ACI Concrete International Vol 45 No 8 2023

CONCRETE INTERNATIONAL
AUGUST 2023 V. 45 No. 8

V. 45 NO. 8
MIXING, PLACING & CURING
27 Concrete Polishing Council Position Statement #7:

Polishing Weak Concrete Surfaces
AUGUST 2023
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Calling all undergraduate and graduate students
in the concrete industry:
Applications for the 2024-2025

academic year are now open.
The ACI Foundation awards over $200,000 annually to students to further their
studies and provide professional exposure to the concrete industry and ACI by
funding travel to a number of ACI Concrete Conventions. Promoted globally through
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Helping meet the increasing need for ACI knowledge through
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Ci
AUGUST 2023 V. 45 No. 8
Concrete
international
The Magazine of the Concrete Community

27 CPC Position Statement #7: Polishing Weak
Concrete Surfaces
31 Is the Inside of Your Structure Safe from Corrosion?

by David G. Tepke and O. Burkan Isgor
37 Pyrrhotite in Concrete Aggregates

Is legislation ahead of science?
by Anthony F. Bentivegna, April Snyder, and Stephen M. Stacey
45 Timelines and Techniques: Finishing Practices for

Structural Lightweight Concrete Floor Slabs
by William H. Wolfe
49 Carbon-Negative Pilot
Exploring the application of sustainable carbon-storing construction
materials in CMU buildings
by Yao Wang, Mija Hubler, Rakshita Ramesh Bhat, Wil V. Srubar III,
Shane Frazier, Loren Burnett, Linfei Li, Ben Stanley, Ryan Dick, and
Sean James
54 Multiple Eurotec Concrete Batching and Cooling Plants

Support Acciona’s Largest Philippine Project
71 Concrete Q&A: Acceptance Testing of Hardened Concrete

33 ALSO FEATURING
18 Judges Announced for the Ninth Annual ACI Excellence in
Concrete Construction Awards
24 Building the Future: ACI Foundation

ACI Foundation announces ACI 201 Concrete Durability Scholarship
28 NEx insights
NEx’s Second Year of Funding
55
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www.concreteinternational.com | Ci | AUGUST 2023 3
August
Ci
Concrete international
PUBLISHER
Rex C. Donahey, PE
rex.donahey@concrete.org 46
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Keith A. Tosolt
keith.tosolt@concrete.org departments
CONCRETE INTERNATIONAL
AUGUST 2023 V. 45 No. 8
ENGINEERING EDITOR 7 President’s Memo

W. Agata Pyc
10 News
V. 45 NO. 8
agata.pyc@concrete.org
15 Calls for Papers
MANAGING EDITOR
Lacey J. Stachel 17 On the Move
lacey.stachel@concrete.org
27 Concrete Polishing Council Position Statement #7:
Polishing Weak Concrete Surfaces 57 Products & Practice
EDITOR
Demitri A. Kanellopoulos 60 Product Showcase
AUGUST 2023
demitri.kanellopoulos@concrete.org 62 What’s New from ACI

ADVERTISING For a private jet aviation hangar in 64 Industry Focus
Dan Kaste Asheville, NC, USA, the project
MCI USA required 30,000 ft2 (2790 m2) of
67 Meetings
dan.kaste@wearemci.com newly placed concrete with a specified 69 Public Discussion
Class B Level 4 polished finish.
PUBLISHING SERVICES Position Statement #7 from ASCC’s 70 Advertiser Index
SUPERVISOR Concrete Polishing Council discusses
Ryan M. Jay ACI 310.1-20 specifications related
to possible issues with polishing
EDITORS weak concrete surfaces. For more
Erin N. Azzopardi, Lauren C. Brown, information, see p. 27 (photo courtesy
Kaitlyn J. Dobberteen, Tiesha Elam, of Ryan Klacking, Syncon).
Angela R. Noelker, Kelli R. Slayden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Susan K. Esper, Ryan M. Jay,
Gail L. Tatum
Copyright © 2023 American Concrete Institute. Printed in the United States of America. All correspondence should be directed to the
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4 AUGUST 2023 | Ci | www.concreteinternational.com
Ci
American Concrete Institute
IN Board of Direction
President Directors
In Pursuit of Durability Antonio Nanni Oscar R. Antommattei Carol Hayek
T
Peter Barlow Kamal H. Khayat
Past President Michael C. Brown Robert C. Lewis
his issue of CI presents topics Board Members Arturo Gaytan Covarrubias Anton K. Schindler
related to mixing, placing, and Jeffrey W. Coleman Anthony R. DeCarlo Jr. Matthew R. Sherman
curing that pertain to durability. Cary S. Kopczynski John W. Gajda Lawrence L. Sutter
Charles K. Nmai
Current industry standard codes and
guides address conditions that cause
corrosion of steel reinforcement, Vice Presidents Executive Vice President
particularly with exterior exposure. Michael J. Paul Maria Juenger Ronald G. Burg
Many specifications are focused on
strength and water-cementitious
materials ratio (w/cm) requirements Technical Activities Educational Activities Certification Programs
and limitations on admixed chloride Committee Committee Committee
chair chair chair
contents to achieve durability. Design Carl J. Larosche Diana Arboleda Mark A. Cheek
practitioners are reminded to consider
secretary staff liaison staff liaison
the possibility that dry conditions might Matthew R. Senecal Kathryn A. Amelio John W. Nehasil
not be guaranteed for interior concrete
during the service life of a structure Theresa Ahlborn Kim D. Basham Eric Bedard
Oscar R. Antommattei Tara Cavalline Mark E. Dornak
(p. 31). Lisa R. Feldman Michael Faubel Oscar Duckworth
Residential concrete foundations Robert J. Frosch Walter H. Flood IV Steven A. Gray
in certain areas of North America Wassim M. Ghannoum Lance S. Heiliger J. Scott Keim
Mary Beth D. Hueste Samhar S. Hoz Kimberly Waggle Kramer
needed to be replaced after experienced Keith E. Kesner Kimberly Waggle Kramer Rita A. Madison
extensive cracking and loss of structural Kamal H. Khayat Robert C. Lewis Stephen E. Marchese
integrity due to an oxidation reaction Barzin Mobasher John Bret Robertson Eric Prieve
of the iron sulfide mineral pyrrhotite Anton K. Schindler Fariborz M. Tehrani Robert L. Varner
Thomas J. Van Dam
in aggregates. Understanding of the W. Jason Weiss
pyrrhotite mechanism and how to
identify it is evolving. To limit the
risk, developing a standardized testing ACI Staff & Departments
procedure is recommended, along Executive Vice President: Ronald G. Burg, ron.burg@concrete.org
with other measures (p. 37). Senior Managing Director: John C. Glumb, john.glumb@concrete.org
In the interest of sustainable
construction, proper curing extends ACI Foundation: Information Systems:
ann.masek@acifoundation.org support@concrete.org
service life. The ACI events calendar
often contains relevant information Certification: International Activities:
aci.certification@concrete.org bernie.pekor@concrete.org
(p. 67). It’s been said that one of the
cheapest and easiest things to do to Chapter Activities: Marketing:
john.conn@concrete.org julie.webb@concrete.org
improve the durability of concrete
is to ensure that it is properly cured. Engineering: Membership/Customer Service:
techinq@concrete.org acicustomerservice@concrete.org
Overlook this axiom and the overall
long-term quality of a concrete Events and Publishing Services: Professional Development:
lauren.mentz@concrete.org claire.hiltz@concrete.org
construction project is likely to suffer.
Engineers, architects, owners, and Finance and Administration: Publishing Services:
donna.halstead@concrete.org ryan.jay@concrete.org
contractors can learn more about what
Human Resources:
concrete curing resources are available lori.purdom@concrete.org
to assist them by attending an upcoming
ACI University webinar on “Discover
Curing: The Secret to Durable Concrete.”
Sustaining Members
Visit www.concrete.org/education/
See pages 8-9 for a list of ACI’s Sustaining Members.
aciuniversity.aspx to register for the
event being held on October 3, 2023. To learn more about our sustaining members, visit the ACI website at
Keith A. Tosolt www.concrete.org/membership/sustainingmembers.aspx.
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2023 Excellence in Concrete Awards Gala

Monday, October 30, 2023
Boston Convention Center & Westin Boston Waterfront, Boston, MA, USA
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2022 Overall & First Place Winner – Chau Chak Wing Museum, NSW Australia
President’s
Memo
The Two Sides of a Coin
I
wrote the June memo 45 days concrete and were hosted by Zaur Ganiev, its Board Chair.
before publication as The “Mediterranean Outreach” travel ended in Assisi, Italy,
required by the editorial where I attended the workshop on “Innovation in the
timeline and I noted my Construction Industry,” organized by the ACI Italy Chapter
“Mediterranean Outreach” and hosted by Manini Prefabbricati, one of the largest
travel plans. I am now reporting precasters in the country. Preceding the 1-day event that
back the day after the last of featured presentations by prominent academicians and
these events on June 17, 2023. practitioners, including ACI Italy Chapter President Luigi
It started in Morocco with an Coppola, was a visit to the precast concrete plant. It is truly
ACI delegation consisting of remarkable to see the efficiency and effectiveness of a modern
Bernie Pekor, Director, concrete precast plant. Bent-to-precision steel reinforcement
International Business is placed in forms with positioning guided by laser rays.
Antonio Nanni
Development; Ahmed Mhanna, Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) with optimized
ACI President Middle East Regional Director; constituents, including rapid-setting admixtures, is placed
and Randall Poston, ACI Past and machine-finished so that the full production cycle only
President. Thanks to the liaison efforts of Mohamed Idrissi, takes a day without the aid of steam or autoclave curing.
ACI Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter President Prefabrication is certainly an answer to the sustainability drive
and a native of Morocco, we held meetings in Casablanca, of our industry addressing the optimization of materials and
Rabat, and Errachidia with several stakeholders from a trade quality of construction.
organization (L’Association Marocaine de l’Industrie du Reflecting on this trip, two major considerations come to
Béton [AMIB]), the government (the Ministry of National my mind. First, I personally realized what ACI Past Presidents
Territory Planning, Land Planning, Housing and City Policy), Cary Kopczynski and Charles Nmai had repeatedly told me,
and a university (École Hassania des Travaux Publics that is: the respect and admiration that ACI draws
[EHTP]). We planted seeds for the creation of an ACI internationally. I would have never guessed the level of
Morocco Chapter (and a Student Chapter) in addition to hospitality and recognition we received everywhere we went.
signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AMIB. It made me very proud but, more importantly, made me
We then traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, for a meeting with realize the importance and relevance of what our Institute is
the officers of the ACI Turkey Chapter and the Turkish Ready all about. It is the “knowledge” that we generate and make
Mixed Concrete Association. We also visited two local available to others for the benefit, welfare, and safety of the
universities: Boğaziçi University and Istanbul Technical public. Everyone we met expressed a genuine desire to be
University (ITU). In particular, at ITU, we had a meeting with involved and engaged with ACI, and the fact that we made the
its Rector, İsmail Koyuncu, and the International Division effort of visiting their places made the difference.
Officers, thanks to the help of Mahmut Ekenel, ACI The second and equally important consideration is how
Conformity Assessment & Certification Engineer. In Istanbul, much we can learn from others. It is truly a two-sided coin:
we participated in the 2023 Fédération Internationale du we can offer a lot, but we can also receive a lot as well. It was
Béton (fib) Symposium and met with fib leadership, including remarkable to witness the eagerness of the practitioners,
the current President, Stephen Foster, Professor and Dean at officials, academics, and students we met in sharing with us
the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, and their activities, experiences, successes, dreams, and
Secretary General David Fernández-Ordóñez, to reaffirm challenges. How can we capture it all and make it part of our
current activities and discuss new opportunities between the body of knowledge is the question. As I write this memo, I am
two organizations already bound by an existing Memorandum tempted to suggest a revision of our existing tagline from
of Cooperation (MOC). Both Foster and Fernández-Ordóñez “Always advancing” to “Always learning.” I very much look
will join us at the ACI Concrete Convention – Fall 2023 in forward to many other trips, domestically and internationally,
Boston, MA, USA, to continue the in-person conversation. to continue learning. It is undoubtedly the best part of the
While in Turkey, we also visited the new Binevir Composites presidency.
factory for fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement for Antonio Nanni
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ACI SUSTAINING
The Foundation
Sustaining Members show true dedication
to advancing concrete knowledge.
The continued support from these organizations has
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MEMBERS
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Hawkins Construction and Flat Work, LLC North S.Tarr Concrete Consulting, P.C. Structural Services, Inc.
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Holcim Penetron International Ltd. The QUIKRETE Companies
Keystone Structural Concrete, LLC Phoenix Industrial TWC Concrete Services, LLC
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News
ACI Signs MOU, Hosts Workshop with AMIB Moore, Jr., ACI Fellow, former ACI Board of Direction
ACI in conjunction with the Moroccan Association of member, and a structural engineer and educator in Texas. This
Concrete Industry (AMIB) hosted a workshop, “ACI award received continued naming financial support from
Resources for Enhancing Quality Infrastructure,” in Walter P Moore in 2023.
Casablanca, Morocco, in May 2023. A memorandum of Continuing the naming financial support of this award
understanding (MOU) was also signed that will lead to strengthens ACI’s Honors and Awards program, maintaining
sustainable developments and new avenues for the local an important category of recognition to individuals in the
concrete industry. industry who strive to provide expert knowledge and
This workshop provided an introduction on ACI and encouragement to a new generation of engineers, designers,
focused on key products and services developed and and contractors.
maintained by ACI volunteers and supported by ACI staff. For more information about the ACI Awards Program, visit
Speakers shared their thoughts on how ACI products and www.concrete.org/aboutaci/honorsandawards/awards.
services are recognized and used globally to help ensure safe,
durable, and sustainable concrete projects. California Polytechnic State University, San
To learn more about ACI’s efforts in the Middle East, visit Luis Obispo Named National ASCE Concrete
www.concrete.org/middleeast. Canoe Winner for Record Seventh Time
A team of students from California Polytechnic State
Registration for the ACI Concrete Convention – University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO), CA, USA, won
Fall 2023 is now Open the 36th annual Concrete Canoe competition, which took
The ACI Concrete Convention – Fall 2023 will be held place at the annual American Society of Civil Engineers’
October 29 to November 2, 2023, in Boston, MA, USA. (ASCE) Civil Engineering Student Championships. The
Engineers, contractors, educators, manufacturers, and material school’s team of engineering students and their canoe
representatives will convene to collaborate on concrete codes, “Oceana” came out on top to win “America’s Cup of Civil
specifications, and practices. Technical and educational Engineering” for the second consecutive year after 3 days of
sessions will provide attendees with the latest research, case competitions at University of Wisconsin-Platteville,
studies, best practices, and the opportunity to earn Platteville, WI, USA. This is an ASCE-record seventh
professional development hours (PDHs). Concrete Canoe championship for the Cal Poly SLO team.
The convention schedule will include over 300 committee The team also won the competition in 2022, 2018, 2017,
meetings, more than 60 technical sessions, an industry trade 2012, 2011, and 2010.
exhibition, and networking events. The committee meetings This year’s competition was the culmination of 20 regional
are open to all attendees. Select programming will also be events across the country that took place this spring and
available on-demand to attendees who choose to participate included three Society-wide competitions to showcase a wide
remotely. array of civil engineering disciplines: the ASCE Concrete
Convention highlights include the Opening Session, ACI Canoe Competition, the ASCE Utility Engineering and
Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards Gala, ACI FRP Surveying Institute Surveying Competition, and the
Composites Student Competition, PRO: Advancing Sustainable Solutions Competition –– Envisioning a New
Productivity Day, Concrete Mixer, Student and Young Downtown.
Professional Networking Event, and President’s Reception. For ASCE’s flagship competition, Concrete Canoe, teams
Registration is open online, and discounted rates are are assessed in four areas of competition: a paper detailing the
offered until October 27, 2023. To learn more about the ACI design and construction of the canoe, oral presentations about
Concrete Convention and to register, visit aciconvention.org. the planning and creation, the final product, and canoe races.
This year’s winner of the Sustainable Solutions
ACI Receives Continued Naming Support Competition – “Envisioning a New Downtown” is the
for Walter P. Moore, Jr. Faculty Achievement Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA. This
Award competition challenges students to develop a stronger
ACI announced it received continued naming financial understanding of sustainability and learn to incorporate
support for the Walter P. Moore, Jr. Faculty Achievement sustainable solutions into everyday problems that engineers
Award. This award recognizes new faculty members for incur, such as homelessness. In this year’s competition, the
excellence and innovation in the teaching of concrete design, fictional “City of ASCE” wants to revitalize one downtown
materials, or construction. The award honors the late Walter P. block of Engineer Street. Students were tasked with turning
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News
the underused area into a gathering place for the community 22nd Annual Paul Zia Distinguished Lecture
and reimagine the surrounding spaces to create a cohesive and The 22nd Annual Paul Zia Distinguished Lecture on the
walkable corridor. Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV, USA, will be presented
This year’s winner of the ASCE/UESI Surveying on September 25, 2023, at 3 p.m. at the Stewart Theatre
Competition is Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, IN, located in the Talley Student Union on North Carolina State
USA. The surveying competition was designed in recognition University’s (NC State) campus in Raleigh, NC, USA. An
of the importance of basic surveying principles to all civil online interactive livestream will also be available. This annual
engineering projects. For the competition, students are lecture honors Professor Emeritus Paul Zia, former professor
required to use standard field and office equipment and and department head for NC State’s Department of Civil,
procedures to solve common problems encountered in the Construction, and Environmental Engineering and a structural
industry and demonstrate a clear understanding of and ability engineer who is eminent in research, professional society
to apply basic surveying principles on the jobsite and during leadership, and practice. Zia is also a Past President of ACI.
the design process. The competition also includes a Presenters include Ellen Spangler, Senior Project Manager,
topographic mapping project and presentation. Mortenson Construction, and Frank Freudenberger, Associate
For more information on the ASCE Civil Engineering Principal – Structural, Arup. The speakers will present on
Student Championships, including a list of all winners, visit various design and construction aspects of the 1.75 million ft2
www.asce.org/communities/student-members/conferences/ (163,000 m2), 65,000-seat domed Allegiant Stadium—home
asce-civil-engineering-student-championships. to the National Football League’s Las Vegas Raiders. The
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stadium features one of the largest cable net roofing structures All interested parties (specifically departments of
in North America, the first to be constructed in the United transportation, government agencies, FRC suppliers, fiber
States. manufacturers, and researchers) are invited to contribute to
For more information and to register, visit the development of the proposed standard.
https://zialecture.com. This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goal #12 on responsible consumption and
Proposed ASTM Standard Will Support Fiber- production.
Reinforced Concrete ASTM International welcomes participation in the
ASTM Committee C09, Concrete and Concrete development of its standards. Become a member at
Aggregates, is developing a proposed standard (WK73384) www.astm.org/JOIN.
that will evaluate the tensile performance of fiber-reinforced
concrete (FRC) using cylindrical specimens with double- Early-Bird Registration Opens for the ICC’s
punch loading. 2023 Annual Conference and Expo
The proposed standard contains “pre- and post-peak tensile Registration is now open for the International Code
properties (that) hold great significance in FRC and ultra- Council’s (ICC’s) Annual Conference and Expo to be held
high-performance concrete (UHPC). These properties serve as October 8-11, 2023, in St. Louis, MO, USA. The event offers
the fundamental characteristics of FRC and UHPC, playing a educational sessions, networking events, speakers, and
vital role in determining the capacities and failure modes of opportunities to volunteer in the local community.
structural members constructed from these materials,” said The conference will provide attendees with the opportunity
ASTM International member Shih-Ho (Simon) Chao. He adds to expand their knowledge and expertise with events such as
that FRC and UHPC provide an enhanced durability over building tours and insight sessions where they can earn CEUs.
conventional concrete, which “has the potential to encourage This year’s keynote speaker is Tamara Robertson, an
the adoption of these durable materials, thereby promoting accomplished engineer, Emmy-nominated producer, and star
sustainable development within society, particularly in terms of the TV show “MythBusters.”
of sustainable infrastructure.” Participants can take advantage of early-bird discounts by
This method is primarily based on the double-punch test registering before August 31, 2023. Those who register early
(DPT). “The double-punch test, outlined in the proposed for the full conference will receive a complimentary
standard, uses a simple apparatus and procedure, providing a conference polo shirt.
convenient method for obtaining these tensile properties. This For more information, visit www.iccsafe.org/conference.
test method is well-suited for routine testing purposes and
exhibits low variability in its results,” said Chao, a Professor UN General Secretary Backs Cement and
of civil engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington. Concrete Leaders in United Rallying Call for
Action on Net Zero
A call for “sustained and immediate” action on net zero
Advertise
came as 200 cement and concrete industry leaders gathered
Ci
for a major international conference in Zurich, Switzerland.
Cement and concrete are seen as vital to achieving United
Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. Global Cement
and Concrete Association (GCCA) is leading industry worldwide
in
efforts to reach net zero through its 2050 Net Zero Roadmap.
The Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres, has
issued a call to action, alongside the CEOs of major cement
For more information, contact and concrete manufacturers, for the industry to redouble its
efforts, and to work in partnership with governments, to reach
Dan Kaste, Account Executive net zero. The united rallying call has been made by the Chief
Executive of the GCCA, Thomas Guillot, together with the
Email: dan.kaste@wearemci.com leaders of GCCA member companies.
MCI USA: +1.410.584.8355 Addressing around 200 industry leaders from across the
globe who gathered in Zurich, Guillot said: “We applaud all
the action our members are taking to implement carbon-
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News
cutting measures and the latest data shows emissions are industry, including ending the use of coal-fired power in
coming down. But many challenges remain, which we must cement production, working more closely with governments,
overcome, if we are to achieve net zero, including enabling especially G20 countries, to speed up decarbonization, and
polices and regulations from governments across the world, setting ambitious emission targets and transition plans, in line
which often don’t yet exist.” with UN guidelines.
“So today, I urge every manufacturer across the world, who
has not yet done so, to join our pledge to eliminate emissions In Remembrance
by 2050. But I also implore all governments to work with our Ben E. Edwards III passed away on May 30, 2023, at the
essential industry, to deliver the policy framework that can age of 87. He served in the concrete chemistry industry more
create the favorable conditions to unlock the transition.” than 50 years. Edwards worked in research labs in New York,
And speaking via video to the conference, UN Secretary NY, USA; San Antonio, TX, USA; and Chicago, IL, USA. He
General Guterres supported the call for maximum action also served as faculty at the University of North Carolina at
toward net zero, saying he wanted to see “concrete pledges Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA, and Appalachian State
from the concrete industry.” He told the conference that University, Boone, NC. Edwards was a member of ACI
concrete is “fundamental to building a better world…and we Committee 308, Curing Concrete. He received his degree in
have no time to lose, if we are to limit the global temperature chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
rise to 1.5 degrees centigrade [2.7°F].” Cambridge, MA, USA, and his PhD in biochemistry from the
The UN Secretary General set out three goals for the University of Indiana Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA.
The brand new ACI CODE-440.11-22 is the

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The code provides minimum requirements

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requirements of ASTM D7957/D7957M-22.
To learn more or purchase, visit

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Calls for
Papers
Structural Performance of Additively series (which started in 1958) on creep, shrinkage, and
Constructed Concrete durability of concrete and concrete structures. The conference
Meetings: Two 2-hour oral presentation sessions titled will offer an opportunity to debate the latest discoveries in the
“Structural Performance of Additively Constructed Concrete,” mechanics and physics of creep. The conference aims to bring
at the ACI Concrete Convention – Spring 2024 in New together physicists, mechanicians, and engineers performing
Orleans, LA, USA; sponsored by ACI Committee 564, 3-D experimental work and computational modeling over multiple
Printing with Cementitious Materials. scales. New challenges emerging in the field of time-
Solicited: The purpose of these sessions is to offer authors/ dependent concrete behavior will also be discussed.
speakers an open forum to present recent technical Understanding and controlling creep in engineering is
information relevant to the structural performance of becoming increasingly important with the introduction of new
additively constructed concrete, for example, three- cements and binders for concrete. Furthermore, the increased
dimensional (3-D) printed concrete. The anticipated use of recycled or waste components in concrete requires a
presentation time is 20 minutes. revision of the creep formulas used in practice. The
Requirements: 1) presentation title; 2) author/speaker introduction of additive manufacturing in the concrete
name(s), job title, organization, and email; 3) corresponding industry introduces new challenges concerning creep of
author/speaker name and email; 4) information and affiliation concrete.
of co-authors; 5) intent to submit a paper for publication in a Requirements: For more information, visit
special issue of the ACI Structural Journal (yes/no); and www.aanmelder.nl/129439.
6) abstract of 150 to 250 words. Deadline: Abstracts are due by October 31, 2023.
Deadline: Abstracts should be emailed to both moderators
by August 15, 2023, 5 p.m. EST, with “Abstract for ACI SMAR 2024
564-Spring24” included in the subject line. Author(s)/ Meeting: The 7th International Conference on Smart
speaker(s) will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis. Monitoring, Assessment and Rehabilitation of Civil Structures
Send to: Sriramya Nair, Cornell University, sn599@ (SMAR 2024) will be held September 4-6, 2024, in Salerno,
cornell.edu; and Eric Kreiger, U.S. Army Engineer Research Italy.
and Development Center, eric.l.kreiger@erdc.dren.mil. Solicited: SMAR 2024 will provide a forum for
international scientists, engineers, enterprisers, and
fib ICCS 2024 infrastructure managers to present and discuss the state of the
Meeting: The 4th International Conference on Concrete practice and recent advances in testing and monitoring
Sustainability (fib ICCS2024) will be held September 11-13, technology, structural modeling and assessment methods, and
2024, in Guimarães, Portugal. the application of advanced materials for structural
Solicited: The conference will bring together engineers, rehabilitation. The main conference topics include structural
researchers, academics, producers, investors, and developers health monitoring, performance and damage assessment,
to discuss sustainability issues related to concrete structures damage control, structural strengthening and repair, durability
and associated technologies. The conference topics include issues as related to harsh environments, shape memory alloys
design and assessment, advanced materials, modeling and in civil structures, practical applications and case studies, and
analyses, durability, life-cycle design, through-life visionary concepts.
management and care, resilience, dismantlement, reuse and Requirements: For more information, visit
recycling, innovation in buildings and civil structures, and www.smar2024.org.
case studies. Deadline: Abstracts are due by October 31, 2023.
For more information, visit www.fibiccs.org.
Requirements: Abstracts of 150 to 250 words in English
shall be submitted electronically at www.conftool.org/
fibiccs24.
Deadline: Abstracts are due by September 15, 2023. Calls for Papers: Submission Guidelines
Calls for papers should be submitted no later than 3 months prior to the
deadline for abstracts. Please send meeting information, papers/presentations
CONCREEP12 being solicited, abstract requirements, and deadline, along with full contact
Meeting: CONCREEP12 will be held June 5-7, 2024, in information to: Lacey Stachel, Managing Editor, Concrete International,
Delft, the Netherlands. 38800 Country Club Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331; email: lacey.stachel@
concrete.org. Visit www.callforpapers.concrete.org for more information.
Solicited: CONCREEP12 will be the 12th conference in a
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ACI 318 PLUS
Subscribe Today!
SUBSCRIBE TODAY: An annual subscription that provides users with digital

interactive access to ACI CODE-318-19(22), “Building Code Requirements for
Structural Concrete and Commentary,” along with in-document access to
related resources and enhanced digital search features through all code
provisions and commentary.
Includes full, digital interactive access to the ACI Detailing Manual and the
ACI Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook. Subscribers can make digital
notes alongside ACI CODE-318-19(22) provisions and commentary, and navi-
gate content by section, by chapter, and/or by provision.
For access and to subscribe, visit www.concrete.org/ACI318.
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On the
Move
Bekki Missaggia joined the Precast/ in OHM Advisors being named ACEC/Michigan 2020 and
Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) as its 2013 Firm of the Year.
new Education Manager. Missaggia will Kramer’s commitment to council members grew alongside
spearhead PCI’s numerous educational his corporate responsibilities, having served ACEC/
activities. These include PCI’s Quality Michigan’s Board of Directors in several governance roles
Control training, the Online Academy before becoming the 2023-2024 President. He is excited to
continuing education series, the PCI apply his deep-rooted passion in a greater capacity to support
eLearning Center platform containing ACEC/Michigan’s efforts that allow Michigan residents to
Missaggia hundreds of courses for members and drink clean water, travel safely and efficiently, visit state and
nonmembers, and the annual student Big local parks, and carry out business in safe public and private
Beam Competition. buildings.
Missaggia most recently was the Learning Management
System Manager with the American Planning Association, a The Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association
nonprofit association of more than 30,000 professional (PACA) announced that ACI member Susan Armstrong has
planners. She also has held education positions with the joined the association in a newly formed role as the Director
Academy of General Dentistry and had a stint with the of Specifications and Sustainability.
William Wrigley Jr. Company. In this role, Armstrong will be responsible for improving
the residential and commercial market for aggregates, ready
ACI member Bruce J. Christensen mixed concrete, and cement by educating and building
was named President of Master Builders relationships with specifiers, owners, developers, and
Solutions in the United States and contractors by reducing roadblocks created by inefficient and
Canada. He succeeds Brian Denys, who outdated or improper specifications and codes.
was the former President of MBCC
Group Americas. Apache Industrial Services, a provider of industrial
Christensen has spent 30 years contracting services including scaffolding, coatings,
working in various roles within the fireproofing, insulation, and technical maintenance services,
Christensen
company in North America, Asia, and promoted Cathey Perkins to Senior Vice President of
Europe. He most recently served as Specialized Technical Services. She will lead Specialized
Senior Vice President of Business Management, where he led Technical Services for the organization, including Apache’s
the commercial side of the admixtures business. forming and shoring technology, Allform.
Christensen received his bachelor’s degrees in chemical Perkins is an Association for Materials Protection and
engineering and materials science and engineering from the Performance Senior Certified Coatings Inspector and
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. He Protective Coating Specialist. During her tenure at Apache,
received his PhD in materials and engineering from Perkins led the development of quality infrastructure and
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA, where he processes through training, knowledge sharing, coaching, and
studied portland cement chemistry and concrete technology. technical support that provided processes and procedures to
drive the business forward.
The American Council of Engineering
Companies of Michigan (ACEC/Michigan) Honors & Awards
announced Jon Kramer from OHM The American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA)
Advisors as its 2023-2024 President. announced the recipients of the 2022 ACPA Awards. ACPA
Kramer joined architecture, presented Dianne McCreary with the Safe Operator of the
engineering, and planning firm OHM Year Award.
Advisors as an intern and has held For more than 20 years, McCreary has worked as a
numerous leadership positions—including Concrete Pump Operator for Blanchet Concrete Pumping, LLC,
Kramer
Vice President of Engineering, OHM’s Laurel, MD, USA. She has a perfect safety record and often
first-ever Chief Operating Officer, and plays a critical role in training and mentoring new employees.
now President—in which he has applied a big-picture, From setup to placing decks, her commitment to the safety
forward-thinking philosophy across the firm’s growing of every team member on the jobsite is demonstrated by
regional footprint of 18 offices. His leadership efforts resulted example and over the radio.
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Judges Announced for the
Ninth Annual ACI
Excellence in Concrete
Construction Awards
A
t the ACI Concrete Convention – Fall 2023 in Boston, infrastructure rehabilitation, technology transfer, techno-
MA, USA, ACI will host the ninth annual Excellence marketing, and exploratory work with new materials. She
in Concrete Construction Awards. Designed as a has authored and co-authored over 60 publications in
platform to recognize exceptional concrete from around the international technical journals, conference proceedings, and
world, projects are nominated by ACI’s network of chapters books. Aldea has made numerous conference presentations
and International Partners, as well as self-nominations, in the and other contributions to international organizations, such
following seven categories: as ACI, RILEM, Materials Research Society (MRS), and the
• Low-Rise Structures (up to three stories); American Ceramic Society (ACerS).
• Mid-Rise Structures (four to 15 stories);
• High-Rise Structures (more than 15 stories); William (Bill) Fee, Thomas Concrete
• Decorative Concrete; Fee has worked at Thomas Concrete as
• Flatwork; a Technical Services Manager since 2013.
• Infrastructure; and He coordinates quality assurance
• Repair and Restoration. activities, minimizes quality problems,
To evaluate the nominated projects, volunteers from ACI’s and eliminates claims against Thomas
network of industry experts select the first- and second-place Concrete for all plants in the Coastal
projects in each category. On the night of the awards gala, one Division. Fee is active with the Carolinas
project will be named as the Overall Excellence winner. Ready Mixed Concrete Association
The judges for the 2023 ACI Excellence in Concrete Fee (CRMCA) Technical Committee and is an
Construction Awards are: ACI Carolinas Chapter Board member.
He has a strong technical background in the concrete industry
Low-Rise Structures and a great understanding of concrete admixtures.
Corina-Maria Aldea, WSP E&I Canada
Aldea is Principal Engineer of Takafumi Noguchi, The University of Tokyo
Materials at WSP E&I Canada. She has Noguchi is a member of ACI
more than 30 years of combined Committee 130, Sustainability of
technical, research, industrial, Concrete. He has received numerous
consulting, management, and academic awards, including the 2013 Japan Society
international experience in various areas of Civil Engineers Publication Award;
of civil and building materials 2017 ACI Excellence in Concrete
engineering. She held Senior Executive Construction Award; and 2019 Society of
Aldea positions at international technology- Materials Science, Japan Paper Prize.
driven organizations, initiating and Noguchi Noguchi received his bachelor’s,
managing global technical, research, and development master’s, and doctoral degrees from the
projects. Her areas of expertise include materials Department of Architecture at the University of Tokyo, Tokyo,
engineering, cement-based composites technology, Japan, in 1985, 1987, and 1995, respectively.
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Alex Salcedo, ARIAS & Associates, Inc. the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA)
Salcedo has almost 30 years of Executive Board of Directors as
experience and has been the Director of Secretary. He was Co-Chair of the TCA
Laboratory Services at ARIAS for 17 convention host committee for the event
years. He is responsible for the technical held in Atlanta, GA, USA, in 2019. He is
quality of the laboratory testing an industry advisor to the Auburn
performed by ARIAS. His laboratory University Building Science and
experience includes testing of asphaltic Construction program and a member of a
concrete, concrete, soils, masonry, and Galloway group of Auburn Executives based out of
Salcedo aggregates. Salcedo’s field experience Atlanta called “The Oaks.” Galloway
includes monitoring of foundation received his bachelor’s degree in building construction from
installations; observation of reinforcing bar and concrete the McWhorter School of Building Science at Auburn
placements; observation of post-tensioning; testing concrete; University, Auburn, AL, USA, in 1996.
and testing in-place density of soil, aggregate, and asphalt.
Tarek Khan, Master Builders Solutions US LLC
Mid-Rise Structures Khan is a civil engineer with over 40
Larry Arthur, Specification Products years of experience in the concrete
Arthur serves as the Vice President of materials and concrete construction
Technical Services for Specification industry. He is a Fellow of ACI with a
Products and has held this position since variety of experiences in his career. Khan
January 2020. He has 15 years of has helped ready mixed concrete and
experience in the concrete industry, with precast concrete producers, contractors,
10 of those years serving as the Corporate owners, architects, and structural
Concrete Quality Manager for Wilhelm Khan engineers complete numerous
Construction—a large concrete contractor challenging structures. His work includes
Arthur in the Midwest United States. Arthur architectural, decorative, and high-performance concrete for
received his associate’s degree in civil structures, bridges, tunnels, mid-rise and high-rise buildings,
engineering from Ivy Tech State College, Indianapolis, IN, roadways, and single-family homes. He has served twice as a
USA, and his bachelor’s degree in construction engineering judge for the ACI Northern California and Western Nevada
from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. He is a Past Chapter’s Projects of the Year Awards. Within ACI, Khan has
President of the ACI Indiana Chapter and serves as the served on numerous technical, certification, education, and
chapter’s Director of Education. In addition, he serves as an Board committees during his almost 40 years of membership.
Adjunct Professor at Ivy Tech State College, teaching
concrete technology. Arthur is a proud disabled U.S. Marine High-Rise Structures
Corps Veteran. Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Bechtel Corporation
(India Office)
Joshua Carroll, Spray-Lock Concrete Protection Bhattacharya is an Engineering
Carroll is Director of Technical Service Specialist with Bechtel Corporation (India
and Research & Development at Spray- Office) and has 19 years of experience in
Lock Concrete Protection, a producer of engineering team management,
colloidal silica. Prior to 2017, he spent engineering site support, and structural
over 23 years working with construction design engineering. He received his BE in
materials engineering and testing civil engineering and his MTech degree in
companies. Carroll is a member of several structural engineering from the Indian
ACI and ASTM International committees, Bhattacharya Institute of Engineering Science and
Carroll including serving as Chair of ACI Technology, Howrah, West Bengal, India,
Committee 308, Curing Concrete. He also in 2002 and 2007, respectively. He has contributed to
maintains several ACI and International Code Council (ICC) numerous technical papers and is a member of several
certifications in construction materials and inspection. professional organizations, including ACI and the American
Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Rick Galloway, Martin Concrete Construction
Based on his early, extensive concrete experience, Samhar Hoz, International Code Council
Galloway joined Martin Concrete Construction in 1998 and is Hoz is a Structural Engineer with the International Code
now the Executive Vice President. He served as the ACI Council (ICC) and has over 10 years of combined experience
Georgia Chapter President in 2022. Galloway also serves on in civil/construction/structural engineering, including
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multistory buildings. She has experience C641, Decorative Concrete Finisher Certification. Branum
in the United States and internationally, was inducted by Concrete Décor magazine to its Decorative
including the Middle East, Australia, the Concrete Hall of Fame in 2012.
Philippines, Canada, and New Zealand.
Hoz is a regular presenter at ACI Arturo Gaytan Covarrubias, CEMEX
Concrete Conventions and serves as Chair Gaytan Covarrubias has almost 20
of ACI Committee S801, Student years of experience and is the
Competitions, and as a member of several Sustainability and Innovation National
Hoz ACI committees. Manager at CEMEX. Prior to this, his
experience was in process and
Andrés Matos, Shannon & Wilson, Inc. certification management. He has
Matos is a Geotechnical Engineer with previously held positions as Process
Shannon & Wilson in the Chicago, IL, Management and Certification National
USA-office and is responsible for Gaytan Covarrubias Manager, National Laboratory Manager,
business development in the Midwest. He Quality Assurance Researcher, and
oversees the field operations, including Project Management Engineer. Gaytan Covarrubias is the
drilling, sampling, and performing President and Founder of the Mexican Institute for
specialized testing. In this capacity, he Sustainable Concrete. He is a certified ACI Concrete Field
assists the design team in the analysis and Testing Technician – Grade I, Concrete Construction Special
Matos recommendations for design and Inspector, and Specialty Commercial/Industrial Concrete
construction of deep foundations. Matos Flatwork Technician. He received the 2021 ACI Henry C.
is also responsible for the concrete and shotcrete quality Turner Medal. Gaytan Covarrubias completed programs in
assurance/quality control procedures specifications. In “Sustainability: Strategies and Opportunities in Industry” at
addition, he is the ACI Illinois Chapter Vice President. the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA,
USA, in 2021. He received his master’s degree in quality and
Anita Sircar, Michael Baker International productivity from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios
Sircar is an Architecture Department Superiores de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico.
Head with over 25 years of experience in
design and construction of high-rise, Sivakumar Kandasami, Larsen & Toubro
large-scale office buildings and high-rise Kandasami is a civil/structural
multifamily, hospitality, institutional, and engineer with experience in concrete
mixed-use projects in the United States. durability design for a variety of
Sircar supervises award-winning projects infrastructure. At Larsen & Toubro, an
with creative planning and design. As a Indian multinational technology,
Sircar Project Director possessing strong engineering, and construction firm, he
leadership skills, she is committed to oversees on-site concrete operations and
contract management and fully engaged in the business is a liaison with other teams, including
development of the firm, expanding the firm’s relationship Kandasami formwork and structural design.
with clients and the community to increase market share. Kandasami is a Fellow of the Institution
Sircar is a member of the American Institute of Architects of Engineers (India) and the Institute of Concrete Technology
(AIA). (UK). He is a member of ACI, ASTM International, and the
Indian Concrete Institute (ICI). He received his PhD from the
Decorative Concrete University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
Clark Branum, Advanced Concrete Coatings
Branum has about 40 years of Jin Ping Lu, Hitchins International Pte Ltd.
experience in the concrete industry and Lu is the Managing Director of
became involved with decorative concrete Hitchins International Pte Ltd., Singapore.
in 1990. He also has 12 years of He has more than 30 years of experience
experience with polished concrete. working in research and development,
Branum is a contributing consultant and testing, and technical consultancy for
trainer for the Concrete Preservation construction materials. He was a Lecturer
Institute, helping with historical in the Department of Construction
Branum architectural repairs and aesthetics. He is Materials at Tongji University, Shanghai,
Chair of Joint ACI-ASCC Committee Lu
China, from 1988 to 1994. Lu is the ACI
310, Decorative Concrete, and a member of ACI Committee Singapore Chapter President and serves
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as an advisory committee member of the Temasek W. James Wilde, Texas State University
Polytechnic, School of Applied Science, Singapore. He has Wilde is the Chair of the Department
presented 60 papers at various international conferences. of Engineering Technology at Texas
State University, San Marcos, TX, USA.
Flatwork He previously served as Interim Director
Katie Blaalid, PNA Construction Technologies, Inc. of the Concrete Industry Management
Blaalid is a Territory Manager with program. Wilde is active in several ACI
PNA Construction Technologies, Inc. She committees. When he was a faculty
previously was a Sales Representative for member at Minnesota State University,
Oldcastle Infrastructure. Blaalid is active Wilde he was a judge for the American Council
in the Women in Construction Denver of Engineering Companies of Minnesota
Chapter and has served as a Board Engineering Project of the Year. Wilde received his PhD at
member. She received her BS and MS The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, and is a
from the University of South Dakota, licensed professional engineer in Minnesota and Utah.
Blaalid Vermillion, SD, USA.
Infrastructure
Frank Kozeliski, Kozeliski Consulting Michael Faubel, Landmark Structures
Kozeliski is a Consultant and Faubel leads Technical Services and
Materials Engineer and previously Quality for Landmark Structures, a
owned Gallup Sand and Gravel. He has specialty construction and composite
been an ACI member for 54 years and elevated tank constructor in Fort Worth,
became an ACI Honorary Member in TX, USA. Faubel is a Fellow of ACI and
2018. Kozeliski has also been involved Chair of ACI Committees 305, Hot
with the ACI New Mexico Chapter since Weather Concreting, and 371, Elevated
its inception. He served as Chair of ACI Tanks with Concrete Pedestals. He serves
Kozeliski Committee 211, Proportioning Concrete Faubel on various task groups for ACI
Mixtures, and is a member of ACI Committees 303, Architectural Cast-in-
Committees 229, Controlled Low-Strength Materials; 305, Place Concrete; 306, Cold Weather Concreting; and 308,
Hot Weather Concreting; 308, Curing Concrete; 330, Curing Concrete. He also is a member of ACI Committees
Concrete Parking Lots and Site Paving; 555, Concrete with 124, Concrete Aesthetics, and 228, Nondestructive Testing of
Recycled Materials; and S801, Student Competitions. He Concrete. Faubel served as the ACI Northeast Texas Chapter
also is an ASCE Life member, ASTM International 50-plus President in 2007. He was certified as an NRMCA Concrete
year member, as well as several other professional Technologist Level III in 2001 and Level IV in 2020, and is
organizations. Kozeliski received his BS and MS in civil also a current NACE CIP Level 3 coating inspector.
engineering from New Mexico State University, Las Cruces,
NM, USA, and is a licensed professional engineer in Mohamed Mahgoub, New Jersey Institute of
Alabama, Texas, and New Mexico. Technology
Mahgoub is an Associate Professor and
Alvaro Ruiz Emparanza, Mafic USA, LLC Concrete Industry Management Program
Ruiz Emparanza is the Director of Director at New Jersey Institute of
Engineering and Business Development Technology (NJIT), Newark, NJ, USA.
at Mafic USA, LLC. He oversees He is an expert in bridge rehabilitation,
engineering projects and assesses new inspection, rating, design, and analysis.
business opportunities for basalt fiber He received his master’s degree from
products in construction. Ruiz Emparanza McMaster University, Hamilton, ON,
is a past Chair of ACI Committee S805, Mahgoub Canada, and his doctorate from Carleton
Student Leadership Council. He is a University, Ottawa, ON. He has filed a
member of several other ACI committees. patent by NJIT titled, “A Proposed Test Method for Rapid
Ruiz Emparanza
His research interests include the Measurement of Fines Content in Soil.” This patent will allow
durability assessment of alternative enhanced soil classification by determining fines content in 5
reinforcement systems for concrete structures, such as to 15 minutes, depending on soil type, instead of the 48-hour
fiber-reinforced polymer reinforcing bars. Ruiz Emparanza method currently used. He has served as Chair of ACI
was a recipient of the ACI Foundation Presidents’ Fellowship. Committee 555, Concrete with Recycled Materials, for two
He received his PhD in civil engineering from the University 3-year terms. Mahgoub has also been appointed as the ACI
of Miami, Miami, FL, USA. New Jersey Chapter Vice President.
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François Toutlemonde, Gustave Eiffel University International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) in 1987. Barlow
Toutlemonde is a Chief Scientist in the is Chair of ACI Innovation Task Group (ITG), Statistical
Materials and Structures Department at Techniques for Assessment of Existing Concrete Structures.
Gustave Eiffel University, Champs-sur- He is also a member of the ACI TAC Repair and
Marne, France. He is the ACI Paris Rehabilitation Committee; ACI Committees 224, Cracking;
Chapter President and a member of ACI and 364, Rehabilitation; and SCG-WA Washington Initiatives
Committee 239, Ultra-High-Performance Collaboration Group. He has previously been an Excellence in
Concrete. A research engineer since 1989 Concrete Construction Awards judge and often reviews
in the field of concrete materials and civil journals and other industry documents. Barlow also serves on
Toutlemonde structures, Toutlemonde is involved in the Board of the Structural Engineers Foundation of
research and development efforts for Washington (SEFW) and the Central Washington University
innovations in concrete. He has 75 scientific papers published Foundation Board.
in peer-reviewed journals and has co-authored six books,
technical guides, or recommendations. Toutlemonde is a José Izquierdo-Encarnación, PORTICUS CSP
member of the French and European standardization and A civil engineer by education and
experts’ committees for concrete and concrete structures. profession, Izquierdo-Encarnación has
served in the industry for over 40 years.
Rick Yelton, World of Concrete Formerly the Secretary of State and
Yelton is Editor-at-Large for World of Secretary of Transportation and Public
Concrete. In this role, he coordinates Works for the Commonwealth of Puerto
educational and on-site activities with Rico, he is Principal of PORTICUS CSP,
cosponsors, education partners, an engineering consulting firm in Río
attendees, and exhibitors. Yelton is active Izquierdo-
Piedras, Puerto Rico. An ACI Honorary
on several ACI committees and is Chair Encarnación Member, Izquierdo-Encarnación served as
of ACI Committee 120, History of ACI President in 2003-2004. He was the
Concrete. He is a member of several Co-Chair of the local committee for the 1992 and 2007 ACI
Yelton ASTM International technical Fall Conventions in Puerto Rico and is a Past President and
committees for cement, concrete, and Board member of the ACI Puerto Rico Chapter.
masonry. Yelton also represents World of Concrete on the
National Steering Committee of the Concrete Industry Yanling Leng, IMEG Corp
Management program. Leng is a Lead Bridge Engineer in
IMEG’s Sioux Falls, SD, USA-office.
Repair and Restoration She specializes in bridge design, load
Mohamed Anber, Isam K. Kabbani Group of rating, strengthening, and forensic
Companies analysis. Leng’s work has been
Anber is a Project Manager with recognized by prominent experts in
experience in project management, civil engineering and related fields; she
construction and structural design, and has published nearly 20 peer-reviewed
concrete repair. He received his Leng articles. Leng is a MIDAS Expert
bachelor’s degree in civil engineering Engineer, a visiting professor at the
from Al-Shorouk Academy, Faculty of Hebei Academy of Fine Arts in China, and guest editor and
Engineering, Cairo, Egypt. reviewer for several scientific journals. Leng received her
PhD in structural engineering, applied statistics from New
Anber Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA.
Peter Barlow, Barlow Consulting Plan to Attend the Awards Gala

Barlow is the Founder of Barlow The ACI Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards
Consulting and one of the Founders of and Gala is a ticketed event with a reception, dinner, and
Contech Services, Inc. Barlow has been in stage presentation of awards, followed by a red-carpet
the concrete repair industry for over 45 reception. Tickets are available through your convention
years working in manufacturing, product registration at www.aciconvention.org.
and system development, and contracting. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more
He became a member of the Structural information, contact Esther Beery, ACI Chapter Activities
Engineers Association of Washington Coordinator, at esther.beery@concrete.org.
Barlow (SEAW) in 1976, ACI in 1978, and the
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Shotcrete
Resources
Shotcrete is used for new structural concrete construction and a variety
of repair and repurposing applications. ACI offers numerous industry-
leading shotcrete products and programs. Some highlights include:
ACI 506R-16, “Guide to Shotcrete”; On-Demand Course: Shotcrete –
Guide and Specification; ACI 506.4R-19, “Guide for the Evaluation of
Shotcrete”; and more. For a complete list of all shotcrete products and
programs, visit www.concrete.org or www.shotcrete.org.
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www.concrete.org www.shotcrete.org
Building the Future:
ACI Foundation Announces ACI 201 Concrete generates amazing energy. It’s a good thing,” said Eric Kaled,
Durability Scholarship President of Genfare and TCI International, Inc.
The ACI Foundation announced that For more information and to apply, visit
the ACI 201 Concrete Durability www.acifoundation.org/scholarships.aspx.
Scholarship has been funded by Donald J.
Janssen, Professor Emeritus. He served U.S. Military Veteran Certification Rebate
as an Associate Professor of Civil Program
Engineering at the University of Honorably discharged U.S. military veterans attaining
Washington for over 30 years, leading the certification through an ACI Certification Sponsoring Group
field in concrete durability, materials, and are eligible for a 250 USD rebate from the ACI Foundation as
performance research. Janssen is a long as funding remains available.
Donald J. Janssen,
Professor Emeritus,
member of ACI Committees S803, Honorably discharged U.S. military veterans (Army, Navy,
University of Faculty Network, and 201, Durability of Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Guard),
Washington Concrete, and ACI Subcommittee 201-D, attaining ACI Certification as the result of exams administered
Steering Committee. Along with Janssen’s on or after June 1, 2018, are eligible to apply.
monumental body of research, the new 201 Durability For more information or to apply, visit www.concrete.org/
Scholarship will serve as his legacy in the concrete industry, certification/veteranrebate.
cementing his dedication to assisting the next generation of
concrete professionals in achieving success in their field. Annual Request for Concrete Research
The ACI 201 Undergraduate Concrete Durability Proposals Now Open
Scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student who The ACI Foundation’s Concrete Research Council seeks to
is in a degree program during the award term that focuses on advance the concrete industry through the funding of concrete
concrete construction, design, education, or materials, and research projects that further the knowledge and sustainability
demonstrates an interest in durability. of concrete materials, construction, and structures. The annual
ACI Foundation Fellowship and Scholarship awards are request for proposals is open now through December 1, 2023.
made possible through generous contributions by donors from Proposal and funding parameters include:
the concrete community. Together, the Foundation and its • Topics are encouraged from all areas of concrete research;
supporters are strengthening the concrete industry by
supporting students entering a professional career in the field
• Up to 50,000 USD may be approved per project for direct
costs;
of concrete. The ACI Foundation is leading the way to ensure
a sustainable, successful future for the concrete industry
• The ACI Foundation limits indirect costs to the research
organization to 15%; the ACI Foundation will contribute
through intentional and focused investments in ideas, an additional 7500 USD above the 50,000 USD to cover
research, and people. One hundred percent of donations go that 15%;
directly to benefit students.
For more information about each fellowship and
• An ACI Technical Committee must support the research
concept and participate in an advisory role to the principal
scholarship, visit www.acifoundation.org/scholarships. investigator (PI). PIs must contact the committee Chair by
September 1, 2023;
Seeking Mentors for Students
ACI Foundation Fellowship recipients have the option to be
• An individual researcher can serve as the PI or co-PI on
only one submitted proposal;
paired with a mentor in their area of study. The ACI Foundation
is continuously looking for enthusiastic mentors. By becoming
• Industry partnering and project cost sharing are strongly
encouraged; and
a mentor, you can help guide student engagement within ACI
and help contribute to their effectiveness in entering the
• All proposals must be submitted through the online process
by 11:59 pm December 1, 2023.
concrete industry. With your help, students can build a network PIs shall follow the requirements in the published RFP
of support in their journey to become concrete professionals Application Guide. For more information, visit
that contribute to the advancement of the industry. www.acifoundation.org/research.
Many mentors report gaining as much from the relationship
as the students being mentored. The key is to find common Impact Through Research
ground with the student and to remember the value being The ACI Foundation funds or co-funds needed concrete
delivered. “Making a positive impact on another person research to inform ACI technical committee work and
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Building the Future:
documents, provides data to close the gap for use of a new Join the Concrete Innovation Council at the
technology, lays the groundwork for potential code change 2023 Technology Forum
proposals, and helps develop young researchers as they The ACI Foundation’s Concrete Innovation Council (CIC)
produce knowledge for our industry. The following research focuses on new technology and innovation. The CIC will host
reports have been issued in 2023: its next Technology Forum on August 29-31, 2023, in
• “Behavior and Design of Concrete Structures under Portland, OR, USA. To view the full schedule and register,
Natural Fires,” PI: Thomas Gernay, Johns Hopkins visit www.acifoundation.org/technology.aspx.
University; Co-PI: Patrick Bamonte, Politecnico di Milano; This year’s forum offers 15 presentations that highlight
• “Determination of the Curing Efficiency of Externally and new technologies, advances in research, and new test
Internally Cured Concrete Using Neutron Radiography,” standards. Current topics include carbon-neutral concrete,
PI: Mehdi Khanzadeh-Moradllo, Temple University; carbon-neutral materials, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Co-PI: Jason Weiss, Oregon State University; Technology Showcases:
• “Calibration of Simplified Creep and Shrinkage Models • Argyle: A BIM to AR Program for the Field, by Maret
Developed Using Solidification Theory,” PI: Brock Thatcher, Argyle;
Hedegaard, University of Minnesota Duluth; Co-PI: Mija
Hubler, University of Colorado Boulder;
• Carbon Capture of CO2 from Gas Streams, by Brittany
Zimmerman, Yummet;
• “Effective Characterizations of Recycled Concrete • Rebel Sensor System: Measuring Real‐Time In‐Place
Aggregate (RCA) for Concrete Applications,” PI: Jiong Hu, Concrete Strength, by Luna Lu, Purdue and WaveLogix;
University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and
• “Normal and High Strength Continuously Wound Ties • Sublime: Decarbonizing Cement and the Co‐Production of
(CWT),” PI: Bahram Shahrooz, Charles Pankow Green Hydrogen, Presented by a Sublime Systems
Foundation; representative.
• “Chloride Desorption Isotherms of Cementitious Systems Presentations:
Exposed to Low-pH Environments,” PI: Mahmoud
Shakouri, Colorado State University;
• How Do Venture Capitalists Evaluate Technologies for
Investment? by Curtis Rogers of Brick & Mortar Ventures;
• “Deconstruction Monitoring of a Cast-in-Place Segmental • Advances for the Use of Basalt Fibers & Rebar, by Alvaro
Concrete Box Girder Bridge,” PI: Matthew Yarnold, Texas Ruiz Emparanza, University of Miami;
A&M University; • CCUS and Innovative Materials: The Building Blocks for
• “Interface Bond: Development of Appropriate Horizontal Net‐Zero Concrete, by Emily Kunkel, Thornton Tomasetti;
Shear Provisions for Concrete Repair,” PI: Jeff West, Wiss,
Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; and
• Development of Innovations, by Sean Monkman,
CarbonCure;
• “Nonlinear Modeling Parameters and Acceptance Criteria • Framework for Characterizing the Performance of High‐Early
for Reinforced Concrete Coupling Beams,” PI: Christopher Strength, High‐Volume Fly Ash Concrete Structures, by
Motter, Washington State University. Matthew J. Gombeda, Illinois Institute of Technology; and
Public reports are available for download at
www.acifoundation.org/research/researchprojects.aspx.
• Using Machine Learning to Automate Design Tasks, by
Brad Malmsten, Thornton Tomasetti.
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ACI Periodicals
The American Concrete Institute has a variety of concrete-based
periodicals for every professional in the concrete industry.
ACI periodicals include a monthly magazine for the concrete
community and two peer-reviewed journals.
For more information on these periodicals and the subscription
options, visit concrete.org/publications.
Topics Include: structural design;

analysis of concrete elements and
structures; research related to
concrete elements and structures;
papers addressing design and
analysis theory; properties of
materials used in concrete; research
on materials and concrete; properties,
use, and handling of concrete.
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Ci Concrete
international
Concrete Polishing Council
of the American Society of Concrete Contractors
Position Statement #7
Polishing Weak Concrete Surfaces with calcium hydroxide available near the concrete surface,
Most concrete surfaces are ideally suited for concrete the effectiveness of the densifier will be limited by
polishing. When polishing a weak surface, however, three carbonation or pozzolanic reactions. Thus, it may not be
issues are likely to present themselves: 1) increased aggregate possible to meet the hardness specification—changes to
rollout; 2) lower gloss; and 3) reduced service life. Thus, specifications and expectations may be necessary.
expectations must be adjusted when polishing weak concrete CPC polishing contractors will cooperate with owners,
surfaces. designers, construction managers, general contractors, and
A weak concrete surface may be caused by: concrete contractors to discuss the effects of a weak concrete
• A high water-cement ratio (w/c) concrete mixture; surface on polished concrete appearance. Slab surface
• Water added to the surface during finishing; finishing is the responsibility of other parties, and the
• Bleed water finished into the surface; difference in the polished surface appearance due to a weak
• Exposure to freezing-and-thawing conditions; concrete surface is not the responsibility of the polishing
• Carbonation due to unvented winter heaters; or contractor.
• Inadequate curing time. If you have questions, contact your CPC polishing
In addition, Concrete Polishing Council (CPC) contractors contractor or the CPC Technical Hotline at +1.888.483.5288
have reported weak concrete surfaces when polishing or at cpchotline@ascconline.org.
concretes containing Type IL cement (portland-limestone
cement). The possibility of a weak surface should be This position statement from the Concrete Polishing Council of the
considered if Type IL cement is proposed in the concrete American Society of Concrete Contractors is presented for reader interest
mixture. It may require additional time for the concrete to by the editors. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the
reach its intended strength. American Concrete Institute. Reader comment is invited.
ACI 310.1-20, “Specification for Polished Concrete Slab
Finishes,” requires identification of the surface condition
Career Center
using a Mohs Hardness test. This test evaluates the hardness
of a concrete surface on a scale from 1 to 10. ACI 310.1,
Section 1.8.3.3, states: “Prior to starting mockup installation,
Students—the next step

verify surface hardness with a Mohs Hardness testing kit.”
During jobsite placements, ACI 310.1, Section 3.1.1.1(e),
has never been easier

requires the contractor to “Confirm that the Owner’s testing
agency results for Mohs Hardness test are in accordance with
this Specification.” Prior to polishing work, ACI 310.1,
Section 3.1.4.1, requires that “Mohs Hardness measured on Find internships, browse jobs,
slab surface is greater than 4.” and post your résumé.
It is important to note that the mockup may not reflect the
surface conditions on the full jobsite. Thus, when ACI 310.1 The Career Center Offers
specifications are followed, both the mockup and jobsite
placement must be evaluated for weak surfaces. If the Mohs
 Résumé writing
Hardness is less than 4, indicating a weak surface, the CPC
contractor must not begin work until unsatisfactory
assistance
conditions are corrected in a manner complying with the  Career coaching
contract documents or until a remediation plan is approved
 Career learning
in writing by the designers or the owner’s representative,
or both.
center
A potential remediation effort can include the application  Reference checking
of a densifier to increase the hardness of a concrete surface.
However, because the effectiveness may be inversely affected Follow @ACICareerCenter
by the initial hardness, the required amount of densifier will
vary. Further, because densifiers increase hardness by reacting
www.concrete.org/careercenter
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insights
NEx’s Second Year of Funding
B
uilding on the success of the first-year funding and of bendable concrete in the construction sector. The guideline
contributions made to the construction industry, NEx: will be presented in a newly developed document, offering
An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic detailed insights into the production process, quality control
Building Materials was provided additional funding for its measures, and structural applications of bendable concrete.
second year of operation. NEx received sponsorship of more “Develop Guideline and Materials Specification for
than 575,000 USD for project funding in 2022 from its FRP Dowels,” executed by Peter Taylor, Iowa State
Sustaining Member, Aramco Americas, which was covered in University: This project aims to develop a comprehensive
the April 2023 edition of NEx insights. In addition, NEx guideline for the use of FRP dowels in the construction
secured a substantial sponsorship of over 700,000 USD for its industry, aligning with the guidelines provided for steel
2023 projects. dowels in ACI 330 and ACI 325 documents. It will cover
Aramco Americas’ sponsorship demonstrates its continued essential aspects such as FRP dowel sizes, material
support and commitment to NEx’s initiatives and highlights specifications, design guidelines, testing methodologies, and
the importance of advancing nonmetallic building materials in their application in construction.
the construction industry. NEx is using these funds to support “Develop Guideline and Materials Specification for
projects under its core functions, including standards and FRP Composite Mesh,” executed by Francisco De Caso,
guidelines, research and development, technical advocacy and University of Miami: The main objective of this project is to
awareness, and professional development. The sponsorship develop a comprehensive guideline to provide designers,
enables NEx to expand and enhance its activities, driving users, and specifiers with an overview of the use of FRP
innovation and progress in the field of nonmetallic building composite mesh in concrete structures that extends beyond
materials. buildings, looking at the material properties (to include glass
and basalt FRP meshes), construction and implementation,
Standards and Guidelines specification needs, and design approaches.
Similar to 2022, NEx continues to play a crucial role in
promoting the development and acceptance of design and Research and Development
construction codes and specifications specifically tailored for NEx’s continued investment in research and development
nonmetallic building materials. This commitment is projects signifies its dedication to fostering collaboration,
exemplified by its ongoing projects in the field of standards knowledge sharing, and practical advancements in
and guidelines, which encompass areas such as polymer soil nonmetallic building materials. These funded projects
stabilization, bendable concrete, fiber-reinforced polymer encompass a wide range of research areas within the scope of
(FRP) dowels, and FRP composite mesh: nonmetallic building materials. The ultimate goal of funding
“Develop Polymer Soil Stabilization Code and Include these projects is to ensure that the research outcomes can be
in ACI 230—Soil Cement Document,” executed by Anand J. swiftly translated into practical applications within the
Puppala, Texas A&M University: The project aims to construction sector. Under this core function, the following
develop a comprehensive guideline for polymer soil five projects are sponsored by NEx:
stabilization to be included in ACI 230 or ACI 548 documents “Proposed Testing and Acceptance Criteria for GFRP
(new or an updated existing document). The guideline will Bar Couplers,” executed by ICC-ES: This project is to
address important aspects such as available techniques, develop new acceptance criteria for testing and evaluation of
material specifications, mixture procedures, environmental steel and FRP mechanical splice and coupler systems for FRP
impact, selection guidelines, and quality control measures to reinforcing bars for building code compliance. It is proposed
promote effective and sustainable use of polymer soil that an acceptance criterion is developed in accordance with
stabilization in construction practices. International Building Code (IBC) Section 104.11, and
“Develop Guideline and Materials Specification for International Residential Code (IRC) Section R1404.11.
Bendable Concrete,” executed by Victor C. Li, University “The Use of Synthetic Macrofibers to Improve Crack
of Michigan: The primary goal of this project is to create a Control and Water Tightness in Environmental
user guideline that provides comprehensive support for the use Structures,” executed by Behrouz Shafei, Iowa State
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insights
University: This research project aims to design and evaluate Moreover, NEx places significant emphasis on educating
the use of synthetic macrofibers in concrete mixtures used in young professionals about the implementation of the new
environmental engineering concrete structures. The research code, ACI CODE-440.11-22, “Building Code Requirements
results will be used to update current ACI code and specifications. for Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-
“Conduct State-of-the-Art and Develop Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars—Code and Commentary.”
Recommendations to Address Fire Endurance/Resistance NEx supports the development of Chapter talks and Seminar
of Pultruded Structural Members,” executed by Kevin series through the ACI platform to introduce the concept of
Walsh, University of Notre Dame: This is a state-of-the-art FRP bars as structural reinforcement to an audience with
study on the fire resistance (including the effects of elevated limited prior exposure to this technology.
temperatures due to fire) of composite pultruded structural Additionally, NEx has initiated a NEx monthly webinar
members to establish available fire testing information from series in collaboration with ACI University, focusing on
literature and industry limitations compared with applicable nonmetallic technology and application in building and
code requirements to develop recommendations to improve construction. The available NEx webinars include Practical
the fire endurance of pultruded structural members. Utilization of the New ACI Code 440.11 on GFRP Reinforced
“Study and Improve on Fire Endurance/Resistance of Concrete: Manuals for Engineers and Contractors; Pultruded
Polymer-Modified Concrete,” executed by Venkatesh Non-Metallics (NM) Solutions for the Built Environment:
Kodur, Michigan State University, and Srishti Banerji, Why, What, How!?; and GFRP Bars as an Internal
Utah State University: The proposed research will undertake Reinforcement to Concrete: Advantages, Misconceptions &
comprehensive experimental and numerical studies and Effect on Green House Gas Emissions. For more information,
establish the thermal and mechanical properties of polymer visit www.nonmetallic.org/resources.
concrete (PC), as well as the fire resistance ratings for typical
PC beams. The proposed research will result in optimum Professional Development
strategies for achieving practical fire resistance ratings in PC As part of the ongoing commitment to promote technology
beams. transfer, NEx engages in the development and delivery of
“Develop a Plan for Fire Testing FRP Structural educational programs and certification courses catered to
Concrete,” executed by Venkatesh Kodur and Mohannad engineers, contractors, and the wider construction workforce:
Naser: This project is to develop a testing program, together “ACI CODE-440.11 Certificate Program
with fire testing protocols, for undertaking needed fire Development,” executed by ACI: This program is focused
resistance tests on FRP-incorporated structural concrete on elucidating the design philosophy for GFRP reinforced
members and for its possible adoption by the IBC. concrete and ACI CODE-440.11. It will encompass
specifications for construction using GFRP reinforcement,
Technical Advocacy and Awareness addressing unique considerations in handling and placing
NEx continues to amplify its advocacy activities with GFRP reinforcement, and presenting case studies of
greater dedication and focus. By leveraging trade shows, successful construction projects. This certificate program will
workshops, and other platforms, NEx is driving the be conducted through ACI University, granting participants a
awareness, acceptance, and adoption of nonmetallic materials digital credential upon program completion.
in the industry. This year, NEx is sponsoring seven projects “Develop and Deliver Introductory Material (Guest
and initiatives to support technical advocacy and awareness. Lecture) for Universities on Nonmetallics in Building &
In the first half of 2023, NEx was proactively involved in Construction,” executed by David Lange: This initiative
various industry trade shows, including the Transportation aims to promote the potential of nonmetallic materials to
Research Board annual meeting and World of Concrete. These students who will soon enter the profession and provide them
trade shows served as platforms for NEx to promote the with a greater appreciation for the possibilities represented by
benefits and applications of nonmetallics in construction. nonmetallic building materials.
NEx creates awareness on the use of nonmetallics in “Develop a 5-Day Course for Nonmetallics in Building
building and construction. This is achieved by offering & Construction,” executed by Ayman S. Mosallam,
insights into field applications and user experiences with FRP- University of California, Irvine: This course will cover
reinforced concrete. NEx organized a well-attended, full-day important topics that are needed to familiarize and train
workshop on “FRP Reinforced Concrete: User Experience and entry-level engineers to increase their knowledge and
Success Stories” during the ACI Concrete Convention – awareness of available resources.
Spring 2023, with generous sponsorship from Aramco Americas. For more information on NEx, visit www.nonmetallic.org.
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Become an
ACI Sustaining Member
support the concrete industry
 Technical and Industry Knowledge
» Two free copies of the ACI Collection of Concrete Codes, Specifications,

and Practices
» Subscription to Concrete International magazine, the ACI Materials Journal,
and the ACI Structural Journal
» Ability to join three non-code technical committees
» ACI University course access
» Free copy of every new printed ACI technical document
 Discounts
» All ACI publications

» Registration fees for the ACI Concrete Convention
» Career Center listings on ACI’s website
 Exposure
» Company name listed monthly in Concrete International magazine with an

annual profile, including logo, reaching more than 21,000 subscribers
» Corporate logo featured and linked on the ACI website, displayed during
the ACI Concrete Convention for 2000+ attendees, and displayed at
the ACI World of Concrete exhibit
 Extras
» View all the benefits of becoming an ACI Sustaining Member and sign up
today at www.concrete.org/membership
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Is the Inside of Your
Structure Safe from
Corrosion?
by David G. Tepke and O. Burkan Isgor
C
orrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete is often Background
associated with bridges, stadiums, parking or coastal ACI PRC-222-191 and ACI PRC-222.3-112 provide
structures, exterior façades of older buildings, and discussion on mechanisms, initiation, and propagation of
other structures exposed to severely corrosive or persistently corrosion. Reinforcing steel in concrete is typically well
corrosive conditions. Further, most service-life models are protected from corrosion due to the formation of a passivation
focused on exterior exposures. layer on the steel resulting from the high pH of the
Reinforced concrete structures with exterior exposure can surrounding pore solution. Corrosion of embedded reinforcing
certainly be subject to corrosion and make up a sizable portion steel can initiate if the pH of the surrounding pore solution is
of those that may require early repairs or more durable reduced, a sufficient amount of chlorides or other halides (for
construction; however, there are interior environments that example, bromides) are present at the steel level, or other
can also be severely corrosive. These environments may be variations in thermodynamic conditions result in a breakdown
present within manufacturing, industrial, and water treatment of the passive layer. Reduction of pH from the progressive
facilities as well as within seemingly benign and common mechanism known as carbonation occurs when atmospheric
exposures such as kitchens, boiler rooms, laundry areas, and carbon dioxide combines with moisture to form carbonic acid
elements that share exterior exposures in structures with that additionally reacts with calcium-bearing cementitious
building envelope issues. Because the effects of these hydration products. Chlorides may penetrate from the exterior
environments may not be readily apparent, specifying of the structure over time, as in the case of exposure to deicing
engineers may fail to specify adequate durability provisions or chemicals or seawater, or they may be cast purpesfully in the
assign an appropriate exposure category, leading to a reduced form of chloride-containing admixtures or inadvertently from
service life. material contamination. Several other exposure conditions
While current industry standard codes and guides provide associated with manufacturing industries may introduce other
provisions for addressing corrosive conditions and are likely halides to concrete in the form of industrial acids or salts, or
to continue to evolve towards performance requirements, otherwise contribute to reduction in pH or concrete
many specifications are focused on strength and water- disintegration that compromises protection of embedments.
cementitious materials ratio (w/cm) requirements and Long-term service life of structures with respect to
limitations on admixed chloride contents for demonstratable corrosion-related deterioration requires limiting the amount of
durability. The goals of this article are to provide perspective admixed chlorides in new construction, external chloride (or
on some common interior environments that may be susceptible halide) ingress, and large thermodynamic variations at the
to corrosion, give designers some concepts to consider when level of steel. However, industry professionals often debate
thinking about corrosivity of interior components, and provide how to specify the allowable admixed chloride content and
general guidelines for mitigation methods. methods for reducing penetrability of external ions. With
Portions of this article, including some of the photos, were respect to limiting ion penetrability, U.S. codes generally
presented in the talk “Indoor Corrosion” as part of a session place limits on the maximum w/cm and minimum specified
during the ACI Virtual Convention – Fall 2020, “Industry compressive strength to limit penetrability, although it is well
Experience on Unusual Reinforcing Steel Corrosion.” known that these parameters, in and of themselves, are not
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necessarily exclusive or the most beneficial indicators for typical engineer might consider corrosive, a designer may not
reducing ion ingress in concrete. Advancements and initiatives always consider the possibility of corrosive conditions or
have focused on using performance-based testing or pragmatic possibility of future corrosive conditions in interior exposures.
use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to It may not always be correct to assume that interior
achieve chloride penetrability characteristics that may environments or portions thereof will remain free of exposure
influence corrosion initiation.3 to corrosive contaminants with relative humidity (RH) in the
In a previous Concrete International article,4 it was 30 to 50% range during the service life, such as is typical of
demonstrated that there is conflicting guidance in several comfortable, habitable interior building environments. Interior
ACI documents on the allowable admixed chloride limits. exposures to chemicals, salts, or excessively moist conditions
Although a number of steps have been taken to reduce the can, in some instances and service-life spans, be conducive to
inconsistencies, particularly whether these limits are distress from corrosion. Although low RH in building interiors
specified with respect to percent mass of concrete or is expected to limit corrosion, localized high moisture profiles
cementitious material content,5 there are still major or changing moisture conditions can be prevalent, for
differences in various ACI documents. For example, ACI instance, in kitchens, showers, pools, and bathrooms;
CODE-318-19(22), Table 19.3.2.1, requires that allowable components with condensation; rooms with open
water-soluble chloride contents in concrete mixtures fenestrations; and when the structure experiences building
containing conventional reinforcing steel do not exceed envelope issues or local sustained leaks from water pipes
1.00% where maintained dry, 0.30% where exposed to embedded in concrete. If concrete in these interior conditions
moisture, and 0.15% where exposed to moisture and an contain large amounts of admixed chlorides (for example,
external source of chlorides, all by mass of cementitious 1.00% by mass of cement as allowed by ACI CODE-318-
materials (with qualifications).6 Taking a more conservative 19(22) in dry conditions), it is possible that reinforcement
approach, ACI PRC-222-19, Table 4.2.3, limits the allowable corrosion could be a significant problem.
admixed (water soluble) chloride content in new construction When considering the differences between interior and
to 0.25% mass of cementitious materials content for exterior concrete of a structure, it is also necessary to reflect
conventionally reinforced concrete in dry conditions and on carbonation. It is widely established and observed that the
0.15% for wet conditions. The significantly lower limit rate of penetration of carbonation is greatest at RH between
adapted by ACI PRC-222-19 for dry conditions is mainly about 40 and 75% RH.7 The authors have seen relatively deep
motivated by the definition of dry conditions and whether carbonation within interior structural concrete components,
these conditions can be maintained throughout the service where cover thickness for corrosion protection is generally not
life of a structure. ACI PRC-222-19, Section 4.2.3, describes considered. Carbonation alone can break down the passive
interior conditions that may be more susceptible to corrosion film on the steel; however, corrosion rates from carbonation-
in discussion of limiting admixed chlorides: induced corrosion are generally significant when there is
“Interior locations that are wetted occasionally, such as adequate moisture available around reinforcement. This
kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms; buildings constructed typically occurs at RH above 70%; hence, corrosion is
with pumped lightweight concrete that is subsequently sealed conventionally assumed to be negligible for most interior
before the concrete dries (for example, with vinyl tiles); and concrete. Prevalent concerns for carbonation-induced and
internal locations with high humidity can be susceptible to sustained corrosion can occur in areas exposed to moderate
corrosion damage. Note that the designer has little control moisture, such as those indicated, or when conditions change
over the change in use or the service environment of a over time from the removal of coatings, floor coverings, or
building, but the chloride content of the concrete mixture repurposing, as well as due to building envelope issues or
constituents should be specified.”1 sustained water leaks. Another potentially more critical
An engineer may ask: Can I assume that the inside of a condition occurs due to the release of admixed chlorides that
structure will remain dry and free of exposure to corrosive were bound in cementitious hydration products that occurs
contaminants throughout its service life, or should I consider when pH is reduced from carbonation.7 Because chloride-
the possibility of localized or more global exposure to induced corrosion can be sustained at significant levels at
corrosive conditions? lower RH levels than carbonation, and damage from chloride-
ACI CODE-318-19(22) provides cover requirements induced corrosion is generally more severe, the coupled
based, in part, on being “exposed to weather” or having lack carbonation and chloride attack condition can be much more
of such exposure. It also indicates in Section 20.5.1.4.1, that: concerning. This brings back the question whether the inside
“In corrosive environments or other severe exposure of a structure can always be assumed to remain dry and safe
conditions, the specified concrete cover shall be increased as from corrosion throughout its service life.
deemed necessary.”6 These provisions can be of relevance for Certainly, it has been established that the presence of
both interior and exterior portions of a structure, but the moisture, oxygen, and the aforementioned corrosive
question remains: What is a corrosive environment? While, in conditions promote corrosion and associated distress.
principle, the provision can address many conditions that a Components that are subject to these conditions, either from
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the beginning of service or due to changing conditions or repurposed. Figure 4 shows corrosion of interior concrete of a
structure use, can be susceptible to corrosion, whether in building constructed circa 1910-1911.
interior or exterior service conditions. Design to address
corrosive conditions of new structures depends on the Measures for Mitigating Interior Corrosion
severity of the exposure as well as the intended service life. New structures
Expected durability associated with interior corrosion One of the critical aspects of mitigating corrosion in
through the use of current code provisions may be interior concrete is limiting the amount of admixed chlorides.
acceptable for some intended service-life requirements and Currently, there are inconsistencies in the guidelines provided
interior conditions, but more severe conditions, or extended by various ACI documents, particularly between ACI CODE-
service life for purposes of sustainability or overall service- 318-19(22) and ACI PRC-222-19, the former requiring
life economy may require more thorough considerations allowable admixed (water soluble) chloride content in
during design. concrete not to exceed 1.00% by mass of cement for dry
As existing buildings age beyond service life achievable conditions, the latter recommending a more conservative limit
from application of typical building code provisions, of 0.25% by mass of cementitious material. Considering
concrete may begin to exhibit related distress. Specific numerous documented examples of reinforcement corrosion
water-soluble chloride limits for new construction were not in interior concrete, it is clear that ACI Committee 222R’s
included in ACI CODE-318 until 1983. Thus, when approach, which assumes that moisture levels in concrete
assessing existing structures, both age and exposure could be sufficiently high for extended periods during the
conditions must be considered in determining parameters for service life of a structure, might be advisable. Whether this
corrosion evaluation and potential requirements for limit should be 0.25% by mass of cementitious material
corrosion control for interior portions of buildings. Indeed, requires further investigation. ACI Committee 222, Corrosion
corrosion assessment of interiors of structures should not be of Metals in Concrete, is currently working on the
neglected for older structures or structures with conditions development of a standard test method for critical chloride
conducive to promoting corrosion. threshold in concrete, as supported by a Task Group and
Concrete Research Council-funded research.8 It’s expected
Susceptible Interior Conditions and that after the finalization of this standard testing approach, and
Microclimates generation of data using the test, ACI will be in a position to
The authors have observed interior corrosion in different unify allowable admixed chloride limits in concrete in a more
structures including: informed way.
• Stadium restrooms and crawlspace areas; ACI PRC-222.3-11 provides a number of approaches for
• Classroom building interior portions of exterior columns; extending the service life of structures potentially exposed to
• Food manufacturing facility interior slabs, protected roof corrosive conditions. For interior structures not exposed to
joists, and structural framing; external corrosives or possible corrosion of the concrete that
• Textile plant structural framing members; may expose steel, the primary approach is to limit the amount
• Plating facility structural framing; of chlorides cast in during construction. For structures
• Water treatment facility building areas adjacent to chemical exposed to corrosives, reducing the penetrability of concrete
treatment; to corrosive substances and minimizing cracking potential of
• Historic building framing;
• Boiler room slabs;
• Indoor pool facilities; and
• Interior coastal structure framing adjacent to exterior areas
where contaminants penetrate the building envelope.
Certainly, this is not an exhaustive list and is only meant to
provide examples. In fact, internal corrosion is commonly
observed in components with high admixed chloride contents
and inadvertent high moisture profiles, either due to building
envelope issues or internal water leaks. Several examples of
such corrosion are shown in Fig. 1 through 3. Corrosion of
these structures has been observed from chlorides introduced Fig. 1: Corrosion of
reinforcing steel in
at the time of mixing (Fig. 1), from penetration of
interior concrete of a
contaminants such as chlorides or other halides (Fig. 2), or
classroom due to the
from a combination of factors including activation of admixed activation of admixed
chlorides and external halide ingress or carbonation (Fig. 3). chlorides under
Depending on exposures, conditions may change from benign localized increase in
to corrosive for older structures or when structures are moisture content
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(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Fig. 2: Corrosion in interior concrete due to penetration of contaminants such as chlorides or other halides: (a) water treatment facility
hallway near hypochlorite room; (b) interior of coastal condominium unit adjacent to exterior balcony at sliding glass door (photos courtesy of
Kent Yarborough and Mason Undercoffer); (c) indoor water park reinforced concrete stairs (photo at lower right courtesy of Eric Couch); and
(d) food manufacturing facility spicing area (arrow shows particularly damaged area near expansion joint)
concrete is of importance. For concrete subjected to acids or cement; use of corrosion inhibitors; or use of more corrosion-
other conditions that might be corrosive to the concrete itself, resistant steel may be appropriate or necessary depending on
reduced penetrability and external protection may be the required service life. Increasing the compressive strength
necessary. In cases where very long service life is needed or may provide an indicator of better general quality of concrete
desired, increased cover or reduced penetrability can provide but has been shown to be a generally poor predictor of
added protection from carbonation. durability, particularly if it is accompanied by increased
Deterioration of aesthetic or protective measures should cracking potential. Performance-based tests to demonstrate
also be considered in design, as it should generally not be reduced penetrability, such as ASTM C18769 (resistivity or
used as primary measures for mitigation. For example, tile, conductivity) or ASTM C120210 (chloride ion penetrability)
rubber backing on carpet, or coatings may be assumed to may be useful. ACI Committee 321, Concrete Durability
provide protection; however, these features may not be Code, is currently developing durability code provisions that
maintained or may be changed in the future. Upset conditions may eventually be accepted into practice.
where concrete may potentially be exposed to corrosive
conditions, such as water treatment facilities, from localized Existing structures
or global exposure to brining operations or salt addition in Service-life extension of interior components of existing
food manufacturing plants (Fig. 2(a) and (d)), or other similar structures with corrosive conditions or corrosion-related
conditions, should be considered. Influence of passive or deterioration can be similar to those of exterior exposures. As
active carrying of contaminants through steam, such as the with all structures, preliminary and comprehensive condition
movement of acetic acid (vinegar) or brining salts, should be assessments may be needed to evaluate contamination,
considered for roof components (Fig. 3(e)). It should also not moisture levels, deterioration, and corrosion activity.
be assumed that exterior cladded components will necessarily Documents from ACI Committees 222; 348, Structural
be immune to corrosion, as water can sometimes penetrate the Reliability and Safety; 546, Repair of Concrete; and 562,
envelope at windows and fenestrations. Evaluation, Repair and Rehabilitation of Concrete Structures,
While reducing w/cm may be an appropriate approach in can be consulted with respect to evaluating and repairing
some cases, the use of SCMs such as fly ash, silica fume, or slag structures with corrosion-related distress. ACI CODE-562-2111
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(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Fig. 3: Corrosion in interior concrete due

to combination of factors: (a) boiler room
slab in concrete with admixed chlorides and
exposure to external bromides (photo on the
left shows complete section loss); (b) plating
facility with various chemical exposures;
(c) column base with hydrochloric acid
exposure in dye facility; (d) textile cleaning
room floor with citric acid, chloride, and
hydrogen peroxide exposures; and (e) ceiling
at food manufacturing brining area with
(e) steam, acetic acid, and salt exposure
has provisions for evaluating structural damage to determine

the presence of potentially unsafe conditions that might
require temporary shoring until final repairs are made.
Prior to the onset of corrosion, protective coatings may be
used. In some cases, such as in food manufacturing facilities,
compatibility with government regulations may be necessary.
When corrosion commences, techniques including cathodic
protection may be used. Level of damage, moisture
conditions, temperature, concrete resistivity, intended service-
life extension, and other factors must be considered.
Practicalities of aesthetics, functionality, and monitoring also
must be considered. In situations where distress and
deterioration are advanced, partial or full replacement of Fig. 4: Corrosion of an interior slab in an historic building constructed
affected areas may be needed. In these cases, compatibility of circa 1910-1911
the new replacement concrete must be considered. This
includes possible connection or separation of the new
components with existing, load sharing, and reduction of
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shrinkage in the new concrete for reducing stresses and American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2019, 624 pp.
possibility for cracking in the new or existing concrete. 7. Isgor, O.B., and Razaqpur, A.G., “Finite Element Modeling of
An important tool that can help prioritize repair and Coupled Heat Transfer, Moisture Transport and Carbonation Processes
replacement operations of existing structures is reactive- in Concrete Structures,” Cement and Concrete Composites, V. 26, No. 1,
transport modeling of concrete structures. Most service-life Jan. 2004. pp. 57-73.
models in the literature have traditionally focused on chloride 8. Adil, G.; Halmen, C.; Vaddey, P.; Pacheco, J.; and Trejo, D.,
ingress in concrete. However, when interior concrete is “Multi-Laboratory Validation Study of Critical Chloride Threshold Test
considered, the issue is rather challenging as the problem Method,” ACI Materials Journal, V. 119, No. 6., Nov. 2022, pp. 91-100.
involves coupled heat, moisture, and ionic transfer modeling 9. ASTM C1876-19, “Standard Test Method for Bulk Electrical
that can also simulate reactive processes such as chloride Resistivity or Bulk Conductivity of Concrete,” ASTM International, West
binding, chloride release during pH-reducing processes (for Conshohocken, PA, 2019, 7 pp.
example, acid ingress or carbonation), and interactions with 10. ASTM C1202-22, “Standard Test Method for Electrical Indication
other halides. Modeling these reactive processes has been a of Concrete’s Ability to Resist Chloride Ion Penetration,” ASTM
challenge because each depends on the cementitious material International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2022, 8 pp.
compositions and reactivities, as well as mixture proportions 11. ACI Committee 562, “Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of
of the concrete. Recent developments in reactive-transport Existing Concrete Structures—Code and Commentary (ACI CODE-562-
modeling of cementitious systems, where transport processes 21),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2021, 88 pp.
are modeled with coupled finite element algorithms and 12. Azad, V.J.; Li, C.; Verba, C.; Ideker, J.H.; and Isgor, O.B., “A
reactions modeled using thermodynamic modeling tools, have COMSOL-GEMS Interface for Modeling Coupled Reactive-Transport
the potential to inform the decision-making process with Geochemical Processes,” Computers & Geosciences, V. 92, July 2016,
respect to existing structures.12,13 pp. 79-89.
13. Isgor, O.B., and Weiss, W.J., “A Nearly Self-Sufficient
Concluding Remarks Framework for Modelling Reactive-Transport Processes in Concrete,”
Corrosion is not exclusive to exterior structures and Materials and Structures, V. 52, No. 1, Feb. 2019.
components. This article provides a summary of conditions and
structures that might be more susceptible to interior corrosion Selected for reader interest by the editors.
and discussion of considerations and mitigation measures. We
hope that the information and examples provided in this article
may offer practitioners some perspective on the types of
conditions that may require additional consideration in design David G. Tepke, FACI, is a Principal
for longevity. It is clear that the guidance in the ACI documents Engineer with SKA Consulting Engineers,
with respect to defining allowable admixed chloride limits Inc., in Charleston, SC, USA. He
needs to be unified and should consider the possibility that dry specializes in structural and materials
conditions might not be guaranteed for interior concrete during evaluation, troubleshooting, repair, and
the service life of a structure. service-life extension. He is a NACE/
AMPP Certified Corrosion Specialist and
References Protective Coating Specialist. Tepke is the
1. ACI Committee 222, “Guide to Protection of Metals in Concrete Chair of ACI Committee 222, Corrosion
Against Corrosion (ACI PRC-222-19),” American Concrete Institute, of Metals in Concrete, and a member of ACI Committees
Farmington Hills, MI, 60 pp. 201, Durability of Concrete; 301, Specifications for Concrete
Construction; 321, Durability Code; and 329, Performance Criteria
2. ACI Committee 222, “Guide to Design and Construction Practices
for Ready Mixed Concrete. He is a licensed professional engineer.
to Mitigate Corrosion of Reinforcement in Concrete Structures (ACI
PRC-222.3-11),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI,
O. Burkan Isgor, FACI, is a Professor
2011, 28 pp.
in the School of Civil and Construction
3. AASHTO - R 101, “Standard Practice for Developing Performance
Engineering at Oregon State University,
Engineered Concrete Pavement Mixtures,” American Association of
Corvallis, OR, USA. He is a past Chair
State and Highway Transportation Officials, Washington, DC, 2022, 14 pp. of ACI Committee 222, Corrosion of
4. Trejo, D.; Isgor, O.B.; and Weiss, W.J., “The Allowable Admixed Metals in Concrete, and a member of
Chloride Conundrum,” Concrete International, V. 38, No. 5, May 2016, ACI Committees 236, Material Science of
pp. 35-42. Concrete; and 365, Service Life Prediction.
5. Azad, V.J.; Suraneni, P.; Trejo, D.; Weiss, W.J.; and Isgor, O.B., His research interests include corrosion
“Thermodynamic Investigation of Allowable Admixed Chloride Limits in of steel in concrete, service-life modeling,
Concrete,” ACI Materials Journal, V. 115, No. 5, Sept. 2018, pp. 727-738. and reactive-transport modeling of cementitious systems. He is
6. ACI Committee 318, “Building Code Requirements for Structural also a Fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering.
Concrete and Commentary (ACI CODE-318-19) (Reapproved 2022),”
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Pyrrhotite in Concrete
Aggregates
Is legislation ahead of science?
by Anthony F. Bentivegna, April Snyder, and Stephen M. Stacey
C
oncrete aggregates produced in two regions in North the reaction or repairing the compromised foundations have
America have been identified as the cause of been successful. The only effective technique has been to lift
deterioration to tens of thousands of residential and the houses off their existing foundations and remove and
light commercial concrete foundations. These concrete replace the concrete (Fig. 2).
foundations have experienced extensive cracking and loss of While pyrrhotite has the potential to cause concrete
structural integrity due to an oxidation reaction of an iron deterioration in some conditions, the amount of pyrrhotite
sulfide mineral, pyrrhotite (Fig. 1). No methods for mitigating needed to cause deterioration is not fully understood. Various
research groups, trade associations, and standardization
committees are working to develop techniques for identifying
and quantifying potentially deleterious iron sulfides in
concrete aggregates. Due to the small amount necessary to
cause deterioration (potentially as low as 0.10% by weight of
aggregate), the unique nature of the mineral, the difficulty
with detection and quantification, and the complexity of the
oxidation reaction, a standardized technique has not been
validated. This article provides an overview of the
deterioration mechanism, manifestations of the reaction in
North America, current state of knowledge for identification
and quantification, and current and proposed legislation.
Fig. 1: Typical indications of pyrrhotite deterioration in concrete Fig. 2: Replacement of residential foundation in Connecticut (photo
foundations courtesy of U.S. Government Accountability Office)
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Legislation required “to conduct additional testing, including but
Effective July 6, 2021, Connecticut enacted Public Act not limited to a mortar bar expansion test pursuant to
No. 21-120, “An Act Concerning Crumbling Concrete American Society for Testing and Materials standard
Foundations,”1 and in Massachusetts, Bill S.548, “An Act C1293, Standard Test Method for Determination of
Relative to Crumbling Concrete Foundations,”2 has Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-Silica
progressed through state senate and house committees. In both Reaction, or C227, Standard Test Method for Potential
states, limits on sulfur contents of aggregates were established Alkali Reactivity of Cement-Aggregate Combinations;
to prevent the use of aggregates containing pyrrhotite in and (2) implement restrictions on the sale or use of
concrete and minimize the potential for deterioration due to aggregate from such quarry in concrete.”
pyrrhotite oxidation.1,2
Specifically in Section 9 of the Connecticut law (CT law),
◦ If pyrrhotite is not found, the aggregate can be sold for
use in concrete for a period of 1 year.
the operator of any quarry that intends to sell aggregates for
use in concrete is required to report the total sulfur content Pyrrhotite and Other Iron Sulfide Minerals
in percent by mass (ST) from a 10 lb (4.5 kg) sample of Pyrrhotite [Fe1-xS] is one of a group of iron sulfide
aggregate on a yearly basis. Tests must be conducted by minerals, including pyrite [FeS2], pentlandite [(Fe,Ni)9S8], and
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, purge and trap gas chalcopyrite [CuFeS2].3 Many readers of this article will be
chromatography analysis, analysis by combustion furnace, familiar with pyrite, commonly referred to as “fool’s gold,”
or other technology “deemed at least as accurate by the State which is the most abundant iron sulfide mineral. Pyrite has
Geologist.” The sulfate content limits are: been known to cause near-surface deterioration in the form of
• If ST < 0.1, the aggregate is approved for use in concrete staining and popouts due to the formation of corrosion
for a period of 4 years and shall not be required to test products. Deterioration has been aesthetic in nature, typically
again during that period; observed in architectural precast concrete, stucco, and exterior
• If ST ≥ 1.0, the aggregate cannot be sold or provided for concrete flatwork, such as sidewalks and driveways. In
use in concrete; and architectural precast concrete, surface deterioration has been
• If 0.1 ≤ ST < 1.0, X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic minimized by recommending petrographic examination of
susceptibility, or petrographic analysis are required to be concrete aggregates per ASTM C295/C295M4 to ensure that
completed to identify the presence of pyrrhotite: the selected aggregates are free from pyrite.5
◦ If pyrrhotite is found, the operator of the quarry is Although much less common than pyrite, pyrrhotite is the
second most abundant iron sulfide mineral. Pyrrhotite
is often found associated with the other iron sulfide
minerals (for example, pyrite, marcasite, magnetite,
and chalcopyrite). The mineral is a solid solution
series that occurs in a range of compositions, different
crystal structures, and varying magnetism.6 Because of
these features and often being present in very small
concentrations and combined with other minerals, the
identification of the mineral is challenging (Fig. 3).
Petrographic techniques, XRD, thermomagnetic
analyses techniques, and scanning electron
microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
(SEM-EDX) can all be used to identify the mineral,
but quantification and locating the mineral still may be
missed or challenged.
Pyrrhotite—Mechanism of Deterioration
in Concrete
Iron sulfide minerals are unstable in the presence of
oxygen and water and susceptible to oxidation
corrosion reactions. The rate of oxidation of pyrrhotite
can be 20 to 100 times faster than pyrite.7 When the
oxidation reaction occurs, iron corrosion products
form and sulfuric acid is released. Both products can
Fig. 3: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) backscattered electron (BSE) impact the concrete, and the following reactions occur
images with EDS spectra of occurrence of iron sulfides in concrete aggregate concurrently:
with pyrrhotite showing corrosion • Oxidation reaction—When iron sulfide minerals
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oxidize in an alkaline environment, such as concrete, created by the formation of corrosion products. Under certain
ferrihydrite (Fe(OH)3) and goethite (FeO(OH)) are the conditions, there is a potential for subsequent secondary
predominant sulfide oxidation products. The initial reaction mineral formation leading to internal sulfate attack. A
products provide the initial expansion and tensile strains on schematic of the reactions and chemical formulas is shown
concrete; and in Fig. 5.
• Secondary mineralization—Sulfuric acid is
produced as a by-product of the oxidation reaction.
The sulfuric acid lowers the pH and reacts with a
portland cement hydration product, portlandite
(Ca(OH)2), to form gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O).
Gypsum reacts with the anhydrous or hydrated
aluminate phases in portland cement to form
expansive ettringite (Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12·26 H2O).8,9
If the concrete has a source of limestone (CaCO3),
either from aggregate, cement, or another source,
thaumasite (Ca3Si(OH)6(CO3)(SO4)·12 H2O) can be
formed.3 Backscatter images of the expansive
reaction products are shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4: BSE SEM images with EDS spectra of deleterious secondary minerals
Degradation of the concrete due to pyrrhotite formed in the calcium silicate hydrate (paste) adjacent to corroded pyrrhotite-
oxidation is initially caused by the expansive forces containing aggregate
Fig. 5: Schematic of pyrrhotite oxidation and sulfate attach mechanism in concrete suffering deterioration from the presence of pyrrhotite
mineral in concrete aggregates (read left to right)
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These series of reactions are repeated; oxidation of the In the Canada occurrence, concrete foundations
pyrrhotite minerals causes further staining, popouts, and constructed between 1996 and 2008 began experiencing
expansive pressures while releasing more sulfuric acid, symptoms of the reaction within 5 years of construction.
causing additional sulfate attack. Over time, cracking will These foundations were constructed with anorthositic gabbro
develop in the form of map pattern, indicating uniform with various metamorphic textures and containing pyrite and
expansion with cracks bridging rust-stained aggregate pyrrhotite with lesser amounts of other iron sulfide minerals
particles. As the reaction furthers, in certain circumstances, (pentlandite and chalcopyrite). The National Research Council
the formation of thaumasite replaces the portland cement of Canada has indicated that over 1200 houses have had
hydration product, calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), and basement walls replaced, with thousands more to be evaluated.
causes a significant loss in strength. The extent of sulfate The financial impact in the region is over 400 million CAD.11
attack of the paste is controlled by the composition and size In the United States, pyrrhotite-containing aggregates
of the aggregate particles, the kinetics of sulfide oxidation, produced from Beckers Quarry in Willington, CT, from 1983
the composition of the cement, and proportioning of the to 2015, were used to construct concrete foundations in
concrete mixture.3,10 Massachusetts and Connecticut. In this case, symptoms of the
The rate and severity of pyrrhotite oxidation and its deterioration were not observed until 10 to 20 years after
deleterious effects within concrete depend on several factors. construction. These aggregates contained pyrrhotite in a
The primary factors are related to the mineral itself, the host metamorphic gneiss and schistose rock source. More than
rock, and its mineralization, and ultimately, the concrete 35,000 homes in the surrounding area were constructed with
quality and exposure conditions. aggregate from the quarry and the average cost to raise the
homes and repair the foundations is 150,000 USD per home.12,13
Manifestations in North America Due to these two occurrences, the U.S. Geological
In North America, there are two occurrences of widespread Survey’s (USGS) Mineral Resources Program developed a
deterioration of concrete structures due to the pyrrhotite map to show the distribution of pyrrhotite across the
mineral. One is in the Trois Rivières region of Quebec, conterminous United States (Fig. 6). The map is a compilation
Canada, and the other occurred from aggregates produced in of three different databases that uses rock formation type and
Willington, CT, USA. reported occurrences of pyrrhotite to provide a reasonable
Fig. 6: USGS conterminous United States map showing the location of rock types that may contain pyrrhotite from three different sources
(from Reference 14)
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indication of where pyrrhotite may occur.14 Due to the coarse and fine aggregates. Currently, ASTM C33/C33M does
frequency of potential occurrences of pyrrhotite on this map, not provide limits or requirements on iron sulfide minerals or
the concrete aggregate and construction industries have total sulfur content. ACI Committee 201, Durability of
become concerned about the potential for pyrrhotite-induced Concrete, has recently approved changes to Chapter 5—
distress in other regions. Alkali-Aggregate Reactions of ACI 201.2R-1618 to include
background and occurrences of the reaction. From the draft
Standardized Procedures, Guides, version of the chapter, limits and guidance on testing for the
Specifications, and Legislation iron sulfide minerals and total sulfur content were not
Due to the complex nature of the oxidation reaction and included.
challenges with quantifying the amount of iron sulfides, the In Canada, CSA A23.1-19/A23.2-19, in the materials
scientific community has yet to reach a consensus on an section for aggregates, warns “of sulphides [sulfides], such as
appropriate limit for use in concrete aggregates. To date, iron pyrite, pyrrhotite, and marcasite, in the aggregate that might
sulfide minerals are not excluded or limited for use in oxidize and hydrate with volume increase or the release of
concrete aggregate standards in North America. Test methods sulphate that produces sulphate attack upon the cement paste,
for evaluation of the suitability of aggregates for use in or both.”15 The specification does reference the informative
concrete, such as ASTM C295/C295M4 or Canadian testing procedure discussed previously, but no limits or
Standards Association (CSA) A23.1:19/A23.2:19,15 similarly requirements for testing are provided.
do not exclude or limit suitable or acceptable amounts of European standard EN 12620:2013 has established limits
these minerals in aggregate. An overview of the current on total sulfur by mass of aggregate and fillers (excluding
procedures, guidance documents, specifications, and air-cooled blast-furnace slag) at 1%. If pyrrhotite is present in
legislation is provided. the aggregate, that limit is dropped to 0.1% total sulfur by
mass.19 Some preliminary studies of degradation of these
Standardized Procedures minerals have concluded that a level of 0.1% is exaggerated
In North America, there is no consensus on standardized and is unnecessarily rejecting suitable aggregate.20,21
test procedures for identifying and/or qualifying the iron
sulfides or specifically the pyrrhotite mineral, or procedures Dilemma of Legislation Ahead of Science
for evaluating the potential for deterioration in concrete. Because the oxidation of pyrrhotite has caused
ASTM C295/C295M4 recommends identifying iron sulfide deterioration to tens of thousands concrete foundations of
minerals that may potentially oxidize in concrete but residential and light commercial buildings in North America,
provides no guidance or limitations for use. Beyond this USGS conducted a survey that identified the distribution of
recommendation, we are aware of no other standardized the potentially deleterious mineral along the Appalachian
testing procedures or guidance documents provided by ASTM Mountains and the western United States. Due to these
International at this time. occurrences and concerns about future incidences, the
In Canada, CSA A23.1:19/A23.2:19 includes an concrete aggregate and construction industries are scrambling
informative Appendix P—“Impact of sulphides in aggregate to provide guidance to prevent the recurrence of these events.
on concrete behavior and global approach to determine Ahead of the traditional specification, code, and consensus
potential deleterious reactivity of sulphide-bearing testing standardization organizations, as previously
aggregates.”15 This annex recommends using a three-step
process for evaluating an aggregate: (1) quantifying the
amount of sulfide sulfur content; (2) evaluating the oxidation
potential; and (3) evaluating the potential reactivity in
concrete (mortar bars). These test methods have proved
successful in identifying the potential for deleterious reaction
in the specific aggregates known to cause deleterious reaction
in foundations, but validation over a wide range of aggregate
types is in progress. The oxidation and expansion test methods
are onerous and preliminary evaluations of the methods
indicate high variability of results. The CSA document
provides guidance based on the tests, which is summarized in
the flow chart (Fig. 7).16
Guides and Specifications

In the United States, aggregates for use in concrete Fig. 7: CSA protocol for determining the potential reactivity of iron
generally must meet the requirements of ASTM C33/C33M,17 sulfide-bearing aggregates in Annex P of CSA A23.1:19/CSA
which defines the requirements for grading and quality of A23.2:1915,16
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Table 1:
Summary of test methods for determining total sulfur content
Standard test Method for total sulfur Sample to
procedure analysis pass Sample size, g Reproducibility limit (R)
Varies dependent on the sulfur content from
Combustion method with 250 µm
ASTM D4239 0.1 to 0.2 0.05914 to 0.58563. For total sulfur contents
infrared detection (No. 60)
from 0.38775 to 5.6125
Varies dependent on the sulfur content from
Combustion method with 150 µm*
ASTM E1915 0.2† 0.0133 to 0.648. For total sulfur contents from
infrared detection (No. 100)
0.004 to 4.70
Combustion method with Under development. Preliminary values vary
CSA A23.1-19/ According to manufacturer
infrared detection or acid 160 µm dependent on the sulfur content from 0.08 to
A23.2-19, Annex P —up to 5 g
detection 0.28 for total sulfur contents 0.10 to 1.2
Function of sample preparation, calibration
ASTM E1621 XRF Varies‡ Varies 0.3 to 1.0
scheme, and sample homogeneity
*
May be necessary to grind samples to pass 75 µm (No. 200) to improve precision of samples containing low contents of sulfur
†
Section 10.5.1.1: Different instruments may require different sample masses for certain content ranges
‡
Sample prep for powder XRF requires sample to pass 75 µm, with 50 µm ideal
Note: 1 g = 0.035 oz
mentioned, the state of Connecticut has passed a law (Public errors can be introduced when a small sample is being
Act. No. 21-1201) that requires quarry operators to test prepared and used to represent a heterogenous material, such
aggregates for the presence of iron sulfide minerals. While as a 10 lb aggregate sample. In addition, the aforementioned
this law provides protocol for testing aggregates, the law is techniques have their own inherent repeatability and
ahead of the industry and may be technically incorrect and interpretation challenges and the prescription of any of these
may restrict the use of aggregates erroneously. From the techniques along with the other techniques, “deemed at least
authors’ experiences with the previously referenced testing as accurate,” lacks robustness and creates challenges in
procedures, knowledge of the occurrence of the pyrrhotite repeatability and comparison of results. A summary of the
mineral, and experience with other aggregate testing rapid sulfur test procedures is provided in Table 1.
procedures, the following concerns exist related to the CT law.
Identification of Pyrrhotite
Sampling, Splitting, and Crushing/Pulverizing Petrographic examination is a common and standardized
It has been known that sampling, splitting, and crushing/ protocol for evaluating concrete aggregates and identifying
pulverizing have introduced errors in testing concrete potentially deleterious minerals. However, the identification
aggregates for alkali-silica reactivity.22 This processing of and quantification of pyrrhotite is complex. Due to the nature
aggregates eliminates some of the reactive minerals and of the mineral (typically found associated with other iron
introduces variability and error to the tests. This occurs for sulfides, the varying degrees of magnetism, and varying
reactive silica minerals, which are typically significantly more crystal structure) and its presence in low concentrations, it can
abundant in aggregates compared to pyrrhotite, where be difficult to locate. In addition, nontypical techniques may
threshold values of 0.10% (4.5 g [0.16 oz]) by weight within a be needed to definitively identify and quantify the mineral,
10 lb aggregate sample are believed to have the potential to including metallographic microscopy, which is not commonly
cause deterioration in concrete. implemented in petrographic microscopy and requires a high
degree of technical skill and experience. Standard XRD
Nonstandardized Rapid Sulfur Test analyses may also be used to identify the mineral, but they
The CT law requires aggregate samples to be evaluated have a low detection level (generally 1%, with samples
using XRF, purge and trap gas chromatography, combustion containing multiple minerals up to 5%). Because of the
furnace, or other technology “deemed at least as accurate.” sparseness of the mineral, different variations of the mineral,
While ASTM International test methods for XRF analysis and the nontypical procedures, there is risk that the mineral
(ASTM E162123), quantification of sulfur in coal may not be properly identified.
(ASTM D423924), and metal-bearing ores (ASTM E191525)
exist, no standardized test method has been established for Incorrect Reference to Test Procedures
detecting sulfur in concrete aggregates. Furthermore, the If pyrrhotite is identified, the aggregate is required to be
standard deviation, sample size, and crushing regime differ tested in accordance with ASTM C129326 or ASTM C227
between methods. The sample sizes for these tests are (Withdrawn 2018).27 Both of these tests were developed for
approximately 0.1 to 10 g (0.0035 to 0.35 oz), and significant evaluating the alkali-silica reactivity of aggregates. While
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the accelerated environmental conditions in the test methods should be developed to minimize these risks and ensure
may promote pyrrhotite oxidation, the interpretation of the representative aggregate samples are evaluated;
results and delineation of the two causes of expansion
(alkali-silica reaction and pyrrhotite oxidation) are not
• Influence of materials and permeability—The influence
of the quality of the concrete, presence of supplementary
provided, nor understood. The CT law haphazardly cementitious materials (slag cement, fly ash, and others),
references other aggregate testing standards which may water-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm), and
produce false positive results. permeability of the concrete are not fully understood.
Additional testing and evaluation of field structures with
Interpretation of Results varying material compositions should be performed and
In the CT law, petrographic examination, total sulfur studied in various regions;
content, and linear expansion of mortar or concrete tests are • Influence of exposure conditions—The effect of the
all prescribed with established limits. These limits would surrounding environment is suspected to have an influence
indicate the threshold to where potentially deleterious on the reactivity of concrete containing aggregates with
oxidation of pyrrhotite mineral may cause deterioration in pyrrhotite minerals. Specifically, colder subgrade
concrete. Currently, there is not enough established research environments (basements) in northern climates are
or correlation of laboratory and field performance to correlate suspected to be worst case scenario for promoting
the prescribed limits to a potential for deleterious behavior pyrrhotite oxidation. Further investigation is needed to
in concrete. validate this theory and provide recommendations for
construction in various climates; and
Precision and Bias • Correlate laboratory tests with field performance—
Lastly, with any consensus-developed standardized test Accelerated tests with definitive limits (such as total sulfur
method, it is important to understand its precision and bias. content, oxygen consumption, and others) should be
The CT law provides no insight on the precision of the test benchmarked to concrete cast and stored outdoors to
method or the variability that can occur within the same determine the efficacy of the method to predict actual field
laboratory or among different laboratories. Again, this performance.
information is important for the interpretation of test results,
and it would have been provided if these procedures were References
developed by a consensus body. 1. Substitute House Bill No. 6646, Connecticut Public Act No. 21-120:
For the reasons stated herein, the CT law may have been “An Act Concerning Crumbling Concrete Foundations,” State of
prematurely instituted and set a precedent for other states to Connecticut, July 6, 2021, 10 pp., www.cga.ct.gov/2021/act/Pa/
follow incorrectly. While the authors agree that action is pdf/2021PA-00120-R00HB-06646-PA.PDF.
needed to limit the risk for potential deterioration to other 2. Massachusetts Senate Bill No. 548, “An Act Relative to Crumbling
concrete structures, implementing laws without scientific Concrete Foundations,” The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Feb. 18,
backing or understanding of the test procedures only further 2021, 7 pp., https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S548.
hurts the concrete and concrete aggregate industry. 3. Rodrigues, A.; Duchesne, J.; Fournier, B.; Durand, B.; Rivard, P.;
and Shehata, M., “Mineralogical and Chemical Assessment of Concrete
Conclusions and Recommendations Damaged by the Oxidation of Sulfide-Bearing Aggregates: Importance of
This article provides an overview of the pyrrhotite Thaumasite Formation on Reaction Mechanisms,” Cement and Concrete
deterioration mechanism, manifestations of the reaction in Research, V. 42, No. 10, Oct. 2012, pp. 1336-1347.
North America, current state of knowledge for identification 4. ASTM C295/C295M-19, “Standard Guide for Petrographic
and quantification, and current and proposed legislation. From Examination of Aggregates for Concrete,” ASTM International, West
this information, it is evident that our understanding of Conshohocken, PA, 2019, 9 pp.
pyrrhotite mechanism and identification is evolving. However, 5. MNL-117-13, “Manual for Quality Control for Plants and
due to the complex nature of the reaction and lack of Production of Architectural Precast Concrete Products,” fourth edition,
correlation between laboratory testing and field performance Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Chicago, IL, 2013, 334 pp.
of concrete, the active and proposed legislation to limit 6. Belzile, N.; Chen, Y.; Cai, M.; and Li, Y., “A Review on Pyrrhotite
aggregate use in concrete may be premature. To accelerate our Oxidation,” Journal of Geochemical Exploration, V. 84, No. 2, Sep.
understanding, work toward development of standardized 2004, pp. 65-76.
testing procedure, and limit the risk of the reaction, the 7. Blowes, D.W.; Ptacek, C.J.; Jambor, J.L.; and Weisener, C.G., “The
following recommendations are provided: Geochemistry of Acid Mine Drainage,” Treatise on Geochemistry, V. 9,
• Minimize contamination and variability in tests—Many B. Sherwood Loilar, ed., H.D. Holland and K.K. Turekian, executive
of the proposed aggregate test methods require excessive eds., Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 2003, pp. 149-204.
crushing, pulverizing, splitting, and testing of very small 8. Grattan-Bellew, P.E., and Eden, W.J., “Concrete Deterioration and
samples. These procedures have produced variability and Floor Heave Due to Biogeochemical Weathering of Underlying Shale,”
inconsistency in laboratory results. Novel test methods Canadian Geotechnical Journal, V. 12, No. 3, Aug. 1975, pp. 372-378.
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9. Shayan, A., “Deterioration of a Concrete Surface due to the 26. ASTM C1293-20a, “Standard Test Method for Determination of
Oxidation of Pyrite Contained in Pyritic Aggregates,” Cement and Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction,” ASTM
Concrete Research, V. 18, No, 5, Sept. 1988, pp. 723-730. International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2020, 6 pp.
10. Casanova, I.; Agullo, L.; and Aguado, A., “Aggregate Expansivity 27. ASTM C227-10, “Standard Test Method for Potential Alkali
Due to Sulfide Oxidation—I. Reaction System and Rate Model,” Cement Reactivity of Cement-Aggregate Combinations (Mortar-Bar Method)
and Concrete Research, V. 26, No. 7, July 1996, pp. 993-998. (Withdrawn 2018),” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2010,
11. “Solving the Pyrrhotite Issue in Canada,” National Research 6 pp.
Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada, May 2019, https://nrc.canada.
ca/en/certifications-evaluations-standards/codes-canada/construction- Selected for reader interest by the editors.
innovation/solving-pyrrhotite-issue-canada.
12. “Crumbling Foundations,” Connecticut State Department of
Housing, Hartford, CT, https://portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/Programs/
Crumbling-Foundations, accessed May 24, 2023. ACI member Anthony F. Bentivegna
13. U.S. Government Accountability Office, “Crumbling is a Principal at Durability Engineers
Foundations: Extent of Homes with Defective Concrete Is Not Fully PLLC, Grand Rapids, MI, USA. His
Known and Federal Options to Aid Homeowners Are Limited,” July expertise includes the field of durability
2020, https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-649. engineering and concrete materials
14. Mauk, J.L.; Crafford, T.C.; Horton, J.D.; San Juan, C.A.; and consulting, with a focus on extending
Robinson, G.R. Jr., “Pyrrhotite Distribution in the Conterminous United the service life of both new and existing
States,” U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2020-3017, Mar. 2020, 4 pp. concrete structures. Bentivegna is
doi:10.3133/fs20203017 the Secretary of ACI Committee 321,
15. CSA A23.1:19/CSA A23.2:19, “Concrete Materials and Methods Concrete Durability Code, as well as a member of several other
of Concrete Construction / Test Methods and Standard Practices for ACI committees, including 201, Durability of Concrete; 323, Low-
Carbon Concrete Code; and 350C, Environmental Engineering
Concrete,” CSA Group, Toronto, ON, Canada, Jan. 2019, 882 pp.
Concrete Structure Code. Bentivegna received his PhD from The
16. Duchesne, J.; Rodriques, A.; and Fournier, B., “Concrete Damage
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. He is a licensed
due to Oxidation of Sulfide-Bearing Aggregate: A Review,” RILEM
professional engineer in multiple states.
Technical Letters, V. 6, July 2021, pp. 82-92.
17. ASTM C33/C33M-18, “Standard Specification for Concrete
ACI member April Snyder is the Director
Aggregates,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2018, 8 pp.
of the Concrete Materials Laboratory and
18. ACI Committee 201, “Guide to Durable Concrete Reference Principal Concrete Petrographer at RJ
(201.2R-16),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2016, Lee Group, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. She has
84 pp. extensive experience and expertise in
19. BS EN 12620:2013, “Aggregates for Concrete (Withdrawn),” forensic concrete failure investigations
British Standards Institution, London, UK, 2013, 54 pp. and evaluation of concrete materials as
20. Chinchón-Payá, S.; Aguado, A.; and Chincón, S., “A Comparative related to performance and durability.
Investigation of the Degradation of Pyrite and Pyrrhotite Under Snyder is Chair of ACI Subcommittee
Simulated Laboratory Conditions,” Engineering Geology, V. 127, Feb. 201-H, Aggregate Reactions, and a member of ACI Committees
2012, pp. 75-80. 201, Durability of Concrete, and 221, Aggregates. She is Past
21. Marcelino, A.; Calixto, J.M.; Gumieri, A.G.; Ferreira, M.C.; President of the ACI Pittsburgh Area Chapter and a graduate of
Caldeira, C.; Silva, M.V.; and Costa, A.L., “Evaluation of Pyrite and the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Geology, Pittsburgh.
Pyrrhotite in Concretes,” Revista IBRACON de Estruturas e Materiais,
V. 9, No. 3, June 2016, pp. 484-493. ACI member Stephen M. Stacey is
22. Ideker, J.H.; Bentivegna, A.F.; Folliard, K.J.; and Juenger, an Associate Principal at Durability
M.C.G., “Do Current Laboratory Test Methods Accurately Predict Engineers PLLC, in Chicago, IL, USA.
Alkali-Silica Reactivity?” ACI Materials Journal, V. 109, No. 4, His areas of expertise include condition
July-Aug. 2012, pp. 395-402. assessments through visual examination
and destructive and nondestructive
23. ASTM E1621-22, “Standard Guide for Elemental Analysis by
testing of reinforced concrete structures.
Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry,” ASTM
Stacey is a member of Joint ACI-TMS
International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2022, 9 pp.
Committee 216, Fire Resistance and
24. ASTM D4239-18e1, “Standard Test Method for Sulfur in the
Protection of Structures; ACI Committee E706, Concrete Repair
Analysis Sample of Coal and Coke Using High-Temperature Tube Furnace
Education; and ACI Subcommittee 562-I, Durability. Stacey
Combustion,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2018, 8 pp.
received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering
25. ASTM E1915-20, “Standard Test Methods for Analysis of Metal with a focus on concrete materials from The University of Texas
Bearing Ores and Related Materials for Carbon, Sulfur, and Acid-Base at Austin. He is a licensed professional engineer in multiple states.
Characteristics,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2020, 24 pp.
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Timelines and Techniques:
Finishing Practices for
Structural Lightweight
Concrete Floor Slabs
by William H. Wolfe
T
he use of lightweight aggregates in concrete extends and forms air bubbles that remain as non-interconnected pores
well into antiquity and through multiple cultures.1 when it cools. As these pores increase the sizes of aggregate
Some of the earliest lightweight concrete mixtures particles, they reduce the density of the particles without
incorporated naturally porous materials like pumice. And compromising the strength of the concrete containing them.
since the 1920s, structural lightweight concrete has been used After the ESCS has cooled, it is crushed and screened to
for concrete floors in well over 500,000 buildings.2 With the size appropriate for its use. Because ESCS is a
strengths comparable to normalweight concrete yet typically manufactured material, it provides a consistent gradation and
25 to 35% lighter, this material helps reduce the building’s density that allows predictable properties in concrete
structural dead load. Not only does this allow for more design mixtures.
flexibility and reduced construction costs over an entire
structure but it also contributes to improved seismic resilience Concrete Finishing
by reducing the forces a building endures during an earthquake. When using structural lightweight concrete made with
Likewise, structural lightweight concrete, when it ESCS, the most critical issue for contractors is determining
incorporates expanded shale, clay, or slate (ESCS) lightweight when to begin finishing. While this is an important
aggregates, can be specified in thinner floor slabs without consideration for all concrete types, it has added significance
compromising required fire ratings. This is due in part to the with structural lightweight concrete slabs on metal decks.
material’s ability to transmit heat at a slower rate than Finishing this material too early can lead to delamination and
normalweight concrete. Lightweight concrete has a higher more-than-necessary compaction and deflection across the
insulating value due to the pore structure within the floor deck. These issues are not insurmountable, especially
lightweight aggregate. when contractors and engineers understand how the material
If the lightweight aggregate is preconditioned by works, where it is most reasonable to specify it, the proper
prewetting prior to batching, the processes for batching and finishing timelines, and the differences in how finishing tools
placing this material can be similar to those for normalweight interact with structural lightweight concrete compared to
concrete.3 With all these benefits and no specialized normalweight concrete.
knowledge necessary for placement, the question becomes:
Why isn’t structural lightweight concrete used more often? ESCS Mixtures
The answer may be tied to concerns with finishing techniques As with all types of concrete, the mixture should be
and timelines. proportioned to ensure proper workability, pumpability,
finishing characteristics, and setting times and to prevent
What Are ESCS Aggregates? mixture segregation. Overworking a concrete mixture with
In modern construction, lightweight aggregates are produced ESCS aggregates may bring the lightweight aggregates to
by expanding minerals like shale, clay, and slate. These the surface.
materials are fired in a rotary kiln at temperatures around One of the most important requirements with lightweight
2000°F (1648°C). During this process, the material softens concrete mixtures is that lightweight aggregates must be
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saturated prior to batching so the water-cement ratio (w/c) of measured during placement, the required unit weight of the
the paste can be consistent, and the pump pressures don’t fresh concrete must be adjusted to account for the weight of
drive water and air into the aggregates only to come back out the saturation water. Because lightweight aggregates are
of the aggregates at the point of placement. If the degree of lighter, the concrete results in less bleed water and bleed air,
saturation varies, this has a large impact on the bleed and and less risk of blisters and delaminations. However, there is
setting behavior of the concrete and can complicate finishing. still risk, and the lower the entrained air content, the lower
Also, structural lightweight concrete made with ESCS the risk.
aggregates is commonly specified with an air content between
4 to 7% to meet density and fire rating requirements. The air What to Avoid
content should be tested in accordance with ASTM C173/ Floor slabs in office, commercial, multi-unit residential,
C173M.4 It is not always necessary to use a high amount of air and institutional buildings are typically specified with floor
entrainment to meet the density requirements; therefore, coverings for foot traffic. Because these floors are covered,
calculating the equilibrium density is recommended.5 If they need neither higher flatness tolerances (unless
specifically called for in design requirements) nor an overly
smoothed surface. Likewise, the troweling recommendations
for this class of flooring (Class 2 per ACI 302.1R-156) are not
the same as what is recommended for other commercial or
industrial flooring. With that in mind, contractors can avoid
overworking a floor slab by understanding the right timelines
and by using trowels that exert the optimum force for floors of
this class.
This can be easier said than done, as calls for faster
construction and flatter tolerances have become a norm. To
meet these calls, many contractors have achieved desired
flatness, reduced wait times, and minimized labor by using
ride-on power trowels that impart more energy to the concrete
surface than walk-behind power trowels. While this practice
can be beneficial to normalweight or non-air-entrained
concrete floors, lightweight concrete provides some
complications. Therefore, it is important that concrete
contractors do not treat lightweight concrete floors as they
would normalweight ones.
Lightweight concrete deck being placed (photo courtesy of William H. It may seem that lightweight concrete can make finishing
Wolfe) concrete floors needlessly complex. However, avoiding the
dangers of overworking can be simple when contractors
observe proper finishing techniques, use the appropriate tools,
and maintain an ideal finish window.
Techniques and Tools

Power trowels with float pans or float blades exert a much
lower surface pressure than those without them. This can
sometimes entice contractors to commence finishing sooner
than when is ideal. While this can be feasible for slabs-on-
ground or slabs made from normalweight concrete, it can
cause delamination and deflection when used prematurely on
lightweight concrete floors. It is recommended that finishers
use walk-behind machines with float blades for the first pass
during the proper window for finishing. After the first pass
with the walk-behind equipment is completed, ride-on
finishing equipment can be used.
Although the right equipment and proper timelines can
help contractors easily finish concrete floors, the ambient
conditions also play a part. For example, cold weather can
Bleed water coming to the surface prior to finishing (photo courtesy of prolong bleeding time on unheated decks, increasing
Arcosa Lightweight) delamination risks from mistimed finishing. For this reason,
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concrete crews should be aware and take action during colder necessary for finishing crews to reach specified densities and
weather and during weather that may speed up surface drying surface flatness/levelness—allowing finishing to be completed
times, as these environments may cause disparities between within a potentially smaller window of finishability. On the
surface stiffness and adequate time to set. other hand, it can increase the finesse needed to finish a floor
because unintentional overworking can cause several
Time and Weather problems that would be costly and time-consuming to correct.
When it comes to finishing any concrete floor, timing is Project design professionals and concrete suppliers can
essential. Premature finishing is a major cause of delamination help avoid these issues by making sure the concrete is
(including blistering). Finishing a floor too late, even one that designed to achieve the required equilibrium density with a
will be covered, can result in poorly textured surfaces and minimum required entrained air. In addition, batch plants
floor flatness/levelness that are outside of design should verify that the aggregates are consistently at a saturated
specifications. To determine the window of finishability, it is surface-dry (SSD) condition prior to batching, so the bleed
important for contractors to consider a wide range of and setting characteristics are consistent. And finishing crews
variables. can avoid these issues by first and foremost commencing
The first of these variables is the concrete itself. For years, finishing processes as late as possible within the window of
finishers have had two tests for determining when to start finishability. Further, if the specified tolerances allow, they
finishing operations—examining for visible bleed water and can sideline potential finishing problems by using equipment
measuring the depth of footprints. After placement, the sheen that exerts less pressure on the slab surface. In doing so, the
of bleed water should disappear from the concrete’s surface. project team can help a project reap all the benefits of
This indicates that sealing the top layer will not lead to structural lightweight concrete without compromising the
trapped water and subsequent delamination. However, overall cost and completion timelines.
sometimes the bleed water evaporates quicker than it rises to
the surface, which can fool the finisher into thinking it’s done.
This is especially true with slower bleeds, which can result
from using lightweight aggregate. Additionally, finishers can
step on the concrete and measure the depth of their footprints
to ascertain the readiness of a floor. If a footprint is no deeper
than 1/8 or 1/4 in. (3 or 6 mm) in some cases,7 then it’s likely
that the concrete is ready to be finished with the proper
equipment. However, if “crusting” occurs (setting of the
surface faster than the slab interior), the footprint
determination may not be accurate.
However, these tests are not infallible. Cool or damp
weather can lead to prolonged bleeding, and hot, windy, or
dry conditions can lead to premature surface stiffness. In the
latter case, a floor may pass the sheen and footprint tests
without actually being ready for finishing. With this in mind,
concrete contractors should consider the ambient environment
when determining the window of finishability.
Premature finishing may cause a dense sealed layer on the
concrete. If bleeding of the concrete has not finished, this
low-permeability top layer can trap rising air and water to
form a plane of weakness directly under the impermeable
layer. This weakness plane can have a higher w/c and a higher
air content, and it could lead to delamination in the future.
To avoid possible delamination, it is recommended that
finishers start troweling as late as possible based on the
concrete and environmental conditions, crew size, and
equipment availability.
Crossing the Finish Line

As previously noted, structural lightweight concrete
typically will not need a finish as dense as that of other types
of concrete floor slabs requiring a higher floor flatness/ Almost all lightweight concrete used in elevated floor slabs is
levelness. On the one hand, this can reduce the effort pumped (photo courtesy of William H. Wolfe)
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4. ASTM C173/C173M-16, “Standard Test Method for Air Content
Additional ACI Resources
• On-Demand Course: Guide to ACI 213R-14 Structural of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method,” ASTM
International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2016, 9 pp.
Lightweight-Aggregate Concrete (three-part series)
• On-Demand Course: Internal Curing: Improving 5. Kozikowski, R., “Concrete Q&A: Density of Lightweight
Concrete,” Concrete International, V. 34, No. 8, Aug. 2012, pp. 74-76.
Concrete Durability with Use of Lightweight
6. ACI Committee 302, “Guide to Concrete Floor and Slab
Aggregate
• On-Demand Course: Contractor’s Guide: Concrete Construction (ACI 302.1R-15),” American Concrete Institute,
Farmington Hills, MI, 2015, 76 pp.
Placement and Finishing
• On-Demand Course: Concrete Floor and Slab 7. Suprenant, B.A., and Malisch, W.R., “The True Window of
Finishability,” Concrete Construction, Oct. 1998, 3 pp.
Construction (302.1R-15, Chapter 5)
Visit www.concrete.org/education/aciuniversity.aspx
for more information. Selected for reader interest by the editors after independent expert
evaluation and recommendation.
References
ACI member William H. Wolfe is the
1. Rivera-Villarreal, R., and Cabrera, J.G., “Microstructure of
Marketing and Technical Manager for
Two-Thousand-Year-Old Lightweight Concrete,” High-Performance
Arcosa Lightweight based in Albany,
Concrete: Performance and Quality of Concrete Structures, SP-186, V.M.
NY, USA. He is a member of ACI
Malhotra, P. Helene, L.R. Prudencio Jr., and D.C.C. Dal Molin, eds.,
Committees 213, Lightweight Aggregate
American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 1999, pp. 183-200. and Concrete; 301, Specifications
2. “Finishing Lightweight Concrete Floors (Publication #4640),” for Concrete Construction; and 302,
Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate Institute, Chicago, IL, Dec. 2003, 3 pp. Construction of Concrete Floors. Wolfe
3. ACI Committee 213, “Guide for Structural Lightweight-Aggregate is also a member of the Expanded Shale,
Concrete (ACI 213.R-14),” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Clay and Slate Institute and ASTM International.
Hills, MI, 2014, 57 pp.
The ACI Detailing Manual

Includes FREE
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The 2020 edition of the ACI Detailing
Manual includes many new updates and
revisions, plus the addition of valuable
downloadable CAD files.
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more information.
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Carbon-Negative Pilot
Exploring the application of sustainable carbon-storing construction materials in
CMU buildings
by Yao Wang, Mija Hubler, Rakshita Ramesh Bhat, Wil V. Srubar III, Shane Frazier, Loren Burnett, Linfei Li,
Ben Stanley, Ryan Dick, and Sean James
I
n recent decades, the issue of global warming caused by The rapid development and wide application of microbial
fossil fuel carbon emissions has been a growing concern technology is promoting the birth of innovation in
all over the world. In this context, the possibility of storing construction materials. Researchers have proposed a novel
carbon in permanent building elements is a remarkable cement-free living building material (LBM) that leverages
opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint. Ordinary portland desiccated hydrogel to bind sand and microbially induced
cement (OPC) is the primary binder material in conventional calcium carbonate precipitation to improve the material
concrete and comprises 5 to 9% of global CO2 emissions. To 1 strength. 3,4
These novel LBMs, now being commercialized by
meet environmental sustainability goals without sacrificing Prometheus Materials, offer a low-carbon—and potentially
economic viability, interest in OPC alternatives has recently carbon-storing—alternative to traditional CMUs.
increased.
In partnership with Microsoft Inc., the University of Biogenic Limestone
Colorado Boulder’s Center for Infrastructure, Energy and Minus Materials Inc. harvests biogenic limestone from
Space Testing (CIEST) lab designed, constructed, and tested a both calcareous microalgae and macroalgae through direct air
special construction system designed to achieve overall capture of atmospheric CO2. The biogenic limestone is dried
carbon negativity. The system comprised a concrete slab to suitable water content and stored as a powder.
supporting an L-shaped wall constructed using concrete Biogenic limestone can be used as a direct replacement
masonry units (CMUs). The concrete slab was made of for quarried limestone in virtually all cement and concrete
alkali-activated cement containing algae-derived carbon- applications. Primary applications include: 1) using biogenic
storing, biogenic limestone from Minus Materials. The wall limestone as a CO 2 -storing filler in cementitious materials
CMUs were produced by Prometheus Materials. Our team (for example, Type IL portland-limestone cements, alkali-
carried out the materials testing to ensure the materials and activated slag-limestone cements); and 2) using biogenic
system met the specified workability (slump and setting time) limestone as a CO 2 -storing raw kiln feed for CO2-neutral
and mechanical behavior (compressive and flexural strength) OPC production. No changes are required to existing
requirements, and we provided an embodied carbon estimate manufacturing processes within the cement and concrete
of the total system as a pilot demonstration for carbon- industry to implement Minus Materials’ technology, aside
negative construction. from shifting limestone sources from quarries to Minus
Alkali-activated binders have been widely studied and Materials’ biogenic limestone.
promoted as a sustainable alternative to OPC concrete.
Alkali-activated concrete relies on alkaline solutions for Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete Slab
activation of aluminosilicate-rich wastes from the industry. Ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) by Lafarge
Moreover, because the use of alkali-activated binders boosts Cement was used as the binder. Crushed gravels and natural
the recycling of industrial by-products without requiring river sand were used as the coarse and fine aggregates,
calcination, life-cycle assessment (LCA) has demonstrated respectively. Powered sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), supplied
that the global warming potential (GWP) of alkali-activated by Fisher Scientific, was used as the activator. Moreover, the
concrete can be about 70% less than the GWP of OPC slag concrete in this project was mixed with two additives:
concrete. The addition of algae-derived biogenic limestone
2 one was the biogenic limestone supplied by Minus Materials,
from Minus Materials further improves the carbon-storage which acted as a micro-filler to promote a denser and stronger
capacity of alkali-activated slag (AAS) concrete due to the cementitious matrix; the other additive was Helix® 5-25 Micro
carbon negativity of the limestone filler. Rebar ®
to improve resiliency, ductility, and strength of slag
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concrete. Table 1 presents the mass hardening time was around 40 minutes, constructed on an 8 x 8 ft x 6 in. (2.4 x
proportions of each ingredient in AAS which may be extended for a large 2.4 m x 152 mm) AAS concrete slab
concrete. project through the addition of water (Fig. 2). There were eight No. 5
To ensure the workability and reducers. A compressive strength test reinforcing bars equally placed along
mechanical behavior of the AAS was conducted on cylinder samples, and the bottom edge of the wall to connect
concrete met the required design the mixture obtained 2500 psi (17 MPa) the masonry wall and the concrete slab.
specifications, the CEIST Lab carried at 28 days. Several wood triangle supports and
out various material tests before wall plywood boards were installed on the
construction. The AAS concrete Algae-Based Concrete Blocks wood formwork to resist hydrostatic
achieved a 3 in. (75 mm) slump, and the By harnessing microalgae to be used pressure from freshly placed concrete as
as a living building material, well as to avoid the sliding of the wall
Table 1: Prometheus Materials Inc. produces system during the wall dynamic test.
Mixture proportions for the AAS algae-based CMUs by replacing The entire construction process lasted
concrete used to construct the test traditional OPC with biomineralizing about 1 month, from April 25 to May 27,
slab microalgae and a proprietary hydrogel 2022 (Fig. 3).
Material Mass, kg/m3 (lb/yd3) binder (Fig. 1). Medium sand was used
as the primary aggregate in the block. Testing program
GGBS 714 (1203)
The algae-based CMU blocks reached a A structural performance test was
Na2CO3 15 (25)
compressive strength of 1200 psi conducted on the completed wall
Biogenic limestone 179 (302) (14 MPa) after curing for 7 days. system. An MTS hydraulic actuator was
Water 380 (641) used to apply a lateral area load on the
Sand 650 (1096) CMU Wall CMU wall to assess wind pressure
Coarse aggregate 1200 (2023)
Construction resistance. The test adopted
The wall system consisted of an “L” displacement control at 0.5 in./min
Helix fiber 32 (54)
shape 16 x 10 ft (5 x 3 m) CMU wall (13 mm/min). To apply a large surface
area load on the CMU wall, a 4 x 7 ft
(1.2 x 2.1 m) wood box was used, as
shown in Fig. 4, and a steel beam
transferred the load from the actuator to
the wood box. Beside the MTS
embedded sensors, there were three
string potentiometers installed at 4, 6,
and 8 ft (1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 m),
respectively, to measure the wall
deflections during the test.
Fig. 1: Biological CMU blocks (photos courtesy of Prometheus Materials, Inc.)
Fig. 3: CMU wall construction completion

(photo courtesy of CIEST Lab at University of
Fig. 2: Plan view and front view of the CMU wall system Colorado Boulder)
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The entire test lasted 15 minutes, and
the wall went through the following
stages: intact status, crack initiation,
severe crack, and wall failure (Fig. 5).
Similarly, the mechanical performance
of the wall system also went through the
full process of hardening (load rapidly
increases with small displacement),
softening (displacement increases but
load remains constant), and wall failure. Fig. 4: The CMU wall
The peak load was 4.3 kip (19 kN), test setup with a
which represents the lateral load steel beam and a
capacity of this CMU wall, and it meets wood box used to
the specification of engineering safety apply the load
design. It should be noted that the actual
applied area is smaller than the wooden
box area because of edge deflection,
which results in an actual stress higher
than calculated.
Life-Cycle Assessment
Life-cycle assessment (LCA) was
conducted, following ISO 14040:2006,5
to evaluate the amount of embodied
carbon in the AAS biogenic limestone
cement concrete and the algae-based
CMU wall assembly. The goal of this
analysis was to quantify and compare
the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
emissions associated with the
production of 1 m3 of various concretes
(novel, conventional, and best-in-class
incumbents) and 1 m2 of various CMU
wall assemblies (using novel and
conventional CMU blocks). The
embodied carbon of the AAS biogenic
limestone cement concrete was estimated Fig. 5: Wall test stages and experimental measurements (Note: 1 kip = 4.4 kN; 1 in. = 25 mm)
to be −36.6 kg/m3 (−61.7 lb/yd3),
indicating that it can store more CO2
than is emitted during its manufacture.
Further, it exhibited a 113% reduction in
embodied carbon compared to OPC
concrete (Fig. 6). Opportunities to
further increase CO2 storage in AAS
biogenic limestone cement concrete
include mixture design optimization for
incorporating additional biogenic
limestone, minimizing transportation
and process emissions, incorporating
CO2-storing fine and coarse aggregate,
and CO2 sequestration due to natural or
accelerated carbonation. The algae-
based CMU wall assembly had an
estimated 96% reduction in embodied Fig. 6: LCA analysis results for alkali-activated slag biogenic limestone cement concrete and
carbon emissions compared to a algae-based CMU wall assembly
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conventional CMU wall assembly; the reduction could be 5.2 lb/ft2 (250 Pa). Therefore, the combination of AAS
improved to achieve a 109% reduction if the algae-based biogenic limestone concrete slab and algae-based CMU
CMUs are used in combination with carbon-storing wood- wall meets the requirements of 100-year wind load at
fiber insulation within the wall cavities (Fig. 6). Seattle, WA, USA, and design specifications of Microsoft
data center buildings.
Conclusions
Based on our research, the following conclusions can be Acknowledgments
drawn: The authors would like to thank Microsoft Inc. for financial support
• The algae-derived biogenic limestone and algae-based and the CIEST Lab at The University of Colorado Boulder for
CMUs provide a high impact on reducing embodied carbon technical support. We sincerely thank Sherri Cook for her involvement
emissions. Proper selection and sourcing of materials can in the original LCA work, and Sarah Williams and Danielle Beatty for
minimize—and eliminate—embodied carbon in a CMU polishing the entire manuscript. We also like to extend our gratitude
wall assembly; to Brad Wham, Benjamin Hewitt, Scott Cusack, Cory Ihnotic,
• The tested system incorporated an AAS biogenic limestone Katherine O’Dell, and the other CIEST Lab staff for their support in
cement concrete slab (0.9 m3 [1.2 yd3]) and an algae-based this project.
CMU wall with wood-fiber insulation (11.9 m3 [15.5 yd3]).
Together, the assembly was estimated to store a net References
quantity of more than 100 kg (220 lb) CO2e; 1. Nanayakkara, O.; Gunasekara, C.; Sandanayake, M.; Law, D.W.;
• Opportunities for further increasing the CO2 storage of the Nguyen, K.; Xia, J.; and Setunge, S., “Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete
AAS biogenic limestone cement concrete slab include Incorporating Recycled Aggregate Concrete: Long-Term Performance
mixture design optimization for incorporating additional and Sustainability Aspect,” Construction and Building Materials, V. 271,
biogenic limestone, minimizing transportation and process Feb. 2021.
emissions, incorporating CO2-storing fine and coarse 2. Weil, M.; Dombrowski-Daube, K.; and Buchwald, A., “Life-Cycle
aggregates, and CO2 sequestration due to natural or Analysis of Geopolymers,” Geopolymers, J. Provis and J. Deventer, eds.,
accelerated carbonation; and Woodhead Publishing Ltd., Sawston, UK, 2009, pp. 194-210.
• Based on the experimental measurements for wall dynamic 3. Heveran, C.M.; Williams, S.L.; Qiu, J.; Artier, J.; Hubler, M.H.;
testing, the lateral load resistance capacity of the Cook, S.M.; Cameron, J.C.; and Srubar III, W.V., “Biomineralization
demonstration structure was 1.1 lb/in.2 (158.4 lb/ft2 [7580 and Successive Regeneration of Engineered Living Building Materials,”
Pa]), which is much higher than the designed pressure of Matter, V. 2, No. 2, Feb. 2020, pp. 481-494.
Masonry Building Code

Requirements
ACI Offers All Recent Editions of Masonry Building Code Requirements
The American Concrete Institute

offers the 2016, 2013, and
2011 editions of Building Code
Requirements for Masonry
Structures. Available in both print
and digital formats.
Learn more at
www.concrete.org
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4. Qiu J.; Artier J.; Cook S.; Srubar W.; Cameron J.; and Hubler M., Assessment — Principles and Framework,” International Organization
“Engineering Living Building Materials for Enhanced Bacterial Viability for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2006, 20 pp.
and Mechanical Properties,” IScience, V. 24, No. 2, Feb. 2021.
5. “ISO 14040:2006: Environmental Management — Life Cycle Selected for reader interest by the editors.
Yao Wang is a Postdoctoral Associate Loren Burnett is President and CEO of

at the University of Colorado Boulder, Prometheus Materials. He is also a serial
Boulder, CO, USA. He received his MS entrepreneur and founder of six tech
and PhD both in civil engineering from companies, four of which were based on
the University of Colorado Boulder. tech transfer agreements.
ACI member Mija Hubler is an Associate Linfei Li is Director of Product

Professor in the Department of Civil, Development at Prometheus Materials,
Environmental, and Architectural Inc. He received his PhD in civil
Engineering at the University of engineering from the University of
Colorado Boulder. She is a Co-Director Colorado Boulder.
of the Center for Infrastructure, Energy
and Space Testing (CIEST), as well as a
Co-Founder of Prometheus Materials,
Inc.
Rakshita Ramesh Bhat is an Assistant Ben Stanley is a Senior Consultant at

Estimator at Adolfson and Peterson WSP USA.
Construction. She received her MS in
civil engineering from the University of
Colorado Boulder.
Wil V. Srubar III is an Associate Ryan Dick is a Senior Project Director at

Professor in the Department of Civil, WSP USA.
Environmental, and Architectural
Engineering at the University of
Colorado Boulder. He is a Co-Founder of
Prometheus Materials, Inc., as well as a
Co-Founder of Minus Materials, Inc.
Shane Frazier is a Co-Founder of Minus Sean James is the Director of

Materials, Inc. He received his PhD in Datacenter Research at Microsoft.
materials science and engineering from
the University of Colorado Boulder.
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Tech
Spotlight
Multiple Eurotec Concrete
Batching and Cooling Plants
Support Acciona’s Largest
Philippine Project
T
wo Eurotec ECO120 concrete batching plants, along concrete in 3 m3 (4 yd3) batches, accurately weighing up to
with a CIP12 chilled-water plant and SIM40 flake ice 2000 kg (4410 lb) of cement and 750 kg (1650 lb) of water at
plant, have been installed to support work on a 16 km a time with the aid of load cells. This is then efficiently
(10 mile) section of the Malolos-Clark Railway Project blended using an extremely durable and efficient twin-shaft
(MCRP) in the Philippines. The 53.1 km (33 mile) long mixer under the guidance of a user-friendly process control
MCRP will leverage cutting-edge technology to create an system to guarantee a repeatable, consistent mixture.
elevated railway—to minimize disruption and flood risks in “Due to the very hot weather where the average daytime
local communities—and provide the first rail link to connect temperatures in the region rarely drop below 30°C [86°F], one
major cities in the Central Luzon region with Clark
International Airport (CRK), approximately 90 km (55 miles)
north of Manila, Philippines.
The PHP 33.7 billion Package 2 section contract was
awarded to a joint venture of Acciona Construction
Philippines and the South Korean group Daelim Industrial. As
Acciona’s largest-ever contract in the country, with a total of
6186 of the 45 tonne (50 ton), 2.5 m (8.2 ft) long precast
segments required, the ability to consistently produce large
volumes of high-strength and low-temperature concrete in
such a humid climate was crucial.
The Eurotec plants’ installation at Clark and San Fernando,
Pampanga (at either end of the section) was concluded earlier
this year to support the construction of a 16 km (10 mile)
viaduct, tunnel cut and cover, and three stations in Minalin,
Santo Tomas, and San Fernando. Several months later, the
plants are proving their ability to handle a combination of
high demand and tough working conditions, according to Jose
Luis Masero, Plant and Equipment Manager, Acciona
Construction Philippines (Fig. 1).
“The Eurotec plants are in daily operation, usually 12 hours
a day,” he said. “It’s not unusual for both of the ECO120
plants to be operating at maximum capacity.” Fig. 1: Jose Luis Masero, Plant and Equipment Manager, Acciona
As the largest-capacity plant in the ECO series, the Construction Philippines, with the ECO120 concrete batching plant in
ECO120 produces up to 120 m3/h (157 yd3/h) of ready mixed the background
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Tech Spotlight
of the most critical aspects was ensuring we meet the

temperature requirements for consistent concrete production,”
added Masero. “That was why we also installed Eurotec
chilled water and flake ice plants on site.”
We Would Like Ice with That

Accompanied by two Eurotec chilled water storage tanks
and one automatic ice-storage system, the chilled water plant
and flake ice plant (Fig. 2) provide enough capacity to support
both the ECO120 concrete batching plants. The ice plant can
produce up to 40 tonnes (44 tons) of flake ice daily. With a
lower melting point than other forms of ice, flake ice produces
a huge cooling energy, melting quickly to ensure there are no
delays during mixing. And, by resisting sticking together
during transportation and storage, no large ice particles are
introduced into the mixture, avoiding the risk of voids leading
to rejected concrete. Fig. 2: This ECO120 concrete batching plant, a chilled water plant,
and a flake ice plant, together with another ECO120 concrete plant,
Just Chillin’ are working for Acciona in the Philippines
Eurotec’s portable water chilling system delivers an easy
method to provide chilled water for concrete batching work in 60,000 tonnes (66,140 tons) annually.
hot climates, in ambient temperatures up to 46°C (115°F). As the most significant project to be financed by the Asian
Using an evaporative condenser and multi-stage cooling Development Bank in the Philippines, the MCRP forms a vital
process reduces energy consumption by 25%, while the part of the 147 km (91 mile) long North-South Commuter
water-circulation system facilitates continuous recycled water Railway initiative, which will link 26 cities and towns across
use. The chilled water and flake ice plants are fully automatic Central Luzon, National Capital Region (NCR), and Calabarzon.
and built within containerized structures, offering operating —Lintech & Linnhoff, www.lintec-linnhoff.com
and transport benefits.
“It’s extremely gratifying to see our plants performing so Selected for reader interest by the editors.
reliably in these difficult conditions,” said R. Sakthi, CEO,
ReadCi
Lintec & Linnhoff Concrete. “We are happy that we met our
customer’s project demands as well as the expectations of the
local team in terms of the quality, performance, and reliability
of their purchase.”
“Although this is the first time Acciona has used Lintec &
Linnhoff plants in the Philippines, they were already fully
aware of the excellent reputation of Eurotec batching plants
and the high level of aftersales support we offer in the
country.”
The Eurotec plants will likely remain on site for the rest of ONLINE COVER-TO-COVER
the project’s 3 or 4 years, which has already seen progress
delayed by restrictions on access and rights of way. A full version of the current issue of Concrete
This will be the second section of the MCRP to be built by International is available to ACI members by
Acciona, which has already secured the €330 million contract logging in at www.concreteinternational.com.
to construct the final 6.5 km (4 mile) of access to CRK. When
complete, the new rail line’s planned 160 km/h (100 mph) Click “DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE” on the magazine’s
maximum speed should significantly reduce journey times home page.
between Manila and CRK. The current 3-hour journey by
public bus services is expected to be reduced to 1 hour by
rail, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than
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Valuable. Easy. Impactful.
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are worth thousands of dollars.
• FREE access to all ACI University webinars and on-demand courses.

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ACI membership is your most valuable resource in the concrete

industry. Join the premier world community dedicated to
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“ACI is the premier organization for the concrete industry.

Becoming an active member will enhance anyone’s professional career”
—John F.
ACI Membership means high value.

ACI members know it.
Join now at concrete.org.

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Products &
Practice
Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle
Honda’s latest generation of its prototype, Honda Autonomous
Work Vehicle (AWV), helps to improve worksite efficiencies. The
fully programmable all-electric Honda AWV leverages the company’s
emerging advanced autonomous technology to create a rugged
off-road work vehicle designed to support construction-related
activities and enhance workforce productivity. With the ability to
operate autonomously, or manually with a remote control, the Honda
AWV can provide a wide range of services to industries that need
autonomous operation or delivery solutions, especially where
workforce constraints make other solutions impractical. The company
is also exploring the development of attachments and tools that could
make the vehicle a suitable platform for many work environments.
The Honda AWV employs a suite of sensors to operate
autonomously, using GPS for location, radar and lidar for obstacle
detection, and cameras for remote monitoring. Previous field tests have also successfully verified that multiple Honda AWVs
can transport and deliver construction materials and supplies at precise points along a pre-set route. The vehicle leverages
Honda’s portfolio of mobility technologies, using common components from its automobiles and other products.
––Honda, www.honda.com
Hybrid Reality Capture

FARO Technologies, Inc., a provider of four-dimensional (4-D) digital reality
solutions, released Hybrid Reality Capture™, powered by Flash Technology™. This
solution delivers faster scanning for large-volume projects in architecture,
engineering, construction, and public safety applications. Accessed through FARO’s
advanced workflows, Hybrid Reality Capture is the newest scan mode for Focus
Premium Laser Scanner users. It combines the accuracy of a static three-dimensional
(3-D) laser scanner with the speed of a panoramic camera. The unique combination
of fast scans with colorized 360-degree images improves scanning speed by 100%, so
customers can complete projects faster without increasing costs. Accessed through
Sphere, FARO’s cloud-based information platform, the solution is ideal for
architecture, engineering, and construction companies taking large-volume 3-D reality capture scans.
—FARO Technologies, www.faro.com
WorkOn
BoomNation is improving the skilled-worker journey with the launch of its newest
technology, WorkOn. WorkOn focuses on project-based solutions that are easily accessed
and used to build project culture and improve worker retention.
Powered by BoomNation, WorkOn enables real-time information to answer the most
asked questions. The technology allows employers the ability to create company cards,
providing skilled workers with vital information about their jobs. That information
includes GPS directions, contacts, site-specific information, emergency contacts,
orientation videos, texts and links, and real-time updates.
––BoomNation, www.boomnation.com
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Products & Practice
PPG FLOORING Concrete Coatings

PPG expanded its PPG FLOORING™ concrete coatings line. The
expanded range comprises integrated systems of primers, bases, and
topcoats for environments that require electrostatic protection, for
equipment mechanical rooms, and for applications where a combination
of high performance and ultra-fast return to service is essential. These
new options expand on PPG’s existing flooring coatings systems—
general purpose, wear-resistant, chemical-resistant, and urethane
cement—which also deliver specific benefits such as resistance to
impact, abrasion, and certain chemicals.
––PPG Flooring, www.ppgpmc.com
All-Purpose Adhesive & Filler

The new concrete line of products from DAP, a manufacturer in the home improvement and construction
products industry, features its All-Purpose Adhesive & Filler.
An all-in-one total project solution, All-Purpose Adhesive & Filler is formulated to build, bond, and repair
many exterior home projects. From patching brick walls, mending concrete or stone walkways and concrete
stair cracks, to repairing rotted wood and adhering underwater ceramic pool tiles, the new All-Purpose
Adhesive & Filler 3-in-1 is a multipurpose adhesive and filler solution. The moldable formula has an
extended working time of 20 minutes to recreate and perfect any broken corners with ease. The 3-in-1 filler is
waterproof and rain-ready immediately.
––DAP Global Inc., www.dap.com
Education RESOURCES
FREE Online Education Presentations FREE Document Downloads
Browse from a large selection of recorded Visit the ACI Store at concrete.org/education and
presentations from ACI Concrete Conventions download free documents from ACI’s Educational
and other concrete industry events available Committees on topics such as:
for viewing online.
• Materials • Design examples
Presentations are also available on ACI’s
YouTube channel! • Repair application procedures
E702.4
Designing Concrete Structures:
Buried Concrete Basement Wall Design
UNIVERSITY
Learn more about other ACI Education resources at ACIUniversity.com
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Products & Practice
Products&Service
Literature&Videos
2023 Carbon Leadership Forum: North American Material Baselines
by Carbon Leadership Forum
The Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) Baseline values represent an estimate of industry-
average greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for construction materials manufactured in North
America. A majority of the CLF Baselines published in this report are based on a North
American, industry-wide Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) if one was available at
the time of publication. As such, it is appropriate to use this number as a rough estimate of a
product type’s embodied carbon before a specific product has been selected or as a
reference value against which product-level comparisons can be made.
Each material category has a detailed Appendix that includes a description of the
embodied carbon impacts, the available EPDs, and summary statistics. The Appendixes in
this report allow users to better understand the availability of existing industry-wide and
product EPDs, and the variability of product types across a category. The snapshot of
available EPDs summarized in each Appendix was assembled using the EC3 database in Fall 2022.
––Carbon Leadership Forum, www.carbonleadershipforum.org
Environmental Product Declaration: Product Specific Type III

EPD, Fiber Reinforcement Products for Concrete
by The Euclid Chemical Company
The Euclid Chemical Company, a manufacturer of concrete and masonry construction
products, completed its first Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for four
microfibers and one macrofiber used as concrete reinforcement.
PSI Fiberstrand Multi-Mix 80, PSI Fiberstrand 100, PSI Fiberstrand 150, PSI
Fiberstrand F, and Tuf-Strand SF, manufactured at the LaFayette, GA, USA-facility,
were analyzed for the report. The EPD helps quantify the environmental savings or
“footprint” that can result when using or converting traditional steel reinforcement to
Euclid Chemical’s synthetic fibers.
––The Euclid Chemical Company, www.euclidchemical.com
Nonlinear Wind Design of Steel Reinforced Concrete (SRC)

Coupling Beams: Final Report
by Alexander Hill, Jacob Forbes, and Christopher J. Motter
Structures are typically designed to yield and sustain damage in a controlled manner
during design-level earthquakes. In this study, four steel-reinforced concrete (SRC)
coupling beams, with steel sections embedded into a reinforced concrete wall, were tested
quasi-statically under fully reversed cyclic wind demands with peak beam deformation of
three times the yield rotation. The beams and walls were designed in accordance with
seismic provisions in AISC 341-22, Section H5, and the walls were compliant with
ACI 318-19, Section 18.10.6.5.
During each test, the wall was subjected to constant axial gravity load and fully
reversed-cyclic lateral loading that was linearly proportional to the load in the test beam.
The ratio of wall shear to beam shear was constant for the four tests, while the wall moment
at the height of the coupling beam produced by the applied wall demands was the same for three tests and was larger by a
factor of 2.0 for one of the tests with wall reinforcement compliant with AISC 341-22, Section H5.
––Charles Pankow Foundation, www.pankowfoundation.org
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Product
Showcase
Placing, Finishing &
Testing Tools
SmartRock Pro
Giatec®, a provider of concrete testing technologies, announced SmartRock® Pro. With the
SmartRock Pro’s self-calibrating feature, users can tag the sensor and install it to begin monitoring
concrete strength in real time, saving projects multiple days per placement. This sensor determines
concrete strength using multiple advanced sensing methods without requiring manual input. Secured to
the reinforcing bar, the sensor is fully embedded, making it maintenance- and hassle-free. Furthermore,
with concrete being delivered to the jobsite with very little visibility into the variability of the mixture
from truck to truck, these self-calibrating sensors will now measure accurate concrete strength
independently of the concrete being received.
The addition of self-calibrating concrete strength monitoring sensors to Giatec’s existing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions
provides general contractors and concrete producers with a solution ecosystem that cuts cost, saves time, and produces less
waste from break tests while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from concrete production.
—Giatec Scientific Inc., www.giatecscientific.com
Hycrete Endure Cure

Hycrete Endure Cure is a multipurpose concrete curing and finishing
aid for flatwork, providing immediate and long-term benefits. This
specially formulated water-based product provides efficient moisture
retention and curing on freshly placed concrete. Its advanced hydrophobic
and pore-blocking chemistry helps produce a more dense concrete
surface. Endure Cure improves the durability of the concrete by reducing
absorption; thus, fewer chlorides can penetrate the concrete. It can also
provide enhanced protection from corrosion and can be used for both
above- and below-grade construction.
—Hycrete, www.hycrete.com
SOVA Model Gunite Machine

REED’s SOVA Model Gunite Machine is a compact and lightweight air-driven
dry-mix shotcrete machine (gunite machine). The SOVA only requires a 375 ft3/min
(11 m3/min) air compressor to run the machine and to blow-dry bagged material
through hoses to the nozzle, where water is injected into the material immediately
before placement. The dry-mix shotcrete method pneumatically projects the
material at high velocity toward the wall (or ceiling) to adhere without the need for
additional chemicals. The SOVA is used for concrete repair in different applications.
In addition, the SOVA can stop and start without the need to clean fresh concrete
from the hoses, allowing starting and stopping work breaks.
—REED Concrete Pumps & Shotcrete Equipment, www.reedpumps.com
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Product Showcase
TruMatch
TruMatch™ from Con-Cure connects cylinders to jobsite
concrete by linking cylinder curing conditions to the heat
profile of jobsite concrete in real time. The TruMatch Cure
Box uses wireless technology to create the perfect curing
environment for test cylinders, no matter where the cure box
may be. Sensors embedded in the in-place concrete wirelessly
transmit the changing temperatures in real time directly to the
TruMatch box, which heats or cools circulated water to match.
With this technology, test samples cure identically to the
in-place concrete, eliminating any difference in strength and
maturity between the cylinders and the actual concrete they
emulate.
—Con-Cure, LLC, www.concure.com
Batt Screed 6000

Curb Roller Manufacturing, a provider of shaped concrete roller
screeds, offers the Batt Screed 6000, a battery-powered roller screed.
The versatile roller screed operates without cords, hoses, or fumes,
providing mobility, precision, and efficiency to contractors. By
eliminating an auxiliary power source, the Batt Screed 6000 can be
operated almost anywhere, including indoor operation and tight
spaces. The Batt Screed 6000 can accommodate jobs from 3 to 22 ft
(1 to 7 m) with expandable tube inserts. With a lightweight design
and a folding handle, it is easy to operate and transport. The Batt
Screed 6000 includes a heavy-duty kickstand that allows the operator
to leave the screed free-standing during placements.
—Curb Roller Manufacturing, LLC, www.curbroller.com
James Bond Tester MK IV

The James Bond Tester™ MK IV measures the bond strength or
tensile strength of concrete, asphalt, tile, concrete repair, or other
overlay material by the direct tension or pulloff method. Pulling a
2 in. (50 mm) steel disk attached to the material under the unit can
determine the tensile strength of a repair, overlay, or adhesive after the
material is applied to the surface.
The James Bond Tester™ MK IV involves bonding a circular steel
disk to the surface by means of an epoxy resin adhesive. A controlled
tensile force is then applied to the disk and failure will occur at the
weakest point: either in the host material or in the bond between the
overlay and host material. Adequate direct tensile strength between
two layers is important if repairs to concrete structures or additional
overlays on existing concrete are to be structurally sound.
—NDT James Instruments Inc., www.ndtjames.com
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What’s
New from
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS ACI SPEC-548.10-22: Type Methyl
Methacrylate Slurry (MMS) Polymer Overlays
ACI SPEC-350.1-22: Tightness Testing for Bridge and Parking Garage Deck—
of Environmental Engineering Concrete Specification
Structures—Specification This specification covers methyl methacrylate slurry
These test methods give procedures and criteria for (MMS) overlays for bridge and parking garage decks. Type
tightness testing of environmental engineering concrete MMS polymer overlay incorporates methyl methacrylate-
structures. They are applicable to liquid and gas containment based primer, resin filler slurry, and topcoat with selected
structures constructed with concrete or a combination of filler and aggregate to produce a flexible, skid-resistant, and
concrete and other materials. This specification includes low-permeability slurry overlay. The overlay is used for new
hydrostatic, surcharged hydrostatic, and pneumatic tests. construction or rehabilitation. This specification includes
These test methods may involve hazardous materials, requirements for chemical components, filler, aggregates,
operations, and equipment. This document does not purport to storage and handling, surface preparation, surface profile,
address all the safety problems associated with its use. It is the mixing, placement, quality control, and quality assurance.
responsibility of the user of this specification to establish
appropriate safety and health practices and determine the ACI PRC-522-23: Pervious Concrete—Report
applicability of regulatory limitations before use. This report provides technical information on pervious
concrete’s applications, design methods, materials, properties,
ACI SPEC-440.12-22: Strengthening of mixture proportioning, construction methods, testing, and
Concrete Structures with Externally Bonded inspection.
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Materials The term “pervious concrete” typically describes a
Using the Wet Layup Method—Specification near-zero-slump, open-graded material consisting of portland
(SI Units) cement, coarse aggregate, little or no fine aggregate,
This material specification covers the requirements for admixtures, and water. The combination of these ingredients
carbon and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems will produce a hardened material with connected pores,
made by the wet layup process. These systems are externally ranging in size from 0.08 to 0.32 in. (2 to 8 mm), that allow
bonded to concrete or masonry structures and intended for the water to pass through easily. The void content can range from
structural strengthening of them. 15 to 35%, with typical compressive strengths of 400 to
4000 psi (2.8 to 28 MPa). The drainage rate of pervious
concrete pavement will vary with the aggregate size and
density of the mixture but will generally fall into the range of
2 to 18 gal./min/ft2 (81 to 730 L/min/m2). Pervious concrete is
Errata for widely recognized as a sustainable building material, as it
reduces stormwater runoff, improves stormwater quality, may
ACI Publications recharge groundwater supplies, and can reduce the impact of
the urban heat island effect.
Available Online ACI UNIVERSITY ONLINE COURSES:
On-Demand Course: Research Development
and Applications of FRP Reinforcements, Part 2
Under the menu for “Publications” at
Presentation Topics:
www.concrete.org, document errata can be
1. Implementation of GFRP-Reinforced Concrete Draft Code
searched by document number or keywords.
Provisions; Isaac Higgins, Widener University
2. Assessment of Shear Strength Design Models for Fiber-
Call ACI Customer Service at Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams; Ahmed Bediwy,
+1.248.848.3700 for more information.
University of Manitoba
3. Effects of Infill Retrofits with FRP Materials on the Seismic
Behavior of RC Frames; Gianni Blasi, University of
Salento
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What’s New from
4. Effect of Prestressing Ratio on Rectangular Concrete Filled Strut and Tie; Victor Aguilar, Universidad San Sebastián;
FRP Tube Beams Tested in Flexure; Mohamed Hassan, Robert Barnes, Andrzej Nowak
Université de Sherbrooke Continuing Education Credit: 0.15 CEU (1.5 PDH)
5. Flexural Design of Masonry Walls Reinforced with FRP
Bars Based on Full-Scale Structural Tests; Francisco De On-Demand Course: Get a Handle on Mass
Caso, Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniería Concrete Before You Get Burned
Continuing Education Credit: 0.15 CEU (1.5 PDH) Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the different roles and responsibilities regarding
On-Demand Course: Reliability and Safety of mass concrete on a project.
Existing Concrete Structures 2. Describe recently updated guidance on the definition of
Presentation Topics: mass concrete.
1. Reliability-Based Assessment of Reinforced Concrete 3. Implement mass concrete best practices to provide adequate
Bridges at the Service Limit States; Hani Nassif, Rutgers thermal control mitigative measures during construction on
University a project.
2. Reliability of Concrete Structures - Loads, Load Factors, and 4. List practical changes to concrete mixture design and
Load Combinations Length; Ming Liu, NAVFAC EXWC specifications that will reduce the risk of durability-related
3. Sampling and Assessment of Concrete Structure; Jeremiah issues while maintaining the quality and constructability of
Fasl, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. work on a project.
4. Reliability of Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams in Shear— Continuing Education Credit: 0.10 CEU (1.0 PDH)
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Industry
Focus
Aquajet Delivers 100th Aqua Cutter in North identifying as Black American, Hispanic/Latino, or mixed
America race/ethnic heritage, and 50% of ACE Cleveland scholars
Aquajet, a provider of hydrodemolition technology, identifying as female, the program has a positive impact on
delivered its 100th Aqua Cutter in North America. The diversity in ACE education and serves as a pipeline for
milestone marks the growing demand for the hydrodemolition building diversity in the workforce in architecture,
method in applications ranging from road and bridge repairs construction, and engineering.
to dam and parking garage rehabilitation.
The special-edition Aqua Cutter 750V features a Sensera Systems Advances its Procore
commemorative design. Rather than a red hood, the unit is black Integration Partnership
with red and white lettering. The design includes an outline of Sensera Systems, Inc., a supplier of all-in-one compact-
North America and is clearly marked as the 100th unit. solar cameras and real-time jobsite intelligence, strengthened
its partnership with Procore Technologies, Inc., a provider of
construction management software, with the release of
SiteCloud Embedded. The enhanced integration provides
accessibility to Sensera’s advanced suite of SiteCloud
applications and capabilities.
Sensera’s first partner integration with Procore, launched in
2018, was SiteCloud Media Exporter. This app allowed for the
automated push of jobsite images from Sensera Systems
cameras, mobile apps, and SiteCloud-AERIAL drone
photography services, into Procore’s Project dashboards.
With the release of SiteCloud Embedded, Procore users
can now access Sensera’s full SiteCloud platform, including
real-time camera management and configuration,
The 100th Aqua Cutter 750V unit
livestreaming, and the SiteCloud Analytics suite, all from
within their dashboard. SiteCloud Analytics uses advanced
White Cap Acquires Assets of Tri-Boro artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology to
Construction Supplies analyze the raw data from Sensera images, video, and other
White Cap L.P., a distributor of specialty construction sensors to provide actionable intelligence.
supplies and safety products for professional contractors, has
closed on the previously announced agreement to acquire the BASF Joins AltusGroup as its 10th Innovation
assets of Tri-Boro Construction Supplies, a Pennsylvania, Partner
USA-based, concrete accessories and construction supply BASF launched the ultra-low-embodied-carbon version of
company. Neopor® Graphite Polystyrene called Biomass Balance. The
Founded in 1974, Tri-Boro started with concrete deliveries biomass balance approach combines renewable feedstock with
and expanded to offer a wide range of tools, equipment, and traditional fossil feedstock during production, allowing more
services for residential and commercial jobsites, including full fossil fuels to stay in-ground, protecting the environment and
reinforcing bar fabrication services. With locations in climate by reducing CO2 emissions while still delivering
Dallastown, PA, and Carlisle, PA, Tri-Boro Construction product quality.
Supplies serves a variety of customers in the local area and As an Innovation Partner, BASF will collaborate with
beyond. AltusGroup’s roster of 15 North American precasters to
provide insight into increasing the thermal efficiency of
ACE Mentor Program of Cleveland Awards CarbonCast Enclosure Systems products and future precast
Eight Students enclosure innovations that reduce the built environment’s
At its annual celebration, the ACE Mentor Program of carbon footprint.
Cleveland (ACE Cleveland) awarded more than $120,000 in
scholarships to eight Cleveland, OH, USA-area, students to Fortera Joins Alliance for Low-Carbon Cement
help them continue their education and training in and Concrete in Europe
architecture, construction, engineering, or the skilled trades. Fortera has joined the Alliance for Low-Carbon Cement
With more than 80% of ACE Cleveland scholars and Concrete (ALCCC), along with other international
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Industry Focus
inaugural alliance members, to make low-carbon cement the

norm. The ALCCC was created to support the decarbonization
of the cement and concrete sectors. Its members represent
mature materials designers and producers, and start-ups
working in biotechnology, carbon capture, materials
technology, and sustainable construction.
Fortera’s field-tested approach reduces CO2 emissions from
cement production by at least 60%, using existing feedstocks,
energy sources, and manufacturing infrastructure. Fortera is
an additive solution to existing cement production and is
working with industry leaders to fulfill their goals of net-zero
CO2 emissions.
American Fiber Cement Corporation

Launches Rebrand
American Fiber Cement Corporation, a distributor of 906 Bridge Co. from Michigan, USA, accepting the first-place prize
high-density fiber cement products, will now be known as for 11th and 12th grades (photo courtesy of Bentley Systems)
American Fiber Cement (AFC). The new AFC branding will
include a new logo, product names, website, and brand designed to promote an interest in science, technology,
positioning. In addition, the company announced it will engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on, real-world
continue to sell its full suite of fiber cement products, applications. It also provides an opportunity for students to
formerly produced by Cembrit, albeit under the new AFC gain confidence in their speaking skills in front of a large
product names. audience, which included departments of transportation,
engineering consulting firms, AASHTO government officials,
Bentley Systems Sponsors Student Bridge parents, teachers, and students. Also sponsoring the event
Contest were Michael Baker International, TopoDOT, HDR, HNTB,
Bentley Systems, Inc., an infrastructure engineering HeadLight, and Housman & Associates.
software company, was a sponsor of the American Association For the first time in 3 years since the pandemic, students
of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) from around the United States were able to compete in person
STEM Solutions Bridge Challenge Finals in Seattle, WA, USA. in the bridge design contest, with the finalists winning the
Formerly known as the AASHTO TRAC Contest, the opportunity to join the AASHTO community at the May 2023
AASHTO Bridge Challenge is a national competition Spring Meeting.
Sign up for
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BRAND-BUILDING
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Through ACI
Increase your company’s visibility by reaching thousands
of qualified decision-makers. ACI offers print,
electronic, and other opportunities to help
your business build its brand awareness
and better market its products
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ACI’s highest level of membership: Sustaining Membership.
ACI SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP Enhance your company’s exposure to ACI members and customers
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and information.
Sponsor or exhibit at ACI’s biannual conventions and reach

approximately 2000 industry experts. Your business will be in front
THE ACI CONCRETE CONVENTION of industry professionals from across the country and around the
world. Establish and build communication with your target market, as
well as showcase products and services to industry professionals.
CI is where ACI members go every month for the most trusted

CONCRETE INTERNATIONAL concrete news and technical information. Customers are key decision-
makers deeply involved in concrete construction, engineering, testing,
MAGAZINE (CI) and design. Ads appear in both printed and digital versions of the
magazine. Digital alert and landing page options are also available.
ACI’s free online education presentations web page features over

SPONSOR ACI ONLINE 500 presentations delivered by industry experts at ACI events,
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EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS industry-leading presentations by becoming a sponsor (limited to no
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For more information on how to increase your company’s visibility,

contact Kim Spillane at Kim.Spillane@concrete.org, or call +1.248.848.3197
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www.concrete.org
Meetings
AUGUST 26-29 - Greenbuild 2023: Building Transformation,
Washington, DC, USA
8-10 - DFI S3: Slopes, Support and Stabilization, Boston, https://greenbuild.informaconnect.com/2023
MA, USA
https://www.xcdsystem.com/dfi/program/3YFd0Di/index.cfm 27-30 - ASCC 2023 Annual Conference, Grand Rapids,
MI, USA
10-12 - World of Concrete Asia, Shanghai, China https://ascconline.site-ym.com/event/ac2023
https://en.wocasia.cn
28-30 - 2023 Concrete NZ Conference, Hamilton, New
14-18 - The Twelfth International Structural Engineering Zealand
and Construction Conference (ISEC 12), Chicago, IL, USA https://confer.eventsair.com/concretenz-conference-2023
www.isec-society.org/ISEC_12
24-25 - 2023 PEER Annual Meeting, Berkeley, CA, USA OCTOBER

https://peer.berkeley.edu/home
6-9 - 2023 APA Annual Convention, Delray Beach, FL,
SEPTEMBER USA
www.archprecast.org/annual-convention
5-7 - Building Innovation 2023 (BI2023), Washington, DC,
USA 9-11 - Dni Betonu 2023, Wisła, Poland
www.buildinginnovation.org www.dnibetonu.com/en
10-13 - Concrete 2023, Perth, WA, Australia

https://concreteinstitute.com.au/concrete-2023
10-14 - FraMCoS-XI: 11th International Conference on ACI Industry Events Calendar:

For more information and a listing of additional upcoming events,
Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete Structures, visit www.concrete.org/events/eventscalendar.aspx. To submit
Bangalore, India meeting information, email Lacey Stachel, Managing Editor,
https://framcos11.iisc.ac.in/index.php Concrete International, at lacey.stachel@concrete.org.
17-20 - 17th International Congress on Polymers in

Concrete (ICPIC 2023), Warsaw, Poland
https://icpic23.org THE ACI CONCRETE CONVENTION:
FUTURE DATES
17-20 - 4th Fiber Reinforced Concrete International 2023 — October 29-November 2, Westin Boston
ACI-fib-RILEM Joint Workshop: from Design to
Seaport District & Boston Convention and
Structural Applications, Tempe, AZ, USA
www.rilem.net/agenda/4th-fiber-reinforced-concrete- Exhibition Center, Boston, MA, USA
international-aci-fib-rilem-joint-workshop-from-design-to-
structural-applications-1537
2024 — March 24-28, Hyatt Regency New
Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA
18-22 - 16th International Congress on the Chemistry of
Cement 2023 (ICCC 2023), Bangkok, Thailand
2024 — November 3-7, Marriott Philadelphia
Downtown, Philadelphia, PA, USA
www.iccc2023.org
For additional information, contact:
25-29 - 2nd Conference of the European Association on Event Services, ACI, 38800 Country Club Drive,
Quality Control of Bridges and Structures – Farmington Hills, MI 48331 | Telephone: +1.248.848.3795
EUROSTRUCT 2023, Vienna, Austria www.concrete.org/events/conventions.aspx
https://eurostruct.org/eurostruct-2023
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Public
Discussion
ACI draft standards open for public discussion that are being processed through ACI’s ANSI-approved standardization
procedures can be found at www.concrete.org/publications/standards/upcomingstandards.aspx. These are not yet official
ACI standards.
Public Discussion and Closures

Public Discussion and Closure of ACI CODE-376-23, Refrigerated Liquefied Gas Containment
Structure Design and Construction—Code Requirements and Commentary
The ACI Technical Activities Committee (TAC) approved the draft standard subject to satisfactory committee response to
TAC comments in October 2019. The committee responded adequately to TAC’s comments, and all balloting rules were
adhered to. Public discussion was announced on March 7, 2020, and closed on April 21, 2020. TAC reviewed the closure and
approved it on March 12, 2023. The Standards Board approved publication of the ACI standard on March 31, 2023.
Public Discussion and Closure of ACI SPEC-544.12-23, Performance-Based Fiber-Reinforced

Concrete for Slabs-on-Ground and Overlays—Specification
The ACI Technical Activities Committee (TAC) approved the draft standard subject to satisfactory committee response to
TAC comments in February 2022. The committee responded adequately to TAC’s comments, and all balloting rules were
adhered to. Public discussion was announced on December 28, 2022, and closed on February 11, 2023. TAC reviewed the
closure and approved it on June 19, 2023. The Standards Board approved publication of the ACI standard on July 7, 2023.
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Advertiser
Index
August CI Advertisers CI Advertisers in the 2023 Concrete
For more information, contact: Product & Service Guide
Dan Kaste, Account Executive
MCI USA +1.410.584.8355 Computers and Structures, Inc.
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Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI)
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Concrete Sealants, Inc.
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+1.800.334.4107, www.diablotools.com
Humboldt Mfg. Co.
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Minnich Manufacturing, Inc.
+1.419.903.0010, www.minnich-mfg.com
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can help you publish an article
about your latest project
collaboration… Visit Concrete International online at www.concrete.org/
publications/concreteinternational.aspx
Or how you solved a
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Or any topic related to design

and construction.
Upcoming
Ci
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keith.tosolt@concrete.org
Themes
September—Emerging Technologies
October—Precast/Prestressed & Post-Tensioned
November—Sustainability & Resilience
For advertising details, contact Dan Kaste

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Concrete
Q&A
Acceptance Testing of
Hardened Concrete
Q.
As the engineer of record, why should I care who determining the compressive strength of cores taken from the
does the testing on my projects? structure. Either will consume your time and delay the project.
It’s one thing if the concrete is indeed below strength—that is,
A.
the test result was valid. But what if the result is low because
Acceptance testing is a critical part of quality the testing was substandard? Wouldn’t you prefer not to waste
assurance. ACI CODE-318-19(22), Section all that time and money?
26.12.1.1,1 requires the evaluation of hardened It’s a good idea to review the standards occasionally to
concrete on the basis of strength tests. The concrete must be remind yourself of the particulars. Initial (on-site) curing of
sampled in accordance with ASTM C172/C172M2 at the point the cylinders must prevent moisture loss and maintain the
of delivery, handled and cured in accordance with ASTM C31/ temperature within the specified range. This factor is the
C31M,3 and tested in accordance with ASTM C39/C39M.4 single biggest cause of low-strength test results. However,
Further, the agency performing these tests must comply with there are plenty of other possible contributing factors. The
ASTM C1077.5 Personnel supervising or performing testing sample must comprise two or more portions taken during
services must possess current certiﬁcations pertinent to the discharge of the middle portion of the batch, and test cylinders
indicated standards, and they must be under the full-time must be produced within 15 minutes after the portions are
technical direction of a licensed professional engineer with at combined and remixed with a shovel. Transport of the
least 5 years of relevant experience. cylinders to the lab must take place within 48 hours of casting
In other kinds of testing, deviations from the standard test and not take longer than 4 hours from site to lab. Because they
method may bias the results, either high or low. In concrete are just beginning to gain strength, the cylinders are
compressive strength testing, just about every kind of error vulnerable to mishandling and extreme temperatures—
causes the results to be artificially low. especially if they contain fly ash or slag cement. Once in the
ACI CODE-318-19(22), Section 26.12.3.1, requires the lab, they must be kept moist and at the right temperature.
strength to meet two criteria: Capping and testing procedures must be followed correctly.
• The average of any three consecutive strength tests is at And all the necessary data must be reported.
least f c′; and Doing all these things consistently in accordance with the
• No single test falls below f c′ by more than 500 psi for f c′ of standards requires qualified personnel and a good quality
5000 psi or less, or by more than 0.10 f c′ if f c′ is greater than control program. That’s what ASTM C1077 is for. It specifies
5000 psi. the qualifications of the agency’s personnel as well as the
If either of these requirements is not met, steps must be requirements for record keeping and proficiency sample
taken to increase subsequent strength test results. For testing. Labs that comply with ASTM C1077 have to charge
example, the concrete producer may increase the cement more to cover their costs, but good testing services cost far
content or reduce the water-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm). less in the long run.
If a test fails by the second criterion, however, you and the
building official will need to evaluate the in-place strength of Questions in this column were asked by users of ACI documents and have
the affected portion of the structure. This may be done by been answered by ACI staff or by a member or members of ACI technical
committees. The answers do not represent the official position of an ACI
using in-place testing (refer to ACI PRC-228.1-196) to allow committee. Comments should be sent to keith.tosolt@concrete.org.
comparisons within the structure or, in the extreme case, by
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Concrete Q&A
ACI PRC-132.1-227 details the responsibilities of caring building official.

for concrete specimens for acceptance testing. As the engineer In markets where substandard testing is the norm, concrete
of record, you should make sure that the construction producers design their concrete for a higher target strength
documents specify who’s responsible for the initial curing of just to ensure that it passes the test. Usually, that means
test cylinders, whether that’s the contractor or the testing adding more cement than would otherwise be necessary.
agency. Ideally, initial curing will be a pay item in the Naturally, that adds to the cost of the concrete. In times of
contract. cement shortage, it also makes concrete less available. And it
You should also specify that the testing agency meets the increases the carbon footprint of the concrete.
requirements of ASTM C1077 and verify that all of the Some overdesign is necessary and prudent, but excessive
technicians on the project have current certifications. You overdesign can detract from performance. The extra cement
should spell out that the test reports include everything can contribute to thermal cracking in mass concrete, or it can
required by ASTM C31/C31M and C39/C39M, and that they increase the shrinkage, making the concrete more prone to
document where in the structure the concrete was placed. That cracking. It can also increase the tendency to creep, leading to
way if you do have to investigate low strengths, you’ll know loss of post-tensioning or increased deflections.
which areas are suspect. Reliable testing is essential. You can help make it happen
By the way, according to ACI CODE-318-19(22), by specifying who is responsible for the initial curing,
Commentary Section R26.12.1.1(a), a compressive strength requiring the lab to comply with ASTM C1077, understanding
test comprises at least two 6 x 12 in. or at least three 4 x 8 in. the particulars of the test methods, and promptly reviewing
cylinder breaks. Many labs break a single cylinder at 7 days the test reports.
“for information.” However, one cylinder break is
meaningless by itself. If you want to know the strength, References
specify a test, not a single break. 1. ACI Committee 318, “Building Code Requirements for Structural
Once the technician is on site, casting an additional Concrete and Commentary (ACI CODE-318-19) (Reapproved 2022),”
cylinder or two isn’t much extra effort. The real cost is in American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, 2019, 624 pp.
performing the additional tests. But sometimes a spare, 2. ASTM C172/C172M-17, “Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly
unbroken cylinder can be worth its weight in gold. If you have Mixed Concrete,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2017,
to discard a faulty cylinder, you still have enough for a test. 3 pp.
Or, if you have to investigate low strengths, that extra cylinder 3. ASTM C31/C31M-22, “Standard Practice for Making and Curing
could provide a lot of useful information to a petrographer. Concrete Test Specimens in the Field,” ASTM International, West
Either way, you could get your answers without having to Conshohocken, PA, 2022, 7 pp.
core. Specifying an extra cylinder for each set could save you 4. ASTM C39/C39M-21, “Standard Test Method for Compressive
a lot of trouble later. Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens,” ASTM International, West
The general contractor should schedule a pre-placement Conshohocken, PA, 2021, 8 pp.
meeting to discuss responsibilities for curing and handling 5. ASTM C1077-17, “Standard Practice for Agencies Testing
of test specimens. NRMCA’s “Pre-Construction Checklist”8 Concrete and Concrete Aggregates for Use in Construction and
can help you remember everything you need to cover in that Criteria for Testing Agency Evaluation,” ASTM International, West
meeting. It includes which concrete mixtures will be Conshohocken, PA, 2017, 9 pp.
delivered to the site, the acceptance criteria for each, and 6. ACI Committee 228, “Report on Methods for Estimating In-Place
who is authorized to accept or reject it. It also covers the Concrete Strength (ACI PRC-228.1-19),” American Concrete Institute,
frequency of testing and which tests to conduct, the details Farmington Hills, MI, 2019, 52 pp.
of standard curing in the field, and who’s responsible for 7. ACI Committee 132, “Responsibility for the Care of Test
which items. Specimens for Acceptance of Concrete—TechNote (ACI PRC-132.1-22),”
This meeting would be a good opportunity to let the testing American Concrete Institute, 2022, 5 pp.
agency know where to send copies of the reports and to 8. “Pre-Construction Checklist: Concrete Acceptance Testing,”
emphasize the importance of timely reporting. The sooner you National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Alexandria, VA, 2021, 5 pp.,
know how things are going, the sooner you can make www.nrmca.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/4ConcreteAcceptanceTesting
necessary adjustments. ACI CODE-318-19(22), Section Checklist.pdf.
26.12.1.1 (f), requires that all acceptance test reports be sent
to the licensed design professional, the contractor, the Thanks to Rachel J. Detwiler, Beton Consulting Engineers, Minneapolis,
concrete producer, and, if requested, the owner and the MN, USA, for providing the answer to this question.
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THE WORLD’S GATHERING PLACE FOR ADVANCING CONCRETE
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October 29 - November 2, 2023

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ACI Concrete International Vol 45 No 8 2023

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ACI Concrete International Vol 45 No 8 2023

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CONCRETE INTERNATIONAL

AUGUST 2023 V. 45 No. 8

27 Concrete Polishing Council Position Statement #7:

Verify your project design with full-scale, application-specific testing.

Applications for the 2024-2025

MIXING, PLACING & CURING

31 Is the Inside of Your Structure Safe from Corrosion?

37 Pyrrhotite in Concrete Aggregates

45 Timelines and Techniques: Finishing Practices for

54 Multiple Eurotec Concrete Batching and Cooling Plants

71 Concrete Q&A: Acceptance Testing of Hardened Concrete

24 Building the Future: ACI Foundation

AUGUST 2023 V. 45 No. 8

ENGINEERING EDITOR 7 President’s Memo

demitri.kanellopoulos@concrete.org 62 What’s New from ACI

GALA TICKETS AVAILABLE

2023 Excellence in Concrete Awards Gala

www.bbconcrete.net www.bakerconcrete.com www.barrierone.com

NEW SUSTAINING MEMBER

www.concreserv.com.br www.crsi.org www.concretestrategies.com

www.baumanland.com www.canteraconcrete.com www.cecoconcrete.com

www.cretebuilt.com www.master-builders-solutions.com/en-us www.penetron.com

Minnich Flex Shaft Vibrators

The brand new ACI CODE-440.11-22 is the

The code provides minimum requirements

To learn more or purchase, visit

ACI Members receive free access

• 12-month subscription available

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: An annual subscription that provides users with digital

Peter Barlow, Barlow Consulting Plan to Attend the Awards Gala

Topics Include: structural design;

Students—the next step

has never been easier

 Technical and Industry Knowledge

» Two free copies of the ACI Collection of Concrete Codes, Specifications,

» All ACI publications

» Company name listed monthly in Concrete International magazine with an

Fig. 3: Corrosion in interior concrete due

has provisions for evaluating structural damage to determine

by Anthony F. Bentivegna, April Snyder, and Stephen M. Stacey

Guides and Specifications

Techniques and Tools

Crossing the Finish Line

The ACI Detailing Manual

Visit concrete.org/store for

Fig. 1: Biological CMU blocks (photos courtesy of Prometheus Materials, Inc.)

Fig. 3: CMU wall construction completion

Masonry Building Code

The American Concrete Institute

Yao Wang is a Postdoctoral Associate Loren Burnett is President and CEO of

ACI member Mija Hubler is an Associate Linfei Li is Director of Product

Rakshita Ramesh Bhat is an Assistant Ben Stanley is a Senior Consultant at

Wil V. Srubar III is an Associate Ryan Dick is a Senior Project Director at

Shane Frazier is a Co-Founder of Minus Sean James is the Director of

of the most critical aspects was ensuring we meet the

We Would Like Ice with That

• FREE access to all ACI University webinars and on-demand courses.

ACI membership is your most valuable resource in the concrete

“ACI is the premier organization for the concrete industry.

ACI Membership means high value.

Join now at concrete.org.

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