fibUK lecture: advancing sustainable construction with basalt fibre reinforcement

Author: Chandan Gowda, Ana Pavlovic, Rabee Shamass

Date published

27 June 2024

Price
Free
The Institution of Structural Engineers The Institution of Structural Engineers
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fibUK lecture: advancing sustainable construction with basalt fibre reinforcement

Tag
Author
Date published
Price
Training
Author

Chandan Gowda, Ana Pavlovic, Rabee Shamass

Date published

27 June 2024

Author

Chandan Gowda, Ana Pavlovic, Rabee Shamass

Price

Free

Three industry experts explored the potential of basalt fibre as an alternative reinforcement material for concrete. They examined its engineering properties, manufacturing processes, and economics, as well as the myriad applications of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) in sustainable construction.

This lecture was organised by the UK Group of fib (The International Federation for Structural Concrete). The commissions instigated research on structural concrete and published industry guidance that went beyond what established codes could offer. Designers, contractors, academics, and clients gained an understanding of the latest fib developments.
 

Experts covered on the following: 

Chandan Gowda, Engineer at AtkinsRéalis

  • Explored the potential of basalt as an alternative reinforcement for concrete beams, comparing its performance directly to steel. 

  • Indicated that basalt-reinforced concrete matched steel in both moment of resistance and deflection, while significantly reducing embodied carbon emissions. 

  • Highlighted the need for increased adoption of basalt to drive down overall construction expenses and environmental impact, despite its higher manufacturing costs.


Ana Pavlovic, Senior R&D Engineer at Laing O’Rourke

  • Gained insights into various facets of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) as a reinforcing material, encompassing technical, regulatory, commercial, and sustainability considerations. 

  • Explored the potential contributions of BFRP in sustainable construction, illustrated through application examples. 

  • Engaged in discussions surrounding the obstacles hindering its widespread deployment.


Rabee Shamass, Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering at Brunel University London

  • Explored the production process of basalt fibres and reinforcement. 

  • Analysed the mechanical and durability properties of BFRP through material characterization. 

  • Examined the environmental advantages of basalt fibre, including its sustainability impact.

Speakers

Chandan Gowda, Engineer at AtkinsRéalis 
Chandan, a bridge engineer at AtkinsRéalis in Epsom, UK, specialises in assessing and strengthening bridges using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials. Currently, he leads assessments for the M48 Severn Suspension Bridge and the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge. Chandan is actively involved in professional groups including fib Task Group 5.1 and COST Action 1406. He also contributes to AtkinsRéalis' Bridge Engineering Working Group and Digital Image Correlation projects. Chandan's accomplishments include being named the 2023 UK entrant to the fib Achievement Award for Young Engineers and receiving the AtkinsRéalis Presidential Award.

Ana Pavlovic, Senior R&D Engineer at Laing O’Rourke 
Ana is a Senior R&D Engineer for Laing O’Rourke, who joined Laing O’Rourke as part of the Structures and Sustainability R&D team; currently leading the concrete decarbonisation workstream. Ana is an active member of the fib Task Group 5.1 for FRP as Internal Reinforcement, fib UK Early Careers Group, as well as a corresponding Editorial Board member for ICE Magazine of Concrete Research. Previously, Ana has led life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) work on a EU-funded research project developing intelligent bulk materials for transport industries. Coming from a Structural Engineering background, Ana holds a PhD on the topic of basalt FRP reinforcement for prestressed concrete application, which has received industry awards and grants.

Rabee Shamass, Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering at Brunel University London 
Dr. Shamass is a Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering at Brunel University London, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Since 2018, he has focused on the utilisation of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP), particularly Basalt fibre reinforced polymers (BFRP), as substitutes for steel reinforcements in concrete infrastructures. Additionally, he has conducted extensive testing on various BFRP reinforcements, including fibres, macro-bars, stirrups, and dowels. Integrating BFRP reinforcements into low-carbon concrete technologies is a recent attempt aimed at achieving environmentally friendly reinforced concrete (RC) members.

Additional information

Format:
Video
Publisher:
IStructE

Tags

Concrete Concrete - reinforced Training Lecture Metal - steel Sustainability & Environment Stability Carbon

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