The ACI Codes of Practice Workshop, organized by the ACI Kurdistan Chapter in collaboration with ACI Headquarters, took place on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the Erbil International Hotel, Erbil. The event was supported and sponsored by the Office of the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), underscoring the government's commitment to elevating construction practices in line with international standards.
The workshop attracted a blend of prominent international and regional experts, both in person and online. Mr. Ahmad Mhanna, Regional Director of ACI Middle East, laid out the Workshop Goals and Objectives, setting the stage for a full day of valuable discussions.
One of the key highlights was Dr. Khaled Nahlawi, a Distinguished Engineer from ACI, who gave an in-depth presentation on ACI CODE-318-19 and ACI 318 PLUS, along with upcoming changes in ACI CODE-318-25. Dr. Santiago Pujol, Chair of the ACI 133 Committee, joined the workshop virtually to discuss the 2023 Turkey Earthquake and its impact on concrete buildings, providing valuable insights from his extensive experience.
Other notable topics included environmental structures, masonry standards, and concrete durability, with presentations from Dr. Ali Attiyah, Dr. Mohamed Raouf, and Dr. Ahmed Salih. Mr. Mohamed Amer from the International Code Council (ICC) also participated online, offering a global perspective on building safety solutions.
The workshop concluded with an insightful session on Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Concrete Buildings, delivered by Dr. Saman Ali Abdullah, Executive Director of ACI Kurdistan Chapter, followed by closing recommendations.
The success of the workshop was a testament to the collaboration between local and international experts, further supported by the Prime Minister’s Office. The event not only demonstrated the region’s commitment to adopting world-class construction standards but also showcased the potential for future advancements in infrastructure and urban development in Kurdistan.








