The research conducted at the Silesian University of Technology has been organised into six Priority Research Areas (PRAs), which include:
- Computational Oncology and Personalised Medicine (PRA1).
- Artificial intelligence and data processing (PRA2).
- Materials of the future (PRA3).
- Smart cities and mobility of the future (PRA4).
- Process automation and Industry 4.0 (PRA5).
- Climate and environmental protection, modern energy (PRA6).
The Faculty of Civil Engineering, whose research, teaching and research staff educate civil engineering students, conducts its scientific and research activities primarily in two Priority Research Areas: PRA4 and PRA3. The following topics are covered:
- reinforced concrete, prestressed, steel and timber structures,
- frame and large-panel structures,
- soil research, foundations,
- mechanics of continuous media and dynamics of mechanical systems in a non-classical approach,
- development of structural theory, in particular of structures exposed to the effects of mining exploitation,
- new technologies in bridge construction, development of methods and software for the optimal design of bridge structures,
- design, construction and operation of municipal infrastructure, transport construction under conditions of mining deformation of the ground,
- technology, testing of building materials and products, applied rheology, testing of durability of building materials and structures,
- design of ecological buildings,
- organisational, information and decision-making systems and management systems for construction companies,
- creation of scientific bases for operation, renovation and repair.
The research conducted at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Silesian University of Technology may also address highly specialised topics, such as:
- computer simulation of behaviour of structures under load using FEM and MEB,
- modelling of structural materials and soils using advanced material models,
- applied rheology of three-phase media, mainly mortar and concrete mixtures,
- probabilistic methods and stochastic process theory in the analysis of design problems,
- artificial intelligence systems using fuzzy set theory, genetic algorithms and neural networks,
- dynamic, seismic and para-seismic effects on structures,
- durability testing of reinforced concrete and steel structures using electrochemical methods,
- diagnostics and monitoring of corrosion degradation of structures using corrosion sensors.
All of the aforementioned scientific and research issues are fully integrated into the curricular content implemented during the education of students at the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Silesian University of Technology.
It is worth mentioning that the Minister of Education and Science has awarded the Silesian University of Technology with the highest category, A+, in two disciplines, category A in seven disciplines and category B+ in three disciplines, based on the evaluation carried out for the period 2017-2021. The scientific discipline of Civil Engineering, Geodesy and Transport, to which the Faculty of Civil Engineering is fully (100%) assigned, has been awarded the highest category, A.