ACI to present Nonmetallic Materials in Building and Construction at the 19th Middle East Corrosion Conference

10/23/2025

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) announced it will present at the 19th Middle East Corrosion Conference (MECC), November 11 – 13, 2025, at Dhahran Expo in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. William J. Gold, senior engineer and fellow at the American Concrete Institute, will lead a technical workshop on November 12 titled “Emergence and Deployment of Nonmetallic Materials in Building and Construction.”

Mr. Gold’s workshop will provide a detailed overview of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials commonly used in construction applications. It will also present several international case studies highlighting the benefits of these materials and systems. Finally, details of codes and standards used to appropriately design these systems in several applications will be presented.

The workshop will include an in-depth look at the design of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcement for new construction using ACI CODE-440.11 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete Reinforced with GFRP Bars and the Saudi Code for Structural Concrete Reinforced with GFRP Bars (SBC 311). It will also introduce the newly published ACI CODE-440.13 Strengthening Structural Concrete with FRP Systems, which is used for projects involving existing concrete structures that require additional structural capacity.

Organized by the Materials Engineering Association, AMPP Dhahran Saudi Arabia Chapter, and the Bahrain Society of Engineers, the biennial event has been a key platform for corrosion professionals since its launch in 1979. The MECC attracts delegates and industry leaders from around the world. The event features a comprehensive technical program, including workshops led by global experts, and an exhibition showcasing the latest products, solutions, and advancements in the corrosion field.

Also during the event, NEx: an ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials, will join the exhibit hall as it continues to accelerate the knowledge and use of nonmetallic materials and technology.

“At NEx, we recognize that advancing nonmetallic materials and technologies is fundamental to extending the service life and resilience of infrastructure,” said Dr. Jerzy Z. Zemajtis, executive director of NEx. “The 19th Middle East Corrosion Conference and Exhibition is important for exchanging knowledge and fostering international collaboration. Our participation in this event reflects NEx’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovation and broadening the adoption of nonmetallic solutions across the global built environment.”

For complete event information, a listing of sponsor and exhibiting organizations, and to register, visit mecconline.com.

About the American Concrete Institute:

The American Concrete Institute (ACI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the leading global authority for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, and educational, training, and certification programs. Founded in 1904, ACI is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, with a regional office in Dubai, UAE, and Resource Centers located in Southern California, the Midwest (Chicago, IL area), and the Mid-Atlantic (Baltimore, MD area). ACI has more than 90 chapters, more than 350 student chapters, and approximately 40,000 members spanning more than 120 countries. The American Concrete Institute – Always advancing®. Visit concrete.org for additional information.