ASTM International

Background

At the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE), we recognize the critical importance of globally recognized engineering standards for ensuring the safety, durability, and resilience of Afghanistan’s infrastructure. In our quest to elevate engineering practices in our homeland, we value the vital role that ASTM International plays in providing technical specifications and testing methods.

We have actively supported, facilitated, and advocated for the adoption of ASTM standards within Afghan construction codes. Through our SAE eNewsletter, we have regularly featured contributions from ASTM leadership, such as Jim Olshefsky, Director of External Relations, to educate our members on ASTM’s role in helping our world work better.

Facilitating Cross-Cultural Technical Exchange

We have played a direct role in connecting Afghan professionals with ASTM International. In 2012, under a UNESCO Fellowship program, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) asked SAE to assist in coordinating a U.S. visit for two Afghan professionals. We helped arrange visits for Professor Jamil Khalid, President of the Society of Afghan Architects and Engineers (SAAE), and Ms. Dalia Akbarmir, SAAE Vice President, to various design offices and institutes, including the ASTM offices in Washington, D.C.. Following this visit, ASTM representatives noted that they looked forward to future cooperation with the Society of Afghan Engineers, the Afghan government, and local industry to support building initiatives in Afghanistan.

SAE Leadership in ASTM Training Programs

Our strong relationship has been further highlighted by our direct participation in ASTM training and committee leadership. In June 2014, our former SAE President, Ghulam Mujtaba, was invited by ASTM International to present at their international intensive training program.

• He presented to a global audience of experts from countries including Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea.
• His presentation, “Review of Transportation Infrastructure Standards and their Application in the Middle East,” focused heavily on the application of ASTM standards for road and paving materials, as well as concrete and concrete aggregates.
• Following the presentation, Jim Olshefsky, ASTM’s Director of External Relations, officially commended our valuable input into the standardization process and our willingness to teach incoming experts.

Active SAE Member Participation in ASTM Committees

Beyond organizational advocacy, our individual SAE members have been deeply involved in ASTM’s rigorous standard-development process. Prominent SAE leaders, such as former President Ghulam Mujtaba, have been active, senior members of ASTM and have been involved in multiple technical committees, including Committee C1 (Cement), C9 (Concrete and Concrete Aggregates), and C13 (Concrete Pipe).

Advocating for Afghanistan’s National Standards

As an organization, we have consistently celebrated and advocated for the integration of ASTM standards into Afghanistan’s national building codes. We have proudly supported the historic 2005 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ASTM International and the Afghanistan National Standardization Authority (ANSA), which we have considered a great accomplishment for the country.

Through our communication channels, ASTM International has regularly shared progress updates regarding ANSA with our engineering community. We were thrilled to announce in our newsletter that ANSA successfully adopted 120 ASTM International standards. The relationship has yielded new opportunities; recently, ASTM’s VP of Global Cooperation invited ANSA to nominate a candidate for ASTM’s Technical Visitor Grant Program.

By continuing to promote and participate in ASTM International standards, we believe Afghan engineers can align with global best practices, ensuring a transparent, safe, and internationally respected quality infrastructure for the future of Afghanistan.