WDP Office: South Carolina
Rhett is a nationally recognized expert in materials analysis, design, and construction procedures, with special emphasis on structural masonry, masonry veneer, stucco, EIFS, window systems, and other exterior building wall systems. In addition, he has assumed responsibility for the establishment and development of WDP’s Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, office.
“I enjoy solving problems, and helping clients get out of a bind is what I most enjoy about our work at WDP. When the phone rings, there is often an urgent problem — a safety issue has been revealed, air or water leakage has developed in a building, or perhaps a structure has experienced a catastrophic failure. Forensic engineering is a challenging practice — one that is increasingly needed, due to the complexity of structural and building systems being designed, coupled with leaner budgets and shorter construction schedules. Also issues frequently develop due to the infusion of new products to the market which have inherent problems.”
Awards
- ASTM C-15 Committee on Manufactured Masonry Units – Alan H. Yorkdale Award, 1997
- ASTM C-15 Committee on Manufactured Masonry Units – Award of Merit, 2017
- American Society of Civil Engineers – O.H. Ammann Research Fellowship
Technical Papers/Publications & Speaking Engagements
Rhett has written over 40 authoritative published articles and research reports for owners, universities, and industry trade magazines and journals. Topics have ranged from moisture vapor problems with masonry facades to condition assessments and standard test methods to engineering simulation analyses. He is also frequently invited to speak at conferences held by The Brick Industry Association (formerly known as the Brick Institute of America) and other national trade societies and professional associations.
