UBCO Engineers Develop Concrete from Rubble to Rebuild Ukraine

UPDATE: A groundbreaking initiative by UBC Okanagan (UBCO) engineers aims to recycle rubble from destroyed buildings in Ukraine to aid in the country’s reconstruction efforts. This urgent project, titled “Rebuilding Ukraine,” is being spearheaded by a team of six engineering students as part of their capstone project.

The students, guided by Dr. Kate Woodman and Iryna Storozhuk of the Okanagan 4 Ukraine Foundation, have successfully developed a sustainable concrete mix using rubble from bombed buildings. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly impact Ukraine’s road infrastructure once the ongoing conflict subsides.

As the war continues, vast amounts of rubble are accumulating, presenting an environmental crisis. Arman Hajiabdolmajid, a team member completing his studies at UBCO, emphasizes the need to utilize this waste material. “If not put to use, this rubble will end up in landfills and overwhelm the country’s waste system,” he states. By recycling concrete rubble, the project not only addresses waste management but also reduces the demand for traditional aggregates sourced from riverbeds and quarries.

In collaboration with various Canadian institutions, including the Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce and Engineers Without Borders, UBCO’s team has crafted a concrete mix that contains 30% recycled aggregate, which surpassed the benchmarks required for European road infrastructure. The mix was rigorously tested in the UBCO lab over a period of 28 days, demonstrating its strength and reliability as a road surface material.

The innovative solution aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, promoting environmental responsibility while also preparing Ukraine for a future of reconstruction. Dr. Jonathan Holzman, an electrical engineering professor at UBCO, highlights the project’s dual focus on sustainability and resource management: “This approach helps solve resource scarcity and sustainability problems.”

The project is not just about engineering; it offers students invaluable real-world experience and a chance to contribute positively to a nation in crisis. As rebuilding efforts begin, the demand for materials is expected to surge, making this initiative even more critical.

With the war still active, the urgency of this project cannot be understated. The UBCO team is paving the way for future collaborations that will aid Ukraine in recovering from the devastating impacts of the conflict. As the situation develops, the potential for these concrete solutions to be implemented in Ukraine grows, offering hope for a resilient reconstruction phase.

UBCO continues to connect with businesses and organizations to address real-world challenges through student-led projects. This initiative not only exemplifies humanitarian engineering but also showcases the potential for Canadian universities to play a vital role in international recovery efforts.

Stay tuned for more updates as this project unfolds and as the team works towards making a lasting impact in Ukraine.