By School of Engineering and Technology
11 April 2024: In a remarkable display of talent and innovation, four students from the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) displayed their skills at the 2nd BU X Berkeley SkyDeck Fund Hackathon 2024 in Bangkok University. Their outstanding performance earned them the prestigious Honorable Mention Award on 29 March 2024. The team, “Excel in Stone,” comprised of Mr. Binay Karna, Mr. Rahul Kasaudhan, Mr. Muhammad Hammad from the Structural Engineering Program, and Mr. Tungish Uprety from Water Engineering and Management, was selected in the top 10 among 100 teams from the 20 different countries. The team from Chulalongkorn University got the first prize for their Cholesterol Screening Project.
As showcased by the team, Thirsty Concrete is a revolutionary innovation in construction materials. This porous concrete allows water to permeate through its surface, effectively mitigating runoff and helping to recharge groundwater supplies. By absorbing and storing rainwater, thirsty concrete reduces the strain on drainage systems and minimizes the risk of flooding in urban areas. This sustainable solution addresses environmental concerns and offers practical benefits for infrastructure development, making it a promising choice for future construction projects. Thirsty Concrete also filters water pollutants. By incorporating thirsty concrete into construction projects, such as pavements, sidewalks, and parking lots, communities can promote eco-friendly development while addressing the challenges of urbanization and climate change.
Team Excel in stone with the Prize Money (From left to right) Binay Karna, Rahul Kasaudhan, Muhammad Hammad, and Tungish Uprety
The concrete is made porous by a mixed design of concrete. It has mainly coarse aggregate with minimal or no fine aggregate, thus creating voids within the mix as cement sticks to the aggregate, creating gaps between them. The achievements of the team also tick three of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) – (6) Clean Water and Sanitation, (9) Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, and (11) Sustainable cities and Communities by addressing clean water and sanitation issues, innovative and resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable urban development. It emphasizes the collaborative effort for a sustainable future.
Demonstration of the concept of thirsty concrete
Mr. Muhammad Hammad excitedly proclaimed on winning the prize, “It is a true honor to our team’s hard work and dedication. The experience gained throughout this competition has been invaluable, pushing us to think innovatively and work towards a common goal. I am grateful for the opportunity to display our research and look forward to applying what I have learned to future projects. Thanks to the organizers for providing this platform and immense gratitude to our university, Asian Institute of Technology, for the encouragement.“
The students from AIT SET demonstrated their dedication, creativity, and problem-solving abilities and highlighted the event organizers’ invaluable support and guidance. The success of the team “Excel in Stone” is a testament to their remarkable talents and the collaborative efforts fostered by the organizers. This achievement reflects the commitment of the School of Engineering and Technology, AIT, to nurturing students’ skills and providing them with opportunities to excel in the field of engineering and technology. The School of Engineering and Technology, AIT, extends its heartfelt gratitude to the mentors and organizers for organizing such an enriching and impactful event, contributing to the student’s academic and professional growth.
The BU x Berkeley SkyDeck Fund Hackathon is renowned for its competitive edge, drawing in the brightest minds to develop innovative business projects and advancements. The honorable mention awarded to this talented group underscores the importance of sustainable solutions in engineering and guides students in initiating successful startup ventures.
