Thursday, February 8: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Speakers: Tony Lehman, Partner, Hudson Lambert Parrott Walker LLC
Moderator: PCI staff
ChatGPT and its relatives are the talk of the tech world, as experts debate how artificial intelligence (AI) will change the way that we work and interact with our world. It is clear that AI can help with more than just writing and research. Some innovators are using AI to review contracts, assist lawyers with document reviews, and even augment and change supply-chain risk management. This session will discuss a number of ways that AI will affect your company both now and in the future.

Thursday, February 8: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Speakers: Company Presenters
Moderator: PCI staff 
Join PCI and NPCA in advancing the industry as we present unique solutions that move us beyond “the way things have always been done.” The session will highlight current best practices and emerging technologies being developed for and with the precast concrete industry.

Friday, February 9: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 
Presenter: Ronald E. Thornton, P.E., Precast Concrete Association of New York

Precast culverts come in a large variety of sizes and configurations and have become the preferred product for stream crossings by owners, engineers and contractors due to ease of installation and the ability to withstand extreme runoff conditions. Box sections are commonly used for utility and pedestrian tunnels as well as for large tanks for stormwater detention, septic systems and fire cisterns. This session explores design aspects such as ASTM standards, design loadings and available software. It also looks at details for proper fabrication and installation.

Friday, February 9: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Ronald E. Thornton, P.E., Precast Concrete Association of New York

The precast concrete industry is constantly grows and evolves, and companies strive to hire and cross-train employees. Ensuring employees get up to speed swiftly can improve teamwork, enhance efficiency, and help new hires quickly become integral team member. This course introduces precast concrete industry terminology, equipment, processes and concepts, and is intended for those who are either new to the industry or in roles outide of the typical production area. This session examine the similarities and differences between precast and cast-in-place concrete, addresses the benefits precast offers over alternative construction materials and helps attendees become well-versed in important industry terms. We will discuss different types of concrete used in the precast industry and common applications for each; look at typical raw materials and learn how they impact hardened concrete properties; and learn how concrete gains strength and hardens over time. We will also discuss production best practices - covering everything from proper aggregate storage and concrete consolidation, to curing and handling of precast products. Lastly, we will discuss fresh and hardened concrete tests and the importance of quality control and quality assurance.

Friday, February 9: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Presenters: Jon Maxwell, Atlas Concrete Products; Jeremiah Hurley, Speed Fab-Crete; Maxwell Pryor, Atlas Concrete Products

Precast concrete production involves many materials, machines and employees. Inevitably, challenges can pop up on any given day. Wouldn’t it be great to have a group of people in the room who do what you do and have some advice to offer? This course provides that opportunity. Bring your questions and join the discussion with experienced precast concrete managers and supervisors, who represent a variety of precast products. These NPCA Master Precasters® will share some of their most challenging situations and how they handled them. This will be an interactive course where attendees can share experiences and ask for advice from others who have been there. This exchange provides valuable ideas to take back and use when the next challenge falls in your lap.

Saturday, February 10: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Presenter: Tim Sander, Gainey’s

This course cover topics relating to lifting and rigging precast concrete from a producer's perspective. Discussions include the considerations that facilities need to weigh to properly select and place lifting devices in precast structures.

Saturday, February 10: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Mel C. Marshall, P. Eng., Mel C. Marshall Industrial Consultants Inc.

There are many components to producing quality precast concrete products. Raw materials, mix design, reinforcing, consolidation and curing all play a part in achieving the final product. In this interactive class, attendees learn from an expert and from each other, including a discussion of best practices and solutions to production issues that precasters deal with every day. Bring questions as we will address your production issues and discuss how to resolve them.

Saturday, February 10: 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Presenter: Hugh Martin, P.E., NPCA

Concrete is an amazingly strong and durable construction materials, but on its own, strength is limited. In precast structures, concrete and reinforcing work toegether to withstand a variety of loads during stripping, handling, transportation, installation and for the duration of its service life. The type, size and configuration of reinforcing elements are carefully designed, so proper fabrication and reinforcement during manufacturing are key processes to ensure the completed reinforced precast concrete structure performs to its potential. During this session, we cover various types of concrete reinforcement and discuss proper fabrication and placement of reinforcement assemblies. Learn how the type, size and position of reinforcing affects the strength and serviceability of an entire structure. Attendees analyze the purpose of reinforcing, the types and identifications and their applicable standards, basic tying and welding requirements, fabrication of cages and proper placement and securement before concrete is added.