IIT Guwahati Innovates Eco-Friendly Geopolymer, Paving the Way for Sustainable Construction
IIT Guwahati develops an innovative geopolymer, tackling industrial waste management and promoting sustainable construction using industrial byproducts.
IIT Guwahati Innovates Eco-Friendly Geopolymer
A research team at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, led by Prof. Anil K. Mishra from the Department of Civil Engineering, has developed a groundbreaking solution addressing two critical global challenges: industrial waste management and sustainable construction. The team’s innovation lies in creating a geopolymer using industrial byproducts and waste materials, including water treatment sludge (WTS), fly ash (FA), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS).
Prof. Mishra's team tackles critical challenges in civil engineering and waste management through their research. By recycling industrial waste, the project reduces landfill pressure and curtails environmental harm caused by conventional disposal methods. This innovative geopolymer technology offers industries, municipalities, and governments a sustainable solution to adopt eco-friendly construction practices while effectively managing industrial waste.
Speaking on the research, Prof. Anil K. Mishra said, "Our research provides a solution by converting WTS and industrial byproducts like fly ash and GGBS into a geopolymer. Geopolymers are renowned for their high strength, durability, and minimal environmental impact. Through the process of geopolymerisation, silicon and aluminum from these materials react with alkaline activators to form a three-dimensional alumino-silicate structure. This results in a material that matches traditional cement in performance while significantly reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption."
About Eco-Friendly Geopolymer
The WTS-FA-GGBS geopolymer shows significant potential for road construction, particularly as a subgrade material for roads and pavements. The research team assessed its mechanical properties, highlighting its ability to strengthen the subgrade layer, which is crucial for the durability and stability of roads. Using the WTS-based geopolymer as a soil stabilizer notably improves road performance, especially in areas with soft or weak soils.
The team is also exploring the geopolymerization of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, which accounts for over 10 billion tons annually and represents more than 35% of global waste. They have developed innovative applications for C&D waste, such as using it in base and subbase layers for road pavements and in paver blocks. This approach not only promotes effective waste management but also significantly reduces environmental impact.
Q: Is IIT Guwahati good for BTech?
NIRF ranked IIT Guwahati 7 under the “Engineering” category in 2023. According to media reports, a total of 712 students were placed till Dec 6 during IIT Guwahati placements 2024. Further, the highest international and domestic package offered during IIT Guwahati placements 2024 stood at INR 2.05 Crore per annum and INR 1.20 Crore per annum, respectively.
Q: Is it worth pursuing Ph.D. at IIT Guwahati?
Is It Worth Pursuing a PhD at IIT Guwahati?
Here's a summary of what current students and alumni have to say:
# Infrastructure and Facilities
* Good infrastructure and facilities, including well-maintained laboratories and libraries
* Hostel amenities include a separate mess, canteens, and medical facilities
* Sports facilities are available, and physical fitness is promoted
# Faculty and Teaching Quality
* Helpful, well-qualified, and knowledgeable professors
* Teaching quality is good, and professors make efforts to explain complex concepts
* Faculty is approachable, and students appreciate their guidance
# Placements and Internships
* Around 70% of students are placed, with packages ranging from INR4 LPA to INR13 LPA
* Top recruiters include Wipro, Microsoft, and Google
* About 75% of students get internships, and some receive stipends
* Research-oriented roles are also available
# Course Curriculum and Relevance
* Curriculum is relevant to the industry, making students "industry-ready"
* Courses are designed to promote problem-solving skills and critical thinking
# Student Life and Support
* Aesthetic hostels with comfortable living conditions
* Availability of extracurricular activities, including festivals and events
* Strong sense of community among students
Overall, while individual experiences may vary, IIT Guwahati seems to offer a supportive environment, good infrastructure, and strong faculty-student relationships. However, it's essential to weigh these benefits against personal goals and expectations before making a decision.
Remember to consider factors like research opportunities, funding, and career prospects when evaluating the program's suitability for your needs.
If you're still unsure, we recommend reaching out to the university directly or speaking with current students or alumni to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences.
Q: What are the prospects of doing B.Tech from IIT Guwahati?
Students pursuing BTech from IIT Guwahati can participate in the placement drive of the institute. IIT Guwahati recorded 100% placements across all BTech courses in 2024. The the highest stipend offered during IIT Guwahati internships 2023 was INR 1.60 LPA. Further, a total of 15 internship offers were made to BTech students. IIT Guwahati mechanical department has been given a lot of awards for having a high passing percentage of students. Its placement statistics are also good enough. The average package is around 10 to 15 LPA. Some of the top recruiters of IIT Guwahati BTech placements were TATA, Mahindra, Bajaj, In core, etc. With roles of design engineer, project manager, production engineer etc.
Tests conducted by the IIT Guwahati team, including Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) assessments, demonstrated that the WTS-FA-GGBS geopolymer surpasses the minimum strength requirements for cement-stabilized subgrade materials. Durability tests further confirmed its resilience under extreme environmental conditions, making it a dependable option for infrastructure projects in a variety of climates.
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