Manitoba puts $600,000 in research network for advanced materials

Winnipeg, MN – Manitoba has extended funding by $600,000 to the ISIS (Intelligent Sensing and Innovative Structures) Canada Research Network to continue local research using advanced materials and sensing technologies to improve the construction and repair of transportation infrastructure.

"Manitoba is delighted to extend this very productive partnership with ISIS and support groundbreaking research that is changing the way we design, build and repair bridges," says Ron Lemieux, transportation and government services minister.

The five-year extension will permit the Manitoba-based organization to expand research into the use of fibre-reinforced polymers, advanced composite materials and sensing technologies in bridge construction and rehabilitation. The funding will also allow for the development of a computer system for remote monitoring of the condition and performance of bridges.

"There are significant up-front and long-term cost savings to be gained from investing in the development of composite and sensing technologies through ISIS," says Dr Aftab Mufti, president of ISIS Canada. "It represents Manitoba’s commitment to exploring, developing and implementing technological advances that will contribute to the transportation sector and its tremendous importance to our provincial economy."

The ISIS Canada Research Network is a national network of centres of excellence encompassing 14 universities. Headquartered at the University of Manitoba, the multi-disciplined network focuses on research in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering for constructing and rehabilitating infrastructure.