ACI signs strategic MOUs with fib and ABNT at Spring 2026 ACI Concrete Convention

The signings directly align with goals in ACI’s Strategic Plan, including disseminating knowledge and engaging globally

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) announced the signing of two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with fib (International Federation for Structural Concrete) and the Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT) during the Spring 2026 ACI Concrete Convention in Rosemont, IL, USA.

The signings took place on Sunday, March 29, 2026, reinforcing ACI’s commitment to global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of concrete standards and practices worldwide.

In Rosemont, representing fib was Dr. David Fernández-Ordóñez, secretary general, fib. Representing ABNT was Dr. Julio Timerman, president of the Instituto Brasileiro do Concreto (IBRACON) and a member of the ABNT Board. Representing ACI were Maria Juenger, ACI president, and Frederick H. Grubbe, ACI executive vice president.

“These agreements represent another important step in strengthening our global allied organizations and advancing the development and harmonization of concrete standards,” said Juenger. “By collaborating with fib and ABNT, ACI continues to expand its international footprint and support innovation and best practices across the concrete industry.”

Through the MOUs, the organizations commit to improving concrete construction by making each organization's relevant technical expertise available through publications, meetings, conferences, committee membership, and other strategic initiatives.

Signed by fib President Iria L. O. Doniak and ACI President Juenger, the fib – ACI MOU renews the agreement first signed in 2015, which laid the foundation for a strong and enduring partnership. Since then, collaboration between the two organizations has steadily expanded, fostering meaningful exchanges between researchers and practitioners and giving rise to a number of joint initiatives. Among the most notable outcomes are a series of international workshops, which have not only brought together leading experts but also resulted in widely recognized technical publications.

“International collaboration lies at the very core of fib’s mission to bridge research and practice. By fostering partnerships with other international organizations, fib helps create a global platform where knowledge can be shared, aligned, and translated into practical applications,” said Doniak.

The Spring 2026 ACI Concrete Convention brought together nearly 2,300 industry professionals, researchers, and students from around the world, serving as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge in concrete design, construction, and materials.

For more information about ACI and its global initiatives, visit concrete.org.

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.