The Centre for Applied Research in Sustainable Infrastructure (CARSI) is located at the Notre Dame campus. It is the first dedicated research lab at a college in Manitoba. The building is constructed of energy efficient pre-cast, pre-insulated wall panels.

CARSI aims to develop advanced sustainable infrastructure technologies in four strategic areas: 

• asphalt concrete pavement
• advanced composite materials
• large light frame wood structures
• building envelopes

CARSI Research infrastructure includes:

• Environmental control chambers - side-by-side configuration, common wall with removable section; -40°C to +40°C (-40°F to 104°F) capabilities with additive humidity control; each side with interior dimensions of 10’10” W x 15’2” D x 8’7” H
• Removable exterior wall section incorporated into CARSI building - utilizes actual climatic conditions for thermal and lighting properties testing
• Structural dynamic test system - 300 kN tension, 500 kN compression (66,000 lbs tension, 112,000 lbs compression) (static or low-cycle fatigue)
• Flexible, multi-channel data acquisition system
• Asphalt Mixer, ignition oven, laboratory compactor
• Strong floor for testing of large structural members
• Neubrescope NBX-6040: non-destructive structural temperature/strain sensing system
• Weather stations
• Blower door fans for large building air leakage testing
• Infrared camera for thermal analysis of buildings
• Videoscope for wall inspections

For more information on CARSI, please download our CARSI Brochure
 

Building Smarts - i2eye with Red River College & Manitoba Hydro

Ray Hoemsen and Tom Akerstream discuss their collaboration to construct the most energy efficient and sustainable office building in North America.