CCEL announces recipients of 2013 Dr. Alex Hills Engineering and Civic Engagement Award

The UAA Center for Community Engagement and Learning (CCEL) is pleased to announce the 2013 recipients of the Dr. Alex Hills Engineering and Civic Engagement Award, Ryan Bergerson and Alma Abaza, for their research on "Effects of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Strength of Porous Concrete." The faculty advisor for the recipients is Osama Abaza, Department of Civil Engineering.

Ryan Bergerson and Alma Abaza, both majoring in civil engineering, are researching the use of porous concrete in Alaska. As they explain, "The use of porous concrete in Alaska has many advantages. The infiltration of water through the concrete will greatly decrease runoff, and thus will help with springtime thawing. This will reduce the need for large storm water systems and thus smaller storm water pipes and detention ponds can be used. The use of porous concrete will also decrease the problems associated with impervious surfaces, including the pollution of water, floods and water table depletion." Use of porous concrete may also be cost effective to the city of Anchorage. For example, the existing infrastructure relies heavily on storm drains because the water cannot drain through the roadbed or sidewalk, making it necessary for the city to build artificial pathways to move water. The research could generate new

applications for porous concrete and more opportunities for research to meet these challenges. Two local companies, Anchorage Sand & Gravel and R&M Consultants, will provide donations of materials, facilities and expertise.

The Dr. Alex Hills Community and Civic Engagement Award is a $2,500 award that encourages UAA undergraduates to disseminate engineering knowledge and practice for the benefit of society. The award requires undergraduates to plan and implement a service project that solves engineering and technology-based problems in partnership with community organizations.

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