NEx Workshop at ACI Spring Concrete Convention 2026

NEx, an ACI Center of Excellence, is pleased to announce an upcoming workshop during the ACI Spring Concrete Convention* in Rosemont, IL. This dual-session workshop will be a full day of learning, taking place on the final day of the convention. NEx workshops are a great way to connect with experts of their field and grow a nonmetallic knowledge base.

When: Wednesday, April 1st, 2026. 9am-5pm (Lunch break from 12pm-2pm)

Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL during ACI Spring Concrete Convention. O’Hare Ballroom (Lobby level)

The Workshop will consist of two sessions as follows:

MORNING SESSION (9am – 12pm): Application and Challenges for Concrete with Saline Water, Dredged or Dune Sand.

This session is sponsored by NEx and ACI Committee 243 - Seawater Concrete. This session will focus on original research and case studies regarding the use of saline water (particularly seawater, but also brine or produced water), and dune or dredged sand in concrete production. Additionally, the use of nonmetallic reinforcement (i.e. FRP reinforcement) with saline water, dredged or dune sand concrete is a potential topic for workshop discussion.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn about design and optimization of concrete mixtures with saline water, dredged or dune sand.

2. Explore challenges for producing concrete with saline water, dredged or dune sand.

3. Identify use of alternative materials such as nonmetallic reinforcement with saline water, dredged or dune sand.

4. Learn about how structural design is impacted with use of concrete mixtures with saline water, dredged or dune sand.

AFTERNOON SESSION (2pm – 5pm): Effect of Nonmetallic Building Materials on the Sustainability of Concrete Structures

This session is sponsored by NEx. This session focuses on original research and case studies regarding the effect of nonmetallic building material on the sustainability of concrete structures. Session scope is open to all sustainability studies on nonmetallic building materials, but especially on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and lowering or offsetting carbon footprint.

Learning Objectives:

1. Investigate how to qualify sustainable nonmetallic materials.

2. Explore sustainable concrete construction using nonmetallic materials.

3. Identify new alternative nonmetallic materials for sustainable construction.

4. Learn about structural design using sustainable nonmetallic building materials.

*Registration to the ACI Concrete Convention is required to attend the NEx workshop.

Come learn and connect with NEx!