Network Concrete for sustainable high performance infrastructure
Introduction
Worldwide, concrete is unquestionably the number one construction material and this is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. Notwithstanding this, there are ever increasing demands, revisions to standards and specifications, and greater emphasis on concrete performance, whole-life costing and sustainability, particularly in terms of efficient use of resources and energy. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of concrete construction is coming under increasing global scrutiny. This pressure on the concrete industry has significant implications on the current drive to expand infrastructure and the challenges are especially great in rapidly expanding economies such as those of India and China.
These global concerns present an opportunity for research and development work to be carried out, targeted at sustained growth of the infrastructure stock. A series of visits to India from the University of Dundee have recognised and successfully promoted the need for collaborative research in the areas of concrete technology and concrete structures amongst leading technical education institutions. This has lead to the initiation of 'Network Concrete' as a platform for the coming together of experts and other stakeholders in infrastructure development to share knowledge, experience and aspirations.This will eventually lead to the development of centres of excellence to address current and future demands of sustainable high performance infrastructure worldwide.
Mission Statement
"Towards the realization of excellence and sustainability in concrete construction and the built environment, through collaborative research and innovation, dissemination and technology transfer."
Scope and Aims of the Network
The Network will be formed such that partners will not incur, commit or authorise any financial expenditure on behalf of one another. The overarching aim of the proposed Network is to develop and undertake a portfolio of research, which will feed directly into, and influence the demands of societal development for sustainable, high performance infrastructure using concrete.
The Network will encourage academic/industry collaboration at an international level and coordinate centres of excellence in cement science, concrete technology, structural engineering and environmentally sustainable construction. In particular the Network will:
- Encourage exchange of ideas, knowledge and foster collaboration.
- Encourage staff and student exchange programmes to develop excellence.
- Develop a deeper understanding of the role of sustainability in concrete construction.
- Undertake world class research.
- Provide a platform for obtaining funding for innovative and relevant research.
- Provide opportunities for professional training and upgrading skills of those involved in design, construction, maintenance and operation of concrete infrastructure.
- Create opportunities for offering Masters level programmes and/or courses that are relevant to 21st Century construction industry demands.
Network Membership
The premise of the Network is that it has credibility with the leading international academic and industrial communities. The membership therefore needs to come together in a manner that makes the Network a sustainable, successful partnership. In the first instance, institutional membership of the Network shall be encouraged with members providing a background on the relevant membership forms, together with details of their academic and professional staff wishing to participate, along with their areas of expertise, current research projects and relevant publications. Network Institutions should also nominate one ongoing research project per staff member towards the research portfolio of the Network. It should be noted that a mission statement, ethos, management structure and operational procedure will be drafted for discussion and adoption at the Inaugural Workshop meeting of the Network to be held on 27 February 2008 in India.
Managing the Network
It is expected that the Network will be structured and managed by a Council consisting of one representative from each member institution, headed by a Chairman to be nominated at the Inaugural Workshop. Until then, Professor R K Dhir of the University of Dundee will manage the Network. Network members will be encouraged to interact with each other primarily by email and telephone. It is envisaged that the Network members will be able to meet at least once a year to review progress and develop future Network strategies for research projects, funding opportunities and possible expansion of the Network.
R K Dhir, 14 February 2008
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