Sharjah Academy for Scientific Research promotes innovative cluster of bridge maintenance and repair technologies

Dr Mufeed Al Samerai, Senior Advisor at the Academy, emphasized that bridge maintenance has consistently been treated as the 'poor relation' of the construction industry, attracting only a tacit recognition of its importance, both within the industry and amongst government establishments.

This manifests itself in a general lack of understanding of both its scope and significance by all parties to bridge procurement, construction, and management of maintenance processes. Lately, and for a number of reasons, the dimension of the problem has forced itself higher onto the agenda and promoted what appears to be greater professional interest. The realization that proper maintenance and upkeep of bridges will not only help make bridges safe, but will almost double their service life increased concern and support from all parties.

To achieve this transfer of knowledge and utilize the research outcomes of university staff and resources, the Academy has sponsored numerous seminars and workshops. These innovative activities offer construction professionals, engineers, technicians and designers the most complete and current information available on all aspects of bridges and their maintenance, describing safety matters and site organization issues and elaborating on the utilization of non-destructive tests in the assessment of in-situ strength of bridge elements, repair and monitoring.

Recently the Academy, together with the department of Civil and Environment Engineering at the University of Sharjah, put together a workshop and seminar on Underwater Concreting and Repair., presented by Mr Norbert Hartlieb, director of the Marine and Coastal Engineering Division of Waagner Biro Gulf LLC. The seminar covered mix design for underwater concrete, precast concrete block work, the placing of concrete under water, and specific repair techniques, all through the practical example of Dubai's floating bridge. Mr Hartlieb used the floating bridge - which connects the Dubai quarters of Deira and Bur Dubai - as a reference point in his presentations, which covered various areas of technical and logistical interest.

Mr Hartlieb stated that these activities will ensure the role of Educational Institutes in adding value to the broader debate, and the economic benefits of these cutting-edge technologies.

"This event is perfectly in line with the Academy's efforts to integrate research across theoretical disciplines with their practical implementation in the business world. Combining theory with reality is central to our mission and we are delighted with the public interest generated by these workshops and seminars,"

said Dr Samerai after Mr Hartlieb's presentation.

The Sharjah Academy for Scientific Research was established in 2008 under the umbrella of the Ruler's Office as an initiative and innovation of His Highness Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who believes in the massive resources the universities possesses.

In his own words, "We must move academic staff research outcomes from the shelves to the industry to be utilized and benefit all parties working towards sustainable development and community service." The aim of the Sharjah Academy is, in cooperation with other Educational Institutes, to fulfill and accomplish this directive and the ambitions of academia.