2024 CTIL Technical Seminar

Innovations in Design and Construction of Concrete Structures and Launch of Design Guide on Headed Bars

On 19 July 2024, the Construction Technology Innovation Laboratory (CTIL) hosted a full-day technical seminar at Ho Bee Auditorium, SIT@Dover, focusing on innovations in design and construction of concrete structures. The seminar drew a full house of 400 participants, of which close to 200 Professional Engineers (PEs) were in attendance. The audience heard from leading industry speakers and academic researchers who shared insights on the latest trends in the construction industry, discussed challenges and innovative solutions in designing and constructing complex concrete structures, and highlighted the benefits and successes of these advancements.

The 2024 CTIL Technical Seminar at Ho Bee Auditorium, SIT@Dover.

A key highlight was the official launch of the Design Guide on Headed Bars, witnessed by Guest-of-Honor Mr Kelvin Wong, Chief Executive Officer of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), along with Prof Chua Kee Chaing, SIT President; Er Ng Kee Nam, Senior Group Director, Land Transport Authority (LTA); and Er Yong Fen Leong, Chair of the C&S Practice, Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore. In his speech, Mr Wong emphasised BCA’s commitment to driving industry transformation through innovation and collaboration, urging stakeholders to adopt new technologies and tackle sector challenges collectively.

Launch of the Design Guide on Headed Bars at the 2024 CTIL Seminar. From left, Er Yong Fen Leong, Chair of the C&S Practice, Association of Consulting Engineers Singapore; Er Ng Kee Nam, Senior Group Director, LTA; Prof Chiew Sing Ping, Head of CTIL; Prof Chua Kee Chaing, SIT President; and Mr Kelvin WONG, CEO, BCA.

The seminar featured a diverse range of presentations. Mr Chang Kin-Boon, Senior Group Director at LTA, discussed the evolution of Singapore's MRT projects, highlighting innovations such as cross wall construction and robotic machines, while addressing challenges in methodology, technology, and sustainability. Er Colin Yip from Woh Hup examined the environmental impact of concrete and stressed the importance of sustainable practices and technologies in concrete design and construction.

In addition, Prof Yang Bo from Chongqing University presented research on the performance of precast concrete composite slabs with lattice girders, offering insights into their collapse resistance and modelling methods. Dr DANETI Saradhi Babu from Alliance Concrete Singapore explored how low embodied carbon concrete can reduce CO2 emissions and enhance construction durability.

Speakers from CTIL included Asst Prof Zhao Ming-Shan, who introduced a new ultra-low carbon ready-mixed concrete developed with up to 80% Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS), showcasing its potential to reduce embodied carbon by approximately 65%. Prof Chiew Sing Ping detailed the new Design Guide for Headed Bars, including its application and design rules based on Eurocode 2. At the same time, A/Prof Kum Yung Juan discussed the integration of steel fibres and high-strength reinforcement in underground box structures to enhance performance and control cracks.

Also speaking at the technical seminar were Mr Kazutaka Yoshihara from Tokyo Tekko, Japan, who explained the Plate-Nut System’s role in mitigating rebar congestion and improving concrete consolidation; Dr Akihito Hata from Taisei Corporation, Japan, who presented on the development and application of head bars for better construction efficiency and earthquake resistance; and Dr Ahn Dong-Wook from POSCO, Korea, and Dr Kim Yong-Min from the University of Glasgow Singapore, who highlighted the advantages of Hollow Reinforcing Bars (STC800) in geotechnical applications, emphasising their strength, lightweight properties, and enhanced bonding with concrete.

The technical seminar underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration in advancing concrete construction technology. Our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, participants, and exhibitors for their contributions!