Construction Research Institute

Overview

Established in 1975, the Construction Research Institute (CRI) is one of the pioneering research institutes under the National Water Research Center (NWRC) in Egypt. Strategically located at Delta Barrage, CRI plays a leading role in advancing the field of hydraulic structures, geotechnical engineering, and construction technologies in support of sustainable water resource management.

CRI’s primary mission is to enhance the technical capabilities of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) through research, consultancy, and innovation in infrastructure development. With a multidisciplinary team of Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc. researchers, supported by skilled technicians and administrative staff, the institute undertakes both basic and applied research across a wide spectrum of national and international projects.

The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and offers expertise in the following areas:

  • Soil mechanics and foundation engineering
  • Design and rehabilitation of hydraulic structures
  • Structural dynamics and vibration analysis
  • Quality control of construction materials
  • Numerical and physical modeling

Over the decades, CRI has contributed to major national projects including the rehabilitation of Delta Barrages, Toshka Spillway, Elsalam Canal, El Sheikh Zayed Canal, and numerous regulators, siphons, and bridges. It has also extended its support internationally in countries such as Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, Togo, and Saudi Arabia.

Vision

To become a regional and continental center of excellence in research, development, and consultation for hydraulic structures, geotechnical engineering, and sustainable construction technologies, supporting the national goals and global challenges related to water, infrastructure, and climate resilience.

Mission

To support the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and other national stakeholders by providing advanced scientific research, engineering consultation, and innovation in the fields of hydraulic structures, foundation engineering, and construction materials. CRI aims to bridge research with implementation, enhance the safety and sustainability of water infrastructure, and promote the use of modern materials and technologies.

Departments

  1. Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering Department
    Specializes in geotechnical site investigations, foundation engineering, canal lining, and embankment stability. Equipped with advanced in-situ and laboratory testing systems.
  2. Irrigation Structures Department
    Conducts structural analysis and design of new hydraulic structures and rehabilitation of existing ones, supported by physical modeling and structural health monitoring tools.
  3. Building and Construction Materials Department
    Focuses on concrete technology and innovative materials, including testing, mix design, durability assessments, and evaluation of repair systems.
  4. Dynamics of Structures Department
    Deals with structural evaluation under dynamic and seismic loads, utilizing tools such as shaking tables, accelerometers, and advanced numerical models.

Area of Expertise

  • Hydraulic structures design and rehabilitation (regulators, barrages, canals, siphons, locks, etc.)
  • Foundation design and soil-structure interaction studies
  • Concrete technology (including SCC, underwater concrete, repair materials)
  • Seepage, stability, and slope failure analysis
  • Dynamic and seismic analysis of structures
  • Structural health monitoring and nondestructive testing (NDT)
  • Numerical modeling using tools like Plaxis, SAP2000, DIANA, ETABS
  • Quality control and material verification
  • Capacity building, training programs, and collaborative R&D

Laboratory Facilities

  • Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering Lab
  • Structural Dynamics Lab
  • Construction Modeling Lab
  • Construction Materials and Properties Lab
  • Geo-synthetics Lab
  • Chemical Analysis Lab
  • Computer and Simulation Lab