4 July 2005

550 Delegates arrive for Concrete Congress

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY - USTINOV ROOM, BONAR HALL, 9.15 AM, TUESDAY JULY 5TH. LORD PROVOST AND PRINCIPAL SIR ALAN LANGLANDS WELCOME DELEGATES.

The University of Dundee is welcoming delegates from around the world for the sixth triennial International Congress in Concrete Technology, Design and Construction.

The congress is being hosted by the Concrete Technology Unit at the University, which has become a central focus point for research in the field, and it will be attended by 550 delegates - over two-thirds of them international representatives from Europe and the rest of the world.

"The University, the Concrete Technology Unit, and the City of Dundee itself have all become synonymous with this major gathering of industry and research," said Professor Ravindra Dhir, director of the Concrete Technology Unit at the University of Dundee.

"The Congress is the key event looking at new developments and new research in concrete, and we are pleased to once again welcome people from all over the world to Dundee."

This year's Congress is titled "Global Construction: Ultimate Concrete Opportunities". Over three days, critical issues relating to concrete construction and materials will be addressed - among them nanotechnology and its potential applications in the field, sustainability, and repair and renovation.

Those attending range from students and graduates to highly experienced practitioners and researchers. Engineers, architects, property developers/owners, manufacturers and suppliers will also be present at the Congress.

Delegates will be welcomed to the Congress by Sir Alan Langlands, Principal of the University of Dundee, and Lord Provost John Letford.

While they are in Dundee delegates are invited to attend a cultural evening at the Hilton Hotel and also the official Congress dinner which will take place on Wednesday evening at the University's Institute of Sport and Exercise.

NOTE TO EDITORS.

History of the Concrete Technology Unit (CTU)

The Concrete Technology Unit (CTU), within the Division of Civil Engineering at the University of Dundee was established in 1989 to consolidate the long established research base and to integrate it with the developing areas of continuing education, postgraduate training and consultancy. The CTU has a mission to carry out research and development and disseminate the information widely and has won £4.98m funding in six specific areas namely:

(i) Cement Science and Technology
(ii) Concrete Durability
(iii) Sustainable Concrete Construction and Recycling/Reuse of Materials
(iv) Repair Technology and Structural Rehabilitation
(v) Innovation in Concrete Construction Applications
(vi) Whole Life Analytical Methods and Maintenance Strategies

The Unit has close collaborations with over 70 industrial organisations, it has since gained an international reputation as a centre of excellence. The interdisciplinary team of engineers, materials scientists, geologists, physicists and chemists comprises 4 Professors, 1 Reader, 2 Senior Lecturer, 3 Lecturers, 8 Research Fellows and 20 full time students.

By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk