Concrete and Other Related Building Materials

Several studies have been conducted at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) on building materials, particularly concrete. They have been mainly concentrated to enhance the durability of concrete under the aggressive local conditions. The results of these studies have been published in national and international journals. The research findings have also been utilized to update international and national standards, such as ACI318, BS 8110, and Saudi Building Codes. As a result of these studies, KFUPM is recognized as an institution of research excellence in the area of concrete durability. Perhaps, KFUPM has also the largest number of researchers working in the area of concrete and other building materials. 

While the output of the researchers at KFUPM in the area of concrete is commendable, the efforts are scattered leading to an unfocussed research. Consequently, there is a need to conduct research in a more coordinated manner. Formation of a formal Concrete Research Group (CRG) would also lead to a conscentitious approach on the needed research, planning the long-term strategies and optimizing the efforts thus enhancing the output in a more systematic and organized manner. 

The objectives of the group are to organize research efforts in the area of concrete at KFUPM and plan more systematic research and other activities. The Group would also conduct short courses and seminars to educate the field engineers in the production of durable concrete. It also aims to publish series of information brochures on concrete protection and prevention methodologies. The tangible outcomes of the groups are: development of information that could lead to updating the prevailing specifications and codes of practices, patents and publications in local and international journals. 

The group would be hosted jointly by the Center for Engineering Researchof the Research Instituteand the Department of Civil Engineering. The human and physical resources available at these two units, along with those at the other collaborating departments, such as Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, would be utilized by the Group.

Group Members

	Dr. Mohammad Maslehuddin (Group Coordinator)
	Dr. Omar S.B. Al-Amoudi (CE)
	Dr. Abul Kalam Azad (CE)
	Dr. Mohammad Baluch (CE)
	Dr. Ahmed S. Al-Gahtani (CE)