The University of Southampton’s role in helping to define the future of the UK’s transport infrastructure is becoming clear as the new National Infrastructure Laboratory takes shape.

Currently under construction at Southampton’s Boldrewood Innovation Campus, the laboratory will house state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities for heavy structures and solid mechanics, geomechanics, and infrastructure engineering.

The facilities will be used to develop new understandings of the behaviour of large structures and structural components, with an emphasis on the infrastructure, rail and maritime sectors. Funding for the new National Infrastructure Laboratory comes as part of a research collaboration to grow the UK based national infrastructure research community.