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NEx Workshop to Spotlight Global Innovation in FRP, FRCM, and Polymer Concrete at the ACI Fall 2025 Convention

October 22, 2025

NEx Workshop to Spotlight Global Innovation in FRP, FRCM, and Polymer Concrete at the ACI Fall 2025 Convention

A Day of Collaboration and Insight Ahead

Next week, on October 29, 2025, NEx: An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials, will host its Fall Convention Workshop during the ACI Concrete Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.

The full-day program will unite leading researchers, engineers, and industry professionals advancing the use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM), and polymer concrete systems worldwide.

Two sessions will feature cutting-edge presentations on repair, rehabilitation, and next-generation polymer technologies, each reinforcing NEx’s commitment to durable, sustainable solutions for the built environment.

Morning Session: FRP & FRCM for Repair and Rehabilitation

The first session, New Advancements in FRP & FRCM Materials for Repair and Rehabilitation of Concrete Structures, will highlight ongoing research and practical case studies focused on strengthening existing infrastructure.

Scheduled presentations include:

  • Christian Carloni — CASE University | FRCM, single lap shear test

  • Prof. Dr. Arkadiusz Kwiecień — Cracow University of Technology | Polyurethane Flexible Adhesives in Protection of Weak Concrete Structures Using FRP/FRCM

  • John J. Myers — Missouri S&T | Mitigation and Repair Strategies Using FRCM to Extend the Service Life of Reinforced Concrete Structures

  • Moustafa Mansour — University of British Columbia | Retrofitting of Seismically Deficient RC Columns Using FRCM Jacketing

  • Steven Nolan & Francisco De Caso — Florida DOT / University of Miami | #11 GFRP Bars Restoring Support for US90 Bridge over Aucilla River

  • Alessandro Palermo, Luciano Ombres, & Pietro Mazzucca — University of California / University of Calabria (Italy) | Hybrid Reinforcement Systems (FRP + Steel Rebars) for Durable and Seismic-Resilient Concrete Structures

  • Scott F. Arnold, PE & Amir Bonakdar — FYFE | New Anchoring Techniques for Externally Bonded FRP Strengthening

Afternoon Session | Polymer Concrete — Applications, Advancements & Benefits

The second session will explore how polymer concrete continues to expand the boundaries of design and performance—from 3D printing frameworks to fire resistance and resin innovation.

Scheduled presentations include:

  • Venkatesh Kodur — Michigan State University | Fire Performance of Polymer Concrete

  • Siham Al Shanti, Daniel Heras Murcia, & Mahmoud Reda Taha — University of New Mexico | A Design Framework for 3D-Printed Polymer Concrete

  • Mike Stenko — ACI 548 / Transpo Industries | Unique Applications of Polymer Concrete and Polymer Material-Based Systems

  • Benjamin Abu, Moneeb Genedy, & Shreya Vemuganti — University of Oklahoma & ICC-ES | Advancing Structural Applications Through Ashby Charts and Resin-Dependent Performance Mapping

  • Hamid Alipoorian — Qatar German Polymer Co. | (Case studies on corrosion-resistant infrastructure and lifecycle CO₂ savings)

  • Casey Rafter — Kwik Bond Polymers (a Sika Company) | Introduction to Polyester Polymer Concrete for Bridge Deck Preservation

  • Anand J. Puppala & Jianxin (Jason) Huang — Texas A&M University | Use of Synthetic Polymers in Soil Stabilization for Pavement Construction

  • Sammelan Pokharel & Mohamed Moustafa — University of Nevada Reno / NYU Abu Dhabi | Mechanical and Bond Behavior of Polymer Concrete Subjected to Thermal Stresses

Looking Ahead

The 2025 NEx Workshop will serve as a catalyst for collaboration, dialogue, and discovery. By bringing together perspectives from academia, government, and industry, the event will strengthen the shared global effort to accelerate adoption of nonmetallic technologies.

“Every exchange of knowledge moves the industry closer to a future built to last,” notes Dr. Jerzy Zemajtis, Executive Director of NEx.

The Center looks forward to welcoming all speakers, attendees, and partners in Baltimore for what promises to be an inspiring day of technical insight and connection.

About NEx
NEx: An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials advances the use of nonmetallic technologies through research, education, and global partnerships.

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