How Climate Change is Changing the Game for Concrete -

"A new American Concrete Institute committee is assessing the affect of global climate change on sustainability of concrete structures, as more-severe salt-water intrusion and high wind loads lead to failures like Florida's Surfside Condos."

Why this is important: The assessment of sustainability of concrete structures by the American Concrete Institute (“ACI”) is important first and foremost to prevent loss of life and property like what the nation saw occur at the Surfside Condominiums in Miami, Florida in July 2021. Climate change, and the resultant degradation of reinforcing steel incorporated into concrete structures from extended exposures to salt water, flooding and extreme wind loads, is a reality. Collaboration among owners, developers, engineers, architects, concrete subcontractors and product manufacturers is needed to evaluate, test, and provide recommendations to prevent spalling and damage to buildings exposed to extreme weather events and higher sea levels. The ACI’s October 2021 meeting to model and document effects of climate change on concrete structures is a good first step. The construction community should expect building code changes, new product development, and enhanced and more frequent inspections of concrete structures to prevent future tragedies like Surfside.