Nonmetallics Collaboration
MOU advances codes, standards for nonmetallics in the built environment
NEx: An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials and ICC Evaluation Services seek collaboration.
While attending CAMX in October, Aramco representatives participated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NEx: An ACI Center of Excellence for Nonmetallic Building Materials and ICC Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) to collaborate on issues related to the use of nonmetallic materials in the built environment.
As a founding member of NEx, Aramco has two board member seats in addition to an on-site liaison from Aramco overseeing involvement with input to the funding of new projects and standards and guidelines development. During the recent ACI Concrete Convention in Dallas, Texas, which followed CAMX, a NEx Board Meeting was held with 22 projects reviewed for 2023.
Project examples for next year include: testing and acceptance criteria for glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar couplers; a study to improve fire endurance and resistance of polymer concrete; and development of polymer soil stabilization guidelines and bendable concrete guidelines. Professional development courses are being created, including a five-day course for nonmetallics in building and construction to be offered.
Aramco’s leading experience with using GFRP rebar contributed to the first NEx workshop on designing concrete structures reinforced with FRP Bars. More than 80 participants attended to learn how Aramco incorporated the advanced composite material into several projects.
“Sustainability and safety of nonmetallic construction materials are the main focus of NEx strategy,” said Waleed L. Al-Otaibi, nonmetallic project management office (PMO) leader, Consulting Services, Aramco, who serves on the Board of Directors for NEx.
This MoU sets the stage for promising collaboration to develop new testing and qualification requirements to better serve the construction industry.
— Waleed L. Al-Otaibi
ICC-ES performs technical evaluations of building products, materials, and systems for code compliance. Their evaluations are not only available to building regulators and manufacturers, but also to contractors, specifiers, architects, and engineers.
Aramco’s collaboration with both U.S.-based organizations — the ACMA and ACI — furthers our global collaboration efforts to develop and advance nonmetallic standards worldwide.
Caption for top photo: The MoU signing with ICC-ES supports further development of codes, standards, and acceptance criteria to promote the use of nonmetallic materials in construction. (From left to right): Riyadh S. Shiban, coordinator, Civil & Structural Engineering Division, Consulting Services, Aramco, and member of NEx Board of Directors; Gusai AlAithan, ACI/Aramco Liaison; Waleed L. Al-Otaibi, Aramco Nonmetallic PMO and NEx president; Dr. Jerzy Z. Zemajtis, executive director of NEx; Dr. Mahmut Ekenel, ICC-ES senior Staff Engineer; ICC-ES president Shahin Moinian, ICC-ES president; and Anna Mullen, ICC-ES vice president of Marketing.