Ehsaan Laskar

Profile

I am a postgraduate researcher at the University of Leeds, working on low-carbon concrete with calcined clays under the supervision of Prof. Leon Black, Prof. Susan A Bernal, and Dr. Yuvaraj Dhandapani. I am part of the EUREKA project, focusing on developing low-carbon cement using locally abundant clay and limestone resources to promote sustainability in construction. With an MSc in Engineering Project Management from University of Leeds and a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Assam Science and Technology University, I also brings three years of prior experience as a Project Manager, specialising in building Electrical Substations in Northeast India.

Research interests

My research interests look into the exploration of alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) for concrete production, with a particular emphasis on utilising low-grade non-kaolinitic clays. Amidst the escalating demand for concrete and the imperative to mitigate carbon emissions, the focus lies on the potential of low-grade clays to serve as sustainable alternatives to traditional SCMs like slag and fly ash. Through a multi-phased approach, my research aims to analyse the reactivity of various clays, understand their synergistic effects when combined with binders, and investigate the fresh, mechanical, and transport properties of resulting blends. Furthermore, unraveling the durability deterioration mechanisms of calcined clay concretes, particularly their resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and carbonation, is crucial for the development of resilient and sustainable concrete solutions.