Concrete Advancement Network (CAN) – Year One Highlights
The Concrete Advancement Network (CAN), an NSF Industry–University Cooperative Research Center, a collaborative effort led by the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and Oregon State University and supported by eight industrial members, has successfully completed its first year of operation. Supported by $1.5M in NSF funding and at least $1.5M in industry-matching contributions, CAN has laid a strong foundation for advancing sustainable, high-performance next generation concrete.
Value Proposition
CAN’s unique value lies in connecting industry-driven needs with academic innovation under NSF’s IUCRC model. Member companies enjoy early access to research findings, royalty-free intellectual property rights, direct influence over research priorities, and a pipeline of well-trained student researchers. By integrating advanced modeling, AI, digital manufacturing, and novel materials into pre-competitive research, CAN accelerates the path from concept to practical solutions that improve concrete performance, durability, and sustainability.
First Research Portfolio
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.
CAN’s Industry Advisory Board (IAB) includes Concrete Sealants, CRH Americas, Elastizell Corp. of America, Jensen Infrastructure, Locke, Sika Corporation, Tindall, and United States Gypsum. Sam Lines (of ConSeal) serves as IAB Chair.
Four projects were launched in Year One as a result of the meeting, reflecting the center’s commitment to industry relevance and innovation:
- Nano-SiO₂/Al₂O₃ SCMs for ASR-Resistant Concrete — advancing nanoparticle-based solutions to mitigate alkali–silica reaction.
- Rheology of Cement-Based Materials with Cellulose Nanomaterials — improving workability and sustainability of cementitious mixes.
- Off-Spec Ash-Based Eco-Binders — utilizing underused fly ash streams as low-carbon binder alternatives.
- Superhydrophobic, Icephobic, and Photocatalytic Concrete Surfaces — developing multifunctional concrete interfaces for water resistance, ice prevention, and NOx reduction.
These projects are guided/championed by IAB members, Principal Investigators (PIs), and graduate student-led teams, ensuring alignment with industry priorities and cultivating the next generation of concrete professionals.
Highlights from the First CAN Center Meeting of 2025
February 19–20 | Denver, CO
During the first meeting, Konstantin Sobolev, Center Director (UWM), and Jason Weiss, Research Director (OSU), opened the session with an overview of the Center’s mission, funding structure, and ongoing research projects. Sam Lines, IAB Chair from Concrete Sealants, moderated a panel discussion and presented a comprehensive report on the current project portfolio, fostering a productive exchange between industry and university partners. PIs provided updates on their active projects, which were reviewed and evaluated by IAB members. The meeting also featured a strategic discussion on the CAN Center roadmap, during which members identified key research priorities for the next two years and helped define the Center’s short- and long-term goals.
Ongoing Idea Submission Portal
We are always willing to hear your ideas on any concrete-related research that you might be interested in, and we encourage you to check out our website where you can find our portal to the form! Our thrust areas include concrete durability, high-performance concrete, carbon reduction, increased recyclability, smart concrete and more. Be sure to consider these when submitting your ideas!
Abstracts by the research committee are submitted in and evaluated by February, which are then prioritized in the April-May period. During the May-July period, these priority ideas are later announced as Request for Proposal (RFP) and submitted proposals are reviewed during the July-August period. The reviewed and ranked proposals are presented to industry leaders and selected for funding, with announcements made during the September-October period (as seen below). The specific requirements for the format and materials needed for submission can be found here.
New RFP Announced
Looking ahead, based on submitted ideas and research needs, CAN has released a new Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects to begin on FY-25/26. The announced RFP emphasizes the need for performance and variability assessment of Type IL cement currently adopted by the US cement and concrete industry. Proposals were received in the summer of 2025 and will be reviewed by IAB members during the upcoming Fall Meeting.
CAN Fall Meeting 2025
September 10–11 | Corvalis, OR
The CAN Year-2 Meeting will be held September 10–11, 2025, at Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR), hosted at the Kearney Building, CH2M Hill Auditorium. Day One will feature presentations from leading researchers and practitioners on the future of low-carbon concrete, mixture optimization, ASR testing, nanotechnology, aggregate performance, microbial corrosion, and carbon reduction. Student rapid talks, posters, and lab tours will further highlight emerging talent. Day Two will be reserved for closed IAB sessions, where project reviews, proposal pitches, and funding decisions will be finalized, alongside a roadmap workshop, NSF updates, and commercialization discussions.
Roadmap — Building for the Future
CAN’s first year focused on establishing the foundation for center operation: governance, bylaws, membership, and administration of four funded research projects (started at TRL 2–4). Eight industry members joined as founding partners, while an IAB engagement plan, workforce development pipeline, and operational procedures were formalized.
Year Two will emphasize strengthening research and expanding membership. Key goals include:
- Growing the center’s footprint through new academic sites and up to 3 new industry members
- Advancing research from proof-of-concept to validation studies (TRL 4–5)
- Issuing targeted RFPs based on unmet needs of the industrial members
- Accelerating interactions with ACI/ASTM
- Launching outreach initiatives, including the CAN Expert Webinar Series
- Enhancing IP and commercialization pathways with clear licensing and provisional filing strategies
- Expanding workforce training, internships, and applied experiences through TRL-Lift projects
Through these efforts, CAN is positioned to expand its reach, accelerate technical progress, and deliver measurable and concrete impact to its members and the industry at large.
Awards & Recognitions
Asher Kazmann, president of Locke Solutions and member of the IAB of the CAN, has been nominated as a finalist in the EY 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year. Asher was nominated for his ability to lead an innovative company, drive growth, and create meaningful change within target markets. Under his direction, Locke Solutions was found to make strides in its evolution and expansion as a trusted partner in the infrastructure, utility, and industrial construction sectors. This recognition celebrates not only Asher’s entrepreneurial success but also the team-wide dedication that drives the company forward.
Konstantin Sobolev, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), has been awarded the Arthur R. Anderson Medal by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for his contributions to the understanding of concrete as a construction material. Specifically, nanotechnology for cement-based materials and sustainable production methods. His work also explores new applications such as smart concrete and concrete that repels water and ice.
Notable Events
CAN Directors to Organize C3 Symposium
October 2-5 | Chicago, IL
The C3 Symposium is an event which will be taking place in Chicago, IL, USA, from Thursday to Sunday, October 2nd-5th, 2025, and it will offer a platform for researchers from industry, academia, and national labs, along with students and young professionals, to share cutting-edge developments in concrete materials for the coming centuries, with a special focus on carbon conscious concrete.
It will also be a celebration of Professor Surendra P. Shah’s 90th birthday! For the past 60 years, Professor Shah has made paramount contributions to advancing concrete technology. This conference will honor Professor Shah’s extraordinary achievements in the field of concrete worldwide, including work on fracture mechanisms, high-ductile concrete, nano-engineered concrete, and sustainability.
CAN Members to Attend Annual Fall 2025 ACI Conference
October 26th-29th | Baltimore, MD
The forthcoming Fall 2025 American Concrete Institute (ACI) Convention is poised to be highly anticipated event for CAN – with aim of expanding CAN with more industry memberships, this is also an opportunity of strengthening CAN’s relationship with ACI as a valued and respected partner in our shared aims of concrete sustainability and professional development.
Reflections on Concrete
We hope you’d enjoy seeing this inspiring publication on concrete which continues to prompt reflection on the ideals, ambitions, and contradictions embedded within the built environment: Concrete Mon Amour
Closing Remarks
We are excited to venture into Year Two of CAN operations, and we are grateful for the opportunity that our members have provided for us to continue our work into the next year. It is with your support and collaboration that we’re able to take the necessary steps to ensure the future of CAN is successful and provide the necessary, exemplary service to our partners. Thank you, again, for all of your support.
Here’s to another year of CAN, because together – we can.