Institute for Civil Engineering and Materials Science
The Institute for Civil Engineering and Materials Science (Alexandrian: Institut d'ingénierie civile et de science des matériaux; Martino: Instituto de Ingeniería Civil y Ciencia de Materiales, IICCM) is a research and educational institute dedicated to advancing the fields of structural civil, and materials engineering. It is located in the Máquina Science Park in Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie. It is officially part of the Department of Civil Works and Transportation, and serves as the nation's foremost center for applied engineering research and innovation. Its main mission is to support the development of resilient infrastructure, sustainable construction methods, and advanced materials that support technological progress and national development. It employs over 1,400 researchers - including 200 postgraduates from the University of Cárdenas - making it one of the largest research institutes in the nation.
History
The IICCM was established in 1686 AN as the National Center for Engineering Research, to coordinate the efforts of the government in the huge engineering challenges of the ambitious Cárdenas Plan and New Prosperity Plan, and to centralize and systematize technological development. Initially housed in temporary facilities near the University of Cárdenas, the early work of the institute focused on the (re-)construction of the National Capital, the creation of the National Railways, and the construction of the Pan-Keltian Highway and Pan-Euran Highway. In 1688 AN it moved into its current facility at Máquina, becoming the nucleus for later development there.
In 1702 AN, it expanded its mandate from civil works to experimental materials science, and therefore renamed to its current name. Researchers have since been instrumental in developing new methods of construction and modern materials engineering. It has also been involved in the standardization of construction practices and the creation of national engineering regulations.
With the creation of the Institute for Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and the Institute for Computer Science and Robotics in 1730 AN, it has refocused upon its core mission of supporting civil works development and materials science. The Frontera Program allocated over NAX€3.5 billion for the institute in 1738 AN, which allowed it to expand massively with new state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and more personnel.
Research
The IICCM focuses on cross-disciplinary research pertaining to structural, civil, and materials engineering, with projects ranging from construction to advanced materials manufacturing. Its work is broadly organized into several core research areas:
- Civil Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Development
The IICCM also hosts a major civil engineering training facility, with advanced modeling and simulation suites. It collaborates with both public and private companies on civil works projects through its dedicated Industrial Partnerships Division, which combines both training, modeling, and development.
Major Projects over the years
- Cárdenas Plan - IICCM was one of the structural partners of the Federal Capital Commission throughout the construction of Cárdenas. Completed in 1700 AN.
- Proyecto Fortuna - IICCM was one of the partners of ASANA
- Proyecto Alte Velocidad - research and development to prepare and evaluate the creation of a National high speed rail network. Completed in 1710 AN.
- Proyecto Alexandrium - IICCM was an important partner of the Inquiry Committee on Alexandrium and its Origins, which sought to research Alexandrium. Completed 1732 AN.
- Proyecto Supercolisionador - IICCM was an important partner for the development of the Superconducting Super Collider, an advanced particle accelerator. Completed in 1734 AN.
Layout
The IICCM covers a 25-hectare campus within the southern end of the Máquina Science Park, forming the park's largest complex. The campus is structured around a large central green space that includes a large open testing ground. It has four principal buildings:
- The Main Building houses the administrative facilities of the institute, as well as major lecture rooms, a central library, and an exhibition hall where is showcased historical models, prototypes, and patterns developed by the IICCM.
- The Advanced Materials Building is a specialized building dedicated to materials research and fabrication, with advanced laboratories, a large manufacturing hall, and the so-called Nanomaterials Laboratory.
- The Structural and Civil Engineering Building is a high-ceilinged building dedicated to engineering research, with testing rigs, wind tunnels, and specialized safety labs. It also contains the massive Seismic Simulation Hall where entire housing units can be tested.
- The Geotechnical and Field Testing Building is a smaller specialized building where outdoor terrain studies can be performed. It also includes advanced modeling suites and even a dedicated rail track for testing.
Organization
The IICCM is overseen by a Director-General, appointed by the Federal Science & Research Council and Department of Civil Works and Transportation. It is further structured into five main research divisions, two service departments, and one executive office.
- Director-General
- Chief Operating Officer
- Department of Administration and Planning
- Department of Facilities
- Department of Public Relations and Training
- Deputy Director for Research & Science
- Structural and Civil Engineering Division
- Materials Science and Technology Division
- Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering Division
- Computational Engineering and Simulation Division
- Industrial Partnerships Division
- Chief Operating Officer
Support departments manage finance, HR, technical services, IT infrastructure, and public relations. The IICCM also operates three advisory boards composed of national and international experts:
- Scientific Advisory Council
- Applied Research and Innovation Council
- Certification and Regulations Council
List of (Deputy) Directors
- Dr. Ramón Iturriaga - 1686 AN-1701 AN
- Ing. Lucía Mamani - 1701 AN-1715 AN
- Dr. Alejandro Zárate - 1715 AN-1728 AN
- Dr. Valería Aráoz - 1728 AN-1736 AN
- Dr. Esteban Gálvez - 1736 AN-Present
Deputy Directors
- Tupac Amaru - 1686 AN-1695 AN
- Miguel Llacta - 1695 AN-1706 AN
- Sebastián Corvalán - 1706 AN-1714 AN
- Dr. Ernesto Vilcapoma - 1714 AN-1722 AN
- Mariano Callalli - 1722 AN-1726 AN
- Inés Huallpa - 1726 AN-1732 AN
- Félix Quipildor - 1732 AN-1735 AN
- Domingo Chalco Ayllón - 1735 AN-1739 AN
- Dr. Nayra Chocce - 1739 AN-Present
