The Department of Civil Engineering at Frederick University has organised an educational field trip to Vassiliko Cement Production Plant on Thursday 8th of May. The Vassiliko Plant is one of the largest heavy industries in Cyprus, operating non-stop since 1967.

The Department’s students were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Alexandra Alexandrou, and then attended two very informative presentations. The first one on “Cement Production Process” by Mr. Vassos Savva and the second on “Quality Assurance for Cement, Production Process and Final Product” by Mrs. Marianna Kourouzidou. These were followed by interesting discussion and questions from students regarding topics of production, environmental concerns and policies, as well as quality monitoring and product testing.

After the presentations, the students had the chance to visit the Central Control Building. They were guided to the Central Control Room with multiple monitors showing different parts of the factory and the Laboratories Area where samples are prepared, collected and tested. Students had the opportunity to ask additional questions and closely observe the processes involved.

Civil Engineering students from all years participated in the field trip to Vassiliko Cement Plant and this proved to be a useful, unique and significant experience. It was very important to appreciate cement as a major construction material and understand the specialised process required for its production. Field trips are an important component of the Civil Engineering degree at Frederick university and are often organised by the Department to help students gain an insight into various practical areas of the construction and engineering sector, in addition to their academic knowledge and skills.