Concrete program builds national interest |
Daniel Toberman |
|
A School of Engineering program has sparked interest from a national organization. The Concrete Construction Resource Unit is an extension of the School of Engineering. The purpose of the program is to teach undergraduates concrete building techniques, provide continuing education for industry professionals, and promote and use community involvement programs. The CCRU was formed in July 2000. "Until we established the CCRU, there wasn't an opportunity to teach the practical applications of concrete building techniques," said professor Luke Snell, construction program director. "My students understood the properties of concrete, but there wasn't a chance to apply that knowledge in the field." The Illinois Chapter of American Concrete Pavement Association has expressed support for the program. "We wholeheartedly support the expansion of curriculum opportunities for undergraduate civil engineering students in Illinois, so the CCRU presented a perfect opportunity for a partnership," Jimie Wheeler, a member of the IL-ACPA, said. "In addition to expanded educational opportunities, we look forward to working with professor Snell in providing training and certification for our members and their employees." The ACPA promotes the use of concrete as opposed to asphalt. "We represent the industry, not companies. The bottom line is that concrete is better. It doesn't deteriorate so it saves taxpayers money," Wheeler said. "Students have not had much of a chance to learn about concrete in the past, so we are anxious to work with this program and professor Snell, who is well respected in the industry." Snell will speak at the annual meeting of the IL-ACPA April 4 in Springfield. | |