CERIS Aveiro researchers bring Civil Engineering to life at the University of Aveiro Summer Academy

Researchers from CERIS Aveiro, in collaboration with the Department of Civil Engineering (DECivil) at the University of Aveiro, took part in the latest edition of the University of Aveiro Summer Academy, offering secondary school students from Years 10 to 12 a hands-on introduction to some of the most pressing challenges in Civil Engineering.

 

Through a series of laboratory and field-based activities, participants explored a wide range of research areas developed at CERIS, including structural and earthquake engineering, sustainable construction, building performance, fire safety, water resources and coastal engineering. The initiative demonstrated how research contributes to the development of innovative solutions for safer, more sustainable and resilient built environments.

 

From research to hands-on learning                                

The programme introduced students to the behaviour of structural systems and construction materials through experimental demonstrations led by Miguel Morais. Activities included the design and construction of spaghetti bridges and structural elements such as beams, followed by testing procedures that allowed students to observe structural behaviour and failure mechanisms. These hands-on activities enabled participants to explore fundamental concepts of structural behaviour, material resistance and the importance of design choices in a practical setting.

 

In the field of earthquake engineering, Hugo Rodrigues presented the principles of seismic design and structural resilience. By designing and testing model towers, students gained first-hand experience of the importance of structural stability, appropriate design and earthquake-resistant solutions. As a complementary experience, Daniel Mejia introduced students to an immersive 3D visualisation of a seismic event through the use of 3D glasses, allowing them to better understand the effects of earthquakes in a more interactive and engaging way.

 

Sustainable construction and high-performance buildings

Sustainability is one of the key challenges facing Civil Engineering today, combining technological innovation with knowledge of traditional construction techniques.

 

During the Building with Tradition activity, Ana Perdigão Antunes introduced participants to earth construction techniques, demonstrating how traditional materials and building methods continue to provide valuable solutions for sustainable construction.

 

Building performance and occupant comfort were explored by Romeu Vicente and António Figueiredo, who introduced students to topics such as energy efficiency, thermal comfort and building acoustics, highlighting the role of engineering in creating healthier and more sustainable built environments.

 

Fire safety and technological innovation

Fire safety engineering was presented by Nuno Lopes, who introduced the principles of structural fire resistance and guided participants through the fire resistance laboratory, where they observed experimental testing of construction elements under fire conditions.

 

The integration of technology into building safety was showcased by Carlos Couto, Rúben Santo and Alexandre Sousa, who demonstrated how artificial intelligence can support fire detection, monitoring and emergency response.

 

Water, territory and environmental challenges

Environmental sustainability and natural resource management were also central themes of the programme.

 

Inês Meireles and Ana Henriques Antunes led activities focusing on water resources, encouraging participants to reflect on the importance of water management and conservation.

 

A field visit led by Margarida Ferreira and Frederico Romão introduced students to coastal erosion processes and engineering solutions for coastal protection, illustrating the contribution of Civil Engineering to climate change adaptation.

 

Inspiring the next generation of engineers

CERIS Aveiro's participation in the University of Aveiro Summer Academy provided students with a unique opportunity to experience Civil Engineering research first-hand and to understand how scientific knowledge is translated into practical solutions for society.

 

Beyond introducing participants to a broad range of research topics, the initiative encouraged curiosity, experimentation and critical thinking, while showcasing the essential role of Civil Engineering in developing safer infrastructure, more efficient buildings and more sustainable communities.