Event Summary
Concrete repair innovation has made significant advancements in recent years, transforming how we address deterioration and extend the lifespan of structures. Advances in materials science have led to the development of high-performance repair materials, whilst smart technologies, such as embedded sensors and real-time monitoring systems, enable proactive maintenance by detecting early signs of distress and allowing for timely interventions. Additionally, the use of advanced techniques like carbon fibre reinforcement and self-healing concrete—where bacteria or chemical additives facilitate the automatic repair of micro-cracks—represents a revolutionary leap in maintaining structural integrity. These innovations not only enhance the durability and safety of repaired concrete but also improve cost-effectiveness and sustainability in construction practices.
The seminar will be of interest and benefit all levels of participants in the construction industry.Don't miss out, register today for this technical seminar.
Program
| 4.30pm | Registration Commences - Tea & Coffee will be served |
| 5.00pm | Welcome & Introduction |
| 5.05pm | Commencement of Presentations |
| 7.00pm | Question time - light refreshments served at conclusion of event |
| 8.00pm | Seminar closes |
Registration
| $88.00 | CIA Member |
| $44.00 | CIA Retired, Life and Honorary Member |
| $22.00 | Student Member |
| $110.00 | Non Member |
Event Sponsor
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Free parking available under the building.
Remember your attendance at the event may be eligible for CPD.
Presenters
FRP Strengthening and Repair techniques - Remediating structures for extended design life
Andrew Sarkady, Master Builders Solutions
With ageing infrastructure and harsh environmental conditions, the search for sustainable solutions focusses many asset owners on the best and most economical ways to remediate and re-purpose our existing structures. When it comes to repair and strengthening, there are many options for asset owners, consultants and contractors to consider. Some of the latest techniques will be explored, with key learning outcomes, highlighted via case study examples. Topics to be covered include what’s new in repair and protection, strategies to maximize design life and best practice FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer) strengthening over the last 25 years.
PhD Student Presentation
Biological self-healing in concrete through Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP): Myth or Reality
Kishan Bhadiyadra, Griffith University Gold Coast
In the quest for sustainable and durable infrastructure, the concept of self-healing concrete has gained increasing attention as a potential solution to mitigate maintenance costs and prolong the lifespan of structures. One promising approach to achieve self-healing in concrete is through Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), which leverages bacterial activity to promote the natural healing of cracks.
The ureolytic pathway, commonly used in MICP processes, involves the hydrolysis of urea by bacteria such as Sporosarcina pasteurii, leading to the production of ammonia and calcite. While this pathway has demonstrated effective self-healing capabilities, its reliance on industrial urea and calcium chloride as feedstock, along with the emission of ammonia gas, raises significant environmental concerns. The carbon footprint associated with these inputs and byproducts suggests that the traditional ureolytic method is not as "green" as initially perceived. A life cycle assessment (LCA) indicates that this process contributes to environmental degradation, and its ammonia emissions present potential harm to both the environment and human health.
Given these limitations, this session will discuss the emerging alternative: the non-ureolytic MICP pathway. This pathway offers a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach by eliminating ammonia production and utilizing waste materials as feedstock. Industrial byproducts such as sugar industry waste, winery and brewery waste, as well as eggshells and seafood shells as calcium sources, can serve as viable inputs, making the process both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. The non-ureolytic pathway holds the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of MICP, paving the way for a net-zero solution in concrete repair.
This presentation will critically evaluate the ureolytic and non-ureolytic pathways of MICP, examining their viability in the context of modern sustainability goals. Attendees will gain insight into the future of biologically driven self-healing concrete technologies and their potential to revolutionize the concrete repair industry while addressing pressing environmental concerns.
Strengthening and repair of piled raft foundation of an existing 45 story building
Bianca Pridea and Zac Peters, EDGE Consulting Engineers
A case study of a 45-story existing structure in which unique concrete strengthening methodologies are required. EDGE Consulting were engaged to first analyse and then provide remediation designs for various concrete elements from core walls, columns & shear walls and most critically, the piled raft foundation. This presentation focuses on the strengthening of an under-reinforced existing reinforced concrete raft slab utilising post tensioned elements, carbon fibre and bonding of an additional layer of structure.
Innovative retrofitting technique for concrete structures using off-the-shelf, self-centering tension bracing system
Ronald Lumantarna, Ramset
As buildings age, property owners are often presented with the need to refurbish, strengthen and expand their assets for adaptive reuse. In doing so, it is essential for these property owners that the methodology they choose is quick to implement, cost effective and future-proofs their buildings.
This presentation will discuss an innovative strengthening technology developed in partnership between Ramset™ and Tectonus®. This technology, comprising of Ramset ReidBrace™ System and Tectonus dampers, is a self-centering tension bracing system which can be implemented quickly in a minimally intrusive manner. This results in a cost-effective retrofit technique which not only reduce downtime to reoccupancy, but also future-proofs the building for years to come.
Some examples and case studies will be discussed during the presentation.
We would like to thank our Annual Sponsors for their ongoing support
