Sources: Mannvit Engineering, Reykjavik; CP staff

With a staff of concrete, aggregate, geological and geotechnical engineering experts, and access to abundant volcanic deposits of reactive-aggregate specimens, Mannvit Engineering has opened the International Centre of Research and Applied Technology for Alkali Aggregate Reactions in Iceland’s capital. The facility will cooperate with leading universities, research organizations and companies in North America, Europe and Asia, and is poised to join U.S. and Canadian labs in formal projects or investigations later this year. 

The Centre promotes advanced solutions for the design and production of non alkali-reactive concrete. Prism method testing of specimen mixes’ aggregates and cementitious binders enable performance measurement of prospective commercial concretes. The methods allow for evaluation of various mitigation measurements, including reactivity of aggregates and use of pozzolanic admixtures. In addition to testing and evaluation services for mitigating AAR in new concrete, the Centre offers assessment, recommendations for problem remediation, and monitoring and management of reactive aggregate-bearing structures. Heading the Centre is Prof. Børge Johannes Wigum, wigum@mannvit.is