Moderators: Hassan Aoude, Mohamed A ElGawady
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a material with impressive mechanical and durability properties which can allow for more resilient, durable, and sustainable structures. One promising application of UHPC is in columns, where its high compressive capacity can allow for more efficient and compact designs. The high energy absorption capacity of UHPC also makes it ideal for seismic and extreme load applications. UHPC also shows great potential as retrofit material which can be used to strengthen and rehabilitate existing building and bridge columns.
The objective of this session is to present the latest innovative applications in UHPC columns in new and existing structures. The session will invite international speakers to share their latest research and practical applications of UHPC in columns.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Report on the performance of UHPC columns under axial and earthquake blast loads;
(2) Investigate the use of UHPC for the retrofitting of corroded columns/piles;
(3) Interpret the analysis and modelling of UHPC columns;
(4) Discuss the use of machine learning for modelling the behaviour of UHPC.
Moderators: Nathan A Tregger, Stephanie German Paal
Machine Learning-Informed Construction and Design is a new ACI committee started in Spring 2023. This session will provide an overview of the mission and objectives of the committee which include educating how machine learning methods can help improve how we analyze, visualize, and utilize data that is produced in our industry. In addition, several presentations will highlight the different applications and methods that currently exist in the concrete industry and how they can be applied to practical situations.
Learning Objectives:
(1) State the mission and objectives of the new ACI 135 committee;
(2) Explain how AI/ML can augment and enlighten lab data to produce deeper learning from both a structures and a materials perspective;
(3) Describe how AI/ML can help analyze sensor data from embedded sensors to provide benefits to the concrete industry;
(4) Discuss how AI/ML can incorporate domain knowledge (i.e. concrete knowledge) to inform and improve predictive models.
Moderators: Ala Eddin Douba, Raissa P Ferron
3D printing has exploded onto the scene of concrete construction technologies, bringing with it a renewed appreciation for workability in all its aspects. This session will cover advances and challenges in characterizing, controlling, and predicting the workability of 3D-printed concrete, from case studies to research applications. This session is suitable for people new to 3D printing, as well as those experienced with 3D printing.
Learning Objectives:
1) Capture the associated challenges with the paradigm shift to 3D-printed concrete;
2) Discuss state-of-the-art workability methods and performance requirements in fresh printable concrete;
3) Identify future needs and directions for fresh properties during the printing process until hardening;
4) Identify general guidelines for rheological quality control in 3D printed concrete.
Moderator: Mervyn J Kowalsky
This session will illustrate the benefits of deploying performance-based earthquake engineering of bridges in the central and eastern US. This will include an overview of PBEE code provisions, methods of analysis and design for PBEE of bridges, case studies of bridges designed with PBEE, and challenges for implementation.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Discuss how designers in the CEUS address seismic design of bridges;
(2) Review techniques that can be deployed for CEUS seismic design of bridges;
(3) Analyze research needs for CEUS seismic design of bridges;
(4) Explain differences between CEUS and western practice for seismic design of bridges.
First time convention attendees are invited for a continental breakfast and brief session to orient you to the week ahead. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other first time convention attendees, connect with convention mentors, and learn about what The ACI Concrete Convention has to offer.
Sponsored by ACI Committee S801 and ACI Subcommittee 440-G Moderated by Stephanie Walkup, Villanova University
In this exciting competition, students design, construct, and test a concrete structure reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars to achieve the optimal load-to-cost ratio, predict the ultimate load, and predict theoretical type of failure and load. Results and cash prizes sponsored by NEx: An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials, will be announced at the Student Awards Program on Monday. For more information on the competition and how to register, please visit www.concrete.org/students/studentcompetitions.aspx.
Chaired by ACI President Tony Nanni, Professor, University of Miami
The ACI International Forum provides an opportunity for convention attendees to meet and learn from ACI international partners, ACI chapter representatives, and ACI leadership. Attendees are encouraged to network and inquire about worldwide events, activities, initiatives, and common themes of interest to the concrete materials, design, and construction industry.
Moderator: Jussara Tanesi
The objective of this session is to present implementable recently developed QA/QC tools that can be used to achieve good quality concrete structures. This session will include research, as well as case studies, on the use of new QA/QC tools for different concrete applications. The target audience is specifiers, owners, testing agencies, producers, and contractors. The audience will learn about the importance of proper QA/QC program for achieving good quality and durable concrete, will be introduced to newly developed QA/QC tools and testing, will learn about successful implementation of these tools, as well as their weakness and potential improvements.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Identify proper QA/QC programs for achieving good quality and durable concrete;
(2) Discuss newly developed QA/QC tools and testing;
(3) Review case studies on successful implementation of QA/QC tools and testing;
(4) Recognize weakness and potential improvements of QA/QC tools and testing.
Moderators: Hassan Aoude, Mohamed A ElGawady
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a material with impressive mechanical and durability properties which can allow for more resilient, durable and sustainable structures. One promising application of UHPC is in columns, where its high compressive capacity can allow for more efficient and compact designs. The high energy absorption capacity of UHPC also makes it ideal for seismic and extreme load applications. UHPC also shows great potential as retrofit material which can be used to strengthen and rehabilitate existing building and bridge columns.
The objective of this session is to present the latest innovative applications in UHPC columns in new and existing structures. The session will invite international speakers to share their latest research and practical applications of UHPC in columns.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Analyze the performance of UHPC columns under earthquake and impact loads;
(2) Assess the use of UHPC for the seismic retrofitting of columns
(3) Discuss the design and detailing of UHPC columns;
(4) List the practical applications of UHPC in columns;
(5) Explain the use of machine learning for developing novel eco-friendly UHPC.
Moderators: Nathan A Tregger, Stephanie German Paal
Machine Learning-Informed Construction and Design is a new ACI committee started in Spring 2023. This session will provide an overview of the mission and objectives of the committee which include educating how machine learning methods can help improve how we analyze, visualize and utilize data that is produced in our industry. In addition, several presentations will highlight the different applications and methods that currently exist in the concrete industry and how they can be applied to practical situations.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Explain how AI/ML can incorporate the use of physics-based models to improve understanding of predictive models;
(2) Discuss how AI/ML can augment data-sparse systems that frequently challenge the concrete industry;
(3) Analyze how AI/ML can help improve quality of concrete through use of on-board truck sensors;
(4) Report on how AI/ML can help bridge gaps between lab and field data.
Moderators: Ala Eddin Douba, Raissa P Ferron
3D printing has exploded onto the scene of concrete construction technologies, bringing with it a renewed appreciation for workability in all its aspects. This session will cover advances and challenges in characterizing, controlling, and predicting the workability of 3D-printed concrete, from case studies to research applications. This session is suitable for people new to 3D printing, as well as those experienced with 3D printing.
Learning Objectives:
1) Identify quality control methods in testing and monitoring 3D printed concrete filaments;
2) Review practical considerations for field-testing of the rheology of extruded concrete;
3) Discuss the effect of mix design and admixtures on the rheology of printable concrete and mortars;
4) Examine the correlation between printing properties and cement rheology.
Moderator: Aparna S Deshmukh
Sponsored by Chryso and GCP (Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals)
Title: Standards Crossing Borders (What the Heck is a Roll-a-Meter?)
Speakers: Robert Lewis and Lawrence Taber
This presentation will look at the problems many organizations face as the world gets smaller and people are working in regions where standards are not what they are used to:
- How do you balance the differences between local standards and international ones - or even project-specific ones?
- How do you stop your engineers from arguing over test procedures?
- How are ACI and its partners working to level the playing field?
An example of a “clash of standards”—and the steps that resolved the situation—will be relayed, as well as how transferring back to “home ground” helped improve understanding of what needs to be considered when standards cross borders.
International Lunch Flyer
PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND. Tickets may be purchased at the ACI Registration Desk up to 24 hours prior to the event, based on availability. Please notify the ACI Registration Desk if you have any dietary restrictions.
Moderator: Claudiane M Ouellet-Plamondon
The objective of the session is to present the content of the report Additive Construction by Concrete Extrusion: An Emerging Technology Report. Those who should attend are industry professionals, academics, government, and standard representatives as well as students. The topics covered are the terminology, 3D printing processing platform, material development, quality control testing, reinforcements and anchorage, case study, and emerging questions.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Explain the terminology on additive construction by concrete extrusion;
(2) Report on the additive manufacturing platforms, material development, quality control to evaluate the performance of 3D printed concrete;
(3) Summarize the structural considerations, reinforcements and connections;
(4) Evaluate case studies 3D printing of cementitious mixtures and lessons learned.
Moderators: G Terry Harris, John J Myers
There are 3 participants that are key to improving the productivity of concrete construction. The design team, the contractor and the ready mix producer. Working together these 3 parties can significantly impact concrete construction productivity. In this session we will hear from all 3 viewpoints on how innovation in each of their fields has not only impacted their individual productivity but their partners in construction as well. We will have presentations from a ready mix company, a concrete contractor and a design professional and will then have an open question and answer panel session with all 3. There has been more innovation in designing, producing a constructing with concrete in the last 5 to 8 years than in the previous 25.
Learning Objectives:
(1) How a ready mix producer can produce more concrete with fewer trucks;
(2) How a ready mix producer uses AI to improve their productivity as well as the contractors;
(3) How the concrete contractor makes larger placements with less equipment and fewer people;
(4) Discuss innovative designs using concrete.
Moderator: Luke R Pinkerton
Session will focus on recent breakthroughs in understanding of Ancient Roman application of structural plain concrete.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Analyze ancient applications of structural plain concrete;
(2) Compare and contrast modern concrete to Roman concrete;
(3) Discuss what the industry could learn from what ancient materials;
(4) Report on how some ancient structures have exhibited durability and longevity.
Moderator: Hessam AzariJafari
During these two sessions, concrete stakeholders (including but not limited to materials producers, concrete manufacturers, structural engineers, governments, and contractors) will be educated and informed about the EPDs and LCA methods for performing environmental impact assessments and disclosing their potential environmental impacts. Basic content and progress toward developing assessment tools and guidelines will be demonstrated. Speakers will provide their insight and experience about the challenges and opportunities for using available sustainability tools concerning the performance and design criteria. Participants will also be informed about the role played by different concrete stakeholders in the evaluation and implementation of environmental impact metrics.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Interpret the development of cement environmental product declarations (EPDs) for US manufacturers;
(2) Discuss when concrete EPDs should not be compared and strategies for creating meaningful benchmarks;
(3) Evaluate the importance of considering resilience in the life cycle assessment (LCA) of buildings;
(4) Identify different LCA tools that can be used to assess the environmental impacts of concrete paving projects.
Moderator: Julissa Hidalgo
Join us for an engaging session aimed at addressing the challenges associated with varying Concrete Testing Requirements and Standard Practices across the globe. In today's interconnected world, it has become imperative for the construction industry to adapt to the expectations of international firms, who often seek adherence to their own testing procedures and construction processes. However, navigating these differences is far from straightforward. In this session, esteemed experts will share their experiences of encountering these differences while working in Europe, Latin America, and the USA.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Review some differences among some standards, and learn from the experience on how to deal with those while introducing a new construction material;
(2) Review new trends and challenges of engineers in the field, particularly when constructing high-performing structures;
(3) Discuss the crucial role that knowledge of specifications and standards plays in achieving project success;
(4) Formulate valuable insights into innovative technical approaches that can enhance construction efficiency and effectiveness.
Moderator: Kyle Austin Riding
High concrete curing temperatures above 158°F can in some cases result in a condition called delayed ettringite formation (DEF) that can cause severe cracking and concrete deterioration. Occasionally a concrete member will exceed this temperature during curing, causing concern about the potential for DEF in the member.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Discuss mechanisms that cause DEF in concrete;
(2) Discuss mitigation methods for DEF in concrete;
(3) Discuss methods to determine if DEF will be a problem for a structure that experienced high temperatures during curing;
(4)
Moderators: Corina-Maria Aldea, Mahmut Ekenel
The objective of the session is to bring together experts from around the world to discuss projects over 10 years old where fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) was successfully used and provided sustainable, resilient and durable solutions.
This session will include presentations reviewing a number of representative case studies of projects where FRC was successfully used and provided sustainable, resilient and durable solutions. Case studies will include projects over 10 years old at various geographic locations all over the work using different types of fibers, as well as hybrid solutions for a broad range of applications. Material suppliers, engineers, designers, researchers and scientists will benefit from this session.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Identify opportunities to promote and expand the use of FRC to support sustainable development;
(2) Recognize the advantages of using fibers for various applications;
(3) Discuss the benefits of using fibers to enhance long term performance of concrete with and without conventional reinforcement;
(4) Analyze real life situations to lay the foundation for Life Cycle Engineering Analysis with fiber reinforced concrete.
Moderator: Hessam AzariJafari
During these two sessions, concrete stakeholders (including but not limited to materials producers, concrete manufacturers, structural engineers, governments, and contractors) will be educated and informed about the EPDs and LCA methods for performing environmental impact assessments and disclosing their potential environmental impacts. Basic content and progress toward developing assessment tools and guidelines will be demonstrated. Speakers will provide their insight and experience about the challenges and opportunities for using available sustainability tools concerning the performance and design criteria. Participants will also be informed about the role played by different concrete stakeholders in the evaluation and implementation of environmental impact metrics.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Identify the limitations of bio-based solutions and the degree to which cement-based products can contribute to the decarbonization of the construction industry;
(2) Discuss the role of life cycle assessment (LCA) in reducing the GHG emissions from lightweight aggregate concrete products;
(3) Explain how performance improvements and mix design paradigms can reduce the GHG emissions of cement-based products;
(4) Identify pathways for validating and contributing to carbon dioxide removal by means of concrete.
Moderators: Kay Wille, Larry Rowland
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) continues to attract more researchers, engineers, architects, students and experts across disciplines due to its fascinating material properties. Although it is known that UHPC has excellent mechanical and durability properties, its effect on the sustainability of structures using UHPC technology in part or fully is often not quantifiable, yet. The development of mixture designs with lower carbon footprint is an exciting direction to further affect the sustainability impact of the material on our structures. In addition, the UHPC material properties offers to construct and maintain in a much more environmentally friendly way. The quantification is challenging and might remain challenging in the upcoming years. Research emphasizing life cycle analysis is under way to close part of the knowledge gap.
This session will invite national and international research groups, material suppliers and contractors to share new developments in sustainability of UHPC technology.
Learning Objectives:
1) Discuss about the sustainability potential of UHPC technology;
2) Recognize knowledge gaps;
3) Review new sustainable developments in use and application of UHPC;
4) Analyze the impact of UHPC on the sustainability of our future infrastructure.
The ACI Student Forum provides an opportunity for student chapters and competition teams to exchange ideas and best practices. Student speakers will deliver presentations about their university activities and achievements. A limited number of presentations spots are available. Speakers may present as a group or an individual.
The Opening Session is the official start to the ACI Convention and will begin with a welcome address by ACI President Antonio Nanni. The Opening Session will conclude with a keynote presentation, "Paradigm Shift in Tall Building Typologies | Past, Present, and Future Technologies' Impact on the New Generation of Tall Building Systems".
Don't miss out on this keynote presentation by Ahmad Abdelrazaq!
The emergence of new technologies, such as UHPC, Modular and off site construction, Structural health monitoring Programs (SHMP ), IOT, 3D printing, BIM, digital transformation in construction industry, form finding and typologies, sustainability, low CO2 footprint has major impact on the development on the development of new generation of supertall building typologies. The focus of this presentation will provide and insight on the impact of using these technologies on the future generation and typologies of supertall and mega-tall and complex buildings systems. The presentation will include case studies illustrating the benefits of these innovative technologies in reducing resources, off-site construction, sustainability benefits, reduction in CO2, while improving the overall performance and delivery of these projects, including cost and time benefits.
Immediately following the Opening Session, attendees are invited to the exhibit hall for this evening reception. Congratulate ACI Awardees, reunite with colleagues, network with new acquaintances, and learn about the products and services offered by the exhibitors. A cash bar and light refreshments will be available.
As high-strength concrete allows us to build taller and bolder structures, designs are becoming highly sensitive to the elastic modulus of the concrete. Recognizing this sensitivity, designers are more frequently specifying the elastic modulus as a quality control requirement. The logistics behind estimating and specifying the modulus, developing the concrete mix design, performing the quality control testing, and interpreting test results have led to issues on projects throughout the U.S. and worldwide.
In this session, a panel of speakers representing designers, producers, contractors, and testing laboratories will discuss their roles and the challenges they have encountered with elastic modulus. After the initial discussion, the session will open the floor to become a roundtable-style discussion with all in attendance.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Understand the motivation behind the specification of elastic modulus as a quality control requirement on projects;
(2) Identify challenges associated with developing and supplying concrete meeting an estimated elastic modulus for high-strength concrete;
(3) Discuss the logistical issues associated with testing and acceptance of elastic modulus as a quality control test;
(4) Recognize the problems that can arise during construction when as-supplied concrete does not meet the specified elastic modulus and the effects on the overall project.
Student and Young Professionals Activities Committee (SYPAC) invites all students, young professionals, and convention mentors to a casual networking exchange following the Opening Reception. Attendees will establish connections with fellow young members. Prizes will be awarded during ice breaker activities.