Speaker: Mr. James Rispoli

Date: March 21, 2013

Topic: Practical Lessons Learned For Engineers Managing Projects

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Summary: Mr. Rispoli is a professional engineer and a Board Certified Environmental Engineer. He provides expert engineering management services to clients engaged in project and construction management. He is currently a Director at Large for ASCE, a Senior Executive Advisor at PT&C Inc., and a Professor of Practice at NCSU's Center for Nuclear Energy Facilities and Structures. He presented several projects and discussed their potential and actual pitfalls. He also presented ways to anticipate, avoid, or mitigate potentially adverse outcomes. He showed how to mitigate risk in the planning and the execution phases, and discussed his view of essential approaches to optimize outcomes.

Speaker: Nico Sutmoller, Insulfoam Geofoam Specialist

Date: February 21, 2013

Topic: Geofoam - A Lightweight Fill Alternative

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Summary: Mr. Sutmoller spoke about the utilization of Geofoam as a light weight fill alternative. EPS Geofoam is a large block, rigid foam plastic material that has typical densities between 12-46 kg/m³ (0.7-2.85 ft³) making it up to 100 times lighter than soil. It is one of the only truly engineered fill materials that has predictable, consistent physical properties. He also spoke about the manufacturing process of EPS, the history of Geofoam, recent trends, some design considerations, specifications, and installation considerations.

Speaker: Mr. Wade Kirby

Date: January 17, 2013

Topic: Engineering Challenges in a War Torn Country

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Summary: Wade Kirby is a licensed Professional Engineer and Geologist in North Carolina.  He earned his Masters degree in Environmental Science and Engineering from Virginia Tech, a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M, and a Bachelors degree in Geology from North Carolina State University.  He recently completed a one year contract with the United States Marine Corps in Afghanistan through L-3 Communications.  Prior to his work in Afghanistan, Wade worked for several large consultant firms as well as the NCDOT, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the City of Wilmington.