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: Mastering the Art of Interviewing: Strategies for Success
More information coming soon.
Chapter Officers are invited to come and enjoy a delicious hot breakfast, while networking with peers from around the world.
Moderators: Karin T OBrien, Mr Trevor Towery
This session honors the remarkable legacy of Luke and Billie Snell, whose lifelong dedication to preserving the history of concrete has left an indelible mark on the industry. More importantly, their gift is in not only telling the stories, but their manner that compels a connection way beyond the technical core of the subject. Committee 120 History has invited multiple concrete experts to present material originally researched and published by the Snells. Attendees will explore key milestones in concrete’s history, including the Oldest Concrete Street, the Erie Canal, the Hoover Dam, Graveyard Concrete, the Start of Certification, and Concrete in the Bible. These captivating stories highlight the significance of concrete in shaping modern infrastructure and culture, offering a deeper appreciation for its pivotal role in history, and the storytellers that keep their history alive.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Discover how concrete technologies has adapted through out history;
(2) Learn how concrete has contributed to human existence over millennia;
(3) Identify how concrete construction designs and construction methods have evolved;
(4) Discuss the importance of documenting concrete in history, which can provide insights into a sustainable future.
Moderator: Dr Amir Behravan
This session will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of how advanced material characterization techniques, commonly used in academic research, can be effectively applied to real-world forensic investigations of concrete failures. The focus will be on identifying the root causes of issues in both new construction and existing concrete structures. Presentations will highlight how these techniques can uncover underlying problems; help mitigate risks and improve the long-term durability of concrete. Participants will gain valuable insights into how material science tools can diagnose concrete issues, provide actionable solutions, and ultimately prevent failure. This session is designed for professionals across multiple disciplines, including consultants, contractors, engineers, researchers & scientists, material scientists. In general, anyone involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of concrete structures will benefit from attending.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Recognize frequent issues that arise during the construction phase and in existing concrete structures;
(2) Discuss the material characterization tools used to diagnose concrete-related problems;
(3) Develop insight into which forensic methods are best suited for specific types of concrete failures and understand the data they provide;
(4) Examine how concrete deterioration manifests in hardened concrete and the long-term consequences these issues may have on structural integrity;
(5) Review practical solutions to avoid future failures and improve the quality and longevity of concrete structures through proper material selection, construction practices, and monitoring techniques.
Moderator: Mr Onur Ozturk
Moderators: Aaron Allan Miller, Mrs Keila Heitmeyer
This session will be targeted for engineering students who are in the last few semesters of their academic careers as well as young professionals early in their professional careers. After attending this session, attendees will have learned of some career paths beyond the traditional structural engineering role in the concrete industry. Five young professionals will discuss their experiences in the concrete industry in the fields of material testing, business development, marketing, and more.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Learn about the diverse backgrounds of panelists and how they lead to involvement with ACI;
(2) Understand the perspectives of people from different parts of the concrete industry;
(3) Review strategies to encourage employers support for young professional involvement in ACI;
(4) Discuss the challenges of finding the career path that fits you right.
Moderator: Dr Kimberly Waggle Kramer
This mini-session features a continuation of the “From the Lab to the Field” discussion on Type IL portland-limestone cement. We will explore lessons learned from the contractor’s perspective, focusing on practical field experiences, performance expectations, and job site adjustments. The session will also highlight current research that supports the confident use of Type IL and other blended cements in a variety of applications. The focus will be sharing solutions, clarifying misconceptions, and identifying best practices to ensure successful implementation and long-term performance of blended cements in today's evolving construction environment.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Describe the practical field experiences and lessons learned by contractors using Type IL portland-limestone cement;
(2) Identify common job site challenges and solutions related to the implementation of Type IL and other blended cements;
(3) Discuss current research supporting the performance and durability of Type IL and blended cements;
(4) Evaluate best practices for successful transition from laboratory findings to real-world concrete applications.
All attendees are welcome to the Student Awards Program featuring a keynote presentation followed by the announcement of the winners of the student competition. Preregistration is not required.
Title: Matriculating in Concrete
Speaker: Henry Prenger, P.E., F.A.C.I.
Cement, Technical Service Engineer
Holcim (US) Inc.
Description:
A discussion of concepts and values that have proved invaluable over a long career in the concrete industry — many of which aren't typically covered in engineering school. This reflection includes insights gained later in my career while working with students on concrete competitions, particularly the Wilson Cup. Through these experiences, I’ve come to better understand what I wish I had known earlier in my professional journey, as well as how today’s students are inspiring confidence that the next generation of engineers will be well prepared for the challenges ahead.
Moderator: Dr 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) Increase awareness about the importance of cementation through carbonation for long-term durability;
(2) Provide a forum for exchange of ideas related to cementation through carbonation;
(3) Foster future sessions on innovative methods for cementation through carbonation;
(4) Enhance the multidisciplinary aspect of innovative cement and concrete research.
Moderator: Dr Amir Behravan
This session will provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of how advanced material characterization techniques, commonly used in academic research, can be effectively applied to real-world forensic investigations of concrete failures. The focus will be on identifying the root causes of issues in both new construction and existing concrete structures. Presentations will highlight how these techniques can uncover underlying problems; help mitigate risks and improve the long-term durability of concrete. Participants will gain valuable insights into how material science tools can diagnose concrete issues, provide actionable solutions, and ultimately prevent failure. This session is designed for professionals across multiple disciplines, including consultants, contractors, engineers, researchers & scientists, material Scientists. In general, anyone involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of concrete structures will benefit from attending.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Interpret forensic investigation data to make informed decisions about root causes and appropriate remedial actions in concrete structures;
(2) Compare and evaluate case studies of concrete failures to identify recurring patterns, contributing factors, and lessons learned;
(3) Develop action plans for implementing durability-focused practices in concrete design, construction, and maintenance based on forensic evidence and field data;
(4) Understand the role of interdisciplinary collaboration—including engineers, contractors, and materials specialists—in resolving complex concrete performance issues and preventing future failures.
Moderators: Dr Somayeh Nassiri, Mr James Mack
While the session doesn’t have a direct international theme, the topics and insights are highly relevant to an international audience. Many regions worldwide are grappling with questions about the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of extended pavement life cycles, making this session valuable for global attendees. A longer life cycle has traditionally been known as a sustainable practice by delaying reconstruction and major rehabilitation. However, questions arise whether designs exceeding 40–60 years make economic and environmental sense. Factors such as the discount rate used in life cycle cost analysis, uncertainties in future community needs and planning, electrification and automation of truck traffic, climate data, and limitations of durability prediction tools affect the viability of longer-life pavement designs. This session will explore these issues through four presentations addressing various aspects of designing concrete pavements for extended life spans and the necessary considerations.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Identify the historical factors and construction practices that contributed to the longevity of early 20th-century residential concrete pavements in California;
(2) Recognize the opportunities for applying long-life solutions throughout the concrete pavement life cycle, including new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation;
(3) Understand how to quantify economic and environmental impacts and benefits associated with rigid pavement and concrete pavement overlay solutions, and identify design and specification provisions that could support achieving benefits and limiting impacts;
(4) Understand how to apply best practices in Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to accurately compare pavement alternatives by incorporating robust rehabilitation cycles and representative economic conditions to reveal the true value of long-life pavement solutions.
Moderator: Mr Onur Ozturk
Moderators: Rachel Cook, Emma Zhang
The ACI 123 Student 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.
Moderators: Dr Ben Dymond, Dr Jacob Henschen
You learned the basics of concrete materials and structural design in your introductory course in college. Now, take home some additional design skills you probably did not see there. The goal of this sessions is to take a closer look at design of low-carbon concrete using the new ACI Code-323-24: Low-Carbon Concrete - Code Requirements and Commentary. Experts in academia and the private sector will lead the session for new or seasoned professionals.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Identify how to design low-carbon cast-in-place concrete with specified concrete strength between 2500-8000 psi;
(2) Apply ACI Code-323-24: Low-Carbon Concrete - Code Requirements and Commentary to concrete where reduced global warming potential (GWP) is required;
(3) Recognize how key terms such as cradle-to-gate, environmental product declaration (EPD), global warming potential (GWP), and life cycle assessment (LCA) related to the design of low-carbon concrete;
(4) Learn how future editions of the Code will be broader in scope as data beyond strength benchmarks and for other types of concrete becomes available.
Moderator: Dr Tara L. Cavalline
This session will provide an overview of recent research supporting mitigation of environmental concerns associated with use of recycled concrete aggregates in new infrastructure. Both bound and unbound uses will be included in the presentations, with a focus on potential impacts to water and air quality, as well as other community impacts. Case studies of the successful specification, use, and monitoring of recycled concrete aggregates will be presented, with a focus on strategies to address and mitigate potential environmental concerns.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Understand the impacts of novel recycled materials on concrete mechanical properties and durability performance;
(2) Understand the ability of RCA to serve as a construction material that can sequester carbon;
(3) Understand techniques that can be used to protect the environment when using RCA in unbound applications;
(4) Understand techniques that can be used to characterize RCA and concrete containing RCA, including mechanical properties and fresh concrete performance.
Moderator: Mr Mark Kenneth Weaver
In light of the barge impact disaster involving Baltimore’s Key Bridge in early 2024, a session is proposed with its primary objective being to highlight recent advances in the analysis and design of concrete structures for impact loads. Engineers with an interest in impact and penetration response phenomenology should attend.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Learn about recent events involving impact loading on concrete structures;
(2) Learn common scenarios where impact involving concrete structures is a design concern;
(3) Understand the scope of current research efforts aimed at investigating these scenarios;
(4) Understand what analytical methodologies are available and presently being used to address these scenarios in practice.
Moderators: Dr Mehdi Bakhshi, Dr Verya Nasri
This two-part session provides a comprehensive overview of precast concrete segmental tunnel lining systems, from design through production and construction. Presenters from industry, academia, and practice will explore critical topics including structural design, concrete technologies, fiber reinforcement, accessories, gaskets, formwork, precast production, contractor quality control, and durability-based design. Case studies and innovations from major international projects will highlight current challenges and emerging solutions. The session is designed to benefit designers, engineers, contractors, producers, owners, and young professionals engaged in underground infrastructure.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Understand the structural design principles of precast segmental tunnel linings, including load cases, limit states, and geometric optimization;
(2) Analyze how concrete material selection, mix design, early-age hydration, curing regimes and QA/QC practices influence the early-age and long-term performance, durability, and sustainability of precast tunnel segment;
(3) Assess how fiber reinforcement enhances structural performance, crack control, and production efficiency in precast tunnel segments;
(4) Trace the evolution of tunnel segment accessories and evaluate current innovations in connector technologies that enhance assembly efficiency, structural integrity, and durability in modern segmental tunnel linings;
(5) Evaluate the evolution of sealing gasket technologies in segmental tunnel linings, and assess how innovations improve watertightness, installation efficiency, and long-term durability in TBM-driven tunnels.
Moderator: Dr Shahria Alam
The use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer reinforcement in concrete columns and bridge piers has gained significant momentum as a sustainable and corrosion-resistant alternative to traditional steel reinforcement. This special session invites high-quality contributions that address recent advances in the behavior, design methodologies, numerical modeling, experimental validation, and construction practices of FRP-reinforced concrete columns and piers under various loading scenarios, including axial, lateral, seismic, and environmental conditions.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Recognize and understand the differences between conventional and FRP RC columns and piers
Identify issues related to the modeling, analysis, design, construction and performance of FRP RC columns and piers, i.e., performance through analysis, experimentation, field observation, etc. ;
(2)
Learn about current research and construction practices related to FRP RC columns and piers;
(3) Recognize existing codes and standards for the design and construction of FRP RC columns and piers;
(4)
Moderator: Mr Benoit Bissonnette
This session will discuss lessons learned from major wildfire events including the Marshall Fire in Colorado as well as the January 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires as these communities look to rebuild. Concrete, as a fire-resistant building material, can experience damage and require repair following wildfires. This session will discuss lessons learned as communities look to rebuild using existing foundations and concrete pavements remaining after the fires. The session will also cover approach to assessment of concrete to determine the extent of repair required.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Understand the potential impact of wildfires on construction in wildland-urban interface zones;
(2) Describe assessment methods for fire-damaged concrete;
(3) Understand laboratory evaluation methods for determining effects of fire on concrete;
(4) Discuss repair approaches for fire-affected concrete.
Moderator: Dr Abbas Mokhtar-zadeh
The response spectrum (RA) analysis technique is a valuable tool for finite element seismic analysis; however, its application to structures and foundations requires caution. The method's inherent technique of disregarding the sign of resultants can lead to oversimplifications and potentially inaccurate outcomes. This is especially critical when dealing with the unique characteristics of structural systems, including shear walls, floor slabs, mat foundations, and design mechanism including buckling, failure modes, and anchorage design during seismic events. In this session, practitioners and researchers present different limitations of the Response Spectrum (RS) analysis and provide practical resolutions and/or work around tips.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Explain different classes and the nature of RSA simplifications' limitations;
(2) List RSA limitations on analysis, design, combinations, failure mechanisms, and stability assessments;
(3) Discuss practical solutions for FE approximation of RSA techniques;
(4) Review alternative examples and approaches in FE dynamic analysis for practitioners.
Practical Applications of 3D Printing," is designed to provide ACI Attendees actionable insights into the rapidly evolving field of 3D printing in construction. Led by 3D printing company representatives with on-site printing experience, this session will dive into diverse topics such as materials, equipment, and standardizing protocols for training, all essential for achieving operational excellence in 3D-printed construction projects. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of current challenges and successes in the field and leave with a vision of the colleaborative effort needed to support 3D printing as a transformative construction tool.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Operational Challenges Identified: Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the practical from machine selection and material behavior to site logistics, that slow down or block widespread adoption of concrete 3D printing;
(2) Best Practices & Lessons from the Field: Panelists will share first hand experience on what has worked (and what hasn’t) in real-world deployments, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners aiming to design more robust, user-friendly systems;
(3) Bridging the Research Industry Gap: The panel will highlight disconnects between lab-based innovation and field implementation, helping guide academic efforts toward more actionable, scalable, and adoption-ready technologies;
(4) Roadmap for Workforce Integration: Discussion will revolve around the workforce implications of scaling 3DCP, what skills are needed, how training programs can be aligned, and what operational roles are critical for future job creation and industry growth.
Moderators: Dr Mehdi Bakhshi, Dr Verya Nasri
This two-part session provides a comprehensive overview of precast concrete segmental tunnel lining systems, from design through production and construction. Presenters from industry, academia, and practice will explore critical topics including structural design, concrete technologies, fiber reinforcement, accessories, gaskets, formwork, precast production, contractor quality control, and durability-based design. Case studies and innovations from major international projects will highlight current challenges and emerging solutions. The session is designed to benefit designers, engineers, contractors, producers, owners, and young professionals engaged in underground infrastructure.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Demonstrate how advanced formwork systems and automated production technologies enable dimensional accuracy, reduce manual labor, and ensure consistent quality in precast tunnel segments;
(2) Explain the production process of precast tunnel segments, including critical inputs, outputs, sub-supplier roles, and decision points that impact quality, cost, and risk;
(3) Identify how quality control measures during precast segment manufacturing influence structural integrity, long-term performance, and project outcomes, using real-world contractor case studies to illustrate the impact of overlooked production details;
(4) Assess degradation mechanisms affecting precast tunnel linings and compare prescriptive versus performance-based service life modeling to inform material selection, detailing, and long-term reliability under diverse exposure conditions.
Low-carbon concrete mixtures typically have low cementitious materials and/or high content of supplementary materials. Also, Type 1L cement contains inter-ground limestone of up to 15%. Concrete mixture with Type 1L cement and/or high content of supplementary materials usually require relatively low water-to-cementitious ratios (w/cm) to achieve satisfactory strengths and other properties such as drying shrinkage, modulus of elasticity, etc. Low water amount, low w/cm and/or low cementitious materials lead to low past volume, which can cause poor workability, poor workability retention and other related challenges.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Issues/challenges of workability and related properties of low-carbon concrete mixtures if they are not properly designed, produced and constructed;
(2) Rheological properties of low-carbon concrete mixtures containing supplementary materials;
(3) Optimization of low-carbon concrete mixtures and their applications in pilot and real structures;
(4) Admixture technologies for low-carbon concrete mixtures.
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!
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 eight 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.
Moderator: Dr Nishant Garg
This year’s ACI 123 Forum brings Baltimore’s engineering savvy to the multi-objective challenge of balancing cost, performance, serviceability, and safety in reinforced concrete design, exploring how advanced materials shift the equilibrium and reveal the curve of diminishing returns. Participants will dive into data-driven trade-off analyses to guide practical decision-making for urban infrastructure. Expect a lively, interactive atmosphere where ideas flow freely and every perspective sharpens our collective understanding. Attendees are invited to pose thought-provoking questions, share real-world experiences, and engage in spirited debate throughout the session. Whether you’re an emerging engineer, seasoned practitioner or just like Old Bay Seasoning, you’ll leave energized with new insights into the delicate art of balancing competing objectives.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Learn multi-hazard strategies for resilient reinforced-concrete design (earthquake, fire, wind, tsunami);
(2) Learn how advanced materials—3-D printed concrete, UHPC, and other high-performance concretes—can reshape resilience and life-cycle cost;
(3) Learn data-driven tools for balancing safety, serviceability, and budget in new and retrofit projects;
(4) Learn practical takeaways from recent failures and rebuilds that translate research into codes and field practice.