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Concrete and Construction

Within the Concrete and Construction research sub-group (Dr Laszlo Csetenyi, Dr Tom Dyer, Dr Judith Halliday, Dr Rod Jones, Dr Michael McCarthy, Dr Moray Newlands, Dr Li Zheng), the Concrete Technology Unit (CTU) provides the formal framework for research in cement/concrete science, concrete technology and construction, as well as outreach, CPD and technology transfer activities. It conducts fundamental and applied, multi-disciplinary research to assist the concrete construction industry in becoming more innovative, competitive and environmentally-sustainable. Research is undertaken currently in four broadly defined areas, namely:

  1. Cement/concrete science and technology;
  2. Durability enhancement;
  3. Sustainability and reuse/recycling/reconstitution of materials in cement and concrete; and
  4. innovative applications in concrete construction.
concrete3
Application of
foamed concrete
in pipe
reinstatement

In the areas of sustainability and recycling, interest focusses on:

  1. Value-added recycling of demolition and other waste arisings (incinerated ashes, oil drill cuttings, used rubber tyres and glass cullet);
  2. The feasibility of creating hydraulic and pozzolanic cements from demolition; and
  3. Life cycle analysis and determination of best practical environment options for recycling materials (as well as addressing concerns of dioxins and furans in construction products from incineration processes).

The research effort of the CTU is supported by the active involvement of:

  1. An Advisory Committee of twelve leading practitioners;
  2. Experts from industry in project Steering Committees; and
  3. 3 Visiting Industrial Professors (PC Hewlett, formerly Chief Executive, British Board of Agrément), TA Harrison, Independent Consultant, and P Chana, Technical Director, British Cement Association)

The recent growth in research of the CTU has been underpinned by the further development of its advanced laboratory facilities (including new facilities provided by a £1.25m SRIF award in 2002) and increased external collaboration with HEIs and Research Centres within the UK and overseas.

concrete2
In-situ
compresive
strength testing

Since 2001 the CTU has been awarded funding for 40 projects, totalling £4m, from a wide range of sources, including DTI, WRAP, ERDF, SEPA, EPSRC, BSI, DEFRA, BRE Foundation, TRL, Highways Agency, BNFL, BCA, QPA, UKQAA, CSMA, Local Authorities, charities and 65 companies. These developments have allowed the CTU to diversify into many new areas of interdisciplinary research, to lead industrial trends and respond flexibly and effectively to governmental environmental and sustainability concerns. The CTU continues to have a major international role in organising global congresses - its well-established triennial congress typically brings 600 delegates from industry and academia - and, as part of its outreach activities, the CTU has received funding to establish a Centre for the Advancement of SMEs in the East of Scotland Concrete Construction Industry.

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