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LEARNING CENTER
Bring practitioners, researchers and policy makers together to exchange the latest innovations for sustainable concrete design, construction and manufacturing.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Each session offers AIA Continuing Education and Professional Development Hours. Complete the form provided for each session to receive credits.
AWARD PROGRAM
Recognizes outstanding achievements in concrete performance and sustainability.
SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING SESSIONS
Webinars | LIVE events
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The Impact of Performance Specifications on Concrete
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Abstract: Project specifications are critical documents that outline the standards, materials, performance requirements, and installation methods for all aspects of a construction project. Despite being so critical to success, their content can often be antiquated and inefficient. As it relates to concrete, a quality performance-based specification is the single most powerful and simple thing that can be implemented to beneficiate a project, both on cost and sustainability. This session highlights how a performance-focused specification can be realized while highlighting the significant efficiency gains that can be achieved.
Presented by:
Brandon Wray
Senior Director, Building Innovations, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
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Product Spotlight - AICrete
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Unlocking AI in Concrete: From Mix Design to Real-Time Operations
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Session Abstract: AICrete is applying Artificial Intelligence to transform the way producers manage concrete. With AICreteOS, producers unify quality control and operations into one connected platform, while AggSense delivers real-time insights from aggregates. Leading producers are already experiencing measurable improvements working with AICrete—streamlining processes, reducing costs, and driving better decisions.
Discover how AI is reshaping operations today—and what it means for the future of concrete.
Presented by:
Michael Fletcher, SVP Sales & Marketing
Rick Singh, VP of Sales
Bob Olbrooks, VP of Customer Success
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Product Spotlight - Chryso
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Adfil® Fibers Reinforcing Concrete. Reinforcing innovation. Reinforcing our planet.
Session abstract: With Adfil, a global leader in synthetic fiber manufacturing, now part of our Chryso family and technical portfolio, we are advancing the frontiers of concrete performance. This webinar presents engineering-driven solutions using Adfil®Sinta, Adfil®Strux, and Adfil®Ignis fibers to address early-age shrinkage, structural ductility, and passive fire protection. We’ll share performance data and real-world applications across infrastructure and industrial-scale projects, including highway white topping overlay, precast tunnel segments, and architectural façade, highlighting how macro and microfibers deliver quantifiable benefits in durability, construction efficiency, and COâ‚‚ reduction. Participants will gain insight into fiber selection, design modeling, and integration into mix designs for resilient, specification-grade concrete.
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Presented by:
Matthias De Meyer, Adfil Technical Sales Manager
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SEP 17
11:00-13:00 eastern
SESSION 33
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​Technical Sessions
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Product Spotlight - AICrete
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Product Spotlight - Chryso
DEC 17
11:00-13:00 eastern
SESSION 36
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​Technical Sessions
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Product Spotlight - Giatec Scientific, Inc.
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Product Spotlight
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Investigating ICF Wall Construction Meeting the Requirements of NFPA 285
Description: Exterior walls play a critical role in building appearance as well as sustainability and energy performance. However, combustible components of exterior walls pose a significant risk to fire safety as they contribute to fire spread, causing fires to grow in intensity. The risks posed to life safety have been under significant focus following high profile, large loss fatal building façade fires such as Grenfell Tower, and continue to be scrutinized following the more recent fatal apartment fire in Valencia.
The International Building Code requires exterior wall assemblies with combustible cladding, insulation, or other materials in some buildings meet specific provisions for limiting vertical and lateral flame propagation by meeting NFPA 285 compliance criteria. Recent updates to these codes allow engineering analysis to confirm compliance.
Insulating Concrete Form walls combine reinforced concrete for strength and durability and expanded polystyrene insulation for energy efficiency. ICFs differ from traditional concrete construction; the forms remain in place after the concrete is cured to provide thermal insulation. The EPS insulation means these walls include combustible components.
This presentation reviews the development of NFPA 285 as well as a case study involving testing and engineering analysis of ICF wall assemblies to demonstrate compliance with updated code requirements for fire safety.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand what ICFs are and how they are being used in building construction
2. Review historical development of NFPA 285.
3. Discuss recent changes to the NFPA 285 test standard, particularly the new Annex B
4. Discuss testing and analysis of two unique ICF wall constructions and analysis
Presented by: Shamim Rashid-Sumar, PE, FSFPE, Senior Vice President, Codes and Standards, NRMCA
Ms. Rashid-Sumar is Senior Vice President, Codes and Standards for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Based in New York, she works with National Model Building Codes and Standards organizations to advocate for resilience and sustainability through non-combustible construction and provides technical support regarding codes, standards, regulations and legislation at the national, state, and local level.
Ms. Rashid-Sumar holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park. Shamim is a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and a member of the SFPE Board of Directors, where she currently serves as President-Elect.
Shamim is a principal member of several NFPA Technical Committees, including Structures, Construction, Materials, Fire Tests, and Residential Occupancies. She is also a member of the ACI 216 Committee on Fire Resistance and Fire Protection of Structures, ACI 560 Committee on Design and Construction with Insulating Concrete Forms, ASTM E05 Committee on Fire Standards, the ICC Performance Code, and the ICC Multi-Hazard Resiliency for Residential Construction Committee. Shamim currently serves as President of the Alliance for Concrete Codes and Standards.
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