The Future of Coastal Protection: MYPODE’s Green Engineering Marvel
- UM Research
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
Coastal erosion is a pressing environmental and economic concern in Malaysia, a nation with 8,840 km of coastline. Rising sea levels, extreme weather patterns, and urbanisation have exacerbated coastal degradation, posing a significant threat to ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities. Traditional coastal protection measures, such as quarried rock barriers and conventional concrete structures, have proven to be both resource-intensive and environmentally unsustainable.
In response to these challenges, Ts. Gs. Dr Muhammad Shazril Idris Bin Ibrahim, a researcher at Universiti Malaya’s Department of Civil Engineering, has developed MYPODE—a sustainable, high-performance geopolymer concrete armour unit designed to reinforce coastal protection structures. By incorporating industrial waste materials as a cement alternative, MYPODE offers an environmentally friendly and structurally superior solution to safeguard Malaysia’s shores.
Unlike conventional concrete, which relies heavily on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)—a major contributor to carbon emissions—MYPODE is fabricated using geopolymer concrete derived from industrial waste materials such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and palm oil fuel ash (POFA). These materials possess pozzolanic properties, enabling them to act as cementitious binders while significantly reducing their carbon footprint and the depletion of natural resources.
The reliance on OPC extraction from limestone quarries has led to habitat destruction and heightened concerns about global warming. By using geopolymer concrete, MYPODE can be deployed to help mitigate these environmental issues while offering improved resistance against seawater corrosion and enhanced durability.
"Our goal is to create a coastal protection solution that not only performs better but also reduces environmental harm," explains Dr Shazril.
The 2015 National Coastal Erosion Study (NCES) identified 44 high-risk erosion sites in Malaysia, experiencing more than 4 meters of erosion annually. Traditional coastal protection methods, such as quarried rocks and conventional concrete armour units, have faced challenges such as:
Inconsistent supply and high costs of quarried rock materials.
Non-uniform placement reduces structural stability.
High maintenance costs due to premature wear and failure.
MYPODE overcomes these challenges by providing higher strength and durability, improved stability through an interlocking design, and a reduced environmental impact by utilising sustainable materials.
"MYPODE was developed to improve the long-term performance of coastal defences while providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional solutions," says Dr Shazril.
Developing MYPODE involved a multi-phase research process, encompassing design optimisation, material testing, and real-world simulations. The key steps involved:
Mould Design & Fabrication
Custom-designed stainless-steel moulds were used to create MYPODE units ranging from 1 to 5 tonnes.
Geopolymer concrete was cast and cured for less than 28 days, achieving 70% of its final strength within just 7 days.
Performance Testing
MYPODE underwent rigorous ASTM concrete strength tests.
Wave stability models were applied to evaluate performance under various coastal conditions, following international standards such as the US Army Corps Coastal Engineering Manual and the Eurotop Manual (2018).
Deployment & Field Evaluation
MYPODE units were strategically placed in coastal protection sites, ensuring compliance with as-built engineering designs validated through physical and numerical simulations.
"Our research ensures that MYPODE is not just a theoretical concept but a practical solution ready for real-world implementation," Dr Shazril states.
Despite its promising potential, MYPODE’s development presented several hurdles. The higher initial costs associated with the immature supply chain of geopolymer concrete materials posed a significant financial challenge. To overcome this, researchers explored in-house silicate activation methods and alternative alkali activators to reduce costs.
Scaling MYPODE for mass production also required extensive feasibility studies to integrate the technology into existing coastal infrastructure. With strong industry-academic collaborations, solutions were found to facilitate broader adoption and ensure the project’s progress.
The adoption of MYPODE offers significant benefits:
Lower dependency on imported cement and quarried stones, leading to cost savings.
Promotes Malaysia as a leader in sustainable coastal protection, positioning local industries for global recognition.
Creates job opportunities for local contractors and engineers, fostering investments in sustainable construction.
"With MYPODE, we’re not just solving coastal erosion problems—we’re setting new standards for green engineering," says Dr Shazril.
The MYPODE project has gained national and international recognition, including:
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Universiti Malaya and NAHRIM (National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia) in 2022.
Presentations to international experts, including HR Wallingford, UK, in collaboration with Malaysia’s Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA).
Industry partnerships support internships, workshops, and the development of further research.
These collaborations ensure continuous innovation and improvements in MYPODE’s design, testing, and scalability.
Dr Shazril and his team are currently integrating MYPODE into a coastal protection site in Kuala Terengganu, marking the first real-world deployment of a 100% Malaysian-developed concrete armour unit.
Additionally, ongoing research aims to:
Expand MYPODE’s applications to harbours, breakwaters, and offshore structures.
Refine its material composition to reduce costs further.
Attract global interest by marketing MYPODE as an exportable coastal protection solution.
"Our ultimate goal is to see MYPODE adopted in Malaysia and internationally as a standard for sustainable coastal protection," Dr Shazril emphasises.
With coastal erosion intensifying worldwide, innovative solutions like MYPODE are no longer optional; they are essential. By combining engineering excellence, environmental sustainability, and strategic industry collaboration, MYPODE is poised to redefine coastal protection for future generations.
"The success of MYPODE is a testament to Malaysia’s capability in pioneering sustainable infrastructure solutions. We invite policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to join us in scaling MYPODE’s impact beyond our shores," concludes Dr Shazril.
Dr Shazril extends his deepest gratitude to:
Prof. Ir. Dr Ubagaram Johnson Alengaram.
Prof. Dr Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Bin Abdullah.
Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr Safari Mat Desa (NAHRIM).
His postgraduate students, Ahmed Alnahhal and Mohamed Tarek
His undergraduate students are Faris, Ahmad, Amirah, Afifsyahmi, Raj, and Hazim.
His wife, Dr Nur Hanisah Binti Sarun, for her unwavering support.
Pictures:
Photos taken during the visit to HR Wallingford, UK, with the Minister of Environment and Water and delegates.
Researcher featured:
Ts. Gs. Dr Muhammad Shazril Idris Bin Ibrahim
Department of Civil Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya
T: 03-79675026
Author:
Ms Puungkodi Paramasivam
Puungkodi Paramasivam is a fast-track PhD candidate at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya, who finds solace and purpose in writing amidst the challenges of academic research. This is one of her many contributions to the UM Research Bulletin, a platform she values for showcasing groundbreaking work while allowing her to channel her creativity. Writing, she says, serves as a positive distraction from the demands of her PhD journey, enabling her to engage meaningfully with diverse fields of study. Proud to be an author under the UM Research Bulletin, Puungkodi continues to highlight innovative research and inspire others.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
Nurhazrin Zanzabir, Assistant Aministrative Officer, UM
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