Dr. Ruben Paul Borg, professor of structural and materials engineering at the University of Malta and Fulbright Scholar will present “Resilience of Concrete Coastal Infrastructure. 

This seminar qualifies for 1 PDH for interested individuals. Register online to receive credit. 

Abstract: Coastal Reinforced Concrete Structures experience long-term, time-dependent damage as a result of exposure to an aggressive environment, resulting in a gradual deterioration. Reinforced Concrete structures in  a marine  environment  require  early  and  continuous  repair  interventions.  Advanced  cement-based composite materials such as Ultra High Performance Concrete can lead to improved performance throughout the life-time of structures  in  aggressive environments.  The  presentation  shall  address  the  resilience  of reinforced  concrete coastal infrastructure and coastal heritage structures exposed to aggressive chloride-rich  environment.  Ultra- High  performance  concrete  (UHPC)  with  improved  functional  performance characteristics was developed for coastal structures in extremely aggressive exposure conditions, intended to improve their durability and self- healing  performance.  It  is  applied  and monitored  in  pilot  projects to  validate  its  performance  in  coastal structures. Structural Health and Durability monitoring systems for structures  are exploited  for  the  long-term monitoring of  coastal infrastructure and  interventions. The strategic action is reviewed with reference to Case Study Projects including a Historic Water Tower, the Grand Harbour Breakwater and Military Defence and Industrial Heritage.

Bionote: Ruben Paul Borg is Professor of Structural & Materials Engineer at the University of Malta and a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Missouri S&T. Ruben holds a Bachelor in Engineering and Architecture (Hons) from the University of Malta and completed doctoral studies at the Politecnico di Milano Italy and the University of Sheffield UK. He is Chartered Engineer, Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers & Fellow of the Institute of Concrete Technology (UK). He was elected member of the Board of Directors of International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment, Chairman of the European Council of Civil Engineers for Knowledge and Technology and Representative of the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK). He is active in the International Federation for Structural Concrete, convener of TG7.8 and RILEM (International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures) scientific committees and expert member of CEN TC350 Sustainability of Construction Works and CEN TC250 Structural Eurocodes. Prof. Borg led various Materials and Structural Engineering projects including the Sustainable Development Centre (Malta), and was awarded the International Energy Globe Award 2013, and the Prix d'Honneur & Judge C. Curren Awards in Restoration and the International Energy Globe Award in 2022.