UTA, CRH partner to shape future of construction
The University of Texas at Arlington has signed a multifaceted five-year research agreement with CRH, the leading provider of building materials critical to modernizing infrastructure. This strategic alliance will accelerate research and commercialization of innovative materials, shaping the future of resilient design.
Through the partnership, UTA’s Center for Advanced Construction Materials (CACM) will collaborate with CRH under a coordinated research and technology transfer framework. The initiative will support the development of new technologies, intellectual property and solutions for the built environment. It will also create professional development opportunities and corporate exposure for researchers and students at all levels.
“This collaboration creates remarkable opportunities for our UTA students and junior faculty to engage directly with industry leaders on technologies that will shape the future of construction materials and technologies. CRH’s partnership strengthens our ability to deliver impactful research, foster innovation and prepare the next generation of civil and materials science engineers,” said Maria Konsta-Gdoutos, CACM cofounder and associate director and a civil engineering professor.
The initiative launches with two CRH-funded inaugural projects: “Advancement of Carbon Nanoparticles in Concrete,” exploring high-strength, lower cement mix design, and “Advancement of Real-Time, In-Situ Monitoring of Concrete Manufacturing,” designing real-time solutions for concrete setting time and green strength.
“We’re pleased to partner with UTA to spur collaboration and innovation in construction materials,” said CRH Senior Vice President of Innovation Carlos Espina. “Academic partnerships like this one help us meet our customers’ needs now and in the future by accelerating the development of cutting-edge, new ideas.”
Aligned with the University’s strategic plan, UTA 2030, this initiative strengthens long-term industry partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth and prosperity across the DFW region, while positioning UTA at the forefront of innovation and technology translation.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
About CRH
CRH is the leading provider of building materials critical to modernizing infrastructure. With its team of 83,000 people across 4,000 locations, its unmatched scale, connected portfolio, and deep local relationships make it the partner of choice for transportation, water, and reindustrialization projects, shaping communities for a better tomorrow. CRH (NYSE: CRH) is a member of the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit www.crh.com.