The prestressed beams in the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Approach Spans were fabricated in about 1960 (west bound lane) and 1970 (east bound lane). The spans are 50-ft and 75-ft, respectively. The brackish water environment caused corrosion and failure of the bottom strands and deterioration and spalling of the cover concrete in many beams. A project in 2018 strengthened 30 of the more deteriorated beams as an alternative to posting or replacing the bridges. Carbon fiber composite wrap (CFCW) and external post-tensioning (PT) were used to strengthen the beams. Prior to construction, a PT mockup was done with one 50-ft (flexible filler) and one 75-ft (grout) beam to demonstrate that the contractor had the materials, equipment and staff to successfully do the external PT. This presentation describes the project’s mockups and construction and the anticipated increase in strength to be obtained from application of the CFCW and external PT.
Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Systems (aka UAVs aka Drones) continues to be a hot topic for engineers and designers. Within the past 10 years, we have seen technology change how we live, work, play and learn. These advances in technology have enabled humans to be more efficient as well as socially and environmentally conscious and connected. Advances in engineering technology and efficiency have expanded structural engineer’s roles in inspection services. This presentation will highlight drone utilization for exterior surveys and inspection, impact on the built environment, and how drones will continue to influence in the future. This includes areas that are too dangerous for humans or structures where rigging can be difficult or impossible as well as the cost benefits of using a drone. The presentation will also delve into the effectiveness and appropriate applications of drone usage, specifically for hands-on applications.
We will provide a brief presentation on the AET team, the AET services and business, how we operate as a team and perform our testing services, and what benefits we can provide our customers. We strive to get to know our clients well, educate them, and provide innovative, multi-disciplinary, and personalized service.
The application of nondestructive testing and evaluation for detecting existing defects and anomalies in concrete structures will be presented. Proper inspection and assessment is an integral part of a successful repair and rehabilitation. A well-defined inspection will help asset owners and their consultants in identifying the location and extent of existing defects, and enabling them in selecting proper repair materials and optimizing the area that needs rehabilitation. Moreover, NDT methods can help identify potential defects that are not visible to the naked eye, such as early-stage delamination, corrosion, and other durability related issues. In this presentation, several cases in Canada will be demonstrated, where the results of nondestructive testing and evaluation have been used to help consultants and contractors with cost-effective and reliable repair planning. Applications of ground penetrating radar, ultrasonic pulse echo tomography, seismic tomography, will be discussed.
The demonstration will show the application of the Black Pearl® Waterproofing System. Unlike “weatherproofing”, a true waterproofing membrane will maintain its watertight integrity and prevent the passage of liquid under dynamic, static, continuous, or intermittent hydrostatic pressure. Black Pearl® is a true waterproofing membrane composed of two primary products: Black Pearl® Primer Adhesive and Black Pearl® Waterproofing Membrane. These components are based upon the same core formula of select, unoxidized asphalt cement base, butyl rubber, SIS, neoprene rubber, SBS, carbon black, fillers, plasticizers and curing agents. The Black Pearl® Primer Adhesive also has an aliphatic solvent that is within acceptable OSHA and EPA current regulations. Black Pearl® Waterproofing Membrane is a 55-mil woven polyester fabric impregnated with the Black Pearl® rubberized formula, providing extra tensile strength and stability.
This demonstration will highlight the successful renovation of a concrete floor at the Flatstick Pub in downtown Spokane, Washington. The application of a self-levelling, polishable cementitious topping will be shown and the benefits of topping versus complete tear-out of the floor will be described.
This demonstration will introduce the WJE CASLE™ (Corrosion Assessment Service Life Evaluation) software for predicting corrosion-related damage in reinforced concrete structures. This tool helps engineers more effectively quantify remaining service life and guide repair decisions for existing structures, as well as evaluate protection/durability design strategies for new structures. Developed in-house by WJE’s materials engineers for WJE structural assessment projects, WJE CASLE™ offers full control of the evaluation process and facilitates a customizable approach to construction parameters and exposure conditions unique to each project. Advantages of the software include consideration of site-specific conditions such as construction geometry, sealers, coatings, corrosion-resistant reinforcing, presence/installation of overlays, existing chloride profiles, concrete cracking, and two-sided exposure. Model features will be outlined with a focus on evaluation of existing structures.
Moisture accumulation and water leakage into retail, commercial, and residential habitable spaces, including industrial facilities and below-grade parking structures, is the number one construction defect claim in our industry. The entire building envelope is a moisture barrier. Below-grade moisture barriers are required to keep water from leaking “into” and/or “out from” the structure. Water leakage inflow or outflow, and moisture accumulation within, can lead to health, safety and environmental issues involving the cost of operations and facility maintenance. Active water leakage, intermittent wetness, cavity wall moisture accumulation, and vapor transmission, can lead to costly problems: mold and mildew development, corrosion, contaminated water clean-up and disposal, slippery surfaces, and property damage.
Demonstration will present the Aquajet product line of equipment and hydrodemolition work up close. We will feature the Aqua Cutter robot, the Ecosilence high-pressure pump system, and the Ecoclear water treatment plant. We will also demonstrate the advancements in hydrodemolition equipment and problems solved for contractors.