CE Faculty presents Interdisciplinary Research on Ferrocement Garbage Disposal Barge

The researchers and guests of the symposium

An Interdisciplinary Research Symposium, organized by the University Research Coordination Office in cooperation with the Civil, Chemical, and Manufacturing Engineering and Management Departments, on “STRUCTURAL STABILITY AND DURABILITY OF FERROCEMENT GARBAGE DISPOSAL BARGE” was held on December 11, 2012 at the Yuchengco Building. The main proponent for this interdisciplinary research is Engr. Ronaldo Gallardo (CE) and the co-proponents are Dr. Susan Gallardo (ChE), Dr. Nilo Bugtai (MEM), Engr. Cheryl Lyne C. Roxas (CE) and Engr. Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth (CE).

The “Waste Analysis and Characterization Study” was presented by Engr. Norway Pangan, a Ph.D Directed Research student. The “Structural Stability of Ferrocement Disposal Barge” was presented by Engr. Ubay-Anongphouth while Engr. Roxas discussed the “Durability of Ferrocement Disposal Barge”. Dr. Mario de Leon of the Civil Engineering Department and Engr. Renato Ubay, Chairman of the Board and President of Alcantara – Ubay Co., Inc., served as discussants during the symposium.

Engr. Pangan presents the concept of a Garbage Disposal Barge

Engr. Irene Olivia Ubay-Anongphouth (CE)

Engr. Cheryl Lyne C. Roxas (CE) 

The solid waste disposal problem of Metro Manila has received significant attention over the last decade and waste generation has increased by almost 50%. Conventional waste disposal methods proved to be inadequate while advanced methods used in other countries are too expensive for the Philippines to maintain. In addition, these disposal methods compromise the environment and human health, prompting the need for a more effective and sustainable method of permanent garbage disposal. A proposed solution to the given dilemma is the construction of a Ferrocement barge that would incorporate non-biodegradable and non-recyclable solid wastes in the structure.

The symposium did not only serve as a venue for presenting the research outputs but also a venue for the exchange of ideas among different sectors of the society.

Reported by Cheryl Capiz-Roxas

Photos by Dr. Susan Gallardo