Conference Program Agenda
The 2026 Minnesota Concrete Conference on January 15, 2026 will be held from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. There will be an optional tour of the High Bay Strong Wall/Strong Floor and a reception at the conclusion of the conference.
McGough will present on the construction engineering and process of building the new strong wall in the new Iversen High Bay within the recently finished Schoenecker Center at the University of St. Thomas. The facility will be used for large-scale structural and material research.
Speakers:
- Nick Fernstrom, Project Executive, McGough Construction
- Mike Martin, Strategic Initiatives Lead, McGough Construction
Review of ACI 318-25 updates, including a new sustainability appendix that provides a framework for meeting local carbon-reduction goals, a new appendix that offers guidance on performance-based wind design, revised requirements for the design of post-installed reinforcing bars, equations to calculate the breakout capacity of reinforcing bar groups, deep foundation shear calculation clarification, and enhanced shear friction parameters.
Speaker: Gregory Zeisler, PE, Senior Engineer, American Concrete Institute
The design and use of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is well established in the United States of America for some uses. Domestic sources of steel fiber and UHPC constituents are now readily available, a variety of proprietary mixes are commercially produced, and a large number of non-proprietary mixes have been developed. Some proprietary and non-proprietary mixes have been implemented in the precast and precast, prestressed community. Bridge community now has design methods established and are detailed in the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Structural Design. The PCI Guidelines for the Use of UHPC in Precast Concrete offers precasters guidance on best practices for plant cast UHPC. The FHWA Resource Document on Structural Design with UHPC illustrates the use of the AASHTO design approach. This presentation will provide an overview of the state of the practice on UHPC in the U.S. and future paths that could be pursued in coming years.
Speaker: George Morcous, PhD, PE, FPCI, Professor at University of Nebraska - Lincoln and PCI UHPC Subcommittee Chair
Ken will summarize current and forecasted construction spending in multiple sectors, identify how tariffs are impacting construction, and show statistics regarding construction-related workforce demographics. He will discuss the medium-term outlook for the construction industry and what this means for workforce needs and engineering and architecture services.
Speaker: Ken Simonson, Chief Economist, The Associated General Contractors of America
In the ever-evolving world of construction, the gap between what is designed and what is built can feel like a battlefield. "Spec Wars: Fighting the Battle Between Design Intent and Construction Reality" dives into the often-contentious space where vision meets on-site execution. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, attendees will gain insight into how to preserve design integrity while navigating the realities of construction. Whether you're an architect, engineer, contractor, or project manager, this session will equip you with tools to bridge the divide, reduce conflict, and deliver better project outcomes.
Speaker: Alf Gardiner PE, Director of Concrete Science and Principal Engineer, Braun Intertec Corporation
This presentation will discuss the different types of admixtures that are currently used in concrete including their influence on the properties of concrete made with different types of cementitious materials and aggregates.
Speaker: Mark Niemuth, PhD, Director of Technical Support, Cemex USA
In 2024, an addition and enlargement of a massive underground storm water tunnel in Minneapolis were completed. The tunnel, called the Central City Tunnel, collects nearly all rain water runoff for downtown Minneapolis and is 70 feet below ground. This presentation by the tunnel’s engineers, owner, general contractor, and concrete producer will inform about the project’s purpose, challenges, collaboration, and role of concrete delivery in its success.
Presenters:
- Craig Eckdahl PE, Senior Engineer, TKDA
- Joe Klejwa, PE, Professional Engineer, City of Minneapolis
- Nap Scott, Specialty Infrastructure Team Manager, PCI Roads
- Justin Lashley, Engineering Services Manager, Cemstone
As sustainable design and green building practices become the industry norm, the legal landscape surrounding them is rapidly evolving. This presentation will explore the potential legal risks and responsibilities associated with sustainable construction projects. Drawing on his extensive experience in both engineering and construction law, Jeffrey will examine contract language, liability concerns, green certifications, performance guarantees, and disputes that can arise when sustainability expectations are not met. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how to protect themselves and their organizations while still delivering projects that meet environmental goals.
Presented by Jeff Coleman, Coleman and Erickson, LLC.
Take a tour of the High Bay Strong Wall/Strong Floor in the Schoenecker Center and meet with us at the post-conference reception.
Tour of the new strong wall/strong floor sponsored by the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering's civil engineering department. Post-conference reception sponsored by the Minnesota Concrete Council and PCI Midwest.
