RYC Peer-to-Peer Webinar: Revolutionizing Infrastructure and Materials: A Webinar on Highways, Active Travel, and Natural Fiber-Reinforced Cement Paste

Theme of the Peer-to-Peer Webinar: Revolutionizing Infrastructure and Materials: A Webinar on Highways, Active Travel, and Natural Fiber-Reinforced Cement Paste

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Speaker 1: Eng. Rawane Ramadan, Beirut Arab University, Lebanon

Title: Investigating the mechanisms of volume change in cement paste reinforced with plant-based natural fibers

The growing concern over the depletion of natural and energy resources, solid waste production, and gas emissions has led to a focus on sustainability. To address this issue, eco-friendly materials like plant fibers, which require minimal processing and emit less CO2, are being used to create sustainable construction. In this study, the effect of using natural fibers from the Phragmites-Australis (PA) plant on the mechanical and durability properties of paste samples was investigated. The plant stems were cut into fibers and then treated with a 4% NaOH solution for 24 hours. Four mixes were conducted, varying the percentage of PA added from 0 to 2%. Testing of paste specimens included measuring chemical and drying shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage, expansion, compressive strength, and flexural strength. The results showed that the incorporation of PA reduced shrinkage for all parameters and slightly increased compressive and flexural strength when 1% was added. Therefore, using PA as an eco-friendly material can help reduce shrinkage and contribute to sustainable building practices.

Speaker 2:  Eng. Sammy Khatib, Amey Consulting PLC, United Kingdom

Title: Highways-active travel

The presentation will discuss how civil engineers contribute to society outside of what is typically learnt in university. Active Travel will be discussed along with it’s impact on society. This presentation will go through a couple examples of Active Travel schemes in the UK. 

This webinar is brought to you by the RILEM Youth Council (RYC) in association with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and is hosted by Rouba Joumblat, RYC Middle East and North Africa Representative.