CCI conducts seminar on sand for construction
View(s):Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka (CCI) conducted a seminar on August 30 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo on a timely issue to the construction sector titled “the supply of sand for construction work,” a CCI media release said.
Sand is an essential material in all concrete constructions, masonry works and surface finishing work. “The traditional source of supply was the river sand. Due to over extraction of river sand very severe environmental damage has resulted. Consequently, the government has imposed many restrictions on the mining of river sand causing shortages and high prices such as Rs.18,000 per cube. This situation needs much discussion and a careful study on the alternatives available if the construction projects are to proceed without any disruption,” the release said.
The seminar was addressed by several expert resource persons and ably supported by Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC), Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and GSMB Technical Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
The Chief Guest was Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development and Guest of Honour was Ajith Mannapperuma, Deputy Minister of Environment.
This seminar was of much benefit to engineering professionals, environmentalists and those focused on the construction industry.
Some issues that were explored were on “Requirement of Sand for Construction Work, Technical Specification and supply constraints in Sri Lanka” – this was addressed by Prof. S. M. A. Nanayakkara of the University of Moratuwa.
“Sustainable extraction of river sand, impacts due to over extraction and import possibilities” was discussed along with the “Role of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau in Regulating Mechanisms.”
Prof. Nanayakkara spoke on the “Supply of off shore Sea Sand and attendant issues.” The “New Kind of a Block” (manufactured sand) was introduced by private cement maker Siam City Cement (Lanka) Ltd, the release said.
“A scholarly presentation by the Dean of the Engineering Faculty of Peradeniya Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake was done on design alternatives to minimise use of sand” it said adding that the SLLRDC was the sponsor of the seminar and spoke on the role of the SLLRDC.