Recently Completed Research Projects
Several research projects supported by the ACI Foundation’s funding initiatives have been completed. These projects address critical challenges in materials, structural design, and construction practices, contributing valuable insights and advancements to the concrete industry.
Nano-Modified Calcined Clay-Based Cement Concrete: A High Modulus Concrete with Low Carbon Footprint
Principal Investigator: ACI member Panagiotis Danoglidis, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
Endorsement: ACI Committee 236, Material Science of Concrete
This project explored the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in metakaolin-based cementitious composites, resulting in significant improvements in mechanical properties like compressive strength (+21%), modulus of elasticity (+34%), and flexural strength (+88%). The findings demonstrate the potential for creating high-performance, low-carbon concrete, offering a sustainable solution for the industry.
Novel Concrete Containments for Nuclear Reactors – Delamination Testing of Curved Wall Sections
Principal Investigator: ACI member Christopher Jones, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
Endorsement: Joint ACI-ASME Committee 359, Concrete Containments for Nuclear Reactors
This research focused on preventing delamination failures in curved post-tensioned concrete structures, such as nuclear containment buildings. The study validated the effectiveness of steel fibers and optimized reinforcement designs to enhance structural performance and safety. These findings will inform design provisions for critical infrastructure.
Sustainable and Safe Reinforced Concrete Retaining Walls
Principal Investigator: ACI member Luis B. Fargier-Gabaldón, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
Endorsements: ACI Subcommittee 318-F, Foundations (discharged), and ACI Subcommittee 318-E, Section and Member Strength
This project evaluated the impact of shear design provisions in ACI 318-19 on retaining wall designs. The findings recommend reverting to the shear design equations from ACI 318-14 to ensure safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable retaining walls.
One-Way Shear Strength of Large Beams and Foundation Elements Containing High-Strength Longitudinal Reinforcement
Principal Investigator: Honorary Member Jack Moehle, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
Endorsement: ACI Subcommittee 318-F, Foundations (discharged)
This study used finite element modeling to investigate the one-way shear strength of mat foundations and large beams. The results provide valuable insights into the effects of axial loads, member depth, and reinforcement ratios, offering practical recommendations for designing safer and more efficient foundation systems.
These projects exemplify the ACI Foundation’s commitment to advancing concrete knowledge and practice. For final reports and to explore other ACI Foundation-funded research projects, visit www.acifoundation.org/research/researchprojectportal.aspx.
Dates and Location for the 2026 Concrete Innovation Forum
The ACI Foundation’s Concrete Innovation Council (CIC) recently gathered with participants and presenters to discuss innovation and technology at the 2025 Concrete Innovation Forum. The successful event was held August 12-14, 2025, at the Hotel Clio in Denver, CO, USA. If you were unable to attend this year, the 2026 Concrete Innovation Forum will be taking place August 18-20, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Columbus in Columbus, OH, USA. To learn more about the Concrete Innovation Forum, visit www.acifoundation.org/ innovation/forums.
New Collaboration with Charles Pankow Foundation and Other Industry Organizations
The ACI Foundation is partnering with the Charles Pankow Foundation (CPF), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA), Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) Foundation, and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Foundation to fund “CURE – Code Updates for Reduction of Embodied-Carbon.” The objective of this CPF-led project is to identify and prioritize provisions in current codes and standards that could result in a substantial reduction of embodied carbon without compromising safety. Many codes and standards, such as ASCE/SEI 7, ACI CODE-318, and the AISC specification, guide civil and structural engineering practices. The scope of this project is to review those primary codes and standards and produce a “road map” identifying areas in those documents that should be studied for potential change. The Principal Investigator is Abbie Liel, Clark Endowed Faculty Fellow, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA; and the Co-Principal Investigator is ACI member Ian McFarlane, Senior Principal, Magnusson Klemencic Associates.