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Innovation in
Construction Sector by
Gamma Materials Ltd

A dissemination event and site visit was conducted at Gamma Materials Ltd (GML) on the 16th June 2023 at 10h00, to showcase the outcomes of three projects funded by the MRIC. The projects were led by Dr M Conhyea (Head Technical & Business Development, GML).

Fast Track Innovation Initiatives

Characterization of Construction & Demolition Waste (C & D waste) for Reuse, Reduce & Recycle (3R's).

Team members: Ms Jeshna Sooriah (Research Assistant, GML); Mrs Reshma Rughooputh (Senior lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UoM)

 

This project focused on:

  • characterization of C&D waste at Gamma Materials;

  • mapping of illegal dumping throughout the island;

  • quantifying the C&D waste; and

  • proposing guidelines for C&D waste management to all stakeholders to enable production of recycled materials from this source.​

Proof of Concept Scheme

Construction & Demolition Waste (C&D waste) recycled aggregates as an alternative to road base & engineering fill materials.

Team members: Ms Jeshna Sooriah (Research Assistant, GML), Mrs Mehvish Kausmally (Laboratory Executive, GML), Mrs Reshma Rughooputh (Senior lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UoM).

 

Note: This project builds on the findings of the previous project funded under the Fast Track Innovation Initiatives.

 

The aim of this project was to identify alternatives to natural basalt rocks for road base and engineering fill purposes that can offer to the community, both an opportunity to reduce the impact on the environment and a new less costly material.

 

The project consisted of collecting, sorting, and crushing C&D waste into crusher run 0 - 20 mm and aggregates 0 – 80 mm, to be used as road base and engineering fill material, respectively. The technical performances have been assessed and improvements made to meet standards and market specifications.

 

This approach will contribute to lowering the carbon footprint in the construction sector. Consequently, the use of recycled aggregates will benefit the rating of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) assessment.​

Collaborative Research and Innovation Grant Scheme

Investigation of the structural properties and performance of agro-waste fibre (AWF) reinforced concrete.

Team members: Ms Jeshna Sooriah (Research Assistant, GML), Dr Koushanee Madhub (Research Assistant, GML); Dr Mahendra Goorochurn (Senior Lecturer, Head of Mechanical & Production Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, UoM).

 

The focus of this project, conducted through UoM’s Pole of Research in Natural Fibres and Bio-base Composites, was on addressing key issues in order to produce quality fibres (with good mechanical strength) at a low cost, while minimizing the environment impact, including:

 

  • selection of appropriate AWF to be used as reinforcing material;

  • determination of appropriate extraction and processing of fibres for effective use in concrete;

  • determination of the fibre characteristics for effective mixing in concrete; and

  • evaluation of mechanical properties and performance of the resulting fibre-reinforced concrete in terms of shrinkage and crack inhibition for use in industrial flooring.

 

The project also aimed to demonstrate:

  • effective use of local agro-waste in line with the concept of circular economy;

  • potential for enhancing farmers’ resilience to the effects of climate change;

  • opportunities to reclaim abandoned agricultural lands, and

  • development of an engineering solution for the construction industry.

Prepared by: Dr N Gopaul and Ms K Lakheearam

Supported by: Dr P Veer Ramjeawon, Mrs H Mungun-Jhurry and Team

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