Author Archives: Irish Concrete Society

Concrete in Architecture: An Exploration of Scale

Concrete has developed into one of the most important means of design in modern architecture. Capable of meeting a wide range of architectural and design applications; from providing structural function with an aesthetic finish, to decorative elements with texture and colour. No other building material can offer the versatility of concrete.
In this seminar, we will explore the different scales at which architectural design can be imagined and made in concrete. Through case studies, our expert speakers will offer expert insight into the vision and achievement of architectural concrete.

Who should attend

This seminar will be of particular interest to Architects at all levels. Consulting and Design Engineers, Ready-mixed Concrete Producers, Precast Concrete Manufacturers, Main Contractors and Specialist Sub-Contactors will also benefit from attending.

Programme
Large Project Case Study: Royal College of Surgeons, York Street:
Design and Specification | Mr Robert Salmon, Henry J. Lyons
Achieving Results and Overcoming Challenges | Mr Pawel Pyszka, Kilsaran
Domestic Projects Case Study: Vaulted House and Vavasour Square | Mr Michael Pike/Mr Paul Durcan, GKMP Architects
Architectural Concrete Elements:
Precast Concrete Panels |Dr Derek Russell
Concrete Design Elements | Mr Robin Shier

Fee
ICS/RIAI/AAI member rate: €60 / delegate
Non-member rate: €90 / delegate
A booking discount of 10% applies to groups of 5 or more

Email: events@concrete.ie to book

Irish Winners of Concrete Design Competition ‘FORM-WORKS’ Announced

The winning Irish entries for the ninth cycle of the International Concrete Design Competition www.concretedesigncompetition.com for students of architecture and related disciplines have been announced.
The competition attracted entries from University College Dublin, University of Limerick, TU Dublin, GMIT and Queens University Belfast. ‘FORM-WORKS’ was the theme for this competition cycle and entries were adjudicated on by a panel which included Jeanna Gearty of O’Donnell + Tuomey, Steve Larkin of Steve Larkin Architects, Donal O’Donohue of COADY Architects and Jim Mulholland of TODD Architects.
The winning project, entitled ‘Concrete Stratigraphy’ was submitted by Orla McKeever from TUDublin. The jury noted:  ”We really enjoyed how this entry explored opportunities in the casting process at the molecular level. Ideas are clear, fully integrated and methodically tested, recorded and represented. The final cast is a vibrant object full of colour and character. The concepts and processes could be easily tested further and incorporated into larger scale building processes for vibrant and crafted concrete.

The testing and introduction of concepts that are sympathetic to the casting process, and the richness of inquiry at the molecular level, is particularly suitable to the competition brief and we are delighted to offer first prize to the entrant. We look forward to seeing further development in the subsequent masterclass sessions.”

Winning Entry ‘Concrete Stratigraphy’ by Orla McKeever, TU Dublin

The jury selected four ‘highly commended’ projects which were submitted by Kate Newe from UCD, John Theodore Moran from Queens, Katy Rea from UL School of Architecture and Eimer Fitzpatrick from TU Dublin.
The jury also noted three entries for ‘honourable mention’. These included Ciara Fahy from UCD and Brian Gargan and Jack Prendergast, both from TU Dublin.
In addition to receiving cash prizes, Orla, Kate, Eimer, Katy and John have been invited to attend an International Workshop where they will be joined by winning students from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Competition, which is funded in Ireland by Cement Manufacturers Ireland (CMI) has been running for almost 20 years and is being hosted by Ireland for the second time. The International Workshop which was due to be held physically in TU Dublin in late August has been modified into a hybrid event which will be arranged virtually and will include several keynote lectures which will be open to the public.

Election of New Chairperson

The Irish Concrete Society is pleased to announce that Prof Roger West was elected Chairperson at the AGM on 9th June 2021.

Prof West is an Associate Professor in the Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering department at Trinity College Dublin where he is also a Fellow and former Head of Department. He has been involved in many aspects of research and teaching in concrete over the last 35 years or so, including being a member of the Society’s Council and Vice Chair previously. He has also been associated with concrete aspects of the Civil Engineering Research Association in Ireland biennial conferences and is a member of the Institute of Concrete Technology.

On his election, Prof West thanked outgoing Chair, Mr Eamon Booth, for his strong leadership, service and commitment to the Society over the past three years, especially his overseeing of the transformation to on-line events.

Lunchtime Seminar

This free one-hour technical seminar will focus on:

  • What is Roller Compacted Concrete
  • What is used for
  • Why it’s better than traditional blacktop/vibrated concrete pavement
  • Mix design and laying including suitable machinery
  • Potential market growth

Since 1969, Rapid has pioneered game changing mixing technology. Recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of equipment for the concrete, construction and environmental industries, Rapid is the manufacturer of choice for many of the major global concrete and construction groups.

Who should attend

This presentation will be of interest to all those who are involved in the design, specification and construction of concrete. Those who should attend include concrete producers, engineers in contracting firms, consulting engineers, concrete technologists, and site supervisory personnel.

Agenda

13.00 Welcome and Introduction
Edward Rea, Concrete Society NI Chair
13.05 Roller Compacted Concrete, John Pickering, Rapid International Ltd
13.45 Q&A
14.00 Ends

Event Information

Please note, as this event is being managed by the Concrete Society Northern Ireland Region, please email ncooke@mattest.com to book

39th Annual Awards

Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the holding of large indoor events this year, and the impacts of the recent lockdown on construction activity, the Irish Concrete Society is postponing the 39th Annual Awards Evening previously scheduled for 30th October.

The Society’s 39th Annual Awards Evening will now take place at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road in Dublin on the 26th March 2022 (subject to public health guidelines at that time).

The closing date for entries has been extended accordingly. Completed entries, including 4 photos, must be returned to the Society at office@concrete.ie before the new closing date of Friday 19th November 2021.

Further information and entry forms are available here

Annual General Meeting

The 2021 Annual General Meeting of The Irish Concrete Society will be held online on Wednesday 9th June 2021 at 4.00 p.m.
Full details and papers will be issued to members by post.

For enquires please contact office@concrete.ie

Lunchtime Seminar

Introduction
EN 206:2013+A1-2016 is the current European standard for the specification and production of concrete. However, many conformity and compliance aspects are specified in accompanying national provisions. On the island of Ireland, two such national provisions apply, with Irish National Annex I.S. EN 206:2013/NA: 2015 in the Republic of Ireland and BS 8500-1:2015+A2:2019 and BS 8500-2:2015+A2:2019 applicable in Northern Ireland.
This free one-hour technical seminar will provide important information on the requirements for conformity and identity testing, and will highlight the differences between the two national provisions. Delivered by compliance and certification experts, explanations will be given on producer and customer responsibilities, in addition to testing requirements for both strength and non-strength properties.

Who should attend
This presentation will be of interest to all those who are involved in the design, specification and construction of concrete. Those who should attend include concrete producers, engineers in contracting firms, consulting engineers, concrete technologists, and site supervisory personnel.

Agenda
13.00 Welcome and Introduction
Shane Edwards, Certification Manager, QSRMC
13.05 Conformity and Identity Testing for Compressive Strength
Gareth David, Director, Tempra Consulting Services & Senior Assessor, QSRMC
13.30 Conformity and Identity Testing for Non-Strength Properties
David Garity, Senior Assessor, QSRMC
13.45 Q&A
14.00 Ends

Email: events@concrete.ie to register

Design and Installation of Anchors

Concrete anchors, when used, are typically a critical design component. While often contributing to the stability and robustness of a structure, anchors can be overlooked as a secondary design element. Errors in design and installation can significantly reduce anchor capacity with the potential to result in catastrophic failure.
In this half day online seminar we will look at the design and installation of concrete anchors with a view to understanding what is required to achieve design intent. Covering key elements of design principles, anchor types and installation, testing and certification, to critical health and safety considerations, this seminar will examine these factors from an Engineer’s perspective. There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions during discussion.

Who should attend
This seminar will be of particular interest to Consulting Engineers involved in the design, specification and supervision of construction. Site Engineers, Main Contractors and Specialist Sub-Contractors will also benefit from attending.

Programme
Introduction: An Engineers’ Perspective | Marcel Fuchs, Victoria Janssens, Structural Engineers, Arup
Design Principles | Bryan Carroll, Managing Director, Masonry Fixings
Chemical Anchors | Andrew Duffy, Technical Advisor, Sika                                           Mechanical Anchors | Cathy Flynn, Project Engineer, Hilti 
Inspection, Testing and Certification | Thomas Callanan, Managing Director, Infrastruct AMS

See Engineers Ireland Events for booking information