Construction Infrastructure Composites Tech Days
ACMA provides on-demand access to a robust educational program for industry professionals on the ins and outs of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites in areas such as concrete reinforcement and strengthening, vehicular and pedestrian bridges, waterfront piling, industrial structures, heavy civil applications, LCCA, blast mitigation, architectural applications, and LRFD for pultruded structures.
COMPOSITES TECHNOLOGY DAYS
Composite materials can change the way roads, bridges, and buildings are built and maintained – offering a longer lifespan and increased durability and resiliency to create a more sustainable infrastructure for generations to come. Designed to educate architects, contractors, designers, engineers, engineering firms, investors, federal & state DOTs, students, and specifiers, the resources below explore how composites work, how they can be used, and why they are the right choice for construction and infrastructure projects.
THEME: APPLICATIONS & LIFE CYCLE COST - BONUS DAY!
60 minutes | 1 PDH
Connecting FRP Composites to ASCE’s Infrastructure Report Card and Future World Vision
Presenter: Joe Fox, President, FX Consulting, LLC
Description: There is an extremely good fit between Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites and our nation’s infrastructure needs, today and in the future. This presentation will illustrate that fit by educating the audience about the benefits and applications of FRP composites and connecting them to ASCE’s 2021 Infrastructure Report Card and various scenarios described in ASCE’s Future World Vision.
Learning Objectives:
- Define and identify a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite
- Understand the benefits that FRP composites have to offer for construction and repair of infrastructure
- Become familiar with standards, specifications, and costs of FRP composites
- Learn about specific case studies which demonstrate how FRP composites are being used today to improve our nation’s infrastructure
- Learn about how FRP composites can provide solutions for ASCE’s vision for cities of the future
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Life Cycle Cost Assessment of Civil Infrastructure Reinforced with Non-Corrosive Materials
Presenter: Giovanni Dotelli, Ph.D., Professor, Politecnico di Milano
Description: Non-corrosive reinforcement materials such as: Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars; Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strands; Stainless-Steel (SS); and Epoxy-coated steel (ECS) reinforcing bars, are attracting attention as more appropriate options in concrete structures exposed to aggressive environments where conventional materials are susceptible to corrosion. Comparative Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) of four different options is analyzed for the design of a demonstration FRP-RC/PC bridge in Florida, namely Halls River Bridge (HRB). The role of maintenance, reference service life and discount rate value are discussed.
Learning Objectives:
- LCCA of civil infrastructures in accordance with the international standard 15686-5:2017
- Role of discount rate value in LCCA
- Case study application: Halls River Bridge in Florida
- How to perform comparative LCCA studies
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Life Cycle Thinking and Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Presenter: Thomas Cadenazzi, Ph.D., Program Coordinator and Lecturer, Frostburg State University
Description: In this session, the audience will get familiar with the Life Cycle Thinking and in particular with an analytical tool, namely Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) that is used to provide a cost comparison between two or more competing design alternatives that produce similar performance benefits but differ with respect to initial costs and operating costs. The presentation will include a summary of outcomes and results from a research bridge project built with FRP reinforcing bars and strands.
Learning Objectives:
- Concepts of Life-Cycle Cost Analysis
- Economic Analysis of Bridge Project Alternatives
- Net Present Values of Bridge Design Alternatives
- Sensitivity Analysis
THEME: TRANSPORTATION & WATERFRONT STRUCTURES
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Market Fit After 25 Years of Vehicular Bridge Decks
Presenter: Mark Henderson, P.E., Consultant
Description: For over 25 years, FRP materials have been considered, evaluated, researched, and tested as a potential option for vehicular bridge decks. There are significant benefits and challenges associated with this approach. FRP decks have not over-taken the bridge construction industry, however, the potential option has not been dismissed and remains a consideration especially for unique structure type and site conditions.
This presentation will provide an update of the current state of FRP decking, focusing on the evolution of early deck applications to the current recommended approach and best practice. Recent projects will be shared that demonstrate applications that provided a solution not available with traditional materials. Specific projects that involve historic steel truss and movable bridges, which both benefited from the light weight and solid surface. Associated challenges will also be discussed, specifically cost and perceived risk due to unique design/construction aspects.
Learning Objectives:
- Summary update on evolution leading to current state of the industry
- Recognize benefits and challenges
- Build awareness and confidence of what is available
- Identify appropriate opportunities for consideration
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Design, Fabrication and Construction of FRP Girder/Beam Type Highway Bridges
Presenter: Ken Sweeney, P.E. ENV SP, Group President and Chief Engineer, AIT Bridges
Description: Traditional medium span bridges (30-120 feet) have been designed using structural steel beams or steel reinforced concrete. These structures have seen early failure due to corrosion if not continually maintained at significant life cycle costs. Solutions using composites is the answer engineers are looking for because of its strength, light weight, and corrosion resistant qualities. The long term sustainability and resilience of FRP structures is an important attribute with the build in back better movement taking root in the U.S infrastructure market. This presentation will use case studies to demonstrate the technical engineering required to design the FRP girders/beams to current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design standards and guides.
This presentation will use case studies to demonstrate the technical engineering required to design the FRP girders/beams to current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design standards and guides.
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding how to apply the AASHTO Bridge Design Guide to FRP Bridge Beam Design
- Understanding of Bridge Systems using FRP as main structural components including redundancy considerations.
- Understanding creep and deflection consideration in design of FRP Beams.
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Recreation and Safety With FRP Pedestrian Bridges and Shared-Use Paths
Presenter: Scott Reeve, Director of Marketing, Creative Composites Group
Description: FRP bridge structures for pedestrian use offer many benefits such long life, fast installation, lightweight, functional features, and user safety. Fiberglass truss bridges provide access in difficult locations. A range of decking is available from planking for park bridges to large panels for signature bridges. Design flexibility enables large, prefabricated decking full of functional features such as crowns, curbs, railing attachments and drainage systems. Safety is a priority by using long lasting, non-slip overlays and adding sidewalks to vehicle bridges to separate pedestrians from vehicles. Lightweight means wide shared-use paths desired by the commuting and recreational public.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover the range of pedestrian bridge structures using FRP
- Understand why and where FRP bridge structures are used compared to traditional materials
- Learn the important design parameters for both creating the calculations or reviewing design submittals.
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
FRP Sheet Piling Design & Installation
Presenter: Dustin Troutman, Director of Marketing and Product Development, Creative Composite Group
Description: The presenter will discuss the history of fiberglass reinforced polymer sheet piling and typical applications in addition to installation techniques and soil requirements. The presenter will review construction details in relation to tied back and cantilever walls with FRP and concrete caps. Finally, the presenter will discuss design values, design methodology and validation of the moment capacity and stiffness and important quality control considerations for the professional engineer to bestow upon the manufacturer.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover the limitations of FRP sheet piling and ideal applications.
- Discover typical construction techniques that are critical for the success of the build.
- Walk away with an understanding of the proper design methodology and what is important.
- Writing critical specifications so manufactures are held accountable to produce products that meet specification and perform as represented.
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Protect Waterfront Structures Using FRP Pipe Piling
Presenter: Corey Sechler, Sales Manager, Waterfront Solutions, Creative Composite Group
Description: The presenter will discuss the history of fiberglass reinforced polymer pipe piling and foundation applications in addition to installation techniques and soil requirements. The presenter will discuss impact applications ranging from vessel berthing to fender systems and explain why composite pipe piles are ideal for the application. The presenter will discuss manufacturing methods and typical sizes. Finally, the presenter will review the modeling approach utilized to size fender piles for vessel impact applications including a comparison of steel and FRP pipe piles.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover ideal applications for FRP pipe piles.
- Learn why FRP pipe piles are more efficient than steel pipe piles for impact applications.
- Walk away with an understanding of the proper design methodology and what is important.
- Writing critical specifications so manufactures are held accountable to produce product that meet specification and perform as represented.
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Corrosion Resistant FRP Industrial Equipment
Presenter: Kevin Lambrych, Manager, INEOS Corrosion Science Center, INEOS Composites
Description: When selecting equipment for corrosive chemical environments, engineers must balance cost vs risk when selecting materials of construction. With the proper design criteria, industrial fiberglass based upon epoxy vinyl ester resin technology will significantly outperform older obsolete technologies in even the most demanding service environments. This session will educate the audience on proper design considerations, fabrication methods and material selection for storage vessels, transfer piping, scrubbers and protective linings used in water and waste-water environments. Technical performance data and case histories will be used to demonstrate the anti-corrosion performance and service life commonly seen in FRP equipment.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will gain an understanding of how properly designed industrial fiberglass compares with metal alloys when used in corrosive chemical environments.
- An appreciation of the depth and breadth of current usage of FRP in a variety of demanding application environments.
- A better understanding of the techniques and methods used to fabricate FRP equipment.
- How resin attributes facilitate efficient equipment fabrication, determine corrosion performance, and drive equipment service life in the field.
THEME: BUILDING & INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES
60 minutes | 1.0 AIA-LU / 1.0 PDH
FRP Composites 101 for Architects
Presenter: Brad Doudican, Ph.D., P.E., Partner; Kevin Q. Walsh, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Structural Engineer, Frost Engineering and Consultants
Description: This session provides an overview of the most common FRP composites available for design projects covering resins, fiber reinforcements, core reinforcements, as well as overview of common composites manufacturing processes such as pultrusion, hand layup, continuous lamination, and vacuum infusion. Additionally, the presentation will address typical product performance covering thermal insulation, weathering, and finishing as it impacts quality and longevity of service.
Learning Objectives:
- Fundamental understanding of composite materials and manufacturing processes
- Features and benefits of composite materials focusing on key performance qualities related to safety, radio transparency, contribution LEED points, fire resistance.
- Why composite materials should be considered in architectural applications that cover cost versus performance, and sustainability benefits of designing with composites
- Overview of regulations and specifications to be considered when using composites in architectural structures
60 minutes | 1.0 AIA-LU/HSW / 1.0 PDH
Reimagining Architecture with FRP Composites
Presenter: Samer Aljishi, Ph.D., Group President, BFG International
Description: This session reviews recent global projects focusing on why composites were chosen over traditional materials during preliminary planning and design of buildings, how composites have been integrated into these applications with relation to occupant safety, occupant welfare and comfort, and environmental considerations, while overcoming design challenges. Content including reduced structural, material, and transport requirements related to lighter composite materials; improved safety and lower maintenance costs related to stronger, non-corroding composite materials; improved comfort and lower energy costs from higher insulation values of composite materials; aesthetically pleasing structures from nearly unlimited degree of freedom of design of composite materials; and how the integration of composites contribute to LEED.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain understanding of recent real-world applications of composite materials in architectural structures
- Learn how composite material solutions contribute to Greener, Safer, and Elevated Occupant Experience in future buildings
- Provide a value proposition for consideration of composites materials in future design and projects.
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Structural Strengthening with FRP Composites
Presenter: David White, P.E., Senior Vice President, Sika Corporation
Description: Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites have become a viable and accepted means of upgrading, strengthening, and rehabilitating structures throughout the world. Typical applications include external reinforcement, façade repairs, seismic upgrades, change in use, building alterations and innovative anchoring techniques. This presentation will describe successful installation of these various systems including a discussion of the relevant building codes, fire protection requirements and design software programs as it relates to FRP composites. Case studies will be presented to showcase the use of these materials in the field and demonstrate the economic viability available to building owners and property managers.
Learning Objectives:
- Determine why structures need to be strengthened
- Highlight materials that can be used for structural strengthening along with their advantages and disadvantages
- Design considerations, along with available industry guidelines, for successful use of materials
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Anchorage of Externally Applied Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Laminates when Bonded to Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements
Presenter: Ravi Kanitkar, P.E., Principal, KL Structures
Description: The use of externally applied FRPs in the construction industry continues to grow. Their lightweight, durability, and good material properties makes them very desirable in the concrete repair industry. For 20 years FRP systems have successfully been used to retrofit of bridges, building, and other concrete structures where additional capacity and protection due to deterioration, change of use, and a need for design life extension is required. These types of materials are strong durable and generally easy to apply when compared to old retrofit methods such as steel plate bonding. Achieving the full tensile capacity of these systems, however, is difficult due to bond strength limitation between concrete and FRP systems. To make these systems more effective, various anchors, made of carbon or glass fiber, have been studied. These systems have shown to be effective in improving the bond strength between FRP and the concrete substrate.
This presentation will introduce fiber anchors and their application in building and transportation structures, highlight some of the underlying research that shows the effectiveness of FRP anchorage, and provide guidance on the design of fiber anchors. In addition, provisions for the use of fiber anchors for securing shear strengthening laminates in beams in the upcoming Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures ACI 440.2R-17 will be introduced.
Learning Objectives:
- Review the use of FRP materials in various structures
- Highlight where and when are FRP/fiber anchors are required
- Discuss case studies demonstrating how these systems are used to anchor surface-mounted FRP systems to solve structural issues
- Designing guidance and introduction to the ACI 440 anchorage provisions
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Common Practice of Ontario Bridge Deck by using GFRP and UHPC in Precast Bridge Deck
Presenter: Borna Hajimiragha, CEO, B&B FRP Manufacturing Inc.
Description: The use of precast bridge deck is growing and is becoming more common in Ontario due to controlled environment, reduced cost and faster installation of deck components. Rapid bridge constructure and precast bridge deck are the main choices of province of Ontario in the last few years. This short presentation will cover how UHPC and GFRP in precast bridge deck can be the choice of future bridge deck.
Learning Objectives:
- How UHPC and GFRP can benefit and save money.
- Higher the bond strength- Shorter the development length and reduce in the use of UHPC.
- How GFRP rebar is less cost, less fabrication and smarter bridge deck!.
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
New Standard for LRFD Design of FRP Pultruded Structures
Presenter: Mehdi S. Zarghamee, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Principal, SIMPSON GUMPERTZ & HEGER
Description: Attendees will learn about the key content, guidance, and equations to safely and efficiently design constructed facilities using FRP composites of a new standard that provides both requirements and commentary on design. The LRFD will be most useful to all those interested in the design and manufacture for pultruded composites structures. This session will provide engineers, designers, and composite manufacturers the ability to improve the accuracy of a design for pultruded composite structures.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will learn about the key content, guidance, and equations to safely and efficiently design constructed facilities using FRP composites of a new standard that provides both requirements and commentary on design.
- How the LRFD Standard will impact the design and manufacture of pultruded composites structures.
- This session will provide engineers, designers, and composite manufacturers the ability to provide the most economic design for pultruded composite structures with the comparable safety, reliability, and durability comparable to the other materials of construction.
THEME: SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE, & DESIGN
30 minutes | 0.5PDH
GFRP applications in bridge decks
Presenter: Gene Latour, VP of Sales, VROD USA, Inc.
Description: With some bridges constructed to earlier FRP design guidelines prior to the first version of the CSA S6-06 CHBDC, various MOT’s and other owners were gaining a greater comfort level leading to exponential use up to today’s S6-19 version. As the industry evolved and more bar grades available, GFRP has proven its performance, durability, and cost savings over time with hundreds of successful installations in CIP/precast bridge decks, box girders, barriers/parapets, sidewalks, and other components. This presentation will showcase some of the many projects
Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate GFRP performance and use in hundreds of real life bridge projects
- Understanding how GFRP removes corrosion from the equation – Life Cycle Costing
- Seeing exponential growth as various design codes, specifications and corrosion policies evolve
- Understanding how applications expand as engineers utilize its performance and Codes
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
GFRP Rebar – Shoreline & Coastal Application Examples
Presenter: Peter Renshaw, Business Development Director, Pultron Composites Ltd & Mateenbar
Description: For many years composite GFRP reinforcement (Rebar) has been used Internationally to solve many of the same problems that are being faced in the USA. Despite the locations, many structures are built using North American standards. For Shoreline and Coastal structures, the risk of corrosion from saltwater typically presents challenges that must be overcome, and the corrosion of steel rebar has often been the limiting factor in the lifespan of coastal structures. This presentation focusses on the use of GFRP rebar to reinforce concrete structures in these challenging environments. It uses International case studies, which highlight that in any coastal environment, anywhere in the world, rust is a problem which must be overcome, and that composites offer a cost effective way to mitigate this problem.
Learning Objectives:
- Typical problems that designers addressed by using GFRP rebar and additional benefits they found
- Simple but important considerations for project timelines
- Applicable design guides for GFRP reinforced structures; those being used internationally
- Industry standards for GFRP rebar
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Fiberglass Rebar in vertical cast-in-place residential walls
Presenter: Jonathan Fischer P.E., Fiberglass Rebar Engineer, Owens Corning Infrastructure Solutions
Description: Fiberglass Rebar has already established itself as an economical installed reinforcing material versus traditional carbon steel in residential/commercial slab-on-ground applications, and now it can be properly implemented into the vertical wall systems as well. Using a blending of the ACI 332 code for structural concrete along with the ACI 440 guide for Fiberglass Rebar design, the path to using this cost saving material is now readily available. In addition to being structurally capable of meeting the project demands, Fiberglass Rebar also offers the opportunity to save money due to its lower installed cost versus steel and the improved durability that comes with a non-corrosive product. In this session we will learn about the material properties of Fiberglass Rebar, how the material design is completed, and what the potential labor ramifications are to the owner and contractor. In addition, a readily available software tool that streamlines the process will be on display to exhibit the ease of conversion.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognizing the material benefits of fiberglass rebar
- Understanding the design of vertical poured basement walls using existing codes/guides
- Learning about the potential cost benefits of Fiberglass Rebar in this space
- Seeing firsthand a demonstration of design software for proper implementation
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Composite Crossarm & Pole Design Update – Industry Standards, Performance and Applications
Presenter: Dustin Troutman, Director of Marketing and Product Development, Creative Composites Group; Mike Schoenoff, PE, Vice President of Engineering, GEOTEK
Description: The use of FRP crossarms and poles in the Power Utility Transmission & Distribution industry on a global basis continues to grow aggressively. FRP poles have successfully been deployed for over 50 years. Composite poles and crossarms demonstrate resiliency and reliability that surpass traditional materials. While initial material purchase costs are typically higher than traditional materials; a multitude of benefits quickly offset the purchase price through lower installation costs, reduction/elimination of O&M, enhanced resiliency/reliability, safety/risk reduction and overall material longevity. This presentation will review available FRP pole & crossarm structural capabilities, commercially available design tools and overview published standards.
Learning Objectives:
- What are the design tools and standards used for electrical utility poles and crossarms.
- What are the FRP pole and crossarm resiliency and reliability benefits.
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Composite Crossarm and Pole Applications: Tomorrows Technology Today
Presenter: Galen Fecht, Director, Technical Service & International Sales, RS Technologies Inc.; Jim Bob Wiles, Sr. Manager T&D Products & Marketing, Shakespeare /Valmont Composite Structures
Description: Utility Structure Grid Hardening initiatives are focused at identifying structural design opportunities to increase the resiliency and reliability of structures facing increased loading or decay due to a wide range of environmental challenges. Increasing frequency and severity of climate events highlight previous design deficiencies as utility structures fail under increased loads or new challenges. Wind, Water, Wildlife and Wildfire challenges are on the rise as structures fail under increased loads, event frequency and event severity. FRP poles and crossarms have demonstrated improved resiliency and reliability in field applications providing utilities with a documented improvement in grid performance. In an increasingly connected society, the tolerance for even minor power interruptions result in greater impacts to our ability to conduct commerce and live our interconnected lifestyles. The presentation will identify and address these increased challenges and demonstrate successful installations of FRP poles & crossarms that have proven successful in the field.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify Grid Hardening Challenges
- Identify FRP Design Solutions
- Case Study review FRP Pole & Crossarm benefits
30 minutes | 0.5 PDH
Specialty Applications of FRP Composites in Heavy Civil/Infrastructure Projects
Presenter: Gregg Blaszak, P.E., President, Coastline Composites
Description: In this session attendees will learn how FRP composites are being incorporated into heavy/civil infrastructure projects, specifically custom-designed applications developed to meet the unique needs of the project. In the right application, FRP composites are usually selected over traditional construction materials like concrete and steel because they accelerate construction, limit disruptions to the public, and most importantly save money. Lightweight FRP composite structural components use smaller equipment and less labor to install and make sense in large, congested urban areas. To develop a winning FRP composite solution it is essential to understand the objectives of all stakeholders and to clearly communicate the benefits and limitations of FRP composites. In this session, the NYC Transit Canarsie subway tunnel, and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Lechmere Viaduct projects will be used to describe the challenges faced by the Owner/Contractor, how they were addressed using FRP composites, and why FRP composites were selected.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn why and how FRP composites are being used in heavy/civil infrastructure projects.
- Learn, through case studies, what made FRP composites an attractive alternative.
- Learn, through case studies, some of the challenges that had to be overcome to enable the use of FRP composites.
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