MAY 9, 2018
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Technical Program (1.0 PDH)
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Technical Program (1.0 PDH)

TECHNICAL PROGRAM

"Ask the Structure": Diagnosing Structural Failures

Speaker: Joshua White, PE, WJE

Joshua White, PE, is a structural engineering consultant at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE), an interdisciplinary engineering, architecture, and materials science firm specializing in the evaluation, design, and rehabilitation of new and existing construction. His area of expertise is forensic investigation of various concrete, steel, and wood structures, including buildings, containment structures, equipment foundations, bridges, tunnels, and wharves. Mr. White specializes in the development and application of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies, including but not limited to ultrasonics, radar, infrared, and multi-method approaches.

Mr. White has a B.S. degree in Physics from Abilene Christian University, an M.S. degree in civil engineering (emphasis in structural engineering) from Texas A&M University, and is currently completing his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin. He is an active member of the Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT), American Society of Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Concrete Institute (ACI), and the American Welding Society (AWS).

PRESENTATION SUMMARY

This presentation discusses common and not-so-common degradation mechanisms and related issues in reinforced concrete structures, and how investigative engineering utilizes fundamental principles to diagnose and resolve these issues. This presentation is geared for the structural engineer, the owner of the structure, and students desiring to learn more about investigative engineering. We will discuss particular tools within an engineer’s “evaluation and assessment toolbox”, including nondestructive evaluation, laboratory testing, and structural analysis. Finally, we will review some case studies where structural diagnostics included simple solutions, and a few that involved more rigorous approaches.

Social Media and the Expert Witness: Evidentiary and Ethical Challenges and Strategies

Speaker: David V. Wilson II, Mehaffy Webber

David Wilson II practices in the area of business and construction litigation in both Texas and Nevada. He has tried well over 100 cases as first chair lawyer in a variety of cases. He has also served as lead counsel in over 60 appellate cases, including at the Texas Supreme Court. Consistent with his experience, his practice includes extensive trial and appellate representation as lead counsel, primarily on behalf of the construction, manufacturing, insurance and oil and gas industries. In addition, David’s background as a prosecutor has also provided him opportunities to defend business and high-profile clients in many aspects of government relations, including administrative proceedings and white collar criminal defense. David has been listed as a Texas Super Lawyer, is designated AV-Preeminent by Martindale.com, as well as being inducted as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

PRESENTATION SUMMARY

This presentation will deal with the myriad evidentiary, legal and ethical challenges facing trial lawyers in the area of social media and will be educational for both lawyers and the expert witnesses who assist them. The goal will be teaching participants about maximizing the value of social media evidence for use in litigation while minimizing the risk of facing allegations of professional misconduct.