I am a structural engineer with experience in new design as well as assessment and restoration of existing structures.
The types of structures that I have worked include sports venues, such as NFL football stadiums
,
university stadiums;
parking structures (precast concrete, post-tensioned concrete structures, concrete encased steel composite structures);
Concrete bridges, Hospital buildings, Government Federal Buildings, Airport Hangars, Historical buildings, etc. I am now currently
working for a demolition company in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
When I am not working, I enjoy doing all kinds of outdoor activities, including playing golf, and pickleball. I also enjoy running
and am a 2x marathon
(42k/26.2mi) finisher. I am also learning how to make websites.
Experience
Engineer - Wei-Sheng Environmental Protection Company, Ltd ↗
2023 - Present
Managed a $2,500,000 USD demolition project of a petrochemical industrial park (Formosa Plastics Corporation) near the Kaohsiung Harbor. Coordinated with subcontractors to develop a plan to demolish over 35 chemical and oil storage tanks. One of the largest with a capacity of up to 10,000 cubic meters. Before demolition started, I conducted pre-demolition condition assessments of the conditions of storage tanks, pipelines, and tested with a multi-gas detector to confirm that the site was free of hazards. Developed and presented required documents to local government authorities for demolition permit approval. Performed budget calculations and cost analysis prior to bidding on projects.
Diagnostics Engineer - Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc. ↗
2019 - 2023
Structural Restoration and Renovation
Conducted field condition assessments of existing building structures, and documentation of
structural distress items in need of repair. In some cases, I utilized Non-Destructive Evaluation
(NDE) Methods to analyze existing structures and obtain information about the extent
and rate of deterioration. To determine structural integrity, I performed structural analysis on
existing structural components to assess remaining capacity. Once determined the conditions,
I discussed and proposed repair methods with the team, then proceed to prepare construction
drawings, front end and technical specifications, and calculation packages for the projects.
Forensic Analysis
This part of the job is performed after any structure has suffered a catastrophic event, we call it "CAT" Event.
This could include buildings and infrastructure impacted by hurricanes, hailstorms, fires, or tornadoes.
Determine cause and origin of building damage/failure, extent and level of damage, and provide opinion of probable repair costs.
If required, we helped develop expert witness reports for litigation support.
Building Enclosure Diagnostics
Utilize NDE Methods, such as infrared thermography to determine locations of water infiltration and/or air exfiltration.
Assess window fenestration quality and performance by water testing per AAMA 501.2, and ASTM E1105 standard testing methods.
Conduct hygrothermal analysis simulation for wall components using WUFI to predict condensation potential.
Engineering Intern - DeSimone Consulting Engineers ↗
2018
Worked on the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Hotel and Casino Expansion project in Florida, USA. Reviewed shop drawings and submittals to make sure all aspects were in accordance to original engineering design concepts. Utilized engineering software (SAP2000, Tekla Tedds, etc.) and hand calculations to perform structural analysis and design of frames, columns, and trusses.
Laboratory Assistant - Prof. David A. Lange Research Group ↗
2014-2016
Worked as a laboratory assistant for two different research projecs:
Freeze-Thaw Resistance of Concrete (2015)
The durability of concrete for rail applications is studied in this project.
Laboratory testing from micro- to full-scale is conducted to explore frost resistance.
The air void system is being studied and novel experiments are conducted to learn
how vibration causes entrained air bubbles to move and consolidate, affecting the
frost resistance of the material. Field tests will be conducted to learn about
actual environmental conditions of ties in service.
Foam Concrete (2016-2018)
Micro-structure of foam aerated concrete materials are tested. Implementation
of different admixtures and the mixture proportions and procedure to provide
high levels of stability. Mechanical behavior of this material is tested in
laboratory experiments.
Highlighted Projects
Formosa Plastics Corporation Industrial Park Demolition - Kaohsiung, TW
The Formosa Plastics Corporation Industrial Complex is located near the Kaoohsiung City Harbor. After a detailed study, the Kaohsiung City Council has decided to repurpose the land, for which, the existing equipment and buildings must be demolished and recycled. We were contacted by Formosa Plastics to submit a bid to perform demolition of the entire complex within the allocated time-frame. The bidding consisted of calculating the cost of operation, demolition and the scrap rights. Upon winning the project, we were able to conduct the demolition services as requested.
Kansas City International Airport - MCI Superhangar
The Superhangar at the Kansas City International
Airport is used for aircraft storage, maintenance,
and repair. Our team performed a condition assessment
and study of the existing roofing and roof structural
conditions and a preliminary design for repair options
for the Superhangar structure. The roof is a unique
architectural/structural design with parabolic and arch
shapes and was initially covered with a spray foam
roofing system. The assessment included observations
of waterproofing condition, water infiltration,
and structural deficiencies inside and outside the roof.
In addition to overall roofing/roof structure observations,
field sampling and evaluation testing of concrete materials
were performed. The summary report included all
observations, material testing results, repair
recommendations, and opinions on probable
construction costs. We also prepared construction
documents for a partial roof replacement of various roof pods.
Kansas City Hilton Hotel - Concrete Repairs and Waterproofing
The KCI Hilton Hotel is locate near the Kansas City International Airport.
The building was constructed in the 1960s and is made of with precast concrete.
The structure has been experiencing water infiltration into the rooms and the owner
has reached out to the firm for assistance. We were able to perform the investigation
of the structure and determine the cause of the leaks.
We proceeded to design the repairs and finally, were able to solve the leaking issues.