Presentations Archive

For over a decade, Jaime Taets has been the go-to consultant for executive teams hoping to untangle their issues and improve their businesses profits, strategies, and services along the way. And throughout that time, Jaime has learned that most business problems are actually people problems. To get at the root cause, leaders must go deeper than the business layer with questions that are rooted in culture and people. In her innovating and groundbreaking new book, The Culture Climb, thought leader Jaime Taets not only challenges and inspires other leaders of organizations to prioritize their work culture – she also provides an actionable and approachable plan that can be fully implemented into a business model and help to positively transform the workplace atmosphere. Show less

Cracking is a natural, expected, and accepted behavior of concrete. However, cracks may affect the appearance, function, durability, service life, or more seriously, the structural integrity of the concrete. For these reasons, designers, concrete producers, and contractors are always trying to control or minimize the amount and severity of concrete cracking. This presentation will cover the fundamental causes of cracking, crack investigations, and recommendations for troubleshooting concrete cracks. Show less

In practice we are often called to act for others as technical experts, administrators, employees and representatives of others. In specifications, submittals, designs, expert advice, investigation and in representing the public. These actions bring forward a grave responsibility that can be a heavy burden. Frequently the only judge of how well this is done is ourselves. A discussion of the ethics and responsibilities of a vicar - one who acts in lieu of another- will involve real life examples, an examination of the times we are vicars and how to keep up our panache in the face of difficulty. Show less

Join us for a one-day symposium on resilient building design, where architects, engineers, and contractors will explore the integration of Zero Energy and Resilient Construction methods for sustainable communities. In an era marked by climate challenges, this event focuses on innovative approaches that fortify structures against disaster while promoting energy independence. Discover how resilient construction, combined with energy-efficient design and robust materials, aligns with sustainability principles, offering a balanced solution for durability, energy efficiency, and disaster resilience. Come collaborate to envision a future where buildings actively contribute to environmentally conscious and sustainable communities. Show less

Like other high-stakes industries, concrete construction invites a fair share of litigation. In this presentation, Mr. Coleman, author of “Legal Issues in Concrete Construction” will discuss specific construction and legal topics such as cracking, load tickets, substantial performance; the Spearin doctrine; responsibility for mix designs, impossibility of performance, and many more. The presentation will provide interpretations of the courts’ findings and contrast the decisions with other results where possible. Show less

Concrete pre-construction meetings are of prime importance in planning concrete construction work because many potential problems can be avoided at the right time – before the start of the pour when the cost impact is relatively low. This presentation will discuss a typical preconstruction checklist that allocates responsibilities and establishes procedures related to concrete construction. Subgrade preparation, forming, concrete mixture proportioning (mix design), ordering and scheduling, placing, consolidating, finishing, jointing, curing, testing and acceptance as well safety and environmental issues will be included. Show less

This presentation examines the process of determining parking needs, planning the layout, parking circulation and other design considerations. It also examines code compliant structural design for durability, drainage and user security. The course also covers preventative maintenance, restoration and planning for future considerations. Show less

Information will be presented to encourage open communication regarding specific IBC, ACI, PTI, and specific design document requirements for PT installation and inspection. Quality installation the first time requires communication about expectations. Avoidance of rework means higher return on investment for all parties. Show less

Concrete slab and slab moisture experts Peter Craig and Scott Tarr unlock the science behind moisture-related slab and flooring problems. In an entertaining fashion that is not only informative, but fun for the novice and expert alike, Peter and Scott bring to life several of those who shaped the laws and theories of science and forensics. Along with case studies, experts past and present address where moisture that leads to slab and flooring problems originates, how moisture moves and migrates, how moisture in and below a slab can cause problems, how moisture in a concrete floor slab should be tested, how to protect concrete slabs-on-ground from moisture, and what can be done to avoid, or correct a moisture-related flooring or coating problem. Show less

The COVID pandemic has added a new urgency to an already existing complex labor market to recruit and retain workers. This presentation will report and then extend the results from a recently completed Local Rural Roads Board and MnDOT study that explored and examined possible causes and organizational response strategies of the workforce shortage in Minnesota’s transportation industry. Data from other recent research as well as current and emerging trends on human resource planning and practice will be presented. Discussion will focus on appropriate human resource and workforce planning from strategic, financially sustainable, and developmental approaches will be highlighted. Show less