Advancing Sustainable Concrete Construction: A Collaborative Endeavor between AESA-NE, NUACA, and Concrete Technology Expert Dr. Jeknavorian

In a collaborative effort led by the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA), Dr. Jeknavorian, a distinguished Fellow of the American Concrete Institute (ICE) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), recently delivered a compelling presentation at the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia (NUACA) in Yerevan. The focus of the presentation was on the “Use of Chemical Admixtures to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Concrete and Enable Efficient Concrete Construction.”

Engaging Presentation:

The event, held on October 2nd, drew a diverse audience of over 20 students and faculty members, all of whom were captivated by Dr. Jeknavorian’s expertise. The presentation, prepared with both Armenian and English captions in PowerPoint, covered crucial insights into chemical admixture technology. Dr. Jeknavorian, expressing his pleasure, highlighted the interactive nature of the session, as attendees actively participated with inquisitive questions.

Cooperation and Future Prospects:

Following the presentation, Dr. Jeknavorian expressed his eagerness to collaborate further with NUACA. With the support of AESA-NE, potential areas of collaboration were identified, including:

1. 3D Printing Technology for Modular Residential Units:
   NUACA received a $300k grant from the Republic of Armenia government for building housing units quickly for Artsakh refugees. Dr. Jeknavorian agreed to explore the use of 3D printing technology with cement material, potentially expediting equipment shipment through USAID if purchased from US companies.
2. Advanced Concrete Testing Equipment:
   The collaboration aims to enhance NUACA’s laboratory capabilities with the incorporation of the latest special Concrete Testing Equipment.
3. Training Material for Courses:
   Dr. Jeknavorian committed to providing training material for subsequent courses related to the use of chemical admixtures in concrete technology.

Dr. Jeknavorian’s Reflection:

In his reflection on the event, Dr. Jeknavorian expressed gratitude to AESA-NE and NUACA for the opportunity to share his knowledge. He conveyed his deep impressions of NUACA’s laboratory capabilities and the faculty’s knowledge, emphasizing his anticipation of future collaborations to support NUACA’s mission in the field of concrete construction.

Strategic Meetings:

Prior to the presentation, Dr. Jeknavorian and AESA representatives held a productive meeting with NUACA’s Vice Rector of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Yedoyan, and Rector Dr. Yeghiazar Vardanyan. The discussions centered around potential future cooperation to strengthen NUACA’s construction and transportation departments.

NUACA Candidates’ Journey:
In a subsequent meeting with NUACA’s Vice Rector of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Yedoyan, and Rector Dr. Yeghiazar Vardanyan, plans for future cooperation in strengthening the university’s construction and transportation departments were discussed. Notably, two preselected candidates from NUACA, Varazdat Hovhannisyan and Armen Minassian, are set to study at Rutgers University in NJ, courtesy of Dr. Ali Maher, the director of the Center for Advance Infrastructure & Transportation (CAIT).

Training Objectives:
The candidates aim to visit the U.S. in March 2024 for a month-long period, contingent upon obtaining U.S. visas. Their visit includes plans to explore earthquake-related training at Lehigh University in PA. The training objectives encompass:

1. The establishment of a Master’s degree program in Construction Management Infrastructure at NUACA
2. The integration of “Prema-Vera” Construction Management software into their curriculum
3. The introduction of online courses in Transportation, Monitoring, and Assessment.

AESA-NE Commitment:
To support these endeavors, the AESA-NE board has allocated funds for the candidates’ training at Rutgers University. This commitment underscores the organization’s dedication to fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of sustainable practices in the realm of construction and engineering.

Conclusion:

The collaborative efforts between AESA, Dr. Jeknavorian, and NUACA mark a significant step towards advancing sustainable and efficient solutions in concrete construction. The willingness to explore innovative technologies and the commitment to knowledge exchange bode well for the future of concrete technology in Armenia. As these partnerships continue to flourish, the impact on both education and practical applications in the field is poised to be substantial.