As infrastructure ages, one question shapes the future of cities: How do we know the materials we build with will last?
At the University of Miami College of Engineering, Prannoy Suraneni, associate professor of civil and architectural engineering, is helping answer that question on a global stage. Through his leadership in the research and development organization RILEM, the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures, Suraneni is working with researchers worldwide to improve our understanding of concrete durability.
Concrete's vulnerability to chemicals in the environment is central to that work. Sulfates and chlorides are salts found in soil, water, and coastal air. Over time, they can work their way into concrete, with sulfates weakening the concrete itself and chlorides corroding the steel inside. These slow processes are among the leading reasons why concrete structures fail sooner than desired.
This year, Suraneni's work with RILEM reached a milestone: three major open-access review papers on sulfate attack, chloride diffusion, and chloride binding were published in Materials and Structures, the organization's flagship journal. Together, the publications outline how the scientific community should evaluate the chemical processes that drive long-term deterioration in concrete.
The three papers share a central conclusion: the field needs simpler, more scientifically grounded ways to test durability at the materials scale. By reviewing decades of research, the authors identified gaps in current testing methods for sulfate and chloride exposure and proposed practical approaches for studying how cement responds to harmful salts. These recommendations can help researchers and industry compare results more reliably and determine which materials are ready for real-world infrastructure projects.
These advancements come at an important moment for the construction sector. As the industry works to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete, engineers are turning to supplementary cementitious materials, which include more sustainable ingredients such as fly ash, slag, calcined clays, and other emerging binders. These alternative materials offer promising environmental benefits, but their long-term performance must be measured with methods that are accurate and trusted.
South Florida offers an ideal backdrop for this work. Saltwater intrusion, coastal flooding, and marine air create harsh exposure conditions for concrete in seawalls, bridges, and foundations. Suraneni's leadership within RILEM ensures that the needs of coastal communities are reflected in emerging global guidelines while also positioning the University of Miami as a key contributor to international materials research.
In recognition of his contributions, Suraneni was recently named a RILEM Fellow, one of the organization's highest distinctions for senior members who have made exceptional contributions as researchers, engineers, and educators. He previously received the RILEM Gustavo Colonnetti Medal in 2021 for outstanding early-career research.
Suraneni also hosts RILEM's ROC and TOK webinar series, which features global experts discussing advances in construction materials. Episodes are available here.
