3rd R.N. Raikar Intl' Conference and - Gettu – Kodur International Symposium

Radhika Markan, President, India Chapter of ACI shares details on the upcoming event

What are the objectives of R. N. Raikar Memorial International Conference and Gettu-Kodur International Symposium?

Mr. R. N. Raikar was the guiding light behind the goal and direction in the formation of the India Chapter of American Concrete Institute (ICACI). From its inception in 1979 till his untimely demise in 2008, his untiring efforts catapulted ICACI into a national body for concrete excellence. Under his able leadership, ICACI has won several ‘Excellent Chapter Awards’ from the parent body ACI – a feat it continues to achieve.

The ACI in its centennial year, conferred on Mr. Raikar, the highest individual honor of being an ‘Honorary Member’ of the Institute in recognition of his service to the concrete industry and to the India Chapter. With his dedication and enthusiasm to ensure the quality of concrete in construction and in supporting international cooperation, he has left behind a legacy of competent leadership.

Mr. Raikar recognized and respected excellence in the engineering fraternity, both national and global. In the same spirit, we are continuing to honor outstanding international concrete professionals of India who are making a remarkable contribution to the industry. This is being done through biennial international conferences held in India, and in which experts from across the world participate. Our Technology Awareness Event is now in its 3rd edition. The first conference was held in December 2013 to felicitate world famous Dr. Suru Shah from the Northwestern University and the second was held in 2015.

What topics will be covered in this year’s event?

The topics will encompass the following:

Advances in science and technology of cement, admixtures and concrete
Advances in material concept and tailored material properties
Material science of cement and concrete
New cements
Concrete with recycled materials
SCC
Ultra high performance concrete
Energy-efficient processes and materials
Nano technology
Phase change materials (PCM)
Permeable concrete
Fibre reinforced concrete
Underwater concrete
Hot weather / cold weather concreting
Heavy density concrete
Sustainability an durability of concrete
Innovative solutions for corrosion prevention of rebars
Improved performance for shrinkage cracking
Transport properties
Smart materials
Characterization of fire, blast and impact loading on structures
Behavior of structural materials at high temperatures
Structural health monitoring
Design of structures for improved resilience
Strengthening, retrofit and repair
Design of Bridges for Fire & Blast Resistance (Including Cables & Other Appendages)
Effects of Fire & Blast on Steel Connections
Effects of Fire & Blast on Facades & Glass Assemblies
Performance-based design – the developer/owner/user’s perspective
How to measure and approve fire safety performance of buildings and infrastructure
Advances in structural and civil engineering applications
Building cladding/facades – the issues of combustibility, fire spread and mitigating options
Rehabilitation of fire damaged structures
Research and current developments
Innovative & cost-effective fire-resistant solutions
Non-destructive testing
Quality control related to concrete structures

The Popularity of R. N. Raikar International Conferences
	1st RNR - 2013	2nd RNR - 2015	3rd RNR - 2018
International Co-Sponsor :	3	10	18
International Authors :	92	187	199 as on today

What are your expectations from this edition in terms of participation and discussions by experts on key challenges and issues in the concrete industry?

About 100 international papers are expected; they will represent more than 30 countries. The Government of Canada initiative IC – IMPACT is supporting the conference. ACI Committee 364 on Rehabilitation will hold a session; it is for the first time that ACI will hold a full session outside of USA. 18 international professional associations have supported the event.

Many international journals have associated. It is contemplated to have a combined meeting of ACI Committee 364 and BIS Committee on Repair during this conference in Mumbai.

The event will see the inauguration of a book on High-Performance, High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete for building Durable & Sustainable Structures by Prof. V. M. Malhotra, and a lecture by international expert Dr. S. K. Ghosh “Earthquake-Resistant Design”. He is also a major contributor to ACI 318.

Several multinational organizations, cement manufacturers, and researchers participating at the event, and experts like the well-known sustainability exponent Dr. Mohan Malhotra, Dr. Suru Shah, Dr. Banthia and Dr. Basheer will discuss several current topics of interest such as the evolving concrete and chemical industry, cutting-edge technologies, quality control as per global standards, R&D, and the best practices being followed.

We are receiving several papers from authorities on various subject matters from across the world. The papers are based on research and innovations, and from countries that experience cold and hot weather conditions, and are applicable to India.

Many government departments and policy makers are interested in gaining knowledge on use of High-Volume Fly Ash, Sustainability, Nano Materials, Repair Technique etc., and introduce them in the infrastructure development of the country.