Peter Robery

Professor Peter Robery is a Visiting Professor in Forensic Engineering at the Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Birmingham. With over 33 years of experience in concrete technology, inspection, and repair, he brings significant industry expertise to academia. He teaches on the MSc in Advanced Structures and Design and the MEng Civil Engineering program, while also advising the School's Industrial Board and supervising postgraduate research.

Education:

• PhD in Aggregate for concrete made from domestic incinerator ash, University of Leeds (1981)
• BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering, University of Leeds (1977)

Peter Robery's research focuses on forensic engineering, concrete durability, asset management, and structural rehabilitation. His work integrates industry practice with academic inquiry, emphasizing practical solutions for aging infrastructure and failure investigation. He has led research in non-destructive testing, microbial degradation of marine concrete, BIM in offsite construction, and nanotechnology applications in civil engineering.

His recent publications (2006–2014) reflect a strong trend in infrastructure resilience, lifecycle management, and forensic analysis, with applications in international projects such as the Buncefield incident, Singapore MRT, and Dubai’s Jumeirah Lake Towers. The articles demonstrate expertise in both technical evaluation and policy-relevant engineering solutions.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng, 2012)
• Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE, 2012)
• Fellow of the Concrete Society (FCS, 2011)
• Member of the Institute of Asset Management (MIAM, 2010)

Peter has served as an external supervisor and examiner for PhD and EngD projects at multiple universities and currently provides strategic guidance through the School’s Industrial Board. He has also secured research collaborations and dissertation topics for MSc students. His industry engagement includes expert witness work in the Technology and Construction Court, arbitration, and public inquiries, often involving forensic investigation of concrete failures.

He is actively involved in professional bodies, chairing the BSI committee on concrete repair and serving on the ICE Structures Expert Panel. His work bridges academia and industry, promoting best practices in concrete design, sustainability, and asset longevity.