TRA Network on "Environmentally Friendly Construction Technologies"
On 12 March 1997, the EC formally approved the TRA Network "Environmentally Friendly Construction Technologies". This Network brings together EC-funded research projects from the BRITE-EURAM, CRAFT, SMT, "Environment and Climate" and "Steel" programmes which relate to construction. TRA stands for Targeted Research Action and the TRA "Environmentally Friendly Construction Technologies" is one of a number of TRA networks. The TRAs are an initiative of the European Commission within the context of its specific RTD programme in the field of Industrial and Materials Technologies (BRITE/EURAM). In particular this TRA aims to: - Provide a European forum for the development, dissemination and exchange of scientific and technological knowledge, and of ideas relating to all aspects of construction; - Accelerate dissemination and exploitation of research results; - Improve the synergy and coordination of research being carried out in EC programmes; - Inform RTD programme planners of the research needs and priorities of tomorrow. The EFCT TRA network comprises about 80 different EC-funded research projects. For practical reasons the network is subdivided into groups with related research themes called "clusters". Nine clusters are currently operating: - Testing and quality assurance for construction; - Construction process and management of the different life stages of construction; - Seismic and vibration isolation; - Noise protection; - Improved performance of concrete and structures; - Wood properties and technologies for construction; - New technologies in geotechnical engineering; - Environmentally friendly technologies for construction materials and components; - Steel research. Specific actions and deliverables included in the TRA which aim to boost the transfer and dissemination of technology and expertise are: - Intra-project team meetings and contractors' workshops; - Strategic round table discussions with representatives of industry, government and society; - Publication of a quarterly newsletter and an annual TRA report describing RTD achievements and R&D needs; - Diffusion of multimedia CD-ROMs, addressing the achievements of the clusters and the TRA; - Exchange of researchers between various projects. It is intended that this TRA will adopt a friendly and practical approach through which information enhancing the activities of individual projects can be exchanged rapidly and effectively. This exchange should lead to further innovative opportunities making the TRA a force capable of achieving goals far beyond the reach of individual projects.