Samford Architecture Students Gain Hands-On Experience with Concrete and Masonry

The Alabama Concrete Industries Association recently partnered with several industry members to provide Samford University architecture students with a series of hands-on learning experiences focused on concrete and masonry construction.

Over the course of two weeks, students participated in a concrete masonry plant tour led by Oldcastle GMS, followed by a hands-on masonry demonstration with Selective Masonry and Oldcastle GMS. The program concluded with students getting the opportunity to place concrete and gain firsthand experience with the construction process.

ACIA would like to thank Ready Mix USA, FiberForce, and Vulcan Materials for donating materials for the concrete slabs, as well as Brasfield & Gorrie for providing apprentices who helped clear and prepare the area, install the formwork, and assist with the concrete placement.

These experiences give future architects a better understanding of how the materials and systems they specify are manufactured, installed, and used in the field. By connecting classroom instruction with real-world construction, students are able to see firsthand how design decisions translate into completed projects.

ACIA appreciates Samford University and all of the industry partners who helped make these valuable educational opportunities possible.