ACI 2006 Concrete Projects Competition Winners

 

1st Place:
 Very High Strength Concrete for Blast Protection
Author:
 Cadets Michael Riccitiello, Nicholas Soroka and Andrew Hutchinson  
Advisor:
 LTC Colonel Karl F. Meyer and Dr. Christopher Conley
Abstract:
 The significance of this research project stems from its contribution to the development of more cost effective solutions for blast and ballistic protection for military and civilian applications. Very High Strength Concrete (VHSC), originally developed at the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) at Vicksburg, Mississippi, has been in existence for over a decade; the applications of the material, for other than structural uses, are in their early stages. There are three major goals of this project. First, to determine the optimum type, size, and proportion of fibers in VHSC for optimizing energy absorption; second, to develop computer models that will assist in predicting the behavior of VHSC; and third, to address the challenges currently associated with preparing and testing VHSC specimens. Finding answers to these questions will help extend current boundaries associated with this technology and, in the end, will hopefully save lives.
 
  
2nd Place:
 Exploration of Cracking and Leakage in Reinforced Concrete Water Retaining Structures  
Author:
 Greg Bergland and Kyle Hampton, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Advisor:
 Reza Kianoush
 
  
 
  
3rd Place:
 Optimizing the Compressive Strengths of Various Recycled Aggregates in Portland Concrete  
Author:
 Michael J. Loy, Oregon Episcopal High School, Portland, OR
Advisor:
 Bette G. Yada