First and foremost. I would like to (hank my frnd Adrian Talapan to whom I am greatly
indebted Without his support I would have not been able to pursue my degree. Gratitude is also
extended to my family for acting as my life support during this two »ar endeavor. I owe a
special thank you Lo l)r. Crisopher I). Moen for providing me the opportunity to work on this
project under his adviscnìeni I have felt extremely honored to conduct research under him, as he
served not only as an advisor, but a friend and mentor. My sincerest gratitude goes to Dr.
Raymond Plaut. who repeatedly provided sound advice, answered questions and offered
unquestioned expertise throughout my research. Thanks to I)r. Carin L Roberts-Wollrnann and
l)r. William J. Wright for serving on my thesis committee.
The support of the members of the PCI Research and Ivelopmen Committee and the
project advisory members, Roger Becker. Robert Mast. Andy Osborn, Glenn Mrs. and
William Nickas is also grakfully acknowledged. In addition. I would like to recognize the
support provided by: Richard Potts of Standard Concrete Products. Savannah. GA; Jason Moore
of Tekna Corporation. Charleston. SC: Frankie Smith of Prestress of the Carolinas. Charlotte.
NC: and Joe Rose of Coastal Precast Systems. Chesapeake. VA.
Finally. I would like to thank all my friends in the SFM family at Virginia Tech.