RTD NETWORKS  
   
Acronym
 ECC  
Title
 Efficient Collaboration in the Prefabricated Components Construction Network  
Programme
 IST / FP5  
Organization
 Betonwerk Schmiden Buerkle Gmbh  
E-mail
 mbuerkle@buerkle-baugruppe.de  
Link
 http://services.infoman.de/ecc/  
Abstract
 ECC promotes the development of a communication network for construction companies in the production of prefabricated elements in order to stay competitive. The EU- funded project ECC promotes the development of a communication network for construction companies in the production of prefabricated elements in order to stay competitive. We envisage the ECC solution as a platform that will help companies on both sides of the market (suppliers and consumers) to execute their business processes in a more coordinated and collaborative manner.  
   
Acronym
 FIT  
Title
 Fires in Tunnels  
Programme
 GROWTH-KA1 / FP5  
Organization
 CSTC  
E-mail
 carlo.depauw@wtcbcstc.be  
Link
 http://www.etnfit.net/  
Abstract
 The European Thematic Network on Fire in Tunnels was introduced in the Growth 2000 call. FIT was created out of the idea of co-ordination and ex-ante clustering of different RTD1 initiatives on fire & tunnels. These RTD initiatives were set-up following some major tunnel fire accidents in recent time. FIT is a group of stakeholders focusing on the exchange of knowledge, integration and creation of know-how. FIT will have strong links with actual and future European and national research projects.  
   
Acronym
 TensiNET  
Title
 Thematic Network on Tensile Structures  
Programme
 GROWTH/ FP5  
Organization
 Belgian Building Research Institute (BBRI)  
E-mail
 jhaase@vub.ac.be  
Link
 http://www.tensinet.com/  
Abstract
 The membership forms a complementary group representing multi-disciplinary industries (coater and weaver, manufacturer, producer, engineering and architecture offices), universities and other associations. Within the thematic network the partners will make the knowledge of their specific domain available and will exchange and share know-how between different disciplines. TensiNet will assemble, structure and analyse existing data and integrate this expertise in knowledge bases.  
   
Acronym
 FE-NET  
Title
 A Thematic Network for Promoting Best Practice Industrial Application of Finite Element Technology  
Programme
 GROWTH / FP5  
Organization
 NAFEMS LTD  
E-mail
 alan.tuck@ncl.ac.uk  
Link
 http://www.fe-net.org  
Abstract
 The broad objectives of FENET can be summarised as follows: FENET aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of finite element applications in industry and to promote technology and knowledge transfer between industries. It tries to improve understanding of industry's finite element related RTD needs in academia and research organisations.  
   
Acronym
 PeBBu  
Title
 Performance Based Buildings  
Programme
 GROWTH / FP5  
Organization
 International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB)  
E-mail
 jack.bramwell@cibworld.nl  
Link
 http://www.cibworld.nl/pages/PeBBu_dir/Default.html  
Abstract
 Based on the achievements from the R&D projects of CIB, it proposed the establishment of the Thematic Network PeBBu ­PerformanceBased Building. This Network is to elaborate on the activities carried out by CIB, its commissions and its members. The PeBBu Network aims to stimulate and facilitate international programming, the coordination of research, the dissemination of PBB knowledge and the implementations of PBB practice and education.  
   
Acronym
 E-Core  
Title
 European Construction Research Network  
Programme
 GROWTH / FP5  
Organization
 European Council for Construction Research Development and Innovation (ECCREDI)  
E-mail
 carlo.depauw@wtcbcstc.be  
Link
 http://www.e-core.org  
Abstract
 The Thematic Network E-CORE has as general objective to promote the development of European networking in order to achieve a better co-ordination of efforts and a more rapid diffusion of results so as to ensure that research activity generates real innovation for construction and related industries.  
   
Acronym
 GEOTECHNET  
Title
 European Geotechnical Thematic Network  
Programme
 GROWTH / FP5  
Organization
 Civiel Technisch Centrum Uitvoering Research en Regelgeving  
E-mail
 unknown  
Link
 http://www.geotechnet.it/  
Abstract
 The proposed network aims to stimulate and facilitate international programming, the coordination of research, the implementation of results from research in the area of PeBBu. It will stimulate actual investments in such research and projects and will provide EU Networks members with optimal access to worldwide knowledge and experience in the area.  
   
Acronym
 PRESCO  
Title
 Practical Recommendations for Sustainable Construction  
Programme
 EESD-KA4 / FP5  
Organization
 WTCB-CSTC  
E-mail
 presco@bbri.be  
Link
 http://go.to/presco.net%20  
Abstract
 The PRESCO-network has as a main objective to define a European Code of Practice for Sustainable Building. The Code should contain widely accepted and scientifically supported guidance for the construction of sustainable buildings for residential, commercial and industrial use. Not only environmentally friendly construction technologies, but also social inclusion of elderly and disabled are considered through the study of adaptable housing and building. Furthermore, the network covers all phases of the life cycle of a building, going from inception and feasibility study through design and construction to use and refurbishment and finally to decommissioning, dismantling and disposal. The Code should enable all construction industry stakeholders to incorporate in the short-to-medium term the sustainability idea in their projects.  
   
Acronym
 CRISP  
Title
 Construction and City Related Sustainability Indicators  
Programme
 EESD-KA4 / FP5  
Organization
 Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB)  
E-mail
 nibel@cstb.fr  
Link
 http://crisp.cstb.fr/  
Abstract
 The Network aims to co-ordinate current research work defining and validating such indicators and implementing them to measure the sustainability of construction projects (buildings and built environment) in cities. This includes the activities of identifying and maintaining indicator sets together with implementing them to compare sustainability at a number of levels: individual buildings, large groups of buildings at both the urban and suburban levels as well as for whole urban areas. Implementation in construction activities at the scale of a city, a region or a country is also to be explored.  
   
Acronym
 TRA-EFCT  
Title
 Targeted Research Action on Environmentally Friendly Construction Technologies  
Programme
 BRITE-EURAM / FP5  
Organization
 European Council for Construction Research Development and Innovation (ECCREDI)  
E-mail
 carlo.depauw@wtcbcstc.be  
Link
 http://www.tra-efct.com/  
Abstract
 The network aims to provide a European forum for the development, dissemination and exchange of scientific and technological knowledge, and of ideas relating to all aspects of construction and to accelerate dissemination and exploitation of research results. It intends to improve the synergy and co-ordination of research being carried out in EC programmes and to inform RTD programme planners of the research needs and priorities of tomorrow.  
   
Acronym
 NW-IALAD  
Title
 Network - Integrity Assessment of Large Concrete Dams  
Programme
 GROWTH / FP5  
Organization
 Verbund Österreichische Elektrizitätswirtschafts-AG  
E-mail
 gaisbauerh@verbund.at  
Link
 no web site  
Abstract
 The integrity and safety assessment of concrete dams plays an important role for the infrastructure of many EU states. The water reservoirs created by these dams are often considered as a potential hazard to the population. The safety of these important structures is of great concern for the owners, operators and engineers as well as to the public. This is the motivation to establish a thematic network, which brings together stakeholders to conduct a state of the art review on integrity and safety assessment tools for concrete dams. The aims of the network are to compare and to critically review the current practice of dam calculation and safety assessment to conduct a systematic comparison of enhanced models for the numerical simulation of the structural behaviour of concrete dams and to develop further plans and strategies for research.  
   
Acronym
 ConFibreCrete  
Title
 Development of Guidelines for the Design of Concrete Structures, Reinforced, Prestressed or Strengthened with Advanced Composites  
Programme
 HUMAN POTENTIAL/FP5  
Organization
 University of Sheffield  
E-mail
 unknown  
Link
 http://www.shef.ac.uk/~tmrnet/  
Abstract
 The proposed project aims to transfer the knowledge of the applicant in the field of advanced polymeric (FRP) composites to the host research group. The applicant is a leader in composites applications in construction and an expert in analysis and performance of fibrous composites, joining composites, sandwich and hybrid structures, analysis and design of lightweight structural members, safety of civil engineering structures. These skills will be invaluable to the host team, since their expertise is essentially in concrete and structural engineering.  
   
Acronym
 LIFETIME  
Title
 Lifetime Engineering of Buildings and Civil Infrastructures  
Programme
 GROWTH / FP5  
Organization
 Technical Research Centre of Finland  
E-mail
 asko.sarja@vtt.fi  
Link
 no web site  
Abstract
 Lifetime engineering is an innovative idea and a concretisation of this idea for solving the dilemma that currently exists between very long-term infrastructures and current short-term approach to design, management and maintenance planning. The integrated lifetime engineering methodology concerns the development and use of technical performance parameters to optimise and guarantee through the life cycle, the requirements arising from human conditions, economy, cultural and ecological considerations. With the aid of lifetime engineering we thus can control and optimise the human conditions (safety, health and comfort), the monetary (financial) economy and the economy of the nature (ecology). The LIFETIME Network will deal with roles and actions of all stakeholders involved in all the phases of lifetime.  
   
Acronym
 CON REP NET  
Title
 Thematic Network Performance Based Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete Structures  
Programme
 GROWTH / FP5  
Organization
 Building Research Establishment Limited  
E-mail
 matthewss@bre.co.uk  
Link
no web site  
Abstract
 Concrete structures worldwide suffer from reinforcement corrosion, a major durability issue costing Europe billions of Euros each year. Premature repair failure causes problems to owners by loss of facility, safety hazards, disruption and pollution. The project will create a thematic network to see if performance concepts (PC) can improve durability and efficacy of rehabilitation. The network will evolve key stakeholders in the supply chain to access their experience and knowledge. It will link widely with RTD projects, professional and technical bodies other networks and standard bodies to examine past performance of repaired structures, establish current industry practices, state-of-the-art in research and best practice; produce a vision of how PC might improve the delivery of durable repairs; establish how to deliver PC practicably; inform and educate stakeholders.  
   
Acronym
 ProDAEC  
Title
 European Network for Product and Project Data Exchange, E-work and E-business in Architecture, Engineering and Construction  
Programme
 GROWTH / FP5  
Organization
 AIDICO Construction Technology Institute  
E-mail
 manuel.martinez@aidico.es  
Link
 http://www.prodaec.org/  
Abstract
 ProDAEC's main objective will be to set up and sustain a Thematic Network for the European AEC sector that promotes the use and implementation of standards and best practices regarding product data exchange, e-work and e-business. The project brings together material providers, construction companies, suppliers, designers, industrial federations, engineering consultancies, software vendors, R&D centres and universities from the EU and Enlargement countries.  
   
Acronym
 KOPRACTICE  
Title
 European Implementation of Thermal Bridge Analysis in Daily Practice  
Programme
 SAVE / FP5  
Organization
 European Economic Interest Grouping (Eurokobra-CSTC)  
E-mail
 carlo.depauw@wtcbcstc.be  
Link
 http://www.eurokobra.org -> Link zu Kopractice  
Abstract
 Thermal bridges are parts of the building envelope which are not correctly insulated and are often responsible for severe condensation and mould problems as well as increased energy losses. Conceptual errors are frequently observed in new buildings but are especially a problem in retrofitting projects. Moreover, not considering correctly the effect of thermal bridges has sometimes dramatically reduced the performances of so-called smart components concepts. The importance of European standards on the numerical calculation of thermal bridges was reflected by the EC mandate of 1989 to CEN/TC89. A first standard on 3D-calculation (EN ISO 10211-1) has recently been edited by CEN member bodies; while a second standard on 2D-calculation as well as a third standard presenting simplified methods are currently available in the final draft status. In order to bring thermal bridge simulations closer to practice, a user-friendly software tool was developed.  
   
Acronym
 ECC  
Title
 Efficient Collaboration in the Prefabricated Components Construction Network  
Programme
 IST / FP5  
Organization
 Betonwerk Schmiden Buerkle Gmbh  
E-mail
 mbuerkle@buerkle-baugruppe.de  
Link
 http://services.infoman.de/ecc/  
Abstract
 The EU- funded project ECC promotes the development of a communication network for construction companies in the production of prefabricated elements in order to stay competitive. We envisage the ECC solution as a platform that will help companies on both sides of the market (suppliers and consumers) to execute their business processes in a more coordinated and collaborative manner. Efficient collaboration between networked companies is understood as a management concern of how these organisations can increase the retention of their most profitable customers, whilst simultaneously reducing sales and distribution costs.  
   
Acronym
 CONSTRINNONET  
Title
 Promoting Innovation in Construction Industry SMEs  
Programme
 INNOVATION / FP5  
Organization
 VTT Building & Transport  
E-mail
 David.Payne@vtt.fi  
Link
 no web site  
Abstract
 CONSTRINNONET is a construction related innovation project whose objective is to find instruments that best increase the input-output ratio of RTD in the construction sector.  
   
Acronym
 SAFERELNET  
Title
 Safety and Reliability of Industrial Products, Systems and Structures  
Programme
 GROWTH / FP5  
Organization
 Instituto Superior Técnico  
E-mail
 unknown  
Link
 http://mar.ist.utl.pt/saferelnet/  
Abstract
 The SAFERELNET Thematic Network is concerned with providing safe and cost-effective solutions for industrial products, systems, facilities and structures across different industrial sectors. The scope of the Network is the integrated treatment of the important aspects of design, production, operation of industrial products and systems. The main emphasis is on the use of reliability-based methods for the optimal design of products, production facilities, industrial systems and structures from the point of view of balancing the economic aspects associated with providing predefined safety levels, with the associated costs of maintenance and availability. The approaches include modelling the reliability of systems throughout their lifetime so as to be able to study the impact of new maintenance and repair schemes on system safety, life cycle costs, reliability, serviceability and quality. Methods for the assessment of existing structures and equipment will be addressed as well as approaches and criteria for extending the lifetime of products and industrial systems safety and with adequate levels of reliability and availability. The Network aims at improving the coherence of the approaches adopted by the different industries to deal with the above-mentioned problems, in particular as concerns RTD and demonstration activities. It will also assess the importance and maturity of the technologies being developed and will contribute to the technology transfer among sectors.  
   
Acronym
 ECCREDI  
Title
 European Council for Construction, Research, Development and Innovation  
Programme
 Memorandum of Understanding  
Organization
 BBRI  
E-mail
 info@eccredi.org  
Link
 http://www.eccredi.org/  
Abstract
 European organisation of research institutes, associations of designers, contractors and material producers, and European organisation for technical approvals EOTA.  
   
Acronym
 ENBRI  
Title
 European Network of Building Research Institutes  
Programme
 Memorandum of Understanding  
Organization
 BBRI  
E-mail
 info@enbri.org  
Link
 http://www.enbri.org/  
Abstract
 Made up of the major construction research institutes of the  
European Union and of the European Free Trade Association.  
   
Acronym
 GEOENVNET  
Title
 Geo-environmental Engineering Infrastructure Co-operation Network  
Programme
 HUMAN POTENTIAL/FP5  
Organization
 University of Wales Cardiff  
E-mail
 grc@cf.ac.uk  
Link
 http://www.grc.cf.ac.uk/geoenvnet  
Abstract
 This network is aimed at developing an Infrastructure cooperation network for users and providers of infrastructures in the area of Geo-environmental Engineering. In particular the areas of landfills, underground waste disposal, contaminated land, future research needs and training requirements are focused upon. Regular six monthly meetings will be held, including open access conferences for the wider research community. Five study panels will be formed to consider the areas mentioned above. These panels will work towards increased co-ordination of research and the use and development of research infrastructures.  
   
Acronym
 FENET  
Title
 A Thematic Network for Promoting Best Practice Industrial Application of Finite Element Technology  
Programme
 GROWTH/FP5  
Organization
 NAFEMS LTD.  
E-mail
 anne@nafems.org  
Link
 http://www.fe-net.org/  
Abstract
 The broad objectives of FENET can be summarised as follows: FENET aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of finite element applications in industry and to promote technology and knowledge transfer between industries. It tries to improve understanding of industry's finite element related RTD needs in academia and research organisations.  
   
Acronym
 CoSACNet  
Title
 Advanced Polymeric Composites for Structural Applications in Construction  
Programme
 Joint Venture  
Organization
 University of Southampton  
E-mail
 cosacnet@soton.ac.uk  
Link
 http://www.cosacnet.soton.ac.uk/  
Abstract
 CoSACNet exists to: examine problems facing industry in current applications of polymer composite materials in civil structural applications provide an educational resource for training engineers in industry through the use of Continuous Professional Development courses; provide a forum for discussion of general scientific and technical issues associated with composite materials in application through regular meetings, online discussion forums and conferences disseminate information gained by Network activities to the wider structural engineering community; establish mechanisms for interaction between academia and industry in identifying potential research areas.  
   
Acronym
 SIMoNET  
Title
 Structural Integrity Monitoring Network  
Programme
 Joint Venture  
Organization
 University College London.  
E-mail
 wddover@btinternet.com  
Link
 http://www.simonet.org/  
Abstract
 A joint venture to facilitate communication between workers, researchers and all those interested in the field of structural integrity monitoring and non destructive testing.  
   
Acronym
 SIDANET  
Title
 Structural Integrity and Damage Assessment Network  
Programme
 Joint Venture  
Organization
 University of Scheffield  
E-mail
 k.worden@sheffield.ac.uk  
Link
 http://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/cnca/sida/index.htm  
Abstract
 This network draws together experts from a variety of engineering disciplines to focus attention on the problem of damage assessment. The network includes participants from both academic and industrial backgrounds and has four main objectives: To fuse the disparate approaches adopted by the almost disjoint communities concerned with Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), machine Condition Monitoring (CM) and Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE). To evaluate and document the currently used approaches. To examine any limitations to these methods imposed by basic Physics or Engineering and propose research to mitigate problems. To provide best practice guidelines. To introduce new techniques suggested by the mathematical and statistical analysis of data and promote an interdisciplinary approach to the problem. To lay down lines of communication between Academia and Industry. Where possible, to establish guidelines for industrially based experimental programmes and to establish demonstrators of the methods on realistic industrially-supplied data sets.  
   
Acronym
 ASRANet  
Title
 Integrating Advanced Structural Analysis with Structural Reliability Analysis  
Programme
 Joint Venture  
Organization
 Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde  
E-mail
 n.baker@na-me.ac.uk  
Link
 http://www.asranet.com  
Abstract
 Aims and Objectives of the Network: To provide a forum where specific research and development issues can be discussed, including "Modelling Process". To document current practices and trends. To establish guidelines to best practices and generate case studies and benchmark test results wherever possible, after identification. To identify the research required by the UK universities in conjunction with industry actively involved in structural engineering work, in order to design a structure with just adequate but not excessive levels of safety. To ensure that reports of research projects are disseminated to industrial partners and help industry to use these results in their design process. To promote better understanding of industry's requirements in the areas of reliability analysis techniques, using advanced structural analysis.  
   
Acronym
 EUROPENGINEERS  
Title
 Association of European Consulting Engineers for the Exchange of Experience to Enhance Know-how  
Programme
 European Economic Interest Grouping  
Organization
 Verdeyen & Moenaert Consulting Engineers  
E-mail
 mheiming@vmic.be  
Link
 http://www.europengineers.com  
Abstract
 Europengineers was as a network of independent European consulting engineers. Today, the association employs more than 5,000 people, with 9 members and several partnerships throughout Europe and the world. Europengineers has more than 35 years experience coordinating the exchange of technical expertise and human resources. Its members all have proven track records in a wide range of projects on every continent. Members of Europengineers meet regularly to exchange technical experience and expertise. Their independence, integrity and instinctive knowledge of the economic conditions in many countries, together with current experience of their trade practice, availability of materials and equipment, administrative procedures, codes of practice and building regulations, secure for clients the best possible professional engineering services. The organisation offers broad engineering services from the original concept of a project to the completion on construction and its subsequent operation and maintenance.