Events
2023 Annual Meeting and Technical Seminars
Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center
College Station, Texas
February 17 & 18, 2023
2023 Annual Meeting
Friday, February 17th
Online Registration Closes Tuesday February 14 at 5 PM. Walk Ins are Welcome.
2023 Annual Meeting & Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
The TCEL Annual Meeting is the Annual Meeting and Seminars for Texas Geo-professional firms. This conference is an opportunity for TCEL members to come together for the annual business meeting and have an opportunity for Management Level training on Friday and Technical Training on Saturday. The conference also provides an opportunity to network and gain professional development hours for our members and attendees. We believe promoting your company and its services to the Engineering Laboratory Industry at our 28th Annual Meeting is a great opportunity. Click the button below to for the Sponsorship Form, and you can pay from the drop-down menu.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Hotel
Texas A&M Hotel
and Conference Center
177 Joe Routt Boulevard
College Station, TX 77843
(314) 630-8329
Click on the logo below for a link to the hotel.
Online registration is closed. Walkin's are Welcome. See you in College Station.
Registration Notes
SEMINAR REGISTRATION FEES
NOTES
2023 Project Professional Training Schedule
Friday, February 17, 2023
9:05 AM to 2:00 PM
How Top Companies Leverage Time and Value to Win More Deals
Presented by:
Kelly Riggs
Business LockerRoom, Inc.
The single most valuable asset that any business developer has is TIME. No matter how skilled you may be, or how great your product or service may be, if you spend ZERO time in front of potential clients, you will never sell any work!
This means your success in creating new opportunities is directly proportional to how well you use your time. However, this isn’t just a “time management” issue as much as it is a time prioritization issue and identifying the critical activities and opportunities that generate business development success.
At the same time, if you are using the time you DO have with a potential client to simply “pitch" a product or ask if there are any upcoming projects, you will probably struggle. Why? Because customers aren’t interested in the products or services you sell, they are interested in the value you create for THEM.
In this workshop, participants will learn how, 1) to leverage their time to maximum impact, 2) to make every interaction with a prospective client valuable, and 3) to differentiate themselves form every other firm competing for the client’s business.
Kelly Riggs is an author, speaker, and business performance coach for executives and companies throughout the United States and Canada, with sales revenues ranging from $3 million to Fortune 500. Widely recognized as a powerful speaker and performance coach in the areas of sales, management leadership, and strategic planning, Kelly is a former sales executive, a two-time national Salesperson-of-the-Year, a serial entrepreneur, and was recently selected to join the Forbes’ Coaches Council.
He has written two books: 1-on-1 Management: What Every Great Manager Knows That You Don’t and Quit Whining and Start SELLING! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Hall of Fame Career in Sales.
His third book, Counter Mentor Leadership: How to Unlock the Potential of the 4-Generation Workplace, was co-written with his Millennial son, Robby Riggs. It was selected as the 2019 Gold Medal winner in the leadership category by Axiom Business Books Awards. Note: No trophies were awarded in the writing of this book.
Friday, February 17, 2023
12:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Ethics Presentation: Why Did I Do That? Ethical Strategies for an Irrational World
Presented by:
Aaron J. Mann
Principal, Senior Attorney | Litigator
Terracon
What if we are not the perfectly rational people we think we are? How can we ensure we are making accurate and ethical choices in connection with our work? Together, we will discuss how our decisions are influenced by predictable-yet-unseen forces and how to combat them.
Aaron is a Principal and General Counsel with Terracon. He has been practicing law for nearly two decades. At Terracon, he oversees all aspects of risk management including claims, litigation, intellectual property matters, and internal investigations. He manages outside counsel acting on behalf of the company and works internally to troubleshoot project issues and avoid disputes before they escalate.
Prior to joining Terracon in early 2016, Aaron was a partner at Husch Blackwell, an AmLaw 100 law firm, where his practice focused on litigation. During his time with Husch Blackwell, Aaron spent four years working in the firm’s office in London, England. At the beginning of his career, Aaron served as a judicial clerk for a U.S. District Judge in Kansas City, Missouri. Aaron earned his J.D. from the Creighton University School of Law in 2001.
Friday, February 17, 2023
2:05 PM to 3:15 PM
Choosing the Right Products for Long Term Pavement Performance
Presented by:
Kevin Reinhardt, CPM
Executive Director
Lime Association of Texas
Achieving Quality Stabilization:
- Problems associated with clay soils
- Importance of a uniform subgrade
- Problems associated with substitution of lime layer
- Common materials used to address clay soils
- Difference between soil modification and soil stabilization
- Importance of testing
- Common tests used for performance verification
- Do & Don’ts for lime stabilization
Kelvin is a native Texan, born and raised near Crawford. He graduated from Crawford High School and attended McLennan Community College, Baylor University, and Texas State Technical College, where he received a degree in Civil Engineering Technology in 1980. Kelvin also holds certifications as a Public Works Professional from the Texas Public Works Association and as a Certified Public Manager from Texas State University. Kelvin has worked in the construction industry for 43 years; he began his career at H &B Contractors in McGregor, Texas. Over a period of 17 years, job titles have included: Estimator, Project Manager, Construction Manager, Vice President, and Executive Vice President. Kelvin also worked at Dow Chemical as a Civil Designer and for the City of Waco, serving as Street Superintendent and later as Public Works Director for a total of 10 years. Kelvin was named Executive Director of the Lime Association of Texas in March, 2008.
Friday, February 17, 2023
3:15 PM to 4:30 PM
Design of Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) Project with Cement
Presented by:
Randy Bowers, PE
Program Manager
Cement Council of Texas
As the nation’s infrastructure ages, agencies at all levels are tasked with maintaining and rehabilitating their infrastructure. Sustainable engineering technologies in pavement rehabilitation, such as full-depth reclamation (FDR), could be the answer for agencies in their quest to provide taxpayers with high-quality infrastructure while being good stewards of public funds. Full-depth reclamation of asphalt pavement is a rehabilitation method that involves recycling an existing asphalt pavement and its underlying layer(s) into a new base layer. The FDR process begins with using a road reclaimer to pulverize an existing asphalt pavement and a portion of the underlying base, subbase, and/or subgrade. Usually, the pulverized material is uniformly blended with an additional stabilizing material such as cement to provide an upgraded, homogeneous material. Finally, the stabilized material is compacted in place with rollers. The result is a stiff, stabilized base that is ready for a new rigid or flexible surface course. This presentation introduces the FDR with cement process and discusses issues related to project selection, design, construction, testing/quality control, and the latest innovations. The Cement Council of Texas presentation will equip engineering consultants with facts and information to work with their clients to make long lasting and economical pavement stabilization decisions. Designers and builders of Highways, Streets, Parking facilities, and Runways will benefit by improving their knowledge of the processes and techniques demonstrated in our presentation.
Randy Bowers, P.E. is the Regional Program Manager of North/East Texas for the Cement Council of Texas. He is a professional engineer with over 35 years of service with TxDOT, where he served as Area Engineer in Tarrant County and Assistant Director of Maintenance for the Fort Worth District. While in the Johnson County Area Office, he served as the Area Engineer and Assistant Area Engineer where he constructed numerous cement stabilized pavements. Previously as planning/design engineer, he directed analysis and testing and submitted numerous pavement design reports and recommendations for the Fort Worth District of TxDOT. Randy now focuses on offering concrete and cement related solutions and support for end users.
ACI CP-81 Post-Installed Anchor Installer Inspector
Friday February 17, 2023 and Saturday February 18, 2023
Friday, February 17, 2023
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Check in begins at noon
Workshop
Saturday, February 18, 2023
8:00 to Noon
Exams
Certification by ACI Houston Chapter:
Joseph Hill, PE
General Manager
TexCon
Certification includes: Friday Workshop consists of a written / performance review. Approximately 5 Hours. Saturday Tests consists of a 45-minute closed book installation exam, consisting of approximately 45 questions, a 2-hour inspection open book exam, consisting of approximately 90 questions.
A certified Post-Installed Concrete Anchor Installation Inspector* is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge required to properly inspect the installation of post-installed adhesive and mechanical anchors in concrete. The Inspector must understand the responsibilities and qualification requirements of the Installer, inspection requirements as cited in the documents governing the construction of the project, and the process governing the qualification of anchor systems.
*This expanded program includes and covers all of the Adhesive Anchor Installation Inspector program materials; certification candidates are now directed to this program for concrete anchor inspection certification.
Scope and Knowledge:
This program requires demonstration of the knowledge covered on the Job Task Analysis (JTA) for Post-Installed Concrete Anchor Installation Inspector:
Job Task Analysis (JTA) for ACI Post-Installed Concrete Anchor Installation Inspector Certification
The JTA is a detailed list of specific points of knowledge that may be included in the examinations for this ACI Certification program. ACI urges candidates to use the JTA to prepare for the certification exams.
Certification Requirements:
ACI will grant certification only to those applicants who attain passing grades on the written examinations and either (A) have been certified as an ACI Adhesive Anchor Installer or (B) have attended a live hands-on practice session or viewed the instructor-guided video on the installation of adhesive anchors. These sessions are available through ACI Certification Sponsoring Groups.
The forty-five-minute installation examination is closed-book and consists of approximately 45 multiple-choice questions. To pass the installation examination the examinee must attain a minimum score of 74%.
The two-hour inspection examination is open-book and consists of approximately 90 multiple-choice questions. To pass the installation examination the examinee must attain a minimum score of 60% on each subsection, and an overall score of 70%.
Mr. Hill received his BS and ME in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. He currently works as the general manager for Texcon General Contractors. He previously worked as a materials/geotechnical and senior engineer for Terracon Consultants. He has been involved with ACI certifications since 2015 and currently serves on the ACI Houston Chapter’s board of directors. He is a licensed engineer in the state of Texas and Louisiana.
Field Professional Professional Training Schedule
Saturday, February 19, 2023
8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Soil Classification and the Mechanics of Soil Compaction
Presented by:
Owen Sanderson, PE
Corporate Technical Director (CoMET) / Senior Project Manager
ETTL Engineer & Consultants, Inc.
A two-part technical session covering the processes of soil classification and mechanics of soil compaction.
Part 1A (Soil Classification) 30 mins:
Introduction to the Laboratory testing required to classify soil and how to utilize the data in conjunction with the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), ASTM D2487. A brief discussion on visual field classifications utilizing ASTM D2488.
Part 1B (Soil Compaction) 30 mins:
Introduction to the standard and modified soil compaction tests (ASTM D698/D1557). An in-depth discussion on the mechanics of moisture-density relationships as it relates to soil compaction. A brief discussion on how soil classification data can be used to predict the moisture-density relationship.
Part 2 (Hands-on Simulation of Lessons Learn in Parts 1A and 1B) 1 hour:
Demonstrations of the Liquid limit, Plastic limit, and standard compaction tests. Demonstrations and hands-on trials of how moisture adjustment affects each test result.
Mr. Sanderson currently serves as the Corporate Technical Director (CoMET) / Senior Project Manager for ETTL Engineer & Consultants, Inc. He has over 15 years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical engineering, and project management. Sanderson obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and has a Master of Science in Civil Engineering both from the University of Texas at Tyler. He is past president of the North East Texas Branch of ASCE Texas and currently the Professional Advisor to the University of Texas At Tyler Civil Engineering Department. Owen grew up in the small North Texas town of Bonham and comes from a large family. He is married with a daughter and is an avid Golfer and loves being outdoors, hunting, and fishing.
Saturday, February 19, 2023
10:30 AM to Noon
Best Practices for Effective Communication between Field and Office Personnel
Moderated by:
Jason Sandoval
General Manager and Radiation Safety Officer
Geoscience Engineering and Testing, Inc.
Industry Office & Field Professionals Panel:
Carl Mayes with Geoscience Engineering, Jeff Aderholdt with Raba Kishner, and Carlos Cordero with Henley Johnson & Associates.
The CMT industry profit and loss is mainly based on the visibility of work being performed on the job site. This should ensure the ability to achieve a clear and complete view of the progress on the job site. This is achieved by keeping the team connected and involved for better communication and a successful project delivery.
Connections are strengthened between the management and field technicians by a clear and concise communication system. Effective communication between team members helps one take ownership of their tasks, and improves individual performance.
Why communication fails on a construction site? The most common reasons behind communication failure on the job site are interpersonal conflicts and miscommunication. However small the issue is, it can negatively affect the project progress and profit.
This panel discussion will discuss Best Practices for Effective Communication in the geoprofessional industry.
Jason Sandoval is currently serving as General Manager and Radiation Safety Officer at Geoscience Engineering and Testing, Inc. in Houston. Mr. Sandoval has 23 years of experience working in multiple positions throughout the Construction Materials Testing and Engineering industry. His functions previously comprised Senior Engineering Technician, Field Services Supervisor, Radiation Safety Officer, and Construction Materials Testing Department Manager. Mr. Sandoval was responsible for supervising/training of field personnel, radiation program compliance/safety, field testing of various construction materials, A2LA audits/compliance, and managing daily department operations.
Saturday, February 19, 2023
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Post-Tensioned Cable Inspections – It starts with the Plan Set
Presented by:
Derek Stout, PE
Regional Vice President
Terradyne Engineering, Inc.
The purpose of this technical seminar is to provide an introduction to reading construction plans as well as an overview of post-tension cable inspection including pre- and post-pour elongations. A list of topics covered is provided below.
- Reading the cover page of plan sets
- Understanding the general notes
- Construction schedule
- Locating key items on the plans
- Responsibilities of the inspector or testing laboratory
- Locating references between sheets
- General nomenclature
- Cable layouts and foundation plans
- Elongation tables and symbols
- The final elongation (post-tensioned) cable report
After completion of the above items, a field technician will have a better understanding of how to apply a construction plan set to their final inspections. Field training will further expand this knowledge and is encouraged as plans to construction can vary depending on the project. Please consult with the Post-Tensioning Institute for official training and certification courses.
Derek Stout, P.E. serves as Regional Vice President at Terrydyne Engineering, Inc. Derek has been in the Geotechnical industry since 2010. He has extensive knowledge of Geotechnical Engineering and Construction and Materials Testing.
Derek graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
Saturday, February 19, 2023
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
What you Need to Know to Take and Pass the ACI NDT Exam
Presented by:
Fernando Gomez
CMT Field Services Manager
TSIT Engineering & Consulting, LLC
Non-destructive testing procedures have been used for several years now to perform investigations on new concrete structures or forensic investigations in damaged or old structures.
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) prepared the Nondestructive Testing Specialist Certification Strength to verify that individuals have the understanding and abilities to execute nondestructive in-pace testing. This session will give you a brief idea of what may come in the test but, it does not replace your own knowledge and skills to prepare for the test.
Fernando E Gomez has been performing inspections QA/QC services for over than 30 years in USA and Mexico. Some of his relevant t projects are Town Bluff Dam – General Repairs (USACE), Sam Rayburn – Erosion Control (USACE), LBJ 635 - Managed Lanes Project (Ferrovial), USPS Wichita Falls – HVAC System Replacement (USPS), USPS Coppell Distribution Center – Mechanical, HVAC, Coating and Lighting Improvements and Upgrades (USPS), Underpass Merida – NDT walls and paving investigation (Merida City Government), Yucalpetén Resort Marina – NDT pier shaft investigation (Grupo Dyrige). He has performed for the las 15 years environmental investigations, asbestos inspections and moisture mapping in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas specifically in the areas damaged during hurricane seasons.
Mr. Gomez has an Associate degree as Field Engineering Technician, Associate degree in Applied Science and currently is a UT Arlington Civil Engineer Student. He has also held several ACI certifications during these 30 years of service. Mr. Gomez is an associate member of ACI C630 CCSI (Concrete Construction Specialist Inspector).
Mr. Gomez serves as CMT Field Supervisor for TSIT Engineering, where he verifies and trains the quality control personnel and assists to the TSIT Engineering chief director with NDT services.
Saturday, February 19, 2023
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
What makes Special Inspections Special from a Field Technician Perspective?
Presented by:
Clint Hudson
CMT Group Supervisor
Riner Engineering
Nathan Gunn
Senior Engineering Technician
Terracon
Special Inspections have been in practice for a long time in many U.S. Cities and around the world. Throughout this time these programs have evolved. In this session we will explore the newest change to Special Inspections gaining traction in Texas, ICC Certifications. Join us as we explore what a modern-day special inspection program looks like and how to prepare for the unique challenges that come from implementing them.
Clint is a CMT Group Supervisor with over 5 years of experience in geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing and inspection industry. Mr. Hudson has been directly involved in numerous construction projects throughout Texas including commercial buildings, multi-family, and retail. At Riner Engineering Clint oversees all Field Operations for the San Antonio area. Mr. Hudson’s previous experience includes serving as a laboratory supervisor and teaching assistant in Angelo State University’s (ASU) Civil Engineering Program where his responsibilities included instruction on ASTM/AASHTO testing methods for soils, concrete, steel and masonry materials.
Nathan Gunn is a Senior Engineering Technician with more than 25 years
of experience in quality control testing and inspection services for the
engineering, manufacturing, and construction industry. Nathan is
employed in Terracon’s San Antonio office as a Senior Engineering
Technician in the Construction Materials Engineering and Testing
Department, Nathan is responsible for quality control of field technicians
and works directly with them on training activities. Nathan is responsible
for performing field and laboratory quality control tests and inspections.
Nathan is familiar with the standards and procedures on field and
laboratory testing, inspection, and reporting published by AASHTO
(American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials),
ASTM, and TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation).