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INSTRUCTORS: 
Antonio De Luca, Ph.D., P.E., S.E.
Michele Stein, P.E.
Elisabeth Malsch, Ph.D., P.E.
John Abruzzo, P.E., S.E.
Zhengqi Li, Ph.D., P.E., S.E.
Zhi Zhang, Ph.D., P.E.

Course Length: 1.5 hour

These presentations were recorded at the 2024 Forensic Engineering Congress.

Purpose and Background

Vibration as a Cause of Damages? (29 minutes)

This session examines whether vibrations from construction activities can cause damage to neighboring structures, distinguishing between public perception and actual risks based on physics and engineering data. The presentation delves into the nature of vibrations, including frequency, amplitude, and propagation, and their interaction with soils and structures. Case studies are presented to illustrate common scenarios, such as vibration-induced settlement or resonance effects. Emphasis is placed on interpreting monitoring data, identifying threshold limits for various materials, and understanding the differences between transient and continuous vibration sources. The learners will gain practical knowledge for mitigating risks, educating stakeholders, and using pre- and post-construction evaluations to address concerns effectively.

Evaluation of Risks from Adjacent Construction (27 minutes)

This presentation explores the risks posed to adjacent properties during construction projects, with a focus on proactive strategies to mitigate potential damage. Key topics include pre-construction evaluations, analyzing construction activities such as excavation, demolition, and pile driving, and implementing construction monitoring systems. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding local building codes and their limitations, assessing soil conditions, and communicating with neighboring property owners. Through examples and real-world applications, the learners will gain best practices in risk mitigation, including pre- and post-construction surveys, monitoring instrumentation, and emergency response planning to protect adjacent properties and maintain client confidence.

A Review on the State of Knowledge of Ettringite-Based Binder for Assessing Distress Conditions of Self-Leveling Underlayment (19 minutes)

This session presents the performance and challenges of ettringite-based binders used in self-leveling underlayment materials, which are widely employed for rapid setting and shrinkage compensation. It reviews the hydration mechanisms, critical material properties, and common failure modes such as improper water mixing, substrate absorption, and temperature sensitivity. Case studies illustrate the importance of correct installation practices and forensic techniques, including petrographic analysis and XRD, for diagnosing and addressing distress conditions. The learners will gain practical guidance achieving durable, defect-free underlayment applications in diverse construction settings.

Investigation on Post-Tensioned Concrete Slab Under Settlement (12 minutes)

The presentation examines the structural response of post-tensioned concrete slabs subjected to uneven settlement. The study focuses on a real-world case of a multi-story reinforced concrete building adjacent to planned construction activity. Utilizing advanced modeling techniques, including non-linear material properties and push-over analysis, the investigation evaluates the slab's ability to withstand predicted settlements without failure. Key findings reveal the potential limitations of elastic modeling in accurately assessing deformation-induced forces and section capacities. By integrating realistic material behavior, the study provides a more accurate prediction of structural performance, ensuring safety and reliability amidst challenging construction scenarios.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of these sessions, you will be able to:

• Identify the primary causes and effects of construction-induced vibrations and uneven settlement on adjacent structures.
• Explain the role of pre-construction and post-construction surveys in mitigating risks to neighboring properties.
• Describe the chemical reactions and hydration processes of ettringite-based binders in self-leveling underlayment.
• Discuss the importance of communication, monitoring, and regulatory adherence in managing construction risks.
• List the instrumentation tools used for monitoring vibrations, settlement, and structural movements during construction.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes are assessed and achieved through passing a 10 multiple choice question post-test with at least a 70%.

Who Should Attend?

• Architects
• Construction Engineers
• Forensic engineers
• Geotechnical engineers
• Structural engineers
• Transportation engineers

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

This course is worth 0.2 CEUs/1.5 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 365 days of the course purchase.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]