Parma supports academic research in concrete technology with appointment of professor at Aalto University
Jouni Punkki, former Director of the Group Material Development Centre in Finland of Parma, a subsidiary of Consolis, has been appointed as Professor in concrete engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Aalto University, Finland. The five-year contract starting in August 2016, will enable Jouni to share his expertise in concrete material technology, durability and precast concrete technology with future engineers.
During his time at the university, Jouni will conduct a study to highlight, among other things, the sustainable use of concrete, concrete aesthetic qualities and the integration of digitalisation and automation of concrete technology. “Although concrete is a very traditional building material, it still has untapped potential. As regards research, there are a lot of possibilities in concrete itself and concrete construction renewal. The ecological factors surrounding concrete and its aesthetics will be important areas of research. Also, automation and robotics challenge traditional concrete construction, and require technical research. I look forward to working with the university, cooperating with industry players and the other co-partners,” says Jouni Punkki. Gary Marquis, the Dean at the University’s School of Engineering comments, “Jouni Punkki has extensive knowledge of the concrete industry and great networks that will help promote dialogue and cooperation in research between the university and concrete industry.”
Aalto University and several trade organisations in the concrete sector signed a cooperation agreement in June to promote concrete technical research. Key industry players have contributed funds of €1M as a grant for concrete technology research at the University. Funding for the grant has been contributed from the Finnish Concrete Association, several private businesses, including Parma, the Finnish Concrete Industry Association, Building Construction Industry Association, SBK Foundation and Building Products Quality Foundation.
