PCI Gulf South Newsletter|Issue #30
How Precast Builds
Whole Foods Market
Gate Precast Company
Photos via Shook Kelley
The Grocer in Kentucky was delivered as a cold dark shell ready for fit-out by the tenant. The design of the building was to construct a building that looks like it has had some years on it and a story to tell. Through the addition of new exterior skin materials, canopies and "leftover armatures” of the building's last life, the building has been retrofitted into its current use as a grocer.

The selection of the color of concrete and working with the precaster allowed the brick to have the effect of lime wash by allowing the concrete slurry to come into the mold on the corners and edges and randomly cover parts of the brick, breaking up the traditional brick wall mold.
As the year draws to a close, PCI Gulf South would like to thank the many people who bring their gifts and talents to the precast concrete industry. From the producers who tirelessly manufacture products of all types, to the associate members who support the industry with cutting edge products and services, to the engineers/designers who bring the dream to life, to the professors who impart the value and practicality of precast on university students, it is the collective effort that brings us to an exciting point in the precast industry.

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Dan
University of Alabama Destruction Testing on Wall Panel
The PCI Foundation studio under the direction of Dr. Sri Aaleti and in conjunction with Dr. Armen Amirkhanian, continues to educate and impact future industry leaders. With the support of Forterra, Gate Precast and Endicott Brick (THANK YOU Kevin Melvin!) and PCI Gulf South, the Civil Engineering Materials class constructed and then deconstructed precast concrete wall panels clad in thin-brick through an extreme impact test created to demonstrate the ability of precast concrete to outperform other building materials. Follow the link to view the wall panel test.
PCI Convention and The Precast Show
Join us March 1-5 at the the 2022 PCI Convention and the Precast Show in Kansas City, Mo., for the largest precast concrete-specific trade show in North America. Visit the PCI Convention website to reserve your spot and see all of the exciting council and committee meetings, education sessions, and fun being planned.
Winter Meeting & Golf Outing
The recent PCI Gulf South Winter Meeting was held in Biloxi, MS and highlighted the invaluable role the associate members play in the association. Many associates addressed the group and networked about their products and services.
Learn@Lunch - Go Virtual!
PCI Gulf South offers a variety of ways to reach the existing design community.
The Learn@Lunch program was developed to allow professionals the opportunity to learn about precast products and systems.

Get the design credits you need all without having to leave your home or office!
Louisiana DOTD Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design Seminar
A virtual, two day Precast/Prestressed Concrete Bridge Design Seminar was conducted October 19th & 21st for the Louisiana DOTD. The information packed seminar attracted 60 attendees and was led by Reid Castrodale from Castrodale Engineering Consultants. Valuable input from Tony Chiappetti, of Kiewit gave the attendees a contractor’s point of reference. The PCI Gulf South Transportation Committee strives to improve communication between Departments of Transportation in the region by hosting seminars such as this annually.
The Fall 2021 issue of Ascent Magazine is Here!
This issue features the beauty and style of architectural precast concrete and showcases striking examples of the material in several categories. Read the Fall 2021 issue to learn more.

Articles include:
  • PCI's New Architectural Certification Program Moves Industry Forward
  • Strength of Purpose: Neumann/Smith Architecture
  • Eye-Catching and Breathtaking
  • Online Exclusive Case Studies
  • More Companies Embracing Live Online Safety Workshops
  • Insight: A Bold Step for PCI Certification
  • University Profiles: Students Build Beautiful Precast Concrete Projects
  • and more!
Attention Students!
If you are a recently graduated student and want to continue to receive emails from PCI Gulf South, please be sure to update your email address as
most school email addresses expire after 6 months!

To update, simply forward your new email address to
pcigulfsouth1@att.net and we will update it in our system.
Upcoming Quality Control Certification Classes
While some quality control schools remain virtual, many are returning to their in-person formats. We currently have several QC School opportunities available this year and in 2022. Register today to secure your spot.
Level I and II - In Person
January 17-19, 2022, Las Vegas, NV (World of Concrete)
January 31 - February 2, 2022, Harrisburg, PA

Level I and II - Virtual
February 7-10, 2022
April 19-22, 2022
July 18-21, 2022

Level III - Virtual
March 14-17, 2022
Certified Field Auditor (CFA) - In Person
January 17-19, 2022, Las Vegas, NV
(World of Concrete)

Certified Field Auditor (CFA) - Virtual
May 16-18, 2022

Certified Company Auditor (CCA) - Virtual
May 19, 2022
Did you know?
The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil was constructed using concrete and soapstone. The entire project took nine years and 635 tons of concrete to finish this amazing marvel.
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Environmental discussions are becoming more and more important and precast has become apart of those discussions with its ability to act as an energy efficient construction solution. Through its numerous design benefits, precast can be the go to solution for clients looking to meet sustainability goals and reduce their impact on the environment.