Research Groups

Research groups linked to PPGEC

Use of Sanitation Waste

Interdisciplinary, multi-departmental and multi-institutional group, composed of researchers of different UFV departments, graduates of UFV Programs and other public institutions. The group has extensive experience in the use of sanitation residues, particularly in the research lines Treatment and agricultural use of wastewater, treatment of sewage sludge and agricultural use of biosolids. This experience is reflected in several master’s dissertations and doctoral theses, in publications (books) of the Prosab basic sanitation research network, and in journals and proceedings of national and international congresses. In this field, the participation of the group leader in coordinating Prosab’s thematic networks and in national (eg Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment) and international forums and bodies (eg World Health Organization) stands out.

Bioenergy from Microalgae

As the Bioenergy from microalgae approach is multidisciplinary, researchers from national and international institutions were added, covering different areas of knowledge. The main objective of the group is the development, transfer and training of human resources in technologies for the cultivation of microalgae for bioenergy. From this objective comes different research lines for the development of the entire production chain of biodiesel, biogas, briquettes, carbonization, biofertilizers, animal feed and other by-products from microalgae. Research ranges from the production stage of algal biomass through the reuse of different wastewater to the generation of various bioproducts. The environmental impacts of the production of biomass and bioproducts are also investigated through the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Sustainable and Innovative Construction – SICon

The Research Group on Sustainable and Innovative Construction is dedicated to the study of materials and processes in the context of Civil Construction. The team is made up of professors from the Civil Engineering Department of the Federal University of Viçosa; professors and researchers from other departments and institutions; doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degree students; as well as members of the university’s technical team. The Group has contributed to the development of new technologies and materials, with emphasis on solutions for the reuse of waste material from other industries to obtain environmentally friendly products and contributions to reducing the environmental impacts of the construction industry through technologies to improve performance and eco-efficiency.

DEC UFV Structures

The research group on structures at UFV has developed research on sustainable and innovative structural solutions, as well as the evaluation of the performance and behavior of structures and their components, through theoretical models, numerical methods and experimental analysis. In this context, it has addressed new components and structural systems, new techniques for monitoring structures and evaluating the performance of structural systems, having as targets the rationalization of processes and technologies taking into account functional purposes, the contribution to sustainable regional development and adaptation to the local environment.

Development of Technologies in Building Information Modeling – TechBIM

The group focused on the development of BIM Technologies in the context of civil works and infrastructure. It has worked on the development of methodologies based on BIM, with a focus on interoperability, aimed at the systematization of information and new applications, with emphasis on the 4D, 5D and 7D dimensions. The Group also stands out for its support in the preparation and implementation of BIM Execution Plans, contributing to the dissemination of technology and to optimized and more sustainable design, execution, management and maintenance processes.

Civil Engineering – Geotechnics

The group has developed research projects, master’s and doctoral theses, technical reports, products and processes, including (1) several partnerships with municipal governments, State and Federal government agencies for joint development and work; (2) rock mechanics applied to open pit and underground mining, including laboratory tests integrated with several mining companies; (3) development of integrated research with several mining companies; (4) Various hydrogeological studies; (5) Research on soil stabilization, with an approach to stabilizers: lime, cement, asphalt emulsion, vinasse, wood tar, blast furnace slag, RBI Grade 81, DS 328, as well as other types of industrial waste; (6) studies involving geological-geotechnical risk; (7) transport and paving research; (8) research involving Weathering Profiles and Rock Classification.

Environmental Geotechnics

Environmental geotechnics, applied to the assessment, prevention and remediation of environmental problems, is a recent area in Brazil and consequently in the state of Minas Gerais. Its areas of activity are the disposal of waste; assessment of environmental impacts of civil works; prevention and assessment of contamination of soils and subsurface and groundwater; recovery of degraded areas and remediation of contaminated soils; investigation, instrumentation, monitoring and sampling of water and soil; reuse of waste in geotechnical works, among others. In this way, the creation of this research group in Environmental Geotechnics aims to promote the development of research in the country in the environmental area related to the aforementioned areas of activity, combined with the dissemination and improvement of this area to undergraduate and graduate students at the Federal University of Viçosa and the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

Hydrographic Surveys – GEPLH

The works developed by the Study and Research Group on Hydrographic Surveys have effectively contributed to the modeling of submerged surfaces. In general, research is carried out in hydrographic surveys, bathymetric reductions, quality control, marine geodesy, waterway projects and monitoring of reservoir silting. The group actively participates in the training of professionals from the Surveying and Cartographic Engineering Courses, Environmental Engineering and Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Viçosa, in addition to collaborating with the training of Masters and Doctors at the Graduate Program in Civil Engineering (PGEC/ UFV).

Rock Mechanics and Applied Geostatistics

The Group has developed several works involving physical, mechanical, mineralogical and chemical characterization of weathering profiles, mechanical tests on rocks, geomechanical classification of rock masses and geostatistics applied to the geomechanical classification of massifs.

Natural Wastewater Treatment Processes

The Group is dedicated to the study and research in wastewater treatment, focusing on natural processes, participating in thematic projects such as Study of Natural and Artificial Systems Reducing Polluting Loads for the Sustainability of Water Resources in Baixo Ribeira de Iguape, SP; Evaluation of Wetland Systems Built for Sanitary Sewage Treatment and Biomass Production for Animal Feed; Systems of high efficiency, simplicity of operation and construction, to improve the quality of wastewater and production of biomass for animal feed and reuse in agriculture; Efficient Use of Water and Protection of Water Resources in the Urban and Peri-urban Area of the Municipality of Nova Redenção, BA; among others.

Water safety for human use

It is an interdisciplinary, multi-departmental and multi-institutional group composed of researchers located in different departments of the UFV, in addition to graduates of graduate programs at UFV and currently working in other institutions. The group has extensive experience on the subject, particularly in the research lines on Health Risk Assessment and Water Quality. This experience is reflected in several master’s dissertations and doctoral theses, in publications (books) of the Prosab basic sanitation research network, and in journals and proceedings of national and international congresses. In this field, the participation in Prosab thematic networks and in national (eg Ministry of Health) and international (eg World Health Organization) forums and instances stand out.

Geographic Information System

Group dedicated to study and research, contributing to regional and national development through surveys and elaboration of plans, including the Elaboration of the Master Plan of Juiz de Fora using the Geographic Information System; Implementation of Geographic Information Systems; Implementation of Geomunicipal Projects; Training in Multipurpose Technical Registration, use of GPS, GIS Fundamentals and Spatial Analysis using Geographic Information Systems for the use of the Geomunicipal System; Training in Spatial Analysis using Geographic Information System; Preparation of digital cartographic bases; among others.