Traditional concrete production is responsible for a substantial portion of global carbon dioxide emissions. By researching and implementing sustainable modifications, we can reduce this impact and mitigate climate change.
Tony Gee and Partners is involved in challenging the status quo on temporary works concrete design. Natalie Crop, Mark Scrivener and Rebbecca Woodhouse have been involved in the Temporary Works Forum low carbon working group (WG32) since its inception. In December 2024 they presented their initial findings on how to design low carbon temporary works concrete. They are now working on a formal guidance note to be published through the TWf before the end 2025.
The East of England Early Careers Network and Tony Gee and Partners are excited to invite university students, apprentices, and local graduates to participate in our Sustainable Concrete Cube Competition, hosted at the University of Hertfordshire in partnership with Institute of Concrete Technology and the Temporary Works Forum.
This event aims to inspire young engineers to research and test these modifications for use in industry. The competition will be split into two parts:
- Week 1 (Wednesday 14 May): Concrete design and making.
- Week 2 (Wednesday 21 May): Concrete testing and presentations by teams and guest speakers.
Rules and Regulations:
- A team of participants may register up to a maximum of three (3) members.
- Materials will be provided, but teams must share a list of their requirements at least two weeks before the event.
- Participants are required to mix the concrete in the Concrete Laboratory at the University of Hertfordshire on 14th May 2025 and test the cubes on 21st May 2025, meaning the cubes will be tested after 7 days of casting/curing.
- Participants are required to prepare a 3-minute digital presentation displaying materials used and mix formulation designed. Judging will be based on creativity, economy, sustainability in material selection and concrete preparation. Please refer to the Competition Rules for details.
- Participants are required to prepare three (3) cubes and normal curing methods allowed only.
- Entries not complying with the rules and regulations of the competition will be disqualified.
The competition is sponsored by Tony Gee and Institute of Concrete Technology. It will be held at the University of Hertfordshire. Refreshments will be provided on both evenings.
Teams will be judged and cash prizes awarded in the following categories:
- Strongest Cube
- Lowest Carbon Content
- Best Presentation
Sign up for the competition:
To participate in the competition please register your team (team leader only) on the ICE website and email your entry form to Kirsty Joyce by 17.00 on Friday 18 April 2025.
For further information about this event, or to get involved with the East of England ECNet, please email Persi Perivolaropoulou: [email protected]
