Jawdhari earns prestigious grant from the American Concrete Institute

Akram Jawdhari, assistant professor in South Dakota State University's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has earned a prestigious award from the American Concrete Institute to study the use of fiber reinforced cementitious matrix. 

Fiber reinforced cementitious matrix is a system that combines a sprayable binding material with a carbon fiber grid to reinforce and rehabilitate aging infrastructure. In Europe, the system is widely used to rehabilitate masonry, especially historic buildings.

Currently, most infrastructure utilizes steel-reinforced concrete. However, research has shown that fiber reinforced cementitious matrix systems may actually provide a stronger, more sustainable construction option.

The process in applying the system for concrete rehabilitation is quite simple, and it would be a sound option if an engineer wanted to rehabilitate an aging bridge to extend its lifespan. First, the surface would be prepared to open the pore structure of the concrete. Then, a base, cementitious mortar mix — a paste-like binding material that is similar to cement — would be applied. The carbon fiber grid would then be laid over the top of the first layer of mortar. A final mortar mix would be applied to cover the grid.

The widespread use of these systems could be crucial to alleviating the U.S. infrastructure issue. A 2017 report from the American Society of Civil Engineers graded the state of U.S. infrastructure as a "D+" and noted that it would require $4.5 trillion in additional funding to bring the rating to an adequate grade of "B" by 2025. In theory, these systems could lighten the financial load of the U.S. by helping to rehabilitate aging infrastructure, rather than outright replacing them.

Jawdhari's project will work to spread awareness of fiber reinforced cementitious matrix usage in the U.S. through the development of a best practices guide. In doing so, Jawdhari and his graduate students will test the reinforcement systems in a variety of conditions which will provide a greater understanding of their characteristics.

The American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and worldwide resource for the development, dissemination and adoption of consensus-based standards, technical resources and proven expertise for those involved in concrete design, construction and materials. Jawdhari's $75,000 grant is funded through the institute’s NEx: A Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials, which promotes the use of nonmetallic materials in the building and construction sector.