SDC Launches New Website!
The SDC is pleased to debut its brand new and improved website. The new site can be viewed by visiting www.concreteSDC.org.

Register Now for Upcoming SDC Session #23 in Texas
SDC will hold its regularly scheduled Session #23 at the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas in Irving, Texas, April 22-23. This session will feature presentations and break-outs on several current SDC initiatives, including the Concrete Sustainability Project, the Vision 2020 Repair/Protection Council, and consideration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its potential impact within the concrete industry. 

Those interested in the SDC and SDC Session #23 should call 248-848-3737 or click here for more information on registering and attending the SDC session in Irving, Texas.

Attend the Sustainability Workshop at the ACI Spring 2008 Convention
In conjunction with the American Concrete Institute’s (ACI) Spring 2008 Convention in Los Angeles, Calif., USA, the SDC will host a concrete sustainability workshop on Saturday, March 29, 2008, in the Olympic 1 room of the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. The full-day workshop will provide all interested persons, whether involved in SDC or not, an opportunity to review and debate the proposed sustainability strategy from the latest draft version of the Concrete Sustainability Vision Document. This involves industry sustainability targets, key initiatives, and workplans proposed for coming decades. 

There is no charge to attend the March 29 sustainability workshop, but please RSVP to Denesha Price at 248-848-3737 or Denesha.Price@concrete.org. Include your name, company, title, phone number, and e-mail address. 

SDC Project Updates

Building Information Modeling (BIM)
SDC Session #23 will focus on the issue of BIM, and its potential in the concrete industry. With presentations to provide information on what BIM is and isn’t, together with case studies of actual projects, the SDC will facilitate break-out sessions to allow its members to explore the impact this emerging technology will have on design and construction in the concrete industry.

From technical questions to legal questions, it is time for the concrete industry to address this issue. What obstacles are in the way of assuring that the technology known as BIM enhances the design, construction, and use of concrete? 
Click here to read more updates on SDC’s role in BIM. 

Sustainability Roadmap
The visioning effort began in March 2007 at the Concrete Summit on Sustainable Development is now 11 months old. Preliminary drafts have been in development since early January, and a more complete draft is expected to be released to workshop participants and key industry leaders in mid-March, 2008. 

Preliminary reviews indicate general support that the product is needed, but, as could be expected, there are definite opinions on final goals and strategies, not to mention what the next steps will be to implement any product. A workshop will be held on Sat., March 29 (see above for details) to discuss the draft document, the goals outlined therein, and issues related to how best to move the implantation forward. 

As always, your participation and input is needed and appreciated. 
Click here to read more updates SDC’s Sustainability Roadmap project. 

Performance Concrete
The SDC initiative to develop a concrete performance specification took a significant step forward in October 2007 with the first meeting of the Innovative Task Group (ITG)-8: Performance Criteria for Concrete Materials. 

The first meeting of ITG-8 was in Puerto Rico during the Fall 2007 ACI Convention. The Committee met with the Florida DOT in Gainesville, Fla. in mid-Feb., 2008 to discuss FDOT’s field trial of a specification permitting a performance alternative for concrete. 

The ITG has developed a draft document outline and will meet with researchers at the upcoming Spring 2008 ACI Convention in Los Angeles, Calif. The Chair has established late summer as a target date for a first draft. 
Click here to read more updates on SDC’s role in Performance Concrete.

Self-Consolidating Concrete – Form Pressure Research
The third Progress Report on SCC Formwork Pressure research is now available to SDC members. This report represents completion of 75% of the research project begun 18 months ago. 

The research project seeks a better prediction of pressures in formwork induced by the placement of self-consolidating concrete. 
To read more about current updates on SDC’s SCC Formwork Pressure Research, click here.

SDC Member Profile

Moffatt & Nichol
Moffatt & Nichol was founded in 1945 to provide engineering and consulting services to the world’s evolving maritime industry. Today, Moffatt & Nichol supports landmark port and maritime projects, transportation infrastructure, coastal and environmental restorations, and urban waterfront developments. From offices in North America, Europe and Latin America, we offer clients a comprehensive project view, with core practices that provide breadth of vision from planning through construction, as idea becomes infrastructure.

Moffatt & Nichol is a valuable asset to SDC, and we look forward to the continued partnership for years to come. 

For more information about Moffatt & Nichol, please visit the company website at www.moffattnichol.com.