“Calibre is passionate about building an elite small business with a focus on exploration and environmental stewardship,” said Gregory Murphy, president and owner of Calibre. “We have been longtime admirers of Scott and his work with S2O, particularly his focus on accessible water recreation and responsible waterway design and construction. Uniting with S2O gives us the ability to bring invigorating work to our staff and further our commitment to integrating rivers and waterways into communities.”
 
Scott Shipley, founder and president of S2O, said: “S2O has built a reputation for exceptional design and customer service in the whitewater space. Our rapid growth and demand put us in the unique position of wanting to grow quickly in a sustainable way. Uniting with Calibre gives us additional resources and capacity to serve more clients and bring whitewater to even more communities across the globe.”
 
Whitewater parks are becoming event and activity hubs and the focal points of their communities. These destination venues turn often under-utilized urban areas into true recreational amenities.

Shipley, a three-time slalom kayak Olympian, and S20 are responsible for designing the lion’s share of recirculating whitewater parks in the country and overseas, including the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC; Montgomery Whitewater in Montgomery, AL; and the Lee Valley Whitewater Centre in London.
 
Calibre Engineering, Inc. is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) driven to provide support, service, and exploration in civil, water resources, and structural engineering. Founded in 2000, their team has collaborated on prominent projects across the country in the private, public, and federal sectors. They are passionate about integrating rivers and nature into communities in a tangible way. With offices in Colorado, California, and North Carolina, the firm has supported more than $1.5 billion in development and infrastructure design and construction. Learn more at www.calibre-engineering.com. 
 
S2O Design & Engineering brings unique and innovative whitewater parks and swiftwater rescue facilities to life. Through engineering design and construction support, the S2O team enriches communities with adventure sports, outdoor activities, and endless opportunities for recreation. S2O is trusted around the globe as the leader in traditional in-stream whitewater parks, pumped whitewater parks, and river engineering.

Founded in 2013 by Lacie Bray and Andy Coates, the brewery was the first in Benton County and has remained committed to its community-centered approach to brewing, hospitality, and programming even as the brewery has grown significantly in ten years.

The proactive hospitality strategy is also a response to growth in Ozark’s Downtown Rogers neighborhood, with the addition of over 300 residential units within a mile of the brewery anticipated to be completed over the next several years.

“We’ve been dreaming about this backyard space since we acquired the building in 2016. We’re finally getting to a point where we must use the space to continue growing. Ozark’s success cannot be separated from our community, so developing this space for and with our neighbors is truly a dream come true for Ozark,” says owner Lacie Bray

The brewery is teaming up with Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) NW Arkansas district council to bring artists into the design process at its earliest stages. Funded by an Art in Place grant awarded to ULI NWA by ULI’s National Council, the project is being planned and developed with a mind toward integrating feedback, inspiration, and participation from artists in the region.

“The purpose of Art in Place is to cultivate better relationships and promote better understanding between artists and private real estate developers, making it easier for the integration and commissioning of art in new development, and to make a case for economic benefits of placing the arts at the center of community engagement and placemaking,” says local project leader Dayton Castleman, Director of Creative Placemaking and Artist Lead at Rogers architecture firm Verdant Studio.

Northwest Arkansas was selected among nine other grantees worldwide to participate in the Art in Place grant program, with each grantee convening artists and developing pilot projects unique to their own urban areas. The other locations include district councils in Austin, TX, Cleveland, OH, Hong Kong, and Tampa, FL, as well as state and national councils in Indiana, Louisiana, Germany, and France.

Building excitement and soliciting community input for the project is also a priority. The brewery is currently inviting patrons to draw their “Dream Ozark Beer Co. Backyard” on printed coloring pages available in the Rogers taproom, then hang them up for display, and perhaps spark some lively barroom discussion.

Coates’ eyes sparkle when he describes their visions for art woven into the Ozark backyard space.

“The blank slate of the space lends itself to big ideas. We’re beyond excited to explore this project artistically,” says owner Andy Coates.

Exploration Green, named in honor of the community’s local exploration legacy and its proximity to Johnson Space Center, transformed a former golf course into five massive detention ponds that can each hold 100 million gallons of stormwater (the equivalent of 750 Olympic-sized swimming pools.) In addition, Exploration Green will also serve as a nature park comprising 153 acres of natural habitat with wetlands and native grassland areas, 6 miles of hike-and-bike trails, two athletic fields and other amenities. 

“We understand the importance of flood control measures and are dedicated to implementing innovative solutions that will contribute to the long-term resilience and safety of the surrounding communities,” according to Kelly Shipley, P.E., Senior Associate LAN.

Clear Lake City Water Authority (CLCWA), the local provider of water, sewage collection and treatment, and storm drainage services, is spearheading the project. Exploration Green Conservancy, Inc., a non-profit organization, is serving as CLCWA’s partner to develop and preserve the project’s green spaces. Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN), a national planning, engineering and program management firm, is the project’s design engineer.

“Exploration Green has performed as designed and has impressively improved flooding conditions for the surrounding Clear Lake community,” said Jennifer Morrow, CLCWA’s general manager.

Building the detention ponds has turned out to be immensely beneficial to the community. During Hurricane Harvey, although only 80 percent of the Phase 1 pond was excavated at the time of the hurricane, it helped detain 100 million gallons of water, protecting at least 150 homes from flooding. The project also protected the community during Tropical Storms Imelda and Beta. Ultimately, now that all five phases are completed, Exploration Green will protect up to 3,000 homes.

“Exploration Green has transformed Clear Lake from a flood-prone community into one of the most flood-resilient communities in Texas,” said Wayne Swafford, P.E., LAN’s president. “In addition, it is creating a healthy, sustainable neighborhood for its residents.” 

Dr. Andy Robinson, President and COO of Standard Lithium, commented, “The land purchase demonstrates our commitment to advancing and de-risking the South West Arkansas Project. The land, which lies to the south west of the SWA Project’s brine lease footprint, is ideally located close to a paved highway, robust regional infrastructure and a skilled workforce. This acquisition adds to our existing land options in the Project area and provides us with added design flexibility as we progress the Project to the Definitive Feasibility and FEED phase.”

Figure 1: Overview of South West Arkansas Project and Land Purchase

The 118-acre parcel is located in Lafayette County, Arkansas near state highway 29 which historically has been used to access logging operations. A portion of the property has previously been logged and the remainder of the harvestable timber will be removed before the end of the year by the previous owner.

Figure 2: 118-acre Land Purchase Bird’s Eye View

About the South West Arkansas Project

The South West Arkansas Project is located approximately 15 miles west of the City of Magnolia in southwestern Arkansas. The SWA Project’s Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.4 Mt and 0.4 Mt lithium carbonate equivalent, respectively, has some of the highest reported lithium brine concentrations in North America, averaging above 400 mg/L. The recently announced results of a Preliminary Feasibility Study demonstrate robust economics (see press release dated 8 August 2023), assuming production of at least 30,000 tonnes per year of battery-quality lithium hydroxide beginning in 2027. Currently, the Project contemplates 91 full-time equivalent employees upon reaching commercial production.

The Company anticipates completing a FEED and Definitive Feasibility Study for the SWA Project in 2024 and beginning construction in 2025. The SWA Project is expected to reach commercial production in 2027, subject to continuing project definition, due diligence, project financing and receipt of future feasibility studies.

This solicitation, which at $7 million is the highest amount offered to date, represents a unique opportunity to fund proposals capable of achieving substantially greater environmental benefits in the neighborhoods most affected by Port operations. Eligible applicants will propose open space and “multi-benefit” parks projects, which support the community and the environment. Fundable project elements include trees and vegetation, irrigation, stormwater systems, noise buffers, paved areas creating access to the park and support facilities.

Prospective applicants should describe projects at a high level and allow program staff to determine eligibility. Eligibility for this solicitation is defined by the Community Infrastructure guidelines. To view project guidelines and the pre-solicitation workshop presentation held on Aug. 9, go to www.polb.com/grants and select Program Overview. A conference call to answer questions about the solicitation will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 13, and can be joined by clicking here or calling (323) 451-1087 and entering conference identification 133 721 215#.

Concept papers must be submitted online by 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2. To apply, use this link.

The award-winning Community Grants Program is a more than $46 million effort to fund projects that help those in the community who are most vulnerable to port-related environmental impacts. These projects are expanding asthma services, controlling stormwater runoff through the building of permeable parking lots, and creating open space buffers between port operations and communities, to name a few. Combined with a previous program started in 2009, the Port of Long Beach has set aside more than $65 million, making it the largest voluntary port mitigation initiative in the country. To date, $38.9 million has been committed.

The Port of Long Beach is a global leader in green port initiatives and top-notch customer service, moving cargo with reliability, speed and efficiency. As the premier U.S. gateway for trans-Pacific trade, the Port handles trade valued at $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs across the United States, including 575,000 in Southern California. In 2022, industry leaders named it “The Best West Coast Seaport in North America” for the fourth consecutive year. During the next 10 years, the Port is planning $2.2 billion in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness and sustainability.

LSU Civil and Environmental Engineering Associate Professor Navid Jafari has teamed up with LSU Geography and Anthropology Associate Professors Kory Konsoer (principal investigator) and Jill Trepanier—along with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette anthropology department, Tulane University’s archaeology department, and the National Park Service—to come up with a vulnerability and risk assessment that can inform mitigation plans for preserving Louisiana Native American tribes’ archaeological sites, such as earthen mounds.

The project—officially known as the Mississipi River Delta Archaeological Mitigation, or MRDAM, project—is funded by a two-year, $293,000 grant from the U.S. Geological Survey-South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center.

“This is a really exciting project because it’s interfacing archaeology with engineering,” Jafari said.

“The whole motivation behind the [MRDAM] project is to focus on cultural resources that are being impacted and bring them to light,” Konsoer said. “You have the coastal zone of Louisiana that is in crisis, but a lot of the emphasis is on the broader picture—ecosystem, infrastructure—and this is trying to bring a little more attention to those cultural resources that include Native American archaeological sites, like earthen mounds, some of which are single mound sites while others are more complex, such as a series of mounds typically built in an oval or circle with a central plaza communal space within in it. There are hundreds of these sites in coastal Louisiana. Some of them are already lost; some are being actively eroded; some are subsiding and becoming inundated with water. Right now, it may be subsidence or storm surge, but as we lose more land, those sites will be exposed to the coastline and have active wave erosion.”

Since the sites are at different positions within the coastal zone, they will experience different pressures from climate change, sea-level rise, and land loss.

“Extreme weather behavior is expected to worsen in our changing climate, including more severe hurricanes and higher intensity precipitation,” Trepanier said. “We want to try and provide as much insight as possible into what the future may look like for these sites, so they can make decisions on how to best protect their resources.”

“We’re working with tribes to find out which sites are most important to them, how they would like the sites preserved, listening to oral histories, and learning the significance of these sites,” Konsoer said. “For myself as a geomorphologist, and [Jafari] in geotechnical engineering, we hope that through these collaborations we’ll be able to learn more about how these mound sites were constructed and their erodibility.”

“I think something that has been under-investigated is the construction of these mounds,” Jafari added.

He said that the LSU mounds are made of two different soils, one of which is siltier and the other more clay, meaning they were sourced from different areas.

“It’s quite interesting to get an idea of what materials they used and how they engineered them to have higher strengths, leading to high mounds without any landslide or slope issues,” Jafari said. “We’re coming from an engineering perspective to look at their strengths and index properties. When doing this, you can see how resilient they’ll be to sea level rise.”

The team’s first step is to find out which mounds are more resilient so it knows where to prioritize resources. Next, will be a discussion with the tribes on how they want to mitigate, such as doing shoreline protection to keep the mounds from eroding.

“It’s up to the tribal partners on how they’d like to move forward, whether it’s preservation or mitigation,” Konsoer said.

Michael Rodgers, an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, is helping on the MRDAM project and has been communicating with the tribes. He will be guiding interviews and workshops to direct MRDAM’s efforts and center the concerns of stakeholders.

“I’m serving as a cultural anthropologist, and my role is to facilitate with the Louisiana tribes to see if they’re interested in helping us with the project,” Rodgers said. “We want to put them in the driver’s seat in determining what sites are most important to them and what they want done to the sites. Mitigation is up to them.”

Rodgers said the MRDAM team would like to expand this research opportunity to as many Louisiana tribes as they can. Currently, they are looking to work with the Chitimacha tribe and have reached out to the Houma tribe.

“I think what makes this a special project is having the tribe members lead us in accomplishing what they want us to accomplish,” Rodgers said. “This is important. It’s a very existential moment for a lot of these things. It’s a very good project with a lot of talented people involved.”

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Connecting the waterfront to the rest of the city, a new Civic Gateway Plaza links the park to Downtown Clearwater, while a Bay Walk promenade lets visitors take in views of the Intracoastal Waterway. These connections increase connectivity to Clearwater’s core downtown area and provide walkable pathways to the waterfront. The Civic Gateway Plaza greets park goers to the 525,000 square feet of new park greenspace, and the park amenities invite them to explore the natural beauty of the reimagined Coachman Park. Families and children can enjoy the 10,000-square-foot, ocean-themed playground and cool off in the adjacent splash pad.

The park also includes a special emphasis on the arts. The design intertwines open areas throughout the park that will serve as blank canvases for art installations to showcase creative projects from the community and beyond. The Sound is an outdoor music venue and stage with covered seating for 4,000 people and another 5,000 on the adjacent open lawn that will host year-round performances.

Stantec provided architecture and interior design; landscape architecture; civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering; coastal resiliency analysis; and construction administration services for the project.

“I’ve traveled all over the world and there is nothing like the new Coachman Park anywhere else! Every time I get to come to the new park, I am amazed at how great the views and amenities are here. We are so lucky to live here and have this public space that can now be the community’s park,” said Clearwater mayor Brian J. Aungst Sr. “No detail was overlooked in the design, and I, for one, am happy to be able to bring my grandkids to enjoy the playground and splashpad. I also know they will be able to bring their kids here in the future since it was designed with resiliency and sustainability in mind. I know this park will be a great place for generations to come.”

The Stantec team designed the park with a focus on its environmental impact. Within 20 years, the park will achieve net zero carbon emissions. Beyond 2043, Stantec predicts the park will become climate positive, meaning it will capture and store more carbon per foot than it releases into the atmosphere. Over its 50-year lifespan, it’s estimated Coachman Park will capture 1,647 tons more carbon than it emits.

Sustainable features incorporated throughout the park include solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, native landscaping, bioswales for stormwater conveyance, and energy efficient materials. Additionally, to protect the City’s investment, Stantec designed Coachman Park above the current Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements to mitigate flood risk and account for sea level rise.

“Our team is passionate about the value and enjoyment Coachman Park will bring to the community. Having this project in our backyard and seeing it come to life after years of hard work is incredibly rewarding,” said Greg Meyer, Stantec principal and project manager. “We’re grateful to the City of Clearwater and Skanska for their partnership throughout design and construction. We’re all eager for the public to come out and enjoy the reimagined Coachman Park for decades to come.”

Stantec has a long history of providing community development services in the Tampa Bay area. The firm played a key role in bringing Water Street Tampa to life, providing early planning, zoning, and infrastructure studies and design that is helping turn more than 50 acres of parking and warehouses in Downtown Tampa into a sustainable, walkable, urban district.

The Imagine Clearwater project aligns with Stantec’s focus on Coastal Resilience, as outlined in its strategic plan. The firm recently completed designs for the Battery Coastal Resilience Project in Lower Manhattan, which aims to protect against the impacts of sea level rise ensuring the usability of the iconic public space for New York City’s millions of annual visitors and residents. Further, Stantec’s work on the Blue Green Corridors Project in New Orleans, Louisiana, is set to reduce flood risk and encourage neighborhood revitalization.

Learn more about Stantec’s Urban Places practice.

The project began with the goal of creating a home for SLS Community – a Fayetteville 501(c)(3) established to provide neurodivergent adults with the essential resources to thrive – and through a collaborative process, later evolved into a neighborhood that will enhance the quality of life for the broader community in Northwest Arkansas.  

OSD’s plan for the new mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhood includes much-needed workforce housing, a town square, a center for the University of Arkansas Medical School (UAMS), urban agricultural areas and open recreational spaces that tie into the region’s bike paths. The project commences with a $3 million Community Project Funding award from the federal government secured by Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3), and a matching $3.48 million grant from the City of Fayetteville, to kick off initial sewer and road infrastructure.  

OSD’s ‘outside-in’ approach for designing the architecture, mobility and landscape is deeply rooted in the innate beauty of the Ozarkian environment; nature informs the layout of buildings, streets and recreational spaces, while also providing a rich resource for local and sustainable building materials. The design embraces principles of accessibility and inclusivity, supports the growth of fresh food, and prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle networks over cars—the master plan for South Cato Springs unfolds as OSD’s testament to mindful urbanism. 

“As Northwest Arkansas undergoes significant growth, we believe new development must find a way to enhance the quality of both the human experience and the natural environment. South Cato Springs presents an exceptional opportunity to create a new paradigm for inclusive living where neurodivergent adults can live and thrive in harmony with nature and the broader community, while honoring and revealing the beauty of the Ozarks. 

From Fayetteville to Bentonville, Northwest Arkansas is a rich constellation of human-scaled cities that combines to become a national powerhouse of culture, economy and innovation. With South Cato Springs underway, the region is set to gain a new star in this constellation that will set a world-class standard for how people and nature, biodiversity and neurodiversity, can co-exist and thrive,” said Simon David, Founding Principal and Creative Director, OSD.

The mission for the SLS community in South Cato Springs is to create an innovative “live, work, play” community with specialized housing and services alongside vocational training, educational programs, and recreational activities that make it accessible and affordable for neurodiverse adults to reach their full potential. In this way, the SLS Community is highly integrated within the overall master plan as a means to cultivate a sense of home, well-being and connection for SLS residents within the larger social and natural communities. 

“We’ve actively sought input from community stakeholders to understand the needs of the region, and with OSD’s design and planning expertise, their feedback has been mindfully integrated into a neighborhood that will provide workforce housing to Northwest Arkansas and serve as a platform for SLS Community,” said Matt Zakaras from South Cato Springs Holdings, LLC.

Ashton McCombs, Executive Director of SLS Community added, “our hope is that the service, employment, housing, and community resources holistically brought together throughout the OSD design will help address the disparity of opportunity that too often exists for neurodivergent adults.”

OSD’s master plan prioritizes diversity in both building typology and landscape topography, from the new mixed-use town square to urban farming and viticulture. The variety and vibrancy of the built environment create a thriving experience for neurodiverse assisted living communities, single family and multi unit housing, hospitality programs, event spaces and community parks. 

Pedestrians and bicyclists can also enjoy easy accessibility and an intimate connection with nature through the extensive network of walking paths and bike trails that meander through woodlands and creeks. Designed with nature as the underlying priority, OSD’s approach to circulation, minimized vehicular traffic and direct connection to major regional arteries is a harmonious blend of urban and natural environments.  

OSD’s involvement in this landmark project highlights the studio’s multidisciplinary expertise in architectural design and planning, landscape design and planning, as well as urban design. Prior to South Cato Springs, OSD recently celebrated two groundbreakings: 326 Rockaway Avenue, an affordable housing project in Brooklyn, New York and the Alice Walton School of Medicine, a medical education facility in Bentonville, Arkansas. 

Situated in Northamptonshire, Boughton House dates back to 1528 when it was once the home of the Montagu family who took style inspiration from the French, leading to the House being coined the ‘English Versailles’. In the 20^th century it became home to the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry who wished to preserve this national treasure.

Over the last three decades, Buccleuch has been working to uncover long lost waterways and lakes dating back over 300 years. As part of this, Land & Water will be restoring Star Pond which earnt its name through its original star shape. Having become built up with silt, the wet civil engineering firm will be carrying out dredging works as well as ensuring the pond cascades back to link with other estate waterways and the River Ise.

Roger Baines, Contracts Manager at Land & Water, said: “We are delighted to be working at another historical landscape and preserving the future of the waterways at Boughton House.

“As well as the works to return Star Pond to its former glory, we will also be installing an aquatic channel to enable fish and other aquatic life to easily travel down to the River Ise, as well as to support flood protection.

“The environment is front and centre of all that we do at Land & Water and as part of this we want to ensure that we are supporting the creation of habitats to increase biodiversity.”

David Cullum, Parks and Gardens Manager at Boughton Estate says: “In their heyday, the gardens were considered to be among the largest and finest in the country and in the last 30 years, considerable work has taken place to restore various features. It is an absolute privilege to be involved in this next exciting step of this journey and the restoration of Star Pond.”

“Everything we do should have a positive impact on the environment, whether that be designed or natural. We are excited to be able to do both with the restoration of Star Pond.”

Land & Water is due to be working at Boughton House until the end of summer. This coincides with another historical project at World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace, to remove 300,000m3 of silt from Queen Pool to preserve the legacy of the waterway for years to come.

LAS VEGAS – Platinum Contracting of Nevada, a leading independent full-service general contractor who specializes in underground utilities, is striving to advance Southern Nevada’s utility distribution through a series of underground installations. The installations will integrate energy, sewer, water, gas, phone and internet services below ground in effort to create a more efficient and reliable distribution system. 

The firm is currently installing underground utilities for Signature Homes’ newest housing development in Southwest Las Vegas, in addition to its ongoing installations for The Howard Hughes Corporation and Lake Las Vegas. The installations will provide utility connections to Nevada Energy, Cox Communications, CenturyLink, Southwest Gas, the City of Henderson and the City of Las Vegas.

“Underground utility distribution provides an efficiency and reliability that overhead utility lines lack. It can serve as a solution for cities looking to reduce outages while still striving to produce clean energy,” said Dean Gettman, CEO of Platinum Contracting of Nevada. “A continuum of energy resources are being implemented across the nation as we become more resource focused like solar, fuel cells and electric vehicles, requiring a reliable power grid to accommodate them.”

Underground utilities provide a reliable source of power and distribution through reducing the likelihood of public outages, weather damage, damages caused by equipment and overhead lines, maintenance, improving an environment’s aesthetic and more. According to the Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative, cities who have implemented underground utility ordinances such as, Ft. Collins and Colorado Springs, Colorado and Anaheim, California, are reporting 99.9 percent reliability rates and some with more than a 97 percent reduction in electric outage minutes.

“As state and national officials set goals for renewables, net zero energy, carbon free and so on, our distribution grids will need to adapt to be highly effective and complex to meet these goals,” said Gettman. “A key factor in transforming our grids to efficiently deliver clean energy is underground electrical distribution lines.”

With the introduction of federal programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding, the firm said it is expecting to see an uptick in demand later this year and early in 2024. 

“Our industry is seeing more and more multifamily, commercial and residential developers integrate underground utilities in their new developments to not only provide a reliable system for future residents and businesses, but also in preparation to accommodate new energy resources.” 

Platinum Contracting of Nevada has completed more than 30 underground utility installations throughout the past year for both commercial and residential developments, with more projects throughout the Las Vegas Valley set to begin later this year.

To learn more about Platinum Contracting of Nevada and its contracting services, visit www.platinumnv.com. 

ST. LOUIS, MO – Kwame Building Group (KWAME) has completed construction of a $3.1 million, 0.53-mile segment of Great Rivers Greenway’s St. Vincent Greenway, from Trojan Park to Robert L. Powell Place in Wellston, MO. Work included demolishing existing sidewalks along the route and replacing them with a 10-foot-wide, multi-use paved path. A small pocket park, including a raised platform that overlooks native plantings along the banks of Engelholm Creek, was constructed to replace a vacant lot. A MetroBus stop with improved seating was also added near the MetroLink tracks.

With the project site located in an active urban area, the primary project challenges included maintaining and coordinating access to adjacent businesses as well as ensuring pedestrian and public safety.

As project manager and construction manager, KWAME oversaw a particularly challenging portion of the project, which involved constructing four custom-fabricated concrete pieces—weighing thousands of pounds each—and placing them in Engelholm Creek to form a box culvert and create a tunnel that allows the stream to pass under the road. With the creek flowing under the street at an angle, each piece of concrete was skewed to accommodate the course of the water. The complexity of accurately placing the heavy concrete structures required a crane operator and crew. The greenway runs on top of the culvert via Engelholm Creek Bridge, which was widened as part of the project.

KWAME provided schedule management and construction oversight to minimize project risks and maximize success. KWAME also provided preconstruction services including constructability reviews of architectural drawings, cost estimating and subcontractor bid coordination. Lamar Johnson Collaborative and Lochmueller Group provided design. R.V. Wagner served as the general contractor.

With this new segment, the St. Vincent Greenway now extends north from Trojan Park along Stephen Jones Avenue and west to the intersection of Plymouth and Sutter Avenues. Heading west on Plymouth Avenue, the greenway connects with St. Louis County MET Center, STL VentureWorks and the Wellston MetroLink Station. When complete, the more than seven-mile St. Vincent Greenway will extend from North Hanley MetroLink through the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus all the way to Forest Park. The final two phases include a 1.69-mile segment that starts at the former Eskridge High School site and connects to St. Charles Rock Road and a 0.83-mile segment that connects St. Vincent County Park to the Rock Road Transit Center.

This project was a collaboration between Great Rivers Greenway, the City of Wellston, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District and Mysun Charitable Foundation.

KWAME has worked with Great Rivers Greenway on other segments of the St. Vincent Greenway, including the $3.2 million, 1.3-mile trail section that connects north St. Louis County to Forest Park. KWAME has also partnered with Great Rivers Greenway on the CityArchRiver Renovation at the Gateway Arch as well as the recently completed Foundry Trestle Pier Project and is currently working on the entire 10-mile Brickline Greenway, which spans 14 neighborhoods.

The Great Rivers Greenway network of accessible, car-free paths is being developed in three counties to connect St. Louisans with schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, civic and cultural institutions. Since 2000, Great Rivers Greenway has built 135 miles of greenways throughout the region with the goals of connecting diverse communities, providing recreational opportunities and alternative transportation options and increasing access equity to greenspaces.

Leading wet civil engineering firm, Land & Water, alongside the new sister company Earth Change, (which was set up to optimise the natural capital solutions for distressed land), has re-invented a drag box solution dating back to the early 1900s to restore the UK’s Saltmarshes, with the first full-scale trails, permitted by the MMO (Marine Maritime Organisation), completed in March 2023.

Saltmarshes provide incredible environmental benefits including acting as a natural flood defence, an absorbent of harmful nitrates and phosphates and a haven for wildlife to increase biodiversity.

Land & Water, and Earth Change, have partnered with Chichester Harbour Conservancy as part of the Solent Seascape Project for trials to restore the saltmarsh in Chichester Harbour. The need to restore this valuable environment follows the loss of 250ha of Saltmarsh in Chichester alone since 1945.

The UK dredges approximately 20 million tonnes of silt and mud a year maintaining our ports, harbours and marinas. The majority of this material is disposed of offshore, in designated disposal sites. The new technology allows this valuable resource to be reused for an environmental gain, and crucially “at scale”.

Restoring Saltmarshes within an intertidal habitat is not straightforward. The large barges and ships used in commercial dredging operations cannot directly access the shallow waters and mudflats where Saltmarsh proliferates. The use of the drag box enables the larger vessels to deposit their muddy cargoes close to the Saltmarsh at high tide, for retrieval once the tide has ebbed away.

The drag box methodology was used by Victorian engineers to dredge lakes, dragging a skid between two traction engines to recover silts and sediments ashore. Land & Water has borrowed modern hydraulic winching technologies from the Canadian Forestry Industry, coupled with a new/enlarged drag box design to enable the efficient recovery of large quantities of sediment in very short timescales, and with negligible environmental impact. (See below link)

James Maclean, CEO of Land & Water, says “This exciting new development shows how we can reuse materials from one industry in a positive way to increase the value of our nation’s Natural Capital. Our works are being underpinned by a team of national experts and we are delighted to have worked with a wide group of stakeholders to unlock this concept.

“Helping nature to help herself is hugely gratifying and finding an opportunity to provide an alternative beneficial reuse of what is usually a waste material that would previously be disposed of at sea is a truly circular economy concept at work.

“From trials conducted over eight years ago we know we can recolonise the Saltmarsh naturally with carefully crafted new landforms made from the silt, which is a totally natural product. This process provides knock-on benefits to water quality, bio-diversity net gain, reduce coastal erosion, improve sea defences, create green space habitats and carbon fixing… accessing new funds from developers, who can show corporate responsibility by funding nature’s recovery close to their new schemes.”

Chichester Harbour has a very high nature conservation value and is highly protected. But it has also lost nearly 60% of its Saltmarsh since 1946 (established using wartime military aerial photography as highlighted in Natural England’s Condition Review of Chichester Harbour SSSI February 2021). Similarly worrying levels of decline in Saltmarsh have been documented around the Solent, and more widely around the sensitive estuaries of the UK.

The research for the trials will be led by Angus Garbutt at The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), and Christian Dunn at Bangor University with Jo Preston at University of Portsmouth. Once finished, it will look to validate the nutrient and carbon uptake of the restored habitat and provide a basis for a new nutrient and carbon code for habitat trading. By validating the carbon and nutrient absorbing capacity of this Natural Capital asset, the credits from the re-creation will be offered to frustrated developers to offset the impacts of their new developments and stimulate nature’s recovery “in their own back yard”.

Tom Godfrey, Co-Founder of Earth Change, commented: “This has proven an incredibly efficient and low carbon method of reusing a material that’s usually deposited at sea to regenerate a failing SSSI Saltmarsh.

“Earth Change is very happy with how the saltmarsh restoration drag-box trial has gone to date. As a result, we have generated interest from other parties to use this method. I would like to thank our partners, Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Blue Marine Foundation, Endangered Landscape Programme and East Head Impact who have helped make this trial possible and to Land & Water who has delivered this innovative solution.”

Sarah Chatfield, CHaPRoN Manager, said: “CHaPRoN is very excited about the saltmarsh restoration project at West Itchenor. It has been a success so far and we look forward to seeing the saltmarsh begin to recolonise over the summer and reviewing the outcomes of the project with our statutory partners. We need to find different ways of working if we are to reverse the declining trend in biodiversity and we hope we can continue with this approach of saltmarsh restoration in Chichester Harbour in the years to come.”

Louise MacCallum, Solent Project Manager of Blue Marine Foundation, said: “It’s so inspiring to see the Solent Seascape Project being kicked off with such an innovative model to restore saltmarsh in one of the Solent’s most beautiful  harbours. I am looking forward to revisiting the site in the months and years to come to watch its colonisation by saltmarsh plants.”

Land & Water and Earth Change are set to undertake similar, full-scale trials at Lymington Harbour during the summer.

For more information about the trials at Chichester Harbour, please click here.

Dahiyat Al-Fursan is among the largest of the residential developments currently being developed by NHC and is specifically targeted to meet the needs of today’s Saudi families.

As Project Manager for the development, Hill will provide PMC services to the NHC, managing all of Al-Fursan’s first and second sub-developments and infrastructure packages. This includes program management, cost estimating, schedule management, risk management, contract management, change management, and all related PMC services to help ensure the NHC’s vision for Al-Fursan is realized as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

Hill Senior Vice President Dr. Adel Jemah said of the award: “Working with NHC to realize Al-Fursan is both an opportunity and an honor for our KSA team. The NHC’s goals are clear: to help Saudi families own their own homes in desirable, welcoming locations with the services and infrastructure they expect. Hill has a long history of helping our KSA clients achieve ambitious programs and projects, and this will be a proud addition to our portfolio.”

Hill Chief Executive Officer Raouf S. Ghali adds: “NHC is and always will be a core client for our company. We understand their priorities, their preferences, and their processes, and will work hand-in-hand with their team to deliver Al-Fursan as imagined.”

The innovative two-channel design enables a minimum flow of water through the diversion dam while also providing an avenue for boater bypass during high-flow recreational releases. Paddlers will now be able to traverse past the Diversion Dam with a similar difficulty grade as the beautiful corridor of Class II-III whitewater below.

“For anyone that cares about the environment and enjoys playing in rivers, this is a significant milestone,” said Scott Shipley, president of S2O Design and Engineering, the firm that led design and construction of the project. “Paddlers are going to come from all over the region to experience the rapids and surf waves of the Catawba’s Long Reach.”

The long bypass reach will receive six 2,940-cfs recreational releases on two Saturdays and four Sundays per month from March 1 to October 31. There will also be a continuous 850-cfs boatable base-flow from February 15 to May 15, and 450cfs the rest of the year.

The project’s 400-foot Main Channel directs most of the flow down 12 feet of drop from the reservoir to the bottom pool. It incorporates three innovative multi-stage drop structures optimized for safe passage and easy surfing at base flows, creating larger, more powerful whitewater features at release flows.

The 1,075-foot Recreation Bypass Channel (known locally as “the paperclip”) is a narrow, winding channel that features nine drop structures that control the rate and intensity of flows through the channel, a recovery pool, an island with gradually sloped sides, and portage trails for boaters to exit the channel if needed. The access channel’s design also incorporates special formations to prevent fish from being trapped at lower flows.

This project was spawned from Duke Energy’s FERC requirements when relicensing the Catawba-Wateree Hydro Project and is part of the utility’s ongoing efforts to further open local lakes and rivers to recreational use.

“This was an innovative approach to a complex challenge, and our team, including Duke Energy and the engineering firm, has done an outstanding job of navigating the numerous engineering, construction, environmental, and regulatory variables,” said Scott Shipley.

Shipley also stressed that while the features in both channels provide opportunities for playing and surfing, this is considered a flow release project and not a traditional whitewater park.

S2O Design commends American Whitewater, which represented paddling interests across the basin during the FERC relicensing process and was responsible for spearheading the effort to open up this reach of the Catawba River to boating.

Land subsidence is a phenomenon wherein the Earth’s surface sinks downwards. It occurs mainly due to human activities, such as excessive groundwater extraction. It is a major global concern, affecting 19% of the world’s population. In Japan, some parts of the Tokyo metropolitan region are already sinking. This process can accelerate the flooding of coastal areas and cause damage to buildings and infrastructure. Therefore, monitoring land subsidence is crucial.

In Japan, observation wells are utilized to measure changes in the land surface and groundwater levels every few months. Additionally, the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is also popular. However, observation wells are more reliable because atmospheric effects can modify GNSS observations. Observation wells require regular maintenance of their machines, which is expensive. Further, there is an anticipated shortage of engineers qualified to undertake the job as the Japanese population gets older with a declining birth rate. In this light, a new land subsidence monitoring technique—interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR)—is gaining attention.

Recently, Katsunoshin Nishi, a Ph.D. student at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering at Chiba University, Japan, along with a group of researchers, applied consecutive differential InSAR (DInSAR) to investigate land subsidence in Yokohama, Yokosuka, and Miura cities of Kanagawa prefecture in Japan. They compared the results obtained with those of other monitoring techniques. Their work was published in Volume 38, Issue 1 of the Geocarto International journal on 28 December 2022.

“InSAR is a remote sensing technique that uses two satellite SAR images to measure surface elevation. It exploits the phase of the satellite signal waves for the purpose. Going a step further, Consecutive DInSAR can measure millimeter changes in the elevation in time series, thus detecting land subsidence. It is quantified in terms of subsidence rate or land surface velocity,” explains Mr. Nishi. The work also involved contributions from Masaaki Kawai from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, Japan, Bowo Eko Cahyono from the University of Jember, Indonesia, Mirza Muhammad Waqard from Lumir Inc, Korea, Kaori Nishi from Bella Earther, Japan and Josaphat Tetuko Sri Sumantyo Chiba University, Japan and Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia.

In their study, the researchers analyzed the images acquired by Sentinel 1 European Space Agency satellite program—from August 2017 to March 2022 using SARPROZ software, which implements DInSAR. In addition, they also formulated a new computation model called “the law of material conservation.” It uses surface pressure values to calculate groundwater level and the amount and cause of land subsidence.

The researchers found that Consecutive DInSAR results were consistent with both observation well and GNSS data. Its mean subsidence rate of 1.58 cm/year was respectively within 0.02 cm/year and 0.90 cm/year of their corresponding values. Also, its mean Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was respectively 0.39 cm/year and 0.46 cm/year of their corresponding values. Further, the land subsidence mechanisms could be accurately identified through the proposed law.

In conclusion, Mr. Nishi highlights the long-term potential of the new monitoring technique. “By utilizing Consecutive DInSAR and satellite data, the government can take effective and timely measures to tackle land subsidence. Further, determining the extent and cause of land subsidence will enable the administration to set land subsidence thresholds and limit groundwater use. Consequently, people in coastal regions or previously-land subsided areas can live safely and securely.”

Overall, Consecutive DInSAR can potentially substitute the land subsidence observation well technique in future.

The more than ten-mile Brickline Greenway will connect 14 city neighborhoods and is part of the Great Rivers Greenway (GRG) network of accessible, car-free paths under development throughout the region to connect St. Louisans’ with schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, civic and cultural institutions. This project is being done in partnership with the City of St. Louis, reimaging streets to work for everyone.

As construction manager and program manager for the entire Brickline Greenway project, KWAME is overseeing and directing the project from conception to completion including the budget, quality control and schedule. KWAME also provided preconstruction services including constructability reviews of architectural drawings, cost estimating and bid coordination of subcontractors. GRG has collaborated with local partners and residents to develop the Brickline Greenway as well as the Mill Creek Valley public art monument.

A focal point of the artwork is a monument by St. Louis resident and nationally-acclaimed artist Damon Davis located at the southwest corner of the stadium site. The monument features a series of 10- to 12-foot, black granite and limestone pillars, each in the shape of an hourglass. Interpretive signs, maps and quotes from Mill Creek Valley residents also tell the story of the community that was cleared because of what the city described as “urban renewal.” The name, age and occupation of each resident taken from the 1940 U.S. Census is displayed. Rows of hedges and benches represent the placement of former buildings, with their addresses listed.

The one-mile-long installation will link to historic sites on the Harris-Stowe State University campus, which include some of the only remaining structures from the Mill Creek Valley neighborhood. Davis’ work is also part of Counterpublic 2023, a civic arts exhibition that commissions artists to create and present works in St. Louis that engage the city’s histories and imagine new futures.

KWAME is also the owner’s representative and program manager for construction of the CITYPARK Stadium, which opened in November for the CITY2 exhibition game. St. Louis City SC provided financial as well as other support for the art exhibit to drive exposure and discussion around this part of St. Louis’ history.

The Brickline Greenway is estimated to be completed in seven to 10 years, with three segments expected to open to the public by 2026. Spanning up to 14 neighborhoods, the paths will cut through the heart of the city and connect Forest Park, Gateway Arch National Park, Fairground Park and Tower Grove Park. The goal of the project is to increase access equity to greenspaces and connect diverse communities across St. Louis. A recent report by Greater St. Louis, Inc. determined that the Brickline Greenway will drive hundreds of millions of dollars in economic growth in the St. Louis metro area. This $460 million impact, which far exceeds the initial investment, will also result in numerous other social and economic benefits for the region as well as advance the restoration of the metro’s urban core, a key strategy of the STL 2030 Jobs Plan.

The Brickline Greenway project is led by GRG, the public agency that connects three of the counties in the St. Louis region with greenways since 2000. KWAME has worked with GRG on several other projects including the St. Vincent Greenway, the CityArchRiver Renovation at the Gateway Arch and the recently completed Foundry Trestle Pier Project.

K-Tec scraper product offerings include scrapers ranging from 28 to 63 cu.yds for various heavy construction and mining operations.

Ashland products include scrapers ranging from 3.25 to 34 cu.yds for the compact, agriculture, and industrial construction markets.

K-Tec and Ashland announced their merger at the previous ConExpo 2020 to become the market leading scraper manufacturer in the world, and Metalcraft of Georgia recently joined the K.A. Group in May of 2022.

Metalcraft scrapers have a niche in construction owner-operator and land forming/grading applications.

With a footprint of nearly 20,000 square feet space inside the show’s new West Hall, K.A. Group’s brands are featured at booth #W40231.

K.A. Group’s theme for the 2023 show is “Earthmoving For Everyone”. The company recognizes that earthmovers everywhere have a variety of materials to be moved from one location to another. The optimal equipment selected to move this material is dependent on the application, and the machines that are already owned by the earthmover. Contractors of all sizes can use their existing fleet of prime mover power-units to easily move bulk material by attaching a scraper. Whether you move millions of cubic yards of material as a heavy construction equipment manager or a solo landscaping contractor sculpting residential properties, K.A. Group has scrapers available to make the task of moving material more effective and improve fleet versatility. Whether attendees are involved in industrial mining, construction earthmoving, land leveling contracting, agricultural farming, or landscaping contracting, they will find an effective solution at the K.A. Group booth.

In the booth space, Case IH will be showcasing the tractor power-units that are perfectly paired with the optimal sized Ashland or K-Tec scrapers. Ashland’s new 1812E, 18 cu.yd scraper model will be connected to a Case IH Magnum tractor. The 24 cu.yd Ashland 2411E scraper will be attached to a Case IH Quadtrac tractor. K-Tec’s 1228 Train scrapers, with the ability to carry a tandem heaped capacity of 56 cu.yds. will be positioned behind the Case IH 555 wheeled tractor.

With mass market appeal, a CASE Construction Compact Track Loader will be fitted up with the Ashland 3250SS Scraper for contractors who want to see what it looks like to be able to bulk haul material with a common jobsite CTL machine.

K-Tec is the brand that pioneered the Articulated Dump Truck Scraper concept back at ConExpo 2008. The ADT scrapers are a versatile and economical method of earthmoving which has consistently gained popularity in the market. With a booth zone focused on heavy construction and mining this show, a variety of OEM’s are providing Articulated Dump Trucks ranging from 30 to 50 Tons, showcasing K-Tec scraper hauler integrations. These ADT’s will be on display with K-Tec’s 1228ADT (28 cu.yds) and 1237ADT Lead & Rear units (37 cu.yds each) to showcase to contractors that there is a scraper solution for whatever brand and size of rock trucks they currently have in their fleet. K-Tec will have a Virtual Reality (VR) experience for operator attendees to simulate the smooth scraper ride and machine controls of the ADT Scrapers.

K-Tec’s EJB4X Ejector Body will be fitted on the back of a Volvo A45G. The EJB allows for trucks to safely eject loaded material in areas with reduced overhead clearance.

An earthmoving implements zone will showcase a variety of complementary attachments that K.A. Group offers through its worldwide dealer network including a newly designed Land Leveler, and the popular Metalcraft Road Grader RG-14.

K.A. Group’s scraper specialists will be available at the booth for assisting attendees in assessing optimal earthmoving jobsite solutions. In addition, a team of design engineers and service technicians will also be present to answer any technical inquiries for attendees to gain education on what makes for an effective earthmoving equipment selection.

This broad spectrum of scrapers and earthmoving accessories showcased at K.A. Group’s ConExpo 2023 booth will enable contractors of all sizes to use their existing fleet of prime mover power-units to easily move bulk material. Attendees can unlock the potential of their existing equipment or idle fleet prime movers by turning them into efficient scraper haulers. Whether they own a fleet of numerous Articulated Dump Trucks, an agricultural tractor, or a single CTL skid steer, there are scrapers available to make the task of moving material more effective while optimizing equipment fleet versatility.

The $48 million daylighting of the Saw Mill River at Van der Donck Park—dedicated in 2012—led to $582.6 million in surrounding development, including the recent opening of the Great Point Studios/Lionsgate facility just a block from the park.

“Yonkers’ commitment to green redevelopment didn’t end with uncovering the Saw Mill River at Larkin Plaza,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Since taking office in 2012, my administration has “daylighted” two more sections of the river and expanded recreational opportunities with new fitness centers in parks, renovated playgrounds, and new sports fields like the soccer mini-pitch at Pelton Park, which opened in September. The city now has the resources to build a new, 3-acre waterfront park near the Ludlow Station and a new athletic field near the Boyce Thompson Center.”

With funds allocated by former Gov. George Pataki, Yonkers officials and Groundwork Hudson Valley began planning to uncover the river in the late 2000s.

After the park opened, rising property values around Van der Donck Park lifted Yonkers’ finances. Spano said that Yonkers leveraged the new revenue streams from this responsible development to improve public schools and infrastructure. For example, Yonkers’ current adopted budget of $1.4 billion is about 46% higher than the budget adopted the year the park opened.

In its September issue, National Geographic celebrated the success of Van der Donck Park, which has won landscape and architectural design awards. The magazine stated that “Nothing illustrates the promise of urban conservation more poetically than ‘daylighting’ a creek.”

Spano called the park’s success a vindication for his predecessors who at times faced skepticism and ridicule for envisioning a new downtown.

“Thanks to what was once considered a crazy idea of sacrificing parking to uncover a buried river, the city is delivering on a promise of greener urban spaces, upgraded parks and better access to magnificent waterfronts,” said Spano.

Revitalization efforts will retain the iconic Spiral Fountain and will feature a cascading waterfall to a newly renovated central pond which will be naturalized with gentle sloping littoral shelves to promote visitor safety. New supporting facilities include a new events stage and lawn, restrooms, splash pad, strolling gardens, bouldering walls and plaza overlook that captures vistas of the skyline of Downtown Columbia.

“The new visionary renovations to Finlay Park will enhance the quality of life of downtown Columbia, while also attracting new business and investors to the region,” said Assistant City Manager Henry Simons. “Columbia citizens have been waiting for Finlay Park’s revitalization, and we are excited about the connectivity and recreational engagement this will bring to our Main and Gervais Street and Vista corridor, and our entire growing downtown population.”

“Collaborating with Stantec and the entire design team has been crucial in evolving the community-driven goals of our masterplan,” added Todd Martin, Parks Planner and Landscape Architect for the city of Columbia. “The revitalized park will offer innovative programming for the community to enjoy in a safe, beautiful and sustainable park setting.”

Finlay Park opened in its current form in 1991 and long served as a centerpiece for recreation, events, and family gatherings. The redesign of Finlay Park respects the original goals and objectives of revered southern landscape architect Robert Marvin while improving accessibility to all amenities and addressing safety concerns that currently exist in the park. The new Finlay Park will provide better links to each destination, creating a park-in-motion for the community. This design will improve circulation and engage users through a series of diverse interconnected spaces while increasing accessibility, safety, and visibility with the aim to renew daily interest for outdoor leisure.

“Parks play a vital role in keeping communities healthy and active,” said Stantec Project Manager Jenny Horne. “Once complete, the revitalized Finlay Park will give Columbia residents and visitors alike a place to connect, relax, and play for many years to come.”

Stantec’s partners in the revitalization of Finlay Park include Civitas, Inc, a nationally recognized landscape architecture firm specializing in park planning and design, local architecture firm LS3P, Chao and Associates to provide site structural and site engineering, W.P. Law for aquatics and water feature design, and Buford Goff & Associates for engineering design services.

“We are proud to share that the revitalization of Finlay Park respects the original goals and objectives of revered South Carolina landscape architect Robert Marvin,” said Heather Mizer from Civitas. “The newly-designed park will aim to provide better links to each destination, creating a park-in-motion for the community.”

The city intends to break ground on the project by spring of 2023.

“Reefense: A Mosaic Oyster Habitat for Coastal Defense,” being led by Rutgers University, was recently awarded a $12.6 million grant by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The project will support protection of coastal civilian and Department of Defense (DoD) infrastructure and personnel vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

WSP will lead the preparation of project permits and manage construction of reef modules and complimentary mosaic habitats, such as saltmarshes and seagrasses. WSP also will work with other regional project partners to design and implement field experiments to investigate the effects of structural design on oyster predation and survival, and to collect field data at the project site to characterize existing site conditions and impacts of the project implementation.

“Nature-based solutions are more adaptable to changing environmental conditions caused by climate change,” said Nigel Temple, WSP environmental consultant and coastal restoration specialist. “This project seeks to expand the capabilities of these solutions to complement DoD needs — which are varied due to the diversity of DoD deployment or installation sites. For example, reef modules are expected to cost less to manufacture and will be more easily deployable than contemporary reef structures.

“Our work in the Gulf Coast and elsewhere in coastal areas around the world demonstrates WSP as a leader in this field and we are thrilled that Rutgers put its faith in our firm as a partner for this important environmental work,” he added.

WSP has been involved in a variety of coastal restoration projects using engineered oyster reefs, including the Franklin-98 Living Shoreline, which will create 20 acres of oyster reefs and 30 acres of saltmarshes to repair eroded areas of the Apalachicola Bay shoreline along Highway 98 in Franklin County, Florida. WSP also is monitoring the development of oyster reefs in Pensacola Bay, Florida, and supported the Living Breakwaters project off the coast of Staten Island, New York. 

Sea level rise and more frequent and severe storm events are accelerating erosion along the coast and putting critical infrastructure at risk. Conventional coastal protection is often rigid and has limited living components such as oysters or saltmarshes. As such, these structures provide little ecological value, are susceptible to damage over time, can exacerbate storm surge damage, and require routine maintenance and, ultimately, replacement.

One of the goals of Reefense is to engineer an ecologically functional structure that leverages the multi-benefits of nature-based solutions.

Engineered oyster reefs provide the strength of hard structures to attenuate wave action and help protect shorelines, the ability to self-heal after storm damage and the ecological uplift created by the organisms that colonize the structure support biodiversity and improve water quality.

The reef system will use biodegradable concrete and a low-carbon material in a structure that will provide adaptive capacity to allow oysters to migrate upwards as sea levels rise. This will be the first use of biodegradable concrete with mechanical stability and life-span durability, which will create a productive and resilient base structure for oyster colonization and resilience.

“Oysters and other filter feeders that colonize the reefs help to clean the water and serve as food sources for other marine organisms, while the marshes provide important habitat for birds, crabs, fish and other species,” Temple said. “In turn, the ecological restoration supports the fisheries production, recreational opportunities and improved water quality.”

David Bushek, director of Rutgers’ Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory, is leading the project. In addition to WSP, partners on the project include the University of Melbourne, the University of Western Australia, the University of Central Florida, Mississippi State University, Louisiana State University, Auburn University, the Partnership for Delaware Estuary, and the University of Arizona. 

About WSP USA

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering, environment and professional services firms. Recognized on Fast Company’s Brands that Matter List for 2022 as a top Community-Minded Business, WSP USA brings together engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,500 employees in 200 offices across the U.S., WSP partners with its clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com

The firm worked closely with the Jersey City Redevelopment Authority, Jersey City Planning, and the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority assisting Bayfront Development Partners, a joint venture between Pennrose LLC and Omni America LLC, to secure a redevelopment agreement for the first phase of the Bayfront Redevelopment Area.

“The Bayfront project is exciting because it is an opportunity to transform underutilized land and remediate areas creating an affordable neighborhood with extensive open space, vibrant mixed-use, multi-modal community along the Hackensack River waterfront,” said MidAtlantic Partner Louis Zuegner. “We worked closely coordinating with various Jersey City agencies and the project team to ensure this initial development meets the City’s expectations and sets the stage for future phases within the redevelopment area.”

“Congratulations to Pennrose and Omni for achieving this major project milestone as the developer for Phase l,” said MidAtlantic Partner William Parkhill. “We believe the Bayfront project can be a model for other urban areas to follow on how to incorporate affordable housing with market-rate housing to create a community that provides a remarkable living experience and quality amenities.”

“In fact, the entire Bayfront Redevelopment Area envisions approximately 8,100 residential units, 400,000 square feet of retail space, 330,000 square feet of office space, and 150,000 square feet of public space; along with vast park areas; a ferry pier; fire station; and K-8 school. We look forward to continuing to assist in the redevelopment of this former industrial property into a vibrant and positive area of Jersey City,” Parkhill concluded.

The two parks will each feature 6 blocks of active recreation, bike and pedestrian trails, playgrounds, and nature areas. The redevelopment area is situated between Route 440 and the Hackensack River near New Jersey City University and Society Hill. Bayfront Promenade will feature a six-story, 210-unit building with ground floor space for a daycare, credit union, and community technology center. The development’s streetscape will boast a complete street mobility design offering a new street grid with on-street parking, boulevard roadways, protected bike lanes, wide sidewalks, bump-outs with green infrastructure, extensive street trees and landscaped areas, decorative lighting, dedicated loading zones, and other inviting features. Grade changes and fill placement of several feet coupled with enhanced storm conveyance systems are designed to provide increased flood resilience measures.

Queen Pool, which was created in 1715, had become heavily silted putting its extensive eco-system at risk. Land & Water started works earlier this year, making it the Pool’s first dredge in over 100 years, to safeguard the lake for years to come and reinstate the depth of the Pool to around two metres.

Due to the scientific and ecological importance of this site, Land & Water designed a methodology to protect the lake bed as much as possible. The firm is also using specifically commissioned equipment including Hoppers named Reg who likes to Dredge and Mallard, as chosen by the public.

Land & Water’s Project Manager, Charlie Oakes, said: “We are thrilled to have reached the 100,000m3 milestone. The Blenheim project has been an incredible undertaking for Land & Water and we have valued the chance to work on such an iconic landscape.

“We are now a third of the way through our dredging journey at Blenheim Palace, with the final dredge anticipated to finish early next year.”

Blenheim Estate director Roy Cox commented: “The Queen Pool is an iconic part of the World Heritage Site, it’s a SSSI, a fishery and a national treasure seen by over a million people each year.

“Over 70 per cent of the lake now has a depth of just 30cms or less. It is silting up at a rate of one to two centimetres per year but, during severe storms, deposits can reach up to 20cm.

“Without this drastic intervention the Queen Pool would revert to a wetland in the next 5-10 years and the nation’s ‘Finest View’ will be lost,” he added.

Land & Water has been working at the iconic property since April 2022 and looks to dredge 300,000m3 of silt during the project. This removed silt is being relocated up to Great Park, where it will be create a landform (a hill or mound) over 16ha. This land will then be returned to grassland.

The Dredge by Numbers

Total lorry loads to date– 10,707

Lorry load in m3 – 9.4

Tonnes – 150,968.7

Volume of silt removed (m3) to date – 100,645.8

Days dredging – 93

Average volume (m3) of silt remover per day – 1,082

Average truck loads deposited per day – 115

A critical channel deepening project that will help move cargo more efficiently to and from the U.S. advanced Monday after the Long Beach Harbor Commission concluded an extensive environmental review process and greenlit the endeavor.

The work will also allow the Port to welcome newer, cleaner, and more efficient cargo vessels. The Port of Long Beach and the federal government will share the costs, estimated at almost $170 million. The Port’s portion is estimated at $109 million.

“By improving navigation in Long Beach Harbor, goods will speed faster around the supply chain, yielding enormous economic benefits for our city, region, and the nation,” said Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman. “At the same time, it will make operations safer and help lessen environmental impacts on our community.”

“We already accommodate some of the largest ships in the world here,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “Deepening and improving our waterways will give these vessels more room to maneuver, and to do so more efficiently by taking on more containers, reducing the number of ship calls and associated emissions.”

Among other features, the project includes deepening the Long Beach Approach Channel from 76 feet to 80 feet deep, easing turning bends in the Main Channel to deepen a wider area to 76 feet, deepening parts of the West Basin from 50 to 55 feet, constructing an approach channel and turning basin to Pier J South with a depth of 55 feet, improving the breakwaters at the entrance to Pier J, and depositing dredged material in nearshore sites for refuse or in federally approved ocean disposal sites.

Last October, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers concluded a multi-year federal study that showed deepening and widening channels in the harbor would lead to improved vessel navigation, safety, and national economic benefits of almost $21 million annually. In July, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a Record of Decision concluding the federal environmental review process for the project. The important milestone opens the way for projects to compete for federal funding. An environmental impact report the Commission approved Monday is available at www.polb.com/ceqa.

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. With 175 shipping lines connecting Long Beach to 217 seaports, the Port handles $200 billion in trade annually, supporting more than 575,000 Southern California jobs.

Land & Water has worked with Canal & River Trust for over 20 years now, as its official dredging contractor, and so this framework will see the firm extend its services to maintain the Trust’s 2,000 miles of canal networks.

Lucy Lee, Contracts Manager at Land & Water, said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with the Canal & River Trust and supporting them across the different regions to maintain and enhance the 200 year old waterways.

“We are already proudly responsible for the delivery of all dredging, vegetation clearance and associated minor ancillary civils whilst also being the charity’s contractor of choice for all moorings and marina development.

“Land & Water prides itself on working collaboratively with clients to deliver sustainable solutions, as part of our drive to becoming carbon net zero, whilst protecting the environments we work within. We are very much looking forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with the Canal & River Trust.”

The framework will cover civil engineering and maintenance works to the canal networks including construction work, culverts, bridges, footpaths, weirs and reservoirs.

This is according to BPD Plant Hire workshop manager Richard Stoltz, who installed Vesconite bushings on the main pivot points of a JCB TLB (tractor-loader-backhoe) and a New Holland skid steer

Prior to introducing Vesconite, OEM bronze parts were installed on both machines, notes Stoltz.

However, operators did not grease the parts and the hiring company found that the bronze bushings tended to wear away within three to six months, he says.

Seeking a solution to the wear problem, BPD turned to Vesconite bearing materials.

Stoltz had used the material for its wear and self-lubricating properties in the past, but had used it for wear plates and slides rather than bushings previously.

Needing a solution to overcome the short lifespan of the bronze bushings, he first installed the Vesconite bushings on the TLB and was so impressed that he then installed Vesconite bushings on the skid steer.

The Vesconite TLB bushings have operated for two years and are still in working condition. The skid steer bushings, meanwhile, have been installed for six months and are running well.

Stoltz confirms that self-lubricating Vesconite has proven advantageous on the bushings of the bucket dipper arm of the TLB and the bottom loader arm bushings on the skid steer.

These parts are exposed to the most friction and wear and, if bronze OEM parts are used without greasing, they, unlike Vesconite, do not last, he says.

The work will involve the rebuilding of a failed stone wall, dewatering of the working area and important focus on control of the water quality throughout.

For centuries, Polson Bridge was the main entry point into Cornwall and, since the addition of Launceston’s dual carriageway bypass, is now just a few hundred metres from the current A30 route.

Fiona Moore, Divisional Business Manager at Land & Water, said: “We are extremely excited to be delivering these works alongside the Environment Agency in the Devon and Cornwall region. 

“Land & Water will be working collaboratively with the Project Manager within the Environment Agency and their team to ensure procedures are adhered to and the surrounding area is protected as much as possible.

“Once we have finished at Polson Bridge the works will help to protect this important Gauging Station for years to come and protect the natural river banks from further erosion”.

TORONTO — Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) and Tridel Builders Inc. have filed a rezoning submission with the City of Toronto, requesting an increase in the density of development in the Regent Park Phases 4 and 5 lands. The increased density will enable TCHC and Tridel to build 1,000 more units of housing than previously planned for, and add thousands of square metres of gardens, retail and community space.

If approved, this rezoning will do more than create affordable homes and new community spaces. It will maximize the value of public assets to create prosperity for the residents of Regent Park, Cabbagetown, Moss Park and St. James Town. As well, it will strengthen the Downtown East neighbourhood as a thriving and vibrant community for all Torontonians to use and enjoy well into the 22^nd century. To underinvest in the potential of Regent Park is to risk the opportunity for a transformed community and a thriving neighbourhood for future generations.

This rezoning submission was developed in close consultation with community members. In more than 1,500 resident interactions, TCHC and Tridel used surveys, virtual community meetings, focus groups and engagement with community organizations to develop a plan that centres the vision that Regent Park residents have for their community. Repeatedly, residents expressed strong support for a plan that creates more homes, beautiful urban green space and world-class amenities. If approved, this rezoning will deliver the plan that residents have asked for.

The Phases 4 and 5 lands are bordered by Gerrard Street and Oak Street to the north and south, and River Street and Dreamers Way to the east and west. In 2014, a plan was approved that included 564 rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units as part of the plan to replace 2,083 TCHC-operated RGI units in Regent Park. Also included were 3,465 square metres of commercial space for businesses and 1,353 market units.

The rezoning submission, supported by Tridel, comes on the heels of strong government support for new affordable housing. If approved, the rezoning could add the following to the already approved 2014 plan:

• More than 500 additional TCHC-operated RGI or affordable units
• 1,792 additional market units
• 4,454 square metres of additional commercial and retail space
• 3,525 square metres of new community and cultural space
• A new Toronto Public Library

TCHC and Tridel’s plan is a transformative roadmap that would complete the exceptional work started by the Daniels Corporation, making Regent Park a premiere example of successful revitalization. Whether it is top-notch athletic facilities, a glittering new library or a prosperous new high street with micro-retail, local business and fresh food markets, Regent Park can be a destination where everyone is welcome. With the support of all three levels of government, Regent Park can be a living legacy of progress, sustainability and—above all—empowered residents.

QUOTES:

“As Regent Park phase 4 and 5 moves forward we welcome the creation of a new complete community with the inclusion of social housing stock and affordable housing that our City so crucially needs.”

—Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão, Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee

“There’s tremendous excitement and expectation in the local community as the iconic Regent Park Revitalization moves into the final stage of planning. An independent rezoning process informed by strong community input will ensure additional public and private investments continue to flow into this award-winning neighbourhood. I look forward to the opportunities for collaboration and the continued public consultation in the days ahead.”

—Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, Ward 13 Toronto Centre

“I’m delighted that plans are in place to relocate the Parliament Street branch into Regent Park and to build a new library as a part of Phases 4 & 5 of Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s development. We are looking forward to collaborating and consulting with the community to ensure the new branch includes the appropriate library services and programs to meet the needs of the community.”

—Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library

“In today’s climate, where housing affordability is on the minds of all Torontonians, this rezoning submission is an opportunity to house hundreds of families in new rent-geared-to-income and affordable housing. Beyond housing, our plan is a potential turning point for our city, where we can decide to help keep Toronto affordable. I am grateful to The Daniels Corporation for starting this project, excited to be working with Tridel Builders to realize our vision and optimistic about the support of the City of Toronto to bring this plan to life.”

— Jag Sharma, President and CEO, TCHC

“Tridel is excited to be a strategic partner for such an important initiative. We are thrilled to be working closely with both Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto to support the need to build housing throughout the city. The Regent Park revitalization of Phases 4 and 5 is a long-term partnership focused on providing innovative, actionable solutions to affordable housing. We look forward to continue engaging with the community to bring their vision of Regent Park to life. As a homebuilder, the rezoning application is an important milestone that aligns with our commitment to deliver quality, sustainable homes to Toronto residents and families.”

—Dino Carmel, CEO, Tridel Group

PITTSBURGH (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With landscape construction and maintenance shifting into high gear, LandOpt is sharing expert advice with contractors who are facing record high fuel prices. It also is offering contractors a complimentary fuel spending analysis.

LandOpt helps independent landscape contractors increase profitability, cash flow and revenue through consulting, coaching, training and marketing support.

According to Andrew Dickson, a LandOpt coach and vice president of Operations, contractors need to proactively manage their fuel costs. “That begins with knowing your numbers and understanding the role fuel plays in your expenses,” he said. “We work with our contractors to prepare annual budgets, which are even more critical when unexpected events like this year’s fuel price inflation happen,” he added. “Let’s say in December you budgeted $120,000 for gas this year. With prices up 50%, you need to plan for an additional $60,000 in expenses and adjust your budget accordingly.”

When fuel costs started to jump, LandOpt quickly helped its contractors revise their budgets and develop action plans to improve efficiency, control costs and increase revenue. With prices expected to remain high throughout the growing season, here are five strategies LandOpt recommends:

1. Optimize routes. For many contractors, maintenance makes up the bulk of their revenue. With some vehicles making eight stops a day, having very efficient routes significantly reduces mileage and fuel use. “The technology used to design routes has gotten much better,” Dickson said. “There are a number of tools that help contractors create routes that save time and money. It’s a matter of knowing what’s available and determining which one is best for a particular contractor.” Aspire Software and LMN are among the providers that offer products developed for the landscape management industry.
2. Improve training and team communications. Requiring drivers to turn off their vehicles when they’re not needed is one simple way to reduce consumption, but that requires consistent training. “It’s one thing to have a policy to limit idling, but you need to train crews on it and constantly remind them to turn off vehicles when they’re not in use,” Dickson said. LandOpt also suggests offering bonuses to crews that do the best job reducing fuel consumption.
3. Raise prices or add fuel surcharges now. Many contractors are hesitant to hike rates or add surcharges, having already raised prices because of labor costs. Dickson says waiting is a bad idea, as fuel prices are expected to stay high. Recouping costs and getting back on budget later in the year will be difficult. He noted that companies including Amazon are passing on fuel costs to customers.
4. Communicate price increases to customers in advance. “Rather than surprising customers with notes about increases and surcharges on invoices, be proactive,” Dickson advised. “Phone calls, e-blasts and letters sent before invoices go out help to build and maintain good customer relationships.”
5. Consider adding on-site fuel facilities. Larger contractors can benefit from maintaining their own fuel tanks. According to Dickson, this is one of the best strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. “Think about how much time is wasted when an entire crew is at a gas station filling up vehicles and tanks for 15 or 20 minutes at every stop,” he said. “It’s far more efficient to maintain your own storage tanks and have one employee fill up all of the vehicles and other equipment at the end of the day. Fuel purchased in bulk will be cheaper, too.”

Based on a recent analysis, LandOpt contractors’ operating profits last year averaged 9.76%. By comparison, according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, contractors nationwide with 51-100 employees averaged 7.6%. LandOpt contractors in 2021 also beat their own sales goals by 26%, with overall revenues up 42.7%.

To help contractors who are not part of the LandOpt system cope with this year’s record fuel costs, the company is offering a complimentary fuel cost analysis. Contact Alison Blobner at 412.567.4328 x 303 or alison.blobner@landopt.com to schedule a call or video meeting.

“They bring energy and new ideas that, when coupled with the existing leadership, are an integral part of the future of Giffels Webster,” said Scott Clein, PE, LEED, AP, president and partner at Giffels Webster. “For 70 years, Giffels Webster has been committed to providing quality service to our clients, and our new partners will play a key role in continuing this legacy while guiding the future of the firm.”

The most recent additions to the leadership team are:

• Nancy Standish, PE, LEED AP – Standish has 17 years of experience with Giffels Webster and most recently served as a senior project manager. She is a registered professional engineer, LEED AP certified and has degrees in architecture and civil engineering from Lawrence Technological University. Standish works on a wide range of land development projects including residential, commercial, institutional, and municipal from concept planning through construction.
• Terence Thomas – Thomas joined the firm in 1999 and recently served as senior project manager, specializing in urban redevelopment, especially in the City of Detroit. He also has experience in public and private sector projects, helping build communities throughout Wayne and Oakland counties. He has more than 23 years of experience in the industry and was previously employed by the City of Detroit DPW Traffic Engineering Division.
• Andy Wakeland, PE – Wakeland has over 15 years of experience in civil engineering and has most recently served as a senior project manager overseeing a variety of residential and commercial developments via Giffels Webster’s Birmingham office. He has worked on many projects in land development and municipal engineering. Wakeland’s projects throughout the years have ranged from big to small and urban to suburban, giving him insight into the many unique challenges that can occur with each project. Wakeland received his Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from the University of Detroit Mercy (2007) and has served the University on the College of Engineering and Science Alumni Board.

The partners will maintain their current roles of managing projects, guiding clients and leading their peers in each of their respective offices and service areas. As leadership team members, they will have a heightened role in company policy and the firm’s overall management.

The site is just north of the Air Force Research Labs (AFRL), which consists of two Research Directorates – Directed Energy and Space Vehicles. While technically on Kirtland AFB, MaxQ will not be behind the security fence, and tenants will be accessible to the public. It will have a dedicated pedestrian gate providing secure access to Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB) and include secure office and lab space.

The first organization to announce its intent to occupy a stand-alone building at MaxQ is Northrop Grumman, a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Construction of their new facility has started, and Northrop Grumman will occupy the building in February 2023.  Other tenants will be announced soon. MaxQ’s unique location offers unparalleled proximity for contractors and others who work with government agencies on Kirtland AFB. It also offers convenience, as it plans to have its own dedicated base entrance. For the thousands who work at Kirtland AFB and to everyone who works or lives near the base, it will offer convenient dining, retail and other amenities.

“Albuquerque is at the forefront of the cutting-edge aerospace industry and will stay there because of strategic investments that support legacy players and welcome new ones,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “MaxQ will be more than just a state-of-the-art location for business to thrive, it will be an anchor for the community and a new space for Albuquerque’s families to enjoy.”

Phase one consists of approximately 20 acres east of Carlisle Blvd. and is proposed to be a mixed-use town center-style development with retail, drive-thru quick service restaurants, hotel, restaurants, office and research & development space. The four-phase project is being designed by leading architecture firm Dekker/Perich/Sabatini.

“MaxQ at Kirtland brings to fruition opportunity and possibility for people and companies,” said Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa, Chair. “Our county, with its air force base, national laboratories, university, and talent pool, has always been a magnet to firms that work to change the world with innovative technologies. We are excited about this infill project as it will help strengthen our region’s position in various industry segments, contribute to our economic base, and create more jobs.”

“Albuquerque is seeing huge interest from regional and national companies – specifically in aerospace and manufacturing, both industries that will be interested in the MaxQ@Kirtland opportunities,” said Danielle Casey, CEO, Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance. “This sort of public/private partnership is what’s needed to propel us forward to maximize the opportunities.”

MaxQ is made possible through the Department of the Air Force’s Enhanced Use Lease program, which allows the military to lease land on military bases to the private sector for private development at fair market value or in-kind consideration. The United States Air Force and TKD signed the formal 50-year Enhanced Use Lease in October 2020.  For more information visit www.MaxQNM.com

 WASHINGTON, DC – Ninyo & Moore of Los Angeles, Calif., has earned a National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 55^th annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) for design of Terminal 1.5 at Los Angeles International Airport.

Ninyo & Moore provided geotechnical engineering services for the five-story, 52,000-square-foot building connecting Terminals 1 and 2. The building also provides additional space for federal security requirements, and an uninterrupted link between existing ticketing and baggage claim lobbies. These and other features enhance operational flexibility and efficiency for the airport and airlines.

During construction, the project team encountered a large area of undocumented fill, which normally would have to be removed and the area recompacted to ensure structural stability. Ninyo & Moore’s evaluation of this area determined its suitability to support Terminal 1.5, saving the airport more than

$1 million in added construction costs and keeping the project on schedule. The firm also ensured the existing terminal foundations were properly supported and protected during excavation and construction.

The project is part of 195 entries this year representing engineering excellence from throughout the nation and the world. Judging for the awards program—known industry-wide as the “Academy Awards of the engineering industry”– took place in February and was conducted by a national 27-member panel of built environment leaders, along with experts from government, the media and academia. Award criteria focused on uniqueness and originality, technical innovation, social and economic value, and generating excitement for the engineering profession.

Recognition of all award winners including top winners—20 Honor Awards, 16 Grand Awards and the prestigious “Grand Conceptor Award” for the year’s most outstanding overall engineering achievement—will take place during the 2022 EEA Gala, to be held in Grand Hyatt, Washington, DC, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

“KFW Engineers & Surveying’s geographic reach complements our existing footprint regionally throughout Texas which will enhance our existing services there,” explained Kevin L. Haney, PE, President and CEO of Colliers Engineering & Design. “This partnership aligns with our strategic growth through land development opportunities, while enabling us to better serve and support our Texas clients and communities.

“Partnering with Colliers Engineering & Design provides continued growth for our clients, and employees,” stated Steven Krauskopf, PE and Co-founder of KFW Engineers & Surveying. “Together, we can leverage our depth of technical expertise by integrating surveying and engineering services and long-standing client relationships that will further develop Texas and the southeast.”

The acquisition of KFW Engineers + Surveying promises to create a dynamic and positive environment, positioning the combined entity to better serve our clients with more comprehensive services and continue growth opportunities within the A/E industry. This agreement maintains the firm’s senior leadership as significant shareholders of the business under Colliers Engineering & Design’s unique partnership model.

Now in its 31st year, The Immokalee Foundation is 100% focused on education and professional development for a group of students from kindergarten through postsecondary education. With an economy precariously reliant on agriculture, Immokalee, located in South-Central, Florida, is one of the poorest and least educated communities in the United States. The poverty rate in Immokalee is over 43%. Plus, the poverty rate for children is even higher, with over one-half of the children between the ages of 5- and 17-years old living below the poverty level.

The Foundation’s Careers Pathways Program—which helps students beginning in middle school explore professional career pathways—provides opportunities and training for high-demand professional careers throughout Southwest Florida. The four pathways include Engineering & Construction Management, Healthcare, Education & Human Services, and Business Management & Entrepreneurship.

The transformative Engineering & Construction Management Pathway developed by The Immokalee Foundation addresses two critical obstacles—breaking the generational cycle of poverty in Immokalee while building the next generation of skilled management professionals in the construction industry.

According to industry experts, 2 million workers are needed over the next three years to meet the growing construction demand throughout the United States. And of the available workers, construction firms say 72% of candidates lack the necessary qualifications and hands-on experience according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

“The current, and future, demand for construction services in Southwest Florida surpasses the regional resources available,” said Greg Brisson, President of BCB Homes. “Future leaders in the Southwest Florida construction industry are in our communities. It is our mission along with The Immokalee Foundation and many of our trusted trade partners to educate and guide young, enthusiastic men and women into lucrative and stable careers in construction in Southwest Florida. This program will enhance our industry and strengthen our community. We are proud to be a partner in this incredible program.”

The Career Pathways Learning Lab project is a one-of-a-kind experiential learning opportunity that enables students to work and train alongside industry professionals to learn about land development, home construction, marketing and sales. With a goal of training our nation’s future construction industry leaders, The Learning Lab not only helps address the short-term need for qualified construction personnel but also is helping change the landscape of Immokalee. A once-vacant lot is being transformed into a beacon of hope and proof that the Foundation’s programs are creating new pathways to success. The project will result in 18 1,680+ square feet homes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage in the heart of Immokalee. The homes will be sold at market value to help support the program.

“The Immokalee Foundation has created a template that, if introduced nationally, would greatly improve the availability of trained construction professionals,” said Steve Pryor, former President of ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “Though they are changing a relatively small community in Florida, The Immokalee Foundation deserves to be viewed as role models for innovative education.”

“Our students are learning valuable skills that will help set them up for a lifetime of success while helping transform the landscape of their community for the better,” said Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. “This program is truly transformative for our community and our students. Building these homes in their hometown of Immokalee is profoundly meaningful for them.”

Building on a legacy of earth-moving innovation spanning 180 years, CASE now presents the “E-Series” crawler excavators – where “E” stands for “Excellence” – ranging from 13 to 30- metric ton models: CX130E, CX160E, CX180E, CX210E, CX240E, CX250E, CX300E. They all feature best-in-class benefits, offering customers greater controllability, reliability, operator comfort, efficiency, productivity, and lower total cost of ownership (TCO), and are all powered by FPT Industrial’s NEF engines.

The choice of FPT Industrial NEF engines will guarantee an improved transient response ensuring high reliability, thus responding to the demanding needs of this specific application. With the E-Series CASE completes its Stage V offering confirming FPT Industrial as a strong partner.

The new E-Series incorporates more powerful and efficient Stage V engines, which offer greater displacement while meeting stringent emissions requirements. The 13-18-metric ton models feature the N45, the 4.5-liter engine from the renowned NEF series, while the N67 (6.7-liter, 6-cylinder version from the same engine family) powers the 21-30-metric ton models.

The NEF engines powering the new CASE E-Series ensure optimal combustion efficiency thanks to their EGR-free architecture, while the FPT-patented HI-eSCR2 after-treatment system results in low running costs – this for-life system has no need for mechanical cleaning or replacement parts over its life cycle. High-capacity filters with clogging sensor deliver bestin-class service intervals of up to 1,000 hours, an outstanding improvement over previous solutions.

With the NEF engines powering this new range of excavators, more and more CASE Construction vehicles are being supplied with an FPT engine. This provides advantages in the field, with the management of construction sites greatly simplified.

To allow the use of renewable fuels, NEF Stage V engines fitted on all E-Series models are compatible with EN15940-compliant fuels, such as the increasingly popular HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils).

Designed for the most demanding construction equipment missions, the NEF series is the foremost example of FPT Industrial’s technological excellence. Since 2001, more than 2 million engines have been manufactured for a wide range of applications: construction equipment, agriculture, on-road, marine, and power generation.

FPT Industrial’s offering for the earthmoving sector features engine families with power outputs ranging from 40 to 670 kW, and displacements of 2.8 to 20 liters. They can be installed on a number of applications such as excavators, wheel loaders, skid steer loaders, graders, dozers, forklifts, and cranes, amongst others.

With best-in-class performance in terms of power, torque, fuel efficiency, and reliability, the NEF series stands out for its flexibility, with 4- (N45) and 6- (N67) cylinder configurations, as well as a wide range of options to customize the solution to the customers’ requirements.

Both NEF engines and the HI-eSCR2 system for Stage V compliance are offered in a compact and lightweight package to facilitate installation on the vehicle, offering a wide range of aftertreatment layouts for customized solutions.

Combining robustness, reliability, and performance, NEF engines have been chosen by huge numbers of customers over the years for heavy-duty off-road applications.

“The new CASE E-Series excavators are a perfect example of how a combination of new and leading features can integrate and work together to deliver customers great and real benefits.” says Diego Rotti, Off-Road Product Marketing Manager of FPT Industrial. “We are proud to provide CASE Construction Equipment with powerful and efficient engine solutions granting the technological excellence they deserve and to do our very best to keep CASE at the top of such a competitive and demanding industry.

For further technical specifications, visit www.fptindustrial.com/global/it/motori/offroad/movimento-terra/n45

GREENWOOD, Ind. – The board of directors of Underground Safety Alliance (USA), the umbrella non-profit organization for Indiana 811 and Kentucky 811, today announced Justin Sell as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Sell has been with the organization since 2011 and most recently served as Director of Operations and Technology for the last four years. In 2021, Sell led USA’s transition to a new software platform, Exactix, which serves as the technology backbone of the organization. Prior to joining USA, Sell was a Senior Systems Engineer for three years at USIC, the largest utility locate contractor in the United States.

In his new role, Sell will lead all strategic planning, administration, program execution and staff management for the “811 Before You Dig” centers in Indiana and Kentucky. He will also provide thoughtful, fiscally sound recommendations and counsel to the USA Board of Directors.

Sell assumes day-to-day leadership of an organization that plays a vital role in protecting the safety and utility service connections of Indiana and Kentucky residents. Indiana 811 and Kentucky 811 transmit information provided by professionals and homeowners who plan to dig to member utilities that operate underground gas, oil, electric, communications, water, sewer and other facilities to help prevent damages to vital infrastructure during excavation.

“Justin Sell is the right person to lead the Underground Safety Alliance team in providing the best service to all members and everyone who digs in Indiana and Kentucky,” said George Kemp, Chairman of the Underground Safety Alliance Board of Directors. “Justin’s deep experience in utility damage prevention and previous leading roles in executing USA’s mission made him the ideal candidate for the important public safety work this organization performs every day.”

“I’m eager to get started in my new role and lead the incredibly talented and hard-working team I’ve been fortunate to work with for the last decade,” said Sell. “I’m ready to connect with all of our teams, confirm plans for the year ahead and work hard to protect our members’ underground facilities and the safety of everyone who digs in Indiana and Kentucky.”

Sell begins his new role at an incredibly busy time for the organization. In 2021, USA staff processed a combined 2.1 million inbound requests online and by phone at 811 from professional excavators and homeowners in 2021, resulting in 12.5 million notifications to member facility operators.

For more information about Underground Safety Alliance, please visit usa811.org. Information about Indiana 811 and Kentucky 811 can be found at Indiana811.org and Kentucky811.org, respectively.

The new mulcher is powered by the 77.6 kW (104 hp) Cat C3.6 Diesel Engine meeting U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final/EU Stage V emission standards. An alternate emissions package for the C3.6 is available to meet Tier 3-equivalent standards. The machine’s lower sloping hood line improves visibility to the mulching head, allowing the operator to better assess the jobsite from the cab. Standard auto reversing fan purges debris from the radiator and enclosures, plus the hinged grill requires no tools to access the radiator for cleaning.

Isolating machine vibration from the operator to reduce fatigue, the Cat HM518 Mulcher controls are mounted on the air-suspension seat. Inside the pressurized, heated and air-conditioned cab, an intuitive operator interface features a 25.4 cm (10 in) color touchscreen monitor with standard reversing camera display to help improve all-around visibility to the jobsite. An in-cab drum indicator offers quick glance of drum speed and direction to help the operator manage ground speed and mulching productivity.

Featuring cladding material in high-wear areas, the new HM518 Mulcher frame offers increased service life. Bolt-on wear plates deliver long wear life and are quickly replaced. Offering a drum speed range of 2,150 to 2,450 rpm, the drum’s 38 fixed teeth feature a single-bolt carbide tooth retention design for simple replacement. Its closed-loop hydraulic circuit includes load-sensing hydraulics to prevent rotor damage when hitting an obstruction. The HM518 Mulcher has a 78.7 cm (31 in) maximum lift height, 36.8 cm (14.5 in) maximum tilt and 25-degree maximum angle to either side.

Standard sweeps, screens, windows plus rear guard help to protect both the operator and machine when mulching. With its specially designed tractor platform, the D1 Mulcher is balanced and rugged to increase efficiency when operating in challenging applications. Contractors can choose between the conventional (XL) or low-ground-pressure (LGP) undercarriage design, offering 40.4 cm (16 in) or 63.5 cm (25 in) track shoe widths respectively, to increase flexibility and efficiency for working in soft underfoot conditions, on slopes and in rough terrain. To increase machine versatility, the new D1 Mulcher can be equipped with an optional variable-pitch/angle/tilt (VPAT) blade in XL, LGP or Intermediate configuration.

More information about the new Cat D1 Mulcher can be found by contacting the local Cat dealer or visiting: https://www.cat.com.

Most often in these cases, you’ll have to choose between backhoes or mini excavators to get the job done.

While it’s easy to mistake these machines as interchangeable, contrary to popular belief, they’re actually very different.

But how do you determine which is best for your project?

Here’s what you need to know.

Mini excavator uses

As the name implies, mini excavators are really just small excavators. Most have one arm and weigh under 12,000 pounds.

The arm is compatible with multiple attachments, such as compactors, breakers, augers, grinders, and more. Unlike a backhoe, however, mini excavators do not have loaders attached to the front.

This machinery is ideal for shallow groundwork projects, like drilling or digging, but isn’t the best when it comes to moving materials. If you have a telehandler or skid steer on site, however, this won’t be a problem.

Mini excavators are great for smaller demo projects in hard-to-access or residential areas. At Stan’s Airboat & Marsh Excavator Service, our mini marsh excavators are specially crafted with this purpose in mind. When working in any marshland or otherwise delicate environment, you’ll need one of our lightweight machines to traverse across water.

Backhoe uses

Backhoes are equipped with additional loaders attached to the front. While this loader can be used for digging, it’s best used in projects that don’t need a lot of digging, but instead require material transporting.

Similar to mini excavators, backhoes also have an arm that can be fitted with several attachments. But because of their heavier weight, the ability of backhoes to lift, dig, and move are slightly compromised—making them a poor choice for small job sites.

Backhoes require a lot of room to turn and take up a lot more space than mini excavators do. But if your project requires a digging machine that can easily move between sites, backhoes are the best choice.

Picking the best machinery for your job ultimately depends on your special project requirements. Don’t just pick what you’re most familiar with. Instead, ask professionals like those Stan’s Airboat for help. We look forward to helping you with your next project!

The Y2000 disk is available with a 10-foot working width and 18-inch blade spacing. It exerts 1,273 pounds per foot, helping the notched blades cut through the most difficult ground and asphalt. A manual leveling system offers easy depth and pitch adjustment. The gang angle can also be adjusted.

For maximum strength and support on the jobsite, the Y2000 comes with heavy-duty 385/65R 22.5 truck tires on 10-bolt hubs. Other standard features include a hitch jack, bearing guards and washers, a gang bolt wrench, solid mount double scrapers, and a transport warning light package.

Founded in 1969 by Harley and Carol Brandner, Wishek disks have become a well known and respected line of equipment. In 2021 the Wishek brand and sister brands, Wil-Rich and Concord, were purchased by Väderstad AB of Sweden. The company, now known as Vaderstad Inc., will continue to innovate and provide the high-quality products and levels of service and support that Wishek always has. For more information, visit wishekmfg.com.

Formerly Engagement Manager at Dunaway Associates, Russell brings more than 13 years of experience in client management, business development, and project supervision in private and public projects. In his new position as Operations Manager for Manhard, Russell will be responsible for implementing streamlined processes, mentoring staff, and growing the company’s presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He is a proud Texas A&M alum.

“The Fort Worth office complements our ongoing work in Texas,” said Don Manhard, Jr., President and CEO. “We have been steadily growing, and, through careful analysis, determined this new location, helmed by Jonathan Russell, will allow us to better serve our clients in a diverse and expanding market.”

Manhard’s first office in Texas was established in 2015 with the opening of their Houston metro location, followed closely by an office in Dallas in 2018. The Fort Worth team will primarily serve north Texas, including development throughout greater Fort Worth, and will work closely with Manhard’s other offices in Austin, Dallas, and across the nation.

Manhard completed the Southgate Marketplace in Fort Worth in 2020, a 400,000 square foot mixed-use development, and is currently working on numerous multi-family and industrial projects in Fort Worth.

“The growth in Dallas-Fort Worth has been explosive,” said Russell. “We are excited to strengthen our existing relationships, establish new ones, and continue to grow Manhard in Texas.”

Enhancing SANY’s industry-leading equipment with Leica Geosystems’ cutting-edge but easy-to-use machine control technology enables greater precision for excavating and grading work and allows machine operators at various skill levels to increase their productivity while lessening the intensity of tasks. This helps keep workers safe and results in less wear and tear on machines.

The companies launch a joint Technology Access Program whereby SANY dealers nationwide can offer customers a variety of machine control solutions through their leasing and purchasing agreements, with installation and support by certified Leica Geosystems dealers.

SANY dealers nationwide can now offer customers a variety of Leica Geosystems machine control solutions through a joint Technology Access Program. 

“This Technology Access Program will make deploying technology seamless and painless for operators,” says Troy Dahlin, Vice President, Heavy Construction, at Leica Geosystems US/Canada. “Local SANY dealers are now able to retrofit their machines easily with Leica Geosystems technology. This collaboration extends beyond both our companies, stretching deep into local dealer partnerships for both organisations.”

The Technology Access Program also offers SANY customers and dealers the ability to experience Leica Geosystems’ machine control technologies at the SANY Digs demo area, located in the SANY America headquarters near Atlanta, Georgia.

“Our customers and dealers want straightforward, streamlined solutions that make working with a mixed fleet easy and simple,” says Gabe Weiss, Director of Marketing for SANY. “This program is built on feedback from our Dealer Partner network and will provide operators with a technology option for grade control and dedicated access to the Leica Geosystems dealer support network.”

To learn more about the Technology Access Program, contact your local SANY dealer.

In his new role, Adams leads the firm’s practice devoted to the design of corporate and commercial facilities, including corporate headquarters and campuses, office interiors, commercial office buildings, public and civic development, hospitality, mixed-use and multi-family residential buildings for both public and private sector clients. Adams will focus on expanding the practice’s portfolio of major headquarters, mixed-use/urban development and workplace-centered strategy and design projects. Adams was elevated from Workplace Studio Leader at the firm’s Phoenix office.

“Real estate strategies and the design of office environments are evolving in response to recent world events,” says Mike Medici, SmithGroup’s president and managing partner. “Mark’s understanding of this rapidly changing landscape and his forward-thinking nature will serve SmithGroup well as we chart our new course to design a better future.”

Adams joined SmithGroup in 2008 and brings 33 years of experience to this position. He has been instrumental in the growth of the firm’s portfolio of notable clients, leading large-scale projects throughout the southwest and across the nation. As a recognized thought leader and author, Adams has been called upon to share his expertise as a presenter at conferences for CoreNet, the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, NeoCon and Tradeline. He is also a regular contributor to Work Design Magazine.

SmithGroup’s Workplace Practice, ranked 7th in the nation according to Building Design + Construction magazine, provides comprehensive services that help premier companies create buildings and work environments that enhance engagement and improve their organizations’ financial performance. Notable clients include Microsoft, Google, GoDaddy, Advisory Board Company, General Motors, Ally Financial, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and Chamberlain Corporation, among others.

“We’re at a unique point in time where discussions regarding equity, engagement, sustainability, wellbeing and human performance are reshaping the concept of work and the environments that we design to support it,” states Lise Newman. “Mark will be instrumental in solving these issues for top-tier clients while creating both beauty and value.”

Adams graduated from Harrington College of Design, earning a bachelor’s degree in interior design with a minor in fine arts. He also attended Iowa State University, focusing on architectural studies. A registered interior designer, he is a member of the International Interior Design Association.

SmithGroup (www.smithgroup.com) is one of the world’s preeminent integrated design firms. Working across a network of 15 offices in the U.S. and China, a team of 1,200 experts is committed to excellence in strategy, design, and delivery. The scale of the firm’s thinking and organization produces partnerships with forward-looking clients that maximize opportunities, minimize risk and solve their most complex problems. SmithGroup creates exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology organizations, higher education and cultural institutions, urban environments, diverse workplaces, mixed-use and waterfront developments, and parks and open spaces.

Magaldi joined T&H in 2012 as a Project Manager in the Charleston Civil Department and quickly became a Group Leader. Magaldi was named a shareholder in 2015 and has 24 years of experience in project development and design. In his decade at T&H, Magaldi has served a key role in several projects that shape the Charleston region, such as WestEdge, Summers Corner, Cainhoy, and The Ponds.

Magaldi is a graduate of Clemson University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He holds his Professional Engineer (PE) license in Georgia and South Carolina. Magaldi is an active member of American Society of Civil Engineers, Civil Engineering Club of Charleston, National Society of Professional Engineers, Charleston Home Builders Association, and the Urban Land Institute. He currently serves on the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Regional Policy Committee and Trident Technical College Engineering Tech Advisory Committee.

“It’s exciting to move into this new role and to continue to build on the solid foundation of my predecessors. As the Charleston market expands, Thomas & Hutton is extraordinarily well-positioned to help lead the region through thoughtful design and consulting. Thomas & Hutton is a special place. The people, culture, and quality of work are second to none. We look forward to sustaining that excellence and embrace the new opportunities ahead,” Magaldi said.

Magaldi succeeds Steve Dudash, PLA as Charleston Regional Director. Dudash’s wealth of knowledge and experience propelled T&H’s role in residential and recreational projects throughout the region, such as Battery Park Pedestrian Bridge, Daniel Island Waterfront, Captain’s Island, and Palmetto Bluff Riverside Village. Dudash has T&H’s full support in his next professional endeavor with Jamestown Properties, working on the Naval Yard Development in North Charleston.

“Steve has been a key part of the Thomas & Hutton family for over seven years. In that time, our presence in the Charleston region has grown by over 70-percent. Steve is well known across the state and has been the driving force behind Thomas & Hutton’s expansion into many new and exciting markets. Chris’ knowledge of the Charleston region and our services makes him a natural choice to succeed Steve as Regional Director. T&H’s Regional Directors are outwardly focused problem solvers working on new relationships and projects, and Chris embodies that sentiment. We are enthusiastic about the future of our Charleston region with Chris at the helm,” Sam McCachern, PE, T&H President and CEO said.

raSmith provided a variety of technical services to support the design and construction of this $45 million development project. raSmith’s services included site civil engineering, structural engineering, land surveying, wetland and woodland evaluation, endangered resources review, traffic assessment, stormwater management, landscape architecture, grant writing, and municipal entitlement.

The project was selected to receive up to a $1,356,030 construction cost reimbursement from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) as part of the 2020 Green Infrastructure Partnership Program — the largest reimbursement MMSD has ever awarded. raSmith’s civil engineers and landscape architects designed an extensive system of porous pavement and bioswales to capture nearly 700,000 gallons of rainwater.

With 15 offices across the eastern half of the U.S., Menard USA has added its first West Coast location.

“Farrell will be a great partner for Menard’s expansion on the West Coast of the United States,” said Seth Pearlman, CEO North America at Menard.

Tom Farrell will remain President of Farrell and added, “We are delighted to join Menard.  With the support of a larger group, we can now offer more services to our California and West Coast customers.”

Founded in 1999, Farrell designs and builds deep foundation and ground improvement support for heavy structures, parking garages, office, high-rise and industrial buildings, hospitals, schools and universities, water treatment plants and warehouses in the highly seismic regions of California. Farrell, a company of 65 employees, is a natural fit for Menard, adding to its 300-employee base.

“Farrell is an entrepreneurial company in a market which has both soft and liquefiable ground,” Pearlman said. “They focus on design-build ground improvement projects using techniques similar to ours in a high-seismic environment. Like Menard, Farrell is driven to influence the market, bringing value to their customers by expanding the application of ground improvement as an economical substitute for piling where appropriate.”

Menard is an international specialty ground improvement construction company based in France, and part of Vinci Construction. Menard works across North America and internationally, operating in more than 80 countries providing ground improvement services. Menard’s techniques include wick drains, earthquake (EQ) drains, Controlled Modulus Column (CMC)^® rigid inclusions, stone columns, dynamic compaction, rapid impact compaction, and soil mixing. Typical projects include support of warehouses, buildings, material storage piles, processing areas, embankments, roadways, port facilities, storage tanks, containment structures, and relieving platforms. 

Like Menard, Farrell safely delivers a wide range of quality services including stone columns, aggregate piers, rapid impact compaction, auger cast piling, drill displacement piles, rapid vibro compaction, micro piles and helical piles. Its trademarked services include both Auger Cast Column and Drill Displacement Column – similar to Controlled Modulus Columns (CMC)^®.

Farrell began with a dream by Tom Farrell, who aspired to build a company that serves its people and customers. From its origins as a general contractor in the 1980s, Farrell’s evolution, innovation and expertise as a leading specialty geotechnical contractor supports many owner’s investments in California. Farrell has delivered more than 20 years of ground improvement and foundation design, engineering and construction in California. Farrell says, “The Farrell motto Go Vertical with Confidence® is our goal for all of our customer’s projects and now we get to share that goal with Menard USA.”

Since 2005, Menard has expanded from its corporate office in the Pittsburgh area to offices in Baltimore/Washington, DC; Boston; Charleston, S.C.; Chicago; Cleveland, Cranford, N.J.; Houston; Minneapolis; New Orleans; Philadelphia; Richmond, Va.; Syracuse; Tampa and Wilmington, N.C. After decentralizing its regional operational management structure in 2018, Menard USA’s revenue has grown significantly to greater than $150 million in 2021.

“The bottom line,” said Pearlman, “is that we were not on the West Coast. Now we are – and we have a great partner in Farrell in this highly-active region of the United States.”

When President Biden signed the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill into law last month, he destined an already booming construction industry to reach new heights. Before the bill was passed, ResearchandMarkets.com projected the construction industry in the United States would grow by 15.6% this year. With the US government’s hefty investment in civil construction, the construction industry will grow significantly in 2022 and beyond.  Demand for heavy lifting and specialized transport equipment is expected to skyrocket.  “As the first heavy lifting company in the United States to offer a jack-up system rental with 2,000 mton capacity, Engineered Rigging will meet the most demanding heavy lifting needs of our clients,” shared Kitchen.

The scraper’s new Advanced Productivity Electronic Control System (APECS) fully integrates the transmission and engine drivetrain to provide smooth and responsive shifts, allowing the 651 to move more material faster. Its electronic clutch pressure control features advance shift control logic for smoother speed and directional shifts, while part throttle shifting controls transmission shifts for smoother shifting between gears. Preventing loss of momentum during shifts, the shift torque management system carries higher torque through shift points.

Its single engine design features the Cat C18 engine powering the tractor with 469 kW (629 hp) and meets EU Stage V/U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. The design gives the 651 the ability to work with a Cat D10 or D11 push dozer for ultra-fast load times, even when working in abrasive or rocky conditions. With its 8-speed transmission reaching a top speed of 56.1 km/h (34.8 mph), this WTS delivers fast cycle times to improve productivity across a range of applications from heavy civil construction to quarrying to mining.

Operate in comfort

Boasting the same, larger cab as the 657, the 651 improves operator comfort and delivers easier ingress/egress. Relocation of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to below the cab plus steering column and pedal repositioning help to improve visibility. The new comfort seat rotates up to 30 degrees to the right for loading and offers an additional 51 mm (2 in) of fore/aft movement to reduce operating fatigue. The seat’s adjustable armrest aligns with the implement control level with T-handle design for more comfortable operation.

The scraper’s new high-pressure steering system requires significantly less steering effort, reducing fatigue and improving productivity further into the work cycle. Improvements to the hydraulics include an electrohydraulic implement system for improved multifunction capability and a short throw for the T-handle implement control. Offering a smoother ride, Cat advanced ride management eliminates end-stroke events of the seat suspension cylinder.

Three camera locations for the optional Work Area Vision System (WAVS) show the cutting edge, right side and rear of the machine on a 178-mm (7-in) in-cab color display to improve visibility and jobsite safety. Available sequence assist reduces up to 14 individual operator commands per cycle with a single button for improved cycle consistency, less repetitive motions for the operator and reduced fatigue.

Production efficiency

Auto-stall, new for the 651, assists in warming up the transmission oil faster when working in colder ambient temperatures, so the machine is quickly ready for work. Configured with sequence assist, the new payload estimator option uses bowl lift cylinder pressure to accurately calculate machine payload to within +/- 5% of actual scaled weight, optimizing payload and jobsite efficiency. Using the bowl lift cylinder, the reliable payload estimator system requires no recalibration or operator interface.

The scraper’s new ground speed control allows the operator to set the desired top speed, and the machine will find the gear that works best for the engine and transmission to lower engine load factor and fuel burn compared to top gear selection. When operating on a decline, the 651 detects a machine overspeed situation and automatically engages the compression brakes with no operator input. Hydraulic wet disc brakes replace air actuated brakes from the previous model to improve performance and serviceability.

Standard Product Link on the 651 collects critical machine operating data, including payload, that can be viewed online, connecting the office with the jobsite. VisionLink^® offers access to this information anytime, anywhere to help companies make informed decisions to boost productivity, lower costs, simplify maintenance and improve safety.

More information about the new Cat 651 Wheel Tractor Scraper can be found by contacting the local Cat dealer or visiting: https://www.cat.com.

Each SSO starts with a predefined list of genuine Cat parts, new and remanufactured, specific to the machine model and necessary repair. Available in multiple languages, step-by-step service instructions guide the service tech through the repair and include safety and contamination control guidance. All required and special tooling to complete the repair are recommended as an optional purchase as a part of the package. Each SSO can be customized to include only the parts and tooling customers need to efficiently complete the repair by themselves and at a time convenient for the production schedule.

SSOs can be ordered online at https://parts.cat.com/en/catcorp/self-service-options or by calling or visiting the local Cat dealer. The Cat dealer completes the process by packaging the SSO on demand, complete with the required parts and tools as defined by the customer. It can be picked up from the local dealer or be delivered to the customer.

Cat dealers provide guidance on selecting the right SSO for the repair and for customization. If the customer’s service tech runs into a question while completing the repair, dealer technical representatives are available for support. If the repair turns into something the customer does not want to handle internally, the dealer will be available to complete it.

SSOs have been developed for over 300 BCP models and Caterpillar plans to expand the offerings to additional models in 2022. The range of Cat machines the SSO covers include compact track, skid steer and multi-terrain loaders, compact wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, mini hydraulic excavators, small wheel loaders, small dozers, and telehandlers. The type of repairs covered include minor engine bolt-ons, service brakes for drivetrains, hydraulics and implement controls. As Cat machines are introduced, new Cat SSOs will be developed.

More information on new Cat Self-Service Options can be found by contacting the local Cat dealer or by visiting www.cat.com/selfservice.

One of Phoenix’s most iconic properties is about to become the largest mall redevelopment project in Arizona history, transforming into a vibrant new addition to the city’s core.

Concord Wilshire Capital (“CWC”) and TLG Investment Partners (“TLGIP”) (collectively, the “Developer”) announced that they have contracted to acquire the iconic Metrocenter Mall located in Phoenix, Arizona, and plan to invest approximately $750 million to redevelop the Metrocenter Mall property into a residential and mixed-use community.

The Developer has formed a strategic alliance with Hines, the international real estate firm, to redevelop and repurpose the Metrocenter Mall into a community-driven walkable village that will be home to a variety of residential apartments, curated boutiques, popular retail stores, restaurants, bars, a town-center park, and other commercial and entertainment venues (the “Village”). The Village will be situated on approximately 68 acres of prime land in a qualified Opportunity Zone. The plans for the Village include over 2,600 multifamily units, 100,000 square feet of essential and service retail. Total construction costs are expected to be over $750 million.

The Village will be designed as a self-contained community encompassing the city’s new Light Rail Station that is currently under construction within the Village. The City of Phoenix is investing approximately $150 million to build this Light Rail Station. The Light Rail Station is scheduled to be delivered in 2024 as part of the Northwest Extension. The Light Rail Station will serve as one of the major focal points of the Village and will provide direct connectivity to Downtown Phoenix, the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, ASU, and communities to the east.

“This is an enormous economic boost to the entire west side of Phoenix,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “The connectivity provided by the light rail extension means easy access to shopping, entertainment, housing, and – perhaps most importantly – to jobs. In addition to the many construction jobs created by this redevelopment, there will be opportunities available to work in the businesses that will take root and grow in the Village. I am excited, optimistic, and thrilled that Concord Wilshire is investing in the future of Phoenix.”

Residents and visitors of the Village will be able to enjoy an array of anticipated amenities, including pet-friendly parks and greenspace, an amphitheater, pedestrian and bicycle pathways, a walkable retail promenade, shops, restaurants and immersive water features. The Village will also be designed to integrate with and complement certain existing amenities and venues within the Metrocenter Mall through its partially shaded internal pathways and roads. The existing amenities and shops include a 150,000 square foot Walmart Supercenter, a public library, the Arizona Canal with its own pedestrian and bicycle pathways, the Rose Mofford Park (which provides free afternoon activities for children and teenagers), a theme-park, and a cinema.

The Village will also provide approximately 4,100 parking spaces programmed in up to 7 garage decks conveniently located for use by the community, residents of the Village, visitors, and for the Light Rail Station Park-and-Ride users.

“We are excited to be a part of the redevelopment of the former Metrocenter Mall into a vibrant mixed-use community with a sense of place that will enhance the public investments,” said Chris Anderson, Senior Managing Director of Hines.

“Good things come to those who wait, and now, the spotlight will shine on our beloved Metrocenter once again, thanks to Phoenix’s new partner in economic development, Concord Wilshire Capital. I am excited to collaborate and transform Metrocenter into a vital hub of social gatherings, cultural diversity and economic growth,” said Councilwoman Ann O’Brien of Phoenix District 1, where Metrocenter is located. “I am grateful for all the hard work that went into making this exciting partnership happen.”

The Developer has also reached preliminary terms with the City of Phoenix, subject to City Council approval, for a public private partnership for public improvements, by and through a to-be-formed Community Facilities District (CFD), for the Village. The public improvements are planned to be funded through CFD assessment bonds and will be primarily for the construction of public parking garages.

“We are proud to be working with the City of Phoenix again. The proposed redevelopment of the Metrocenter Mall property will be another substantial project to further the city’s redevelopment and revitalization plan for the North Mountain Redevelopment Area” said Nate Sirang, President of Concord Wilshire Capital. “This redevelopment of such a memorable mall and destination for area residents reflects our continued commitment to the Phoenix market. We are excited to create a first-class destination for local families, while contributing meaningfully to the community and its economy and safety.”

On June 28, 2021, CWC signed a contract with Carlyle Development Group of New York, the Mall owner, to acquire the Metrocenter Mall, and the inspection period has been successfully completed. The transaction is scheduled to close in the second half of 2022. The Company has reached an agreement with Carlyle to demolish the mall ahead of closing. In 2016, Carlyle led the rezoning of the Metrocenter Mall and the surrounding parcels and obtained the City Council Approval for a Planned Unit Development (“PUD”) designation, as well as lobbying for the relocation of the Light Rail Station into the Metrocenter Mall, paving the way for a successful future mixed-use development.

“We worked very hard to obtain approval for a flexible PUD that allows a high density residential and mix-use development in the metro Phoenix market. We are excited and proud that the Developer and the City of Phoenix are incorporating our vision into the redevelopment of this iconic location,” said Abdi Mahamedi, President of Carlyle Development Group.

“When we developed our latest drill rig we had in mind the needs of our customers for a universal machine which is as compact and as powerful as possible.” informed Mr. Roy Rathner, Managing Director at KLEMM.

The company is currently presenting the KR 800-3G, the latest drill rig in the KLEMM compact class product range. With an operating weight of 10 tons and an on-board diesel engine, the KR 800-3G is the lightest and smallest model in the KLEMM 800 series.

Based on a pendulum chassis, the KR 800-3G impresses with its compact dimensions, a highly powerful powertrain and extremely flexible kinematics. With a total width of only 1.80 m, an adjustable mast for different stroke lengths, and the option of mounting various rotary heads or hydraulic drifters – for both single and double-head drilling – the KR 800-3G meets the wide range of the requirements of drilling in confined spaces. The drill rig can be used for installing micro-piles, anchors and soil nails, and for the purpose of underpinning, and other types of injection drilling.

The heart of the newly developed kinematics is a so called “Rollover”, which is a rotation gear with endless rotation. This rotation gear works as a link between the main boom and the mast carrier including the mast. The Rollover enables anchor drill positions at angles of between 0º and 90º in directions both transverse to the direction of travel, and in the direction of travel. When drilling purely vertically, drilling points up to approx. 400 mm away from the outer edge of the tracks can be reached. This keeps to a minimum the maneuvers required for the rig to reach the next drilling point – which is an important advantage for drilling efficiency, especially when drilling micro-piles.

A further significant advantage is the new mast concept, which is made up of a base element and an extension. Attached to the mast is a modular, easy to adjust clamping and breaking unit which enables the mast to be set up in six different overall lengths between 3,350 mm and 5,000 mm. This means that the mast length can be individually configured to suit both the confined conditions of the drilling project, and the different drilling methods required to fulfill the job at hand. The energy chain can be repositioned as one unit and can therefore be adjusted to fit to the selected drill mast length. This avoids any protrusion beyond the end of the mast therefore avoiding the danger of collision with, for example, any other buildings or building equipment. As there is no need for the reconnection of hydraulic lines, any mast adjustments can take place directly on the building site with relatively little effort. With a retraction force of 60 kN, the new Type 162-3 drill mast system offers sufficient reserves for larger drilling diameters of up to 10″ and is suitable for more demanding geological conditions.

Using the remote control unit with display, the drill operator can always assume a safe working position around the drilling rig. The high functional safety of the control concept ensures that operator safety is provided in accordance with the requirements of EN 16228. In addition, a separating device for protection against moving parts in the work process can be provided.

The 100 kW diesel engine complies with EU V and Tier 4f emissions standards. A version with EU IIIA emissions standard (90 kW power class) is also available.

The hydraulic system offers up to five pumps, two of which are load-sensing, making it optimal for the efficient operation of several main consumers at different pressure levels. CAN-bus driven control blocks with high precision control and reproducibility ensure extremely accurate and precise handling of the drill rig.

Smart features such as PowerSharing, which is developed and patented by KLEMM, and the Energy Efficiency Package (EEP), an integrated standard feature on KLEMM drill rigs, support the user in achieving an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient construction site. Examples of this can be seen in the significant reduction in fuel consumption, pollutants, and noise emissions.

Following its first international trade show appearance at Geofluid in Italy, the first KR 800-3Gs are already proving their worth on construction sites in Switzerland and overseas.

The new 304 and 305 CR models are the final machines to be reengineered to the Cat next generation mini hydraulic excavator line concept. From the 1.5- to 10-tonne class models, all 17 – 20 Cat mini hydraulic excavators in the range (depending on region) offer common features and consistent controls layout to simplify training and operator adaptation.

New 304 increases stability

Built with a new reduced radius design, the 304 features a narrow, 1700-mm (66.9-in) track width, 254 mm (10 in) slimmer than the 304 E2, for more versatility and access to confined spaces. While narrower, the new 304 design increases performance, balance and stability of the 4-tonne class model. Its reduced radius allows for greater stability, both 360-degree and when traveling with loads, while its extra counterweight option takes the model to an even higher level of stability.

Compact performance of the 305 CR

The new engine on the 5-tonne class Cat 305 CR Excavator delivers nearly 9% greater power to increase machine performance. Hydraulic system improvements provide higher breakout forces – 49.2 kN (11,061 lbf) bucket, 28.3 kN (6,362 lbf) standard stick and 25.2 kN (5,665 lbf) long stick – to improve digging efficiency in hard rock applications. It also offers 140 mm (5.6 in) deeper dig depths than the 305 E2, giving it more application flexibility. Its compact radius swing reduces overhang when working to the side, while its 1980-mm (78-in) track width and new extra counterweight option help to optimize stability and lift performance in confined spaces.

Advanced Efficiency

Both excavator models now offer an angle dozer blade option to optimize machine flexibility in backfilling and finish grading applications. In addition to offering ample above- and below-grade travel with standard float function for easy clean-up, the angle blade moves 45 degrees left or right of center. Increasing efficiencies and reducing operator interaction with final grading, angle blade movement is controlled by the right-hand joystick, while the left joystick handles machine drive.

Tailoring machine weight to job requirements, interchangeable counterweight packages offer the balance between low ground pressure and lifting performance. Their industry-exclusive Cat Stick Steer System simplifies machine control by allowing the operator to switch from conventional lever/foot-pedal steering controls to low-effort joystick operation. Two travel speed ranges and standard cruise control facilitate moving around the jobsite with minimum operator interaction.

Meeting U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and EU Stage V emission standards, the turbocharged Cat C1.7 Turbo engine delivers higher power than the previous C2.4 engine. Standard auto idle, auto engine shutdown and efficient load-sensing hydraulics with variable displacement pump help to lower fuel usage at the site for more affordable operation. High main-relief pressures, coupled with flow rates, generates the hydraulic capacity for high digging and lifting forces and more efficient use of a range of attachments. Complete with quick-disconnect lines, the standard auxiliary system provides the choice of one-way, two-way or continuous flow.

Next generation comfort, savings

Common to most Cat next generation mini hydraulic excavators, the sealed and pressurized cab enclosure is available with heating and/or air conditioning for all-weather climate control. The cab’s large glass areas plus skylight afford all-around visibility. The large display with advanced touchscreen option provides intuitive machine function control and easy monitoring of critical operating parameters. A canopy option is available in some regions.

Daily maintenance checks for the 304 and 305 CR are quickly made from ground level through side doors. Expanded use of common parts throughout the line plus their damage-resistant exterior construction help to reduce parts inventory investment and lower repair costs. Increased service intervals mean these excavators spend more time on the job and less time in the shop.

Offerings may vary by region, for more information on the new Cat 304 and 305 CR Mini Hydraulic Excavators can be found by contacting the local Cat dealer or visiting: https://www.cat.com.

VCP-Tellus, LLC is under contract with closing before year’s end on approximately 55 acres of land zoned for 1,350 rental apartment units in Fort Myers, Fla., in the Colonial Gateway Commerce Park, at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. & S.R. 82. The company is a joint venture between Varden Capital Properties & Tellus Partners of Atlanta, GA.

VCP-Tellus, LLC has teamed with longtime construction partner, Atlanta-based Buckhaven Construction Services. Multi-generational Fort Myers-based law firm Wilbur Smith, LLC, with whom its relationship with all parties involved is decades old, is assisting to ensure the expeditious delivery of this project.

Said Josh MacKenzie of Buckhaven Construction Services, “The team that has been brought together on this project will ensure that we are able to move quickly and deliver The Mark at Colonial to the market without delay. Moreover, Fort Myers is a special place where we have deep roots; we are ready to get down to the Fort and start moving dirt.”

Construction is slated to begin in March 2022 on Phases 1 & 2 of the project, totaling 704 apartment units, which are scheduled to deliver units early Q2 2023 and to be completed in Q3 2023. Planning for a minimum additional 300 units is underway. As many as an additional 600 can be expected.

Closing of the 24 view lots in the Horizon at Semiahmoo community is scheduled for late December 2021. In July 2021, Harbor acquired 214 acres which included 71 developed lots adjacent to the Semiahmoo resort in Blaine, WA. https://www.semiahmoo.com/

“MainVue Homes’ stellar reputation, upscale design, and luxury finishes lays the groundwork for a very successful project,” stated Sterling Griffin, President and CEO of Harbor Custom Development, Inc.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lance Brown to the Harbor team. His experience as a highly successful financial executive of a publicly traded company in our industry provides both the expertise and financial leadership to drive Harbor’s rapid expansion into the nation’s fastest-growing metro regions,” said Harbor President and CEO, Sterling Griffin.

Prior to joining Harbor, Mr. Brown was Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at Select Interior Concepts (NASDAQ: SIC), where he was responsible for Finance, Accounting, SEC Reporting, and Tax. During his time at SIC, Mr. Brown developed the public company accounting and reporting infrastructure; was extensively involved in the diligence and integration for multiple completed acquisitions; assisted with the sale, divestiture, and de-integration of SIC’s largest business unit to a major competitor; and provided significant support for the sale and going private transaction of SIC.

Mr. Brown started his career in public accounting at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia and a Master of Accountancy from Auburn University.  Mr. Brown is a Certified Public Accountant.

Expansion of services in civil engineering, land surveying, aerial mapping and 3D laser technology is now available for private and public sector clients across the Midwest and South.

“Halff exists to improve lives and communities, and one of the biggest ways we do that is by putting people—employees and clients—first,” said Halff President/CEO Mark Edwards. “This acquisition of a like-minded firm further demonstrates our commitment to people and culture remains as we grow.”

Morrison-Shipley Halff continues to provide site development, public works, wastewater, aviation, landscape architecture, surveying and BIM expertise. The firm has extensive experience and is expected to continue to be a leader in the public works, residential, aviation, commercial and industrial/warehouse development sectors.

“Our firm prides ourselves on excellent culture, accelerating growth and continuing to put our clients first,” said Morrison-Shipley Halff Vice President Greg Shipley. “This acquisition allows Morrison-Shipley Halff to expand our professional services and provide more resources and tools for our employees and clients to achieve their goals.”

The acquisition adds 50 employees to the Halff family and expands the company to 27 offices located in five states: Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Florida.

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Two well-known Westchester planning and engineering firms who play instrumental roles in the land use and project design approval process for many of the most prominent development projects in the County and Region have joined forces to provide enhanced services while maintaining their focus on Westchester, the Hudson Valley and adjacent Connecticut and New Jersey.

Divney Tung Schwalbe, a White Plains-based planning, civil engineering and landscape architectural firm, and Provident Design Engineering, a traffic, transportation and civil engineering firm based in Hawthorne, have formed DTS Provident Design Engineering, LLP, effective November 1st. The headquarters will be at 1 North Broadway in White Plains where DTS has been located.

“We have known each other and worked on the same project teams since the 1990’s,” said Andrew Tung, who along with Jerry Schwalbe, are the principals of their firm which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. “We take a very similar approach to our clients with a focus on service and bringing an in-depth knowledge of the municipalities and counties in which we work. We are both locally founded and based, and we believe that makes a difference in today’s regulatory environment.”

Charles ‘Carlito’ Holt, Managing Partner of Provident, who is joined in the new entity with Partner Brian Dempsey, noted that the firms are “a good fit,” adding: “Our approaches are the same. We’re committed to providing the kind of personal touch to the projects we are working on that comes when the principals are directly involved. We’ve been part of our communities from the start and that’s our shared commitment to the future.”

DTS has worked predominantly with the private sector helping guide its clients through the often lengthy and complex approval processes including Edge-On Hudson, the redevelopment of the former General Motors site in Sleepy Hollow, and the creation of Chappaqua Crossing on the former Reader’s Digest campus in the Town of New Castle. Among its other current projects are the conversion of a former office building site to multi-family residential use at 3 Westchester Park Drive in the Town of Harrison, and the development of the Broadview Senior Living complex on the SUNY Purchase campus in Purchase.

Provident’s clients are split 60-40 between the private and public sectors. Among its recent high-profile projects are representing the Town of Goshen in Orange County in its review of Legoland on Route 17, and the Town of Mount Pleasant in its review of the $3 billion North 60 bioscience complex planned for the “North 60” site adjacent to the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. Its current projects include a traffic review study for the planned redevelopment of the United Hospital site in Port Chester and the upgrade of 40 traffic signals and associated roadway improvements in New Rochelle.

DTS services include land planning and approvals, site and civil engineering, landscape architecture, and project management. Provident, whose principals previously worked for Raymond Keyes Associates (RKA) and TRC Engineers which acquired RKA, provides similar site/civil services, as well as transportation planning and traffic engineering services for municipalities, public agencies and private developers. RKA also had deep roots in the County, having served clients within the metropolitan area since 1957.

Schwalbe said that DTS has long pursued the goal of “Intelligent Land Use, which entails thinking outside the box and the boundaries of the site. With Provident we gain transportation expertise and municipal engineering experience which is a major plus for clients.”

Dempsey noted that “we have collaborated as co-consultants on projects for over 20 years. By joining forces, DTS Provident brings greater resources, capabilities, and efficiencies for wider and deeper coverage under one roof. It makes sense for us and for our clients.”

Miller possesses 14 years of industry experience and transitions into this position from her previously held post as manager of marketing for the office. She will now focus on growing the firm’s portfolio of award-winning work within its urban planning and design, mobility, campus planning and campus strategy and analytics groups. Recent commissions in these arenas include initiatives with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, City of Las Vegas, Cuyahoga County, California State University, Chico, University of Wisconsin, North Carolina State University and more.

SmithGroup’s planning, design and data strategists offer a complete suite of services that address the broad needs of institutions across a variety of scales. In her new role, Miller will connect clients with partners and teammates who excel in developing innovative strategies and design-based solutions that mitigate a range of functional and operational challenges.

Miller is a graduate of Central Michigan University and holds a Bachelor of Arts. She is also a member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services and has obtained accreditation as a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM).

SmithGroup (www.smithgroup.com) is one of the world’s preeminent integrated design firms. Working across a network of 15 offices in the U.S. and China, a team of 1,200 experts is committed to excellence in strategy, design, and delivery. The scale of the firm’s thinking and organization produces partnerships with forward-looking clients that maximize opportunities, minimize risk and solve their most complex problems. SmithGroup creates exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology organizations, higher education and cultural institutions, urban environments, diverse workplaces, mixed-use and waterfront developments, and parks and open spaces.

Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA, said: “It is inspiring to see the high quality of award entries from LEEA members and I am looking forward immensely to announcing the winners on 5 November together with our special guest, stand-up comedian and television presenter Dara O’Briain at what will be the best ever LEEA Awards event.  In addition to being a celebration of raised standards and a showcase of how LEEA members are making best practice business as normal, it will be a chance to get together for a fantastic Friday night party in London, looking toward a great future having overcome the pandemic’s challenges.”

The finalists are as follows:

Best Innovation
•       Craig Douglas of JCD Training
•       Crosby BLOKCAM from The Crosby Group
•       Lifting Specialist Engineer – Ahmed Mamdouh of RINA
•       Motion Software: Innovation through Kinetic from Motion Software
•       Pacific Hoists
•       RFID SupraTag from Yoke Industrial Corp
•       SensorSpace Remote Monitoring from Mantracourt Ltd
•       Speedy Services – Capital Commitment from Speedy Services

Best Lifting Equipment Inspector / Tester / Examiner
•       Hery Purwoko of Aluminium Bahrain
•       Brian Butler of Protier Lifting Services
•       Chris Elwick of Sparrows Offshore Services
•       Gary Tegerdine of Peter Cassidy (Leeds) Ltd
•       John Cobley – Production Leader of JA McDonagh Engineering LTD (RJ Engineering)
•       Manny Segundo of Technical Royal Excellence Oil & Gas
•       Matthew Douglas of Sunbelt Rentals Lifting – Rainham
•       Scott Hale of JK Lifting Equipment
•       Wayne Wilkinson of Carl Stahl Evita Ltd
•       Muhammad Naeem Arif of Technical Royal Excellence
•       Paul Culham of Sunbelt Rentals Lifting – Grimsby

Best Lifting operation
•       AquaTerra Dunlin Team of AquaTerra Group
•       Lifting Specialist Engineer Ahmed Mamdouh of Lloyds British Egypt
•       Notus Contract Lifting from Notus Heavy Lift Solutions
•       Speedy Lifting West Bromwich from Speedy Lifting
•       Thames Tideway East Greenwich Pumping Station team CVB JV (Costain, Vinci             Construction Grands Projets & Bachy Soletanche) from Costain

Best Team
•       Engineering and IT team from Reid Lifting
•       Helen Sparks of Sunbelt Rentals Lifting – Egremont
•       Inspection Department of Standard Arabia Inspection Co Ltd
•       UK Lifting Equipment – Engineering Services Team from JK Lifting
•       Lifting Inspection / operation team from Simples Lifting and Inspection Lda
•       Sales and Service team from Selby Engineering and Lifting Safety Ltd
•       Speedy Services – Category team lifting from Speedy Services
•       Sunbelt Rentals Lifting – Grimsby / Hull
•       Team LES from Lifting Equipment Store
•       Thames Tideway East Greenwich Pumping Station team CVB JV (Costain, Vinci Construction Grands Projets & Bachy Soletanche) from Costain
•       The Dream Team – Gaz, Andy, John, Glen, Sean, Shaun and Bob from Lifting Gear UK
•       The Hinkley Point C Lifting Management and Assurance team from Notus Heavy Lift Solutions

•       TRE Sales and Technical team from Technical Royal Excellence Oil & Gas Services
•       Velosi LLC
•       Yousef Mousa from Yousef Mousa & Partners Crane Co

Kevin Holmes Award for Excellence in People Development
•       Cookes NZ
•       Dr Mohammad M Abul-Ola from Frontier Certification International WLL
•       Elaine Percival of Minteg Ltd
•       Hoist UK
•       Rony Abraham of Simples Lifting and Inspection Lda

Safety Award – sponsored by Rigging Services
•       Gareth McNary of Select Plant Hire (Laing O’Rourke Group)
•       Karayi Manghattu of Romson Oil Field Services

For further information on the LEEA Awards 2021, please contact Leah Phelps on +44 (0) 203 488 2865 or email: enquiries@L2Events.com

AXA XL’s Construction Ecosystem offers Brasfield & Gorrie exclusive access to a curated Technology Library including WINT’s innovative advanced solution, which deploys artificial intelligence, machine learning and signal processing technology to conduct real-time water-flow analysis and identify leaks at their source.

“Water leaks and damage are a major pain point for contractors, and their impact adds up quickly when you consider physical damage, lost time and productivity and the overall disruption to business,” said Yaron Dycian, WINT’s chief product and strategy officer. “Additionally, insurance carriers face significant losses on claims related to leaks and water damage. As a leading insurance provider, AXA XL recognizes that WINT’s AI-driven IoT technologies are key to reducing water-related claims and reduce a persistent source of stress and expense for contractors.”

Water damage is the leading cause of property loss in construction projects. With WINT’s advanced water-flow analysis, owners, developers, and contractors can avoid costs associated with remediation, repair, and increased insurance premiums. Moreover, the WINT solution can cut ongoing water consumption and waste by 20%-25% to reduce operational expenses and reduce the environmental footprint of construction projects.

“At AXA XL, reducing risk for our customers is a top priority,” said Rose Hall, VP and Head of Construction Innovation, AXA XL. “Our mutual success depends on strong relationships with customers like Brasfield & Gorrie, and strong partnerships with technology solutions like WINT. We support the construction industry’s ability to complete projects safely, on time, on budget, with minimal disruptions and/or losses through innovation and technology. Our Construction Ecosystem’s Technology Library provides contractors with risk-reducing technology options, like WINT’s leak-detection and prevention solution to help thwart potential water damage, and the costs and delays associated with it.”

“Brasfield & Gorrie has been searching for a technology solution to help us mitigate the potential for water-related losses on our projects for many years,” said Brasfield & Gorrie Vice President of Risk Management Katie Voss. “WINT’s expertise and engagement during preconstruction and product installation, combined with their sophisticated monitoring capabilities, have been very impressive. We appreciate AXA XL working with us to find a solution for our water mitigation needs and look forward to implementing WINT on more of our projects.”

AXA XL provides insurance and risk management products and services for mid-sized companies and large multinationals and offers reinsurance solutions to insurance companies globally. For more information, visit www.axaxl.com.

Brasfield & Gorrie is one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms, providing general contracting, design-build and construction management services for a wide variety of markets, including health care, commercial, institutional, federal, municipal, industrial, infrastructure and water/wastewater treatment. For more information, visit https://www.brasfieldgorrie.com.

“We are excited to welcome Matt and his team to Bowman,” said Gary Bowman, CEO of Bowman. “We’ve been looking for the right opportunity to establish a presence in Raleigh and Triangle is an ideal way to make that happen. Matt and his team will be key to helping expand our presence throughout the Carolinas. This acquisition aligns with our strategic initiatives for growth and expansion.”

“Bowman is an ideal fit for us,” said Matt Lowder, founder of Triangle. “The firm is the cultural fit that we were looking for and we share a passion for serving our clients. We appreciate the confidence Gary and his team have placed in us as their foothold in the Raleigh area. I am confident that there will be many synergies between our operations and Bowman’s throughout the Carolinas. Everyone at Triangle is excited about becoming part of the Bowman family.”

The acquisition, which Bowman expects to initially contribute approximately $2 million of annual net service billing and be immediately accretive, was financed with a combination of cash, seller financing, and stock.

“We’re pleased to be executing on our acquisition plans and deploying capital we raised in our IPO,” added Bruce Labovitz, Bowman’s CFO. “This is the first of several similarly sized acquisitions in our pipeline that we expect to close prior to our upcoming third quarter earnings call in November.  We look forward to providing more details on our M&A activities at that time.”

DALLAS — Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc., a leading civil engineering firm in Texas, announced the acquisition of Plano-based firm Dowdey, Anderson & Associates (DAA), expanding its footprint in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Headquartered in San Antonio with offices across the state, Pape-Dawson established its Dallas location in 2014. Led by Brad Davis, P.E., Managing Principal North Texas, the Dallas office designs large residential developments, commercial properties, and public works projects. Signature Pape-Dawson DFW projects include Big Sky Regional Water Facilities, TxDOT General Engineering Consulting (GEC) for the North Tarrant Express project, the Liberty Trails single-family development, and numerous multi-family projects in the Metroplex area.

“Under the leadership of Bill Anderson and Michael Dowdey, DAA became the premier single-family residential engineering firm in the Dallas-Forth Worth area,” said Gene Dawson, President of Pape-Dawson. “Combining our teams allows us to most effectively serve the needs of our collective Metroplex clients and our growing communities. Together we are number one in plats filed, in single-family residential lots platted, and in total acres platted in the State of Texas.”

“As we looked to expand in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, we searched for a firm whose mission and values seamlessly aligned with ours. DAA quickly emerged as the perfect fit,” said Brad Davis, P.E., Managing Principal North Texas. “We similarly prioritize a commitment to service, our clients, and the community.”

Established in 1967, DAA is a diversified engineering and design firm that provides land development services. Project examples include Mustang Lakes and Cambridge Crossing in Celina; Sunset Pointe in Little Elm; Star Trail in Prosper; Townlake in Flower Mound; and Richwoods, Lexington Country, and Edgewood in Frisco.  Over the last decade, DAA has platted over 20,000 lots in the Metroplex.

“Pape-Dawson shares our values of respect, integrity, family, hard work, and excellence,” said Bill Anderson, President and principal owner of DAA. “At DAA, we look forward to joining the Pape-Dawson family, expanding our capabilities, and strengthening our commitment to serve our clients’ needs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Together, no other firm can match our residential land development experience in the State of Texas.”

Click here for a digital press kit with additional information about Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc., and here to learn more about Pape-Dawson and leadership in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

The project has seen some of the Land & Water team, alongside its bioengineering arm Terraqua Environmental Solutions (TES) and trusted suppliers, volunteer their time and provide works at a reduced cost to support the school’s ethos of providing pupils of all social backgrounds with the opportunity to thrive and fulfill their potential.

Incorporating HVO fuel into its machinery, a 90+% net carbon biofuel which substantially reduces carbon emissions compared to conventional gas oil, Land & Water successfully dredged and re-established two lakes on the school grounds which will be used for open water swimming, fishing, biology lessons and for cadet force training and other broader curricular pursuits. The dredged sediments have been recycled for re-use as an agricultural soil improver on the school’s farm.

James Maclean, CEO of Land & Water said, “Christ’s Hospital holds a special place in my heart as it was here that I was educated and learnt many lessons which prepared me for the life I lead today.

“It has been a fantastic experience being back in the school grounds, creating a space which can be utilized and enjoyed by pupils for generations to come.

“Our suppliers, as well as the Land & Water team, have gone above and beyond to ensure this project was completed by the start of term to ensure minimal disruption. Well done to everyone involved.”

Christ’s Hospital was established in 1552 by King Edward VI and is the UK’s leading charitable school and largest bursary charity. It actively seeks pupils of potential, who often come from varied and complex backgrounds and provides free or substantially reduced cost places to ensure that children have access to first-class education no matter their background.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Medaro Mining Corp. (CSE: MEDA) (OTC: MEDAF) (FWB: 1ZY) (“Medaro” or the “Company”), a multi-faceted venture aimed at developing innovative spodumene processing technology concurrent with its lithium focused exploration at its two properties in Canada, is pleased to announce the completion of a previously announced (August 12, 2021) Phase 1 exploration fieldwork program at its Cyr South Lithium Property located in James Bay, Quebec, Canada (the “Property”).

Junttan USA General Manager Miika Eskelinen says, “Junttan and XCMG will work closely to help strengthen both of our product lines in the future. Both companies share the same values of quality, trust, and partnership with our valued customers. It is with great pride that we see our U.S.-based company strengthening its products.”

Not only is XCMG one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world, but it also has 20 years of experience manufacturing foundation equipment. This new partnership will expand Junttan’s product line from primarily piledriving equipment into foundation drilling equipment.

Junttan USA’s Vice President Sales & Operations Tim Dutton, who has previous experience with foundation drilling equipment, will be instrumental in guiding this expansion. He says, “This partnership will allow Junttan to expand its already extensive line of piling rigs and bring new options to our customer base. We are proud to be partnered with an organization like XCMG.”

Junttan recognized an increase in drilled shafts in the North American foundation market and wanted to expand beyond its traditional line of piling rigs and hammers to meet the changing needs of its contractor customers. The new line of XCMG drilling rigs allow the company to provide equipment and tooling for both driven and drilled pile foundations. These rigs are designed for Kelly drilling, continuous flight auger (CFA), full displacement piles (FDP), single column mixing (SCM), cased CFA (CCFA), and low headroom applications. Junttan USA also expects to eventually expand its technology to perform cutter soil mixing for diaphragm wall applications.

The XCMG line of drilling rigs have a large range of operating weights from 45 to 200 tons and torque values between 130 and 800 kNm. All are outfitted with Cummins engines and will be Tier 4 or greater to comply with emission standards in the U.S. Junttan USA has access to the Cummins InSite software for troubleshooting and diagnostics. This allows all engine service to be performed by Junttan technicians with no outside support from a Cummins dealer. All new products will be backed by a one-year/2,000-hour warranty and handled directly through Junttan USA.

Junttan USA will provide service, and stock a comprehensive inventory of parts for the XCMG product line at its Delaware and Florida locations. XCMG has also committed to stocking parts at its locations in Nevada, Texas, and Minnesota.

“The signing of this agreement between XCMG and Junttan USA is a mutual relationship that is built on respect and communication,” says Kong Qinghua, president of XCMG Foundation Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. “We see a great opportunity to provide drilling equipment in the United States and are very happy with our new partner Junttan USA.”

During a recent attachment demonstration at F&W Equipment’s Orange, Connecticut facility, the companies showed off Ransome’s Exac-One Mini Mower, Exac-One Model PTO300 Log Grapple, Black Splitter S2 800 Cone Splitter, and Gyru-Star Compact Screening Bucket, all of which are now available through F&W in its role as a stocking dealer for Ransome.

During the event, Regional Sales Manager Mark Laigle discussed the company’s addition of Ransome Attachments to F&W’s offerings. “The more you can broaden your product line, the better off you and your customers are,” he says. “We’re always looking for attachment opportunities. 90 percent of the time people buying a machine will buy an attachment. We can roll it all into one package.”

F&W’s connection to Ransome products began when one of Laigle’s regular customers asked if they could purchase a Black Splitter cone splitter from him. Laigle reached out to Eric Ransome, president of Ransome Attachments in New Jersey, and quickly recognized the opportunity to support F&W customers by stocking Ransome products.

F&W’s market position is strongest among midrange contactors that Laigle describes as small mom-and-pop companies with five or six employees. The F&W product portfolio includes Kubota compact and mid-size farm and landscaping equipment, and a full complement of Doosan excavators, wheel loaders and compact construction equipment, as well as specialty attachments that broaden the capabilities of many of its machines.

Laigle says the Ransome attachments really complement F&W’s equipment lines, citing a recent example. “My first sale of Ransome’s Gyru-Star Compact Screening Bucket was to Reynolds Nursery, a small nursery in Norwalk, Connecticut,” he says. “They have customers that drop soil off all the time and they have to screen it through a screening machine, which takes forever. Reynolds was looking for some way to do it faster with a wheel loader. They bought a brand-new wheel loader from me, and I told them we could put the screener on the front of the new wheel loader they bought.”

Laigle did a product demo for them and says, “They’re now screening like 20 yards of topsoil in no time at all, and it’s made their life so much easier. They go out of their way to call me and let me know that.”

As a stocking equipment distributor, F&W offers a higher level of service to its customers. “We’ve grown our business on customer service. When our customer has a piece of equipment that’s down, we either have a part in stock, a replacement machine, or a rental unit,” Laigle says.

“In fact, my first question to Eric was, if a Ransome product comes out of the UK or Germany and I sell a mower to somebody that needs a bearing for the pump, is it going to take six months to get it?” Eric Ransome assured Laigle that his company stands behind its products. He said, “We keep in stock the most commonly needed replacement parts here in New Jersey. We are also very fortunate to work with such great manufacturers who can send parts directly to our customers quickly and cost effectively.”

Laigle notes another benefit of being a stocking distributor. “I think contractors expect that if something breaks, it’s going to take a day or two to get fixed. As we sell more and more items, the normal wear and tear stuff, if a customer’s attachment goes down, I can give him a rental unit to use while we’re getting parts. Almost every single piece of equipment we sell is available for rental,” he adds.

“Because F&W is a small family-owned business, this is what we live for. Ransome is the type of teammate we’re looking for, someone that’s going to provide us customer service so that we can provide it to our end-users. We’ve got to get after Eric to get some more products!” Laigle laughs.

“We are excited to be working with F&W Equipment as its excellent reputation is well known in the area and our quality attachments complement their lines of equipment,” says Eric Ransome. “I really see it as a mutually beneficial partnership that will continue to grow.”

WASHINGTON – Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, announced the findings from its 2020 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report.

The Report analyzed all 2020 data submitted voluntarily by facility operators, utility locating companies, one call centers, contractors, regulators and others from the U.S. and Canada using an in-depth statistical modeling process. The results of this analysis found that an estimated 468,000 excavation-related damages to underground facilities occurred in the U.S. in 2020. Construction activity was down 4.2% in 2020 from 2019 as measured by construction spending and adjusting for steep inflation in building materials and supplies that occurred in 2020, according to the Report’s analysis. The Report suggests that in addition to a dip in construction activity in 2020, the overall emphasis on safety as a result of the global pandemic may have led to less crowded and potentially less distracting job sites, leading to an overall reduction in damages from the year prior.

While estimated damages in the U.S. decreased in 2020, the report depicts a five-year trend in damage rates that has plateaued. The 2020 DIRT Report predicts the next few years will bring an increase in construction activity and the potential of a national infrastructure program that will require the damage prevention industry to focus its efforts on addressing the consistent rate of damages and estimated $30 billion in societal costs incurred as a result of damages to buried infrastructure each year.

The 2020 DIRT Report analyzes the root causes of reported damages and finds that out of 26 possible causes, the top five damage root causes reported in 2020 made up nearly 70% of the total damages reported. The Report also notes the consistency in top damage drivers year-over-year, indicating persistent and prevalent issues, and recommends that damage prevention programs examine how they are addressing these specific root causes: failure to notify 811, failure to pothole and/or maintain clearance, and facilities not marked or marked inaccurately due to locator error or the presence of an abandoned facility. The 2020 DIRT Report suggests that targeting improvements in the handful of persistent root causes may yield dramatic overall reduction in the number of annual damages to buried facilities.

Several additional recommendations for the damage prevention industry are provided in the Report, including capturing more granular data on reasons for not notifying 811, addressing damages due to faded or lost marks that occur early in a project, and utilizing the DIRT Interactive Dashboard to explore damage data pertinent to a specific organization, industry or region. Additionally, the Report recommends that one call centers explore utilizing common data collection, reporting processes and metrics for late locates to understand how varying state requirements impact ticket volume.

The 2020 DIRT Report includes a number of appendices that dive into state-specific data to create a fuller picture of damages to underground facilities around the country. To help the industry better understand the unique circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Appendix D contains data from several one call centers illuminating how construction activity and ticket requests were affected at the state level. Additionally, Appendix D takes a state-level look at the much-discussed issue of late locates and their impact on damages, with responses from a number of one call centers that share how they are confronting this challenge.

“As the only comprehensive accounting of underground utility damages in North America, the DIRT Report is a crucial tool for understanding the most pressing challenges in damage prevention – and to truly make progress on addressing the handful of damage root causes that are driving the vast majority of damages,” said Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, president and CEO of CGA. “With the potential of significant infrastructure legislation becoming law coupled with an expected increase in construction activity in the coming years, we must focus on the challenges outlined in the DIRT Report and work together as an industry to improve each step of the damage prevention process. In addition to reading the Report, I encourage all damage prevention stakeholders to visit the DIRT Interactive Dashboard to explore the data most relevant to your industry and geography, and understand the steps your organization could take to help reduce damages.”

“Producing the annual DIRT Report is not possible without the damage prevention stakeholders who voluntarily submit their damage and near miss data and help build a more complete picture of the current damage prevention landscape,” said Andrea Stainback, CGA Data Reporting & Evaluation Committee co-chair. “I would like to thank everyone who submits data to DIRT, encourage all organizations to do so annually, and extend particular gratitude to the one call centers who contributed additional data to help us understand the complex damage prevention ecosystem in 2020.”

Damage prevention decision-makers will be discussing the future of the industry and DIRT data-informed strategies for reversing the trend of rising damages at the 2021 CGA Conference & Expo, set to take place in Orlando next month. Attendees will be able to participate in a range of educational sessions that focus on damage root causes and how stakeholders can best share responsibility to achieve our goal of zero damages.

The complete DIRT Annual Report for 2020 is available for download at www.commongroundalliance.com, and stakeholders interested in submitting data to the 2021 Report or establishing a Virtual Private Dirt account should visit the DIRT site at www.cga-dirt.com.

The responsibilities of all participants, including homeowners, landscapers and nurseries, fence companies, agribusinesses, and digging and demolition companies are described. Specific topics include subsurface utility damage prevention, one-call centers, stakeholder duties, damage investigations, and claims resolution.

This book is an ideal resource for both experienced construction practitioners needing to navigate existing safe digging practices, as well as homeowners and civil engineering students new to the field.

To purchase online, visit the ASCE Bookstore

Notably, burgeoning demand for its services in minerals extraction and wider industrials has seen Sparrows’ headcount in Australia increase over 200% in the past nine months alone. As such, the company has moved into a new, 2,100m² complex and workshop in Perth, to accommodate a further 40 jobs in the next quarter. In Kazakhstan, the organization has demonstrated its commitment to the region by establishing its first 1,330m² facility for equipment repair and maintenance, including a training centre and workshop.

Stewart Mitchell, CEO at Sparrows, said: “Over the past few years we have been pursuing a robust diversification strategy and these new facilities demonstrate the success we’re seeing throughout the Caspian, Middle East, Australia and USA as a result. Although it has been a challenging time for many businesses, we are working in more industries than ever, from mining to defense. This increased capacity allows us to support more clients, assuring the reliability and integrity of their safety critical equipment.”

In addition, Sparrows has increased its Middle East footprint with substantial new facilities in Abu Dhabi and Qatar. In Abu Dhabi, the 7,300 m² premises will house a team of 100, with the company hiring more than 50 new roles. The new 5,000 m² facility in Doha, Qatar, will provide space for the maintenance and refurbishment of large components, including drilling equipment. Currently housing 34 personnel, Sparrows expects employment at the facility to increase by ~15% by the end of 2021. Lifting and crane operation training will continue to be available in the country though the company’s partnership with RelyOn Nutec. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the company has moved to a new office in Al Khobar to accommodate their rapidly growing workforce and is set to open an additional facility in the Jubail area soon to meet increase in demand from industrial customers.

The new USA facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana, has been opened to provide local support to industrial and marine customers in the region, in addition to facilities in Houma and Slidell. Providing cylinder tear down, inspection and repair, hydraulic testing, and maintenance and repair of mechanical, hydraulic, and rotating components, Sparrows expects to increase headcount there by 70% before the end of the year with the addition of more technical staff.

Mitchell adds: “We see enormous potential in these locations to provide services to the energy and industrial sectors. Across the Middle East we’ve seen an uptick in training needs and along with our recruitment drive across the region we’re already planning to install a pedestal crane for lifting and crane operations, in addition to our existing crane simulator. We intend to continue to invest in both people and equipment to accelerate our growth.”

Tom Henkel will serve as regional technical sales manager, focusing on promoting UMA’s range of geotechnical services in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, West Virginia, and South Carolina. He will be especially focused on promoting the company’s High-Density Polyurethane (HDPR) Injection service because of his nearly two decades of experience in this area with a company on the West Coast.

Originally from Illinois, Henkel graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Business and Consumer Affairs. He is also a past board member with the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI). Henkel enjoys a host of outdoor activities including pickleball, paddle boarding, golf, skiing, and fishing.

Ken Pasols now serves as regional technical sales manager. He will promote UMA’s geotechnical services in Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Florida. Pasols’ recent work experience has involved business development in the Southeast U.S. foundation construction market.

When not working Ken enjoys spending time with his family, vacationing, and going on deep sea fishing tours off the coast of Destin, Florida.

“Nothing we do is more important than hiring and developing our team,” says UMA President Brian DeSpain. “At the end of the day, you bet on people, not on strategies. Our team is what makes us who we are.”

An industry leader in the development and refinement of innovative polymer grouting techniques, UMA Geotechnical Construction, Inc. creates specialized solutions to assist clients with ground engineering needs that save money and minimize downtime. As one of the first to use lightweight structural polymers to improve subsurface soils at depth greater than 40 feet, UMA is uniquely equipped to deliver safe, predictable, and effective results. The team includes industry experts in structural support, earth retention, and soil stabilization with decades of experience, and is dedicated to ongoing advancement in the field.  

HAMILTON, New Jersey — Total construction starts lost 7% in June, slipping to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $863.6 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. All three major sectors (residential, nonresidential building, and nonbuilding) pulled back during the month. Single family housing starts are feeling the detrimental effects of rising materials prices. Large projects that broke ground in May were absent in June for nonresidential building and nonbuilding starts, resulting in declines.

“Unabated materials price inflation has driven a significant deceleration in single family construction,” stated Richard Branch, Chief Economist for Dodge Data & Analytics. “Lumber futures have eased in recent weeks, but builders are unlikely to see much relief over the short-term, meaning building costs will continue to negatively influence the housing industry. On the other hand, the nascent recovery in nonresidential buildings has continued on as projects pile up in the planning stages. These mixed signals coming from both residential and nonresidential construction starts suggest that recovery from the pandemic will remain uneven in coming months as rising materials prices and labor shortages weigh on the industry.”

Below is the full breakdown:

• Nonbuilding construction starts lost 13% in June, dipping to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $171.8 billion. While highway and bridge starts slid 7%, the overall decline in nonbuilding starts was the result of a 63% drop in the utility and gas plant category that followed a large increase in May. Total nonbuilding starts, excluding the utility/gas plant category, rose 3% on gains in environmental public works and miscellaneous nonbuilding. Total nonbuilding starts were up 4% within the first six months of 2021. Environmental public works surged 35%, while utility/gas plants gained 13%. Miscellaneous nonbuilding (-6%) and highway and bridge starts (-9%), however, dragged on the sector.

For the 12 months ending June 2021, total nonbuilding starts were 6% lower than the 12 months ending June 2020. Environmental public works starts were 23% higher, while utility and gas plant starts were down 20%. Highway and bridge starts were down 3% and miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were 22% lower through the first six months.

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in June were a $453 million sewer overflow project in Pawtucket RI, the $439 million Bay Park Conveyance Project in Cedar Creek NY, and the $390 million I-5 North Capacity Enhancement project in Los Angeles CA.

• Nonresidential building starts dropped 7% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $288.0 billion. Large healthcare and manufacturing projects provided a significant boost to May, but the absence of similar projects in June led to normalized starts activity. Without the negative influence of these sectors, nonresidential starts would have increased 10% in June. Commercial starts rose 12% with all categories posting gains, while institutional starts fell by 9% and manufacturing starts lost 62% over the month. Through the first six months of 2021, nonresidential building starts were slightly ahead of the first six months of 2020. Commercial starts were up 7% and manufacturing starts were 36% higher, while institutional starts were 5% lower through the first six months.

For the 12 months ending June 2021, nonresidential building starts were 14% lower than the 12 months ending June 2020. Commercial starts were down 18%, while institutional starts fell 10%. Manufacturing starts dropped 42% in the 12 months ending June 2021.

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in June were the $1.0 billion Research and Development District office project in San Diego CA, the $470 million second phase of the Oyster Point Offices in San Francisco CA, and the $410 million Amazon distribution center in Rochester NY.  

• Residential building starts fell 5% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $403.8 billion. Single family starts lost 8%, while multifamily starts were 2% higher. From January through June, total residential starts were 32% higher than the same period a year earlier. Single family starts were up 37%, while multifamily starts were 19% higher. 

For the 12 months ending June 2021, total residential starts were 22% higher than the 12 months ending June 2020. Single family starts gained 29%, while multifamily starts were up 5% on a 12-month sum basis.

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in June were the $400 million Courthouse Commons project in San Diego CA, the $267 million 1900 Crystal Ave residences in Arlington VA, and the $250 million Five Park Condominiums and Apartments in Miami Beach FL.

• Regionally, June’s starts rose in the Northeast but fell in all other regions.

The 20-gallon Rough Terrain Watering Cart features thicker axles and 4″ front casters, plus 10″ rear wheels with metal hubs and solid rubber tires that never go flat. All are designed to simplify crossing large cracks and stones, as well as going up and down steps. These components also comprise the Conversion Kit for the standard Flow-Rite cart, with all necessary hardware included.

User-friendly, the compact, upright design of the Flow-Rite Rough Terrain Watering Cart eliminates bending over and makes storage easier. The large ergonomic handle makes hauling effortless. A quick-access port provides rapid filling. Spray bottle holders are conveniently molded into the unit. Integrated notches keep the 9′ hose in place, even when the unit is jostled over bumps.

An onboard battery and pump deliver water at three gallons per minute. AC/DC powered, indicator lights display when the cart needs

recharging and the current charge level. The Rough Terrain Watering Cart works with all Flow-Rite single-point and most other watering solutions.

The Flow-Rite Rough Terrain Watering Cart BA-MS-116 retails for $1,075; it comes with a one-year warranty. To upgrade wheels and axles on the standard Flow-Rite Portable Watering Cart, Conversion Kit BA-MS-117 is $240.99.

WASHINGTON – Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, today published its fourth annual Technology Report, “Technology Advancements and Gaps in Underground Safety 2021,” which serves as a record of progress in technology for the damage prevention industry, as well as a source of inspiration for new applications of existing technologies and the development of new technologies.

The 2021 Technology Report, which is produced by CGA’s Technology Committee, identifies cutting-edge technology applications in damage prevention, gaps that could be filled by new or modified technologies and gaps that are in the process of being addressed by technology. The report raises the overall level of industry knowledge by sharing information that CGA’s Technology Committee has collected on successful applications of technology, which may eventually lead to the adoption of new CGA Best Practices and innovative solutions supported by the Next Practices Initiative.

The 2021 Technology Report also includes a vision for an ideal excavation project set in the year 2030: An excavator enters an online locate request and completes an electronic white-line, and in turn receives a digital Enhanced Positive Response (EPR) file linked to a one call ticket number and supported by maps, photos and instructions. The EPR digital file is compatible with software installed in excavation equipment, so that a map can be displayed within the cab and bucket sensors will alert the equipment operator when in proximity to a facility. The file can also be uploaded to drones, which can provide live video feeds of the excavation to facility owners or excavating company management — and if any unmarked, mismarked, or abandoned facilities are found during the project, the drone maps them via integrated GPR and/or takes photos. That information is provided back to the facility operators who can verify it and update their files as needed.

“The idealized excavation scenario in this year’s report is designed to showcase how much more efficient and effective damage prevention can be if we put the full force of investment and data integration behind them,” said Nick Starke, CGA Technology Committee co-chair. “The technology described in the 2030 illustration already exists — but as an industry, we have to move past some of the liability concerns and other entrenched hurdles that prevent existing technologies from being applied more effectively, and we’re looking forward to contributing to CGA’s Next Practices Initiative on those systemic issues. In the meantime, we hope the 2021 Technology Report offers the industry inspiration for purchasing, applying, researching and developing technological solutions to reduce damages to buried infrastructure.”

CGA’s 2021 Technology Report also features four case studies that can be used as examples of what works now in damage prevention and/or a preview of what is being developed:

• Gopher State One Call—White-Lining of Excavation Areas by Digital Methods: Electronic (or virtual) white-lining is the application of a visual indicator outlining the actual excavation area to a digital base map by a notification center representative during the phone-in process or by the excavator as they enter their ticket online. The resulting map, complete with the virtual white-lining, is then shared by the notification center with affected  facility operators. This record can aid the locator in more easily and precisely determining the area to be marked.

• Sawback Technologies, Inc.—Lightweight, Mountable Ground Penetrating Radar: Application of conventional GPR to locating has historically been limited by the size and weight of the units, and the need to be in contact with the ground. Sawback’s system can be used from above ground level (and potentially mounted on drones), and maps and integrates the data into a visual layer with the intent to make the same data accessible in point cloud format for a 3D view.

• Unearth Technologies, Inc.—Application of a Map-Based Work Management Platform to a Cross Bore Detection Program: OnePlace is a cloud- and map-based work management platform that allows users to capture, access and share data from anywhere. This case study discusses how OnePlace was applied to a cross bore detection and mitigation program, but it could theoretically be applied to tracking abandoned facilities, stub-service lines, damage and near-miss locations, and past digging activities.

• PelicanCorp—Leveraging Smart Technology to Overcome Rising Locate Volumes: A program called ScreenAccess provides an automated solution for processing locate requests. The technology receives locate tickets and compares the location of the job to the location of the facility operators’ network. Tickets are categorized based on the work being performed and the nature of the asset potentially at risk. Maps can be prepared and dispatched to both the facility operator and the contractor.

“Increased adoption of cutting-edge technologies and development of additional data-sharing opportunities between existing technologies are among our best pathways to reversing the trend of rising damages to buried infrastructure in the U.S.,” said Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, president and CEO of CGA. “I would like to thank CGA’s Technology Committee and its leaders for carefully cataloguing damage prevention technology year-over-year and pushing the industry to utilize technological solutions with its annual Technology Report.”

The complete “Technology Advancements and Gaps in Underground Safety 2021” report is available for download at commongroundalliance.com, and stakeholders interested in making contributions to the annual report are encouraged to complete the short survey available at https://commongroundalliance.com/Forms/Technology-Form. CGA is hosting a member webinar on the 2021 Technology Report on June 9.

About CGA

CGA is a member-driven association of nearly 1,700 individuals, organizations and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to North American underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. CGA has established itself as the preeminent source of damage prevention data and information in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders. For more information, visit CGA on the web at https://www.commongroundalliance.com.

Assess the asset inventory

The first step of the valuation process is to assess the municipality’s asset inventory. The process starts by creating a comprehensive listing of all the underground piping, manholes, fire hydrants, valves, aboveground structures, buildings, vehicles, and so on — all of those components that make up the water, sewer, or other utility.

While the valuation team can create this list, the project may move along much quicker if the utility is able to provide at least some of this information. From there, the team conducting the valuation will make site visits. Often the result is a map of the assets, complete with detailed descriptions of component age, material, size, and condition.

Conducting due diligence

If the client does provide an asset inventory, the valuation team should still spend a considerable amount of time performing due diligence to make sure it’s a complete and accurate list. Part of the valuation work is finding overlooked assets or structures that may not be listed correctly in documents. This is particularly common for buried assets. It’s tough to remember where everything is, particularly when some of a municipality’s assets were buried decades ago. Due diligence should involve both verifying provided information and drilling down further into the details of those assets.

Assess cost information

The next step is to assess cost information. This involves looking at site- or community-specific information on what the listed assets cost when they were originally installed in their current location, whether that be in the 1890s or the 1980s. The consultant will use whatever information is available to establish the cost of those assets at the time they were installed. This may include material costs as well as costs of engineering, permitting, easement rights, legal fees and the like.

At the same time, the valuation team will gather information via modern construction costs and indexes to understand what that same type of infrastructure would cost to construct and install today should those assets be replaced. This method accounts for the current cost to design and build new facilities similar to the existing systems with equivalent functionality but necessary technological and regulatory modifications. In some cases, the team may look for current cost indexes across various communities — the costs in New York versus the cost for that same infrastructure in Ohio, for example — to help in assigning costs to each inventoried asset.

The next step is to look at depreciation. After all, an asset that was installed 50 years ago is not as valuable as an asset that was installed 10 years ago due to wear and tear. In some cases, the infrastructure may be functionally obsolete but still may have value.

Time to draw conclusions

With this data in hand, it’s time to draw some conclusions on value. Typically, the valuation team will focus on three numbers to create a range of valuations:

• The original cost of all the assets in the years that they were installed.

• The replacement cost of what each asset would cost if it were to be installed today.

• The replacement cost less depreciation.

Together, this information provides a final conclusion on value.

How you can help

While many municipalities are content to turn this process over to their consultant in its entirety, initial input from the local experts who know these systems best can make the process quicker and ultimately more accurate. Input from current utility engineers and operators is particularly valuable. Long-tenured field staff or superintendents often hold in their memory much of the history of their utility systems. Cross-checking data with accounting staff also can prove helpful. Providing time for municipal staff to contribute to the investigation gets the valuation off to a strong start.

By working closely together and supporting the utility valuation process, municipalities can feel certain in the ascribed value of its utility assets.

By Sean O’Keefe

Nature is an essential part of the human experience. As the universal backdrop of our lives, nature instills a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, something grander than now— something eternal. As densities of human populations have increased, first cities, and then metropolises have formed. Building ever larger, taller, and deeper, today superblocks and transit corridors fill space and concentrate purpose in cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Structure and infrastructure, concrete and steel fill seemingly every space, challenging nature to find a way to fit in. Thankfully, nature is making a comeback.

“Cities have started recognizing the importance of open spaces and the capacity of nature to enhance the quality of urban living,” says Laura Solano, a landscape architect and principal at Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) in Cambridge, MA. Solano has been practicing landscape architecture for 37 years and is a recognized expert in landscape technology and sustainability. “Nature has a willful wildness about it, an unpredictability and when it’s contrasted against the hardness of a city, a harmonic conversation happens.”

Solano has earned a reputation for solving landscape challenges in complex urban contexts through innovative approaches to stormwater management, incorporating sustainable soils and native plants, and the resourceful use of landscape materials. Among the latter, Solano has high praise for an often-unsung hero in her tool kit – molded polystyrene geofoam, used as a lightweight fill beneath landscapes.

“MVVA has been working with geofoam for twenty-five years, using it in places that no one could imagine,” says Solano of the lightweight, rigid foam she regularly incorporates in her work. Molded polystyrene is a cellular plastic material used to produce incredibly strong geofoam blocks, which are easily moved by hand and carved, sculpted, or stacked on site to create dynamic landforms in tight spaces. Atlas Molded Products is one of North America’s largest manufacturers of molded polystyrene and strives to be an asset to designers and an ally to builders. “Topography is essential to crafting a landscape that intuitively guides the user,” continues Solano. “Geofoam allows us to add undulation in landforms built over structures without adding a tremendous volume of weight. Carefully done, the results are natural and beautiful.”

A recent success and brilliant illustration of Solano’s enthusiasm is One Bennett Park, a high-rise residential infill project along the north edge of Chicago’s loop. At 836 feet tall and 69 stories, One Bennett Park is eighth among Chicago’s ten tallest condominium buildings. The building has handsome finishes, an abundance of amenities, and a community green space at its doorstep. Located in the lively Streeterville neighborhood, One Bennett Park represents architectural collaboration at its best. Developers Related Midwest engaged world-renowned design visionaries, Robert A.M. Stern Architects to work with executive architects, GREC Architects of Chicago, and MVVA for the landscape design, each independently contracted.

“Infill properties always have challenges, and that’s where we thrive,” says Dennis DeCapri, a Principal at GREC, who took a leadership role in guiding his firm’s performance on One Bennett Park. GREC excels in the design and management of large complex commercial and residential projects nationally and internationally and welcomed the chance to collaborate with other visionary practitioners. A developer’s ability to leverage existing assets and realize strategic advantages like an adjacent urban park are often key differentiators in congested urban multifamily residential markets. “There is an existing parking structure on the site that was to be maintained, so a portion of the building and the park were designed to be built over the garage. That’s where the geofoam comes in,” remarked DeCapri.

DeCapri noted that before One Bennett Park his exposure to geofoam and molded polystyrene foam insulations had been with conventional applications like retaining soil and insulating a foundation wall, roof, or vertical wall cavity. Seeing the landscape vision proposed by MVVA’s team, DeCapri understood that it was more than just the light weight of geofoam that made Atlas’ product the ideal building material.

“The geofoam was key because this two-acre landscape rises as much as 24 feet above grade in some places,” says DeCapri. “The existing garage has limited loading capacity so significant contouring wouldn’t have been possible if the garage deck had to be loaded with soil.”

Previously the top of the garage was an uninviting collection of sloping surfaces resembling origami; largely the domain of neighborhood dog walkers and loiterers. The reimagined green space adorning One Bennett Park had to be designed to serve both building residents and the surrounding neighborhood.

The new park offers an inviting animated playscape boasting a soft, spongy blue-green play pad with slides built into a hillside. There is a climbing forest, kid cabins, and a walking path winding around a community lawn rimmed by shrubs to subtly provide a sense of enclosure. Beyond, a shady grove of trees contrasts the multipurpose spaces with small, secluded meeting moments tucked along the west edge. Two separately fenced dog runs – large and small – invite public access. Thoughtfully planned breaks in fencing offer neighbors cross-block pass-throughs.

“Neighborhoods are very important in Chicago. Streeterville is a tightknit community. This park had to offer something for everyone: people with dogs, kids, grandkids, or no kids,” continues Solano. “A flat landscape doesn’t inspire; our work is sculptural with lots of topography. The configurations we design can be tricky. We do a grading plans, lots of studies, and often build models before we are satisfied.”

Once the design is understood, configuring a geofoam purchase order to fill the bill can be something of a puzzle in and of itself. In solving these puzzles, landscape architects and contractors around the country find ready, reliable expertise in Atlas Molded Products.

“The geofoam manufacturer is almost always involved in the shop drawings, which is critical to success.” says Solano. “They help with specifying their products and figuring out critical details such as: how joints are handled; how many gripper plates are needed; and how the foam needs to be cut and carved, which is super critical to getting the right forms.”

For One Bennett Park Atlas’ product representatives helped define a comprehensive purchase order that included Atlas Geofoam in two different densities, 15 and 19. Rather than delivering a single load of geofoam, Atlas pre-packaged and marked geofoam pieces into specific area-by-area bundles for easier configuration and installation. During construction, Atlas’ onsite presence helped the contractor’s teams understand the assembly process and details.

“Collaboration is essential to success in design and that includes leveraging the expertise of manufacturers like Atlas Molded Products,” finishes Solano. “Without geofoam, many of our designs on rooftops and over unstable soil conditions wouldn’t be possible. Geofoam is a very hard-working product that is simple to use with a little help and practice. It’s well worth the cost.”

Sean O’Keefe writes design and construction industry stories based on 20 years of experience and a keen interest in the people who make projects happen. He can be reached at sean@sokpr.com.

New urbanism has been changing the design of communities for the past 30 years. Today, in many cities and communities, we are seeing more walkable neighborhoods, more orientation around public transit systems, and a greater integration of varied land uses. This has fostered neighborliness, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity, which have contributed to improved quality of life. Over the past decade, we’ve also seen the emergence of smart communities, which use technology (such as the Internet of Things (IoT)) and data to better meet citizens’ needs and improve livability by enabling better governance, planning, and management. Increasingly, these new concepts are developed and implemented by “Plangineers”: planners and engineers who have combined orientations/backgrounds in planning/design and engineering and who are now contributing to the next generation of community design.

Human-Centric Design Approach

At its heart, a city should be an extension of its inhabitants and its ecosystem. It is imperative to account for all ages and backgrounds as we explore a human-centric design approach. After all, an active 30-year-old does not have the same needs as a child or the elderly. In most cases, these populations are all represented within a city and we need to think about how to create opportunity and improved quality of life for all in a balanced way. In doing so, they will be most successful when they build upon a city’s environmental and ecological “DNA”. Examples in history show us that cities that have embraced their DNA have been most effective in creating diverse and lasting environments for their citizens and visitors. Amsterdam is a great example with a network of canals and integration of water into its urban fabric. The result is planning and design that is directly informed by the needs, desires, and habits of the specific community while addressing its unique combination of geography, culture, and socioeconomics.

In working towards creating a higher quality of life for our communities, it is imperative that we reach out to and include a wide cross-section of the community in the planning process. Open dialogue with residents, business owners, local workers and interested stakeholders helps to inform a range of options that may work within a specific area of the community. Real-time platforms, like social media, can be extremely helpful in collecting immediate feedback, while also sharing news and updates in a timely manner. We need to be nimble and flexible to adapt and refine proposed solutions based on the feedback received. Feedback can be solicited every step of the way –from the feasibility phase through final planning and design – and adjustments can be incorporated to build consensus throughout the implementation process.  We also need to let time build the space of our cities: as they say “Rome wasn’t built in one day” either. If we don’t over-plan, we allow the city to evolve so it can reflect layer upon layer of changes over time, made by its citizens and guided by designers and planners.

Technology and the Internet of Things (IoT)

Nearly everything will be changed by the continued dissemination of the IoT: offices, homes, vehicles, retail, infrastructure, and more. Technology is revolutionizing how we live, work, and play, but technology cannot exist for its own sake. We’re creating urban design solutions that don’t purely rely on technology but rather incorporate it as part of our human-centric design approach. Some examples include smart parking meters that show available spots on an app to cut down on driving and recirculation time; congestion sensors to optimize or divert traffic; smart LED lamp posts that adjust to brightness and weather conditions; smart electricity grids that analyze energy consumption and deliver the optimal supply of electricity; waste sensors that detect garbage levels and maximize collection routes; structural sensors to monitor vibrations and building conditions, and the list of applications goes on.

The deployment of IoT is already impacting land use and urban planning. Urban dwellers have come to expect that certain amenities – such as parks, restaurants, grocery stores, banks, dry cleaners, pharmacies, post offices, etc. – should be easily found in their communities. Cities can optimize their land use and ensure that all of these needs are met by taking datasets captured by  IoT – like traffic trends, health outcomes, unit economics, and amenities scores – and use modeling to plan spaces that include these destinations while maximizing the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The deployment of IoT throughout our cities will largely depend on a public-private hybrid approach. Both parties would have a stake in the outcome as it would positively impact cost of living, quality of life, ecological quality, safety, and security. One caveat to consider is that while IoT makes more things possible, it may also disconnect the physical environment from the functional environment, making cities less “understandable”. This creates the risk of losing the visual character and identity that we so much appreciate in older cities as well as newer cities that have successfully (re)created their identity. This is also consistent with the consumer trend towards gaining diverse “experiences” as reflected in the global surge of tourism and moving away from the accumulation of physical goods – or “stuff”. On a smaller scale, the conveniences enabled by technology – such as same day delivery – while minor in themselves, taken together have the potential to dramatically change the way our cities function as well as how they look.

More Data than Ever Before

We are at the beginning of a data avalanche with access to vast amounts information, but most agencies, companies and organizations are still determining the best way to derive insights and use data to inform future planning purposes. The increase in data has led to a fundamental shift in planning and design; we can now focus on the short-term future as we know how and when people are traveling and how infrastructure is being utilized in real-time, versus planning solely for the mid- and long-term. Data collection and visualization tools allow us to design better cities that are more inclusive and with the ability to model the effects of changes before we implement them. This enables us to adapt our systems and solutions as we gain more information from their operation, creating the “adaptive city”.

Integrated Mobility Solutions

The potential of data is especially evident in transportation planning, where the way we move people is fundamentally changing. No longer are personal cars the only way to get around. Rather, people are using multi-modal forms of transportation – walking, biking, public transportation, riding scooters, etc. By studying and analyzing data around this movement, we can optimize routes and allow for better coordination of multi-modal travel and total mobility solutions. We think in terms of more Complete Streets – accommodating all modes of transportation and creating a community around those modes – as well as Transit-Oriented Development – high-density, mixed-use development at or within a short walk of a transit station. There are even apps rolling out that will allow people to go from Point A to Point B utilizing a number of modes of transportation, with trip planning and payments at our fingertips and kept in one place.  At the same time, technology is allowing for more inclusive mobility, including for people with disabilities. Smartphone apps are emerging that link to bus stops and guide a visually impaired user to the actual bus stop (something a typical smartphone GPS cannot do due to its lack of accuracy). The app notifies the bus driver in advance that there is a disabled rider waiting at the bus stop so he can be accommodated by the bus driver. This reduces stress and improves access for all users of the system and enables a more inclusive community.

Green Infrastructure

We are also exploring the benefits of green infrastructure features designed to provide social, economic, and environmental benefits within a single feature. This includes permeable surfaces, rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs/walls, green open spaces, and more. Green infrastructure can reduce urban heat (which is especially a concern for vulnerable populations such as the elderly), lower energy demands and improve stormwater management. Sensors can help us to monitor this type of infrastructure and alert us if an area needs maintenance. Incorporating these elements should happen throughout the planning process to ensure sustainable development and smarter growth while creating optimized design of infrastructure. For example, data generated by green infrastructure provides for a dynamic stormwater management solution that is more adaptable and responsive to changing needs and conditions, while manageable at a lower cost. These benefits are especially relevant in a changing climate and when fiscal resources are already stretched.

A Model for Future Planning

In 2018, the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility Infrastructure, the Urban Development Authority and Michael Baker International embarked on the Mon-Oakland Mobility Project (so named for the Monongahela River, often referred to as “The Mon”). The Mon-Oakland Mobility Project is a part of the city’s effort to provide for a sustainable future and support revitalization. Its planning team began by hosting public meetings to gather input on what a connection might look like from the Hazelwood neighborhood, an icon of Pittsburgh’s industrial past, to Oakland, the image of its high-tech future. The goal was to connect these two important locations via alternative and sustainable modes of transportation to provide new employment opportunities and access to medical care as well as entertainment and access to cultural and civic events for the residents of Hazelwood and neighborhoods inbetween. Because there are only a handful of routes from Pittsburgh’s riverfront communities along the Monongahela River to Oakland, and these routes are already at capacity, the City was looking to expand its connectivity options with an alternative that would complement the existing routes and offer a different experience.

The result of the planning phase was the Mon-Oakland Mobility Plan, which quantified demand and connectivity access between neighborhoods and Oakland; explored routes and technologies to meet demand; recommended mobility facilities for design that can coincide with the Four Mile Run Green Infrastructure Project – a plan for a watershed in nearby Schenley Park; and identified the associated provisions and policies to make a new connection work. One of the solutions was a microtransit (autonomous or drivered electric powered) route that will operate continuously between the neighborhoods of Hazelwood, Greenfield, Four Mile Run, and Oakland. A separate network of bicycle and pedestrian routes will enable non-motorized transportation between these neighborhoods, as well as new trails with stairs to connect in areas with topographic constraints.

A major component of this project was the weaving of the routes and stops within the urban context to create a vision of how each stop will enhance the community with public spaces and other amenities. The Mon-Oakland Mobility Plan is expected to be implemented by 2021, with just a two-year period for construction.

City life is changing (as it always has) and planners are at the forefront of realizing the possibilities of the future. However, as we continue down the path of smart communities and new urbanism, we want to consider everyone’s voice with increasing focus on outcomes like government efficiency, sustainability, health and wellness, mobility, economic development, integration of ecosystems and places to meet, quality of life and social inclusion. In an age when technology is ever evolving and making so many things possible without physical manifestation, we must keep a pulse on new developments and results, creating identity but remaining flexible enough to update plans accordingly and planning for today as well as tomorrow. Above all we need to recognize that today’s communities must embrace change – they need to adapt to risk and leverage opportunity. Only then can they become the resilient, sustainable and balanced communities of tomorrow.

Niek Veraart is Senior Vice President and National Practice Lead – Planning, located in Michael Baker International’s New York City office.

David Reel is Vice President and West Region Practice Lead – Planning at Michael Baker International’s Northern California office.

The Kipp Charter School has completed its latest expansion for the more than 2,000 students in attendance from pre-school to high school.  The new 600-seat athletic stadium, which officially opened on October 24, 2019, was built for football, soccer, and field and track events.  To control stormwater runoff from the field, parking lots, and building, two underground detention systems were constructed using a network of chambers that can hold a combined total of nearly 445,000 gallons of stormwater.

“One of the main reasons we had to go underground and selected the chambers, is because of the constraints on the footprint of the project, which was previously a driving range of the Bridgeview Golf Course,” explained Amy Nagy, P.E., senior project manager for EMH&T (Columbus, Ohio) who led the design team.  “We didn’t have any spare greenspace to provide surface detention and water quality to meet City and EPA requirements.  We realized early in the project that we would have to utilize underground system because we couldn’t locate the required storm detention within the floodplain, which was relevant to the project.  Utilizing underground detention allowed us to put it underneath the field in the endzones.  This allowed us to maximize the footprint of the project in order to accommodate a regulation high school field and desired building.  Once we looked at where that was, we didn’t have any room for detention outside of that, so we had to move it within that footprint.

“An additional constraint was to make sure we were clear from any of the field underdrains and kept structures out of the turf area. The design for the stadium was following behind the rest of the site plan.  We could have put it over the top of it, but basically we placed it in the endzones because they were clear areas, and we wouldn’t interfere with anything as the project phased out.”

The project design called for 288 StormTech® MC-3500 chambers to be used and buried with a minimum cover of #4 gravel fill 12 inches over top of the chambers, followed by another 12 inches of compacted material.  System A, 116 x 89 feet, under the south end of the field, with 168 chambers has a total installed volume capacity of 254,338 gallons of water, while System B, 102 x 74 feet, under the north end of the field with 120 chambers can hold up to 187,000 gallons of water.

StormTech chambers, a product of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS) (NYSE: WMS) (Hilliard, Ohio), are designed in accordance with AASHTO, ASTM and CSA design standards, qualifying them for use in commercial and municipal projects.  Made from an engineered grade of impact-modified polypropylene copolymer, the chambers are made to provide a minimum 75-year service life.

Each chamber, measures 90 inches long x 77 inches wide x 45 inches high and has an installed volume of 1,339 gallons of water (178.7 cubic feet).  Ferguson Waterworks (Newport News, VA) supplied the chambers and storm pipe from its Columbus, Ohio branch, and coordinated the just-in-time deliveries to the site.

Along the sides and on top of the chambers, ADS 0601TG non-woven geotextile was used as a soil separation layer.  Underneath the chambers, ADS 315WTM woven geotextile was used to add scour protection.  Nearly 8,000 square yards of geotextile fabric was used.

ADS N-12® 18-inch diameter high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe was used to connect the chambers.  Plus, 750 feet of four-inch diameter N-12 perforated pipe provides additional drainage into the StormTech chambers.

Each of the two systems has two StormTech Isolator® Rows that trap sediment from the stormwater drainage preventing it from settling at the bottom of the bed, which would slow the infiltration rate.  The Isolator Rows can be cleaned out by a JET-VAC® process using access from any one of the inspection/clean out ports.    

ADS FLEXSTORM® inlet filters that are configured based on drainage structure type and filtration needs were used in the upstream structures with open grates.  Each FLEXSTORM unit effectively filters silt, solids and other pollutants and readily fits an ADS pipe system, including the Nyloplast® drain basin.

Nyloplast Water Control Structures were used in both StormTech systems as a collection point where one or more drain lines converge.  The unit is designed to improve water quality as part of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and EPA Phase II Standards.

Built in 2008 on the site of the former golf course in northeast Columbus, the campus includes KIPP Elementary, KIPP Primary, KIPP Middle and the KIPP High School along with the KIPP Early Learning Center and the KIPP Athletics and Wellness Complex.  Additionally, the YMCA of Central Ohio operates an Early Learning Center at KIPP Primary for infants to pre-kindergarteners.  Also, the Battelle Environmental Center opened on the KIPP Columbus Campus in 2017.  This center has learning labs, a makerspace, demonstration areas, and a three-mile nature path and preserve that is incorporated into the educational programming.  KIPP is a national network of 242 free, open-enrollment, public charter schools that focus on educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.

The two underground chamber systems provide detention and water quality for the limited asphalt area, the building rooftops, field, and track.  From the chambers, water flows into ADS HP Storm pipe, carried into the floodplain area and eventually travels to Alum Creek.  A weir plate between the chambers and the outlet provides the required release rates.

“Utilizing the StormTech chambers provided an efficient footprint to minimize impact to the project.” Nagy stated.  “And we needed the water quality.  The city of Columbus still regulates and requires post-construction stormwater controls for both water quality and water quantity.”

Massana Construction Company, Inc. (Columbus, Ohio) was responsible for installing both stormwater control systems.

“We prefer to utilize the StormTech systems in most cases,” offered Toby Beegle, operations manager for Massana. “That’s because of weight and more fluid installation.  Installing the plastic chambers can be done with a reduced crew, and the equipment utilization to set the chambers is minimal. You can handle them with just two individuals in most cases.  We’ve done multiple projects with them.

“We certainly like the high-performance pipe because it eliminates any deflection so you can pass the mandrel test.  Money well spent getting the HP Storm pipe.  We just use it to eliminate problems on the job site.  When we pull mandrels for the City, we want that mandrel system to work every time.  We’re going to use that pipe in the vast majority of times.”

A high-performance polypropylene (PP) pipe for gravity-flow storm drainage applications, HP Storm pipe provides stiffness and premium joint performance.  The ADS design couples advanced polypropylene resin technology with a proven, dual-wall profile design for superior performance and durability, according to the company.  The pipe is corrosion resistant and is unaffected by salts, chemicals and hot soils and meets or exceeds ASTM F2881 and AASHTO M330.  Burial cover can range from 1-39 feet.

“The stadium is built into the hillside and part of it is in the existing floodplain,” explained Drew Hanna, project manager for site developer the Daimler Group, Inc. (Columbus, Ohio).  “We remediated about 30,000 yards of peat moss.  Dug all that out, put back stable soils plus a little bit of rock to stabilize the plateau, and then put in about 80,000 yard of fill plus the two  StormTech systems from ADS.  These take all the runoff from the field and parking lots west of the stadium and flows through the filter then back into the watershed and the floodplain.

“It was quite a process.  We literally built the plateau to the field 20 feet out of the floodplain above existing grade, right up to the hillside.  This kept the beauty of the land.  When you look over the hillside, you see the floodplain, the river, all the natural trees and foliage.  We even found an old abandoned bridge buried in the hillside, which we remediated, and is now a part of the landscape, adding even more character to the site.

“The old golf course path is now being used as cross-country trail through the woods and back up the hills to the track inside the stadium.  It all ties together as one big nature campus.

“In the end, we probably moved 100,000 yards of dirt and built the stadium.  Even with it being the wettest year on record, we were definitely on budget.  The timing was somewhat flexible to make sure everything was done right with the floodplain and nature, and that we weren’t just cramming it all in there to save time.  This project took about a year and it was really one of the biggest earth-moving undertakings I’ve ever seen.

“The Daimler Group has been involved with the school since the beginning,” Hanna continued.  “The one thing everyone always agreed on was to preserve the natural features of the site and build into the old fairways.  This made it possible to save a lot of tree lines.  To keep the beautiful vista, the buildings were built right up to the hillside overlooking the floodplain, and the same thought went into the planning for the new stadium.”

About Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) is the leading manufacturer of high performance thermoplastic corrugated pipe, providing a comprehensive suite of water management products and superior drainage solutions for use in the construction and infrastructure marketplace. Its innovative products are used across a broad range of end markets and applications, including non-residential, residential, agriculture and infrastructure applications. The Company has established a leading position in many of these end markets by leveraging its national sales and distribution platform, its overall product breadth and scale and its manufacturing excellence. Founded in 1966, the Company operates a global network of approximately 55 manufacturing plants and over 30 distribution centers. To learn more about the ADS, please visit the Company’s website at www.ads-pipe.com.

The latest UN World Cities Report¹ found that the number of “megacities”—those with more than 10 million people—has more than doubled over the past two decades, from 14 in 1995 to 29 in 2016. Projections² show that urbanization combined with the overall growth of the world’s population could add another 2.5 billion people to urban areas by 2050, with close to 90 percent of this increase taking place in Asia and Africa.

Traffic congestion is a serious consequence of urbanization in any country, with significant negative effects on both the quality of life and the economy. In addition to the time wasted, traffic congestion results in unnecessary fuel consumption, causes additional wear and tear on vehicles, increases harmful emissions lowering air quality, and increases the costs of transport for business. Due in part to traffic, cities and megacities produce more than 70 percent of world’s anthropogenic CO2 emissions.

According to the World Bank (2018)³, as the developing world rapidly urbanizes, there is an opportunity to build safer, cleaner, more efficient, and more accessible transport systems that reduce congestion and pollution, facilitate access to jobs, and lower transport energy consumption. In emerging mid-size cities, where most of the new urban dwellers will live⁴, city planners have an opportunity to design sustainable and inclusive transport systems from the start, leapfrogging more polluting and costly methods of transport.

In older or larger cities, technology and big data are helping to better map travel patterns and needs, to engage citizens, and to improve the quality and efficiency of transport solutions. There are several approaches to this ranging from the provision of enhanced bus services and dedicated bus lanes, creation of pedestrian areas with access only by public transport, to the creation of new light rail and urban rail services.

One clear solution to the problem of traffic congestion is to reduce the reliance on the use of private vehicles by restricting their use in urban areas with the introduction of congestion charges, or by removing them from the streets altogether. As an alternative, adequate, modern, easily accessible public transport should be offered to the travelling public.

In a rapidly urbanizing world, the urban rail system is an efficient way of reducing traffic congestion, reducing emissions, and decreasing pollution. The high capacity offered by rail systems can serve the high transport requirements generated within and between cities. Compact, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly development organized around a mass transit station is one of the most effective strategic initiatives to address the negative effects of motorization and identifies rail transit systems as the backbone of urban development.

The presence of railway stations in city centers enables effective intramodality through transfers to urban public transport services in addition to cycling, walking, car sharing, and city logistics. The introduction of an urban rail system can be popular and politically attractive, but the cost is high, and in many cases, improving bus services will have a greater benefit than installing street-running trams and metros. However, rail-based transport is appropriate where there is a need to move large volumes of people (in the order of 10,000 per hour) between major centres (e.g. a transport hub and the city center).

Urban rail is segregated into metro, light rail transport (LRT), and tramways. Metro rail projects typically involve below ground, at grade, and elevated sections with multiple-unit trainsets. LRT is traditionally aboveground and both LRTs and metros operate in dedicated guideways. In contrast, tramways mainly follow existing road and paved area configurations, mixed in with normal road and foot traffic. Where new urban centres are being constructed, it is possible to fully segregate the rail lines to enable services to run quickly, reliably, and safely, as the development can be designed around the transport infrastructure. In an existing city or urban development, the challenges of integrating the transportation system require careful planning. In many cases, this is achieved by constructing underground, minimising the visual and physical impact on the surrounding environment.

Going Underground

Construction methods can be disruptive, depending on the needs of a project and its location. The construction of underground metro systems helps preserve quality spaces above ground, particularly in urban areas; however, limitations on urban space means that deep excavations for underground metro stations often approach existing structures such as buildings, utilities, and other underground facilities. Despite the considerable effort that goes into their design, many urban metro projects still encounter problems.

Deep excavations in densely populated urban areas impose specific challenges, especially the potential impact on adjacent structures from induced ground and structural movement. They can also be a nuisance to the community with site entry and exit challenges, shoring, underpinning, alterations to operations, dust, noise, vibrations and traffic congestion. Key to addressing these issues is the early engagement of key stakeholders and the early identification and resolution of critical issues that may have an adverse effect on the locality. Thoughtful planning and effective design solutions can minimize the impact on the built environment.

It is important to consider the social impact on residents and project-affected persons (PAPs). Project promoters and designers often carry out special studies to find design solutions that will minimize disruption and other impacts to the surrounding communities. The promoters and the contractors should establish robust grievance mechanisms to receive constant feedback from the community to help ensure that the risk mitigation plans are minimizing impacts. Robust stakeholder engagement throughout all the project phases helps to ensure that feedback is constantly collected from all relevant stakeholders. Thus, executives and managers for underground metro projects are able to make informed decisions with the wellbeing of the community in mind.

Tunnelling

Tunneling is the least disruptive construction activity in most ground conditions. Apart from the insertion points of the tunnel boring machine (TBM), if used, and the sites necessary for the disposal of excavated material, there is minimal disturbance to the urban environment. On the other hand, the method a client selects for tunnelling can vary depending on the ground conditions and location of the works. Selecting the right method for the project will optimize costs and minimize impact.

Tunnel Boring Machines

The TBM is a machine used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross section through a variety of soil and rock strata. These machines can bore through anything from hard rock to sand. Tunnel diameters can range from 1 meter (done with micro TBMs) to 17.6 meters. Tunnel boring machines are used as an alternative to drilling and blasting methods in rock and conventional hand mining in soil. TBMs have the advantages of limiting the disturbance to the surrounding ground and producing a smooth tunnel wall. This significantly reduces the cost of lining the tunnel and makes TBMs suitable to use in heavily urbanized areas. The major disadvantage is the upfront cost. TBMs are expensive to construct and can be difficult to transport. The longer the tunnel, the less the relative cost of a TBM per kilometer versus drill and blast methods. This is because tunneling with TBMs is much more efficient and results in shortened completion times, assuming they operate successfully. Drilling and blasting however remains the preferred method when working through heavily fractured and sheared rock layers.

New Austrian Tunneling Method

The alternative to tunnel boring is the New Austrian tunneling method (NATM), also known as the sequential excavation method (SEM) or sprayed concrete lining method (SCL). NATM is a tunneling method that deliberately and purposefully uses the load-bearing properties of the advance core to optimize the mining process, secure the excavation, and minimize the associated economic costs.

The NATM leverages the behavior of rock masses under load and monitors the performance of underground construction during the project. NATM is not a set of specific excavation and support techniques. It has often been referred to as a “design as you go” approach to tunneling, providing an optimized support based on observed ground conditions.

While excavating a tunnel in urban areas, the face of the tunnel is divided into a number of temporary drifts in order to reduce the surface settlements and deformations and to help ensure the stability of the face. This is known as sequential excavation method. This method is based on understanding ground behavior as it reacts to the creation of an underground opening. During the construction of tunnels, the stability of the excavation is usually ensured by the primary lining. The definitive construction of the tunnel tube (secondary lining) is built only after the stress-strain state stabilization around the excavation.

The main structural elements of the primary lining are sprayed concrete and the anchorage system. An integral part of the NATM is geotechnical monitoring based on deformation measurements of the tunnel excavation. NATM belongs to a group of observation methods based on a geotechnics, in which the course of construction is continuously monitored, and the method of mining and excavation securing by the primary lining are adjusted according to the actual behavior of the excavation and the advance core.

This technique first gained attention in the 1960s based on the work of Ladislaus von Rabcewicz, Leopold Müller, and Franz Pacher between 1957 and 1965 in Austria. The name NATM was intended to distinguish it from the old Austrian tunneling approach. The fundamental difference between this new method of tunneling and earlier methods comes from the economic advantages made available by utilizing the inherent geological strength available in the surrounding rock mass to stabilize the tunnel.

A variation of this process incorporates a slurry TBM, a specialized version of the TBM, which includes a plenum chamber that is filled by a slurry made from the water and bentonite, a closed chamber in which pressure is applied to the slurry to balance the pressure of ground water, and a cutting wheel that used for the excavation of ground. This machine is frequently used in ground that consists of gravel and soil, but it has a limited use in clayey ground mass⁵. It provides support to the face of tunnel in front of the machine by using the pressurized fluid, applied on the basis of surrounding ground permeability⁶.

Cut-and-Cover

The cut-and-cover technique, in which a trench is excavated (cut) at a shallow depth and then backfilled (covered), is often used for the construction of sub-surface, shallow tunnels. At a depth of 18 meters and more, the cut-and-cover method is commonly used for the construction of rapid transit tunnels. At a depth of 10 to 14 meters, this method can be more practical and cheaper than underground tunneling⁷. However, this method has the significant disadvantages of longer construction duration, construction easement requirement, and high surface distortion⁸. It is also limited in its route, as it cannot pass under surface structures and buildings, and can only be used in locations where there is clear space above, such as roads and greenfield sites.

Drill and Blast

The drill and blast method dates back to the early 1600s and is suitable for both weak-strength rocks (e.g. chalk, clay, and marl) as well as high-strength rocks (e.g. quartz, basalt, gneiss, and granite). It is suitable for non-circular cross sections and tunnels of comparatively shorter length, where a TBM is not considered suitable for use.

The drill and blast method consists of several steps such as drilling blastholes, charging boreholes, tamping, blasting, fumes extraction by ventilation, mucking, and support installation⁹.

The main drawbacks of the drill and blast method are the vibrations and shockwaves from the blasting process. These make it an unpopular choice in heavily populated urban locations. The drill and blast technique has the added disadvantages of intense noise, gases, dust, and flying debris. As a result, both workers and machines must be evacuated from the working area¹⁰.

Selection of Tunnelling Methods

In selecting a method of tunneling, various factors need to be taken into account¹¹.  The following chart details the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various tunneling methods.

Moving Material

The movement of materials frequently has a significant impact on the people who live in and travel through the affected project areas. Disposal of excavated material in urban locations is problematic. Delivery of construction materials creates traffic congestion during construction, no matter how well this is managed. Delays make people late for school, work, appointments, and other important everyday activities. Businesses suffer when clients and customers find it hard to access them. Everyday emergencies turn critical when ambulances, rescue crews, and fire trucks are not able to travel regular routes.

Restrictions on the time of travel for trucks bringing in construction materials and taking away excavated material can help alleviate the impact. In some cities such as Doha, Qatar, overhead conveyors have been used to transport excavated material from the tunnelling operations in the heart of the city to dump sites. Depending on the physical location of the sites, a range of options may exist.

In the case of Crossrail in London, most excavated materials were transported by barge and ship due to the proximity to the River Thames and the access to the waste recovery and landfill site by sea. The approach to material movement will vary by location. Project executives must prepare adequately to respond to those needs in ways that limit impact to communities.

Stations

Construction of underground stations results in areas of disruption whilst the station is excavated and built. Modern techniques such as top-down construction, when practical, reduce the period of disruption and the amount of temporary works needed.

The top-down construction method builds the permanent structural portions of the basement and station along with the excavation from the top to the bottom. The top-down method is particularly suited to the construction of underground stations beneath busy roadways and provides significant savings on overall construction time. This is an important technique for major projects, in which time is of primary importance and surface disruption needs to be minimized.

Circular shaped shaft excavations, supported either by diaphragm walls or secant pile walls, provide significant advantages over plane walls. They do not need supports such as struts or tie-back anchors. Such excavation works can be achieved quickly without a complicated construction sequence or coordination between the excavator and the shoring or anchor installer.

For elevated guideways (structures that support tracks in the air), the main disruption is the construction of the support piers. The guideway is usually constructed using precast segments that are lifted into position using a crane mounted on the piers and then post-tensioned to form the span.

This has a distinct advantage over more traditional methods of construction such as casting concrete in situ, which relies on extensive support scaffolding to support the concrete deck during construction.

In elevated sections, the station is also constructed above ground. In many cases, station construction can be achieved without significant disturbance to the local environment.

Environmental Impact

No significant construction project, such as an urban metro, can proceed without a thorough evaluation of its impact on the environment. An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is a formal process used to predict the environmental consequences of any development project. It ensures that the potential problems are foreseen and addressed at an early stage in the projects planning and design.

The main purpose of the ESIA is to inform decision makers of the likely impacts of a proposal before a decision is made. ESIA provides an opportunity to identify key issues and stakeholders early in the life of a proposal so that potentially adverse impacts can be addressed before final approval decisions are made.

The ESIA should be prepared initially by the project promoter and built upon by the designers and contractors as the project progresses.

The Goals of an ESIA are:

• to predict environmental, social, economic, and cultural consequences of a proposed activity.
• to assess and review plans to mitigate any adverse impacts resulting from the proposed activity.
• to support the goals of environmental protection and sustainable development.
• to integrate environmental protection and economic decisions at the earliest stages of planning and activity.

A Risk Worth Taking

Traffic congestion is a serious consequence of urbanization in any country, with significant negative effects on both the quality of life and the economy. In a rapidly urbanizing world, the urban rail system is an efficient way of reducing traffic congestion, reducing emissions, and decreasing pollution. The high capacity offered by rail systems can serve the high transport requirements generated within and between cities.

The construction of rail in an urban environment will entail numerous environmental and social impacts that require careful management and monitoring, particularly during the construction phase. It is imperative that they are understood, managed, and monitored extensively through a variety different means.

Construction methods will vary from location to location, but their overall aim must be to minimise disruption to the urban environment during construction where possible. Deep excavations in densely populated urban areas impose specific challenges, especially the potential impact on adjacent structures from induced ground and structural movement.

Tunnelling is a good option for constructing metros in older and larger cities. It is the least disruptive construction activity in most ground conditions. And, depending on the ground conditions and depth of excavation, a range of construction methods exist. But it can be expensive. Care must be taken to select the right tunnelling option for a particular project to optimize cost and minimize impact.

In considering any project and in particular one where there is inevitably significant disruption to daily life during the construction phase, conducting an ESIA and engaging early with stakeholders is essential. Lines of communication with the local community must be open throughout, as well.

When the construction starts, the promoter will keep track of the implementation of the management plans addressing social risk and identify any further issues through establishing a grievance mechanism and robust stakeholder engagement. After the work is finished, the final impact on the surrounding area is minimised and often greatly improved by the creation of passenger transit and access areas, in-station retail outlets, and infrastructure improvements to the local road network.

Ultimately, the disturbance to the daily routine of the local inhabitants during the construction phase is worth tolerating, especially when it will be these local inhabitants who reap the ultimate benefits of a modern public transport system that reduces congestion and impact on the environment.

Case study: Crossrail, London

Crossrail is a new UK railway that runs for over 100 KM from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west, through new tunnels under central London to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. It is currently Europe’s largest construction project. Work started in May 2009 and over 10,000 people were working across over 40 construction sites. The project is planned to open in 2021.

Within Central London, Crossrail is routed through 42 KM of running tunnels. The works in Central London will generate 6,000,000 T of excavated material. 4,500,000 T of this material will be shipped to be deposited at a ‘Waste Recovery’ facility at Wallasea Island approximately 60 KM east of London, where it will be used to create a coastal nature reserve.

Material unsuitable for deposition at Wallasea Island or unsuitable for shipping to Wallasea will be transported by road, rail, and/or barge to a number of licensed landfill sites to the east of London.

The excavated material is derived from the tunnel boring machines (TBMs), sprayed concrete lining (SCL) tunnels, and excavations for boxes, shafts and portals. Crossrail is utilizing eight TBMs, six earth pressure balance machines (EPB) and two slurry machines.

Transportation was mainly by rail and river barge, then by ship to the landfill, avoiding the use of heavy trucks wherever possible.

Source: https://learninglegacy.crossrail.co.uk

References

¹ UN Habitat (2016). World Cities Report; 1.2 World Cities: A Gathering Force, available at https://wcr.unhabitat.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2016/05/Chapter-1-WCR-2016.pdf

² United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), (2018) Revision of World Urbanisation Prospects, available at https://www.un.org/development/desa/publications/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html

³ World Bank (2018). Understanding Poverty, available at https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/transport/overview

⁴ Ritchie, H. and Roser, M. (2019) – “Urbanization”. Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: ‘https://ourworldindata.org/urbanization’

⁵ Chappell, M. and D. Parkin (2004). 8 – Tunnel construction. Sewers. G. F. Read. Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann: 150-192.

⁶ Maidl, B., M. Thewes, U. Maidl, B. Maidl, M. Thewes and U. Maidl (2014). DAUB

Recommendations for the Selection of Tunnelling Machines. Handbook of Tunnel Engineering II, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH: 363-409

⁷ Wilton, J. L. (1996). Cut-and-Cover Tunnel Structures. Tunnel Engineering Handbook, Springer: 320-359

⁸ Rudolf, J., V. Gall and A. Nitschke (2008). Selection of alignment and tunneling methods in urban settings. Proceedings of the World Tunnel Congress 2008—Underground Facilities for Better Environment and Safety

⁹ Kolymbas, D. (2005). “Heading.” Tunnelling and Tunnel Mechanics: A Rational Approach to Tunnelling: 75-129

¹⁰ Lavon, E. V. (1980). Method and device for breaking a hard compact material, Google Patents found at https://patents.google.com/patent/US4204715A/en

¹¹ Arshad and R. A. Abdullah: “A Review on Selection of Tunneling Method and Parameters Effecting Ground Settlements” Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 2016 (21.14), pp 4459-4475

Rapid and large-scale urban growth can cause major problems – recognized in the UN’s New Urban Agenda – in areas such as housing, infrastructure, basic services, food security, health and education.

Using ‘big data’ techniques to analyze Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) data to focus on population growth and density in 30 major urban areas in countries including Brazil, China, India, the Far East and the US – shedding new light on the scale and extent of global urbanization since 1975.

In 2014, the 30 ‘megacities’ – urban agglomerations with a population of more than 10 million – analyzed contained a total of more than 558 million people or 8.2 per cent of the world’s population. In 1975, however, they contained less than half this total at 261 million or 6.4 percent of the then global population.

Researchers at the Universities of Birmingham and Sheffield published their findings in Town Planning Review, using hi-tech analysis to make some striking discoveries, including:

• Tokyo was the most populous city in 1975 with 23 million people, followed by Kolkata at 17 million. By 2014, there were 12 megacities of 20 million or more, the most populous being Guangzhou–Shenzhen, in China, with over 46 million people.
• There has been remarkable population growth in urban areas in Asia and the global South over the past 40 years, with slower growth found in traditional, long-established urban centers in Europe and the US.
• Guangzhou–Shenzhen added over 10 million people from 1975 to 1990 and again from 2000 to 2014, while Jakarta added over 10 million people between 2000 and 2014.
• Dhaka, Manila and Shanghai all more than trebled in size between 1975 and 1990, with Bangalore and Beijing quadrupling their populations.
• Dhaka had a maximum population density of 200,000 people per km² whilst Cairo, Kolkata, Guangzhou–Shenzhen, Manila and Shanghai had maximum population densities of 200,000 people per km²

Report author Charlotte Hoole, Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, commented: “Analyzing the GHSL data reveals a great deal about the patterns of change in population in our biggest cities and could play a vital role in planning for future changes in global urbanization.

“There are some particularly striking findings that demonstrate a rate of urbanization which is often seen as neither sustainable nor desirable, yet it is the lived reality for residents and policy makers in many large cities across the global South.

“Whilst high population density in itself is not necessarily problematic – the affluent urban centers of Seoul, Hong Kong and Tokyo are good examples of high-density megacity living – it requires infrastructure, long-term planning and significant capital investment; none of which are available to the required level in cities such as Kolkata.”

For more information and interviews, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0) 121 414 8254 or +44 (0)782 783 2312 or email t.moran@bham.ac.uk . For out-of-hours enquiries, please call +44 (0) 7789 921 165.

The urban park, planned for a half-acre vacant lot adjacent to historic Eads Bridge, memorializes local professional photographer Katherine Ward Burg who was known for taking pictures of many prominent St. Louisans and who loved the Mississippi River.

Plans for the garden include:

• Wood performance deck
• Wood deck steps
• River Birch tree grove
• Wood top seat wall
• Concrete wall sign
• Perforated metal screen wall
• Aluminum trellis with hanging chairs
• Sloped sidewalk
• Plaza concrete pavers

A ribbon-cutting was held on July 2 for the Lucas Avenue street reopening at the south end of Laclede’s Landing from 2^nd Street. The street will give access to The Katherine Ward Burg Garden. Construction of the park is expected to take about seven months.

Unlike previous versions of HeliCAP, version 3 is cloud-based and can be instantly accessed from any web-connected device. Users of previous versions of HeliCAP will notice some familiar tools have been enhanced. Improvements include:

• Allowing collaborators to view or edit shared jobs
• Ability to create up to 10 soil profiles in a single job
• Better correlation between blow count and soil profile

With the largest network in North America, local distributors of CHANCE® helical piles are available to assist engineers and installers with helical pile projects through their knowledge of local soil profiles, technical and engineering support, and reduced lead times with local, ready-to-ship inventory.

CHANCE helical piles are used worldwide to secure residential and commercial buildings, tower foundations, heavy equipment foundations and many other deep foundation applications. Engineered for dependability and long-term stability, HPS’ foundation solutions feature exclusive anchoring techniques, tools, designs and sizes to suit a broad range of applications.

The software is available to use instantly at no charge. Visit https://www.hpsapps.com/helicap to create an account.

By Editorial Staff

Phase II of the Duke Kunshan University buildout is now underway. New Facilities will include an employee center, library, student residences, community and administrative centers, and a sports complex. Once Phase II is complete, the university residence halls will have the capacity to accommodate 2,000 undergraduate students, 500-800 graduate students, and 800 employees. All major buildings will be within a three-minute walking distance, and will include no fewer than 26 new classrooms and 18 to 22 laboratories. All buildings within Phase II are expected to receive LEED certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council as well as the equivalent qualifications from the China Green Building Council.

The 200-acre campus in the Jiangsu province in eastern China is a Sino-American joint venture founded by Duke University and Wuhan University. DKU was granted final establishment approval in September 2013, and has hosted students since 2014. In August 2018, the Duke Kunshan campus welcomed its inaugural undergraduate class.

For Phase I, LandDesign was selected to provide landscape architecture and civil engineering in collaboration with Gensler and Futurepolis. Of Phase I’s five buildings, all of them are LEED accredited, with the academic building and conference center rated LEED Gold, and the student residence, faculty residence, and service building rated LEED Silver.

The 30-acre Phase I project featured a four-acre water ecosystem at its center, making the site an absorbent “sponge campus,” where almost every rain drop is absorbed, stored, permeated, purified and reused. Duke Kunshan’s ecological system consists of four major parts: a naturally designed waterscape for rainwater collection and storm control, rainwater gardens to enhance on-site permeability, an underground filtration system for water quality assurance, and an irrigation system which fully uses purified rainwater. The extensive water features symbolize the region’s water towns.

Two people who were instrumental in creating the Phase I Duke Kunshan ecosystem were LandDesign’s Kevin Vogel with civil engineering, and Richard Petersheim with landscape architecture. They spoke with Civil + Structural Engineer about the project as well as working in China.

Civil + Structural Engineer: Looking at the press on the Kunshan project, it looks like LandDesign and Gensler won the contract through an intense international design contest. Describe the contest: How long did the process take, what were a few of the key steps that had to be taken to be considered, what was the competition like and, more specifically, what partnership appeared to be the front-runner as the competition unfolded?

Kevin Vogel & Richard Petersheim: Gensler was already involved in the project and the master plan had been developed. Our client was the City of Kunshan, but we also had to be sensitive to Duke University. Our team’s strength was bringing together our understanding of Duke University and our local partner’s understanding of Kunshan. The process took 3-4 months and we presented a design solution reacting to the water town culture of the City of Kunshan and the lushness of Duke University’s Durham campus. By understanding the relation of water to the local culture and environment, we were able to create a unique learning experience centered around water.

C+S: How did LandDesign differentiate itself along the way to become part of the unique Kunshan campus? This could have been something the firm did long before this project appeared on the horizon. What makes LandDesign different than other firms that offer similar services and that work in similar markets?

KV&RP: LandDesign’s culture has always approached civil engineering and landscape architecture disciplines as a single design process. For the project to be successful – the bold idea of incorporating water into the campus master plan – technical answers surrounding hydraulic and hydrology of the system had to be addressed in a short time in concert with the hardscape/landscape design objectives. There was no handoff from one discipline to the other – everyone worked together.

C+S: What was LandDesign’s prime responsibility on this contract?

KV&RP: LandDesign was the prime consultant for landscape architecture and civil engineering services.

C+S: How did LandDesign and Gensler come to form a partnership for this project? Do you foresee the two firms doing more work at Kunshan? If so, what is in the pipeline, or at least on the radar?

KV&RP: Gensler was brought on board under a separate client and project prior to LandDesign winning the design competition for the campus and being selected to lead the civil engineering and landscape architecture portions. The working relationship with Gensler was great! We have since worked together, and there are future phases of Duke Kunshan that may present another opportunity to collaborate together.

C+S: Water features, reflecting the environment in and around Kunshan, are an important piece of the campus design. What do you think LandDesign achieved with its landscape architecture and civil engineering, both technically and aesthetically?

KV&RP: We were able to balance stormwater management with a beautiful landscape design that integrated with the building architecture and common open spaces on the campus. That region of China frequently floods and by incorporating stormwater management into the context of the urban hardscape and landscape we were able to effectively mitigate flooding, provide opportunities for stormwater reuse and enhanced the water quality on campus. Additionally, the campus was designed to foster diverse water habitats through the use of local flora and fauna. Today, the water gardens on campus are home to birds, amphibians and small mammals.

C+S: What was the most difficult aspect of this project, and what solution did you develop to overcome the challenge?

KV&RP: From a civil standpoint, meeting LEED requirements for water quality and quantity controls; mitigating flooding risks; incorporating a system that would continuously recirculate the water on campus to negate any stagnation; and integrating all of that into the design aesthetic for Duke Kunshan. Additionally, effectively communicating and collaborating with our local civil partner was a challenge from a language barrier standpoint, but also a unique and fun experience!

C+S: Mr. Petersheim, your bio says you specialize in building constituency. As it pertains to Kunshan, what did you have to do to get everyone on the same page, both internally within the team, and externally with the clients?

RP: I spent time with both Duke University and the City of Kunshan to listen to their concerns, goals and visions for the campus. That helped us come to a commonality on our design approach that would balance both the needs of the City and University.

C+S: Mr. Vogel, your bio says you specialize in the nuts-and-bolts aspect of projects – regulations, construction coordination, and permitting, etc. What stood out to you about Kunshan?

KV: Local regulations required a varied approach to stormwater managements and the LEED standards needed to manage runoff to higher levels of treatment and attention. We had to ensure we met both requirements and maintained the aesthetic of the project. The project was  fast paced from a design and construction stand point.

C+S: Duke University. Wuhan University (One of the earliest comprehensive national universities in modern China). The People’s Republic of China. These are some pretty big names undertaking an ambitious program. What was the pressure like working for clients like this?

KV&RP: It was critical that we shepherded the values and opinions of both our client (City of Kunshan) and Duke University, who would ultimately operate the facilities. Working between the two entities at the same time was challenging but taking time to build consensus was critical for the project’s success.

C+S: These days, you hear a lot about the lifecycle of a project and long-term strategic asset management. What are a few of the central challenges a “sponge campus” like Kunshan presents, with its vast water features and abundance of environmental technology? In other words, what will need to be done, or what has already been done, to sustain the sustainability of the campus?

KV&RP: The University’s understanding of the operation of maintenance needs of the water management system was vital. A system with multiple and varying types of BMPs working in tandem requires that each piece of the puzzle is performing. The Sponge City initiative was developed during or after this phase of the campus was designed and built, but it represents the elements of the initiative. It is a prime example of how to manage surface water flooding and water quality issues that arise with development, and how incorporating stormwater management into the urban environment can be a vital part of solving that challenge.

C+S: LandDesign President Rhett Crocker was recently quoted as saying, “It’s key to make it personal,” when talking about building clients and business. How did this type of mindset play out with Kunshan?

KV&RP: Duke University was a neighbor to our Charlotte office, and it was important that they be reflected well in China and were happy with the final product. LandDesign’s reputation was also important in that we were intimately involved with every aspect of our scope, and that the local team become an extension of LandDesign.

C+S: How was China? What did you learn about yourself and your profession?

KV&RP: Professionally, it was very rewarding to drive the design and work with professionals from around the world. Despite language barriers and cultural differences, we were able to collaborate and pull off a design that was technically complicated and have the end result be so successful.

Key Phase II Stats

Groundbreaking: Aug. 16

Scheduled completion: End of 2021

Site area: 189,334 square meters

Building coverage: 19.98%

Green space area: 66,268 square meters

Green ratio: 35%

Buildings in Phase II

• Basement garage
• Employee center
• WHU-Duke Research Institute
• Visitor center
• Administration building
• Library
• Sports complex
• Community center
• Graduate student center
• Undergraduate student residence
• Service building

Highlights

• Once Phase II is complete, the university residence halls will have the capacity to accommodate 2,000 undergraduate students, 500-800 graduate students and 800 employees.
• All major buildings are within a three-minute walking distance.
• Phase II will include no fewer than 26 new classrooms and 18 to 22 laboratories.
• All major buildings are within a three-minute walking distance.
• Once complete, all of the buildings in Phase II are expected to receive LEED certifications – one platinum, four gold and the rest silver – from the U.S. Green Building Council as well as the equivalent qualifications from the China Green Building Council.

“We have built something unique at Duke Kunshan University. As with Phase I construction, these new buildings will be aesthetically impressive and distinctive, but more importantly they will serve our mission to create dynamic spaces for students, faculty and staff to interact, engage and innovate.” –Youmei Feng, chancellor, Duke Kunshan University

SOURCE: Duke Kunshan University

Richard Petersheim, PLA, is a Partner and Senior Landscape Architect at LandDesign. Committed to creative and sustainable urban design, he is responsible for project development through construction, and directs a passionate urban design studio with focus on strategic urban planning, infill development, transit planning and station area design, higher education master planning, and retail development.

Kevin Vogel, PE, is a Partner and Civil Engineer at LandDesign. He is responsible for design staff management of engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects. He is also responsible for full cycle project management, from contracts and administration through construction documentation. He is responsible for directing both public and private site development and infrastructure improvement projects both regionally and internationally.

By Heth Kendrick, PLA, and Brian Dench, P.E.

The past three years have seen an unprecedented demand for multifamily housing, and with it an increasingly competitive landscape driven by social and technological disruption.

Consumer lifestyle-influenced residential units will be dominating the market over the next 20 years, influenced by advances in technology, sustainability, health and wellness, and growing emphasis on community and connection in an increasingly digitized – and isolated – population. Additionally,  younger generations are more tech-savvy, career-focused, and willing to pay a premium for ease-of-use. A recent report by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) showed a vast majority of respondents agreeing – or strongly agreeing – with the statement, “My life is so hectic that I look for ways to make it easier for me.” This demand for expedience and ease of use is having a significant impact on multifamily residential markets nationally.

In Texas, long-known for its wide-open spaces and suburban lifestyles, major metropolitan areas are erupting as millennials flock toward urban centers and surrounding areas, in search of places that offer social activity and affordable luxury. Many of them have found what they are looking for in master-planned communities. Likewise, empty-nesters are turning increasingly towards new developments, driven by similar desires for low-maintenance lifestyles and walkable neighborhoods combining the amenities of suburban neighborhoods with proximity to thriving, “authentic” local settings.

Urbanization and technology intersect

For Texas, this trend is driving the evolution of more “edge cities” like Plano, Frisco and Arlington, which have matured into smaller, distinct urban centers, blurring the distinction between suburbs and cities. Other communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex have been initially hesitant to embrace this kind of development and densification. To head off the inevitable pushback and “NIMBYism” from local stakeholders, developers investing in municipalities outside of Dallas, Austin, and other large cities are engaging design-side consultants like LandDesign to shed light on the effects of increased density on utilities, transportation, stormwater, and other considerations. Once the results are in, the development team can conduct outreach to educate residents and local officials on the benefits of growth and density, such as lessened individual property maintenance and a more socially activated public square.

Another driver of the evolving residential experience is the parallel evolution of high-tech, and the growing demand for devices and infrastructure to control integrated technology in the home. As voice control devices like Alexa become mainstays and smartphone security monitoring apps become more widely adopted, developers have greater incentive to make cloud-connected technology a standard – and a value-add – in their residential designs. For example, smartphone apartment access is emerging as a popular alternative to key and fob-based systems.

Also, the use of tablets by real estate brokers is becoming integral to the property tour. With help from the developer, brokers can offer tablet tours customized to suit specific buyer interests and needs, or even self-guided tours for prospective residents who prefer to keep their own pace.

Social infrastructure and the “amenity revolution”

One of the most promising trends is the growing interest in including elements of social infrastructure in large-scale multifamily developments. Innovations seen in this area range from beer gardens to shared workspace to working farms, anyplace where members of the community gather to interact. Places that strengthen the social fabric are in high demand across buyer demographics. The trick for developers is to differentiate among target buyer groups. The under-35 crowd wants places to gather and interact, and so do the 55-plus folks – but these groups are probably looking for somewhat different social settings.

With the younger cohort, co-working spaces for remote workers are in higher demand than ever. According to a recent global study by IWG, as many as 70 percent of respondents report working remotely once a week or more – and 50 percent say it’s half of each week. In the U.S. the numbers are lower, but growing steadily. Gallup’s State of the American Workplace report reveals that the number of employees working remotely rose from 39 percent in 2012 to 43 percent in 2016. Millennials looking for a home and community to support their preferred work-life balance will find co-working space to be an attractive shared amenity.

And millennials want lifestyle amenities, too. Once considered cutting-edge, offerings like dog parks and bike storage are now viewed by developers as essential to competing for buyer interest. Asserting a competitive edge requires more innovative thinking. Our integrated design team of landscape architects, civil engineers, and urban designers explores and creates ways to separate developments we work on from the pack. For example, we have introduced elaborate, amenitized pet playgrounds that provide pet owners an outdoor lounge area for “Yappy Hour” gatherings, turning the dog-walking chore into an opportunity to socialize.

Sustainable innovation, at home and on the road

Environmentally sustainable design has likewise become a must-have feature. According to a recent report by the National Multifamily Housing Council, many eco-conscious buyers and renters are willing to pay a premium for a planet-friendly, energy-efficient residence with certification from LEED, EnergyStar or another brand-name standard. As with the social infrastructure, innovation and creativity are providing the differentiators.

For example, we worked with one of our clients to incorporate a rooftop apiary. Having honey bees on the roof has been beneficial to the local eco-system and, additionally, the property managers can harvest the honey to offer as gifts to interested buyers. Another example is the raingarden we integrated into a streetscape in the Dallas metroplex, which captures, treats and releases stormwater and features informational signage so residents and visitors understand what it does, and can be proud.

Transportation demands are seeing similarly radical shifts, with benefits for both the developer and buyer. For example, as demand for rideshare services and interest in sustainable living have increased, our team is working with a growing number of clients to address the underused parking garages and surface parking lots in their developments retrofitting them to add more residential units or open up greenspaces. We also study how autonomous vehicles (AVs), electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, Uber/Lyft drop-off points and even electric scooters might impact communities as their popularity rises and implementation becomes commonplace. (If your community doesn’t have a marked Uber drop-off point you’re behind the curve.)

This is an exciting time to be exploring innovation in the multifamily development space. Opportunities abound to revolutionize the way people live, work and play. It is also a time where these shifts are accelerating, demanding more from developers and their design teams. Our firm is constantly working and adapting to attune the communities we work on to the evolving needs and demands of buyers and residents.

Heth Kendrick, PLA is a principal in the Dallas office of LandDesign, where he directs the landscape architecture practice and is responsible for design and business development in that market. With over a decade of design experience related to projects ranging from large-scale mixed-use and transit- oriented developments to smaller multi-family and commercial developments, Heth has proven himself to be an expert in his profession based on his knowledge of project management, master planning, entitlements, design development, and the preparation of construction documents.

Brian Dench, P.E. joined LandDesign in 2012 to establish the Dallas-Fort Worth office where he directs civil engineering as a principal with the firm. With expertise in entitlements, land planning, civil design, permitting, and construction phase services for land development, he is responsible for business development, office operations, and design focusing on land development for single family, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and corporate office projects. His portfolio includes Discovery at The Realm, a successful luxury multi-family development in the Castle Hills community in Lewisville, Texas.

 The firm offered expert engineering, environmental, planning and survey services to the Clinton Hill Early Learning Center in Newark, N.J., and produced a campus vision report for Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School (DLEACS) in Jersey City, N.J. The initial project for the early learning center involved developing a temporary site to supplement the existing operation while a new, permanent facility is developed. The charter school project involved a land-use vision report utilizing the firm’s landscape architects, surveyors and input and advice from the school community.

 “These are meaningful education projects and our firm played a direct role in their outcome,” said Grant Lewis, Dresdner Robin’s senior project manager, engineering. “Bringing creative technological solutions and a collaborative nature to the projects, Dresdner Robin continues to address community needs in a densely populated state whose educational requirements remain ever-changing.”

 The New Jersey firm worked with the Maher Charitable Foundation on a temporary learning center on a vacant block in Newark’s South Ward. The 1-acre site, leased from the New Jersey School Development Authority (SDA), now consists of a one-story, 9,350-square-foot building – constructed using 10 modular trailer units. The Clinton Hill facility serves 78 students, from infants to 5 years old.

 The temporary site will remain in use while the firm develops design documents, acquires land entitlements and conducts an environmental investigation to allow the construction of a permanent facility on an adjacent block. Dresdner Robin is responsible for all aspects of site development (including layout and zoning analyses, etc.).

 “This is an important project for the community and a direct response to its needs. Overall, it is a great way to facilitate ongoing progress for Newark,” Lewis added. “Some of its notable features include a playground for toddlers along with a community room for various local needs.”

 The firm provided engineering and planning testimony during a 2018 public hearing in support of site plan approval from Newark’s Board of Adjustment. Dresdner Robin also provided environmental services to comply with requirements of the Department of Children and Families, including remediation on soil and groundwater. DIGroupArchitecture, of New Brunswick, N.J., was the architect of record and a critical partner for both Newark projects.

 Dresdner Robin also completed conceptual design, programming and analysis work at Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School (DLEACS), which serves approximately 400 students at the site of the former Saint Patrick and Assumption/All Saints parochial school – at 509 Bramhall Ave., Jersey City, N.J.

 The school’s physical space required alterations to match its next-gen curriculum. In 2018 and early 2019, Dresdner Robin’s landscape architects worked with the campus to develop a comprehensive report, incorporating curriculum components and anticipated future needs.

 “Dresdner Robin has truly been a strategic partner in this project, allowing DLEACS to accommodate the educational needs of current and future students,” said Christopher Garlin, CEO of the Jersey City charter school. “Their work to anticipate demands on the space, while also incorporating the feedback of the school community, was special and we’ve valued the concepts they’ve put forward.”

 The firm met with DLEACS administrators and stakeholders in a design charrette, gathering input from faculty, parents and students. Data obtained from the gathering was used to develop a campus-wide program diagram, which informed the conceptual design.

 “Dresdner Robin will continue its work on community-oriented projects,” added Lauren Venin, project manager, landscape architect at Dresdner Robin. “We provide a range of services for the revival of urban landscapes and our projects – like those in Newark and Jersey City – bring clear results.”

The new edition expands the resource from one book to three, focusing on design, business, and construction. The series includes:

• Land Development Handbook, 4th Edition
• Development of the Built Environment
• Construction Practices for Land Development

Each text focuses on a different perspective of the land development process and includes new case studies for both public and private project types. The books were influenced by experts across the country and include contributions by faculty of real estate and civil engineering programs.

“Today, we are constantly reminded of the importance of infrastructure engineering—aging structures, population growth, diminishing resources, and a changing climate are all challenges faced by the engineering community,” writes W. Samuel Easterling, PhD., PE, F.SEI, F.ASCE, in the book’s foreword. “These challenges are best overcome through collaboration among industry leaders and by publishing technical content that improves the knowledge base of our industry. The Land Development Handbook provides us an enormous depth of technical content, authored by a multitude of professionals working within an architecture, engineering, and consulting firm that has a proven history of commitment to the industry. Led by Mr. Sidney O. Dewberry, this edition continues to keep pace with social and technological changes.” Easterling is the head of the Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech.

Dewberry continues to operate as the author of the new Land Development Handbook series with Mr. Dewberry serving as the editor-in-chief for all three books. The editors and primary contributors of the fourth edition of the Land Development Handbook are Cody A. Pennetti, PE, and Christopher J. Guyan. The new Construction Practices for Land Development was prepared by Claire M. White, PE, assistant professor of practice at Virginia Tech. Dr. C. Kat Grimsley, director of the MS Real Estate Development program at George Mason University, was the editor and primary contributor of Development of the Built Environment. Additional contributors included several Dewberry employees as well as representatives of other engineering firms, real estate developers, and faculty with George Mason University and Virginia Tech.

This new edition, which updates and replaces the previous edition of ASCE 53, includes sections on monitoring and verification have been expanded with new technology-driven content covering both sensitive and routine structures. The material describes automated monitoring of grout injection and ground and structure movements, additions to the finite analysis and soil mechanical verifications, and data processing and field practices to implement the technology.

Providing a background and good practices in compaction grouting, this standard is essential reading for those involved in specifying, designing, or undertaking compaction grouting.

To purchase online visit the ASCE Bookstore

Woolpert was contracted by the city of Shelby to provide architecture, engineering and geospatial (AEG) services for the $7.6 million project. These services included park and sports planning, schematic and developmental design, construction administration, transportation and stormwater engineering, geographic information system (GIS) mapping and surveying.

Shelby Parks and Recreation Director Charlie Holtzclaw said the park already is a hit, exceeding the expectations of city officials, as well as those who came out to the grand opening on Saturday.

“Thirteen soccer games with players of all ages took place on opening day, including an exhibition game between Gardner-Webb University and East Carolina University,” Holtzclaw said. “Both college soccer coaches mentioned how impressed they were with the venue, including the quality of the Bermuda Turf, the layout and space between the fields, and the support facilities and amenities. Coaches and players commented that the fields were outstanding, and they would love to use them more often.”

Woolpert Education and Athletics Practice Leader Andrew Pack said the project was the product of multiple contributors working together toward a common goal.

“The city of Shelby, Woolpert and the contractor, Morrison Construction Co., all wanted to produce a high-quality, versatile facility that would serve the community for many years to come,” Pack said. “We love being a part of these projects that improve residents’ quality of life.”

“We are excited to launch our Complete Communities Group,” said Rosemary Aldridge, PE, Senior Vice President for Neel-Schaffer’s Florida operations. “The firm’s experience in multi-modal transportation and urban planning form the basis for our services. Formalizing this group allows our planners and engineers to work collaboratively to focus on developing, funding and implementing master plans and resulting projects for our clients.”

The Complete Communities Group stresses the importance of authentic community engagement to fully articulate and understand the unique needs of the communities we serve. Our group members serve on boards, lead civic organizations, and perform community service – roles that help us connect to the end users and consider how our projects affect them and their communities.

The group members serve as leaders in the firm to assist local offices in identifying funding and bringing proven solutions from our regional experience.

To learn more about the CCG, visit the Neel-Schaffer website at www.neel-schaffer.com/what-we-do/complete-communities-group/.

The sales report was delayed due to the partial government shutdown.

“The recent decline in mortgage rates have helped boost sales activity as home buyers take advantage of these lower interest rates,” said Greg Ugalde, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Torrington, Conn.

“The new home sales data continue to show potential to grow sales at affordable price points that would be attractive for the entry-level buyer,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “However, builders need to be mindful of housing costs as they try to meet this demand.”

A new home sale occurs when a sales contract is signed or a deposit is accepted. The home can be in any stage of construction: not yet started, under construction or completed. In addition to adjusting for seasonal effects, the February reading of 667,000 units is the number of homes that would sell if this pace continued for the next 12 months.

The inventory of new homes for sale was 340,000 in February and has been relatively flat since December. The median sales price was $315,300 as most sales growth took place in the $200,000-$400,000 sales class.

Regionally, and on a monthly basis, new home sales rose 26.9 percent in the Northeast, 28.3 percent in Midwest and 1.8 percent in the South. The West remained unchanged.