American Concrete Institute - Nebraska Chapter

03/10/2026

Great technical program this morning from Alf Gardiner with Braun Intertec on “Spec Wars: Fighting the Battle Between Design Intent and Construction Reality.”

Three takeaways:
1. Specifications should start a conversation
2. Slump is a “means & methods” and should not be specified
3. Max Water to Cement Ratio should only be specified when durability is a concern.

One of the best 45 minute programs we’ve seen in a long time! Thanks Alf!

02/19/2026

Our chapter has been named an "ACI Excellent Chapter" for 2025.

This program recognizes chapters that have attained the highest level of achievement in chapter activities. The Nebraska chapter can take exceptional pride in having reached this level since only 28 ACI chapters are receiving this award for 2025. That's 1/3 of all ACI Chapters.

Since 1988, The Nebraska Chapter has only been named "Excellent" twelve times over the past 30+ years. Let's go!!!

02/17/2026

Award of Excellence: UNL Glenn Korff School of Music

The Glenn Korff School of Music at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln features a striking architectural precast enclosure and innovative cast-in-place structural walls. Custom precast panels integrate shading geometry directly into the façade, enhancing performance and visual depth. Inside, 50-foot-tall monolithic concrete walls were poured using advanced placement techniques and real-time monitoring, improving efficiency and constructability. The project highlights exceptional collaboration and innovation, resulting in an iconic facility that celebrates concrete craftsmanship.
Sinclair Hille Architects BNIM Hausmann Construction Ready Mixed Concrete Enterprise Precast Concrete

02/16/2026

Award of Excellence: St. Patrick Catholic Church Campus

The St. Patrick Catholic Church campus in Omaha blends tradition and growth through extensive use of cast stone, architectural precast, and GFRC elements. Varying stone textures and colors reflect an evolving campus while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Precast and GFRC components frame artwork, arches, and liturgical spaces, supporting both architectural intent and construction efficiency. Concrete pavers and site elements further reinforce the project’s Irish heritage, creating a timeless campus rooted in craftsmanship and material expression.
MCL Construction Kehm Contractors, Inc.

02/16/2026

Award of Excellence: Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Emergency Services Building

This 25,000-square-foot emergency services facility consolidates fire, EMS, and disaster response operations for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Precast concrete was selected for its durability, speed of construction, and ability to support long-span apparatus bays. Cultural identity is expressed through textured precast panels and embedded brickwork. Cast-in-place and polished concrete floors expose local aggregates, while heavy-duty slabs support emergency vehicles and integrated heating systems. The project exemplifies how concrete can combine resilience, cultural meaning, and operational efficiency.
LEO A DALY Lamp Rynearson MCL Construction Lyman-Richey Corporation

02/14/2026

Outstanding Achievement: UNL College of Engineering – Kiewit Hall

Kiewit Hall serves as a new academic hub for engineering education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The project included extensive structural and site concrete work, from large-scale polished concrete floor systems to sidewalks, vehicular paving, and cast-in-place walls that double as seating. Architectural details such as sandblasted concrete bands add texture and rhythm to the exterior. The integration of high-volume structural slabs with thoughtful site design created durable, functional spaces that support learning, collaboration, and campus life.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Clark & Enersen Kiewit Corporation Heartland Concrete & Construction, Inc. Ready Mixed Concrete ❤️

02/13/2026

Outstanding Achievement: Lauritzen Gardens Children’s Garden

Lauritzen Gardens’ Children’s Garden in Omaha uses concrete as both a functional walking surface and a creative design feature. The project showcases a wide range of decorative concrete techniques, including integral color, sandblasting, stamping, embedded glass, sawcut patterns, and exposed aggregate. Tight site access, complex sequencing, and off-site fabrication required exceptional coordination and precision. Daily collaboration among the owner, designers, and contractors ensured the final product reflected the intended design. The result is a durable, safe, and visually engaging environment that encourages exploration and play.
Thompson, Dreessen & Dorner, Inc. AO Lyman-Richey Corporation Lauritzen Gardens

02/12/2026

Outstanding Achievement: Joslyn Art Museum Expansion – Exposed Aggregate Sidewalks

As part of the Joslyn Art Museum expansion in Omaha, exposed aggregate concrete sidewalks were constructed as a defining architectural element within the museum’s sculpture gardens. The project included more than 23,000 square feet of exposed aggregate concrete placed across multiple pours. A custom mix design using local limestone aggregate was developed to achieve the desired color and texture. Extensive mockups, careful joint layout, and precise finishing techniques ensured consistency across varying weather conditions. The finished concrete enhances durability, slip resistance, and the overall visitor experience, demonstrating how thoughtful concrete work can elevate outdoor spaces.
Stephens & Smith Construction Snøhetta Kiewit Corporation Joslyn Art Museum
Rasmussen Group

02/11/2026

Outstanding Achievement: Papillion Clearwell & Accessory Building

The City of Papillion expanded its water treatment infrastructure with the construction of a second clearwell and a new accessory building, improving long-term water storage and system efficiency. The clearwell features a cast-in-place floor, prestressed concrete walls, and a cast-in-place concrete dome roof designed to protect potable water and ensure durability. Precast concrete panels were used for the accessory building to accelerate construction while maintaining durability and aesthetics. Early coordination, rapid response to unforeseen storm damage, and close collaboration among the owner, designer, and contractor allowed the project to reach substantial completion approximately three months ahead of schedule, delivering resilient infrastructure for the community.
Sampson Construction Lyman-Richey Corporation Platte River Concrete Co.

02/10/2026

Last month, the ACI Nebraska chapter hosted its annual "Awards of Excellence" banquet. The purpose of this competition is to recognize outstanding work in concrete design & construction practices within the State of Nebraska.

Projects can be noteworthy or innovative for their use of concrete. The concrete may be precast, pre-stressed, cast-in place, tilt-up or concrete masonry. Special uses of concrete or innovative concrete construction techniques were recognized.

This year we recognized seven different projects. 4 projects earning Outstanding Achievement and 3 projects will be earning our top honor, “Award of Excellence.”

We will roll out each winning project over the next week. Follow us so you don't miss anything!

01/02/2026

Nebraska Concrete & Aggregates Association's annual Quality Concrete Conference is next week! Look like a great line-up too! Join us Wednesday in Kearney or Thursday in Ashland. Let's Go!

We can't wait to see you all next week!
The 67th Annual Quality Concrete Conference is almost here. This year’s conference will be offered on two separate days at two locations—January 7, 2026 in Kearney and January 8, 2026 in Ashland—featuring the same program at both events.
Hosted by NC&AA, in conjunction with the ACI Nebraska Chapter, the conference focuses on creating quality concrete from start to finish through practical education and industry expertise.

👉 Register now by scanning the QR codes or using the links below to secure your spot.
Ashland Registration: https://bit.ly/49GlzQS
Kearney Registration: https://bit.ly/3M1Ci7c