The webinar will cover a brief introduction to compaction grouting via the use of a structural polyurethane. Many engineers are familiar with this product and process, so we will be exploring an in-depth analysis of liquefaction mitigation, focusing centrally on extensive infield testing performed in Christchurch New Zealand, the epicenter of liquefiable soil‘s in high seismicity, one of the most active zones on the planet!

Dr. Rollins performed the actual testing in Christ church, NZ after the 2011 earthquake to devastate the city. He explored 17 different mitigate of techniques, and found the most cost effective as well as effective solutions to be polymer injection technology, which proved so successful that it was actually written into the building code in New Zealand.

Dr. Kyle Rollins is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Brigham Young University. Dr. Rollins studied at Brigham Young University for his undergraduate and masters degrees and received his Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley. He is now a Professor at BYU and conducts research in Earthquake Engineering as well as Foundation Engineering and Soil Improvement.

Dr. Rollins research accomplishments in earthquake engineering include the following:

• Performed world’s first full-scale lateral pile group load tests in sand liquefied by controlled blasting and developed lateral load-deflection (p-y) curves for liquefied sand.
• Developed relationships for shear modulus and damping versus cyclic shear strain in gravels necessary for computer analysis of ground shaking hazard.
• Performed world’s first Statnamic (large-strain dynamic) lateral pile group load tests to evaluate damping resistance on piles in soft clay.

Kyle Olsen serves as a Project Manager in the state of California for URETEK USA, Inc., and is also responsible for outreach and education to local government and engineering firms. Prior to his position in URETEK, he worked in direct relation with a structural polyurethane contractor with various roles, including R&D, Engineering Design and Code Compliance, Safety Officer, and Sales and Operations Trainer.

Kyle has two Associate’s of the Arts Degrees, one with an emphasis on Arts and Humanities and another with an emphasis on Sociology and Behavioral Studies. He also has an Associates of the Sciences Degree with an emphasis on Math and Sciences, as well as a CA Certificate of Completion for Collegiate General Education. He is certified through MacLean Dixie in Piling Foundation Systems, and holds his OSHA 500 certificate in good standing.
Kyle is an active standing member (as a vendor) for the APWA, MSA, and CalGeo.

Rex Klentzman Graduated from Texas A&M University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.  He is the Director of Engineering for URETEK USA and in that role he provides engineering support on polymer grouting projects across the nation.  Rex is a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states and also coordinates with local engineers regarding URETEK projects.  He started in the polymer grouting industry in the late 90’s as an instillation technician while attending Texas A&M and returned to Uretek in 2014 to lead the engineering team.  His experience and understanding of the polymer grouting ground improvement process puts him at the forefront of the industry.