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The Sessions and Events schedule is now available.
H = Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor; M = Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor; and C = Baltimore Convention Center
International Session: Advances in Innovative Applications for Precast Concrete Systems
Sunday, October 26, 2025 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM, H - Holiday 1
As the global construction industry increasingly turns to prefabricated concrete systems for efficiency, sustainability, and resilience, new challenges and opportunities are emerging, especially in seismic, industrial, and marine environments. This International Session brings together leading experts from academia and industry to explore cutting-edge applications of precast concrete in high-demand structural contexts.The session builds on the themes introduced during the International Lunch where Prof. Marco Menegotto addresses historical and forward-looking perspectives on the evolution of prefabricated concrete.Topics will include near-damage-free seismic performance using all-precast column bents, innovative seismic protection strategies for large-scale industrial buildings, and the application of precast concrete in ports and coastal structures. Attendees will gain a global perspective on how prefabrication is being adapted to meet the demands of modern infrastructure.Learning Objectives:(1) Discuss the evolution and future directions of prefabricated concrete systems;(2) Examine innovative seismic design strategies using precast components;(3) Review real-world applications of precast concrete in marine and industrial environments;(4) Develop insights into international practices and standards influencing prefabricated concrete design.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.
Title Coming Soon Presented By: Amir Fam Affiliation: Queen's University Description:
Problems and Solutions for the Seismic Protection of a Very Large Prefabricated Industrial Building Presented By: Leonardo Casali Affiliation: Manini Prefabbricati S.p.A. Description: This presentation explores innovative seismic protection solutions for one of the world’s largest prefabricated industrial buildings, currently under construction in Italy to house a paper mill. Prefabricated reinforced and prestressed concrete structures pose unique challenges in seismic zones due to discontinuities at joints and limited energy dissipation mechanisms. The session will highlight how these challenges were transformed into opportunities through the use of specialized connection elements, calibrated stiffness, and dissipative devices. Attendees will gain insights into the structural configurations, construction techniques, and analytical methodologies employed to ensure seismic resilience in this strategic and complex project.
Low-Seismic Damage Bridge Bents Designed for Accelerated Bridge Construction Presented By: Jose Restrepo Affiliation: UC San Diego Description: This study presents the design, construction, and shaking table testing of a two-column bridge bent developed for accelerated bridge construction with low-seismic damage objectives. The system incorporates precast post-tensioned columns connected to precast foundation and bent caps, with each column consisting of reinforced concrete cast inside a cylindrical steel shell that serves as formwork, confinement, and shear reinforcement. The steel shell is detailed to promote a rocking interface that concentrates seismic deformation demands at the column ends. Precast foundation and cap elements contain corrugated-metal-duct lined sockets, allowing on-site grouting to form the joints. A 35%-scale bent was constructed and subjected to combined horizontal and vertical ground motion inputs on a shaking table. Testing confirmed that seismic rotations concentrated at the column ends as intended, the bent exhibited excellent recentering capability, and observed damage was minimal, thus, validating the design objectives.
Latest Innovative Precast Concrete Solutions for Seismic-Exposed Port and Coastal Infrastructures in Latin America Presented By: Jordan Lagnado Affiliation: Lberoamerican Federation of Concrete Description: The presentation will go through the latest developments in the application of precast concrete elements in port and coastal environment (wharf, bulkhead), with real executed projects in seismic-exposed areas in Latin America by the companies of Soletanche Bachy Group. We will start the journey with a deck-on-pile marginal wharf that used driven hybrid steel-concrete piles. Then two solutions of bulkheads using precast concrete sheetpiles, prestressed or not, applied as flood control barriers for the smallest, and large soil retaining structures for the largest ones. And finally a focus on the superstructure of deck-on-pile projects involving State-of-the-Art precast elements solutions to connect the elements together and to the steel tubular piles below.