President Swope brought the meeting to order with a ring of the Rotary bell and led all assembled in reciting the ever-impactful four-way test. Umakanth offered a wise reflection, wondering, as we all should, that if engineers can create self-healing concrete, why can’t social science create self-healing communities? Voices united to sing The Star-Spangled Banner, accompanied by Hari on piano.
While those attending noshed on FIESTA FRIDAY food, Sam Tucker tossed the cube for several visiting Rotarians and guests, including Matt Maasdam, candidate for 7th Congressional district.
The health of the club is well, with babies on the way (not in my house) and general vitality abound (mostly).
Special Music for the day dazzled with excerpts from Jesus Christ Superstar, courtesy of Riverwalk Theater. The rock-opera featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber runs Feb 26-March 1 and March 5-8. Visit riverwalktheater.com to get your tickets.
Janet Lillie, Chair of the Month/Day, introduced our speaker, described as another “campus gem”. Dr. Qingxu “Bill” Jin, Assistant Professor, Dept of Civil & Environmental Engineering at MSU. His research is transforming what concrete can be and can do. Dr. Jin spoke on the topic of “Can Concrete Bend, Heat, and Heal Itself? An MSU Innovation to help end pothole season.” A timely topic as we hit pot-hole season in Michigan (c’mon, that was funny!) HOWEVER, the technology is being licensed, so no pictures were allowed (okay just one), and if 
anyone asks, he was never here. But since you’re still reading this, here are some fun takeaways. 1. Concrete is not cement. Cement is an ingredient in concrete. 2. Concrete is the 2nd most widely used material apart from water. 3. Ancient civil infrastructure has stood for hundreds of years – why do we have to keep fixing the d@mn roads? 4. Self-healing and self-heating bendable concrete is already being used at MSU for some sidewalks. 5. Material costs are 60-100% more to produce, so cost is higher than conventional concrete up front, but that doesn’t factor in all the upkeep/repair/replacement costs that would be avoided. 6. This new concrete can take 3x more weight than normal concrete (which requires rebar). This doesn’t require rebar. 7. This doesn’t require deicing salt; it stores energy to regulate surface temp. 8. It can even be used as a surface-coating/protective skin on other materials. *Disclaimer: Editarian is NOT an Engineer. All statements are typed as interpreted and should be checked by contacting Dr. Jin directly. Or, you can talk to (or hire) one of his students, they are incredibly bright and talented.
anyone asks, he was never here. But since you’re still reading this, here are some fun takeaways. 1. Concrete is not cement. Cement is an ingredient in concrete. 2. Concrete is the 2nd most widely used material apart from water. 3. Ancient civil infrastructure has stood for hundreds of years – why do we have to keep fixing the d@mn roads? 4. Self-healing and self-heating bendable concrete is already being used at MSU for some sidewalks. 5. Material costs are 60-100% more to produce, so cost is higher than conventional concrete up front, but that doesn’t factor in all the upkeep/repair/replacement costs that would be avoided. 6. This new concrete can take 3x more weight than normal concrete (which requires rebar). This doesn’t require rebar. 7. This doesn’t require deicing salt; it stores energy to regulate surface temp. 8. It can even be used as a surface-coating/protective skin on other materials. *Disclaimer: Editarian is NOT an Engineer. All statements are typed as interpreted and should be checked by contacting Dr. Jin directly. Or, you can talk to (or hire) one of his students, they are incredibly bright and talented.Next week we’ll gather at the Irish Pub from 4:30-6:00pm on Thursday, Feb. 26th.
Email for Michelle Reynaert: mreynaert@michfb.com