Research

Research in Construction Management and Engineering at NDSU focuses on advancing the construction industry through innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and efficient project delivery methods. Faculty and students explore a wide range of topics, including lean and green construction, Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual and augmented reality, advanced concrete materials, climate impacts on infrastructure, and human-robot collaboration. Other areas of research include data-driven decision-making, construction automation, energy-efficient building systems, and life cycle assessment. This dynamic research environment blends engineering, management, and technology to improve construction processes, optimize resource use, and create smarter, more sustainable infrastructure.

Environmental engineers work to protect human health and safety and protect the natural environment from pollution. They plan, design, operate, and maintain systems to treat drinking water, remove pollutants from water and air, safely dispose of solid wastes (garbage) and hazardous wastes. They may work to clean up sites contaminated with hazardous wastes, and help industries prevent pollution by improving their production methods. Environmental engineers may also be involved in enforcing environmental regulations.

Geotechnical engineers work with soil and use it as an engineering material. Most civil engineering projects are supported by the ground, or may be under the ground. Geotechnical engineers design foundations for structures, retaining walls to hold back embankments, subgrades for highway and airport pavements, and soil fills for levees, dams, and embankments. They design tunnels and offshore drilling platforms. They also work with environmental engineers to clean up contaminated sites, and analyze seepage of groundwater.

Biomaterials scientists work towards designing materials that could be used in close contact with tissues, fluids, and biological systems to augment or replace the natural function of the human body organ, or, to treat diseases. For instance, titanium hip implants, engineered bone, and polymeric drug delivery systems, etc. In recent years, computer simulation has received a great deal of attention owing to its ability to investigate and design materials without ever making them. Multi-scale modeling of biological materials is in use, including for predicting the properties and behavior of implants, lab-grown bone, and cancer cells during metastases.

Structural engineers design the frameworks that support everything from everyday buildings and bridges to roller coasters, stadiums, and even aircraft. Their job is to ensure these structures can safely withstand forces like weight, wind, earthquakes, and snow. Using materials such as concrete, steel, and wood, they create the beams, columns, trusses, and foundations that keep structures stable and secure. Structural engineers often collaborate closely with architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, and other civil engineering specialists—such as transportation or water resources engineers—to bring complex projects to life and ensure every element works together seamlessly.

Transportation engineers play a vital role in designing, building, and maintaining the systems that move people and goods safely and efficiently. Their work spans a wide range of infrastructure, including roads, highways, railways, airports, ports, and pedestrian and bike paths. As travel demand continues to grow, transportation engineers are focused on improving and modernizing existing systems while seamlessly integrating new technologies and infrastructure. Current research and innovation in the field include non-destructive testing of transportation structures, smart traffic control systems, rehabilitation of aging roads and bridges, and the use of advanced materials and geospatial tools like GIS and GPS to enhance design, construction, and operations.

Water resource engineers focus on managing and protecting one of our most essential natural resources—water. They assess water availability, determine demand, and design systems to move, store, and control water where and when it's needed. This includes designing hydraulic structures, pipe networks, groundwater systems, and open channels for everything from municipal water supply to agricultural irrigation. Their work supports a wide range of projects, including flood control, hydroelectric power, navigation systems like locks and dams, environmental restoration, and coastal protection from erosion and tsunamis. Water resource engineers often lead complex, multi-purpose projects that balance human needs with environmental sustainability.