Seven-Part Webinar Series – Designing Durable Concrete Infrastructure: Corrosion-Resistant Reinforcement
One event on October 8, 2026 at 12:00 pm
One event on October 15, 2026 at 12:00 pm
One event on October 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm
One event on October 22, 2026 at 12:00 pm
One event on October 27, 2026 at 12:00 pm
One event on October 29, 2026 at 12:00 pm
What is working beneath the concrete? Reinforcement, coatings, connections, supports, and detailing disappear from view after placement, but the decisions behind them remain in service for decades. This series brings those decisions into focus, connecting published research, industry standards, and field experience with the questions project teams face every day. Explore hot-dip galvanized, low-carbon chromium, continuously galvanized, epoxy-coated, and stainless steel reinforcement, plus the accessories that help these systems perform. An additional durability session on October 27 will extend the conversation; its topic and speaker will be announced as details are confirmed.
Register for the Full Series: https://event.gotowebinar.com/event/c9847869-1a51-41f1-8d23-980a672c33f0
Download all seven sessions to your calendar (.ics). Save all seven sessions as separate calendar appointments. Import the file only once to avoid duplicates. Adding appointments does not register you, and imported appointments will not update automatically if session details change.
One registration. Seven live webinars. Each session offers 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH), with up to 7 PDHs available for the series.
Register once for access to the full CRSI Durability Webinar Series on October 6, 8, 15, 20, 22, 27, and 29, 2026. Every session runs from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. CT. Attend all seven or choose the sessions most relevant to your work. No separate session registration is required.
Primary audience:
Designed for engineers, transportation agencies, owners, specifiers, detailers, fabricators, contractors, inspectors, researchers, educators, and students, each session includes moderated audience questions and practical discussion of design, fabrication, placement, inspection, and long-term performance.
Dates (all times are 12:00–1:00 pm CT / 1:00–2:00 pm ET):
- Tuesday, October 6
Session 1 | When Zinc Meets Concrete: Hot-Dip Galvanized Reinforcement
Carl Maki - Thursday, October 8
Session 2 | Inside the Steel: Low-Carbon Chromium Reinforcement
Salem Faza - Thursday, October 15
Session 3 | Beyond the Bar: Accessories for Corrosion-Resistant Reinforcement
Brian Rigsby and Ed Wilczynski - Tuesday, October 20
Session 4 | Before the Bend: Continuously Galvanized Reinforcement
Michael Stroia - Thursday, October 22
Session 5 | Protection Takes Hold: Traditional and Textured Epoxy-Coated Reinforcement
Brent Toller and Jigar Mistry - Tuesday, October 27
Session 6 | Durability in Focus: The Next Conversation
Topic and technical speaker forthcoming - Thursday, October 29
Session 7 | Stainless in Service: Stainless Steel Reinforcement
Richard Huza
Session 1 | When Zinc Meets Concrete: Hot-Dip Galvanized Reinforcement
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET / noon–1:00 p.m. CT
What really happens when zinc-coated reinforcing steel is embedded in concrete? Carl Maki takes attendees beneath the surface of hot-dip galvanized reinforcement to examine the electrochemical mechanisms that protect the underlying steel, the interaction between zinc and fresh concrete, and the factors that influence bond and coating performance. Drawing on published laboratory research and long-term field monitoring, the session will explain why studies can reach different conclusions and what engineers should look for when evaluating the evidence. Attendees will also explore ASTM A767/A767M requirements, available galvanizing approaches, and practical considerations for detailing, fabrication, handling, placement, inspection, and repair. The result is a source-based framework for understanding where hot-dip galvanized reinforcement fits within a project’s durability strategy.
Speaker: Carl Maki, South Atlantic Galvanizing — Carl Maki has spent more than three decades with South Atlantic Galvanizing, where he leads growth and technical support for galvanized reinforcing products. For more than 25 years, his work has focused on ASTM A767 Class 2 hot-dip galvanized reinforcing steel, spanning market development, fabrication practices, specification support, technical education, and the interpretation of laboratory research and field performance. He works closely with engineers, contractors, reinforcing bar fabricators, researchers, and producers in the United States and internationally. Carl is active in CRSI, ASTM International, the American Galvanizers Association, and the International Zinc Association, giving him a practical view of how galvanized reinforcement moves from standards and coating operations to fabrication and placement in concrete construction.
Session 2 | Inside the Steel: Low-Carbon Chromium Reinforcement
Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET / noon–1:00 p.m. CT
What does chromium change inside reinforcing steel, and what does Grade 100 change on the drawing? Dr. Salem S. Faza connects the material science of low-carbon chromium reinforcement with the design and construction decisions that follow. The session will unpack the austenitic/martensitic microstructure behind ASTM A1035/A1035M material characteristics, then trace those characteristics through corrosion behavior, strength grades, applicable U.S. and Canadian standards, and design provisions for reinforcing strengths up to 100 ksi where permitted. Attendees will examine the questions that matter when moving from material selection to detailing, fabrication, placement, and quality control. Rather than treating corrosion resistance and high strength as isolated attributes, the presentation shows how they interact within a complete reinforced concrete design and how published requirements can guide project-specific evaluation.
Speaker: Salem Faza, PRS Senior Engineer, CMC –
Dr. Salem S. Faza is Senior Engineer for Structural, Corrosion and Research within CMC’s Performance Reinforcing Steel group. He brings more than 35 years of experience in concrete construction, with a focus on conventional, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant reinforcement. His work has supported product development, application engineering, research, and code acceptance in the United States and internationally. Dr. Faza has planned and coordinated research programs at more than 20 institutions worldwide, connecting material behavior and corrosion performance with structural design and constructability. His experience gives attendees a clear link between the metallurgy of ASTM A1035 reinforcing steel and the design and field considerations that determine how it performs in concrete infrastructure.
Session 3 | Beyond the Bar: Accessories for Corrosion-Resistant Reinforcement
Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET / noon–1:00 p.m. CT
A corrosion-resistant bar is only one part of a durable reinforcement system. What happens when headed bars, mechanical couplers, bar supports, tie wire, coatings, and project details must all work together? Edward “Ed” Wilczynski, AIA, and Brian Rigsby join CRSI moderator Gregory Clauson for a practical, FAQ-driven discussion of the compatibility questions that often surface between design and placement. The panel will examine how specifications, product data, shop drawings, fabrication practices, handling, installation, and inspection can be coordinated before those questions reach the jobsite. Built around common questions from engineers, fabricators, contractors, and inspectors, this product-neutral session will help attendees recognize potential gaps, identify the information that needs verification, and review corrosion-resistant reinforcement as a connected system rather than a collection of separate components.
Speaker: Brian Rigsby, National Sales Manager, General Technologies, Inc. (GTI)
Brian Rigsby is National Sales Manager at General Technologies, Inc. (GTI), where he works with contractors, fabricators, engineers, and industry partners on products and systems used in concrete reinforcement and post-tensioned construction. He joined GTI in 2011 and previously served as Southwest Regional Sales Manager. Brian has also been an active contributor to CRSI’s technical work, including a long tenure as chair of the Bar Supports Committee. His experience connects product application, field needs, industry standards, and practical construction considerations. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Louisiana State University.
Speaker: Ed Wilczynski, General Manager, Northeast, Headed Reinforcement Corporation (HRC USA)
Ed Wilczynski, AIA, is General Manager, Northeast, for Headed Reinforcement Corporation (HRC USA), a manufacturer of headed reinforcement and mechanical splicing systems for reinforced concrete construction. A registered architect, Ed brings a design and construction background to his work with engineers, fabricators, contractors, and project teams. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from the University at Buffalo. At HRC, he supports the application of high-performance reinforcement products in structures where anchorage, congestion, constructability, and resilience are key considerations. Ed also serves on CRSI’s Northeast Region Advisory Board.
Session 4 | Before the Bend: Continuously Galvanized Reinforcement
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET / noon–1:00 p.m. CT
How does coating reinforcing steel before fabrication change its journey from the mill to the jobsite? Michael Stroia takes attendees inside the continuous galvanizing process and shows how ASTM A1094/A1094M connects coating formation and quality control with bending, fabrication, handling, placement, inspection, and repair. The session will examine how the coating is produced, which steel grades and identification requirements apply, what project teams should verify after fabrication, and how zinc-based corrosion protection is evaluated in concrete. Published research and application examples will help separate process assumptions from project-specific considerations. Engineers, specifiers, fabricators, contractors, and inspectors will leave with a practical framework for reviewing continuously galvanized reinforcement from production through installation.
Speaker: Michael Stroia, Technical Manager, Applications & Technical Services, CMC –
Michael Stroia is Technical Manager, Applications & Technical Services, at CMC and brings 30 years of experience in galvanizing and corrosion control. His work has focused on galvanized coatings, product development and code acceptance, corrosion research, and environmental product declarations for steel products used in concrete, marine, and soil environments. He supports the application and technical understanding of continuously galvanized reinforcing steel, helping connect manufacturing and coating processes with fabrication, specification, and field use. Michael participates in technical committees for ACI, AMPP, ASTM International, and CRSI, bringing both industry and standards experience to the discussion.
Session 5 | Protection Takes Hold: Traditional and Textured Epoxy-Coated Reinforcement
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET / noon–1:00 p.m. CT
What happens at the steel-concrete interface can shape the durability and detailing of an entire structure. Brent Toller and Dr. Jigar Mistry trace fusion-bonded epoxy reinforcement from coating chemistry and electrical behavior through fabrication, placement, inspection, touch-up, and repair. They will connect ASTM A775/A775M and A934/A934M with the newer textured-surface requirements of ASTM A1124/A1124M, then examine the bond questions that matter to development, splices, cover, and constructability. Published research and field observations will frame what is known, what depends on test conditions, and what project teams should verify in specifications and product documentation. Attendees will gain a practical, source-based framework for understanding smooth and textured epoxy-coated reinforcement from design through field installation.
Speakers:
- Brent Toller, Managing Director, Epoxy Interest Group of CRSI – Brent Toller leads technical outreach and industry education for the Epoxy Interest Group of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute. He works with transportation agencies, engineers, researchers, reinforcing steel fabricators, and other industry partners on specification and application questions involving ASTM A775, ASTM A934, and ASTM A1124. With more than 25 years of experience in reinforcing steel and protective coatings, Brent’s background includes technical sales, market development, and leadership roles across the infrastructure supply chain. His work helps connect coating standards and research with practical considerations involving fabrication, handling, placement, inspection, and field performance.
- Jigar Mistry, Ph.D., Global Marketing Director, Functional Coatings, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine – Dr. Jigar Mistry is Global Marketing Director for Functional Coatings at Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine. A polymer and coatings chemist with more than 20 years of experience, he specializes in corrosion protection, coating performance, asset protection, and industrial coating development. He contributed to the development and commercialization of textured epoxy powder coating for reinforcing steel under ASTM A1124. Dr. Mistry earned his Ph.D. in Polymer and Coatings Chemistry from Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he also taught and mentored students. His experience connects coating chemistry and product development with specification requirements, application practices, and long-term performance.
Session 6 | Durability in Focus: The Next Conversation
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET / noon–1:00 p.m. CT
Topic and speaker forthcoming.
An additional conversation on the decisions that shape durable concrete infrastructure. Reserve this hour for a timely durability topic, with practical questions and perspectives for engineers, owners, and construction professionals. The presentation title, description, and speaker information will be announced as details are confirmed.
Speaker: Forthcoming.
Session 7 | Stainless in Service: Stainless Steel Reinforcement
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET / noon–1:00 p.m. CT
Stainless steel reinforcement is not one material, and corrosion resistance is only part of the story. Richard Huza, PE, will show how alloy chemistry, mechanical properties, ductility, toughness, bar availability, and exposure conditions influence project decisions. Beginning with ASTM A955/A955M and related code provisions, the session moves from stainless steel definitions and alloy families to design, detailing, fabrication, supply, and inspection. It will also examine applications in chloride-exposed infrastructure and conditions where seismic demand or temperature performance may matter. Published research and field observations will be used to show how test methods and environmental assumptions affect interpretation. Attendees will leave better prepared to ask the right questions when evaluating stainless steel reinforcement for a specific structure.
Speaker: Richard Huza, Executive Director, Stainless Steel Interest Group of CRSI – Richard Huza, PE, is Executive Director of the Stainless Steel Interest Group of CRSI. His experience spans structural steel design, manufacturing, erection, construction services, project engineering, and senior management. Since joining Salit Steel in 2009, he has worked with transportation agencies, port authorities, engineering firms, and contractors on the use of stainless steel reinforcement in demanding concrete applications. Richard is a former chair of ACI Committee 439 and a voting member of ACI Committee 222, ASTM Committee A01, and CRSI committees. During his tenure as chair, ACI 439.4R-25, Report on Steel Reinforcement, was published. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil/Structures and an MBA in Finance.
