Please Join Exponent and Vertex's Team of Engineers
and Experts for an Afternoon of CLE Sessions Followed by Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres.  

Free for CDLA Members

December 2, 2021

1:00-5:00 pm CLE Sessions
Reception Following 

Attend any of the CLEs that Interest You

The Rally Hotel
(McGregor Square – LoDo)
1600 20^th Street, Denver, CO 80202

Applied for Four General Hours of CLE Credit

Valet Parking Covered by Vertex & Exponent 
(entrance on the left via 19th and Wazee Street)

Track 1: Building, Roofing and Construction

1:00-2:00pm
What’s In My Building Materials?
Instructors: Hilda Buss, PhD, Manuel Garcia-Leiner, PhD

Abstract:  The widespread use of plastic building materials has resulted in light weight, easy to install, inexpensive and aesthetically pleasant options for contractors, architects, and designers. These building materials encompass a wide variety of plastic/polymer formulations, and are complex in their formulation, manufacturing process, and other factors, which all affect performance and failures. In this seminar, we will describe several examples (piping systems, coatings, etc.) and recommendations regarding the analysis and evaluation of plastics as building materials.

2:00-3:00pm
Commercial Roofing: Overview and Failure Studies
Instructor: Nathan Mayercsik, PhD, PE

Abstract: Common commercial roofs coverings include built-up roofing, modified bitumen, PVC, TPO, SPF, and metal.  This presentation provides a crash course in the different products and system assembly constructions common in the industry.  In Colorado, commercial roofs may be damaged by the deleterious effects of wind, snow, and hail.  Roof membrane failures frequently initiate from a single component within the roof assembly, requiring careful cause-and-origin analysis when multiple root causes are proposed and contested.  

3:00-4:00pm
Differential Foundation Movement: Construction Means and Methods to Implement Repair Recommendations
Instructors: Zachary Bradshaw, PE, CEP, PSP, Ian Robinson, MSCE, PSP, CCT of Vertex

Abstract: Differential movement in both residential and commercial projects can cause extensive structural and cosmetic damage oftentimes requiring significant costs to repair the existing damage and to mitigate further differential movement. The visible damage and high cost of repair oftentimes result in litigation. The purpose of this program is to review common terminology and repair methods involving foundation underpinning when differential movement exceeds allowable tolerances. 

4:00-5:00pm
Remote Sensing Technologies for Evaluating Structural Movement
Instructors: Julien Cohen-Waeber, PhD, PE, PG, CEG

Abstract: Recent technological advancement in remote sensing has allowed unprecedented potential for evaluating the way civil infrastructure responds to environmental stressors such as human activity, natural hazards and climate change.  These include familiar techniques such as aerial photo analysis, as well as novel technologies such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) or synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR).  Their use allows for a wide variety of applications and is particularly well suited for detailed tracking and characterization of building and ground movement with exceptional precision and accuracy.  This seminar will provide a review of the most prevalent technologies to date, including their benefits and limitations, through concrete examples of their application including tracking building movement due to expansive soils.

TRACK 2: Root Cause, Utilities and Accident Reconstruction

1:00-2:00pm
An Engineers Guide to: “What Caused This?”
Instructor: Shane Kennett, PhD, PE, CWI, Ty Porter, PhD, PE

Abstract:  Litigation often relies on the engineering cause for an accident, but how do you know what the true cause is?  Learn how to identify direct, contributing, and root causes, and how technical experts applied these concepts in case studies for litigation support and corrective actions.  

2:00-3:00pm
How Utilities are Mitigating Public Safety Risks
Instructor: Rita Kirchhofer, PhD, PE, CWI  

Abstract:  Utilities operating electric transmission and distribution lines are under increased scrutiny from the public and regulators due to catastrophic public safety incidents and reliability issues related to failure their assets. To address these concerns, new approaches for asset management strategies to mitigate public safety risks, wildfires, and improve grid reliability are being developed. An overview of the innovations implemented by utilities that will set new industry standards are presented.  

3:00-4:00pm
Enhanced Inspections and Technology for Utility Asset Management
Instructor: Casey Davis, PhD  

Abstract: With the aging electrical infrastructure and the changing environmental conditions, the risk of catastrophic public safety incidents is increasing. To adapt to these conditions, the utility industry must develop new standards for inspections and maintenance of their power lines. An overview of the new technology and methods for inspections and maintenance of power lines will be presented. 

4:00-5:00pm
Modern Methods and Techniques in Accident Reconstruction to Document, Analyze, and Quantify Collision Severity Involving Motor-Vehicles and Micro-Mobility Devices
Instructors: Jason Skiera, PE, Steve Como, PE

Abstract: Although investigators have been reconstructing crashes for decades and the use of fundamental methodologies continues to apply, the tools utilized as part of an analysis have evolved over time. Today, approaches to documenting physical evidence, defining vehicle motion, and assessing crash severity often include the use of drones, laser scanners, photogrammetry, simulation, EDR analysis, and testing. Examples of use-cases for these tools as well as admissibility concerns will be discussed. In addition, testing of electric scooters utilizing Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) riders will be presented.

 

Register Now! ps. please stick around for the hosted happy hour!