Evening Preservation Symposium and Networking Reception: Board Formed Concrete

From the 1920s through the 1970s, concrete took on a wide range of uses. Its use in construction throughout Southern California and the Southwest varies from religious structures along Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles (the Wilshire Boulevard Christian Church, built in 1925), to smaller utilitarian structures (Pasadena Royal Laundry 1927), and to monumental civil infrastructure projects (Hoover Dam, circa 1931).

Event Photos

In many cases, concrete serves a dual purpose in construction during this era, playing a significant role in both structural and architectural needs. The utilitarian needs associated with forming concrete during construction underwent changes with advancements in manufacturing and availability of new materials in post-war America, while these advancements permitted increasing refinements in concrete architectural expression. And, sooner or later, everything old is new again. Moderated by Jeffrey Caldwell (WJE), the evening seminar will bring together experts across disciplines in a panel to discuss challenges encountered and solutions developed for successful concrete restoration of board formed, cast-in-place concrete, both historic and in new construction.

Speakers

Christina Varvi, Senior Conservator, RLA Conservation, Inc.; Chris Garcia, Concrete Project Manager, Charles Pankow Builders; Ann Harrer, P.E., Senior Associate, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the character defining features and typical applications for board formed concrete
2. Learn how board formed concrete responds to intervention and the proper maintenance and repair methods for board formed concrete to maintain its historic integrity
3. Review the methods available to achieve appropriate repairs to existing concrete and methods for new construction
4. Identify the challenges faced by preservation professionals when repairing or rehabilitating board formed concrete features

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