About the Network

The Concrete Advancement Network (CAN), an Industry-University research center, focuses on developing efficient concrete technologies with less reliance on natural resources.

Concrete bricks being laid by hand

Mission

CAN’s mission is to enhance the resilience and sustainability of concrete materials and structures through innovations in materials and processing, leveraging use-inspired research. The research thrusts address critical challenges in concrete production and use, including the ecological feasibility of future building materials. CAN aims to develop new techniques and methods to create more efficient, rapidly deployable concrete with reduced reliance on natural resources. Implementing new materials and processes with enhanced efficiency and demonstrable life-cycle benefits provides a template for adaptable methods and practices across the engineering and building sectors. CAN comprises a network of multidisciplinary experts from industry and academia collaborating to solve fundamental and applied problems related to the decarbonization, sustainability, and durability of concrete. This streamlined research and innovation hub bridges the gap between industry and academia, accelerating research translation into practice and nurturing the next generation of talent to address real-world problems.

Mission chart

Funding

The Concrete Advancement Network (CAN), established by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Oregon State University, aims to develop new high-performing concrete that is more energy- and labor-efficient, economical, rapidly deployable, less carbon-intensive, and less dependent on natural resources. CAN focuses on advancements in nanotechnology, bottom-up engineering, recyclability, carbon reduction, improved structural design, and emergent technologies to enhance concrete and its applications nationwide.

The NSF accredits IUCRCs for three renewable five-year terms, intending to seed partnered approaches to new or emerging research areas. In CAN’s proposed membership structure, there are Full Membership, Associate Membership, and Affiliate Membership levels.

In the IUCRC program, NSF provides funds to support the administrative and operational costs of a Center, while industry member funds support the research projects, creating a leveraged research program. The CAN Industry Advisory Board (IAB) will ensure that university partners are conducting research relevant to the industry members. The IAB helps refine the mission, vision, and research roadmap for CAN. To fulfill these responsibilities, member representatives participate in the meetings, review research proposals, help select research projects to be funded, and vote on issues as they arise.

University and Industry Partners

Logos of university and industry partners

University Partners:

  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM)
  • Oregon State University (OSU)

Industry Partners:

  • Concrete Sealants
  • USG
  • CRH
  • Elastizell Corporation of America
  • Jensen Infrastructure
  • Locke
  • Sika
  • Tindall