by Dr Moray Newlands
Dundee played host to an international gathering recently, with two international Symposia organised by the University's Concrete Technology Unit (CTU).
The two events, 'Celebrating Concrete: People and Practice' and 'Advances in Waste Management and Recycling' attracted over 500 delegates from some 33 countries.
'Celebrating Concrete: People and Practice' was a series of three symposia to champion concrete and the contributions it has made to civilisation. The two-day event focused on three specific subject areas: cement science, concrete technology and concrete bridge design, and the part played by these disciplines in creating a sustainable living environment.
Professor Ravindra Dhir, Director of the CTU and Chairman of the Organising Committee said, "There is not another material that could do the job as economically or with such versatility. We couldn't afford the comfortable lives we have now were it not for concrete."
The three-day Symposium on 'Advances in Waste Management and Recycling' discussed issues in sustainable waste management and recycling and re-use of waste materials.
Delegates heard world experts from the fields of waste management, waste processing, practitioners, users and public bodies.
An encouraging theme running throughout the event was the part played by the construction industry in minimising waste generation and providing a sustainable market for recycled products. Many innovative waste management strategies and value-added construction products containing waste materials are currently the subject of extensive research at the CTU.
Overall the event proved to be fruitful for both the delegates and the University and the next major International Congress 'Global Construction: Ultimate Concrete Opportunities' will also be held in Dundee in 2005.