Events

Distinguished Lecturer

BUILDING GREENER: THE ROLE OF DESIGN AND ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS IN THE DELIVERY OF SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE INFRASTRUCTURE

Presented by:

Dr. Stephen Foster 

Professor of Structural Engineering at The University of New South Wales, Sydney.

Abstract:

This lecture delves into the decarbonization of concrete infrastructure via innovative design and the adoption of substitute materials that have the potential for substantial reductions in concrete's carbon footprint. It will focus on the crucial role of design in sustainable building, particularly in reducing the environmental impact of concrete. The discussion will center on alternative binder concretes as a strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the role of high-performance materials like high-strength steels and Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC), which have the potential to deliver lighter, more efficient construction. Measures for pre-determining the potential of new materials will be described, along with sustainability performance criteria.

Furthermore, barriers to the broad uptake of new, innovative materials and design approaches will be assessed, alongside methods to overcome these barriers. It highlights the necessity for adaptive design codes and standards that support the integration of sustainable materials and methods while ensuring no detrimental long-term impacts arise, such as excessive creep, shrinkage, or loss of durability—or that such impacts can be confidently assessed. This allows designers and decision-makers to make informed judgments and provides engineers, builders, and contractors with the essential tools needed for implementation in mainstream practice. The presentation concludes with a call to action, underlining the significance of cooperative efforts among researchers, governments, and industry stakeholders. It accentuates the need for substantial investment in research and development, clear policy guidance, and the rapid introduction of new codes and standards. This collective approach is crucial for realizing the ambitious aim of reducing the construction sector's carbon footprint, ultimately contributing to carbon neutrality in the building industry.

About the Speaker:

Stephen Foster is a Professor of Structural Engineering at The University of New South Wales, Sydney, and the former Dean of Engineering (2020–23). He received his PhD from The University of New South Wales in 1993 and has over 40 years of experience as a structural engineer in both practice and teaching.

He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Fellow of fib, and an Honorary Member of the Concrete Institute of Australia (CIA). He is also the Immediate Past President of the International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib).

He is a member of Australian Standards Committees for the design of concrete structures and bridges and serves as Chairman of the Australian Standards sub-committees on “Strength and Analysis,” “Fibre Reinforced Concrete,” and “Geopolymer and Alkali-Activated Binder Concrete.” Additionally, he is a member of the Canadian Standards Association Task Force on the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code – Ultra-High-Performance Concrete and Chair of the committee responsible for developing a new Australian Standard for the design and construction of UHPC bridges. He was also a member of the fib Commission for the development of fib Model Code 2020.

He chaired the committee that developed the first national Standards Australia Technical Specification, Design of Geopolymer and Alkali-Activated Binder Concrete Structures (SA TS 199).

Stephen has authored over 400 publications in the field of structural concrete and concrete materials, including textbooks on reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete. His main research interests lie in advancing new material technologies for the design of concrete structures, including fiber and ultra-high-performance concrete, low-carbon construction materials such as geopolymer and alkali-activated concrete, and high-strength reinforcing steels.

Date: Tuesday, April 8
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: ECJ 3.116

Pinthouse pizza will be provided.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Assistant Professor