The Unit for Construction Materials (UCM) was officially launched by Prof Billy Boshoff on Wednesday 13 April at a dinner held appropriately in the new concrete laboratory of Stellenbosch University.
The event wat well attend and numerous prominent figures in the construction industry were present, including Hanli Turner and John Sheath, the President and the CEO of the Concrete Society of Southern Africa (CSSA) respectively and Bryan Perrie, the Managing Director of The Concrete Institute (TCI).
The UCM strives to be a centre of excellence and a top institute for construction materials in South Africa for teaching, research and consulting. Research and student training are at the core of the UCM.
During his speech, Prof Boshoff highlighted the importance of industry collaboration and partnership. Special emphasis was put on the fact that research must have both academic value and relevance for the industry on the short or long term.
Providing a consultation service to the industry, especially where these services at not available at commercial laboratories, is also a high priority the UCM.
The UCM is interested in all aspects of construction materials, but the following are the four main areas of the current focus:
– Eco-Friendly construction materials
– Fibre reinforced concrete
– Fresh and Young concrete
– High performance concrete
More information about the UCM can be found at www.sun.ac.za/ucm or bboshoff@sun.ac.za
