Did you know that Simpson Strong-Tie offers free education and training to the structural engineering  and building industries? On May 18, 2022, a team of Simpson engineers and technical sales reps, in conjunction with Structural Technologies, hosted a workshop in Portland on fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) seismic strengthening solutions for concrete, reinforced masonry and unreinforced masonry structures. The workshop educated engineers on how Composite Strengthening Systems™ (our FRP and FRCM solutions) can be used to strengthen structural concrete and masonry elements in their projects. This was our first workshop event since COVID restrictions were placed, and we were excited to host the industry again.

Simpson Strong-Tie and Structural Technologies presented this workshop as part of their strategic alliance for delivering fully integrated design-build solutions to the concrete and masonry construction industries.

What Did Simpson Strong-Tie and Structural Technologies Cover in the Portland FRP + FRCM Workshop?

We covered the gamut from FRP and FRCM basics to case studies, additional strengthening methodologies, applications, and advances in FRP testing and design. Representatives from Simpson Strong-Tie, Structural Technologies and Pullman (a licensed installer) presented on the following topics:

• FRP + FRCM Basics, including applications, installation, testing, and limitations (presented by Alex Daddow, P.E., Simpson Strong-Tie)

  

  • FRP + FRCM Case Studies (presented by Alex Daddow, P.E., Simpson Strong-Tie)
    • Seattle Asian Arts Museum (FRP) – Out-of-plane strengthening of hollow clay tile (HCT) walls
    • University Housing Project (FRP) – Construction remediation for missed hairpin ties in post-tension slabs
    • Linn-Benton Community College (FRP)– In-plane diaphragm strengthening of a lightweight concrete diaphragm
    • China Basin (FRP) – Collectors and shear transfers of a nonductile concrete structure featuring innovative project-specific solutions and testing with carbon FRP applied to steel
    • Gruening Middle School (FRCM) – Out-of-plane strengthening and additional reinforcement for 36,000 sq. ft. of damaged fluted concrete masonry unit walls
    • A live demonstration of FRP embedded anchor field testing used to proof load FRP anchors in the field (demonstrated by Alex Daddow, P.E., and Brad Maier, P.E., Simpson Strong-Tie)

      

      • Strengthening using the Investigate Design Build (IDB) delivery method and alternative strengthening techniques when FRP and FRCM limits are exceeded (presented by Clyde Ellis, Structural Technologies)

Investigate Design Build advantages case studies featuring:

• Field investigation techniques: 3D scanning, destructive testing, nondestructive testing, and ground-penetrating radar
• Optimized structural strengthening solutions: FRP, FRCM, member enlargement utilizing form and pump procedures, external post-tensioning, and prestressing

• A live demonstration of FRP applications (exhibited by Rick Bagby, Pullman, and Alex Daddow, Simpson Strong-Tie)
  • Wet-layup column wrapping

• • FRP embedded (folded) anchors and the advantages of precured anchors.
• Advances in FRP testing and design told through project-specific testing case studies: Presented by Aniket Borwankar, Simpson Strong-Tie
  • FRP collector testing for HCAI (formerly OSHPD, California Hospitals) projects focusing on acceptable strain limits for anchored and unanchored FRP collectors
  • FRP diaphragm shear testing for DSA (California School) projects, including full-scale testing of a reinforced concrete diaphragm
  • FRP anchor testing focusing on the effect of anchor size and spacing on FRP bond and anchor capacity
  • FRP shearwall testing focusing on acceptable strain limits for anchored and unanchored FRP in-plane shearwall reinforcement
  • FRP slab-to-wall/wall-to-footing 90° in-plane shear transfer connection between elements

• A live demonstration of FRP adhesion testing (following ASTM D3039) utilized in the field to verify FRP is bonding to the parent substrate adequately (presented by Rick Bagby, Pullman, and Alex Daddow, Simpson Strong-Tie)
• A bonus live demonstration of FRP-embedded-anchor field testing showing a typical failure mode

  

  What Did Participants Learn from the Workshop?

  Engineers and contractors who attended the workshop with no prior knowledge of Simpson Strong-Tie FRP and FRCM Composite Strengthening Systems™ or the alternative strengthening systems presented by Structural Technologies gained the knowledge needed: (1) to identify projects where strengthening systems could be advantageous; (2) to know what specific strengthening applications the systems are designed for; (3) to know how the systems are tested; and (4) to gain an expanded understanding of critical testing, application, and design requirements for an effective strengthening solution. Further, they learned how Simpson Strong-Tie and Structural Technologies could offer a one-stop, end-to-end solution comprising the best solutions, installations, and support available:

  • Complete end-to-end solution from investigation to design to construction
  • Innovative product design
  • Dedicated customer service
  • Wide-reaching field support
  • Advanced testing capabilities, including project-specific testing
  • Deep industry knowledge
  • Installation expertise

  Did Participants Receive PDHs and CEUs for Completing the Workshop?

  Yes. Training participants received a certificate of attendance with professional development hours (PDHs) after the workshop. In addition, they were able to earn continuing education units (CEUs) by completing a follow-up test per IACET requirements. For this particular workshop, attendees could earn 0.4 CEUs.

  Simpson Strong-Tie is a registered education provider with a number of industry organizations and associations, including the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the International Code Council (ICC), and the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). Our courses are also accredited by a number of state or regional licensing organizations.

  What Was the Cost of the Workshop?

  Nothing! All Simpson workshops, webinars and online courses are entirely free of charge.

  Wait, I Missed This Live Workshop! Will There Be More in the Future?

  Yes! Simpson Strong-Tie and Structural Technologies will be hosting additional workshops in the future and can often provide one-hour CSS presentations at your office upon request. We are in the beginning stages of planning workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle Metropolitan area. Please reach out to training@strongtie.com or visit our training website to find out more.