Leading researchers from UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science are working with TEBO Group of Industries to develop ground-breaking, made-in-Canada approaches and technologies that will advance our mutual leadership in sustainable and resilient building construction and benefit communities across the country and around the world.
Founded in 1986, TEBO is known for its progressive approach to sustainable construction in industries that include green energy, civil infrastructure, commercial and residential construction, manufacturing, and forestry.
Launched in the fall of 2022, the three-year, $6.6-million collaboration is grounded in each partner strength: UBC researchers will develop and optimize new approaches to technical challenges, allowing TEBO’s team of experts to focus on their core business strengths.
The UBC-TEBO partnership’s initial research collaborations target infrastructure, structural steel additive manufacturing, and advanced geomembrane systems.
Designing more resilient buildings
Through the partnership, Dr. Lisa Tobber, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, is developing new structural components, including isolation and damping technology, to make mid-rise and high-rise buildings more structurally sound and safe to live in after an earthquake.
As part of this work, Dr. Tobber will propose recommendations for new Canadian seismic design guidelines and changes to building codes.
Reducing emissions from landfills
Finding ways to reduce methane and other greenhouse gas emissions is critical to meeting our country’s ambitious climate goals.
Dr. Sumi Siddiqua, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, is developing advanced designs for zero-emission landfill covers and liners. She’s exploring an innovative biomitigation strategy that would lower landfill gas emissions by injecting a pre-grown microbial culture into a porous geomaterial composite. Industry by-products traditionally considered waste would be used to develop the geomaterial composite, creating a closed-loop system.
A beneficial partnership
Dr. Nemkumar Banthia, Professor of Civil Engineering is currently working with TEBO team to develop carbon-neutral, ultra-high-performance concrete. The complex nature of these projects often requires them to bring together engineers and researchers from a range of disciplines to collaborate and problem solve.
The benefits of the UBC-TEBO collaboration will go far beyond these organizations. This partnership will lead to cost-effective commercial applications that will help keep people safe in earthquakes, help Canada meets its emissions reduction targets, and reduce waste that is being sent to landfill.
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