· Theme 3 - Specialty topics including durability, construction issues for developing countries, and emerging technologies

The papers of first theme are listed in PART 1 of the proceedings. For the second theme, experts from over 20 countries shared overview of status of the concrete construction industry in their respective countries, challenges, and issues facing their industry and the potential advancement anticipated in the next decade in their respective countries. This sharing and exchange of information will collectively be beneficial, as this will foster mutual thinking and collaboration on common issues. These papers are listed in PART 2 of the proceedings. For the third theme, selected presenters focused on specialty topics of interest and enunciated the emerging technologies for the future. These papers are listed in PART 3 of the proceedings.

This workshop proceeding contains 52 papers, out of which 42 papers were selected for presentation at the two day workshop. The papers for presentation were selected based on geographical and other considerations.

At the workshop, in addition to the presentations, working group and discussion sessions were organized to foster group discussions and deliberations. The working groups addressed same set of issues and the group moderators reported the group recommendations to the workshop participants in the closing session. The recommendations of the breakout groups were discussed and deliberated during the panel discussion session by the all the participants of the workshop. In the closing session, Prof. Surendara P. Shah, chair of the CBM- workshop and Dr. Shuaib Ahmad co-chair of the workshop summarized the draft recommendations of the workshop. These recommendations are not included in these proceedings.

The Cement Based Materials & Civil Infrastructure (CBM-CI) International workshop is hosted by NED University of Engineering & Technology under the auspices of the Vice  Chancellor Engr. Abdul Kalam. Chief Guest Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman [Federal Minister and Science and Technology advisor to the Prime Minster of Pakistan] inaugurated the workshop and delivered the opening address. The workshop is sponsored by the American Concrete Institute (ACI), USA National Science Foundation, USA, NED Engineering University, Karachi, Pakistan, and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. The co-sponsors include Institution of Civil Engineers, Karachi, and the Center for Advanced Cement-Based Materials, Northwestern University, USA.

The local organizing committee organized a one-day cultural tour on December 9th, 2007. The local attractions in the city include Frere Hall, National Museum, Mohatta Palace, Zoological Gardens, Wazir Mansion, Quaid's Mausoleum, Expo Centre, Karachi Golf Course, Beaches. Other attractions within drive distance of Karachi include Chaukundi Tombs (32.9 mi), Thatta (Historical Place, (62.1 mi), Haleji Lake (68.3 mi) and Mohenjodaro (Historical, 121 miles).

The local organizing committee comprised of : Dr. S. F. A. Rafeeqi (Chair), Dr. Sarosh H Lodi (Secretary), Prof. Saeed Ahmed Khan, Dr. Mir. Shabbar Ali, Engr. Faheem Ahsan, Dr. Abdul Samad Khan, Ms. Mah Talat Mirza, Dr. Asad-ur-Rehman, Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh, Dr. Muhammad Masood Rafi, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Farooqi, Syed Masood Kazim Jafri, Ms. Arjumand Masood, Mr. Salman Hameed Siddiqui, Mr. Raza Ali Khan, Ms. Farnaz Batool, Mr. Syed Salman Mooben, Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Ms. Saria Bukhary, Ms. Sadaf Qasim, Ms. Tehmina Ayub, Mr. Muhammad Saqib, Mr. Ashar Ahmed, Mr. Uneb Gazder, Ms. Nida Azhar, Ms. Nida Naseem, Ms. Sana Muqeem, Ms. Roomizah Rabail Kharal, Mr. Mohammad Ahmed Rehmatullah, Mr. Farrukh Arif, Mr. Sofia Butt and Ms. Najmus Sahar Zafar.

The workshop organizers would like to thank all sponsors, members of the international scientific/technical committee, and hosts who made this workshop possible. Particular appreciation is extended to the National Science Foundation (Award # 0710807), NED Engineering University (Grant No. Syndicate resolution no. SYN. 143.5, 2007) and Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan (No. HEC-46.63-Seminars). Special thanks are also extended to all authors for their contributions and cooperation and all the invited participants who contributed to the success of this workshop.

The editor is sincerely indebted to NED University of Engineering & Technology, Pakistan, and especially Dr. Sarosh Lodi, secretary of the CBM-CI International Workshop for invaluable support for the workshop and in producing the workshop proceedings. It is hoped that this workshop will advance the understanding of concrete technology in Pakistan and other developing countries. It is envisioned that the workshop will contribute to capacity building of human technical resource in Pakistan. The workshop is likely to lead to significant improvement in integration of infrastructure development with a better understanding between the Academia, Government, and Industry in Pakistan. The workshop will also assist in promoting international collaborations in education, research, and practice for better design, construction, and maintenance of concrete constructed facilities of civil infrastructure. These proceedings will serve a useful resource for researchers and engineers involved in concrete technology and construction.