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INSTRUCTORS:
Dave Amori, Ph.D, P.E., RRC, M.ASCE
Eric Lalli, P.Eng, P.E., CRSP, CHSC, CQE, FEC, M.ASCE
Kent K. Sasaki, S.E.
Zander Danto, P.E.
Kaat Ceder, P.E.
Course Length: 1 hour
These presentations were recorded at the 2024 Forensic Engineering Congress.
Purpose and Background
Post-Fire Structural Assessment Considerations of Concrete Buildings and Parking Structures (29 minutes)
This presentation explores the key factors in assessing concrete structures after a fire, focusing on strength loss, thermal effects, and repair feasibility. It highlights how concrete's fire resistance varies depending on aggregate type, temperature exposure, and reinforcement conditions. Visual inspection methods, such as identifying spalling, cracking, and discoloration, are discussed alongside non-destructive and destructive testing techniques like impact echo, petrography, and core sampling. The session emphasizes the importance of evaluating structural integrity by analyzing changes in modulus of elasticity and rebar performance, particularly in post-tensioned systems. Finally, it outlines decision-making processes for repair versus replacement, stressing the need for rigorous engineering analysis to ensure serviceability and compliance with safety standards.
Damage Assessments and Repairs after Construction Fires (28 minutes)
This presentation focuses on evaluating structural damage and developing repair strategies for buildings affected by construction fires, particularly wood-frame structures over concrete podiums. It highlights the unique challenges of assessing fire-damaged structures in an active construction environment, including safety concerns, scheduling pressures, and coordination among contractors, engineers, and insurers. The discussion covers key investigative steps such as debris removal, slab cleaning, and identifying fire-induced damage to concrete, post-tensioned tendons, and reinforcement. Various testing methods, including visual inspections, petrography, and core sampling, are explored to determine the extent of structural degradation. The presentation underscores the importance of early collaboration among stakeholders to streamline repairs and minimize project delays while ensuring structural integrity.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:
- Describe the effects of high temperatures on concrete strength, reinforcement performance, and overall structural integrity in fire-damaged buildings and parking structures.
- Identify key forensic engineering assessment methods, including visual inspections, non-destructive testing, and core sampling, to evaluate post-fire structural damage.
- Explain the unique challenges of assessing structural damage in buildings affected by construction fires, including safety considerations and coordination with contractors.
- Identify key forensic engineering techniques used to evaluate fire damage in concrete podiums and describe remediation strategies for restoring structural integrity.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes are assessed and achieved through passing a 10 multiple choice question post-test with at least a 70%.
Who Should Attend?
- Architects
- Construction Engineers
- Forensic engineers
- Geotechnical engineers
- Structural engineers
- Transportation engineers
How to Earn your PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
This course is worth 1 PDH. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]