By School of Engineering and Technology (SET) and AIT Public Affairs
23 September 2023 – Students from the Structural Engineering (STE) Program of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) School of Engineering and Technology (SET) took an active role in the International Congress on the Chemistry of Cement (ICCC) 2023, hosted by the Thailand Concrete Association (TCA) in Bangkok from 18-22 September 2023.
ICCC is a globally recognized event with a history dating back to 1918, serving as a bridge between academia and the cement industry. Occurring every four to six years, it facilitates scientific exchanges between students and experienced professionals in various chemistry fields relevant to cement production and its use in construction. The theme of ICCC 2023 was “further reduction of CO2-emissions and circularity in the cement and concrete industry”.
The STE students didn’t just attend the main event; they also participated in the pre-congress event on 16 and 17 September. A total of sixteen STE students volunteered at the event. Their responsibilities ranged from planning and organizing of daily activities to managing conference logistics, transportation arrangements, registration processes, troubleshooting logistical issues, and ensuring presenters had everything they required for their sessions. Among their many tasks, they also supervised the smooth execution of conference proceedings throughout the week, showcasing their remarkable teamwork, time management skills, and careful attention to detail.
The event featured booths where various companies exhibited their groundbreaking work. At the SET booth, AIT students had the opportunity to showcase their research and models. Among the innovations presented was the Nano Gas Sensor, designed for detecting gas leaks to enhance the safety of vehicles that use LPG Tanks, such as taxis and automated vehicles. Additionally, they highlighted Near Infrared Reflective Cool (NIR), a Cool Paint product aimed to reduce room temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius, providing a comfortable living environment without the need for air conditioning, thus lowering energy costs. Furthermore, they introduced the Self-Cleaning Surface, a nano-particle-based product that facilitates the effortless removal of dirt and liquids, reducing cleaning time and costs while enhancing surface aesthetics. The students also displayed their research about Low Carbon High-Performance Concrete with Reduced Cement Content and SCMs for Sustainable Construction which utilizes the Particle Packing Method (PPM) and industrial waste materials to reduce cement usage, promoting eco-friendly construction with lower CO2 emissions. Additionally, research study about a Prototype Design of Real-Time Landslide Monitoring Using IoT Soil Moisture Content in Sandbox Experiment Cooperated with Slope Stability Analysis was also showcased. The research highlights the challenges of monitoring landslides and debris flows in Thailand and proposes an affordable solution using IoT and computer programming. The goal is to create a cost-effective and robust system to track rain-induced landslides and provide early warnings to protect affected communities.
Prof. Thanakorn Pheeraphan, President of the Thailand Concrete Association and Adjunct Faculty at AIT emphasized the indispensable role his students and a dedicated network of supporters played in making the conference successful.He stressed the paramount importance of trust when managing complex events and the crucial need for individuals who share his vision and commitment to execute tasks with determination and precision. “My students from AIT, whom I consider loyal companions, have offered unwavering assistance, enabling a wide range of endeavors from local gatherings to global,” he added.
Moreover, Prof. Pheeraphan encouraged his students to step beyond the confines of textbooks and embrace the real world. He noted, “The participation of over 700 individuals from 41 countries in our event underscores the enduring thirst for knowledge and the indispensable contributions of the upcoming generation. They serve as the driving force propelling our success, transcending the realm of ordinary organizers and showcasing the excellence achievable through unwavering dedication and effective collaboration.”
The conference covered many topics such as the future of construction, innovations in clinker production, advances in hydration chemistry, improving clinker substitution, characterization methods, low carbon cements, admixtures, quality concrete technology, durability, sustainability, circular economy, waste processing, recycling, and standardization of cement and concrete. The congress promised to address critical industry issues with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.
Prof. Sangam Shrestha, Dean of SET, underscored the importance of preparing students for success beyond traditional classroom learning. He emphasized that exposure to real-world events, congresses, and exhibitions is the key to unlocking their potential. These experiences not only introduce them to cutting-edge research but also connect them with experts and companies, paving the way for future opportunities. These gatherings are invaluable for networking, knowledge-sharing, and career advancement. Prof. Shrestha encouraged everyone to recognize and harness the power of such congresses and conferences for the bright futures of their students.
Two posters were showcased in the exhibition featuring the students work.
Poster 1: Low Carbon High-Performance Concrete with Reduced Cement Content and SCMs for Sustainable Construction
Authors: Binay Karna, Rahul Kasaudhan, and Subham Karki
- This research explores the use of the Particle Packing Method (PPM) for concrete mix design, replacing the traditional ACI method. The study employs industrial waste materials like fly ash and silica fume to develop high-strength concrete with reduced cement consumption, effectively lowering carbon dioxide emissions.
Poster 2: A Prototype Design of Real-Time Landslide Monitoring Using IoT Soil Moisture Content in Sandbox Experiment Cooperated with Slope Stability Analysis
Authors: Avirut Puttiwongrak, Nutthapat Chanwirawong, and Khin Nyein Chan Kyaw
- The research highlights the challenges of monitoring landslides and debris flows in Thailand and proposes an affordable solution using IoT and computer programming. The goal is to create a cost-effective and robust system to track rain-induced landslides and provide early warnings to protect affected communities.
Participating in ICCC, a global gathering of professors, researchers, and scientists, provided students with numerous benefits, primarily focused on their academic and personal growth. The event served as an invaluable platform for global networking, allowing students to engage with peers, scholars, and professionals from diverse backgrounds and regions, fostering connections that can lead to future collaborations, research partnerships, and career prospects. Moreover, the interactions with accomplished researchers and professionals during conferences were highly motivating, igniting a sense of purpose and direction for their own projects and future career paths.
