San Juan, Puerto Rico, September 03, 2025 - Jorge Rivera-Cruz, Structural Engineer & Technical Lead in the Engineering Division, Caribbean District stands in observation of the construction site during a Caño Martín Peña Ecosystem Restoration Project visit. Jorge just completed his dissertation that involved testing three full-scale reinforced concrete frame sub-assemblages in the laboratory to simulate the removal of an interior column and assess the progressive collapse resistance of perimeter frames. Due to his research, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) revised the structural integrity requirements for beam reinforcement in the 2025 edition of ACI 318. Specifically, the Code now mandates reduced maximum spacing for closed stirrups to enhance compliance with seismic design criteria. As a result, seismic designers of concrete beams—both in the United States and internationally—will now rely on these updated ACI provisions to guide safer and more resilient structural designs.