VSimulators

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)

Aims and Objectives

After three years, the build, installation and commissioning of both VSimulators multi-disciplinary research platforms at Universities of Exeter and Bath (collectively: VSimulators) reached completion (26th January 2020 and 9th October 2019). Having generated significant interest from industry and academic communities, the next stage is to focus on the specific design and delivery of a strategic pipeline of research.

Professor Brownjohn and team collaborated with the Institute for Manufacturing Education and Consultancy Services Ltd to design and facilitate a two-day workshop to be held at the Institute of Civil Engineers in London. This workshop aimed to support the development of the VSimulators research strategy through the application of road mapping techniques working in collaboration with 23 industry and academic stakeholders.

The objectives were:

• Establishing a mutual understanding as to the future potential and research themes amongst stakeholders
• Developing  roadmaps and business cases for a related number of specific applications for VSimulators
• Confirming the industrial interest and commitment to investing their time and resources in supporting the delivery of the research pipeline

Outcomes

A high-level landscape was developed, looking out to 2035 and beyond. This has the potential to inform the vision for future VSimulators activity, within the built environment sector. From the landscape, a shortlist of potential key applications was identified, and high-level roadmaps and business cases were produced for each item. The workshop and subsequent report provided a roadmap for supported and targeted applications for research, which can be delivered in collaboration with identifiable industry partners and resources.

Themes identified for future development impact include:

• Improving quality of life and wellbeing for building users
• Improving building user behaviour to drive down resource consumption
• Raising building standards to improve efficiency
• Development of new building design codes using vibration data and research