The PCI Foundation serves as a not-for-profit organization to foster improvement of the quality and sustainability of the built environment, acting for the benefit of, to perform functions of, or to carry out the purposes of the Precast/ Prestressed Concrete Institute (“PCI”). Programs work in conjunction with content created by the PCI to create a liaison between the precast industry and education.
University Programs
During 2015, the PCI Foundation will fund educational programs running at the following institutions: Clemson University: Professor Carlos Barrios of the School of Architecture will work with students on a transit design program. This program is in year two of a four-year study. Students will gain understanding of digital design solutions to precast concrete for innovative and sustainable design in architecture.
Minnesota State at Mankato: Professors Farhad Reza and Mohamed Diab from the schools of engineering and construction management run this integrated program that will study a real-world project in conjunction with Wells Concrete in Albany, MN. The program is in its first academic year.
Rhode Island School of Design: Housed in its school of architecture, this program is taught by professors Jim Barnes and Brett Schneider. This studio is designed create opportunities for serious engagement with industry as a strategy for learning about construction technology and the construction industry as a whole
South Dakota State University: The program at SDSU pairs architecture students with construction management students with the end goal being an actual project designed and built by students using precast supplied by Gage Brothers in Sioux Falls, SD. The program is led by professor Brian Rex.
University of Southern California: Students at USC will work with Joshua Tree National Park to help create a future building plan for the park that will include precast concrete. Taught in the school of architecture by professors Douglas Noble and Karen M. Kensek, the program is in its third year. Additionally, speakers covering precast topics will be part of the enclosure conference sponsored by USC.
University of Texas at Arlington: Now in year two, the PCI Foundation program at UTA emphasis is the impact digital design tools on the methods and types of formwork used in precast manufacturing. It is lead by architecture professor Bradley Bell.
University of North Florida: The foundation-sponsored portion of the UNF school will finish its five-year run in March 2015. Dr. Adel ElSafty from the Civil Engineering school will continue the program after funded have ceased -- which includes guest speakers, the big beam contest, and design courses. Students graduating from this program have gone on to work for state DOTs, bridge designers, and engineering firms.
Professors Seminar
The PCI Foundation is introducing a new program for architecture professors who wish to learn more about precast concrete design and how it can be taught in the university classroom or studio. The program will be a three-day intensive workshop that will include instruction from college professors already teaching precast as part of grants received from the PCI Foundation, precast industry experts, and architects with precast design experience.
Student & Professor Travel Grants
Professors and selected students who participate in the PCI Foundation-funded university programs will receive travel grants to the PCI Convention or committee days. As part of this grant, they participate in a poster session where PCI members can learn first hand about the programs being sponsored by PCIF.