Annual Concrete Conference 2024 Program

David Woods, Ancoats; Hailey Arterburn, Thornton Tomasetti; Matt Smith, Meyer Borgman Johnson; Josh Edwards, AVR Inc.

Moderators: Mike Murphy, Mike Hemstad

SICK is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of sensors, safety systems, machine vision, encoders and automatic identification products for industrial applications. The construction of this new campus is a multi-year, multiphase project.

Aligning with SICK’s mission to focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, SICK’s new campus also incorporates several green initiatives. These include solar infrastructure, electrical vehicle charging stations, high efficiency mechanical systems, and a below-grade rainwater filtration system. The concrete was specified to have a very low environmental impact. Since the time measurements of embodied carbon have been tracked, the SICK Office and Resource Center will utilize some the lowest embodied carbon concrete mixes of any building project in the State of Minnesota

Icaro Mariani, Giatec Scientific; Nathan Tregger, GCP

Moderators: Mike Hemstad, Mike Murphy

Learn about artificial intelligence (AI) in concrete, prediction of pouring time through AI, concrete mix validation through AI, cement reduction through AI, and more!

Jerry Zhai, University of California, Berkeley

Moderators: Maria Masten, Ben Worsfold

The recent changes to one-way shear in the ACI 318-19 code include the impacts of member depth and longitudinal reinforcement ratio on members without shear reinforcement. When these effects are combined in mat foundations,  which tend to be deep, lightly reinforced, and traditionally constructed without shear reinforcement, the ACI 318-19 nominal one-way shear strength is significantly lower than what has been observed in laboratory tests. Disagreements between the ACI code, practical observations in the field, and experimental evidence for one-way shear strength of foundations have raised questions about the design requirements of existing thick foundation elements during future strong earthquakes.

In response to the gap between code equations and practical experience, two large-scale test beams and three smaller companion beams containing high-strength longitudinal reinforcement were tested to determine their one-way shear strength over varying member depths. The testing showed that minimum shear reinforcement greatly increases the shear strength, while testing without shear reinforcement clearly showed a size effect that should be considered when designing thick foundation mats. The tests also show that ACI 318-19 equations are too conservative in the case of large depth and low reinforcement ratio. Design recommendations for foundation mats, with and without shear reinforcement, are proposed based on the findings of this research.

Larry Sutter, Sutter Engineering LLC

Moderators: Maria Masten, Ben Worsfold

In 2022, 14 concrete paving mixtures using alternative materials were installed on I-94 at MnROAD. These mixtures claim to have a lower global warming potential (GWP), as measured at time of construction. The MnROAD installation is intended to determine if these mixtures provide equal or better performance compared to conventional concrete paving mixtures currently in use by MnDOT. An update on the performance of those 14 cells will be provided as well as an update on 7 additional reduced-carbon test cells that were placed in 2024.

Alfred Gardiner, Braun Intertec; Mike Martin, McGough Construction; Justin Lashley, Cemstone Engineering Services; Anthony Foggia, TKDA

Moderators: Josh Edwards, Mary Vancura

The current methods of prescription specifications are going by the wayside as more emphasis is put on the carbon footprint of concrete. This panel will discuss how current specifications need to adapt and where specification will be heading in the future.

Jim Miles, Miles & Associates

Moderators: Mary Vancura, Justin Lashley

The presentation will address technical challenges encountered as part of the repair of historic concrete, illustrated by case studies. Beginning with discussion of character-defining features such as exposed aggregate and board-form finishes, the presentation will then address developing a protocol for trial repairs, as well as designing appropriate conservation and repair measures, and ensuring successful implementation. Standards and guidelines for appropriate repair approaches will be discussed. A methodology for assessment, repair, and implementation of repair treatments will be presented, illustrated by several examples that involved different technical challenges.

Paul Kettleson, Nick Haltvick, Minnesota Department of Transportation – Bridge Office

Moderators: Rita Lederle, Alf Gardiner

MnDOT will present considerations for using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) rebars from design, construction and maintenance perspective and highlight MnDOT's first FRP rebar project. The bridge office uses the term "panel discussion."

Stephan Mansour, Wohlers Associates, powered by Global Advanced Manufacturing Programs

Moderators: Dave Meyer, Alf Gardiner

Formerly known as “3-D Printing,” the construction industry is embracing Additive Construction (AC) from making small parts to large structures. As this technology advances, it promises to become an increasingly viable supplement to traditional construction methods. Applications cover all construction sectors including large-scale real estate projects, elements of buildings, entire structures, civil infrastructure, and disaster relief. AC also encompasses architecture, engineering, robotics, and project and facility management. This presentation covers Current State, Challenges/Gaps, Standard Development, Global Enabling Initiatives, and the Future of the Sector with a particular emphasis on the concrete industry and several exciting case studies.