February 2023 Speaker Presentation

  • 02/08/2023
  • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 N Loop W, Houston, TX 77092

Registration

4:00 PM (1.0 PDH)

Why Isn't My Slab Dry Yet?

Presented by Ms. Karla Salashour, P.E. and Ms. Anna Quinn, P.E. with WJE 


ABSTRACT: Concrete slab moisture can cause floor coverings to bubble, blister, and delaminate. Contractors and designers can minimize concrete slab moisture with the use of proper techniques but often contribute to the problem instead. Causes of slab moisture and approaches for moisture mitigation will be discussed during this presentation. Attendees will also be introduced to concrete slab moisture test methods and when their use is appropriate.


BIOKarla Salahshour specializes in the evaluation and characterization of historic and modern building materials. Her work in WJE’s Cleveland materials laboratory focuses on the petrographic examination of concrete, mortar, grout, brick, stucco and plaster, natural and manufactured stone, and other construction materials. Ms. Salahshour’s laboratory work has included investigating the causes of distress in construction materials, characterization of cementitious materials, and the evaluation of durability concerns in hardened concrete. Ms. Salahshour also conducts field evaluations that often grade into laboratory testing, such as evaluating distress in concrete slabs and pavements, evaluating the performance of flooring and coating systems, and investigating distressed reinforced concrete structures. Her field experience also includes the investigation of stone cladding panels, mass masonry structures, terra cotta facades, EIFS and stucco systems, and terrazzo. She is a member of the Association for Preservation Technology International (APT), American Concrete Institute (ACI), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the Society for Concrete Petrographers (SCP). She is a registered professional engineer in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Karla has given presentations and hands-on seminars on petrography and laboratory evaluations for numerous organizations throughout her career.


BIO Anna Quinn is a structural engineering associate at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE). She has been involved in the assessment, investigation, and repair of concrete, steel, masonry, and wood structures. She also has experience in assessing concrete slabs for moisture-related distress of floor coverings, has evaluated concrete problems concerning cracking and finishing-related defects, and has conducted various failure/damage investigations.  Prior to joining WJE, Ms. Quinn worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at Auburn University, where she studied the effects of vehicular braking in highway bridge substructures for typical Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) short-span bridges. She is a member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT). She is a registered professional engineer in Texas.



5:00 PM (1.0 PDH)

Interlocking Concrete Pavements for Industrial Heavy-Duty Applications

Presented by Mr. David Pitre with Quikrete


ABSTRACTSince 1981, concrete pavers have been used in an increasing number of port and industrial areas in North America. The choice of concrete pavers has been based on cost-competitiveness, maintenance, and the ability to accommodate any container or cargo handling equipment. The design procedure is based upon the principle that interlocking concrete pavements are designed to remain serviceable throughout the design life of the pavement. This presentation will provide an overview of loading conditions, pavement materials, material specifications, overlay applications and construction specifications. It will also touch on structural design, drainage design and surface characteristics.


BIODavid Pitre has over 20 years industry experience in manufactured concrete products. He holds a B.A.Sc in Civil Engineering from Louisiana State University and a M.S. in Structural Engineering from the University of New Orleans. He served as the chair of the Board of Trustees for the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute Foundation for Education and Research (ICPIF) from 2016 to 2021. He also serves on numerous industry committees and has authored numerous articles related to engineered concrete solutions. Currently he is Vice President Architectural and Commercial at Quikrete.