Speaker
Professor Dr. Fauziah Ahmad
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia
Title
Natural Fibre and Geosynthetic as Ground Improvement Techniques for Resilient Infrastructure
The development of resilient infrastructure requires
sustainable, durable, and cost-effective solutions to address challenges posed
by weak or problematic soils. Ground improvement techniques play a crucial role in enhancing soil strength, stability, and performance under various loading
and environmental conditions. Among the emerging and widely adopted materials in this field are natural fibers and geosynthetics.
Natural fibers, derived from renewable resources such as coir, jute, bamboo, and sisal, offer an environmentally friendly alternative for soil reinforcement. They improve the shear strength, ductility, and load-bearing capacity of soils while maintaining biodegradability and low carbon footprint. Their use aligns with sustainable construction goals, particularly in temporary or low-cost applications such as slope stabilization, embankment protection, and erosion control. However, limitations in durability and resistance to biological degradation remain key challenges, often mitigated through chemical treatments or blending with synthetic materials.
Geosynthetics, on the other hand, are polymer-based materials engineered for long-term performance and versatility. They include geotextiles, geogrids, geomembranes, and geocomposites, which serve functions such as reinforcement, separation, filtration, drainage, and containment. Their consistent quality, high tensile strength, and long service life make them indispensable in modern geotechnical and infrastructure projects — from highways and retaining structures to landfills and coastal defenses.
The integration of natural fibers and geosynthetics represents a balanced approach to achieving both sustainability and resilience. While geosynthetics ensure long-term structural reliability, natural fibers contribute to ecological sustainability and cost efficiency. Together, they support the development of infrastructure that is not only strong and adaptable but also environmentally responsible.
In conclusion, the combined application of natural fibers and geosynthetics in ground improvement offers a promising pathway toward resilient and sustainable infrastructure, capable of withstanding climatic variations, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring long-term service performance.
Speaker
Professor Dr. Saroj Mandal
Jadavpur University, India
Title
Self-healing as Preventive Repair of Concrete Structures
Concrete is the most widely used construction material for infrastructure; however, cracking is inevitable due to shrinkage, thermal stresses, and mechanical loading. These cracks provide pathways for the ingress of water, oxygen, and aggressive chemicals such as chlorides and sulphates, which accelerate reinforcement corrosion and deterioration of concrete structures. Early detection and repair of micro-cracks are often difficult, expensive, and sometimes impractical. Consequently, the concept of self-healing concrete has emerged as an innovative approach that enables concrete to autonomously repair cracks, thereby improving durability and reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
Self-healing in concrete occurs through two main mechanisms: autogenous healing and engineered (autonomic) healing. Autogenous healing is the natural ability of concrete to seal very small cracks due to continued hydration of unhydrated cement particles, precipitation of calcium carbonate, and swelling of hydration products in the presence of moisture. This mechanism is generally effective for crack widths less than about 100–200 μm. The efficiency of natural healing can be enhanced through the use of supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash, slag, and silica fume, which promote additional formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) and improve the microstructure of concrete.
Recent research has focused on engineered self-healing systems to improve crack-repair capability beyond natural mechanisms. One promising approach is bacterial or microbial self-healing concrete, where bacteria capable of producing calcium carbonate or other deposits, are incorporated into the concrete matrix. When cracks occur, these microorganisms activate and precipitate, which fills and seals the cracks. Experimental studies have shown that bacterial concrete can achieve significant crack sealing efficiency and improved durability performance by reducing permeability and chloride penetration.
Another emerging technology involves microcapsule-based healing systems, where capsules containing healing agents such as polymers or mineral solutions are embedded in concrete. When cracks propagate through the matrix, the capsules rupture and release the healing agents, which subsequently seal the cracks. In addition, recent studies are exploring the integration of self-healing technologies with sustainable cement systems and advanced materials, including fibre-reinforced composites and low-carbon binders, to enhance both durability and environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, self-healing concrete represents a paradigm shift from reactive repair to preventive maintenance in concrete infrastructure. By enabling automatic crack sealing and improving resistance to environmental deterioration, this technology has the potential to significantly extend the service life of structures, reduce life-cycle costs, and contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems in the future.
Speaker
Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Safari Hj. Mat Desa
National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), Malaysia
Title
TBA
Concrete is the most widely used construction material for infrastructure; however, cracking is inevitable due to shrinkage, thermal stresses, and mechanical loading. These cracks provide pathways for the ingress of water, oxygen, and aggressive chemicals such as chlorides and sulphates, which accelerate reinforcement corrosion and deterioration of concrete structures. Early detection and repair of micro-cracks are often difficult, expensive, and sometimes impractical. Consequently, the concept of self-healing concrete has emerged as an innovative approach that enables concrete to autonomously repair cracks, thereby improving durability and reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
Self-healing in concrete occurs through two main mechanisms: autogenous healing and engineered (autonomic) healing. Autogenous healing is the natural ability of concrete to seal very small cracks due to continued hydration of unhydrated cement particles, precipitation of calcium carbonate, and swelling of hydration products in the presence of moisture. This mechanism is generally effective for crack widths less than about 100–200 μm. The efficiency of natural healing can be enhanced through the use of supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash, slag, and silica fume, which promote additional formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) and improve the microstructure of concrete.
Recent research has focused on engineered self-healing systems to improve crack-repair capability beyond natural mechanisms. One promising approach is bacterial or microbial self-healing concrete, where bacteria capable of producing calcium carbonate or other deposits, are incorporated into the concrete matrix. When cracks occur, these microorganisms activate and precipitate, which fills and seals the cracks. Experimental studies have shown that bacterial concrete can achieve significant crack sealing efficiency and improved durability performance by reducing permeability and chloride penetration.
Another emerging technology involves microcapsule-based healing systems, where capsules containing healing agents such as polymers or mineral solutions are embedded in concrete. When cracks propagate through the matrix, the capsules rupture and release the healing agents, which subsequently seal the cracks. In addition, recent studies are exploring the integration of self-healing technologies with sustainable cement systems and advanced materials, including fibre-reinforced composites and low-carbon binders, to enhance both durability and environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, self-healing concrete represents a paradigm shift from reactive repair to preventive maintenance in concrete infrastructure. By enabling automatic crack sealing and improving resistance to environmental deterioration, this technology has the potential to significantly extend the service life of structures, reduce life-cycle costs, and contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems in the future.