In Situ Investigation of Concrete
By Bryan Castles, P.E.
Many times in structural design and construction it is necessary to determine the strength and quality of existing concrete, or to determine the size and location of reinforcing. Although the ACI code only accepts core testing or load testing as strength verification for existing concrete, non-destructive testing (NDT) can be an essential tool in developing an accurate and cost effective plan for strength determination. In addition to strength verification, NDT is essential for troubleshooting concrete problems without causing additional distress to the structure. Bryan will cover the four basic methods for evaluation of concrete strength. These are:
-
Rebound Hammer
-
Penetration (Windsor Probe)
-
Pulse Velocity
-
Impact Echo
As part of the presentation the rebound hammer and pulse velocity (the two most popular NDT methods)will be demonstrated.
Bryan will also cover the various methods for determining the size and location of reinforcing. Methods include ground penetrating radar (GPR), radiography, and metal detectors. He will discuss how these methods work, and the limitations of each.
Bryan Castles Biographical Sketch
Bryan Castles is a Principal and Senior Materials Engineer for Western Technologies, Inc. in
Phoenix,
Arizona
where he has been employed for over 17 years. He has over 30 years of construction quality control, construction materials testing, and construction inspection experience.
Bryan is Fellow of the American Concrete Institute. He is chair of the ACI Committee E702, Designing Concrete Structures; Chair of sub-Committee 214OA, Document Preparation; and Secretary of ACI Committee, 214 Evaluation of Results of Tests Used to Determine the Strength of Concrete. He is a member of ACI Committee 211, Proportioning Concrete Mixtures; Chair of sub-Committee chair of ACI 211OK – High Density (Heavyweight) proportioning; and a member of ACI Committee 221, Aggregates. He also serves as a manuscript reviewer for ACI.
An active member of the Arizona Chapter of the ACI for more than 15 years, Bryan has served as a Director, Officer, and President. He is currently a member of the Arizona Chapter’s certification sub-committee where he serves as Trainer and Examiner for several ACI certification programs. He strongly supports
Arizona
State
University
’s Student Chapter where he regularly speaks to students and serves as a technical advisor for ACI student competitions. In 2011, the Arizona Chapter recognized him for his contributions to the ongoing success of the chapter by bestowing honorary chapter membership.
His interests include statistical methods for evaluation of test data, Mitigation of Alkali-Aggregate Reaction, developments in concrete mix proportioning, and airfield and highway concrete paving.
He received his BS in civil engineering from the
Universityof
Illinois,
Urbana-Champaign,
Illinoisin 1983 and is a registered Professional Engineer in
Arizona,
Colorado, and
Nevada
.
Menu:
Mixed garden greens with tomato, cucumber, croutons and assorted dressings
Chicken Marsala served with tender pasta:
Boneless chicken breast dredged in a seasoned flour with a marsala wine reduction, fresh hebs and shiitake mushrooms
Fresh green beans almandine
Home baked rolls and butter
Assorted mini cheesecakes
Iced tea and water
Should you have any special dietary needs, please contact Andy DiLeo at ADileo@hmwstructural.com to coordinate.
