Chairholders

Profile

Ammar Yahia

Department of Civil Engineering
Université de Sherbrooke

Chair title

NSERC Industrial Research Chair for the development of flowable concrete with adapted rheology (FCAR) and its use in concrete infrastructure

Chair program

Industrial Research Chairs program

Role

Associate Chairholder since 2016

Summary

The objectives of the Chair held by professor Ammar Yahia are the following:

• Develop knowledge of a new type of flowable concrete with adapted rheology (FCAR);
• Understand and master the effects of rheological properties on the mechanical performance and durability of FCAR in the aim of improving construction techniques and the service life of concrete infrastructures;
• Train highly qualified personnel (HQP) in the field of FCAR technology, ensure succession and consolidate the critical mass of research at the University of Sherbrooke.

The Chair’s principal activities focus on three main themes:

1. Innovative and sustainable materials for FCAR
   This theme focuses on the characterization of cementitious binders and mineral additions, the influence of their characteristics on the performance of FCAR, the study of the synergy between the binders and the development of recycled aggregates in FCAR.
2. Formulation and life-cycle analysis (LCA) of FCAR
   The cementitious systems optimized in the first theme are used in the development of different types of FCAR. Five different types of FCAR are studied: sustainable and efficient self-consolidating concrete (SCC) and semi self-consolidating concrete (SSCC) with a low paste content; fiber-reinforced SCC for elements that are prefabricated and poured on-site for infrastructure repairs; SSCC with adapted thixotropy for installation by extrusion in paving and fluid mass concrete (FMC) in the construction of hydroelectric installations and massive parts. The economic and environmental impacts of the life cycle of FCAR will also be analyzed according to the type of cementitious or recycled materials used.
3. Implementation at building sites and FCAR performance
   This theme focuses on work at building sites to instrument and validate the performance and durability of FCAR and develop technical design guides for FCAR.

Dr. Yahia is an expert in the rheology of cementitious suspensions and wet (flowable) concrete. More specifically, he has contributed to the field by bringing a better understanding of the rheology of cementitious suspensions and flowable concrete and developing high performance materials. The developments were followed by technological transfers to user organizations, including Oriental Construction (SCC for prefabrication, Japan), Hyprescon (pouring cement pipes with diameters of over 1.5 m, Mississauga, Ontario), Sika Canada Inc. and Hydro-Québec (Montreal).

Based on the academic and industrial experience he acquired in the research laboratories of Taiheiyo Cement (Japan), Oriental Construction (Japan) Hyprescon (Canada), Dr. Yahia’s goal is to lead the Chair’s work in order to meet the needs of industrial partners and the construction industry.

The Chair’s research program is aimed at developing and using innovative adapted rheology materials to improve the sustainability of concrete infrastructures in order to reduce overall costs. Using FCAR will make concrete laying easier and decrease construction time while improving the energy efficiency of construction procedures (elimination of vibration, reduction of construction time, etc.). The proposed research themes will ensure:

• continued innovative research in an established field and the development of knowledge of FCAR;
• the channelling of the experimental implementation of FCAR in cooperation with industrial partners to optimize the use of FCAR to improve construction speed and construction productivity;
• the implementation of new technologies and the timely and efficient transfer of those technologies to the industry to increase the lifespan of concrete infrastructures and train future highly-qualified personnel;
• the pursuit of world-class research and preservation of a tradition of excellence to advance knowledge in a promising field for Quebec and Canada;
• the creation of a stimulating training environment and the capacity to interact and maintain partnerships with the industry.

Partners

• Euclid Canada
• Hydro-Québec
• Services Exp
• Sika Canada
• SNC-Lavalin Inc.
• Ruetgers Polymers Ltd.
• City of Montréal
• Ministère des Transports, de la Mobilité durable et de l’Électrification des transports du Québec

Contact information

Department of Civil Engineering
Université de Sherbrooke

Email: ammar.yahia@usherbrooke.ca

Website:
https://www.usherbrooke.ca/gcivil/
https://www.usherbrooke.ca/gcivil/departement/corps-professoral/ammar-yahia/