CRACK Seminar 2025 Unveils Cutting-Edge Solutions for Concrete Durability

Concrete cracking remains a major challenge in construction, affecting structural integrity and longevity. To address this, a Crack Seminar organized by the Department of Civil Engineering, De La Salle University, in partnership with the Japan Concrete Institute (JCI), was held on March 5, 2025, at the 20th Fl., Br. Andrew Gonzalez Building, De La Salle University. This seminar brought together experts to discuss the latest advancements in crack investigation, repair, and strengthening. 

A key focus was the JCI’s Practical Guidelines for Investigation and Repair of Cracked Concrete Structures, a globally recognized resource since 1980. The latest 2009 edition continues to guide engineers in diagnosing and addressing cracks effectively. Invited resource speakers from the JCI discussed the chapters of this guideline, including Dr. Kei-Chi Imamoto, Dr. Keiyu Kawaai, Dr. Shinichi Miyazato, and Dr. Takahiro Nishida. Dr. Rodolfo Mendoza Jr. discussed some case studies on structural engineering in the Philippines. 

The seminar featured interactive discussions, case studies, and expert demonstrations, covering early detection techniques, advanced strengthening solutions, and innovative repair technologies. These advancements are shaping more sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

While concrete cracks are inevitable, their impact can be managed and prevented with the right knowledge and innovations. This seminar was accredited for three (3) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units by the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines.

CSN2025: Advancing Innovation in Concrete and Structural Engineering

The 5th International Symposium on Concrete and Structures for the Next Generation (CSN 2025) has successfully concluded, marking another milestone in the continuous pursuit of innovation and excellence in concrete engineering. Hosted by the Department of Civil Engineering, De La Salle University, in collaboration with the Japan Society of Civil Engineers and the Cross-Ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) by the Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CSTI) of the Japanese Government, the symposium took place on March 3-4, 2025. This event brought together researchers, industry professionals, and academics to exchange knowledge and explore advancements in sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

CSN2025 builds on the legacy of the Ikeda-Otsuki Symposium (IOS2016), first held in Tokyo, Japan, in May 2016 to honor Dr. Shoji Ikeda and Dr. Nobuaki Otsuki, renowned figures in concrete engineering. Since its inception, the symposium has traveled across Asia—Manila in 2017, Bangkok in 2018, and Kanazawa in 2019—continuing its mission to foster international collaboration and drive advancements in concrete technology.

This year’s symposium featured cutting-edge research presentations and keynote speeches by distinguished experts, including Dr. Shinichi Miyazato of Kanazawa University, Japan, Dr. Pitiwat Wattanachai of Chiang Mai University, Thailand, and Dr. Jason Maximino C. Ongpeng of De La Salle University, Philippines. Discussions centered on emerging trends in sustainable concrete materials, advancements in durability, and strategies for structural resilience in an era of rapid environmental and technological change.

Beyond the technical sessions, CSN2025 served as a vital platform for networking and collaboration, enabling participants to connect with industry pioneers, exchange ideas, and shape the future of construction. Additionally, the symposium was accredited for seven (7) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units by the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines.

The Organizing Committee of CSN2025 extends its deepest gratitude to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors whose contributions made this symposium a resounding success. As the industry continues to evolve, the knowledge shared at CSN 2025 will undoubtedly inspire further advancements in concrete and structural engineering.

Dr. Fillone Hosts Bentley Workshop for Transportation Engineers

On January 21 to 22, 2025, Dr. Alex Fillone along with Mr. Vipul Modi from Bentley System (Singapore) hosted a Bentley Workshop titled "EMME/DYNAMEQ/AGENT Workshop". They were assisted by Dr. Riches Bacero and Dr. Nicanor Roxas jr. from DLSU Civil Engineering Department – Transport Engineering Department. It showcased the various computer program applications for transportation simulation, planning, and modeling. It was attended by people from academic, private, and government institutions.

The first day introduced attendees to Open Paths by Bentley. It demonstrated the capabilities of the software for transportation engineers. This was followed by an EMME modeling run-through by Mr. Antoine and Dr. Fillone. The afternoon program had Mr. Modi teach and display DYNAMEQ software. This day ended with a broader understanding of transportation modeling and the tools available for transportation engineers, and a group photo for day 1 attendees. 

The second day consisted of a morning program where Mr. Modi showed their newest development, OpenPaths Agent, which allows automated calibration of a transportation model. This allowed for a scalable operation and faster calibration and adjusting of the model. Increasing productivity and providing an easier workflow is the priority of Bentley and OpenPaths. The workshop closed with Dr. Fillone giving Mr. Modi a speaker gift and a group photo for those who attended the second day.

DLSU CIV-HWR and the RainS-TECH Research Team win multiple awards at IWA DIPCON 2024 in Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand – The Hydraulics and Water Resources Engineering (HWR) research team from the Department of Civil Engineering at De La Salle University, Manila and the Rainwater and Stormwater Runoff Management Technology for Tropical Catchment (RainS-TECH) team attended 21st International Water Association International Conference on Diffuse Pollution & Eutrophication (IWA DIPCON 2024) held at Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand, from December 11 – 14, 2024. This event was organized by the International Water Association (IWA) committee, and was attended by an international audience, with delegates coming from Asia, Europe, and Nort America. 

The attending team comprised of eight delegates led by the HWR Division Head, Prof. Marla Maniquiz-Redillas, presented their research in oral sessions, particularly the Diffuse pollution control and Water resource management sessions, and some presented their research through poster presentations. 

Participants and oral presentation titles:

1. Joshua Kyle Bautista, Kenneth Matthew Chong, Julius Richel Manlutac, Timothy Martin Vasquez, Joseph Raniel Bianes, and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Investigation of Road-deposited Sediment Accumulation in Pre-Development and Post-Development Land Uses during Dry and Wet Seasons”

2. Justine Rey Macalalad and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Investigation of the Impact of Extreme Rainfall Variations on Runoff Reduction Performance of Bioretention Cells Using SWMM”

3. Jayson Cayetano and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas - “Influence of AADT on RDS Accumulation and Its Elemental Composition in a Tropical Catchment”

4. Sergi Garbanzos and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Investigation of the water quality from upstream to downstream regions of a tropical catchment using multivariate statistical analysis, GIS, and WQI”

Participants and poster presentation titles:

1. Rommel Glenn Mendova, Patrick James Guzon, Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Simulation of the Clogging and Sediment Reduction of a Smart Rainwater Harvesting Filtration System using CFD-DEM”

2. Rodelio Antonio Jr. and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Enhancing Event-Based Rainfall Prediction Accuracy in Tropical Areas Through Fuzzy Logic Modelling”

3. Roman Buan III, Kevin Nicolai Angeles, Louis Gabriel Garcia, and Lennard Joerty Toribio, and Marla C. Maniquiz-Redillas – “Analysis of Dry and Wet Weather Flows of an STP Impacted Urban Stream” 

4. Rizelle Angela Koch and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Comparative Analysis of Rainfall and Runoff Patterns using SCS-CN Method and Geospatial Data in a Tropical Catchment Area”

5. Kent San Pedro, Joseph Rainel Bianes, Jayson Cayetano, Rodelio Antonio Jr., and Marla Maniquiz-Redillas – “Runoff-Induced Soil Loss Modelling of a Tropical Catchment using the MUSLE Model in SWAT”

Dr. Marla, a board member of the IWA Specialist Group on Diffuse Pollution and Eutrophication (DP&E), served as the session chair in the “Microbial and water quality“ session. The team also attended and participated in the Young Water Professionals (YWP) Workshop, which was held during the third day of the event (December 13, 2024).

The DLSU CIV-HWR and RainS-TECH team bagged several awards from the event, including the Best YWP Group in the Workshop, the Photo Contest, and the Best Oral Presentation. 

2nd Place Best YWP Workshop Group

Rommel Glenn Mendova, De La Salle University – Manila

Naruemon Phinyothanmakorn, Khon Kaen University 

Souravi Bardhan, Jadavpur University 

Marvin John Uy, Kongju National University

1st Place Best YWP Workshop Group

Miguel Enrico Robles, Kongju National University

Jayson Cayetano, De La Salle University – Manila

2nd Place - Photo Contest

Joseph Rainel Bianes, De La Salle University – Manila

1st Place - Best YWP Oral Presentation Award

Sergi Garbanzos, De La Salle University – Manila

Engr. Kenneth Elevado Joins Nagoya University's Transnational Doctoral Programs for Asian Professionals

 On November 26, 2024, Engr. Kenneth Elevado attended the Entrance Ceremony for the incoming doctoral Filipino students admitted to the Transnational Doctoral Programs for Leading Professionals in Asian Countries under the Asian Satellite Campuses Institute (ASCI) of Nagoya University, Japan.

The programs offered by ASCI are specialized research-focused doctoral programs in various disciplines that target professionals in academic and government institutions from select Asian countries. This year, the ASCI in the Philippines has started offering doctoral courses under the Graduate School of Environmental Studies (GSES) and Graduate School of Engineering (GSE). Engr. Elevado, who is a part-time faculty member of the Department of Civil Engineering, is the first student from the Philippines admitted to the GSES.

More information on ASCI can be found here: https://asci.nagoya-u.ac.jp/about_asci/

In photo: Engr. Elevado (right) with one of his advisors, Dr. Marianne Faith Martinico-Perez (left).