A seminar on “Construction Chemicals and Structural Strengthening by Fibre Reinforced Polymer” was held at the Department of Civil Engineering, Southern University Bangladesh on Monday.
Engr. Fahima Shahadat Manager, Construction Chemicals Division of BASF, Bangladesh presented the key note paper.
The seminar was presided over by the Departmental Head Prof. Engr. M Ali Ashraf it was largely attended by the civil engineering students, professional engineers and the faculty members.
Engineer Fahima in her power point presentation dealt with the use of construction chemicals and strengthening of concrete by using Fibre Reinforced Polymer. The programme was conducted by Engr. Feroze Rashid, lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Southern University Bangladesh.
Concrete is a mixture of Cement, Water, and Aggregates & Admixtures. Construction chemicals include chemical admixtures which are used in concrete to improve quality of fresh & hardened concrete.
The speaker also focused on repairing & strengthening of reinforced concrete by retrofitting process. Retrofitting means modifying existing equipment or structures with additional or new components or members. Reinforced concrete is a product of steel & concrete in combination. Different types of chemicals are available to repair cracks, localized spalls, sectional losses & corrosion damages of reinforced concrete.
Micro concreting means high strength, dual shrinkage compensated concrete for concrete repairs which can overcome the limitations of conventional methods of structural strengthening. Another important topic that discussed in the seminar was about Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite (FRP Composite), a modern method of retrofitting which has been proved to be an effective means for retrofitting.
There are buildings in Chittagong which are ageing specially in the old quarters of the city. These buildings are vulnerable to seismic hazard. In the event of a medium scale earthquake, a lot of these buildings will be damaged or crushed, the speaker opined. In such a situation, we have to consider strengthening of the existing old buildings in place of demolishing the buildings and buildings anew.
In his presidential speech Prof. Ali Ashraf advised the students and practicing engineers to become aware of the potential of using admixtures and chemicals in producing durable concrete.
He further emphasized using of Fibre Reinforced Polymer in structural and seismic retrofitting of existing buildings and structures. In the end, the audience and the speaker thanked for their participation in the seminar and for making a success.
