CANTON, New York (WWNY) – Students at SUNY Canton are studying how to make better concrete.
So far, they have some solid ideas.
The Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology Program at SUNY Canton is working on developing lightweight concrete, concrete that would be both less expensive and better for the environment.
It takes trial and error, mixing up batches of concrete in which the ingredients vary.
“For our mixes, we’re trying to do a couple of different- We’re doing about seven mix designs right now and trying different slag and fly ash and using coarse aggregate and fine aggregate to find a different or perfect combination for what we’re doing,” said student Emma Kielmeir.
Dr. Saeid Haji Ghasemali says the research not only helps students with their education, but helps push construction industry research further as it looks to make concrete cheaper, yet stronger.
“You know, the costs should be important for us. Less cost is better. Higher resistance is better. Having a lighter concrete is better,” Dr. Ghasemali said.
The SUNY Canton team scored second place at a recent American Concrete Institute competition in Boston, going up against 40 teams. It’s the first time Canton has been part of the competition.
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