The American Concrete Institute (ACI) announced a record registration of more than 1,900 registrants for its global event, 24 Hours of Concrete Knowledge. Now in its fifth year, this free, virtual conference brought together experts, professionals, and students worldwide for 24 continuous hours of learning, collaboration, and innovation. Each event-hour provided presentations from a different region of the world, covering ACI Chapters and International Partners in more than 20 countries. 

“Participation in the 24 Hours of Concrete Knowledge was at a record level this year, demonstrating the interest in accessing the latest knowledge available in the industry,” said Frederick H. Grubbe, ACI executive vice president. “With the presentations crossing multiple time zones throughout the 24 hours, attendance stayed strong throughout, which was another record, and indicated the importance members place on the availability of the information.”

This year, the presentations showcased a diverse range of innovations in concrete materials, structural systems, and construction technologies, reflecting a global shift toward sustainability and digital integration. A major theme was the reduction of carbon emissions, with several speakers highlighting the challenges in sourcing traditional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash and slag, and proposing more locally abundant alternatives, including limestone calcined clay cement (LC³) and glass powder. Advanced technologies, like 3D printing, AI for crack detection, BIM, and automated modeling, were also featured, illustrating their growing role in design and construction. 

Many ACI chapters presented case studies on new construction methods, including top-down construction techniques and accelerated, low-carbon building practices. Structural rehabilitation emerged as another key topic, with examples ranging from earthquake-damaged buildings to bridge repair, emphasizing sensing technologies and durability-based strategies. Several presenters also emphasized the importance of utilizing ACI resources or their own national bulletins, specifications, and guidelines to inform practice and facilitate local implementation.

Hosted in cooperation with more than 20 ACI International Chapters and industry partners across multiple time zones, 24 Hours of Concrete Knowledge provides a platform for the global concrete community to exchange knowledge on the latest advancements, research, and trends in concrete technology and construction. 

24 Hours of Concrete Knowledge was sponsored and supported by Baker Construction, DCP, MAPEI, PS=Ø, and Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates.