Construction and infrastructures: A promising turn toward expanded usage of a lighter, more sustainable and resistant material

MONTREAL, April 30, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The subjects of construction, architecture and design will be front and centre in numerous discussions during the Canadian International Aluminium Conference (CIAC) which is to take place in Montreal, June 2-4. Among the numerous expert panels presented during the event, two will focus specifically on matters relative to institutional architecture and transportation infrastructures (roadways) and provide an overview of and exchanges on the scale of unmet needs, challenges and opportunities.

Population growth, urbanization and lifestyle changes, united by the necessity to renew roadway infrastructures developed in the last century, requires a more effective use of materials to improve the sustainable character of cities. Consequently, the constant and ongoing research into materials that are more durable, lighter and resistant has conferred a leading role upon aluminium in all innovations in the construction sector.

63 000 bridges need repair in the United States alone

"A very recent report by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association indicates that our neighbors to the south have more than 63,000 bridges to urgently repair and/or rebuild. It is obvious that the special properties of aluminium confer upon this material a leading role in the choices that must be made by American decision-makers," said Jean Simard, President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada.

Elsewhere, a panel will discuss roadway infrastructures, more particularly bridges and overpasses. Among the experts will be Joe Sabatini, president of the Innovation Network LLC (USA) and co-author of a Market Study for Aluminium Use in Roadway Bridges, made public in 2013 by the Aluminium Association of Canada. As well, the St. Ambroise Bridge, the first pilot project in Quebec where the bridge deck (roadway) will be constructed of aluminium, will be presented. Finally, Ron Loborec, Associate and National Director for energy and resources, Deloitte Canada, will examine the notion of total costs of a structure according to the materials used.

The Montreal Planetarium and the MUHC, almost a year later

Another panel will discuss the imprint of aluminium on urban design and its contribution to sustainable buildings, and will bring forth real examples. Primarily constructed of aluminium, the new Montreal planetarium will celebrate its first birthday this month. Its example will be presented by architect Jean-François Julien, of the firm Cardin Ramirez Julien, project designers. The very recent construction of the new McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), whose Glen site employed great usage of aluminium, will be discussed by its Director of Technical Aspects, Yves Gauthier, engineer with SNC-Lavalin. Professor Michael Stacey, from the Nottingham School of Architecture at the University of Nottingham, in the United Kingdom, will complete the panel.

The Canadian International Aluminium Conference (CIAC) – an initiative of the Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC) in collaboration with its partners Alcoa, Rio Tinto Alcan and Aluminerie Alouette, as well as the governments of Canada and Quebec – will take place in Montreal June 2-4 and will bring together top global experts to discuss all matters aluminium. This conference will discuss best practices, innovation, sustainable development and other strategic topics which will interest the decision-makers, hiring contractors, operators and suppliers in the industry, as well as industrial users.

SOURCE: Aluminum Association of Canada

Michel Rochette, Program and communications, Canadian International Aluminium Conference, [phone]