CEE Participating in 3rd FEA Student Conference

Participation in the 3rd FEA Student Conference (May 27-28, 2004) by the CEE Department included the presentation of two keynote lectures and three student papers published in the conference proceedings. An exhibition of student projects and a lab tour were also organized.

Keynote Lectures

Innovative Fiber Technology for Cement Composites: From Concept to Commercialization
By Dr. Antoine Naaman
Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, USA
Invited at the Conference and presented with Distinguished Scholar Award

Abstract: Cementitious matrices such as concrete have low tensile strength and fail in a brittle manner. Adding short needle-like fibers to such matrices enhances their mechanical properties, particularly their toughness, ductility and energy absorbing capacity under seismic and impact loads. Although steel fibers have been used in cement and concrete composites for more than four decades, most of the steel fibers on the market today have been introduced prior to 1980. Following a brief summary of 1) the history of fibers in concrete, 2) the intuitive underlying principles of fiber reinforcement in cement based composites, and 3) related technical limitations, this presentation describes the rationale and background behind the development and design of a new generation of steel fibers for use in cement, ceramic and polymeric matrices. These fibers are engineered to achieve optimal properties in terms of shape, size, and mechanical response, as well as compatibility with a given matrix. They are identified as Torex fibers. The story behind the initial concept design of the new fibers, their patent application, their superior performance, and their practical production and commercialization is told. The new fibers will advance the broader use of high performance fiber reinforced cement composites in structural applications such as in seismic and impact resistant structures, as well as in stand-alone applications such as in thin cement sheet and pipe products.

You Could Say He's Building Flint
By Mr. Ghassan Saab
President and Chief Executive Officer, Sorensen Gross Construction Co. Flint, Michigan, USA
Invited at the Conference and presented with Distinguished Alumnus Award

Abstract: "So they may have life and have it more abundantly" was a promise made by the AUB founders to those fortunate enough to claim AUB as their Alma Mater. The very essence of abundantly encompasses beyond the self - it is indeed the processes by which we develop and influence our community, family and friends through our business, professional, cultural and civic endeavors.

Student Papers

Constituent Transport in Water Distribution Networks
By Lilian Malaeb
Graduate Student, EWRE Program, CEE Department, AUB

Machine for Flexure and Transverse Testing
By Pascal Abou Dagher, Wissam Khalil, Cinderella Nuwayhid, and Michel Waked
Undergraduate Students, CEE Department, AUB

S.H.C.R. - The Smart and Handy Construction Robot
By Sako Holtian, Hovannes Betchakjian, Charbel Rizk, and Raffi Khoshafian
Undergraduate Students, CEE Department, AUB