Recycling of material will play important role in construction

This was stated by experts at the third Institute of Material Systems (IMS) International Conference on Applications of Traditional and High Performance Materials in Harsh Environments in Dubai yesterday,

The School of Engineering at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) is hosting the two-day conference which began yesterday. It brought together more than 120 material scientists, engineers and technologists to exchange ideas and discuss the latest developments in materials and present their work to the international materials community.

Robert C. Lewis, Technical Marketing Manager, of Elkem Materials, which provides construction materials to companies in the UAE, told Khaleej Times: “Recycle and reuse is partly the future of the construction industry. We can use more of recycled products like fly ash and microsilica and less of natural resources. Recycled products extend the use of cement, whereby lesser cement can be utilised in construction.” He also noted that people were now looking at the sustainability of green buildings as sustainability is crucial for construction.

Experts also noted that the region was harshest for concrete construction due to the high temperatures, low groundwater level and presence of sulphates and chlorides that could contaminate construction materials in the long run.

Dr Yousuf Assaf, Dean of the School of Engineering at AUS, said: “It is time for the university to reach out to the community and help solve its problems. We need to put realistic goals and address issues such as energy systems, transportation, environment management and water resources.” He said solution must be found to protect houses and buildings from harsh environment.