CONCRETE KNOWLEDGE CRUCIAL TO PRODUCE SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE STRUCTURES

In the context of the struggling South African construction industry, owing to a lack of investment in infrastructure projects, extended and institutionalised knowledge about improving the durability of concrete structures is crucial to the competitiveness of the South African concrete industry, says John Roxburgh, senior lecturer at The Concrete Institute’s School of Concrete Technology.

“Durability and sustainability of concrete are intrinsically linked. If you build a durable structure, it becomes more sustainable, as you need not spend time and energy repairing and maintaining it. The life-cycle cost is reduced, and that’s why durable concrete is so important.”

The lack of capital needed to fix infrastructure places even more importance on durability, which the School of Concrete Technology emphasises, says Roxburgh.

“At least 50% of concrete durability is the way you handle and look after that concrete. You can have a very durable mix design, but if you don’t place, compact, cure and protect the concrete correctly, it’s not going to be durable.”

While stressing the importance of skills gained and education on concrete received at institutions such as The School of Concrete Technology, in Midrand, Johannesburg, he laments the lack of knowledge among industry professionals, such as project managers and engineers, which he says can contribute to poor concrete in structures.

“If people know about concrete, they’re going to save money. Construction firms are suffering, jobs have been lost, and lack of money means people don’t get trained.

Education about the use of concrete is crucial, as concrete is the most used construction material. It is also a relatively affordable and durable building material when compared with other building materials, Roxburgh states.

While emphasising that there are innovative solutions and technological advances for concrete, such as self-healing and decorative concrete, Roxburgh says greater emphasis is placed on the basics of concrete technology at The School of Concrete Technology.

By concentrating on the basic concepts, the school provides individuals with the ability “to leap forward into new technologies from a solid foundation”, he adds.

The School of Concrete Technology offers the five-day SCT30 Concrete Technology course for a basic outline of concrete knowledge.

A more comprehensive, internationally recognised education can also be obtained with the Advanced Concrete Technology certification, which is presented in South Africa every two years. The current two-year course started in January this year. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/concrete-knowledge-crucial-to-produce-sustainable-concrete-structures-2019-05-22