Seneca Applied Research is collaborating with Geoform Systems — an Oakville-based company that provides solutions to tunnelling and ground stabilization challenges — to improve one such solution: polymer systems.

Specific types of polymer systems, with unique formulations, are used at construction sites to address different needs, such as stabilizing the ground or sealing structures against water. These systems are an important component of Geoform’s business toolkit.

“Geoform’s partnership with Seneca has been an integral part of strengthening our core business,” Geoform strategy officer Sudhir Joshi said.

Approximately 80 per cent of construction projects are delayed by three years or more, according to a Capital Projects and Infrastructure report (PDF) by McKinsey & Company   . Delays are most often related to issues within the ground — such as unstable surfaces of tunnels, or water incursions — and can push projects over budget.  

An important aspect of the testing is figuring out how much these polymers retain their useful attributes over 25 or 50 years, without having to study them over the same periods. This is done by simulating the passage of time with heat.

“Accelerated testing is done by heating the polymers for weeks, rather than years, and then measuring their properties,” Mr. Keoshkerian said. “This can be done more aggressively, with higher temperatures, to reduce laboratory test time and simulate longer real-world time.”

Helping the professors are research assistants from BSAC’s study program offerings, including Nataly Tovar. Ms. Tovar mentioned how, in addition to the technical and scientific skills she is gaining, the work builds on her project management, collaboration and communication skills. It also puts her theoretical knowledge into practice. 

“This (project) allows us to apply the knowledge we've learned during our studies, so that when we graduate, we have a better understanding of how work is done in a professional environment,” Ms. Tovar said.

“The collaboration between Seneca and Geoform supports sustainable development, enhances market competitiveness and opens opportunities for future growth,” Mr. Viraaj said. “It positions Geoform as a leader in innovation and the construction industry.”

While earlier phases of the collaboration were funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the latest phase of the project was recently awarded funding by the Ontario Centre of Innovation through their Collaborate 2 Commercialize (OCI-C2C) program.

The OCI-C2C funding serves as proof of both the high calibre of applied research and skilled scientific talent at Seneca and Geoform’s ability to   commercialize the research results.

Looking ahead, Mr. Joshi is convinced of the transformative potential in Geoform’s collaboration with Seneca. Geoform aims to transform the North American construction sector using the results of the research, saving construction sponsors hundreds of millions of dollars, removing delays and creating new jobs.