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INSTRUCTORS: 
Peter Faust
Daniel Duggan
Huan Zhou

Purpose and Background

This presentation was recorded at the ASCE Construction Institute Summit 2025.

EFFC-DFI Guide to Working Platforms (Edition 2) (53 minutes)

This presentation introduces the EFFC-DFI Guide to Working Platforms. It emphasizes the critical role of ground-based working platforms in supporting heavy equipment safely, highlighting that these are often overlooked yet essential components of construction sites. The presenter shares compelling examples, including accidents involving platform failure, to underscore the industry's need for standardized design practices. He outlines international research collaborations and field testing, including fiber optic instrumentation and pressure cells, to better understand platform behavior. The presentation also discusses challenges with varying design methods and calls for greater industry alignment, particularly among contractors, engineers, and equipment manufacturers. A proposed certification form aims to improve accountability and safety verification. The presentation concludes with a vision for improved sustainability and industry-wide adoption of platform safety practices.

ASCE 7 Seismic Requirements for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Components (48 minutes)

This session explores the updated ASCE 7 seismic design requirements for MEP systems, with a particular focus on NFPA 13 compliance and current enforcement trends. It explains the implications of seismic design categories (A–F) and how important factors affect bracing requirements for pipes, conduits, and equipment. Real-world examples highlight common compliance issues and misconceptions in seismic design, particularly in California and critical infrastructure projects like data centers and hospitals. It delves into the significant changes introduced in the 2022 ASCE 7 edition, including the revised horizontal force calculation (Fp) formula. The presenter walks through variable definitions, site-specific seismic data from the ASCE hazard tool, and the complexities of applying the new formula to both bracing design and component evaluation. The session emphasizes the growing importance of thorough plan reviews, proper classification of risk categories, and proactive coordination among designers, contractors, and inspectors.

Characteristic Analysis of Bidding Collusion in Construction Projects 2025 LADR Workshop (14 minutes)

This presentation focuses on identifying and analyzing patterns of bidding collusion in construction projects. It presents key indicators and red flags that may suggest bid-rigging behavior, such as identical bid amounts, bid rotation, or systematically high pricing. Through statistical methods and case studies, the presenter outlines how collusive behavior distorts fair competition and increases project costs. The session also introduces models that can be used to detect anomalies in bid data, potentially alerting regulators or owners to unethical practices. Attendees gain insights into the motivations and tactics behind collusion and learn about mitigation strategies such as stricter oversight, transparency initiatives, and the use of digital auditing tools. The presentation calls for stronger enforcement and industry-wide vigilance to preserve fairness and trust in the procurement process.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the key safety considerations outlined in the EFFC-DFI Guide to Working Platforms for ensuring equipment stability on construction sites.
• Explain how ground bearing capacity and platform design affect the performance and safety of temporary works for foundation construction.
• Identify the ASCE 7 provisions related to the seismic design and anchorage of MEP systems in buildings.
• Discuss the performance objectives and qualification testing methods required for nonstructural MEP components under seismic loads.
• List the common indicators and behavioral patterns associated with collusive bidding in construction procurement.
• Describe analytical methods used to detect and investigate potential bid rigging activities in public and private sector projects.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).

Who Should Attend?

• Construction Engineers
• Structural Engineers
• Project Managers
• General Contractors
• Early Career Professionals

How to Earn Your CEU/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

This course is worth 0.2 CEUs/2 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 course purchase.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

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