Bench Contest

CPCI is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025–2026 Precast Concrete Bench Design Competition for Students. This year’s submissions stood out for their innovation, adaptability, and strong alignment with the theme of sustainability, showcasing the creativity and technical skill of student teams from across the country. Taking first prize, The Angel Wing Bench by Western University/Fanshawe College impressed the jury with its elegant form and thoughtful design approach. Second prize was awarded to Ladis Bench by Université de Montréal/Polytechnique Montréal, recognized for its refined concept and functional versatility. Third prize went to the UBC/Carleton Bench by UBC and Carleton University, noted for its collaborative ingenuity and sustainable design features.

New wbLCA study

We’re excited to share that Mantle Development has conducted a Whole-Building Life Cycle Assessment (wbLCA) for CPCI, to quantify the whole-life carbon emission—both operational and embodied—for a hybrid building system using a steel frame, hollowcore precast slabs, and a precast envelope.

cross all cities studied, the results showed that embodied carbon emissions for this hybrid precast concrete structure are below current carbon limits—highlighting precast concrete as a strong solution for low-carbon construction.

Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship 2026: Nisreen Salameh

We're proud to announce Nisreen Salameh as the recipient of the Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship, a joint initiative between CPCI and CCPPA. Nisreen, a PhD candidate at the University of Calgary, is conducting cutting-edge research on ultra-high-performance concrete solutions aimed at enhancing the durability, efficiency, and sustainability of modern railway infrastructure. Her work not only pushes the boundaries of material performance but also addresses real-world challenges in the transportation industry, paving the way for longer-lasting, more resilient concrete structures. We're thrilled to support Nisreen as she advances innovations that will have a lasting impact on Canada's engineering and infrastructure landscape.

Sonia Saari Scholarship 2026: Hossein Yarahmadi

Big congratulations to Hossein Yarahmadi, M.Sc. candidate at the University of Alberta, for his outstanding research in structural engineering and for receiving the 2026 Sonia Saari Memorial Scholarship. Under the supervision of Professor Douglas Tomlinson, Hossein is focusing his research on precast and prestressed insulated concrete wall panels, with an emphasis on developing practical design methods that can be adopted by practicing engineers and help with real-world industry needs. We're excited to see his impact on the future of Canada's precast concrete industry!.

The latest issue of Imagineering Magazine

The latest issue of Imagineering Magazine is now live on the CPCI website, showcasing the ideas and innovations shaping the future of precast concrete. This edition features in-depth articles on industry trends, sustainability, and standout projects from across Canada, along with insights from industry leaders. Discover how precast concrete continues to drive resilient, efficient, and forward-thinking construction.

2024-2025 Precast Concrete Bench Design Winners

The 2024�2025 CPCI Precast Concrete Bench Student Design Competition brought together creative student teams from across Canada to propose innovative, sustainable bench designs using precast concrete. The competition challenged participants to integrate environmental responsibility, aesthetic appeal, and community functionality into their concepts. The final submissions reflected a strong blend of technical understanding, design creativity, and commitment to low-carbon, community-driven solutions, highlighting the future of design in public infrastructure.

Announcing the recipient of the first-ever Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship

CPCI/CCPPA are pleased to award the first-ever Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship to a deserving, hardworking and promising doctoral student.

Announcing the Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship

The Canadian Concrete Pipe & Precast Association and the Canadian Precast Concrete Institute are pleased to jointly announce the new Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship! This scholarship honours industry Titan, Mel Marshall, for his lifelong commitment to advancing the precast industry by teaching younger generations. The scholarship, available to students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate Civil Engineering programs in an accredited Canadian University, has a value of $10,000 per year.