Lab Live: Composites
Applied Science in Action to Examine Material Performance
Composites are engineered materials that offer distinct performance advantages in strength, stiffness, and durability, making them essential in a wide range of architectural and infrastructure applications. But their unique properties also present challenges in selecting the right composite system, understanding its behavior over time, and testing for quality and longevity in the field. In this “Lab Live” session, SGH specialists will explore composite materials from multiple angles, focusing on carbon and glass fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP and GFRP) and novel glass composites. Through demonstrations in our Applied Science & Research Center, we will showcase laboratory testing techniques and discuss how these methods help solve practical engineering problems. We will also highlight case studies, including CFRP use in piping systems and a unique application for a complex museum exhibit project.
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify common applications of composite materials in construction and infrastructure projects.
- Understand laboratory testing techniques used to evaluate the performance and properties of composite systems, including degree of cure, glass transition, tension, and impact testing.
- Recognize the benefits of CFRP and GFRP in specific engineering contexts.
- Examine how applied science and real-time lab investigations inform material selection and performance evaluation for composite materials.
ABOUT THE "LAB LIVE" SERIES
To understand material performance in the field or determine the causes of underlying building conditions, engineers and material scientists often look to applied science and research methods to improve design and construction processes and probe known issues or problems. By combining technical knowledge with expertise in testing and materials science, these teams can help solve their clients’ most challenging problems by understanding why they occurred in the first place. In Simpson Gumpertz & Heger’s (SGH) virtual “Lab Live” series, we will demonstrate these testing and discovery methods in real time in our Applied Science & Research Center to focus on common and challenging material problems. In these dynamic sessions, we hope to spark discussions that lead to creative ideas and improved collaboration.
Participants will earn 1.5 AIA CES Learning Unit (LU/HSW) for attending the seminar. Registration is free. Please note that space is limited – email events@sgh.com to join our waitlist if the session is closed when you register.
About the Speaker
Max Kratzok specializes in mechanical engineering and material characterization, with expertise in sensors, data acquisition, and physical testing. He is known for innovative field and lab testing approaches and has published research on the temperature-dependent impact behavior of polymers using time-temperature superposition. His past work includes performing material characterization of novel high-performance engineering polymers used in fiber, fabric, and 3D printing applications.
Gillian Love is experienced in designing, renovating, and rehabilitating various building types and structural systems. She aims to provide creative and smart structural solutions to meet the needs of her owner, architectural, and contractor clients. Her past graduate research work focused on both carbon fiber- and biofiber-based composites for structural applications. She is actively involved in the industry and serves as Chair for the Structural Engineering Institute National Capital Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Emily Norwine specializes in performing chemical analysis and using laboratory techniques, such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and thermal testing, to determine the chemical composition and properties of organic and inorganic small molecule and polymeric materials. Her previous work focused on the design, synthesis, and reactivity monitoring of novel organometallic compounds. She is technically proficient with chemical handling and other laboratory skills.
Matthew Richie is experienced in design, analysis, condition assessment, repair, failure investigation, and failure risk analysis of buried structures and pipelines. His projects include buried bridges, pipes, tanks, tunnels, and culverts of various cross-sectional shapes. His pipeline experience includes design, inspection, failure investigation, structural analysis, finite element analysis, and construction monitoring for power-generating facilities (nuclear and fossil fuel), municipal water departments, and production facilities.
Melissa Roth specializes in chemical engineering and materials science, bringing a diverse skill set to SGH’s Applied Science and Research Center (AS&R), where she manages day-to-day operations, coordinates projects, and ensures compliance with ISO 17025, AASHTO, and QANF accreditation standards. Her previous work focused on the development and testing of high-performance ballistic armor materials. Her technical proficiency spans physical testing, chemical analysis, and other laboratory skills.
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