The Sunderland Foundation, the charitable arm of Ash Grove Cement Co., recently donated $100,000 to Missouri University of Science and Technology to support construction of the planned Advanced Construction and Materials Laboratory (ACML) at Missouri S&T.
The laboratory will provide 12,600 square feet of research space for developing and testing new construction materials and methods. These innovations will offer faster, longer-lasting, more cost-effective and greener solutions to building and infrastructure challenges.
“The Advanced Construction and Materials Lab will help us realize our long-term vision of developing safer, more durable and longer-lasting civil infrastructure,” says Dr. Kamal H. Khayat, the Vernon and Maralee Jones Professor of Civil Engineering at Missouri S&T.
The ACML will also be vital to interdisciplinary collaboration and will support Missouri S&T’s Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure signature area. More than 35 pieces of testing equipment currently scattered across campus and at the Hy Point Industrial Park will be consolidated into the new research space.
The Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure signature area focuses on the rehabilitation of urban mass-transportation centers, including highways, bridges, tunnels, rail, airports, and port and water navigation channels, as well as utility infrastructure. It encompasses four S&T research centers and six academic departments.
“Infrastructure is the foundation that connects the nation’s businesses, communities and people, driving our economy and improving our quality of life,” says Khayat. “Missouri S&T has existing strengths in this area and with further emphasis, we can become a best-in-class leader.”
“We are fortunate to be a part of Missouri S&T’s vision to build long-lasting civil infrastructure by developing new products with cutting-edge technology,” says Kent Sunderland, president of the Sunderland Foundation. “The research and teaching that will take place in the Advanced Construction and Materials Laboratory is vital to the nation’s economy.”
Based in Overland Park, Kansas, Ash Grove Cement is the largest U.S.-owned cement company.
Excellent!