Research Groups
PPGEC hosts several research groups certified by CNPq that actively drive scientific and technological advancement while training highly qualified personnel. Aligned with the program’s four concentration areas, these groups foster interdisciplinary cooperation with domestic and international institutions.
Certified Program Research Groups
Hydrographic Surveys Research Group (GEPLH / GPHidro)
The work developed by the Hydrographic Surveys Study and Research Group has effectively contributed to underwater relief modeling. Generally, research is conducted in hydrographic surveys, bathymetric reductions, quality control, marine geodesy, waterway projects, and reservoir sedimentation monitoring. The group actively participates in the training of professionals in Surveying and Cartographic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Civil Engineering at UFV, in addition to collaborating with Master’s and Doctoral training at PPGEC.
Sustainable and Innovative Construction (SICon)
Dedicated to the study of materials and processes in Civil Construction. The team consists of professors from the Department of Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Viçosa; professors and researchers from other departments and institutions; doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students; as well as technical staff members. The Group has contributed to the development of new technologies and materials, highlighting solutions in waste material recycling from other industries to obtain eco-friendly products, and reducing construction industry environmental impacts through performance enhancement and eco-efficiency technologies.
Geographic Information Systems
A research group dedicated to spatial analysis frameworks, contributing to regional and national development through surveys and master plan layouts. Project fields cover city planning mapping, multi-purpose cadastre deployments, GPS instrumentation, and spatial database modeling for municipal technical services.
Building Information Modeling Technologies (TechBIM)
Focused on structural design software systems and BIM framework modeling for civil infrastructure. The group explores data interoperability and digital parameter systematization across 4D, 5D, and 7D dimensions. It actively assists in drafting BIM Execution Plans, optimizing sustainable lifecycle asset management.
Bioenergy from Microalgae
Embracing a multidisciplinary scope, this group coordinates domestic and international experts to advance technical training in microalgae cultivation. Lines of work target biodiesel, biogas, biofertilizers, and sustainable biomass extraction using industrial and domestic wastewater, evaluating carbon footprints through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Wastewater Waste Reuse and Resource Recovery
An interdisciplinary group comprising UFV departments and public institutional partners. It maintains a solid track record in agricultural reuse of treated wastewater, sewage sludge engineering, and agricultural biosolid recovery, actively contributing to PROSAB networks and World Health Organization (WHO) technical forums.
DEC UFV Structures
Conducts analytical and experimental investigations evaluating structural optimization and element behavior under stress. Relying on theoretical frameworks and advanced numerical methods, the group rationalizes design safety, driving sustainable local infrastructure development.
Civil Engineering – Geotechnics
Manages high-level research grants in partnership with state entities and corporate mining operations. Research scopes cover rock mechanics applied to open-pit mining, soil chemical stabilization (using lime, cement, asphalt emulsions, and slag additions), geotechnical hazard assessment, and road pavement performance modeling.
Environmental Geotechnics
Focuses on identifying, preventing, and mitigating geo-environmental liabilities in a collaborative network linking UFV and UFMG. Core topics involve safe industrial waste disposal, groundwater contamination forecasting, soil column remediation modeling, and recycled materials incorporation into geotechnical earthworks.
Rock Mechanics and Applied Geostatistics
Directed toward the physical, mechanical, mineralogical, and chemical characterization of highly weathered soil-rock profiles. The group conducts laboratory rock testing and geo-mechanical mass classification, applying geostatistical algorithms for structural modeling.
Natural Processes for Wastewater Treatment
Dedicated to low-cost, high-efficiency biological sanitation. Research focuses on constructed wetland systems engineered for effluent purification, agricultural reuse compliance, and matching environmental safety with co-generation of fodder biomass for animal feeding.
Water Safety for Human Consumption
A multi-departmental network assessing public water supply parameter hazards. The group monitors trace pollutants and designs environmental health risk assessment models, translating laboratory results into technical frameworks to support federal public health guidelines.