INSTITUTIONAL
GEMASC: Research Group on Sustainable Construction Materials
GEMASC is a research group of the Technology Center (Centro de Tecnologia - CT) at the Federal University of Santa Maria (Universidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM), associated with the postgraduate program in Civil Engineering (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Civil - PPGEC) with the collaboration of undergraduate students. The group works in an interdisciplinary environment to contribute to developing and understanding alternative and traditional materials with a low environmental impact in the construction industry. The group focuses on cementitious materials (concrete and mortar) based on conventional Portland cement, as well as alternative binders (mainly alkali-activated cement and geopolymers). The research group evaluates the feasibility -from a scientific-technical point of view - of recycling industrial waste or by-products and their potential inclusion as raw material in the production of different building materials (including concrete, mineral admixtures, alternative binders, and ceramic materials). The developed materials are characterized from a nano- to micrometric scale, as well as their mechanical properties and performance.
Mission
The formation of highly qualified young researchers with critical analysis and specific skills to create solutions to the current engineering challenges. The research fellows will also promote sustainable and competitive development in the construction industry. This goal is achieved by executing different research projects focused on studying eco-friendly construction materials with equivalent or even better performances than traditional cementitious materials or ceramics.
Vision
Our vision is to be nationally recognized as a research group of excellence through the understanding, detailed characterization, and development of better performance and quality materials. The activities will link basic research projects applied and adjusted in different construction areas, which will be shared with the society through scientific articles and seminars.