An integral part of what makes CTR one of the top transportation research centers in the world is the diversity of our affiliate partners here at The University of Texas at Austin. Our robust network of renowned expertise and knowledge fosters a unique environment of collaborative partnerships.
Center for Electromechanics (CEM)
CEM is a world-class center for modeling, analyzing, designing, and fabricating advanced electrical power generation and distribution systems. Their researchers are recognized as world leaders in the development of advanced energy storage and power generation rotating machines for both intermittent and continuous duty applications. The center engages in both fundamental and applied research in the areas of electromagnetics, electromechanical devices, power electronics, and advanced materials, developing leading-edge concepts and technology for generation, storage and use of electric and mechanical energy.
Center for Resilient Infrastructure and Smart Cities (CRISC)
Resilient infrastructure is also central to the concept of smart cities, as infrastructure systems are the fundamental basis for a smart economy, smart governance systems, smart mobility strategies, smart environment initiatives, and smart living in general. The Center for Resilient Infrastructure and Smart Cities (CRISC) is intended to facilitate the pursuit of cutting-edge research in the area, as well as implementation of that research, for the benefit of society at large.
Center for Water and the Environment (CWE)
CWE, formerly the Center for Research in Water Resources (CRWR), carries out advanced research, education, design and planning in water resources and environmental management in Texas, across the United States, and internationally.
Community and Regional Planning (CRP)
CRP, part of the School of Architecture, studies the growth and development of cities and regions, city planning methods, theory, law, and finance. Researchers at CTR and CRP have conducted research on transportation social equity, accessibility, and health care planning.
Construction Industry Institute (CII)
CII is a consortium of researchers, leading owners, and contractors who specialize in concrete and material development. The group works to advance the state of the art in construction materials technology and concrete durability through research and development. CII’s mission is to improve the cost effectiveness of the capital facility project lifecycle, from pre-project planning through completion and commissioning. By collaborating on important industry issues and providing guidance on best practices discovered through research, CII is an industry forum for the engineer-procure-construct process.
Cooperative Mobility for Competitive Megaregions (CM2), USDOT University Transportation Center-Tier 1
Following a competitive application process, in December of 2016 the USDOT granted funding to CM2 for five years. CM2 aims to advance research, education, and technology transfer initiatives to improve the mobility of people and goods in urban and rural communities of megaregions. CM2’s consortium partners (The University of Texas at Austin, Louisiana State University, Texas Southern University, and the University of Pennsylvania)—with affiliates at Cornell University and Rutgers University—will build legal and analytical frameworks for megaregion transportation planning following research priorities defined by the FAST Act of 2015.
Electric Vehicles – Transportation and Electricity Convergence (EV-TEC)
Formed in 2010, the EV-TEC center, a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, is comprised of more than 20 faculty members from UT Austin and Texas A&M, as well as corporate and government representatives. EV-TEC takes a unique systems approach to the study of a future where plug-in electric vehicles adoption (PEVs) is widespread.
Geotechnical Engineering
The Geotechnical Engineering Program, which focuses on the study of soils and rocks, is part of the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering (CAEE). Examples of geotechnical studies include the design of foundations for structures, tunneling, disposal of waste products by burial in the ground, and design of earth dams. The UT Austin geotechnical research program maintains a balance between the experimental, analytical, theoretical, and applied aspects of geotechnical engineering. The program is designed to offer a broad range of activities, with a solid basis in the core areas of geotechnical engineering and opportunities for students to participate in research at the forefront of developments in the field.
Laboratory for Infrastructure Materials Engineering (LIME)
LIME integrates education for civil engineers with advancements in construction materials technology. This research group is dedicated to advancing the state of the art in construction materials technology and concrete durability through research and development. Funded projects encompass a wide range of concrete materials design, analysis, and testing. The lab’s researchers are leaders in research studies in concrete durability, use of aggregates in concrete, virtual testing/proportioning of concrete mixtures, and concrete repair. Formerly known as the Construction Materials Research Group (CMRG) / Concrete Durability Center (CDC).
LBJ School of Public Affairs
CTR works with the LBJ School of Public Affairs on numerous research topics, including: the movement of goods, ports, terminals, and multimodal and intermodal facilities. The partnership has also conducted significant research examining the critical role freight transport plays in the national economy.
Phil M. Ferguson Structural Engineering Lab (FSEL)
Located on the J. J. Pickle Research Campus, the FSEL is a facility dedicated to improving the analysis, design, and construction of buildings, bridges, and special structures. FSEL is one of the largest and most active structural engineering facilities in the world. The lab contains a wide range of loading equipment, enabling large-scale studies of structural behavior. Researchers at FSEL are finding cost-effective ways to renew or rehabilitate the nation’s bridges. Using state-of-the-art equipment, bridges and other special-purpose structures are tested under stresses, such as earthquakes.