By Arabella Rochynne C. Asis 

A team of Civil Engineering students from Far Eastern University Institute of Technology (FEU Tech) grabbed the third spot overall at the American Concrete Institute Concrete Solutions Competition (ACI CSC) last October 27. 

The 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. 

The team consisted of Franchette Yvonne Velasquez, Patricia Monique Rivera, Maebeth Guiyab, and Esteven John Buduan presented their project last October 25 during the ACI Virtual Concrete Convention.

"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.

Further, the team wanted to raise awareness on climate change and global warming that the world is experiencing today. 

Challenges also arose during the construction of the study due to tight schedule and other responsibilities to their studies, despite that the team’s aspiration prevailed.

“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 expressed.

FEU Tech Association of Civil Engineering Students (ACES) President Rachelle Santos extended the organization’s greeting and shared that they will continue to cater the needs of the students in the civil engineering community of the campus. 

American Concrete Institute is a non-profit technical society and standards developing organization. The aim of the competition is to present how their use of concrete could positively impact the world.

(Photo from official Facebook page of FEU Tech ACES)