BELFAST 15-16 MAY 2017
BELFAST 15-16 MAY 2017

SUMMARY

The 2nd workshop of the Action was hosted by Queen’s University Belfast at their Civil Engineering department on 15th & 16th May 2017. The workshop was attended by 19 members of the core committee, representing the various activities of the RRT+ and WG2 and 3. The specific objectives for this workshop were:


• To share experience gained so far in the RRT+ (WG1) and to allow the group priority leaders to summarise the results reported by members to develop a plan for analysis.
• To discuss and define benchmarking activities related to case studies (WG2&3).
• To identify novelty and best practice for publication and further development (WG1, 2 & 3).

Group priority leaders presented the available results, collated details of the laboratories yet to report results, novelty of the test/findings and also established plans for bridging the gap in data that is needed for progressing to the modelling phase. The presentation slides and minutes of the meeting can be downloaded via the link provided in the Supporting Documents tab.

LOCATION/VENUE

Belfast Workshop of the Action will be held at David Keir Building, Queen’s University Belfast.

The Quad in spring

Queen’s University is located in the heart of Belfast, in the leafy Queen’s Quarter district. Belfast is one of Europe’s most friendly and fashionable regional capitals, descried by Lonely Planet as a ‘must-see visitor destination’. The beauty is that it’s all packed into a compact city that’s easy and safe to explore. Civil Engineering team of Queen’s University welcomes you to our City to have a Belfast experience.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives for this workshop are:
•to share experience gained so far in the RRT+ (WG1) and to allow the group priority leaders to summarise the results reported by members to develop a plan for analysis.
•to discuss and define benchmarking activities related to case studies (WG2&3).
•to identify novelty and best practice for publication and further development (WG1, 2 & 3).

MATERIALS
REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVEL COST

This workshops is closely aligned to the activities of the working groups and attendance is by invitation only. The invitation will outline the travel reimbursement and guidelines for accommodation, meals and transport expenses. Priority will be to invite Core Group of the Action, GP leaders, and invited speakers. A limited number of other participants will be invited due to the limited financial means provided by COST Association. Remaining seats for reimbursement will be given to highly suitable applicants and early applications will be treated preferential.

Queen’s University Belfast is interested in supporting eligible applicants for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship to visit the University and meet the research teams. Applicant(s) could utilise this funding to attend the workshop. For further information, contact s.nanukuttan@qub.ac.uk.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Location of the Workshop
Belfast Workshop of COST TU1404 Action will be held at David Keir Building in Stranmillis Road. Refer to the map below for the meeting venue and nearby hotels and iconic buildings.

Picture1
Hotel(s)
There are several hotels and B&B within 5-10 minutes walking distance to David Keir Building. The closest are Wellington Park hotel and Malone Lodge. Towards the city centre, you can find Ibis, Etap and Holiday Inn. Belfast Europa hotel is an iconic landmark of Belfast city centre.
Wellington Park – 3* http://www.wellingtonparkhotel.com/
Malone Lodge - 4* http://www.malonelodgehotelbelfast.com/en/
Etap Belfast – http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-7186-etap-belfast/index.shtml
Ibis Belfast – 3* http://www.ibisbelfastcity.com/

How to get to Queen’s University Belfast?
Queen’s University is located in South Belfast.

Belfast City Airport (George Best Belfast City Airport) is the closest. 10-20 minute taxi ride from City airport will bring you to Queen’s University and this will cost around -10. Airport bus operated by Translink (bus 600) will bring you to Europa bus station which is 15mins walk from Queen’s University. Buses are available every 30 mins. Tickets can be purchased from tourist information desk in arrivals lounge or from the driver. for Single journey and for return.

Belfast International Airport unlike the name suggest is not in Belfast. 30minute taxi ride from airport will bring you to Queen’s University and this will cost around -40. Airport bus operated by Translink (bus 300) will bring you to Europa bus station which is 15mins walk from Queen’s University. Buses are available every 15 mins, Monday to Friday peaktimes. Tickets can be purchased from the driver. for Single journey and for return.

Dublin Airport – You may also arrive via Dublin airport, if your travel documents allow to enter Republic of Ireland and the UK. Regular bus service (every hour) connects the two cities, operated by Translink (X1 or X2) or Eireann (X1 and X2). Single journey will cost around or 13€. Journey time is around 2-2.30 hours. Tickets can be purchased online or from the driver. If your journey is starting from Dublin airport, you may prefer to use Eireann or use GBP (£) to purchase ticket on Translink bus.

CONTACT

For more information, please contact s.nanukuttan@qub.ac.uk (Sree Nanukuttan)