UTM Construction Research Centre - UTM CRC

Setinggi-tinggi TAHNIAH diucapkan kepada Profesor Madya Ir. Ts. Dr. Nor Hasanah binti Abdul Shukor Lim di atas Kenaikan Pangkat ke jawatan Profesor Madya (Gred DS14) berkuat kuasa mulai 20 Februari 2026.

Seluruh warga Pengurusan UTM Construction Research Centre (UTM CRC) amat berbangga dan mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi tahniah di atas kenaikan pangkat ini.

Semoga dengan kenaikan pangkat ini, beliau akan terus berkhidmat dengan cemerlang dalam memperkukuh kualiti akademik dan mempertingkatkan penyelidikan di Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, khususnya di UTM Construction Research Centre (UTM CRC).

Great power comes with great responsibility !!!!!

UTM Construction Research Centre (UTM CRC) telah menganjurkan Bengkel Pelaksanaan dan Penjajaran Penyelidikan bagi tempoh 2026–2030 pada 9hb. Feb. 2026 sebagai usaha strategik untuk menyelaras dan memperkukuh hala tuju penyelidikan pusat.

Bengkel ini bertujuan memastikan perancangan dan pelaksanaan penyelidikan UTM CRC sejajar dengan Pelan Strategik Universiti Teknologi Malaysia ASCEND 2030, keperluan penilaian HICoE/MyRA serta agenda pembangunan mampan dan keperluan industri pembinaan.

Bengkel ini melibatkan penyertaan barisan pengurusan yang diketuai oleh PM Ir. Dr. Shek Poi Ngian dan penyelidik UTM CRC yang melalui sesi pembentangan hala tuju strategik, perbincangan kumpulan berfokus serta penjajaran kluster dan tema penyelidikan. Perbincangan tertumpu kepada pemantapan fokus penyelidikan, pengukuhan kolaborasi industri dan perancangan penyelidikan berimpak tinggi bagi tempoh lima tahun akan datang.

Pihak UTM CRC juga berbesar hati telah menjemput Prof. Dr. Lau Woei Jye bagi memberikan perkongsian pengalaman dan berkongsi tips & tricks untuk geran penyelidikan industri.

Hasil utama bengkel ini merangkumi pemurnian kluster penyelidikan UTM CRC, penetapan keutamaan penyelidikan strategik serta penyediaan draf pelan tindakan penyelidikan yang lebih berstruktur dan berfokus. Bengkel ini juga meningkatkan kesefahaman dalam kalangan penyelidik terhadap sasaran prestasi penyelidikan dan keperluan pemantauan berterusan.

Secara keseluruhannya, bengkel ini berjaya mencapai objektif yang ditetapkan dan dijangka menjadi asas kepada pelaksanaan penyelidikan yang lebih tersusun, berimpak tinggi dan berdaya saing, seterusnya menyumbang kepada pembangunan lestari industri pembinaan dan kecemerlangan penyelidikan Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

UTM Construction Research Centre, Construction Materials Research Group & Asset Management Division (BPA), UTM successfully organized a two-day training program on designing durable concrete structures, addressing industry challenges in meeting strength requirements while withstanding long-term environmental demands.

The program equipped participants with knowledge to improve durability, performance, and service life of concrete through theoretical principles and practical applications. Participants were awarded professional development points and received technical reference books, supporting continued learning beyond the program.

UTM Strengthens Industry Skills Through Durable Concrete Training | UTM NewsHub Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) organized a two-day training program on designing durable concrete structures, addressing industry challenges in meeting ...

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📍 Innovative and Sustainable Infrastructure International Convention 2026.

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Be part of an international platform discussing innovative & sustainable solutions for affordable housing.

📍 Innovative and Sustainable Infrastructure International Convention 2026

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The slump test is the most common and simple method used to measure the workability (consistency) of fresh concrete before it sets. It gives an idea of how easily concrete can be mixed, placed, compacted, and finished.
🔹 Procedure (Step by Step)

1. A slump cone (Abrams cone) is used:

Height = 300 mm

Base diameter = 200 mm

Top diameter = 100 mm

2. The cone is placed on a flat, non-absorbent surface and filled with fresh concrete in 3 layers, each tamped 25 times with a standard tamping rod.

3. The cone is carefully lifted vertically, allowing the concrete to settle under its own weight.

4. The slump value is the difference in height between the cone and the top of the settled concrete (measured in mm).

🔹 Types of Slump

True Slump → Concrete settles uniformly (desirable).

Shear Slump → Concrete shears off and slips sideways (indicates lack of cohesion).

Collapse Slump → Concrete collapses completely (too wet, high workability).

🔹 Typical Slump Values

Low workability (0–25 mm) → For road construction, very stiff mixes.

Medium workability (50–100 mm) → General reinforced concrete work.

High workability (100–175 mm) → For congested reinforcement or pumped concrete.

In short:
The slump test measures the consistency and workability of fresh concrete, ensuring it’s suitable for the intended construction work.

Cement vs Concrete

UTM Construction Research Centre (CRC) in collaboration with the Construction Materials Research Group (CMRG) and UTM Asset Management Division (BPA), successfully organised a two-day professional training workshop entitled “Design for Strength & Durable Concrete: How to Achieve – Theory and Practical” on 13–14 January 2026 at UTM CRC, Block C09, Faculty Civil Engineering, UTM Johor Bahru.

The workshop aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of concrete performance by bridging theoretical fundamentals with practical applications in the field. It attracted participation from a diverse group of stakeholders, including engineers, consultants, suppliers, manufacturers, industry practitioners, researchers, academicians and students.

The programme featured comprehensive training modules covering general properties of concrete, materials selection, concrete mix design, as well as hands-on practical sessions that allowed participants to apply theoretical concepts in real scenarios. This practical-oriented approach enhanced participants’ technical competency and awareness of best practices in producing strong and durable concrete.

Curing time for various structures

How to calculate plastering quantity

THUMB RULES FOR ESTIMATION.

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FACTORS AFFECTING CONCRETE DURABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS.

Concrete durability in construction relies on balancing material quality ;[ low water-cement ratio, good aggregates, sufficient cement], proper construction [compaction, curing, cover to rebar, mix design], and environmental resistance [temperature, chemicals, moisture, abrasion, freeze-thaw, sulfates, alkali-aggregate reactions], all of which influence concrete's permeability and ability to resist deterioration, ensuring long service life for structures.

MATERIAL FACTORS

1. Water-Cement Ratio [W/C]
The most critical factor; lower W/C ratio means lower permeability, higher strength, and better durability.

2. Cement Type & Content
Type affects chemical resistance like slag for sulfates; too little leads to higher W/C, too much causes shrinkage/alkali-silica reaction [ASR].

3. Aggregate Quality
Well-graded, clean, strong aggregates improve density; clay or poor shape reduce durability.

4. Admixtures/SCMs
Fly ash, silica fume, etc., enhance impermeability and resistance but require correct usage.

5. Air Content
Entrained air improves freeze-thaw resistance but can reduce strength if excessive.

CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN FACTORS

1. Compaction
Proper compaction removes air voids, increasing density and reducing permeability.

2. Curing
Adequate moisture and temperature during curing [especially early on] ensures cement hydration, strength, and low permeability.

3. Concrete Cover
Sufficient thickness of concrete over reinforcement protects rebar from corrosion.

4. Mix Design
Balancing cement, water, aggregates, and admixtures for specific exposure conditions.

5. Crack Control
Minimizing cracks through joints, proper design prevents water/chemical ingress.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

1. Moisture & Humidity
Constant moisture promotes chemical attack like sulfates, acids and corrosion.

2. Temperature
Extreme heat/cold, freeze-thaw cycles, and thermal variations cause stress and cracking.

3. Chemical Attack
Sulfates, chlorides [de-icing salts], acids [industrial, organic) attack cement paste and corrode rebar.

4. Abrasion & Erosion
Wear from traffic, water flow, or wind-blown particles.

5. Carbonation
Atmospheric {CO}_2 lowers pH, allowing rebar corrosion.

6. Alkali-Aggregate Reaction [AAR]
Reaction between cement alkalis and reactive silica in aggregates causes expansion and cracking.

LOAD & STRUCTURAL FACTORS
[Design]

1. Loading
Heavy, dynamic, or sustained loads can cause cracking and deformation.

2. Member Size/Shape
Thin sections, corners, and junctions are more vulnerable; proper drainage design is important.

Tahniah diucapkan kepada PM Ir Dr Shek Poi Ngian atas perlantikan rasmi sebagai Pengarah UTM Construction Research Centre berkuatkuasa pada 01.01.2026 sehingga 31.12.2027.

Semoga dapat menjalankan amanah ini dengan sebaiknya untuk meneruskan legasi kecemerlangan & kebersamaan di UTM CRC.

Tahniah sekali lagi buat PM Ir Dr Shek dan warga UTM CRC.

"GREAT POWER COMES WITH GREAT RESPONSIBILITY"