Presenter: Claude Goguen, P.E, LEED AP, NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Aggregates typically occupy up to 75% by volume and up to 85% by mass of concrete. With so much of the mix consisting of aggregates, it’s vital for precasters to know their aggregates and know how moisture content – which changes throughout the day – is impacting each batch. This requires precise sampling and routine aggregate moisture content testing, whether or not your plant uses moisture probes. During this webinar, you learn how to obtain a quality, representative aggregate sample from your aggregate stockpiles and why this type of sample is so important. Then we discuss the step-by-step procedure for performing an aggregate moisture content test or burn test. You learn what the results of these tests mean and how they could affect your next batch if the proper next steps aren’t taken. Finally, we describe what steps to take in each scenario to help prevent your aggregate moisture content from causing issues in your mix and outline how to incorporate aggregate sampling and moisture content testing into your plant’s quality control program.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Define a representative sample and why it’s so important.
• Explain best practices for obtaining a representative sample in accordance with ASTM D75.
• Outline the step-by-step procedure for performing an aggregate moisture content test, or burn test, in accordance with ASTM C566.
• Explain what the results of the aggregate moisture content test mean for your next batch.
• Describe how to incorporate aggregate sampling and aggregate moisture content testing into the quality control program at your plant.

Presenter: Eric Carleton, P.E., NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Concrete testing is an important quality control process to verify the concrete placed to produce a precast product meets the minimum standards or specification required for that product. Concrete testing can be broken down into two distinct concrete periods: fresh (concrete still in a plastic state) and hardened (concrete has reached initial set and beyond.) This course focuses on the fresh concrete testing, specifically the mistakes often made when conducting these tests. Testing standards have been developed with specific procedures to be followed exactly. This is important so these tests can be reproducible and testing data obtained can be trusted to not have been skewed by additional accidental or unintended variables introduced at the time of testing. This webinar identifies common mistakes testing technicians make when conducting fresh concrete testing.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize common procedural errors when performing fresh concrete tests.
• Describe how these errors can affect your test results.
• Describe what to do if a testing procedure mistake has been made.
• Implement fresh concrete testing in accordance with the ASTM standards.

Presenter: Paul Ramsburg, SIKA Corp.

1 hour, 1 PDH

Good control of your mix design is crucial to producing quality precast concrete. In this webinar, we’ll explore the math and chemistry behind creating an absolute volume mix design and how the proper raw materials, added in the right order and properly mixed, can yield high quality concrete every time. Additionally, we discuss common mistakes in mix design and how to avoid them.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Summarize best practices when designing a concrete mix.
• Give examples of common mix design mistakes and explain how to avoid them.
• Identify hardened concrete problems tied to improper mix design.

Presenter: Kayla Hanson, P.E., NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

What is a bending moment and how is it calculated? How does concrete strength translate to the overall strength or maximum allowable moment of a precast product? How does the cross-sectional area and location of steel reinforcement affect a product’s behavior in service? How can we predict when or where a section might fail? In this course, we’ll investigate these questions and venture into basic reinforced concrete design concepts as related to rectangular cross sections.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Calculate the maximum bending moment on a beam given various loading and support conditions.
• Calculate a reinforced concrete beam’s flexural strength.
• Determine the optimal location of reinforcement for given conditions.
• Explain reinforcement ratio and how it affects steel’s ability to reach its yield point.
• Calculate the location of the neutral axis in a flexural member.

Presenter: Kayla Hanson, P.E., NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

The structural integrity of every reinforced concrete product is dependent upon grade of steel; size and spacing of the steel reinforcing; and location of the steel within the product. To ensure that the product is fabricated in accordance to the detailed reinforcing steel plan document, a thorough reinforcing steel inspection is a critical requirement in the NPCA QC program for certified plants, requiring a minimum passing grade of 75% in this section to achieve certification status. This webinar addresses what to look for and what to inspect when performing a reinforcing steel inspection to ensure you are in compliance with the NPCA QC manual as well as the engineering detail drawings.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the NPCA QC manual requirements for fabrication, positioning and documentation of steel inspections.
• Identify the three elements that define a structurally sound reinforced concrete product.
• Identify the required documentation required for reinforcing steel and cage.

Presenter: Kayla Hanson, P.E., NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Some precasters have the luxury of never worrying about cold weather. However, many precasters operate in climates where colder temperatures are a reality. ACI 306 defines cold weather concreting as a period when, for more than three consecutive days, the average daily air temperature is less than 40 degrees F or 5 degrees C. That climatic possibility can encompass much of North America. Are you and your plant personnel prepared for casting in these conditions? Precast concrete cast during cold weather develops sufficient strength and durability to satisfy intended service requirements only if it is properly produced, placed and protected – all of which is discussed during this webinar. You will learn what happens to concrete when it freezes and how it impacts the product. We also discuss how drops in concrete temperature affect the setting time and expose the structure to further damage. Finally, we describe steps you can take to protect concrete from these effects at your plant.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify when cold weather concreting practices should be used at your plant and what counts as “cold weather.”
• Explain what happens to concrete in low temperature conditions.
• Describe possible damage to hardened concrete that was cast in cold temperatures.
• Explain and implement various cold weather concreting practices at your plant.

Presenter: Mike Mahoney, Euclid Chemical Co.

1 hour, 1 PDH

The use of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) continues to evolve and become more commonplace in everyday concrete and precast construction. Learn how the new ACI 544.4R document helps precast producers and engineers by providing a roadmap to designing FRC for many applications including walls, tanks and other precast elements. Mixture design impacts and expectations is discussed along with improvements in ASTM and other test methods to verify correct fiber selection and quantities in concrete.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Discover current industry resources and certifications available for fibers.
• Determine how and where to use FRC in precast concrete.
• Identify the differences between fiber types and limitations in precast concrete.
• Determine the cost benefits of using fibers in precast concrete.

Presenter: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

The use of fiber reinforcing in precast concrete manufacturing can result in many benefits, including enhanced capacity and durability. The technology of fiber reinforcement is continually advancing, offering many choices for several applications and desired properties. However, it’s crucial to understand how to incorporate this material into the manufacturing process to achieve these benefits and avoid issues during mixing, casting and in-service. During this course, we discuss how mix designs and production procedures must be carefully adjusted before incorporating fiber reinforcing. We explore how different types of fibers, different sizes of fibers and different means of addition can impact mix efficiency, workability and product finishes. We examine what tools and methods are best suited for fiber reinforced concrete placement and curing.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe how the addition of fibers can impact mix design proportions and how adjustments can be made.
• Identify recommended production practices when using common types of fibers.
• Explain how to finish concrete with different types of fibers in order to achieve specific textures and appearances.

Presenter: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world with durability leading to concrete’s widespread use. Precast concrete has the added advantage of enhanced quality through environmental control. While durability seems inherent to concrete, it is dictated by design, proportioning, placing, finishing, curing and testing practices. NPCA members make a large variety of products that are exposed to a wide variety of loading and environmental conditions. Producers must understand those conditions and design their products accordingly. It’s not one mix fits all. Producers explore different mechanisms of attack on concrete, including chemical, freeze thaw and corrosion. In this course, we discuss practices that they can immediately implement at their facilities to enhance product durability in the face of the intended environment.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the basic attack mechanisms most common for precast concrete.
• Describe how certain aggregates can lead to a shorter service life.
• Identify five practices they can implement immediately to help enhance concrete’s durability.

Presenter: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Many precast concrete producers have introduced supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) as a partial Portland cement replacement in their mix designs. Many are considering using fly ash or slag cement or switching from one to another. Whether you are a current user of SCMs or thinking about becoming one, it’s important to know what material works best with the type of product, product exposure and current mix designs. The benefits of SCMs can be significant when used in the right ways and without compromising the benefits of other concrete materials. How can fly ash affect air entrainment? How do different grades of slag affect set times? During this webinar, we explore these topics and more to aid the precast manufacturers in making informed decisions on the use of SCMs.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe how fly ash and slag cement work to contribute to hardened concrete properties.
• Explain other effects SCMs can have on plastic and hardened concrete.
• Describe precautions that should be taken when combining SCMs with admixtures.

Presenter: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

A robust quality control program is not just defined by how few repairs are needed but also by how well those repairs are performed. This course provides guidance for the most common minor repairs in precast concrete manufacturing. We discuss the best materials, tools and techniques that can remedy issues, including bug holes, efflorescence and minor cracking. Best practices based on field experience and recognized repair codes and standards are shared. Proficiency in concrete repair is a crucial component of a thorough quality control system. Information discussed during this course will help you make it look like it never happened.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify what materials work best for specific minor repairs.
• Describe recommended techniques to repair bug holes and honeycombing.
• Explain how repair area subbase should be prepared based on material and existing concrete age.

Presenter: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

A major concrete defect means the product’s performance has been compromised. But there may be a way to save the structure from the boneyard. During this course, we examine many different types of major defects. We discuss materials that are designed specifically for repairing defects. We go through step-by-step details of repairing issues, such as cracks and large spalls. We look at new repair technologies. We also identify most relevant repair standards and codes. The information shared in this course helps individuals in repair design, those actually performing the repair and those tasked with inspecting these repairs.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the latest materials and methods available to repair structural cracks.
• Identify critical surface preparation procedures for repairing large spalls or chips.
• Demonstrate how crack repairs should be performed for vertical and horizontal applications.

Presenter: G. Terry Harris, Sr., FACI, GCP Applied Technologies

1 hour, 1 PDH

Concrete is a composite material with each mix constituent contributing to produce desired fresh and hardened properties. During this course, we examine how each constituent impacts concrete performance. We discuss cement chemistry and analyze the most significant influencers that can help with troubleshooting and determining which cement is best for your specific application. We review aggregates and the impact of their gradation. We also discuss water and the effects of potential impurities on properties such as setting, strength and durability. Take this information and immediately apply it to enhance the quality of your precast products.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Summarize the impacts of different mix constituents on desired concrete properties.
• Identify specific items on a cement mill certificate to review and monitor.
• Define how optimizing aggregate gradation can have a significant impact on concrete quality.
• Describe water impurities that can impact concrete properties.

Presenter: Kayla Hanson, P.E., NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Everything from the time of day to how far you’re digging into the aggregate stockpile can affect mix water needs. Water content is a critical aspect of any mix, and it’s essential to get it right in every scenario. This course addresses how to calculate mix water adjustments based on fine or coarse aggregate moisture contents. We review how to calculate aggregate moisture content, identify the differences between moisture content and absorption capacity and learn how to determine how much more or less water the mix requires based on the aggregate moisture conditions.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Differentiate between various aggregate moisture conditions and how they affect batch water needs.
• Calculate aggregate moisture content.
• Calculate the necessary moisture adjustment based on the aggregate’s moisture content.

Presenter: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Concrete has been around a while and is sometimes considered an “old construction material.” However, researchers continually develop new ways to manufacture and use concrete. Join us as we explore what’s new in concrete technology and how it might impact the precast industry. We discuss nanotechnology and how this science is creating new materials that can enhance concrete properties. We discuss concrete produced with microbes and polymers that allow self-healing and other amazing properties. We also examine the latest advances in 3-D printing and how those advances may impact our industry. Come learn what’s new about this old material and how it might influence your way of manufacturing precast concrete.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe new concrete materials and potential applicability to your products.
• Identify emerging alternatives to commonly used precast production and testing methods.
• Interpret how 3-D printing may provide opportunities in the precast industry.

Presenter: Kayla Hanson, P.E., NPCA

2 hours, 2 PDHs

With the precast concrete industry constantly growing, companies are continually hiring new employees. Ensuring those employees are able to get up to speed quickly to work safety and effectively can improve teamwork, reduce mistakes and help new hires quickly become productive employees. This webinar is intended for those new to precasting and includes an introduction to basic concepts, including terminology, operations and equipment, as well as a review of key safety concepts to keep them safe.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Define precast concrete terminology and processes.
• Identify best practices for precast concrete production.
• Implement proper safety practices.

Presenter: Eric Carleton, P.E., NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Buried precast concrete structures are subject to many loading conditions. Much has been discussed regarding the live loads on structures but less regarding the loads imposed on structures from the buried soil itself. Additionally, we’ll discuss what effects a high-water table or saturated soil has on the loads and forces on the structure. This course provides basic information on these topics and considerations on how they can affect the design and possible flotation of buried structures.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize how soil loads are calculated and applied to precast structures for design.
• Analyze how these loads affect the basic placement of reinforcement.
• Identify how groundwater changes the loading on a buried structure from one buried in dry conditions.
• Discuss design factors to keep a floating precast concrete structure buried in the ground.

Presenter: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Bug holes, honeycombing, cracking, discoloration and scaling are a few examples of surface imperfections that may not impact the performance and durability of a structure. What it may impact however is the reputation of a precast concrete manufacturer. One person’s harmless blemishes may be another’s assessment of poor quality. Regardless of their impacts on the structure’s performance, surface imperfections should always be minimized. Structures serve as billboards for producers and should look as good as possible whether to adorn a building façade or hold sewage. This course addresses the most common surface imperfections that can appear on precast concrete structures and their most likely causes. Methods, tips and tricks for minimizing these imperfections are shared as valuable tools for any precast concrete quality control supervisor or technician.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify main causes for most common surface imperfections on precast structures.
• Describe three ways to minimize the occurrence of bug holes.
• Recognize what manufacturing processes can lead to most surface blemishes.

Presenter: Paul Ramsburg, Sika Corp.

1 hour, 1 PDH

Even the most accurately designed concrete mix can face problems. Many outside influences affect the performance of mix designs, such as weather, machinery and variations in placement. This webinar explores the common problems that effect precast concrete mixtures and their causes. We discuss the solutions that can come from adjusting the mix design. Additionally, we work through several problems with our mix design worksheet.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the causes of common problems facing precast concrete mixes.
• Choose from several solutions involving adjustments to both mix design and production practice.
• Accurately adjust concrete mix designs so they maintain proper yield.

Presenter: G. Terry Harris, FACI, GCP Applied Technologies

1 hour, 1 PDH

The precast industry has embraced self-consolidating concrete (SCC) technology. However, producers can still find themselves struggling with this finicky concrete mix. Struggle no more and come learn from an expert on SCC. We tackle common issues producers face while batching and placing SCC. We also identify causes and solutions for problems such as segregation of aggregates, low strength, low slump flow and bug holes. Viewers learn how to adjust combined aggregate gradations, modify other mix proportions and manufacturing processes to overcome these challenges. This course is a must for anyone working with SCC or considering adopting its use.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize causes of SCC surface defects and how mix proportions and casting procedures can be modified to mitigate these defects.
• Describe how combined aggregate gradation can affect your mix performance.

Presenter: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Whether your plant operates in the Mojave Desert or in northern Canada, you may be exposing your precast concrete products to high temperatures based on local climate or accelerated curing processes. Because of its effects on plastic and hardened concrete, production personnel need to understand how elevated temperatures can negatively impact long-term product durability and how to avoid these problems. In this webinar, we define high temperature in terms of precast concrete manufacturing. We also explore the hydration process on a micro scale to understand how high temperatures can speed up this chemical reaction. We examine the potential negative effects of high temperatures, including cracking, delayed ettringite formation (DEF) and long-term strength loss. We discuss ways you can mitigate the effects of casting and curing in high temperatures in your manufacturing process.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Define hot temperature concreting.
• Explain how higher temperatures influence the hydration process.
• Describe three possible issues with the hardened concrete product that can arise from hot temperature concreting.
• Implement countermeasures to ensure that desired hardened properties are obtained when casting or curing in high temperatures.

Presenter: Ronald Thornton, P.E., Precast Concrete Association of New York

1 hour, 1 PDH

Shop drawings show exactly where to place the reinforcing in every product a precaster manufactures. But do we know why it is placed in that location? Why do some structure locations seem to have large rebar while other locations have small, welded wire? We rely on engineers to design these structures, but it’s important for all who assemble the reinforcing, pour the structure and conduct pre- and post-pour inspections to understand why the structure is designed this way. Armed with this knowledge, we are much less prone to making errors and more likely to detect them. In this webinar, we explain the forces on an underground structure in a clear and effective way along with how changes in those forces can occur because of site conditions and how to plan for those changes in the design. We also discuss the purposes of specific reinforcing and whether it’s intended for lifting and handling, the forces from surrounding soil, traffic or all of the above.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe why the walls, lid and base of an underground tank may be designed with different reinforcing.
• Differentiate between point loads and distributed loads and how those loads affect design.
• Identify what can go wrong when structures are not designed properly.

Presenter: Claude Goguen, P.E., LEED AP, NPCA

1 hour, 1 PDH

Precast concrete structures possess many desirable attributes, including durability, that lead to a long service life in a variety of applications. Most times, no additional treatment is necessary to maintain that inherent durability trait. However, there are situations when anticipated exposure can be deemed aggressive enough to require some additional protection. Using coatings is one way to enhance precast’s resistance to harmful elements, but there are many different coatings on the market for very different applications. During this course, we look at the different types of coatings used in precast manufacturing. We discuss which coatings are best for which type of environment. We also explain how coatings should be applied to maintain its performance potential.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the main types of coatings used in precast.
• Differentiate between coatings, sealers and penetrants.
• Determine the appropriate coating for various environments.
• Explain best practices for coating application.

Presenter: Seth Brown, PE, PhD, principal and founder of Storm and Stream Solutions

2 hours, 2 PDHs

For many across North America, three realities are converging: the expanding impervious landscape of our communities, the increasing intensity of rainfall events and aging infrastructure. This convergence presents a significant challenge for managing stormwater runoff. It also calls for innovative ways of planning and designing of resilient and sustainable stormwater management systems. During this webinar, we discuss the increasingly unpredictable nature of stormwater events because of climate change. We look at changes in precipitation patterns and how that affects stormwater infrastructure. We talk about these changes pose to effective stormwater management and the economic and financial impacts that come with lack of planning. We also look at various types of stormwater infrastructure, ranging from conventional systems to newer technologies. Using case studies, we discuss examples of grey, green and hybrid systems and talk about enhancing the resilience of stormwater infrastructure and treatment/conveyance strategies and approaches.

Presenters:

• Bill Peterlein, P.E., Summit Geoengineering Services
• Ashley Smith, Smith-Midland Corporation
• Brent Dezember, StructureCast

1.5 hours, 1.5 PDHs

Retaining walls frequently are structural in nature and often critical to the proper development of a site. Precast concrete retaining wall systems, when designed properly, outperforms and outlasts other systems, but it’s important to know the parameters that should be considered for proper wall design. External conditions such as soils, slopes, loads and waterfront also factor into the proper design. This course includes information about the design of retaining walls, both gravity and reinforced, and their components. We provide civil engineers and other design team members with insight into providing adequate wall layout, grading plans, external load conditions and geotechnical information for retaining wall design. We also zero in on two unique projects in which precast sound walls greatly reduced noise levels. Sound walls are the most effective method of mitigating noise from major sources other than sound cessation or volume control at the source. In North America, concrete sound walls account for nearly half of all noise-abatement walls – and with good reason. Aside from being considered one of the strongest, most durable and versatile materials used on construction, precast concrete sound walls have many advantages over alternative materials, many of which are highlighted in these two high profile projects.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Realize the importance of the information needed to properly design retaining walls.
• Provide guidelines for selecting parameters based on limited design information.
• Identify information for providing complete and comprehensive wall construction drawings.

Presenters:

• Daniel Alzamora, P.E., Federal Highway Administration
• Ryan Berg, P.E., D.GE, Ryan R. Berg & Associates
• James Collin, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE, The Collin Group and President of ASCE Geo-Institute

2 hours, 2 PDHs

America’s highway infrastructure is ever evolving and expanding. As these rehabilitation and new construction projects take place, precast concrete retaining wall systems continue to offer solutions to facilitate rapid and cost-effective highway construction. During this webinar, we discuss both gravity and mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) precast concrete block retaining walls in transportation applications. The use of these systems is illustrated by reviewing applications by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and MnDOT specifications and pre-approved list. Example uses by counties and municipalities also are presented. The 2020 stiffness MSE wall design procedure in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Specifications is introduced. This procedure incorporates the wall facing unit into the design, thus reducing soil reinforcement requirements for walls with large, precast block facings. Examples are presented to illustrate benefit to large, precast block systems. AASHTO gravity wall design also is summarized, as is the FHWA developed and Geo-Institute managed IDEA retaining wall review and report program. What it is, how it is operated and advantages to wall systems suppliers and to local precasters is discussed. The large, precast block systems reviewed to date are listed and discussed. How to initiate a system review and how state DOTs are using this system is discussed.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• List several applications for large, precast block gravity and MSE walls in highway applications.
• Identify MSE wall design procedure that accounts for facing size.
• Describe the IDEA review and report system for promotion of wall systems to DOTs and design engineers across the country.

Presenter: Shiraz Tayabji, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, president of Advanced Concrete Pavement Consultancy LLC

2 hours, 2 PDHs

This webinar provides an overview of design, specification and installation considerations of jointed precast concrete pavements relevant to owner-agencies and specifiers. In addition, several PCP case studies are presented. Jointed precast concrete pavements (PCP) are becoming the pavement systems of choice for rapid rehabilitation through intermittent repairs and corridor-wide, continuous pavement construction. The use of jointed PCP technology can provide long-lasting treatments while significantly reducing traffic impacts along roadways. Several highway agencies including Caltrans, Illinois Tollway, New York State DOT, New Jersey DOT and Utah DOT are routinely using PCP technology while other highway agencies have begun constructing PCP demonstration projects and are exploring a wider use of the technology. These agencies have been using JCP for rapid rehabilitation of distressed concrete and asphalt highway pavements, ramps, bridge approaches, busy intersections and bus pads/lanes, both in high-volume urban areas as well as less heavily traveled regions. During this webinar, we discuss fundamentals of jointed PCP technology including the benefits of these systems, the range of applications, features and anatomy of jointed PCP and production considerations. We also discuss critical design considerations, review specification requirements and keys to successful installations.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify fundamentals of jointed PCP technology including its inherent advantages, variety of applications, general anatomy and features of systems, and production considerations.
• Describe critical design aspects of jointed PCP.
• Discuss key specification considerations for different types of PCP.
• Explain steps and considerations for successful installation.

Presenter: Jon Hansberger, P.E., Inventure Civil LLC

2 hours, 2 PDHs

Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls commonly are used on roadway projects and typically are cost effective and aesthetically pleasing. There are many advantages of MSE walls, such as the ease of installation, durability and quick construction. Proper design, installation and construction are important factors when utilizing MSE walls. This course provides an overview of the advantages and appropriate application of precast MSE wall systems. We review the components of MSE wall systems and discuss the significance that up-front planning, design and proper installation play into the successful use of MSE walls on both commercial and transportation projects.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Determine the appropriate and cost-effective applications for precast MSE wall use.
• Recognize specific design information to be provided during project development for successful MSE wall design and construction.
• Realize the importance of proper installation and construction requirements.
• Identify advantages that precast concrete provides in terms of durability and aesthetic features.

Presenters:

• William L. Oliva, P.E., chief of structures development section, WisDOT Bureau of Structures
• David J. Kiekbusch, supervisor of the automation policy and standards unit, WisDOT Bureau of Structures
• James D. Luebke, structures development engineer of the automaton policy and standards unit, WisDOT Bureau of Structures

2 hours, 2 PDHs

This course illustrates Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s approach and experience in the development of policy, standards, details and provisions for precast piers as a subset of prefabricated bridge elements and systems. WisDOT has employed a systematic process of research, pilot projects, debriefings, lessons learned and cyclical updates to details and specifications. The results of this systematic approach represent progressively improved generations of PBES/ABC technologies that better achieve project goals. Participation in the Strategic Highway Research Program 2 has provided WisDOT the opportunity to develop and implement precast piers as a lead adaptor. Through development, WisDOT has learned a number of important lessons that may benefit other DOT’s as they implement PBES in their projects. Lessons include standardization of pier geometry, simplification of fabrication and forming and interchangeability with conventional cast-in-place pier construction. This course presents specific challenges and solutions that WisDOT has faced in the implementation of precast pier elements.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the elements of PBES and accelerated bridge construction.
• Identify the policy, standards, details and provisions for precast piers as a subset of PBES.
• Determine if PBES/ABC construction is a viable options over cast-in-place pier construction.

Presenter: Kevin MacDonald, P.E., president and principal engineer at Beton Consulting Engineers

1.5 hours, 1.5 PDHs

The need for resilient, long-lasting, durable infrastructure is more apparent now than ever before. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ Infrastructure Report Card recently rated America’s infrastructure a D-plus. This means the framework upon which society functions, including our roads, bridges, dams, drinking water treatment and conveyance structures, waste management facilities, schools and airports are in a state of disrepair, are operating over capacity and are remaining in service longer than they were ever designed to last. As a result, our infrastructure is disrupting society’s daily functions and costing local governments more to maintain, and citizens are left to bear the consequences. As we look to rehabilitate existing structures when possible and rebuild when needed, resilient construction must be top of mind. Additionally, with more aggressive and increasingly frequent climatological events occurring across the world, the ability of our essential infrastructure to endure these catastrophic events and remain functional afterward is crucial. During this webinar, we look at what resilient infrastructure is and how it relates to service life, capacity, durability and sustainability. We discuss fundamental characteristics of resilient infrastructure and learn how precast concrete plays a key role in both rehabilitation work and new construction in the coming years. We also review case studies covering a variety of structures in different geographical regions.

Presenter: Bill Peterlein, Summit Geoengineering Services

2 hours, 2 PDHs

Because of the decreasing availability of level and easily developable land, the need for soil retention structures is growing. Precast concrete gravity and reinforced retaining walls are becoming more important to the proper development of a site. Precast concrete retaining wall systems, when designed properly, outperform and outlast systems consisting of other materials. For salespeople, contractors, site designers and wall designers, it is important to understand the impacts of external conditions on the long-term performance of geogrid reinforced and gravity precast concrete retaining walls. Soil properties, toe slopes and back slopes, dead and live load surcharges, and seismic loads and their importance to appropriate siting, safe designs, and construction are discussed.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify site conditions pertinent to the siting, design and construction of gravity and geogrid reinforced retaining walls.
• Understand the impact of external conditions on the long-term performance of retaining walls.
• Properly incorporate external conditions into analyses to create economical and safe retaining wall designs.

Presenter: Kevin Q. Walsh, Ph.D., P.E., LEED Green Assoc.

2 hours, 2 PDHs

Each year, there are significant natural and man-made disasters that occur around the world. With each one, the challenge to rebuild and revive the affected community reveals not only rising costs for disaster recovery but also opportunities in infrastructure design that could lead to a better preparedness and more effective recovery. Current construction codes and standards primarily are focused on individual systems and do not consider the resilience needs of the broader community. As a result, there has been a significant increase in education, research and advocacy toward enhancing resilience of communities to better prepare for natural and man-made hazards, impacting how we design, construct and maintain buildings, roads, bridges, sewers and other engineered systems. During this webinar, we discuss the approaches to designing resilient infrastructure systems. We briefly explore potential vulnerabilities and interdependencies in lifeline systems such as transportation, energy, communication and water/wastewater infrastructure. We identify performance-based design and assessment frameworks that can help pinpoint critical damage and help predict the impact of disasters before, during and after an event. We also discuss the development of resilience-based performance standards and current resources to help assess current infrastructure resilience and design sustainable systems that protect our communities.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the critical factors of resilient infrastructure.
• Recognize interdependencies amongst critical systems that impact infrastructure performance.
• Identify resources for resilience-based assessment and design.

Presenter: Cyndi Glascock, Gainey’s Concrete Products

1.5 hours, 1.5 PDHs

There are myriad examples of heavy civil projects that have converted their work from cast-in-place to precast concrete. Precast is used in aboveground and belowground applications and has proven to save time, save money and reduce environmental impacts all while enhancing quality and resilience. This webinar investigates various case studies focused on infrastructure projects including roadwork, bridges, sewers and utilities and discusses the various design factors to consider when converting from cast-in-place to precast. In addition, this webinar discusses common misconceptions about precast and cast-in-place that may prevent specifiers and designers from looking to precast solutions. We also discuss the short- and long-term advantages of precast concrete over other materials.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Reference specific case studies where cast-in-place structures were converted to precast concrete and the benefits that resulted.
• Explain the numerous advantages of precast concrete and how those advantages can impact projects timelines and bottom lines.
• Explain design factors to consider when converting from cast-in-place to precast.
• Discuss the common reasons for not converting to precast, with evidence to support otherwise.

Presenter: Michael Culmo, P.E., CHA Consulting

1.5 hours, 1.5 PDHs

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) has been championed by the FHWA through a variety of programs such as Everyday Counts and Highways for Life. Additionally, there have been many university research projects conducted to verify best design and construction practices. Consequently, the use of ABC has gained wide acceptance among DOTs across North America. Virtually all states and provinces are using ABC with precast concrete. The market is growing every year for both conventionally reinforced and prestressed precast concrete. This webinar focuses on the use of precast concrete elements for accelerated bridge construction. The basis of this session is the 2018 AASHTO LRFD Guide Specifications for Accelerated Bridge Construction. This important document is the national code for design and construction using ABC. We also discuss why DOTs are choosing ABC, specialized materials used in ABC, tolerances, roles of the fabricator and designer and fabrication QC.

At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the unique roles for the designer, the contractor and the precast fabricator.
• Describe types and details of common prefabricated precast concrete bridge elements.
• Discuss types and details of connections between prefabricated precast concrete bridge elements.
• Explain the history and research in developing the 2018 AASHTO LRFD Guide Specifications for Accelerated Bridge Construction.
• Be familiar with the principles of the 2018 AASHTO LRFD Guide Specifications for Accelerated Bridge Construction project.