University of Bath

NOCMAT 2009

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    NOCMAT 2009

    NOCMAT 2009: 11th International Conference on Non-conventional Materials and Technologies

    Non-conventional materials and technologies encapsulate innovation and sustainable use of novel technologies and new uses of more established materials. Many non-conventional materials in the 21st century have their roots in traditional vernacular construction, including earth (unfired clay), lime and natural plant based materials, such as bamboo, straw and reeds. For traditional materials and techniques to meet modern demands of construction, cost and performance requires further development and innovative solutions. Meanwhile materials of the industrial age, including steel and concrete, must also deliver more sustainable solutions. Innovations include manufacturing processes, lower carbon materials, greater reuse of components on end-use, greater recycling of materials, reduced waste and more prefabrication of components and buildings.

    The 11th International Conference on Non-conventional Materials and Technologies (NOCMAT 2009) was held at the University of Bath between 6th and 9th September 2009. The main theme of the conference was ‘Materials for sustainable and affordable construction’. NOCMAT 2009 follows previous events in Hanoi, Vietnam (2002), Bhubanewar, India (1997) and Rio de Janeiro (1984). Over the past 5 years NOCMAT conferences have also been held in Brazil (João Pessoa (2003); Pirassununga (2004); Rio de Janeiro (2005); Salvador (2006); and Maceió Alagoas (2007)) and most recently Cali in Colombia (2008).   Over 160 delegates from 30 countries attended NOCMAT 2009. Over 100 papers were presented orally, including key note presentations from: Prof. Khosrow Ghavami (PUC-Rio, Brazil); Craig White (White Design Architects, UK); Prof. Moustafa El-Demirdash (The Housing & Building Research Centre, Egypt); Bruce King (Eco Build Network, USA); Ellis Gartner (LaFarge, France;) and, Prof. Ayman S. Mosallam (University of California, Irvine, USA).

    In the closing sessions final presentations were delivered by Prof. Khosrow Ghavami, Prof. Pete Bonfield (CEO BRE Ltd, UK), Prof. Moustafa El-Demirdash and Prof. Y. Xiao (University of Southern California, USA). Discussions focussed on need for dissemination of research into mainstream industry, need for standards and codes of practice, and the need for greater incorporation of conference themes into university curricula. Following the closing presentations it was agreed that Prof. Moustafa El-Demirdash will host NOCMAT 2010 in Cairo (September 21-23rd 2010) and the following year NOCMAT will be hosted in China by Prof. Y. Xiao. The following people were elected onto international NOCMAT committee: Prof. Pete Walker (UK), Prof. Moustafa El-Demirdash (Egypt), Prof. Y. Xiao (China/USA) and Prof. Jean-Claude Morel (France).

    NOCMAT 2009 was sponsored by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

     

     

     

    NOCMAT 2009 organisation was a collaboration between:

    BRE Centre for Innovative Construction Materials, University of Bath

    Pontificia Universidade Catolica (PUC-Rio)

    Associação Brasileira de Materiais e Technologias Não Convencionais