Research & Innovation BUILDERS LAB

Teaching through research aims to promote R&D activities and innovation in products, materials and techniques for sustainable construction.

Conventional R&D approaches are no longer sufficient to meet the challenges and urgent needs of the construction sector. Accelerating innovation and proposing concrete solutions based on academic knowledge and expertise are at the heart of the BUILDERS Lab Research Unit's approach.

BUILDERS School of Engineering has'a BUILDERS Lab research unit' with top-level skills in key areas related to the National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC) and the RE2020 : development of low-carbon construction and materials, bio-sourced materials, circular economy, thermal and energy building, materials to combat heat islands....

For all enquiries, please contact : 

• Nassim SEBAIBI, Head of the Research Unit : 

nassim.sebaibi@builders-ingenieurs.fr / 02 79 64 01 74

• Aurélie GERAULT, Deputy Head of the Research Unit :

 aurelie.gerault@builders-ingenieurs.fr / 02 31 46 22 97

BUILDERS Labs' research activity is structured into 4 research areas and 3 cross-disciplinary areas:

Cluster 1: Innovative multiphase materials

This theme focuses on the rheological and mechanical behaviour of materials and granular media, the microstructure and physico-chemical interactions of materials with their environments and the large-scale real-life application of construction elements.

The associated technical facilities are as follows:

• Dish. D2 - Geotechnics and soil mechanics (GMS)
• Dish. D3 - Chemistry of materials (CDM)
• Flat. D5 - Shaping and prototyping (MFP)

Area 2: Mechanisms of transfer and degradation of materials

This theme is based on the study of the chemical reactivity, physical properties and durability of materials under severe conditions, the thermo-hydric behaviour of materials and structures and mass and heat transfer in materials.

The associated technical facilities are as follows:

• Dish. D1: Thermal, energy, analytical and microstructural testing (ETEAM)
• Dish. D4: Durability of materials (DDM)
• Dish. D7 : Climatic chambers (CC)

Division 3: Short- and long-term behaviour of materials and structures

This division focuses its research on the static and dynamic behaviour of materials, deferred deformation of materials or structures (drying, shrinkage, creep) and analysis using imaging.

The associated technical facilities are as follows:

• Dish. D6: Mechanics of materials and structures (MMS)

Cluster 4: Adaptability of buildings to climate change

This cluster focuses on the intelligent renovation and refurbishment of buildings, the analysis and management of data from connected buildings, the environmental management of buildings, BIM and digital twins, life-cycle analysis and Construction 4.0.

The associated technical platform is the platform of the BUILDERS Auvergne-Rhônes-Alpes site.

The 3 cross-cutting themes linking the divisions are as follows: 

• Area E1: Materials and Resources for Sustainable Construction (MRCD)
• Area E2: BEPOS Buildings and Occupant Comfort (BBCO)
• E3: Multiscale and Numerical Modelling (M2N)

BUILDERS LAB pilots and participates in a number of collaborative research projects, in partnership with universities, companies and public institutions. These projects illustrate BUILDERS LAB's ambition: go beyond traditional R&D approaches to accelerate innovation in construction.

Here are a few key initiatives:

BUILDERS LAB works with laboratories and research institutes in France and abroad to enrich its work and promote technology transfer. The unit is integrated into major academic and industrial networks, strengthening its impact and influence.

BUILDERS LAB is not limited to laboratory experimentation: we transform research findings into practical solutions, by supporting students, researchers and companies in construction innovation.