The Third International fib Congress [www.fib2010washington.com]–May 29–June 2, at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C.–will feature more than 500 peer-reviewed papers from 45 countries, plus 100,000 square feet of exhibits
Source: Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Chicago
The Third International fib Congress–May 29ÒJune 2, at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C.–will feature more than 500 peer-reviewed papers from 45 countries, plus 100,000 square feet of exhibits. Under a Think Globally, Build Locally theme centered on structural concrete technology, the Congress will be hosted by PCI, which is combining with the event its Annual Convention and Bridge Conference, typically staged in the fall.
Breaking down parochial boundaries and bringing together experts from across the globe to share methods, innovations, and ideas, says PCI President James G. Toscas, P.E., is particularly timely, due to the accelerating interest in Building Information Modeling and sustainable design concepts, which represent the next stage in the evolution of building.
Program topics will cover bridges and transportation, building systems, engineering, design, analysis, materials, sustainability, plant and field operations, construction, and ultra-high-performance concrete, as well as marketing, sales, finance, and manufacturing. The sessions will qualify for professional development hours and other continuing education credits. In addition, fib will unveil the first draft of its 2010 Model Code for concrete structures (a follow-up to the 1978 and 1990 CEB/FIP Model Codes). The Congress represents a rare opportunity for practicing engineers, academics, manufacturers, architects, suppliers, and other stakeholders to easily access state-of-the-art design methods, recent research results, new technologies, and best building practices from all over the world, affirms fib President Michael Fardis.
Since the International Federation for Structural Concrete, or fib, stages its International Congress only once every four years at different locations worldwide, the third conference marks its first in the U.S. Accordingly, the event has attracted extensive domestic and international interest, including co-sponsorship by the American Concrete Institute, American Segmental Bridge Institute, Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, Post-Tensioning Institute, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Portland Cement Association, International Prestressed Hollowcore Association, and U.S. Federal Highway Administration.