Advancing UHPC sustainability through collaborative research
Monash University Malaysia has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Dura Technology Sdn. Bhd. in a significant leap towards advancing sustainable construction practices. The joint research project, titled "Qualifying and Quantifying the Sustainability Impact and Parameters of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC)," seeks to revolutionise the construction industry's approach to environmental responsibility.
Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is a special class of concrete that challenges traditional design conventions and construction processes. Dura Technology Sdn. Bhd., a leading company in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, has been at the forefront of advancing UHPC technology. Notably, Malaysia is one of the countries globally with the highest number of UHPC structures, primarily bridges, thanks to Dura's pioneering work.
The project, spanning 42 months, boasts a grant of RM212K from Dura Technology. Monash University Malaysia's Dr Sudharshan N Raman and Dr Daniel Kong, along with Dura Technology's key representatives, CEO and Founder Adjunct Professor Ir Dr Voo Yen Lei, and Head of Innovation and Product Development Dr Milad Hafezolghorani will lead the research initiative.
Sharing that Dura Technology has cultivated a longstanding and fruitful collaboration with Monash University Malaysia, Dr Voo stated, "This MOA commits us to work together more closely towards our common goal, which is to produce outstanding research findings in UHPC and advanced building materials." He added that both parties will actively engage in a multitude of significant activities, collaborating on various fronts. This includes offering assistance and support for research initiatives, providing valuable information to those seeking it, as well as participating in and contributing to seminars, workshops, and conferences within the industry.
Head of the School of Engineering, Professor Anthony Guo, highlighted the increasing industrial use of UHPC and the significance of the collaboration with Dura Technology, particularly in studying UHPC sustainability. Professor Guo emphasised the positive impact of reduced emissions through the reduction in concrete usage, acknowledging the potential longevity of UHPC structures. He affirmed the school's full support for industrial collaboration across disciplines, expressing confidence in the project's success.
The construction industry, known for its resource and energy-intensive nature, is responsible for 7-8 per cent of global carbon emissions. UHPC, while utilising higher amounts of cement, enables the construction of structures with significantly reduced sizes, resulting in lower environmental impact throughout their life cycle.
The project acknowledges the need to address sustainability and resilience issues related to UHPC. By focusing on real-life case examples of UHPC structures constructed by Dura Technology, the research aims to bridge the gap in understanding the impact of UHPC systems on sustainability and resilience.
This groundbreaking research project is the first systematic effort to comprehensively address the sustainability aspects and parameters of UHPC. The study combines theoretical and experimental data with real-life construction applications by adopting a cradle-to-grave approach.
In his address, Professor Matthew Nicholson, Senior Vice-President (Research and Operations) at Monash University Malaysia, emphasised the university's commitment to its strategic plan, Impact 2030. He underscored the importance of industry partnerships, noting that they are key to the university's relevance and success in the next century. Professor Nicholson positioned the collaborative UHPC sustainability research project as a tangible embodiment of addressing core global challenges, specifically at the intersection of climate change and thriving communities.
This joint venture aligns seamlessly with Monash University's Impact 2030 strategic plan, contributing significantly to global efforts to decarbonise the construction industry. Through its multidisciplinary approach, the research team aims to provide valuable insights that will advance sustainable construction practices and serve as a model for balancing environmental responsibility with industry innovation. The collaborative efforts between Monash University Malaysia and Dura Technology Sdn. Bhd. exemplify the transformative potential of academia-industry partnerships in shaping a sustainable and resilient future for the construction industry.