The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) recently joined forces with leading universities across the country to recognise excellence amongst civil engineering students for their research efforts. The SAICE 2023 National IP Showdown took place on the 4th April, where students presented their final year research projects.

Students were invited to present their civil engineering university research and investigation project, which is part of the national curriculum for a final year civil engineering undergraduate student.

Through this project, students are required to select an issue that is topical in the industry and then conduct research in accordance with pre-set deliverables. Once the research is complete, the student teams then present their findings to a panel of judges, which comprises both selected industry leaders and non-engineers. The presentations are then adjudicated by:

• Identifying if teams have gained an in-depth understanding of the research project.
• Determining whether teams showcase adequate communication skills by presenting their work to a diverse audience.
• Exposing these top students to the industry and to key players within the industry.

The main objective of the event is to create a platform for winners from the various universities to compete on a national level.

Steven Kaplan, 2023 SAICE President, enthusiastically summed up the National IP Showdown as an invaluable platform for upcoming civil engineering professionals to demonstrate their understanding of the issues faced in the environment by embarking on initiatives to find solutions to highly complex engineering topics.

The winners for 2023:

The first place prize, sponsored by BVI was awarded to Bukani Ndebele from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal,– for his project on Biofilm control in water supply pipes.

This research investigated the bacteria build-up – biofilm – that is trapped in water pipelines that effects water quality, increases frictional losses and subsequently increases pumping costs. His research centred on methods to break down the microbial cells that make up the biofilm. “The benefits of my research will result in a better understanding of how to improve water safety and quality while simultaneously reducing the cost of transportation in pipelines” Ndebele explained.

The second-place prize, sponsored by SAICE was awarded to Herbert Nyoni from the University of Pretoria who presented his project titled: Optical Crack Width Detection and Analysis in Concrete Using Python, OpenCV, and Machine Learning Algorithm.

Traditional methods of concrete crack detection and analysis are time consuming and require very Ied engineering skills. Nyoni’s research centred on the analysis using an image of the defect and employing a combination of commonly found software programs and a machine learning algorithm to determine the cause and consequence of cracks in concrete structures.

In third place, sponsored by Leica Geosystems was Etienne-Pierre Skein from Stellenbosch University, for work on the Development of a High Modulus Concrete for 3D-Printing Applications.

Skein was inspired to make a difference to the traditional methods of concrete construction against a background of numerous reports of failing infrastructure by investigating the effects of increasing Young’s Modulus or stiffness of concrete members using 3D concrete printing.

Friedrich Slabbert: Director at Sciendum Academy, who was a judge at the event, applauded the contestants and their ability to be able to present their research findings to the tough questioning of the panel of judges. “Being able to communicate and present effectively is essential to be able to sell a new or revolutionary concept, especially to an audience of professionals with traditional or no concepts of civil engineering” he said.

Kaplan concluded: “I’m immensely proud of our young graduates - their attitude and commitment in undertaking demanding research projects. These are our future engineers with whom the built environment is entrusted,  and their enthusiasm and approach provides the confidence that their skills will meet the challenges of the many projects that lie ahead.”

The event was proudly sponsored by BVI and Leica Geosystems, and accredited for 0.2 CPD points.