Introduction of the unit
Construction is a vital sector of the Finnish economy. Nearly 30% of our GDP derives from construction and closely related activities while about 70% of our national wealth is tied in the built environment and buildings.
The built environment is crucial both for the well-being and quality of life of the individual and society at large. The global challenges related to energy conservation goals and the impacts of climate change further highlight the enormous significance of the construction sector for society.
New construction is an on-going process in our communities. In addition to new construction and renovation, the construction sector consists of industries producing building materials and products, the design of traffic and transportation networks, land-use planning, and water supply and sewerage and waste management of communities. Moreover, the sector also includes operation and maintenance of facilities.
The focal areas of the Department of Civil Engineering in education and research are:
- structures and their design,
- building production and processes,
- life-cycle management and renovation, and
- IT in the construction and real estate sector.
The Department of Civil Engineering and the School of Architecture together form the Faculty of Built Environment. The Department established in 2008 brought together the previously separate units of Earth and Foundation Structures, Structural Engineering, and Building Production and Economics.
Structural engineering has been taught at Tampere University of Technology since the establishment of the present university. The Department of Civil Engineering is housed in the Rakennustalo Building erected in 1984.