IStructE Seminar - Practice with theory for reinforced concrete structures
On 14th October, the Victorian State Group of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) hosted half-day seminar in Melbourne for practising structural engineers. The aim of the seminar was to link theory with engineering practice on several key topics associated with the design and construction of reinforced concrete structures.
The seminar was presented by two of the leading authorities in the field, CIES Deputy Director Emeritus Professor Ian Gilbert and Mr John Woodside. Ian covered the modelling of the time-dependent deformations in concrete structures, an area that is perhaps the most uncertain and least well understood aspect of structural design. He presented reliable and practical methods for long-term deflection and crack control in concrete structures. John presented on the important topic of detailing the reinforcement in concrete structures and covered theoretical principles as well as practical considerations necessary for efficient and economic construction. Feedback from participants indicates that the seminar was a great success.
Ian Gilbert has over 40 years of experience in structural design and is a specialist in the analysis and design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. His research activities are in the broad field of concrete structures, with a particular interest in serviceability. He has been active in the development of the current Australian Concrete Standard AS 3600-2009 and is primarily responsible for the development of the serviceability provisions in that Standard. Ian is widely known throughout the concrete industry and the structural engineering community, both in Australia and overseas. In 2011, he was elected an Honorary Member of the Concrete Institute of Australia for his outstanding contribution to the development and use of concrete in Australia.
John Woodside established J Woodside Consulting in 2000 to provide specialised advice to the building industry on principally on project management and specialist structural matters including concrete and precast concrete as well as steel structures. Prior to 2000, he was Principle of the South Australian office of Connell Wagner (now Aurecon). In 2006, he was awarded the prestigious John Connell Gold Medal by the Structural College of Engineers Australia in for his outstanding contribution to structural engineering and eminence in consulting engineering in Australia, with particular contribution to seismic design of concrete structures. John was elected an Honorary Member of the Concrete Institute of Australia (CIA) in 2005 for his services to concrete.
