ACI technical committee Chairs are expected to attend this breakfast workshop to meet with fellow Chairs, TAC members, and ACI staff to hear updates on important recent developments of interest to ACI technical committee Chairs. There will be table discussions and short presentations. If you are unable to attend, please ask the Secretary of your committee or another committee member to represent you in your absence. Attendance is by invitation only.
Title: Concrete Industry and AI: Balancing Efficiency, Quality, and Ethics
This session’s title and description were completely generated by ChatGPT. This conference session focuses on the ethical use of ChatGPT, an AI language model, in concrete engineering. We will explore the potential benefits of using ChatGPT in decision-making and problem-solving tasks, as well as the ethical implications related to bias, privacy, and accountability. The session will encourage dialogue on responsible use and best practices for development and deployment of ChatGPT in concrete engineering. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with using AI in concrete engineering, as well as practical strategies for ensuring its ethical use.
Speakers:
- Armen Amirkhanian (University of Alabama)
- Michelle Cooper (FHWA)
- Jim Mack (Cemex)
Chapter Officers are invited to come and enjoy a delicious hot breakfast, while networking with peers from around the world.
Moderators: Santiago Pujol, Kerry E Sutton
A sequence of earthquakes hit several regions in Turkey with magnitudes (Mw) of 7.8 and 7.5 on February 6, 2023. The magnitude 7.8 was the biggest earthquake since the 1939 Erzincan earthquake of the same magnitude, and second-strongest recorded after the 1668 North Anatolia Earthquake. The most devastating earthquake in the history of Turkey in terms of structural and geotechnical damage and fatalities caused, this presentation will share the investigation and preliminary analysis aftermath of this major seismic event by the ACI 133 Committee members serving on the reconnaissance team and discuss the subsequent research as well as code advancement efforts ACI is committed to as Always Advancing.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Discuss the field reconnaissance findings and the evaluation of damaged concrete structures;
(2) Identify the connection of research utilizing gathered data to create comprehensive insights;
(3) Evaluate the definitive conclusions regarding the observations discussed;
(4) Report on the applicability of ACI codes and standards and the opportunities and need for advancement of ACI programs on the International level.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderators: Juhyung Kim, Yail Jimmy Kim
The special session will focus on advances in the quantification, damage mitigation, and preservation of concrete bridges and structures. Of interest are presentations concerning a wide variety of technical aspects from laboratory experiments to field applications. Specific subjects include quantification methodologies, state-of-the-art evaluation techniques in both destructive and non-destructive approaches, mitigation strategies, and practical rehabilitation methods under assorted natural and man-made hazards such as earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, blast, and fire. Case studies are considered appropriate. The session will bring to light recent research findings and best practices and will provide an opportunity to discuss present challenges and technical demands. The session will benefit those who lead the design and construction of bridges and structures toward resilient and sustainable built environments.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Assess the recent advances in research with regard to the damage mitigation strategies;
(2) Interpret preservation methodologies for constructed concrete structures;
(3) Recognize emerging concepts in the area of structural rehabilitation;
(4) Discuss how laboratory research is translated into practice.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderators: Mohammed Albahttiti, KARTHIK PATTAJE
This session will feature presentations of original, unpublished results from ongoing research projects and leading-edge concrete technology and research throughout the world.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Learn about new novel research topics as it being conducted on various types of concrete;
(2) Gain knowledge about the use of X-ray Imaging and other means to detect the diffusion rate of chloride in concrete;
(3) Understand how the use of advanced concretes affects the experimental and analytical performance of different structural members;
(4) Investigate the micromechanical properties of geopolymer concrete.
Moderators: Keila D Lombardozzi, Colin P Rueb
This “What I Wish I Knew” Session aims to discuss the different paths available for students and young professionals after graduation. Achieving the completion of an academic degree is just the start into becoming a professional. Through the years, specializations have become more common, and a wide range of possible paths have become available. This session seeks to discuss possible paths available after graduation and share the experiences of students, young and experienced professionals. From pursuing a graduate degree to working at a small firm or working on a big company to starting your own. The “What I Wish I Knew” session looks forward to shining light on the path of the future young professionals.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Explore and discuss the different paths for recent civil engineering graduates;
(2) Provide the students with resources and criteria for choosing a path in the industry;
(3) Professionals will share their experience in choosing and changing their path in the civil engineering industry;
(4) Discuss the pros and cons of each path to raise awareness of the challenges and ease the decision-making process.
Moderator: Lawrence H Taber
In one corner we have round cylinders while in the other corner there are square cubes and the world is divided on which to use for concrete compressive strength testing! This debate has existed for many years, including within ACI. Questions regarding which to require in codes, especially codes meant for international audiences, plus what to require for certification, and how to best specify have all been raised. Come and learn some facts on what this debate is all about and where we currently stand without judgment being passed.
Learning Objectives:
1) Discuss the differences between test results using cylinders versus cubes on the same concrete;
2) Analyze what typical practice is used globally and how specifications may need to reflect this;
3) Describe the impacts to ACI metric and alternate language codes plus international certification and global partnerships;
4) Evaluate the different opinions and debate on how ACI should tackle this issue internationally.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 1 PDH (0.1 CEU). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderators: Ahmed Al-Rahmani, Raikhan Tokpatayeva
The ACI 123 Concrete Research Poster Session compliments the existing Research in Progress and Open Topic Presentation sessions and provides further opportunity for the presentation of original, unpublished results from ongoing research projects and leading-edge concrete technology throughout the world.
Sponsored by Baker Concrete Construction
All are welcome to the student awards program. Preregistration is not required to attend.
Title: Advancing Concrete to the Moon and Beyond
Speaker: Robert Thomas
Eight thousand years ago, the Nabataea Bedouins built cisterns from hydraulic lime. Five thousand years ago, the people of ancient Egypt used gypsum and lime to make masonry mortars. Two thousand years ago, the Romans built the Pantheon with hydraulic Iime and volcanic ash. Two hundred years ago, Joseph Aspdin invented portland cement. And 20 years ago, construction began on the Burj Khalifa, which now stands as not only the tallest concrete structure but also the tallest man-made structure of any kind in the world. Through thousands of years, the concrete community has continued advancing. But for thousands of years, concrete has been tethered to the Earth’s surface. Now, as NASA and the international space community advance plans for a sustained human presence on Earth’s moon, the concrete community faces a new frontier—a challenge to develop building materials to support landing pads, human habitats, and other critical infrastructure on the lunar surface and beyond. This presentation will outline the challenges and opportunities around the development of concrete materials for extraterrestrial infrastructure, focusing on the general principle of in-place resource use. Along the way, it will identify some critical lessons learned—lessons that pertain to the development of lunar concrete and to life in general.
Moderators: Jovan Tatar, Hayder A Rasheed
The objective is to familiarize ACI community with composite anchors for externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthening systems. The session will specifically focus on anchors used to enhance the performance of flexurally strengthened concrete members, attracting primarily the practitioner, researchers, and producers from the concrete repair community.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Describe different types of composite anchors used with FRP strengthening systems;
(2) Explain the role of anchors in FRP strengthening systems;
(3) Interpret the effect of anchors on load-carrying capacity, deformability, and failure mode of concrete members flexurally strengthened with externally bonded FRP;
(4) Discuss results that will lead to developing analysis and design models to account for anchorage of FRP in practice.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderator: Ali Ghahremaninezhad
There has been an increased interest in carbonation as a means for the development of construction materials in the recent years. There have been significant advances in fundamental and applied research related to carbonation curing for sustainability of concrete. The primary objective of this session is to bring together experts in both academia and industry to discuss the recent developments in cementation through carbonation. Abstracts that provide fundamental or practical contributions are invited.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Develop awareness about the importance of cementation through carbonation for long-term durability;
(2) Establish a forum for exchange of ideas related to cementation through carbonation;
(3) Organize future sessions on innovative methods for cementation through carbonation;
(4) Illustrate the multidisciplinary aspect of innovative cement and concrete research.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
People have expectations that when they enter a building, they will be safe from inherent dangers caused by natural or man-made disasters. The International Building Code (IBC) addresses that through five significant sections: code administration and enforcement, building planning, life safety, structural safety, and fire safety. The code is a set of minimum standards to protect and safeguard public health, safety and general welfare. The code requirements apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, removal and demolition of every building or structure connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Report on five significant sections: code administration and enforcement, building planning, life safety, structural safety, and fire safety;
(2) Define how the International Building code protects the structure and occupants from fire;
(3) Identify passive protection and identify active fire protection;
(4) Examine how to limit the spread of fire inside and outside of buildings.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 1 PDH (0.1 CEU). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderators: Hyeon Jong Hwang, Yail Jimmy Kim
The special session will focus on advances in the quantification, damage mitigation, and preservation of concrete bridges and structures. Of interest are presentations concerning a wide variety of technical aspects from laboratory experiments to field applications. Specific subjects include quantification methodologies, state-of-the-art evaluation techniques in both destructive and non-destructive approaches, mitigation strategies, and practical rehabilitation methods under assorted natural and man-made hazards such as earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, blast, and fire. Case studies are considered appropriate. The session will bring to light recent research findings and best practices and will provide an opportunity to discuss present challenges and technical demands. The session will benefit those who lead the design and construction of bridges and structures toward resilient and sustainable built environments.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Review the state-of-the-art of damage quantification;
(2) Identify future research topics on damage mitigation;
(3) Recognize the effort to establish a new trend in structural preservation;
(4) Summarize the impact of natural and man-made hazards.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderators: Mohammed Albahttiti, KARTHIK PATTAJE
This session will feature presentations of original, unpublished results from ongoing research projects and leading-edge concrete technology and research throughout the world.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Learn about new novel research topics as it being conducted on various types of concrete;
(2) Investigate the use of UHPC for Corrosion Free Beam-Column and the Shear Behavior of members subjected to axial loading;
(3) Gain an understanding of quasi-brittle fracture mechanics of concrete;
(4) Learn about the detection of aggregate morphology by utilizing 3D Structured Light Scanning.
Moderator: Christopher R Shearer
The objective of this session is to provide an update on recent research projects that have focused on developing strategies to better use sources of fly ash, natural pozzolans, and other supplementary cementitious materials in concrete. These materials may not meet current specifications or may have unknown performance properties. The session is aimed at researchers and practitioners who will understand how progress has been made with the latest research.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Describe new developments for use of fly ash and natural pozzolans in concrete;
(2)
Discuss how alternative supplementary cementitious material sources can affect concrete properties;
(3)
Identify how supplementary cementitious materials are used in geopolymer concrete;
(4) Describe how current ASTM/AASHTO specifications for fly ash and natural pozzolans will be updated to accommodate new material sources.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 1 PDH (0.1 CEU). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Concrete bridges may encounter various extreme events during the service lives. Such events are increasing in intensity and frequency. The sessions will include recent developments to improve bridge resiliency through design, construction, evaluation and retrofit. Both natural and man-made events, and those included/not included in AASHTO LRFD Specifications, will be considered. Bridge designers, construction companies, federal/state/local government entities, educators and students should attend the sessions.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Discuss current bridge resiliency issues;
(2) Apply design, construction, evaluation and retrofit options to enhance resiliency;
(3) Assess aspects of life-cycle benefit/costs for various options;
(4) Develop informed decision making for bridge replacement or rehabilitation to enhance resiliency.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderators: James H Hanson, Armen Amirkhanian
You learned the basics of concrete design in your introductory course in college. Now take home some additional design skills you probably did not see there. Audience is senior undergraduates, graduate students, young professionals, practitioners looking for continuing education.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Identify relevant ACI documents to address structural design problems;
(2) Apply relevant ACI documents to address structural design problems;
(3) Recognize resources at ACI headquarters to help with design questions;
(4) Identify relevant ACI technical committees related to a structural design problem.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderator: Michael G Hernandez
Overview of latest developments in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC).
Learning Objectives:
(1) Review examples of how the current IFC exchanges, when fully implemented, could provide alternative paths for concrete information delivery, thereby disrupting the conventional information communication process, noting the benefits associated with this new approach;
(2) Explain how a self-perform general contractor leverages 3D models from the design team to extract quantities and create price estimates within minutes;
(3) Summarize how concrete specialty contractor leveraged the latest technology to reduce rework, do things right the first time, and adopt changes in technology;
(4) Interpret the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute BIM Committee new documents for owners, engineers, contractors, detailers, fabricators, and placers.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderator: James M Casilio
Most professionals in the concrete industry understand that concrete will crack and expects concrete to crack; however, there seem that there is always a dispute about cracks in concrete. So, when cracking becomes a problem, who is responsible for the cracks. Some of these disputes have resulted in significant repair cost or the cost of removal of concrete structures. This program discusses the responsibilities of the design engineer, general contractor, concrete contractor, concrete producer, and others in determining which member(s) of the Project Team is responsible for resolution. This session should be attended by anyone who has ever been involved in a dispute pertaining to cracks in concrete.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Learn about the role that industries' expectations contribute to cracking issues;
(2) Understand better the role of design details within ACI 318 with respect to cracking;
(3) How can designers using ACI 350 control cracking and increase serviceability;
(4) Learn more about what contractors can and cannot do to limit cracking.
Tour Departs the Westin Hotel D Street Entrance
All attendees MUST complete and sign a waiver for entry onto the active construction site. Attendees will be given hard hats and safety vests, long pants and closed toe shoes are required by all.
Developed by Hines, South Station Tower is a 51-story, high-performance, mixed-use tower situated over Boston’s most connected and active transit hub, boasting unrivaled vehicular and public transit accessibility. With a striking, timeless, sustainability-forward design by global place maker Pelli Clarke & Partners, this new icon—rising 680 feet above one of Boston’s most seen and recognized landmarks—will redefine the Boston skyline and take center stage as the city’s center of gravity.
Moderator: Rachel J Detwiler
Improper testing of concrete delivered to the jobsite yields artificially low test results. To keep their concrete from being rejected, ready mix producers add extra cement. Not only does that increase the cost, but it also increases the carbon footprint of the concrete. In some cases it also detracts from the performance of the concrete. The objective of this session is to raise awareness of the problem and provide practical solutions. Understand what's entailed in sampling, field curing, transport, laboratory curing, and testing to ensure reliable test results. Understand how ACI and ASTM documents assign responsibilities for acceptance testing. Learn ways to clarify these responsibilities on your projects. Learn what ready mix concrete producers in Colorado are doing to encourage proper field sampling and curing.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Assess requirements for ASTM C31;
(2) Discuss the effects of deviation from ASTM C31 and C39;
(3) Identify how often performance in the field varies from the standards;
(4) Evaluate what design professionals, ready-mix concrete suppliers, and contractors can do to ensure better testing.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 1 PDH (0.1 CEU). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderator: Jon S Belkowitz
Nano particles designed for concrete have been successfully used in laboratory and field applications over the last 20 years to enhance both the strength and durability of concrete. The following session will focus on a progress update on the application of nano-based additives and admixtures in concrete.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Recognize ongoing nano-enhanced concrete research projects from a wide range of research topics that focus nanotechnologies employed in laboratories, ready-mixed concrete facilities, and concrete job sites;
(2) Discuss recent techniques, rapid mobility methods, and procedures related to aspects of nano-enhanced concrete;
(3) Describe emerging ideas in concrete research to increase cementitious efficiency and resistance to physical and chemical attack;
(4) Review the impact of the nano-engineering concrete service life.
Aim: The session will emphasize concrete field applications that have been at the forefront of construction for the last decade. Pros and cons will be discussed to facilitate a realistic view for new solutions to ongoing issues in the concrete industry.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderator: Ganesh Thiagarajan
The purpose of the session is to present the details of various chapters of the current ACI 370 primary document titled "Design of Structures for Blast". This document is currently being revised and various chapter leads will be presenting the updated version of the chapters. This session will be useful for any engineer interested in blast design, researchers, students, and government officials working on blast-related projects.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Provide an overview of the revisions incorporated into ACI 370;
(2) Provide an overview of recent developments in blast-resistant structural concrete;
(3) Compare blast resistant design procedures and protection requirements;
(4) Describe blast hardening concepts for retrofit construction.
Moderators: Kyle D Stanish, Jose Pacheco
Committee 365 has developed a Design Specification for Performing a Service Life Prediction; this new document should come out some time around the convention. The purpose of this session would be to introduce this new document to the membership and the public. This would be of interest to engineers that perform service life modeling, Owners who are increasingly requiring service life as part of their project objectives, and contractors who are increasingly required to meet the requirements established by service life modeling.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Review the newly developed document "Performing a Service Life Prediction - A Design Specification";
(2) Describe the process of performing a service life prediction;
(3) Discuss the role of different participants in the service life prediction process;
(4) Integrate a service life prediction into the construction process.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.
Moderator: James M Casilio
Most professionals in the concrete industry understand that concrete will crack and expects concrete to crack; however, there seem that there is always a dispute about cracks in concrete. So, when cracking becomes a problem, who is responsible for the cracks. Some of these disputes have resulted in significant repair cost or the cost of removal of concrete structures. This program discusses the responsibilities of the design engineer, general contractor, concrete contractor, concrete producer, and others in determining which member(s) of the Project Team is responsible for resolution. This session should be attended by anyone who has ever been involved in a dispute pertaining to cracks in concrete.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Understand better the conflicts between limiting cracking, versus scheduling and costs;
(2) What can concrete producers do or cannot do to limit cracking potential;
(3) Understand better the issues when there is a dispute over responsibility for cracks;
(4) Learn about the implications to all when cracking disputes end up in court.
Please join WACI for this reception/networking event. During this reception, the Women in ACI will introduce the winners of the Young Professional Convention Sponsorship, recognize award winning women who have made significant contributions to ACI, and share the legacy of the Women in ACI. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy food, fellowship, and fun. This event has a long history at ACI and has grown from a small gathering of women attendees to an event attended by all convention demographics. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the Concrete Art Auction Sponsored by Women in ACI. Proceeds from the auction benefit young professionals by providing the opportunity for convention registration. Please come join the Women in ACI and support young professionals!
$150 U.S. per person
Doors open/Cocktail Reception: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Awards Presentation: 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Post-Reception/Red-Carpet Photographs: 9:00 –10:00 pm
The ACI Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards will showcase and honor some of the most creative concrete projects from around the world nominated by ACI Chapters, ACI International Partners, and project team members. Project nominations were judged by industry professionals with technical expertise in each of the seven award categories. First- and second-place awards will be announced in each category, in addition to the concluding overall “Excellence” Award. Following the Awards, celebrate the accomplishments of those recognized at the red-carpet post-reception. A cash bar will be available.
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.
Moderators: Matthew Soltani, Nishant Garg
Artifical intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the concrete business. Join us as professionals from the domains of research, industry, and technology examine current uses of AI in practical technologies and offer their predictions for the future. The speakers will outline the innovative ways AI is optimizing concrete mix design, speeding manufacturing processes, enhancing structural performance, and enabling efficient concrete industry asset management. Participants will learn more about predictive modeling, structural health monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and integrating AI technologies into current processes. Participate in a panel discussion that is interactive so that you may ask questions, provide suggestions, and add to the conversation on the use of AI in practical applications. Consider possible future developments such as automated quality control, intelligent infrastructure, and data-driven design optimization.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Recognize how AI is now being used in the concrete industry to improve concrete mix design, speed up construction, improve structural performance, and allow effective asset management;
(2) Recognize the principles and applications of data-driven decision-making, structural health monitoring, predictive modeling, and the challenges in integrating AI technology into practical concrete workflows;
(3) Discuss predictive modeling, structural health monitoring, and the use of AI in practical applications;
(4) Propose future possibilities in automated quality control, intelligence infrastructure, and data-driven design optimization for the concrete industry, as well as their potential effects on the sector.
This session has been approved by AIA and ICC for 2 PDHs (0.2 CEUs). Please note: You must attend the live session for the entire duration to receive credit. On-demand sessions do not qualify for PDH/CEU credit.