ESCSI Honors Its 2017 Erskine Award Recipient Words: Abigail GabbardThe Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate Institute honored its 2017 Erskine Award recipient at the ESCSI Midyear Meeting held May 15-18, 2017 in Park City, Utah. Each year, ESCSI honors individuals and/or companies who have made significant contributions to the lightweight aggregate industry through their commitment and dedication.The Frank G. Erskine Award is presented to individuals, companies, associations, partnerships, etc. outside the industry that recognize the unique properties of expanded shale, clay and slate and have demonstrated their use through design, promotion or implementation. Extensive research in the areas of lightweight and high strength concrete, and a tireless commitment to making sure the correct design requirements for lightweight concrete are incorporated in the ACI 318 Code have earned Col. Fred Meyer, PE, PhD, FACI a place on the distinguished list of Frank G. Erskine Award recipients.Col. Fred Meyer, PE, PhD, FACI serves as the Deputy Department Head of the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the United States Military Academy (West Point). Prior to joining the USMA faculty in 2002, he served as a Platoon Leader, Company XO and Battalion Civil Engineer in the 864th Engineer Battalion at Fort Lewis and then served as Battalion Personnel Officer and Alpha Company Commander in the 92nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart. At West Point, he teaches courses in basic mechanics, structural engineering, construction management and infrastructure. Fred is an active member of the American Concrete Institute serving on numerous committees, is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and has been an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Program Evaluator for 10 years.“The research conducted by Fred is significant for our industry because it demonstrated that high strength lightweight concrete can be achieved and applied to precast, prestressed products such as bridge girders,” according to Jeffrey Speck, P.E., FACI of Trinity Lightweight. “The results of Fred’s research have been used to achieve longer spans and higher strength lightweight concrete girders that can be transported and handled with conventional equipment. Fred has also been instrumental in advancing updates to the lightweight concrete provisions of the ACI 318 Code. The lightweight aggregate and lightweight concrete industry is stronger today because of Fred’s dedication and achievements.”