In memory of Fouad Hilmy Fouad

Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Fouad came to the United States in 1975 to pursue graduate studies. After earning his doctorate in civil engineering from Texas A&M University in 1981, he joined the faculty of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he built an outstanding 40-year career in structural engineering. From 1996 until his retirement in 2021, he served as Chair of the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering.

Fouad was not only an accomplished educator and researcher, but also a strong advocate for innovative concrete technologies. His research covered advanced precast and prestressed concrete systems, structural supports and fatigue design, and the development and implementation of new concrete materials. His work resulted in numerous patents as well as contributions to AASHTO and ASTM standards.

Of particular importance to the AAC community was Fouad’s long-standing involvement with the American Concrete Institute (ACI). As Past Chair of ACI Committee 523, Cellular Concrete, and Chair of Subcommittee 523-A, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, he made significant contributions to the understanding, standardization and wider application of AAC and related cellular concrete technologies. He was elected an ACI Fellow in 1998.

Fouad also shared his expertise with the international AAC community through AAC Worldwide, contributing his knowledge and perspectives on the development of the material and its future applications, especially focussing the USA. His commitment to advancing AAC was reflected not only in his technical work, but also in his openness to new ideas and his willingness to share his experience with the next generation of engineers.

Following his retirement from UAB, Fouad continued his work as Chief Scientist and Director of Research and Development at Valmont Industries. At the same time, he remained committed to improving the built environment and the quality of life in Alabama.

Fouad will be remembered as an outstanding engineer, researcher, educator and mentor – but also as a warm, generous and humble person who genuinely enjoyed helping others. His contributions to the concrete and AAC communities will continue to have an impact for many years to come.

Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and all those who had the privilege of working with and learning from him.