Taking local research to the global stage: Alice Titus Bakera at RILEM Week 2018

07 Sep 2018
Alice Titus Bakera at Rilem Week 2018
07 Sep 2018

The RILEM Week is the annual conference organised by RILEM (Réunion Internationale des Laboratoires et Experts des Matériaux). It aims at advancing scientific knowledge related to construction materials, system and structures, and encourages the transfer and application of this knowledge. This year, the Rilem Week 2018 was held in Delft, Netherlands, from 26-29 August.

RILEM offered a unique opportunity to young researchers from sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Asia and regional groups in Latin America and Russia to attend its annual week and present their work. A total of 14 candidates were selected. Three candidates were from the University of Cape Town’s Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (CoMSIRU): Joanitta Ndawula (MSc student), Janina Kanjee (a former CoMIRU MSc student pursuing her PhD) and myself, Alice Titus Bakera (PhD student). 

More than 200 researchers from all over the world attended the conference and shared their expertise and experience. The conference allowed participants to connect, network, and initiate work collaboration in the future. 

During the conference, all candidates were invited to the special RILEM grantee breakfast and dinner. This opportunity allowed us to share the same table with the presidency of RILEM: President Mr. Johan Vyncke, Honorary President 2018 Dr Erik Schlangen, Vice President Dr Ravindra Gettu, Past President and Honorary Member of RILEM Prof. Mark Alexander, TAC Chair and future Vice President Dr Nicolas Roussel, and RILEM Treasurer Prof. Raoul François. These highly intellectual individuals were my inspiration and motivation as they spoke about their experience and breakthrough achievements in a competitive world of knowledge contribution. Indeed, they deserve to be honoured and respected as their contributions are broadly used worldwide.

I was thrilled to participate in the competition for the 2018 RILEM Best Student Poster award. All young researchers attended were encouraged to participate in this competition by preparing the posters in addition to the presentation of their works. A total of 25 fascinating posters were presented and displayed during the entire conference. The RILEM jury ought to select only one poster that deserved a prize based on the first impression, layout, readability, contextualisation, and definite conclusion. I was excited that my poster presentation on "Durability properties of concrete containing metakaolin’ under the advice of Emeritus Professor Mark Alexander was nominated as the winner of the competition.

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My work captured the attention of many folks including the RILEM jury. It was about exploring an alternative construction supplement that assists in improving the durability of concrete exposed in aggressive environments. The material studied was metakaolin which is derived from calcining Kaolin clay. Kaolin clay is significantly available in numerous parts of the world. It is commonly used in the cosmetic and ceramic industries to manufacture makeups and ceramics, respectively. The conclusion of my research was that partially replacing cement with metakaolin in concrete enhances not only the compressive strength of concrete but also its durability performance.

Attending this conference has awakened my vision and mission. I have realised the platform we are standing on as researchers and the potential of researches on influencing global technology. I believe that continuing to provide this opportunity to young researchers will not only expose them to the technological advancement of civil engineering but also strengthen the organisation by adding more enthusiastic and energetic young members.

Additionally, winning the prize has enlightened my awareness and the potential within. I would like to encourage all young researchers to involve in different competitions that come across them. These competitions will not only provide you with a prize but also make your career bright and broaden your networking and connections.

I would like to make a closure by returning my gratitude to my advisors; Prof Mark Alexander and Prof Hans Beushausen for encouraging and advising me during the entire journey of my studies. My final appreciation goes to RILEM grantee for granting me with this excellent opportunity.

Author: Alice Titus Bakera 

Ms Alice Titus is a PhD student at the University of Cape Town’s Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (CoMSIRU) at the Department of Civil Engineering. She recently completed her MSc (Eng) in Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town and will formally graduate in December 2018. In her master’s research, she focused on the structural and durability properties of concrete containing metakaolin for use in the Western Cape.