The Concrete Advancement Network (CAN) — an NSF Industry–University Cooperative Research Center — held its inaugural meeting on September 11–12, 2024 at the Milwaukee Yacht Club, bringing together more than 30 representatives from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), Oregon State University (OSU), eight industry partners, and the National Science Foundation.
Industry Advisory Board
CAN’s Industry Advisory Board (IAB) includes ConSeal, CRH Americas, Elastizell Corp. of America, Jensen Precast, Locke, Sika Corporation, Tindall, and United States Gypsum. Sam Lines (ConSeal) serves as IAB Chair.
Year-1 Projects Funded
After ten project presentations, the IAB selected four for initial funding:
- Nano-SiO₂/Nano-Al₂O₃ SCMs for Alkali-Silica-Resistant Concrete — OSU, PI: Dr. Jason Ideker
- Off-Spec Ash–Based Binders for Eco-Concrete — UWM, PI: Dr. Habib Tabatabai
- Rheology of Cement-Based Materials with Cellulose Nanomaterials — OSU, PI: Dr. W. Jason Weiss
- Superhydrophobic, Icephobic, and Photocatalytic Concrete Surfaces — UWM, PI: Dr. Marina Kozhukhova
All four projects are now underway.
Looking Ahead
Winter Meeting: CAN reconvenes in Denver on February 19, 2025.
Monthly Webinar Series begins December 18 at 11 a.m. CST with talks from Tindall and Jensen Precast; future sessions will follow on the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday each month.
