Conor O’Dowd

Conor’s experience includes working with a wide variety of construction and geological materials using polarized-light microscopy and other petrographic methods, scanning electron microscopy with EDS, electron microprobe analysis, x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction, and chemical testing methods. Conor has expertise in investigating causes for concrete failure mechanisms such as low strength, cracking and other surface defects, as well as durability and performance issues involving freeze-thaw damage, salt scaling, chemical attack, alkali-aggregate reactions (ASR and ACR), and delayed ettringite formation (DEF), among other durability issues. In addition to his background in concrete petrography, Conor has provided quality control support for numerous cement plants across North America involving the monitoring of raw materials, kiln feed, clinker, cement, and other cement-related products to optimize quality and performance.

Conor earned an undergraduate degree in geology from Eastern Michigan University and a graduate degree in geology from Missouri State University with an emphasis on igneous petrology and geochemistry. He is an active member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI), as well as the Rocky Mountain Chapter (RMACI). Conor is also a member of the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and is part of the Concrete and Concrete Aggregates (C09) committee. When not on the job, Conor spends time hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and snowboarding. When not exploring the outdoors, Conor enjoys playing the piano, 3D printing, and board games.