ICRI had its origins at a World of Concrete seminar in February 1988. Attendees voiced their frustration about the lack of standards and guidelines for concrete repair.

In response to these concerns, the International Association of Concrete Repair Specialists was formed, with a formal organizational meeting in Naperville, Illinois, May 21, 1988, attended by 66 repair specialists. In 1993, the name was changed to the International Concrete Repair Institute.

The organizing members agreed on the following statement of purpose: To improve the quality of concrete restoration, repair, and protection through education of, and communication among, the members and those who use its services.