Prannoy Suraneni, assistant professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, has been awarded the 2021 International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures (RILEM) Gustavo Colonnetti Medal.
This highly selective distinction is awarded to two researchers of less than 35 years of age, who have made outstanding scientific contributions to the field of construction materials and structures. He is scheduled to deliver the award lecture at the RILEM Fall Meeting in September 2021 in Merida, Mexico.
Suraneni is head of the Advanced Cement Chemistry, Engineering, Sustainability and Science Lab (ACCESS Lab). His research focuses on supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), alternative cementitious materials, and concrete durability with important contributions regarding the reactivity of SCM and the clarification of the interactions between cementitious materials and chlorides. In addition to an excellent publication record in these research areas, his research has resulted in a national test standard. For his outstanding contributions, he has been recognized as American Concrete Institute (ACI) Ambassador Speaker, ASTM International Emerging Professional, and has been awarded the University of Miami’s SEEDS You Choose Leadership Award.
Additionally, Suraneni has been actively involved in RILEM: he is a member of the Educational Activities Committee (EAC) and deputy chair for TC EBD on test methods to evaluate durability of blended cement pastes against deleterious ions. He also has been remarkably active on the fronts of doctoral research guidance (both as supervisor and thesis committee member), as a journal peer reviewer, editorial board member and guest editor, and in professional activities in ACI and ASTM International.
Founded in 1947, RILEM seeks to advance scientific knowledge related to construction materials, systems and structures and to encourage transfer and application of this knowledge world-wide. This mission is achieved through collaboration of leading experts in construction practice and science including academics, researchers, testing laboratories and authorities. The three main goals of RILEM are: to promote sustainable and safe construction, and improved performance and cost benefit for society; to stimulate new directions of research and its applications, promoting excellence in construction; to favor and promote cooperation at international scale by general access to advanced knowledge.
