Off-site Construction Research Centre
UNB Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC) strengthens global research ties with Leeds Trinity University (LTU)
OCRC
Posted: December 15, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Press Release
In an exciting development, the University of New Brunswick and Leeds Trinity University (LTU) have signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Dr. Jeff H. Rankin, Professor and Chair at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), and Brandon Searle, Director - Innovations and Operations at UNB Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC) participated in the announcement of LTU’s new...
Read the full postConstructing the future: Exploring the exciting technologies shaping the construction industry
OCRC
Posted: December 1, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Off-site Construction
The construction industry is undergoing a rapid and exhilarating transformation, propelled by cutting-edge technological advancements that are revolutionizing its landscape. Prepare to witness a construction renaissance as emerging technology trends poised to elevate efficiency and cost-effectiveness take center stage. In this blog, we will delve into the latest and most innovative technologies...
Read the full postEnergy efficiency: The cornerstone of sustainable construction
OCRC
Posted: October 24, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Off-site Construction
In today's dynamic construction landscape, the demand for sustainability is reaching unprecedented heights. Off-site construction has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a path to more environmentally friendly building practices. At the heart of this eco-friendly movement lies a crucial element: energy efficiency. In this blog post, we will delve into the pivotal role of energy efficiency in...
Read the full postOCRC's contributions to construction innovation: UNB Research Celebration Week
OCRC
Posted: October 4, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Research
As part of UNB’s Research Celebration Week from Oct. 2 to Oct. 6, 2023, the UNB Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC) is proud to showcase its remarkable achievements and milestones. Established in 2019 through a visionary partnership between UNB and the OSCO Construction Group (OSCO), OCRC has been at the forefront of transforming the construction industry. The journey began when...
Read the full postDifferentiating off-site, prefabricated and modular construction
OCRC
Posted: September 22, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Off-site Construction
In the ever-changing world of construction, there are three terms that tend to get mixed up: off-site, prefabricated and modular construction. They might seem like they're practically the same thing, but if you take a closer look, you'll see they've got their own unique definitions. In this blog, we're going back to the most basic of off-site construction terms to break down the confusion, dig...
Read the full postOff-site chronicles with Patrick Crabbe, corporate director of Mass Timber, Bird Construction – part one
OCRC
Posted: September 11, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Off-site chronicles
Meet Patrick Crabbe, the Corporate Director of Mass Timber at Bird Construction. At 36 years old, Patrick is not only committed to his professional endeavors but also takes pride in his role as a loving husband and a devoted father to two wonderful children, a four-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son. Currently residing and working in Bedford, NS, Patrick's journey began within a...
Read the full postUNB OCRC innovator: Unlocking the future of construction with Ramtin Azami
OCRC
Posted: August 11, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Student spotlight
In this blog, we have Ramtin sharing his journey at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and how it has shaped his perspective on construction engineering. If you're passionate about off-site construction and eager to explore the endless opportunities it offers, you're in the right place. Join us as we delve into the world of off-site construction and discover how it can revolutionize the...
Read the full postKey takeaways from GNB’s new housing strategy
Angad Loomba
Posted: August 1, 2023 8:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Research
Access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental right for every individual. Recognizing the pressing need to address housing challenges, the Government of New Brunswick (GNB) has recently unveiled its comprehensive NB Housing Strategy: Housing for All. This forward-thinking initiative aims to prevent homelessness and ensure housing stability for residents. With a focus on immediate needs...
Read the full postThe future of education in the construction industry: Building a sustainable and innovative tomorrow
OCRC
Posted: July 13, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Off-site Construction
As a research centre embedded in one of the longest standing engineering programs in Canada, the OCRC recognizes the critical importance of education to meet the expected demands of the construction industry. In this blog post, the OCRC dives into the emerging trends and transformative approaches that will shape the educational landscape. By equipping students who eventually become industry...
Read the full postShaping the future of construction: Insights from CSCE Conference 2023
OCRC
Posted: June 22, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Events
The Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) Annual Conference brings together professionals, researchers, academics, students, and industry experts from the civil engineering community around the globe. It serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge, discussing emerging trends, presenting research findings, and promoting collaboration among attendees. The conference features a wide...
Read the full postUNB OCRC Innovator: Jose Daniel Cuellar Lobo unveils the extraordinary journey of a research adventurer in off-site construction
OCRC
Posted: May 26, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Student spotlight
Calling all adventurers and seekers of the extraordinary! Prepare to embark on an awe-inspiring expedition that will transport you to the very frontiers of innovation and discovery. We indulge in a conversation with Jose Daniel Cuellar Lobo, a past student researcher at the OCRC and a research and data analyst at the City of Edmonton, to talk about his journey in off-site construction. What...
Read the full postRevolutionizing construction: How Digital Twin technology is taking projects to the next level
OCRC
Posted: May 11, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Off-site Construction
Are you ready to take your construction projects to the next level? Then you need to know about Digital Twin technology – a game-changing innovation that's revolutionizing the industry. In this blog, we'll dive into Digital Twin technology and explore its impact on construction. So, what exactly is Digital Twin technology? Simply put, it's a virtual replica of a physical asset such as a...
Read the full postOff-site chronicles with Craig Mitchell, Modular and Offsite Construction Consultant, BlackBox Offsite Solutions
OCRC
Posted: April 27, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Off-site chronicles
Craig Mitchell is an experienced modular building professional and a graduate of both the University of British Columbia (UBC) and of British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Craig has been a part of the construction industry for almost 30 years, with 24 years of them being devoted to the modular building sector. For the past ten years, he has been a key member of several senior...
Read the full postWorld of Modular Convention and Tradeshow through the lens of the OCRC
OCRC
Posted: April 12, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Events
About the conference The Modular Building Institute's (MBI) World of Modular Convention & Tradeshow is a premier annual event that brings together industry experts, architects, engineers and construction professionals from around the world. The 2023 convention provided its 1500 attendees with insights into the latest trends, innovations and best practices in the field. The convention features a...
Read the full postUNB OCRC Innovator: Shahrnaz Ardalani is innovating in building information modelling and digital tech in off-site construction
OCRC
Posted: March 28, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Student spotlight
Meet Shahrnaz Ardalani, who joined the OCRC in pursuit of her MScE in Construction Engineering and Management in 2020. Her research under the supervision of Dr. Zhen Lei and Dr. Jeff Rankin revolved around building information modelling and the application of digital technologies in off-site construction. We asked Shahrnaz to talk about her passion for off-site construction and her experience...
Read the full postFund your research project idea
OCRC
Posted: March 13, 2023 12:00:00 AM ADT
Category: Research
Four years ago, the UNB Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC) was created with the purpose of using the triple helix model of academia-industry-government collaboration to complete the mission of accelerating construction innovation through the improvement and adoption of off-site construction technologies and practices. Since the OCRC’s inception, the centre has been fortunate to...
Read the full postHappy International Women’s Day!
OCRC
Posted: March 8, 2023 1:00:00 PM AST
Category: Events
On March 8, we celebrate the valuable contributions of women. In particular, we want to bring attention to the female researchers on our team who make the OCRC possible. Samira Rizaee | Research Engineer, UNB-OCRC, PhD, MSc, P.Eng Samira came to Canada as an international student to pursue her graduate studies more than 10 years ago and faced challenges such as language barrier, cultural...
Read the full postPrecast concrete construction benefits, challenges and innovative solutions
Samira Rizaee
Posted: February 27, 2023 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Events
In precast concrete construction, reinforced or prestressed concrete components such as beams, columns, slabs, stairs, etc. are built off-site in a factory and erected at a construction site in matter of days or weeks. This method reduces construction assembly time by maximizing the amount of work done in the factory. In addition, it facilitates curing of concrete in a controlled...
Read the full postBrandon Searle Recognized as Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction
OCRC
Posted: December 8, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Awards
Brandon Searle, Director of Innovation and Operations, UNB OCRC, was recently named as one of the top young Canadian construction professionals in the third edition of On-site Magazine and SitePartners' "Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction." The list recognizes innovators and professionals who have a vision, not just for their organization but to leave an impact on the industry. Brandon is...
Read the full postZhen Lei takes home the Innovation in Research and Academia Award
OCRC
Posted: November 17, 2022 12:00:00 AM AST
Category: Awards
Zhen Lei, OSCO research chair, OCRC scientific director and assistant professor at UNB’s department of civil engineering, took home the Innovation in Research and Academia award at the inaugural InnovateNB awards. Zhen’s contribution to research on issues that have dominated the construction sector for years, including stagnant productivity, carbon emissions, and material waste,...
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