3 May 2011
How did you
get involved
in
construction
materials?
Almost by
chance! I had
worked as a
geochemist
at BGS in the geology of nuclear
waste management, was looking
for a relevant PhD and saw one with
Chris Page at Aston on the chemistry
of blended cements for waste
encapsulation. I have worked in cement
chemistry ever since, but maintain
links with waste management.
What most interests me is geomaterials research generally (cement science, in particular) and how this impinges on so many different fields, from traditional construction, through biomedical cements, polymer-containing systems, environmental protection and very many others. These are remarkable materials, which so many people take for granted, yet they require less energy than metals and polymers to produce, are durable and largely recyclable. It's easy to forget how strategically important cement and concrete are – the volume of concrete produced each year eclipses the total of all other man-made materials put together!
What has the Construction
Materials Group achieved so far?
The Group's strengths reflect members'
interests. In particular, we have a
good balance between the two major
subject groups – cement and concrete
and asphaltic materials. We cover a
variety of subjects in our meetings and
arrange regular events for participants
in the early stages of their careers,
such as the Young Researchers' Forum.
Conversely, we also have a tradition
of honouring contributors in the later
stages of their careers and actively
supporting the SCI awards.
How will the Group develop?
Like most others SCI Groups (and
other institutions) it must adapt to
membership changes. Unlike the past,
few companies can afford staff time to
contribute to Society affairs. Also, the
loss of many laboratories from public
hands limits the resources available
to us.
So, in recent years our meetings have needed to be focused on topics of current commercial importance and, happily, these have drawn large audiences. Many meetings are one-day, or half-day events, and I expect that this will be our main activity in the future. A key need is new committee members. Duties are not onerous and there is a real opportunity for people to make a valuable contribution to the SCI and to the field. I hope we will see some new people come forward, especially younger members.
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