Learn global best practice and procedures for assessing the condition of existing structures with a focus on non-destructive testing.
Evaluating the condition of an existing structure - a building, a dam, a bridge - is a vitally important exercise carried out by those in the engineering profession. But there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach for such a task. Different situations, conditions and materials - concrete, wood, metal, stone - require different techniques and testing procedures.
During this short course you’ll learn about material evaluation practices and procedures used for assessing the structural condition of existing structures, as well as many aspects of evaluating structures and structural material conditions. You'll cover:
- Condition surveys,
- planning a materials evaluation,
- destructive and non-destructive testing (NDT),
- limitations of NDT testing,
- statistical evaluation of test data, and
- the interpretation and use of test results will be discussed.
NDT techniques for establishing in-place material properties for concrete, masonry, wood and metals are a primary focus.
This course is run exclusively by The American Society of Civil Engineers with Engineering Education Australia.
EA members get 15% off on selected workshops and training. Not a member? Sign up now
*1% credit card surcharge applies.
Any questions?
Contact us
24 March - 27 March
23 June - 26 June
10 November - 13 November
This online course will run on the following dates:
24 – 27 March 2025, 9am – 1:30pm AEDT
23 – 26 June 2025, 9am – 1:30pm AEST
10 – 13 November 2025, 9am – 1:30pm AEDT
RSVP
Registrations close three business days before the start of each session.
EA members get 15% off on selected workshops and training. Not a member? Sign up now
*1% credit card surcharge applies.
Any questions?
Contact us
Please register at least two weeks before the scheduled course start date.
We can customise this course for groups of six or more.
You choose the time, place, duration and format.
Find out how we can help you and your team by clicking on the button below to request a quote or calling us directly on +61 3 9321 1700.
Learning outcomes
- Plan and implement an effective structural evaluation program
- Use ASCE Guidelines for Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings, SEI/ASCE 11-99
- Examine the latest destructive and nondestructive investigation techniques for evaluating concrete and masonry
- Identify the pros and cons of common destructive and nondestructive testing techniques and find out how to select the best techniques to suit your projects
- Explain how to interpret and use destructive and nondestructive tests results
- Identify quick and simple evaluation techniques
Is this course for you?
This course is for you if you’re a building industry professional involved in evaluating concrete, masonry, wood and steel, destructive and non-destructive testing, inspecting, conducting structural condition assessments, repair, and the restoration of existing structures.
Professionals who will find the course particularly useful are engineers, architects, designers, developers and inspectors.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Topics we'll cover
Part One
- Structural Condition Assessment Procedure
- Conducting a Condition Survey
- Planning the Evaluation
- Statistical Procedures
- Destructive and Nondestructive Testing (NDT) for Concrete and Masonry
- Pros and Cons of Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE)
Part Two
- Establishing Strength and Quality of In-Place Concrete and Masonry
- Core drilling and laboratory tests of concrete
- Evaluating Cracks in Concrete and Masonry
- Analyzing Wet Masonry Walls
- Evaluating Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete
- Interpreting and Using NDE Results for Structures, Foundations and Slabs
Part Three
- Approach to Conducting Condition Assessments of existing metal Structures
- Planning an Assessment
- Properties of metal
- Destructive Testing of Metals
- Inspection Tools and Procedures
- Nondestructive Testing of Metal
- Limitations of NDT
- Interpretation of NDT Results
Part Four
- Approach to Conducting Condition Assessments of existing wood Structures
- Planning an Assessment
- Properties of wood
- Inspection Tools and Procedures
- Nondestructive Testing of Wood
- Limitations of NDT
- Interpretation of NDT Results
- NDE Equipment Vendors for Assessment of Wood
Larry D. Olson, P.E., M.ASCE is President of Olson Engineering. He has expertise in the areas of geotechnical and materials engineering with specialisation in non-destructive testing and evaluation of buildings and infrastructure. He has been actively involved in the management and performance of non-destructive testing and evaluation, forensic, vibration and geophysical engineering, and applied research to engineering projects since 1985.
Larry has conducted investigations to determine the conditions of concrete-based facilities such as bridges, slabs and pavements, nuclear reactors, buildings, deep foundations, dams and tunnels. He has also performed non-destructive testing of wood and steel pile foundations, masonry structures and steel columns for integrity evaluations.
He is active in ACI Committees and is the Chairman of the Evaluation committee of the International Concrete Repair Institute.
Larry was a great presenter. He had so much knowledge and really presented it in a way that was engaging and easy to understand. The man knows his structures and it was great to see someone so passionate and enthusiastic about what they do. I learnt a lot from him and his vast experience.
Thorough course relating to condition assessment. The facilitator clearly has an in-depth understanding of NDT techniques and has obviously been widely involved in industry. This helped him relate his learnings to the course content.
It was interesting having someone from the US present this course, as there was plenty of information that we don't have in Australia and was a really good "other point of view" approach.
