By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 19: Sarawak’s innovative study on the use of local limestone as coarse aggregate in concrete mixes has attracted significant attention at Concrete Solutions 2025: 9th International Conference on Concrete Repair, Durability and Technology, held from June 16 to 18 in Lisbon, Portugal.
According to a post shared on the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak’s social media on Wednesday (June 18), the groundbreaking study was presented on June 17 by its director Ir Dr Cassidy Morris.
The research assessed the viability of using Sarawak’s locally sourced limestone as a sustainable alternative to imported construction materials.
Titled “Assessment of the Suitability of Limestone Aggregate in Sarawak as Coarse Aggregate in Concrete”, the presentation sparked lively discussions among international experts and participants, particularly regarding its potential benefits for environmental sustainability and cost efficiency in construction.
The study examined three key aspects: geotechnical performance, long-term durability of concrete structures, and environmental impact.
By advocating for the use of readily available local materials, Cassidy highlighted the study’s alignment with global efforts to lower carbon footprints and enhance regional self-reliance in infrastructure development.
The Sarawak delegation, led by Cassidy, was among the few from Southeast Asia participating in the prestigious conference, which convened engineers, researchers, and construction industry leaders to share the latest advancements in concrete technology and repair solutions.
JKR Sarawak stated that its participation underscored the department’s commitment to adopting innovative solutions and cutting-edge engineering practices, in line with the State’s goal of transforming the construction sector into a more sustainable and efficient industry.
“Participation in international platforms like this not only showcases Sarawak’s engineering expertise but also creates opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and global recognition,” Cassidy added.
The department further emphasised that such engagements are strategic for strengthening technical capabilities and elevating Sarawak’s profile within the global engineering community. — DayakDaily
