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UF Researchers Spotlight Waste-to-Value Innovation at ACI Convention

Earlier this week at the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Convention, Dr. Christopher Ferraro from the University of Florida presented innovative findings on behalf of his research team, highlighting work from the FY 2023–2024 AAC project. Despite competing with other high-profile sessions,including one honoring Dr. Hooton of the University of Toronto. Dr. Ferraro focused on introducing the team’s work on using municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash as a replacement for aluminum powder in producing autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). The talk sparked several productive conversations afterward, with genuine interest expressed by representatives from two universities and one industry partner. A recording of the presentation will soon be made available by ACI. More details about the session can be found here.

The UF research team with Dr. Ferraro, Dr. Ashish Patel, and Dr. Kyle Riding is developing a sustainable alternative for AAC production by tapping into an abundant local resource: bottom ash from MSWI. This ash contains aluminum byproducts that can replace the traditionally imported aluminum powder used in AAC manufacturing. Not only does this approach lower costs and reduce reliance on international supply chains, but it also helps tackle the environmental challenge of disposing over a million tons of ash produced annually across Florida’s 12 incineration facilities. AAC is gaining global attention as a lightweight, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly construction material, and demand continues to rise. With Florida currently home to the only U.S. facility using this innovative process, the team’s work puts both the state and the university at the forefront of sustainable building solutions.

UF Engineering Develops Breakthrough Tech to Inspect Infrastructure Safely

Ensuring Structural Safety in South Florida through Age-Based Inspections

A new study led by Dr. Jennifer Bridge, with contributions from Dr. Thomas Sputo, Ms. Suzanna Barna, EI, and Dr. Timothy Mueller, explores the effectiveness of age-based building inspection programs in South Florida. The authors examine current 40-year inspection requirements and highlight potential gaps in program administration and enforcement.

By reviewing buildings across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, the team identifies environmental factors—such as coastal weather and salt exposure—that demand more frequent inspections and clearer, standardized guidelines. Their recommendations call for better documentation, stricter oversight, and targeted evaluations of high-risk structures.

This research underscores the importance of collaboration among engineers, building owners, and local authorities to maintain safety in an aging building stock. You can access the complete findings through the ASCE Library or by visiting this link.

Renowned Engineer Ken Hover Reflects on a Distinguished Career

Cornell University’s Professor Emeritus Kenneth C. Hover, Ph.D., P.E., recently shared insights from his illustrious career in design, construction, research, and education. In his talk, “Things I Learned while Enjoying a Career in Design, Construction, Research, and Education,” Hover emphasized the importance of nurturing ideas, collaboration, ethical responsibility, and resilience in the face of challenges.

A structural engineering expert, Hover’s journey began in contracting, military service, and firm leadership before academia. With Exxon Foundation’s support, he pursued a Ph.D. at Cornell, later excelling in concrete design, materials, and management research. Recognized as one of the most influential figures in the U.S. concrete industry, he has led groundbreaking investigations, including the Champlain Towers South collapse inquiry.

A distinguished member of ACI and ASCE, Hover’s legacy continues to shape engineering education and industry standards, inspiring future generations of engineers.

Robbie Posada Featured Student for Hinkley Center Solid and Hazardous Waste

Congratulations for Robbie Posada for being recognized as the Hinkley Center’s for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management’s featured student. Currently, Robbie is a concrete research assistant in UF’s civil engineering department, where he is currently working on the Autoclaved Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) – Using Municipal Waste Solid Incineration as an Aerated Agent for the Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management at the University of Florida. The primary objective of this project is to determine the feasibility of beneficially reusing municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash as an aerating/ expansion agent for AAC. Robbie is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in civil engineering at the and was born and raised in Miami, FL, with origins from Barranquilla, Colombia. Currently, Robbie is a is a concrete research assistant in the department of civil and coastal engineering. Read more at https://www.hinkleycenter.org/

ACI Promotes Global Consensus on Low Carbon

ACI President Antonio Nanni recently shared a memorandum highlighting ACI’s progress on developing Low-Carbon Concrete. President Nanni & Dean Frank, the Executive Director of ACI’s Center of Excellence for Carbon Neutral Concrete (NEU), recently presented on Low-Carbon Concrete at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP).

President Nanni credited ACI Committee 323: Low-Carbon Concrete Code, of which Dr. Ferraro is the Vice Chair, with developing the first code on low-carbon concrete, ACI CODE-323-24, Low-Carbon Concrete—Code and Commentary. This code is set to be published later this year.