Georgetown: The Ministry of Public Infrastructure on Thursday hosted an Engineering and Construction Conference in collaboration with SCL Group Holdings Limited at the Umana Yana, geared towards educating contractors, engineers, teachers and students on new technologies.
The conference was well attended by over 100 contractors, engineers and students from the Linden, New Amsterdam Technical Institutes, Government Technical Institute and University of Guyana.
During the Conference it was explained by the Technical Representative, Mr. Vickram Bachu that SCL was formed since 1979 with the intent of helping engineers improve their projects. The company which has been operating in Guyana for over a decade now specializes in: admixtures; concrete repairs; flooring; surface treatment; geo-synthetics and water-proofing among others.
SCL Guyana Inc. can even produce specific materials for contractors to complete special tasks. The company even stocks special materials which can be applied on concrete surfaces to change its colour and texture, among others.
During brief remarks at the forum, the Chief of Works attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Mr. Geoffrey Vaughn urged participants to keep an open mind as learning about the use of new technologies is vital. He added that the use of new technology will push Guyana to where it needs to be.
One of the fairly new products in Guyana which is supplied by SCL and discussed on Thursday was the fibre reinforced concrete which contains discrete fibres that are uniformly distributed throughout the concrete to create a dimensional system of reinforcement. The fibres were specially engineered to replace steel mesh or steel fibres in precast and sprayed concrete, according to a Specialist, Mr. Gary Martin.
Participants of the Conference were told that using this product is easier to transport, store and handle as well as safer on the construction site. More importantly, the product is cheaper when compared to BRC fabric and lasts longer. It even allows for a reduced construction time as the laying of BRC fabric would not be required. Using the fibres would also reduce plastic shrinkage and cracks.
One contractor who attended the Conference, 60-year old Hugh Stevens explained that the session was very informative and as a contractor he is always open to learning new things every day. Stevens said he is especially happy that the producers found a way to prevent cracks and is quite impressed that it will aid in preventing the destruction of concrete structures. He added that he is willing to test the product.
Another contractor, 23-year old Shaquille Alexander said he is happy that the Ministry hosted the session to bring awareness to the public on the new technology. Moreover, he said he looks forward to more of such sessions to sensitize a wider audience on the products.
Meanwhile Marlock Davis, a 19-year old student of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) shared that he feels the session was very interesting. He said he was excited to learn about the different materials which can be used to preserve concrete. The student said he would be happy to test it out for himself.
You must be logged in to post a comment.