News Detail

Chapters, Partners, and Roundtables

10/3/2022

ACI’s vision and mission are clear—develop, disseminate, and advance the adoption of consensus-based knowledge on concrete and its uses developed by the membership so that everyone has the knowledge needed to use concrete effectively to meet the demands of a changing world! ACI’s global network of chapters and International Partners play a critical role in advancing the vision and mission of ACI.

ACI’s first chapter was formed in southern California in 1958 and was envisioned as a liaison and a clearinghouse for information. With an overarching goal to stimulate participation and interest in ACI programs through local meetings, one of the objectives was to educate authorities and organizations on the value of referencing the ACI Building Code in local building codes. The rest is history—ACI now has nearly 100 chapters worldwide, helping fulfill ACI’s mission through activities ranging from certification programs to educational sessions. The latter often include presentations from the Chapter Talks program, which offers 1-hour sessions by ACI staff and others on diverse topics such as ACI 318 PLUS, ACI Code Advocacy, concrete cracking, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthening, and sustainable concrete construction. I’ve had the pleasure of providing opening remarks and participating virtually in a few Chapter Talks, most recently with the ACI Singapore Chapter. I’m pleased to report that these events have been well-attended. While I’m sure that Chapter Talks are meeting ACI’s core mission and provide ample justification for chapter membership, I would be remiss if I failed to note that local membership can also include a digital subscription to Concrete International and three ACI University course tokens for use on selected on-demand educational training.

In last month’s President’s Memo, I encouraged members to support the ACI Foundation and our future leaders—students. Some chapters have outreach programs and offer scholarships to college students. Several chapters have gone further and established student chapters to involve local universities in chapter activities. ACI now boasts over 250 student chapters that offer opportunities to develop leadership skills, network, and learn more about concrete.

ACI’s certification programs serve a vital purpose all over the world, given that many local, state, national, and international building codes, specifications, and agencies require ACI-certified personnel on concrete construction projects. As stated aptly by John Nehasil, ACI Managing Director of Certification, “The Institute’s certification programs provide assurance that concrete testing, placing, and inspecting are performed correctly!” ACI has credentialed over 700,000 individuals in the concrete industry. Many thanks to all the chapters and sponsoring groups that administer these certification programs, now numbering about 30. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the excellent contributions of ACI’s Southern California and Midwest Resource Centers to augment the efforts of local chapters by offering on-demand certification and training programs. I’ve visited both Resource Centers, and I’m proud of the facilities, staff, and services offered. I encourage members who are in the vicinity of these centers to arrange for a visit with the staff members.

In addition to chapters, ACI has international partnership agreements with concrete-related organizations that have resulted in an exchange of information and translation of ACI publications. Coincidentally, ACI’s international efforts also started around the late 1950s and have grown to 57 partnerships. Started under the direction of Past President Jeff Coleman, the ACI Executive Committee has met virtually with several international chapters and partners since 2020. These meetings have been informative and mutually beneficial, offering opportunities to discuss topics ranging from sustainable concrete construction to the impact of COVID-19 protocols on construction activities.

I was privileged to participate in a Chapter Roundtable held in June in London, UK, which also included representatives from The Institute of Concrete Technology (ICT), an ACI International Partner based in London, and ACI staff. The meeting provided a forum to learn about activities being undertaken by the different groups, including the highly successful ICT certification programs. It also included virtual presentations from the United States by other ACI staff members. Thanks to all who contributed to the success of this roundtable meeting.

Finally, hats off to all the local chapters and International Partners who have helped for 2 years in a row to make the ACI “24 Hours of Concrete Knowledge” conference such a success! Local chapters and International Partners are definitely helping to fulfill ACI’s mission.

Charles K. Nmai