ECU’s Akhnoukh addresses international road conference
Dr. Amin Akhnoukh, associate professor in East Carolina University’s Department of Construction Management, provided a keynote address during the International Road Federation (IRF) Global Asia-Pacific Regional Congress, and Malaysian Road Conference and Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Dr. Amin Akhnoukh, associate professor in the East Carolina University Department of Construction Management, displays his award after delivering a keynote speech during the International Road Federation Asia-Pacific Regional Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Contributed photo)
The three-day event featured more than 1,000 delegates from 20 countries who explored a variety of topics such as the future of road infrastructure, resilience, sustainability, road safety and new digital technologies that will transform the roads and mobility sector.
Akhnoukh’s presentation focused on the conditions of infrastructure and maintenance techniques during this time of budget crunches and global financial issues.
“Lack of funding remains a major problem for resilient infrastructure globally,” Akhnoukh told the conference in his presentation. “New construction technologies can help mitigate costs and generate efficiencies.”
After his presentation, Akhnoukh received an award in appreciation for his research from the head of the Road Authority in Malaysia. Some of that research includes the effectiveness of concrete sealants, the future of bridge construction in North Carolina and integrated abutment bridge construction to name a few. He was invited to attend the conference as a guest of the Malaysian government.
Akhnoukh also received a certificate of appreciation during the conference.
The event’s theme — “A Pathway to Safe, Smart, and Resilient Road and Mobility Networks” — drew various regional government and development institution representatives and included high-level policy discussions, according to the International Road Federation. It provided all those attending a forum for showcasing best practices, technical innovations, new technologies, research and case studies.