In a recent interview, American Concrete Institute (ACI) President Antonio Nanni shared insights into the concrete industry's major strides in sustainability, notably with the revelation of the world's first low-carbon concrete code.

Nanni highlighted the industry's realization that sustainability is not just a challenge but a transformative opportunity. He emphasized the unprecedented research and development efforts, spurred by the commitment of manufacturers, focusing on carbon capture, innovative cementitious materials, and 3D printing.

 

The low-carbon concrete code, presented at the COP28 conference, signals ACI's proactive approach. Nanni clarified that this is a living document, adapting to diverse regional needs. The initial focus is on compressive strength, addressing the economic demand for sustainable solutions. The next steps will delve into durability considerations, reflecting the industry's dedication to future-focused construction.

Addressing challenges, Nanni identified scaling up to meet demand and ensuring durability as a potential concern. The low-carbon concrete code signals ACI's commitment to actionable sustainability, providing essential references for designers and contractors.

The conversation extended to the role of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) in sustainability, as Nanni positioned FRP as a complementary tool addressing corrosion issues. The development industry's growing traction for FRP, reflected in competitive pricing and a dedicated code, is a significant step towards durability and resource efficiency.

The interview concluded with Nanni shedding light on ACI's broadening focus through PRO: An ACI Center of Excellence for Advancing Productivity. Acknowledging the critical role of contractors, Nanni emphasized the need for collaboration between engineering and construction communities, underlining the importance of constructability in achieving sustainable and efficient concrete structures.

https://corp.smartbrief.com/original/2023/12/aci-president-dr-antonio-nanni-on-state-of-the-concrete-sustainability