About Us

Introduction to The American Concrete Institute – Singapore Chapter

The American Concrete Institute – Singapore Chapter (ACI-SC) was founded in 1985. The purpose of this Chapter is to further the chartered objectives for which the American Concrete Institute was organized; to further education and technical practice, scientific investigation, and research by organizing the efforts of its members for a nonprofit, public service in gathering, correlating, and disseminating information for the improvement of the design, construction, manufacture, use and maintenance of concrete products and structures.

The Chapter continues to support the National University of Singapore’s Endowment Fund and proceeds are used for an annual medal and book prize to be awarded to the best Civil Engineering graduate in concrete technology related subjects leading to the Degree of Civil Engineering. Every year the chapter organises the Performance Controlled Concrete Competition where ready mix concrete companies, concrete admixtures suppliers, universities and polytechnics are invited to produce and send their best concrete cubes for testing under the various criterias.

ACI-SC has been conducting the Concrete Field Technician Certification course to equip the practitioner in the construction industry with knowledge and ability to properly perform and record the results of basic field tests on freshly mixed concrete. This course is being specified by Singapore Accreditation Council under CT-06 Criteria for Ready-Mixed Concrete Producers that the batching plant operators must be certified under this course by ACI-SC.

Formative Years

Early in the 20th century, a competitive market with a serious lack of standard practice in making concrete block had resulted in unsatisfactory conditions. By the summer of 1904, Charles C. Brown, editor of Municipal Engineering, at the suggestion of A. S. J. Gammon of Norfolk, Va., and John P. Given of Circleville, Ohio, undertook the formation of an organization to discuss the problem and attempt to bring order to this rapidly expanding use of concrete. An editorial in the September 1904 issue of Municipal Engineering publicized the idea and requested suggestions of those interested as to the advisability of forming an association to promote these concrete-related issues.

The hearty response resulted in an informal meeting in October 1904 during the Engineering Congress at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. The original suggestion was to form an association of manufacturers of concrete block machines to educate the users of such machines in the proper methods of making good block. After the informal meeting, the scope of the organization was extended to cover all the various uses of cement to bring about a better knowledge of the art.

In the ensuing months, this trio of enthusiasts was instrumental in arousing interest in a convention dealing with concrete problems. The convention was held in Indianapolis, January 17-19, 1905. At that meeting, a society known as the National Association of Cement Users was organized with the adoption of a constitution and bylaws.

The objective of the new society, “to disseminate information and experience upon and to promote the best methods to be employed in the various uses of cement by means of conventions, the reading and discussion of papers upon materials of a cement nature and their uses, by social and friendly intercourse at such conventions, exhibitions, and study of materials, machinery, and methods, and to circulate among its members, by means of publications, the information thus obtained,” was not materially different from the present aims of ACI.

Chapters

In 1958, a new direction of ACI activities was originated by a group of members in southern California who proposed the formation of a local chapter, the first in Institute history. The stated objectives of the southern California group were to stimulate participation and interest in the programs of ACI, including educating local authorities and organizations on the value of referencing the ACI Building Code in the concrete portions of their local building codes. The chapter was envisioned as a liaison agency and as a clearinghouse for information. Local discussion meetings and expanded local committee work were foreseen as other possibilities. All of this came to pass in California and quickly expanded to many other regions of the U.S., and then throughout the world.

New chapters are being formed all the time, especially international chapters, as ACI’s international reputation grows. In addition, in 1982, the formation of student chapters was authorized and there are now 27 student chapters, all in the Western Hemisphere.

Our Vision

• Be recognized as the prime source of knowledge, insight, and influence regarding concrete and its application
• Be a catalyst and collaborator in the development of concrete knowledge and improvement of concrete construction worldwide.
• Be universally valued for setting the standard for the industry on a global basis
• Be the cause for improved concrete construction worldwide by providing technical programs, documents, education, and certification programs
• Be recognised as the leader in efforts to position concrete as sustainable and environmentally-friendly

Our Mission

• Benefit to Society
• Credibility
• Personal and Professional Growth
• Consensus
• Camaraderie