By Henry Ojelu 

The Slag Cement Association (SCA) United States of America is proud to announce Chibueze Ajuonuma and his research project ‘Practical implementation of Internally Cured Slag Cement Concrete Using Superabsorbent Polymers’ as a winner of its 2024 Slag Cement in Sustainable Concrete Awards. 

The winning projects were unveiled and celebrated last month during the spring American Concrete Institute, ACI, Concrete Convention in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Fourteen construction projects from across the United States and Canada were chosen to showcase the broad applications of slag cement and its impact on creating more durable and resilient concrete. These construction projects were awarded in six categories. 

The categories include infrastructure, high performance, architectural, durability, innovative applications, and lower carbon concrete. Two slag cement research projects were also honored in this year’s program.

Ajuonuma is a doctoral research assistant at Purdue University, West Lafayette Indiana United States of America, whose novel ideas bridge the gaps between innovative research and practical application, contributing to the future of resilient and eco-friendly infrastructures.

His project team investigated the practical implementation of internally cured slag cement concrete using superabsorbent polymers (SAP) to enhance hydration, mitigate shrinkage, and improve long-term performance. 

Ajuonuma in his remarks, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Slag Cement Association and his resilient research team—Dr. Raikhan Tokpatayeva, Prof. Kendra Erk, and Prof. Jan Olek—for their invaluable experience, steadfast support, and unwavering dedication. 

“We are truly honored by this global recognition and remain enthusiastic about advancing sustainable infrastructure through continued research and innovation,” he said. 

Also, SCA Membership and Marketing Director Nick Brimley stated, “It was a remarkable turnout for exceptional slag cement projects at this year’s Slag Cement in Sustainable Concrete Awards. It has been inspiring to see SCA’s awards program grow as it continues to celebrate the incredible use of slag cement in concrete construction.”