24-02-2025
Could Survive Wildfires: SUNY Canton students revolutionize concrete
CANTON, N.Y. (WWTI) – A team of Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology majors from SUNY Canton has been recognized for their work with concrete, the research team suggests using lightweight concrete to make homes more resilient.
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According to Canino School of Engineering Technology Associate Professor Saeid Haji Ghasemali, their formulas can provide reduced fire risk, increased durability, lower maintenance and insurance costs.
'Using glass fiber reinforced polymer (GRFP) with lightweight concrete instead of wood could make homes much more fire-resistant and durable, as affected areas look to rebuild,' Haji Ghasemali said. 'While no material is completely fireproof, this combination doesn't burn like wood and can better withstand high temperatures, helping homes survive longer in a wildfire. Plus, it's stronger and doesn't rust, making it a smart choice for building safer, more resilient communities.'
The students replace steel rebar with fiberglass rods to reinforce concrete. Steel rebar can conduct electricity and corrode. The team has found that by using fiberglass rods instead they can improve strength-to-weight ratio, seismic performance and overall sustainability.
'In wildfire-prone areas like California, investing in fire-resistant construction could prevent costly losses and improve safety,' said Haji Ghasemali.
Research by SUNY Canton's students is ongoing in preparation for when the industry adopts it. the American Concrete Institute (ACI) code currently does not include provisions for using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) in lightweight concrete. Tests and experiments by SUNY Canton students will help generate the necessary data to fill the gap in the building code, according to the associate professor.
The students' research in the field was selected as one of eight winners of the Spring 2025 Undergraduate Research Session at the annual ACI Convention, to be held on March 31 in Toronto. In 2023, the team came in second place for their research during an ACI competition
'The SUNY Canton ACI Student Chapter highlights the incredible potential and capability of our students and faculty within the Canino School of Engineering Technology,' said Dean Michael J. Newtown. 'Our students have demonstrated their ability to conduct cutting-edge research on the latest technologies in Civil Engineering with real-world applications.'
For more information on SUNY Canton, you can visit their website.
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