8:15 - 9:45 LRD Foundation Design and Special Inspection of Foundations: John Lommler

Geotechnical foundation recommendations have historically been “allowable soil bearing”.  To determine the base area of a footing, structural engineers had to determine the service column loading then divide by the net allowable soil pressure.  To design the footing concrete for thickness and reinforcing, the structural engineer then had to divide the factored loads by the footing area to determine a factored soil resistance.  Geotechnical LRFD design has come, and now you should receive the factored soil resistance directly from the geotechnical engineer.  What should you expect, what should you ask for, and what terms do we all need to use to clarify this potentially confusing situation. 

OK, now you have a “properly designed” foundation, how about soils and footing special inspections?  After the footing is properly designed are we achieving design performance in the field?  Why are structural engineers being sued for foundation problems when they designed for recommended bearing pressures?

10:00 - 11:30 Rammed Earth Construction: Quentin Wilson

The understanding of adobe and rammed earth through engineering in 2010 AD was championed by Richard Hudson Clough. In 2010 BC it was championed by Nubian masons. Codes, regulations and standards presently in effect will be iterated and they show surprisingly widespread acceptance. The actual implementation of design and construction of earthen structures lags but there are signs of new life across New Mexico, the USA and the World. Close coupling of adobe with passive solar adds a new dynamic to its mass. This presentation looks at several recent projects and some old ones. What is known and unknown from the structural point of view will be reviewed.  Proselytizing will occur.

11:45 - 1:15 Lunch Session Structural Failures from the Haiti Earthquake: Eric MacFarlane

On January 12th, 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The earthquake resulted in near 250,000 deaths, caused more than 1000 buildings to collapse and damaged countless other structures. The presentation will include a discussion of factors that contributed to the failure of masonry and concrete buildings and probable collapse mechanisms. Field observations made by Mr. MacFarlane in early April 2010 of damaged and collapsed structures in Port-au-Prince will serve as the basis for the presentation.

1:30 - 3:00 Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames: Andy Hinchman

Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames (Barbs) are now a code identified Seismic Load Resisting System.  The presentation will cover: why Barbs offer superior performance at a lower cost; how Buckling-Restrained Braces (BRBs) work; testing requirements for BRBs;  how to incorporate BRBs into projects;  detailing options for BRB connections and will include BRB project highlights.      

3:15 - 4:45 BIM Steel: Luke Faulkner