A TEAM of Civil Engineering students from the Far Eastern University placed third in the American Concrete Institute 2020 Concrete Solutions Competition.

The team consisted of Franchette Yvonne Velasquez, Patricia Monique Rivera, Maebeth Guiyab, and Esteven John Buduan of the Institute of Technology.

Their study was about the use of recycled concrete aggregates and self-healing microorganisms to improve the properties of the concrete mix and minimize the corrosion of the reinforcements.

“We chose this study because it’s very new here in the Philippines and also because of its potential to alleviate the environmental stress imposed by both the manufacturing of concrete components and the construction industry in general,” Buduan explained.

The researchers said they also wanted to raise awareness on climate change and global warming.

“This is such a big achievement for the school as well as our department since it’s our first international win. It was our honor to represent the Philippines and Asia to compete along with other universities worldwide,” Rivera said.

FEU Tech Association of Civil Engineering Students President Rachelle Santos congratulated the winners and pledged to continue to cater to the needs of the students in the civil engineering community.

American Concrete Institute is a non-profit technical society and standards developing organization.