Carnot MECD

Research themes in response to the challenges of the construction sector:

MECD Institute has the skills and ressources to facilitate the transformation of the sector by stimulating the emergence of innovations through its research means and by supporting companies until they are placed on the market. MECD focuses its researchs and provides support around 4 integrated and transversal strategic axes:

• Sustainable construction : developing solutions for the future for energy efficient, sustainable, and resilient buildings and infrastructure(circular economy, recycling, reuse and re-employment, bio-based materials, local and environmental impacts, performance approach, energy efficiency, resource management)
• Multifunctional diversity: innovative design solutions using the mixed materials potential and respond to changing expectations, practices, and regulatory requirements
• Industry of the future and digitisation : support the digital transformation of the construction sector, from design to predictive maintenance, including the industry of the future (digital tools and modelling software, Immersive reality, digitization of manufacturing processes (traceability, EDI, ...), technology transfer and execution operators of prefabrication (logistics, assembly, implementation, security)
• Implementation process, exploitation, and use : address expectations, perspectives and practices of experts and users and take them into account when setting up implemented
   

Targeted markets

• Construction: buildings & civil engineering works
• Furnishing and interior fittings    

Target market

• Construction: building and civil engineering structure
• Furniture
• Indoor or outdoor furniture

Offer and skills

From the test specimen of the material to the scale 1 platforms, in order to characterize and assess the performance of the materials, products and construction systems:

• A Great proximity to construction companies, from manufacturing to implementation (SMES in particular)
• A Territorial coverage
• An Expertise across TRL scale, leading to innovation for industries. 
• Tests and modelling facilities covering all types of requirements.
• A multi-scale approach, from the material (including the process) to the demonstrator.
• A valorisation of research results. 

Significant test means  for research

• Mechanical testing platforms (static, seismic, strength/reaction to fire), fire tests, 
• Physical testing platforms of building (acoustics, thermal, sealing, indoor air quality, etc.)
• Micro-characterization platforms (chemical tests, SEM, DRX, etc.)
• FABLAB (prototyping, 3 D printing, etc.)
• Use observatory platform