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Research, Science & Technology Development

 

Innovation is the key driver of growth. Creating, adapting and adopting new technologies allow companies to generate faster and more sustained growth. Opus’ research and technology development activities revolve around the enhancement and improved functioning of the built environment. These activities include an emphasis on human interaction with urban areas, transport, energy and other infrastructure. The majority of our research scientists are located at Central Laboratories near Wellington, New Zealand. We also work with several international partners.

Central Laboratories is a Centre of Excellence for applied research on the Built Environment. The research teams work closely with industry and government to provide leading-edge solutions for issues confronting the built environment and infrastructure.  Opus can provide a comprehensive range of analytical testing and specialist advice in a range of areas to suit clients.

Central Laboratories also partners with companies in innovative ventures to access preferential research and development services and establish commercialisation linkages.

Recent research highlights include:

  • Development of a force-balance model to address problems of flexing in high-rise steel building construction
  • An award-winning crash risk model, developed following a detailed understanding of the interaction between road geometry and road condition
  • A demonstration showing that kerosene cutback bitumen has low ecotoxicity
  • The creation of an energy efficient micro-turbine
  • Research showing that people actively adapt to microclimatic conditions, which has significant implications for the designers and planners of outdoor and leisure environments

For more information please contact:
Ian Wells
Central Labs
138 Hutt Park Road
PO Box 30 845, Gracefield
Lower Hutt
New Zealand
Tel +64 4 587 0600
Fax +64 4 587 0604
Direct +64 4 587 0610
Mobile +64 27 454 8396
Email Ian.Wells@opus.co.nz

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Show all Research, Science & Technology Development Project Profiles

Sports Stadium Wind Modelling, Wellington, New Zealand

The Wellington rugby team is called the Hurricanes for good reason.  Wellington’s location means that it experiences higher-than-average national wind speeds. When the Wellington City Council decided to build a new sports stadium it had to comply with some fairly stringent wind loads and provide a playing area with minimal effects from wind.

Find out more.. 
                                                                                   

Emergency Event Travel Analysis, New Zealand

Opus Central Laboratories is at the forefront of natural hazard response and recovery research. Over the last two years we have been developing a new software tool called “Emergency Event Travel Analysis” (EETA). 

Find out more..