Webinar Archives

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WJE carried out independent studies related to the 2018 collapse of the FIU Pedestrian Bridge in Miami. Most significantly, WJE developed and tested full-sized specimens to evaluate the significance of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB’s) finding that the construction joint between the northernmost diagonal and deck was left in an as-placed condition, rather than intentionally roughened as required by the project specifications. The webinar also describes WJE’s independent review of shear friction strength in accordance with the AASHTO Code.

The presentation describes the details of the experimental program that demonstrated that, had the construction joint been roughened as required by the project specifications, the collapse would not have occurred. Contrary to NTSB’s findings, the contractor’s failure to roughen the surface was the primary cause of the collapse.

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The tilt-up industry remains characterized as a budding or growing delivery method for new construction.  This dominant method of design and construction has a rich history of more than a century of influence and nearly fifty years of dramatic growth and unmatched solutions.  This presentation will move through the concepts of the traditional tilt-up building and address the principle design requirements and challenges faced. The presenter will be James R. Baty II, F.ACI, F.TCA (Tilt Up Concrete Association).

No credits will be awarded for viewing recordings of the webinar. 

The webinar is being sponsored by the Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association, the Minnesota Concrete Council, the North Dakota Concrete Council, the South Dakota Ready Mix Association, and the Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association. 

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This presentation will focus on alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete.  A brief background of the reaction mechanisms and ways to prevent the reaction will be covered.  The reliability of standard test methods, within the context of current standards (ASTM C1778 and AASHTO R80) will be highlighted. In addition, several current research projects and international efforts in the area will be highlighted. 

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Concrete is the foundation for everything we build. Concrete is an integral part of homes, businesses, schools, offices, churches, roads, and bridges. The concrete industry is in need of people who aren't afraid of hard work. A career in the concrete industry not only pays well but gives individuals the chance to build something that will stand the test of time. Right now, there is a growing need for concrete contractors, equipment operators, ready mix concrete truck drivers and quality control personnel. #ConcreteTough is a Nebraska based workforce recruitment campaign that exposes youth to the concrete construction industry. This message is communicated through participating in various career fairs, concrete 101 programs, and presented to numerous schools on the different careers the concrete Industry offers. Attendees will learn ways that they can incorporate concrete career awareness into their own workforce recruitment efforts.

A short overview of the new Concrete Industry Management degree at South Dakota State University will also be included with this webinar.

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Contractors want concrete to be as workable as possible to facilitate placement and consolidation without compromising performance in the hardened state. Concrete producers strive to consistently deliver expected performance attributes. Yet, hydration of Portland cement leads to a change in fresh concrete properties immediately after batching, most notably with respect to mix slump or workability. In air-entrained concrete mixtures, furthermore, modified slump can lead to changes in air content, typically a reduction, and potential rejection of the load. Invariably, rejected loads result in loss of revenue and reduced profits for concrete producers. This presentation will discuss workability retention and the various methods traditionally used to manage it. Additionally, an innovative, new admixture is introduced that provides workability retention without the adverse effects of current practices.

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Lighter, faster and more cost effective than other forms of construction, Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) are quickly becoming the construction method of choice for all forms of construction including single and multi-family, hotels, schools, offices. Concrete contractors, masons and framers have an opportunity to learn how their trade can work with ICFs to enhance their competitiveness in today’s construction environment. The presentation will focus on how to communicate basic ICF detailing, design efficiencies, and other necessary information to designers who may not be familiar with ICF construction. Also included in the presentation will be information on how ICF’s can affect other sections of the specification, best construction practices, and tips on how to determine labor costs for an ICF project.

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Concrete provides structures with strength, rigidity, and resilience from deformation. These characteristics, however, result in concrete structures lacking the flexibility to move in response to environmental or volume changes. Cracking is usually the first sign of distress in concrete. Cracking of concrete flatwork is natural, expected, and accepted. However, cracks may affect appearance, performance, and maintenance costs.  This presentation will discuss the various types of concrete cracks and how to best minimize their occurrence.

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The webinar explores two concepts; First is the preventative measures and the services around firestop consulting, inspections, and what architects, contractors, project managers, and installers should keep in mind as they plan, construct, and maintain firestops in their facilities. Second is what happens when a fire does occur, how does it affect the concrete, and what assessments and testing can be completed onsite to determine repair or replacement options.