CTS Research Alliance Offers Students $1,000 Awards for Best Research Papers
Cypress, CA – November 2008 — CTS Cement Manufacturing Corporation announces the formation of a University/Industry initiative titled CTS Research Alliance. The Alliance's goal is to foster the use of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) rapid hardening and expansive cements. While the use of such cements is growing in the field, their properties and characteristics are generally not taught at the University level, where the focus has been on traditional portland cement technology. The Alliance will help students learn what can be done with CSA cements.
CTS Research Alliance will provide $1,000 awards to students who propose and complete research projects making use of CSA rapid hardening and expansive cements. Students in the fields of Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Materials Science, Architecture, or other technical fields are invited to submit applications. The application must include a description and schedule of the proposed project and the endorsement of a faculty member who will supervise the work. Awards of $1,000 will be awarded to the most original work utilizing laboratory experiments or jobsite observations.
If the application is selected by CTS Research Alliance, the student will immediately receive a first payment of $500. Upon completion of the project and submission of a final report, the student will receive a second $500 payment. While this competition is particularly well suited for students working with a faculty member on a senior project, all students are encouraged to apply.
Preference will be given to applications focusing on expanding the knowledge base in the use of rapid hardening and expansive cements. The project's ultimate goal should be to advance the fundamental understanding of the structure/properties relationship in the use of CSA cements, while familiarizing the student with the unique features of these materials.
When applicable, CTS Research Alliance will assist in the procurement of the materials necessary for the completion of the project.
In 2009 there will be two competitions with five awards awarded for each competition. Applications are due by January 1, 2009 for the Winter 2009 competition and September 1, 2009 for the Fall 2009 competition. The application must include a description and schedule of the proposed project and the endorsement of a faculty member who will supervise the work. Application forms can be downloaded at www.ctsalliance.org.
The CTS Research Alliance will also provide a limited number of research funds up to $5,000 to university faculty to assist their research in the use of rapid hardening and expansive cements based on CSA cement technology. Faculty members may apply for project funding assistance at any time. Application forms can be downloaded at www.ctsalliance.org.
For additional information, please contact Janet Ong at 714-379-8260.
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