ivet • Uggetti, Enrica
• Garcia Galan, Maria Jesus
• Garcia Serrano, Joan
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona, 3, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord, Building D1, 08034, Barcelona
(Spain)
Person in charge: Ferrer Martí, Ivet – ivet.ferrer@upc.edu – Tel. (+34) 93 401 64 63
Person in charge: Garcia Serrano, Joan – joan.garcia@upc.edu - Phone: (+34) 93 401 64 64.
25GHS
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: GHS – Hydrogeology Group
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/GHS
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The Hydrogeology Group (GHS) conducts research, teaching and knowledge transfer to society in the field of
hydrogeology and geochemistry. It consists of two units that complement each other, interacting and forming
synergies. These two units are:
a) The Departement of Civil Enginyering de la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC).
b) The Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC).
The GHS studies the characterisation of permeable media using hydraulic and hydrochemical data as well as
environmental isotopes.
The applications developed consist in the study of groundwater resources, aquifer management, humid and
swamp zones, salt-water intrusion, underground residual storage and the unsaturated zone. The quantitative
methods used, such as the numerical modelling of flow and mass transport, focus on the regional or local
scale. Some of the group’s members carry out numerical modelling and others work on data acquisition. The
group often collaborates with the International Hydrogeology Centre.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by GHS group:
• Transport processes, such as advection, dispersion and diffusion
• Chemical reactions, such as acid-base reactions, redox reactions, complexation, biodegradation,
adsorption, cation exchange and precipitation/dissolution of minerals. These two are the main
processes when dealing with soil and groundwater contamination problems or studies on
groundwater quality and water-rock interaction.
• The study of reactive transport processes by means of laboratory and field experiments and numerical
modelling; This include the study of the oxidation of metal sulphides at mine tailings (project
PAROXIS), the construction of geochemical barriers (Project PYRAMID), and performance assessment
of waste disposal facilities.
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
Managed Aquifer Recharge Solutions Training Network
Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) – storing water in
aquifers during times of excess – is a key strategy to enrich
groundwater resources in water scarce regions by providing intermediate storage, addressing the typical
mismatch between water demand and availability. It can help to mitigate the effects of climate change, and
to support water-related environmental services. MAR is, however, characterized by complex interaction of
physical, biological and hydrochemical processes influencing water quality and the sustainability of infiltration
rates. Individual processes are in principal known, but there is a significant knowledge gap on how they are
linked and affect each other. An in-depth understanding of their interplay can lead to MAR systems tailored
for best performance in terms of water storage, water polishing goals, infiltration rates, economic viability,
and adaptation to climatic change. Amount: 460.049,76 €
26Natural attenuation of pathogens and organic pollutants in porous media during managed aquifer
Competitive Project 1 recharge operations Funding entity: Agencia Estatal de Investigación. Amount: 201.960,00 € Start
date: 2019-01-01; End date: 2021-12-31
Mixing and dispersion in the transport of energy and solutes Funding entity: Ministerio de Economia
Competitive Project 2 y Competitividad. Amount: 102.850,00 € Start date: 2016-12-30; End date: 2019-12-29
Soil vadose zone hydraulic characterization for water, solute and heat movement and different
Competitive Project 3 applications Funding entity: AGAUR. Amount: 33.960,00 € Start date: 2016-06-01;
End date: 2019-05-31
KEY WORDS
• Reactive transport • Fraking
• Hydrogeochemistry • Geothermal
• Geochemistry • Stochastic hydrology
• Modelling • Karst
• Contamination • Marine intrusion
• Risk analysis • Low permeability medium
• Multi-phase flow • Numerical methods
RESEARCH TEAM
• Aquino, Tomás
• Bertran Oller, Oriol • Lapeyre, John
• Bezos Pina, Victor • Luquot, Linda
• Cabeza Diaz de Cerio, Yoar • Martínez Landa, Lourdes
• Canelles García, Arnau • Miele, Filippo
• Carrera Ramírez, Jesús • Pérez Fonseca, Lazaro Jorge
• Cid Escobar, Daniela • Pool Ramírez, María
• Criollo Manjarrez, Rotman Alejandro • Puyguiraud, Alexandre
• Custodio Gimena, Emilio • Rodríguez Escales, Paula – Felicitat
• Del Val Alonso, Laura • Saaltink, Maarten Willem
• Dentz, Marco • Sanchz Vila, Francisco Javier
• Fernández García, Daniel • Solé Marí, Guillem
• Ferrer Ramos, Núria • Soler Sagarra, Joaquim
• Folch Sancho, Albert • Solis Delfin, Javier
• Fontanet Ambròs, Mireia • Trabucchi, MIchaela
• Freixas Borrell, Genís • Valhondo Gonzalez, Cristina
• Gómez Fernández, Bieito • Vázquez Suñé, Enric
• Gumbau Rodríguez, Sonia • Velasco Mansilla, Domitila Violeta
• Hidalgo González, Juan José • Vilarrasa Riaño, Victor
• Jou Claus, Sonia
CONTACT
C/ Jordi Girona, 3, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord, Building D2, 08034, Barcelona
(Spain)
Person in charge: Sanchez Vila, Francisco Javier – xavier.sanchez-vila@upc.edu
27GIES
RESEARCH CENTRE/GROUP
Name: GIES – Geophysics and Earthquake Engineering
Web: https://futur.upc.edu/GIES
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY
The group's aims are research, outreach, training and results transfer in fields related to geophysics and
earthquake engineering.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESEARCH
The following activities define the priorities currently pursued by GIES group:
• Geophysics
• Earthquake engineering
COMPETITIVE PROJECTS
A current project to be highlighted is:
Keeping and increasing resilience opportunities and sustainability of communities against earthquakes
KaIROS proposal focuses on earthquake disasters; its main
purpose is to provide beyond-state-of-the-art approaches
to reduce seismic risk worldwide. That is, keeping and
increasing the opportunities for resilience and the sustainability of communities against earthquakes. The key
to reducing seismic risk is decreasing the vulnerability of existing structures and providing new insights to
improve the design of new structures. KaIROS is sensitive to the gender dimension of natural disasters and a
special module will investigate this issue. An open access soft-ware that can be used to assess the expected
damage at urban level by considering several structural typologies and to perform cost-benefit analyses of
strengthening measures, amongst many other possibilities, will be created and promoted. Special attention
will be devoted to dissemination so that policy-makers and stakeholders can benefit from KaIROS.
Amount: 170.121,60 €
For a seismic risk culture Funding entity: Commission of European Communities. Amount: 79.300,00
Competitive Project 1 € Start date: 2018-01-01; End date: 2021-12-31
Development and application of advanced tools for seismic risk assessment and management
Competitive Project 2 Funding entity: Ministeria de Economía y Competitividad. Amount: 118.580,00 € Start date: 2016-01-
01; End date: 2019-11-30
The urban heat island: effects on climate change and modelling towards strategies of territorial and
Competitive Project 3 urban planning. Application to the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona. Funding Entity: Ministerio de
Economía y Competitividad. Amount: 104.060,00€. Start date: 2016-01-01; End date: 2019-12-31.
KEY WORDS
• Seismic engineering • Numerical modelling of buildings and
• Structure analysis constructions
• Inelastic attenuation • Investment methods
• Climatology • Electromagnetic prospecting
• Energy dissipaters • Geophysical prospecting
• Seismological engineering • Seismic protection
• Earth physics • Soil response
28• Seismic risk • Vibrations
• Seismic tomography • Seismic vulnerability and fragility
RESEARCH TEAM
• Canas Torres, José Antonio • Lana Pons, Francisco Javier
• Caselles Magallón, José Oriol • Pérez Gracia, María de la Vega
• Clapes Boixader, Jaime • Pujades Beneit, Luís Gonzaga
• González Drigo, José Ramón • Serra De Larrocha, Carina
CONTACT
Av. d'Eduard Maristany, 16, Building A, Campus Besòs, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Sant Adrià del
Besós, 08930, Barcelona (Spain)
Person in charge: González Drigo, José Ramón – jose.ramon.gonzalez@upc.edu
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