Home Student Chapter SEAoT-TAMU Updates – December 2019 – Tristian Ybarra

SEAoT-TAMU Updates – December 2019 – Tristian Ybarra

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Tristian Ybarra

For the third meeting of the Fall 2019 Semester, we had the privilege of hosting Joshua White, P.E. from Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE). WJE is an interdisciplinary engineering, architecture, and materials science firm specializing in the evaluation, design, and rehabilitation of new and existing construction.

Figure 1: Joshua White Presenting Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Technologies

Joshua White, a structural engineering consultant at WJE, initially introduced the rigorous process of navigating the many building codes and design ordinances. He demonstrated the need to be familiar with existing documents and design procedures. Mr. White then discussed various tools within an engineer’s evaluation and assessment toolbox and the procedure for a typical forensic investigation. He presented several case studies which highlighted the details and challenges of structural diagnostics, nondestructive evaluation, and investigative engineering. He walked through multiple approaches including laboratory testing, structural analysis, and field investigations which were required to develop unique engineering solutions.

Figure 2: SEAoT TAMU Student Members Listening to a WJE Case Study

Mr. White presented many pictures displaying specific structural issues observed within the field. He also discussed the results of NDE testing and how this information was used to identify structural concerns and help determine the steps for structural rehabilitation. Mr. White concluded by encouraging our students to pursue lifelong learning and to always “Ask the Structure”. Overall, this meeting was highly informative and produced a record turnout for the semester, with almost 40 students in attendance.

Figure 3: SEAoT TAMU Student Officers with Joshua White, PE (WJE)