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One of the many ways ACMA helps its members make an impact on markets is by leading the composites industry\u2019s presence at industry trade shows. Events like the International Bridge Conference, the American Institute of Architects\u2019 annual show and NACE International\u2019s CORROSION have become annual destinations for engineering and design professionals looking to learn more about innovative materials and new products.<\/p>\n
During the 2017 International Bridge Conference in National Harbor, Md., ACMA held its 17th consecutive technical workshop at the International Bridge Conference. Through a series of presentations, the workshop showcased advancements in the design and specification of FRP products to build steel-free concrete structures, as well as retrofit and rehabilitate aging bridges.<\/p>\n
As engineers at the conference learned, composites offer light weight, corrosion resistance and design flexibility. In retrofit and rehabilitation situations, composites extend the service life of a bridge, are faster to install and require minimal disruption to the structure. Over the past 20 years, these properties have convinced engineers all across North America to build more than 500 bridges with composites.<\/p>\n
ACMA\u2019s annual presence at AIA is a newer outreach effort, but the industry\u2019s message is just as strong. For four years, ACMA\u2019s AIA Composites Pavilion has given an opportunity for architects, engineers and designers to learn about the value of FRP products in architectural applications from ACMA and many members of its Architectural Division. AIA is also a great opportunity for the composites industry to influence the next generation of architects through the annual COMPOSITES CHALLENGE.<\/p>\n
The challenge asks architectural students to work in teams to develop a unique composite architectural\/building component or assembly. Contest judges were looking for the students\u2019 designs to push the limits of architecture beyond the traditional cladding and secondary components currently identified within the International Building Code. Each year, the students set the bar higher.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was very exciting to see how curious the architecture students were about composites,\u201d said Robert Steffen, Ph.D P.E., an associate professor at Western Carolina University\u2019s Construction Management Department and member of ACMA\u2019s Architectural Division. \u201cI think this challenge will get more and more young architects interested in FRP.\u201d<\/p>\n
ACMA is also becoming more active at NACE International\u2019s annual CORROSION conference \u2013 the premier event dedicated to corrosion resistance technologies. In 2017, ACMA and many members from CGI\u2019s Corrosion Control Division (CCD) took part in the event\u2019s first ever Composites Pavilion. According to corrosion.org, the annual cost of corrosion worldwide is $2.2 trillion, which is more than three percent of the world\u2019s GDP.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis pavilion is a great opportunity for our members and the entire composites industry to educate potential end users about how well composites resist corrosion, particularly in pipe and tank applications,\u201d said Steve Guay, General Manager, Ershigs, Inc., and Chair of ACMA\u2019s Corrosion Control Division.<\/p>\n
To stay up to date with ACMA\u2019s trade show schedule, visit https:\/\/www.acmanet.org\/events-calendar or sign up for the ACMA Insider newsletter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One of the many ways ACMA helps its members make an impact on markets is by leading the composites industry\u2019s … <\/p>\n