Research title: Development of Thermal Mass Concrete Using Construction and Demolition Waste
Research overview: The primary aim of my research is to recycle major construction and demolition waste (C&D) streams, such as waste timber, concrete, plasterboard, and cleanfill soil to produce new, fully recycled concrete mixes. Instead of paying to send C&D waste to landfills, construction and demolition companies will be able to use my research to produce value-added concrete products for applications such as thermal mass slabs in new residential construction. Ultimately, the methods and recycled materials studied and developed during this research will reduce C&D waste and associated emissions while improving energy efficiency in future housing.
Main supervisor: Doctor Giuseppe Loporcaro
Co- supervisor: Professor Allan Scott
Research interests: My research interests include concrete technology, sustainable infrastructure, and all things structural concrete.
Personal interests: Outside of my studies, I enjoy cooking, swimming, music (especially singing), reading philosophy, and having a pint at the UC Staff Club with my friends!
Academic history:
Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury, New Zealand: 2026 - Present
Master of Engineering with Distinction (endorsed in Civil Engineering), University of Canterbury, New Zealand: 2025-2026
Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, McGill University, Canada: 2018-2024
Publications:
Cadrain, O., Scott, A., Nichols, A., & Loporcaro, G. (2026). Thermal activation and reactivity assessment of New Zealand natural pozzolans for low carbon concrete applications. In H. Beushausen & M. Alexander (Eds.), Calcined clays for sustainable concrete: 5th ICCCSC 2026. Springer. https://link.springer.com/book/9783032288424
Cadrain, O. (2026). Use of New Zealand Geomaterial as Novel Supplementary Cementitious Material in Portland Cement Concrete [Master's thesis, University of Canterbury]. https://doi.org/10.26021/16403
