Sika participates in the Concrete Advancement Network (CAN), an Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) founded by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Oregon State University.
Through collaboration with academic researchers and industry partners, the network focuses on advancing concrete technologies in areas such as material efficiency, durability, clinker reduction, alternative binders, and performance optimization. These research activities aim to support the development of concrete solutions that can reduce resource consumption, extend service life, and lower the carbon footprint of construction materials, depending on the specific technology and application.
Advancing the Future of Concrete
Concrete is fundamental to global infrastructure, and enhancing its performance is essential to meeting increasing demands for resilience, durability, and resource efficiency. CAN addresses these challenges by integrating experimental research with multi‑scale modeling, digital manufacturing, and advanced data science—including machine learning and artificial intelligence. This holistic approach accelerates the development and adoption of new materials andprocesses in an industry traditionally shaped by established practices.
As a member of CAN, Sika works closely with university researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and students in a dynamic ecosystem of innovation. The partnership enables rapid knowledge transfer, strengthens workforce development, and provides access to emerging scientific insights that help drive progress across the construction sector. Through this collaboration, Sika plays an active role in bridging laboratory research with real applications.
Sika’s involvement in CAN underscores its commitment to sustainable construction solutions and to advancing technologies that reduce reliance on natural resources, enhance material performance, and improve long-term resilience. By supporting collaborative research and investing in shared innovation, Sika helps shape the next generation of concrete technologies, benefiting customers, communities, and the broader industry.
CAN's Core Objectives
- Develop innovative concrete materials and processing technologies^
- Translate promising research outcomes into practical impacts for member companies
- Build a diverse and highly skilled science and engineering workforce for the concrete industry