Omani Students Secure Indian Patent For Revolutionary Sustainable Building Solutions
In a significant achievement for the National University of Science and Technology in Muscat, a team of students and staff has been awarded an Indian patent for their innovative research on using date palm rachis as an eco-friendly alternative to steel reinforcement bars in concrete structures. This development opens new avenues for cost-effective and sustainable construction materials, particularly beneficial for small-scale buildings and railway sleepers.
The research, led by Omani students Fatma Khalid Saud al Wahaibi, Fatma Mohammed Khalifa Sahlouf al Sinani, and Maryam Mohammed al Belushi, under the guidance of Dr. N Aravind, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been recognized for its potential to significantly impact the construction industry. With funding of RO1,500 from the Undergraduate Research Grant scheme by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the project has moved from concept to reality.
The innovation stems from the recognition of date palm trees' abundance in Oman and the potential to repurpose the often-discarded rachis. By integrating naturally seasoned date palm rachis bars with glass fibre reinforced polymer composites, the research team demonstrated a remarkable increase in the flexural strength of concrete beams. Tests showed that beams reinforced with rachis bars could handle up to 42% more load compared to unreinforced beams.
One of the critical advantages of using date palm rachis bars is their resistance to rust, addressing the pervasive issue of steel reinforcement corrosion that plagues concrete structures. This research not only promises to extend the lifespan of construction projects but also aligns with sustainable development goals by utilizing waste materials efficiently.
Prof A Vallavaraj, Dean of the College of Advanced Technology, initiated this pioneering research, with key experimental work completed by laboratory instructor Eman Muhye Adeen Muhye al Hatali. The team's efforts were further supported by the faculty of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the College of Engineering at the National University of Science and Technology.
Acknowledgements and Future Prospects
The grant of the patent by the Government of India on February 22, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the team. The researchers extended their gratitude to Dr. Hafez al Sadeq, head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Prof Ahmed Hassan al Bulushi, Dean of the College of Engineering, Prof K P Ramachandran, Dean of PG Studies and Research, and Prof Syed Mohammed Rizwan, Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, for their support and provision of laboratory facilities.
This inventive approach not only showcases the talent and ingenuity present within Oman's academic institutions but also sets a new standard for environmentally responsible construction practices. By harnessing the untapped potential of date palm rachis, the research offers a viable solution to some of the most pressing concerns in the construction industry today, particularly in Gulf countries where sustainable development is increasingly prioritized.
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