The American Concrete Institute (ACI) is offering a seminar, “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete,” during The Big 5 show in Dubai. 

The seminar covers an overview of the 2019 edition of ACI Code 318-19(22): Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary (Reapproved 2022), with an indepth analysis of several topics including development length, shear, deep foundation, seismic detailing, performance-based design, and more. The seminar will also cover ACI guides and standards referenced in the Dubai Building Code.

The seminar will feature face-to-face interaction with well-recognised speakers, and attendees will receive a hard copy of presentation slides and a free copy of ACI Code 318-19 (22), which includes:

•  Access to ACI 318 references through ACI 318 Plus – one-year subscription;

•  MNL-17(21): ACI Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook (included with ACI 318 Plus – one-year subscription);

•  MNL-66(20): ACI Detailing Manual (included with ACI 318 Plus – one-year subscription).

In addition to receiving the most up-to-date information on ACI Code 318-19, attendees will also receive CEUs/PDHs (Continuing Education Units/ Professional Development Hours) for their participation. ACI members are also eligible for special discounted pricing.

Meanwhile, NEU: An ACI Center of Excellence for Carbon Neutral Concrete, which was established this year by the American Concrete Institute, has been seeing rapid growth in membership since its inception. This progress has resulted in an inspiring initial membership. Joining as Sustaining Members of NEU are Breakthrough Energy and Meta.

Founded by Bill Gates, Breakthrough Energy is dedicated to helping humanity avoid a climate disaster. Through investment vehicles, philanthropic programmes, policy advocacy, and other activities, Breakthrough Energy is committed to scaling the technologies the world needs to achieve net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, recognises the urgency of climate change and continues to build on more than 10 years of work to minimise its impact on the environment. Since 2020, Meta’s global operations have been supported by 100 per cent renewable energy and have achieved net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

“I am encouraged to see the wide interest in what we are doing at NEU and the commitment to advancing the necessary technologies and knowledge needed to move our industry toward carbon neutrality goals,” said Drew Burns, executive director, NEU. “Collaboration with our membership, as well as with allied organisations, will be key during this process.”

In addition to its membership, NEU will be working closely with other uniquely positioned allied organisations. Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-EC), Federación Interamericana Del Cemento (FICEM), ASTM International, and National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) – and other strategic alliances are in the works.

Prospective members can join on one of three levels of membership: sustaining, supporting or affiliate membership. 

NEU, based at ACI World Headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, US, collaborates globally to drive research, education, awareness, and adoption of the use of carbon neutral materials and technologies in the built environment, leveraging ACI’s role as a world-leading authority and resource for the development, dissemination, and adoption of consensus-based standards for concrete design, construction and materials. The centre’s membership is open to government agencies, industries, technical societies, standard bodies, manufacturers, contractors, and professionals.