4:00 PM (1.0 PDH)
Aqua Boxes for Underground Storage:
A Modular Subsurface System
Presented by Mr. Ernie Carrasco and Mr. Jace Bobo with ADS Pipe
BIO: Nick Beddingfield is a Sales Engineer with Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS), partnering with engineers, municipalities, and developers to deliver practical stormwater solutions. He earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Mississippi and began his career in Houston in transportation design. Since joining ADS in 2024, Nick has focused on stormwater infrastructure, emphasizing constructability, performance, and cost-effective design.
Jace Bobo is a Sales Engineer with Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) based in Houston, Texas. Prior to joining ADS, Jace gained valuable construction and engineering experience as a Project Engineer with a design-build contractor specializing in geotechnical construction in Colorado. In his current role, Jace works closely with civil engineers, developers, and public sector stakeholders to provide stormwater management solutions across the full ADS product portfolio. He specializes in helping design professionals navigate site-specific constraints to identify the most efficient and cost-effective underground detention and drainage solutions for their projects.
ABSTRACT: This presentation provides an overview of Advanced Drainage Systems’ (ADS) AquaBox® crate, a high-capacity underground stormwater management solution designed for detention applications. The session will highlight the system’s modular design, high void ratio, and efficient load-bearing structure, enabling it to maximize storage volume while minimizing excavation and footprint. Attendees will gain insight into installation best practices, constructability advantages, and long-term performance considerations compared to traditional detention systems. The presentation will also explore design flexibility, including adaptability to challenging site constraints and integration with various stormwater treatment approaches. Overall, AquaBox® offers a durable, scalable, and cost-effective solution for modern stormwater infrastructure needs.
5:00 PM (1.0 PDH)
Geoforensic Study for Evaluation of an Elementary School Project in Texas
Presented by Mr. David A. Eastwood, P.E. and Mr. John Wang, Ph.D with Geotech Engineering and Testing
BIO: Mr. Eastwood has practiced consulting engineering for almost 50 years, serving in key technical project management and administrative roles. His specialties are in geotechnical, environmental, materials, and geoforensic engineering. Mr. Eastwood's experience in these functions includes a wide range of project types, ranging from public infrastructure, public works, municipal work, industrial facilities, commercial developments, waste disposal facilities, power plants, dams, marine terminals, and underground storage tank contamination studies.
Mr. Eastwood conducts training in geotechnical, environmental, materials, and geoforensic engineering for many agencies and associations. He is the President of the Houston Chapter of the Texas Council of Engineering Laboratories. Furthermore, he is the founder and past president of Foundation Performance Association, an organization specializing in foundation failure evaluation. In addition, Mr. Eastwood has been certified as a Corrective Action Project Manager with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Mr. Eastwood is the past President of the Academy of Distinguished Civil & Environmental Engineers at the University of Houston, Cullen College of Engineering. Mr. Eastwood is also a 2017 Distinguished Alumni of the College of Engineering at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering. Furthermore, Mr. Eastwood has been accepted as an Academy of Geo-Professionals (AGP) as a Diplomate, Geotechnical Engineer Fellow Member. In addition, he has been accepted as an American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Fellows Member. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from the University of Houston in 1977 and 1978, respectively.
Dr. Wang is a Project Manager at Geotech Engineering and Testing (GET) with the responsibility for daily operations of Geoforensic and geotechnical explorations, data analyses and preparation of report recommendations. He has several years of experience in the field of geoforensic, geotechnical, environmental, and materials engineering. He has been involved in geoforensic studies as they relate to commercial structures, residential, slope failures, pavements, retaining walls, sewer leaks, plumbing leaks, etc. His other experience includes research and development in the field of soils, rock materials testing for slopes, retaining walls, pavements, low to high-rise buildings, slope protection remedial works, deep foundations, flood control channels, community centers, office buildings, and subdivisions. His other experience includes research and development in the field of unsaturated soil mechanics (expansive soils). Dr. Wang is also actively involved in environmental site assessment projects, including Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Studies.
ABSTRACT: Mr. David A. Eastwood, P.E., D.GE, DFE, BC.GE, C.A.P.M., F.PTI, F.FPA, F.ASCE, D.M.GHBA with Geotech Engineering and Testing will help you understand the basics of forensic engineering as it relates to the Geoforensic Engineering Study of an Elementary School Facility in Texas. The school was constructed in 1982. The existing building is a one-story structure. Our site visit indicated that the building has many cracks in the exterior brick, interior CMU, and floor slabs. A Geoforensic study was conducted to identify the causation of distress and to develop repair techniques. In his presentation, Mr. Eastwood will explore methodologies to identify the causes of the foundation distress. The scope of our geoforensic study included conducting site visits, ground-penetrating radar testing, geotechnical borings, elevation measurements, test pits, laboratory testing, and reporting. In addition, he will discuss the repair techniques that reduce future movement and cracking of the structure. The study indicates that the building failed due to poor design, improper construction, and poor foundation maintenance (trees and drainage). The foundation repair consisted of leveling the building, using steel pipe piles, improving site drainage, and placement of root barriers.
