Challenges in Concrete Construction: Realities of Design, Construction, and Testing
Jacob L. Borgerson, Ph.D., P.E.
This seminar is intended to tackle common challenges faced by structural engineers in the concrete construction industry. Topics will include: cracking, low compressive strength, ignored specifications, mass concrete, cold joints, delaminations, spalling, honeycombing, in addition to others. Concrete problems raised by a member of the project team may indicate a greater (unobserved) structural concern, a long-term durability issue, or simply an aesthetic problem. This presentation will discuss the causes of concrete problems, techniques for evaluating various problems and approaches for mitigating these problems. Attendees will be introduced to various evaluation methods (e.g., impact-echo, ground penetrating radar, concrete coring, petrographic examination, etc.) and when their use is appropriate. Case studies will be used to illustrate the concepts presented. This presentation will benefit structural engineers and anyone who has stood on a job site to discuss a concrete problem.
Jacob L. Borgerson, Ph.D., P.E. is a Senior Associate with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. Borgerson received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He specializes in providing concrete expertise in multiple areas including construction, testing, evaluation, and repair. Borgerson has provided concrete consulting services to contractors, structural engineers, architects, ready-mix suppliers, owners, and developers. He is a member of the International Concrete Repair Institute and ACI International. In addition, he serves on ACI Committees 228, Nondestructive Testing of Concrete and 117, Tolerances for Concrete Construction.
