4:00 PM (1.0 PDH)
Reaching Out for Durable Concrete
Structure
Presented by Mr. Ebow Coleman, Ph.D., P.E. with C3S, Inc.
BIO: Mr. S. Ebow Coleman, Ph.D., P.E., is an engineering leader with more than 35 years of experience advancing the science and performance of concrete materials and construction projects. As President and CEO of C3S, Inc., he oversees full‑scope project management and an A2LA‑accredited construction materials testing laboratory, bringing deep expertise in petrography, forensic evaluation, concrete repair, product development, and quality control. His career spans senior engineering, research, and management roles across the U.S. and internationally, including positions with Dowell Schlumberger, Law Engineering, Southwestern Laboratories, and Limestone Products Ltd. Dr. Coleman holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University—where his research focused on high‑strength, low‑porosity concrete for bridge decks—and an MBA from the University of Houston. Widely respected for his integrity, technical rigor, and commitment to continuous improvement, he is known for elevating project outcomes through strategic planning, risk mitigation, and industry‑leading best practices.
ABSTRACT: Dr. S. Ebow Coleman draws on more than three decades of forensic engineering, petrography, and materials testing to examine why concrete structures fall short of their intended service life and what can be done to change that trajectory. He will outline the critical factors that influence long‑term performance—from mix design and material variability to curing, environmental exposure, and field workmanship—and highlight practical steps engineers and construction leaders can take to reduce risk and improve durability.
5:00 PM (1.0 PDH)
Post-Tension Slabs
Presented by Mr. Tony Childress, P.E., S.E., with Childress Engineering Services
BIO: Mr. Tony Childress, P.E., S.E., is the founder and president of Childress Engineering Services, Inc., a multidisciplinary firm he established in 1994 that now includes more than 100 professionals across structural, curtainwall, residential, architectural, and consulting divisions. A recognized leader in structural, architectural, and forensic engineering, Tony provides expert guidance to owners, architects, contractors, manufacturers, insurers, and attorneys on projects nationwide. His expertise spans structural design in steel, concrete, masonry, and wood; curtainwall engineering and failure analysis; building enclosure performance; disaster‑response assessments; and expert‑witness services. In addition to CES, he leads or partners in multiple engineering and consulting companies across Texas and California, reflecting a career dedicated to elevating building performance, solving complex design challenges, and advancing best practices in the commercial and residential construction industries.
ABSTRACT: Tony Childress, P.E., S.E., will present key structural principles for designing shallow post‑tensioned concrete foundations across varying soil conditions. The talk will highlight PTI foundation Types 1–3, essential design factors such as shape considerations, slab thickness, and climate impacts, and the expected behavior of post‑tensioned systems under bending, shear, and combined loads. Childress will also compare uniform and ribbed slab systems, offering practical guidance to help engineers select cost‑effective, high‑performance solutions for different regions and project needs.
