Dr. Surendra Manjrekar, the Chairman and Managing Director of Sunanda Global, received an invitation as a Conference Honoree and a Keynote Speaker at the recent RILEM Week 2023 and ISSSI 2023, which took place in Vancouver, BC, Canada, from September 4 to 8, 2023.
As one of the distinguished Conference Honorees and a Keynote Speaker, Dr. S. K. Manjrekar played a pivotal role in these events, contributing significantly to the dialogues on Materials and Structures.
Dr. Surendra Manjrekar, an esteemed member of the American Concrete Institute and “Honorary Fellow” of the Institute of Concrete Technology in the UK, boasts a remarkable track record of achievements.
He has received numerous accolades for his extraordinary contributions to the field of construction and concrete technology. Notably, in 2017, the Construction Industry Development Council of India honoured him with the prestigious “Industry Doyen Award.”
A three-time President of the India Chapter of ACI and the Principal Convener of ACI Certification in India, his influence extends far beyond national borders.
His involvement in concurrent R&D work encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from corrosion prevention in reinforced concrete structures to 3rd generation corrosion inhibiting admixtures and underwater concreting. Dr. Manjrekar’s work also delves into CO2 sequestration in polymers, soil stabilization using nano molecules, and anti-freezing admixtures in concrete.
The honour bestowed upon Dr. Manjrekar extended beyond his role as a keynote speaker; the session organizers of RILEM Week 2023 and ISSSI 2023 celebrated him as a Conference Honoree. His unique contributions to the RILEM society, coupled with his outstanding scientific work in the field, prompted the session organizers to dedicate Special Sessions in his honor.
One of the most significant highlights of Dr. Manjrekar’s participation was his keynote presentation, titled “The Repairs, Renovation, Waterproofing of 50 Years Old ‘Wankhede Cricket Stadium’ with Reduction of Carbon Foot Print of Over 10,00,000 Kgs of CO2.”
This presentation shed light on his groundbreaking work in the renovation and environmental enhancement of a historic stadium, showcasing his dedication to sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions in the construction domain.
The intersection of academia, industry, and government in the pursuit of innovative solutions to pressing infrastructural challenges was a central theme of ISSSI 2023.
Dr. Surendra Manjrekar’s presence and insights undoubtedly played a pivotal role in advancing this multidisciplinary approach to address issues such as high carbon emissions from construction, the integration of sensors, robotics, and AI, and the need for cross-fertilization of ideas.
Dr. Manjrekar’s achievements and contributions continue to resonate in the field of Materials and Structures, and his involvement in events like RILEM Week 2023 and ISSSI 2023 serves as a testament to his dedication to advancing sustainable and smart infrastructure solutions. His presence was not merely an honour for these events but a catalyst for the exchange of knowledge that will shape the future of the construction industry.
