CRSIF Sponsored Research

The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) Foundation sponsors an annual research grant program to carry out basic research needed to advance the steel reinforced concrete industry. The Foundation sponsors research grant awards of $30,000 each at institutions located in the United States or Canada.

The proposed research work must clearly elaborate on the research application to the reinforced concrete field and anticipated contributions to the state of the art. Proposers are encouraged to procure matching support from other sources and work with their CRSI regional manager to coordinate with local suppliers, fabricators and/or steel mills.

The CRSI Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the advancement of reinforced structural concrete through education and research. Projects funded by the CRSI graduate grant program are intended for the exclusive use of supporting a graduate student. CRSI limits the amount of institutional overhead that may be charged to 15% of direct costs. However, it is our preference that the proposer excludes university overhead costs to maximize the award to the student/project.

Research solicitation announcement statements are typically issued in August. Submission of the brief research project proposal is then due in December. The proposals are then evaluated by the CRSI Research and Development Committee at the Spring Business & Technical Meeting, and submitted for approval by the CRSI Foundation in April.

The CRSI Graduate Grant Program is focused on sponsoring a wide variety of research projects involving steel reinforcing bars. Reinforcing bars are used in all types of construction: cast-in-place concrete, precast/prestressed concrete, post-tensioned concrete, and reinforced masonry.

Engineering research needs are solicited for the following major areas:

• Structures
• Materials (physical properties, chemistry) and corrosion durability
• Industry practice
• Metallurgical/manufacturing