PCI Foundation Grants $100,000 to FIU for 4-year studio focused on precast and prestressed concrete education – Precast Industry Partner is Coreslab Structures
CHICAGO, June 1, 2020 --- Each year the PCI Foundation awards curriculum development grants to universities who submit applications and pass a rigorous review process for acceptance. Florida International University (FIU) is one of this year’s grantees. FIU is based in Miami with nearly 60,000 students.
“The PCI Foundation’s mission is to put precast concrete in the classroom so future architects, engineers and construction managers are aware of the possibilities of precast concrete and its myriad uses,” said Marty McIntyre, Executive Director of the Chicago-based PCI Foundation. “Key components to each of the grants we award include industry partnership, new precast curriculum and innovative experiential learning.”
“In 2020, we have had a record number of schools apply and are proud to announce that Florida International University has been awarded funds for a four-year studio incorporating education about the uses of precast and prestressed concrete.”
Name of University: Florida International University, College of Engineering & Computing
Location: 10555 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33174
Amount granted: $100,000 over a 4-year period
Timing: January of 2020 – through December of 2023
Academic leader: David B. Garber, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Co-Director of the Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) University Transportation Center (UTC) housed at FIU
Precast Industry Partners: Coreslab Structures and FPCA (Florida Prestressed Concrete Association)
Quote from Professor David B. Garber, PhD (photo at left)
“The PCI Foundation Studio will improve the way prestressed and precast concrete is taught, expose more students to the material and create a better link with the precast industry. The Prestressed Concrete Design course will be modified to a hybrid-learning environment with the PCI Big Beam Competition as the final project. The hybrid-learning environment will allow for more industry presentations and involvement and the PCI Big Beam Competition will give students hands-on experience. A new course, “Precast Concrete Design,” will be created and will expose students to fully-precast options for buildings and bridges.”
ABOUT THE PCI FOUNDATION - Since 2001, the PCI Foundation has been the educational entity that supports the Precast/Prestressed Concrete industry. The mission of the PCI Foundation is to foster educational initiatives focused on innovative approaches to the integrated and sustainable use of precast concrete design, fabrication, and construction. It is a charitable 501(c) 3 corporation, based in Chicago, which supports the inclusion of precast concrete programs at accredited colleges and universities. To learn more, visit the PCI Foundation website at www.PCI-Foundation.org.