The American Concrete Institute has named the University of Windsor an Outstanding University for its 2015 student involvement in promoting concrete standards.
The UWindsor American Concrete Institute (ACI) Student Chapter is one of only 15 universities worldwide to receive the honour. ACI has more than 101 chapters, 93 student chapters and nearly 20,000 members spanning more than 120 countries. The institute’s Outstanding University award recognizes institutions for a high level of participation in ACI and concrete related activities.
“Our participation with ACI really expands on what we are leaning in the classroom,” said Zachary Bastien, president of the 70-member UWindsor ACI Student Chapter. “We’re thrilled to be recognized for our involvement.”
Since its inception in November 2014, the UWindsor ACI Student Chapter has participated in three worldwide competitions organized by ACI—the ACI Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Competition and the 2014 and 2015 ACI Concrete Construction Competition, where it placed sixth out of more than 47 teams and eighth out of 22 in 2015.
The student chapter hosted two of the institute’s monthly webinars, showing viewers how to pour concrete in the cold weather and prepare the jobsite for epoxy grout pours. Five chapter members also attended the ACI Spring 2015 Convention in Kansas City and participated in the annual National Precast Day with a tour of a local precast/prestressed concrete plant.
“Such activities and involvements always have a positive impact on the students’ learning,” said Amr El Ragaby, advisor to UWindsor ACI and assistant professor in the department of civil and environmental engineering. “It increases their motivation to expand their knowledge and awareness of the state-of-the-art technologies and developments in this field. Participation in competitions and conferences also helps the students network with their peers, industry and potential employer.”
In addition to a banner in recognition, UWindsor’s achievement will be announced during ACI’s convention and awards program, April 17 in Milwaukee.
Founded in 1904, the American Concrete Institute is a worldwide resource for the development and distribution of consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational and training programs and certification programs for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials.