Road Ranger’s Post

To honor the successful demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct—a double-deck, 1.4-mile-long structure that transported people and goods through downtown Seattle since 1953—Jacob Schmidt, EIT, keeps a fragment of its rebar at his desk. “The city’s waterfront has flourished with new construction and mass tourism,” he said. “Being a part of such a drastic infrastructure change makes me feel like a part of Seattle history.” Opting for jackhammers instead of explosives for roadway removal enabled the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to salvage approximately 240 million pounds of concrete and 15 million pounds of steel rebar. The project inspired Jacob to consider how engineering practices are constantly evolving. “It’s important for engineers to explore new techniques that can enhance the precision, safety, and environmental sustainability of projects,” he said. “Advancements in technology, safety regulations, environmental considerations, and efficiency requirements are already pushing us to new frontiers.” As a Project Engineer specializing in construction management and quality assurance, Jacob recommends: “Spend a considerable amount of time working in the field before stepping into an office environment. Having the opportunity to observe construction processes in real-time is vital to understanding the bigger picture of our work.” #EWeek2024 #EngineersWeek #Engineering #WelcomeToTheFuture #ConstructionManagement #QualityAssurance

Grove’s Civil Engineering Senior Design Class partnered with NYS Department of Transportation to address critical upgrades along the Van Wyck Expressway (VWE) from Federal Circle to Hoover Avenue in Queens. As a critical conduit for commercial and passenger travel to and from JFK Airport— a key international hub offering access to over 100 international destinations that is projected to handle over 75 million passengers by 2030—the VWE requires upgrades vital for reducing congestion and improving access. They aimed to enhance vehicular capacity for passenger and freight movements essential to the region's economic vitality and to rectify operational, geometric, and structural issues. Sameh Abdellal, E.I.T, Zane Amray, E.I.T., Andy Calle, David Castano, Justin Chen, Marica Criollo, Rebecca Gindoff, EIT, Ukesh Gothe, Fatmah Hassanin, E.I.T., Muhammad Idrees, Abdelrahman Lamada, Justin Lin, Christopher Mekhtiyev, Yehuda Simcha Pollack, Meri Stojanova, E.I.T, Derrick Williams, E.I.T., and Linda Yuen, E.I.T formed three teams to tackle this project: ▶      Transportation Team: Traffic analysis, alignment and roadway design. ▶       Structural Team: Deck, girder and pier design. ▶      Environmental Team: Air, noise and soil pollution studies. Together, they developed a design that offered a strategic solution to reduce travel time and enhance access to JFK Airport through: ▶       Increased Capacity: Adding lanes in each direction ▶       Bridge Improvements: Designing three new bridges over North Conduit Avenue, the Belt Parkway, and South Conduit Avenue ▶       Traffic & Structural Analysis: Conducting traffic modeling, crash analysis, and designing new bridge components These proposed enhancements will significantly improve travel efficiency and support JFK Airport’s growing demand. 🛣️🚧 🌉 #GSOEIndustryDay2024 #Civil Engineering #TransportationEngineering #Infrastructure #JFKAirport #UrbanPlanning #TrafficManagement #EngineeringExcellence #Innovation #Solutions #TeamProjects

Sharing an insightful article on the future of road construction. Discover how innovative techniques and eco-friendly materials are shaping a more sustainable, connected future. #RoadConstruction #Sustainability #construction #civilengineering

Regular pavement maintenance such as parking lots, sidewalks, and other outdoor amenity spaces can be an overlooked aspect of property management. Regular service can extend their life, improve safety and assist in maximizing long-term real estate value. Our civil engineering leaders discuss in detail the importance of pavement management in our WM Canvas blog: https://bit.ly/49smO3A #WareMalcomb #WMCivil #PavementManagement #WMThoughtLeadership

Regular pavement maintenance such as parking lots, sidewalks, and other outdoor amenity spaces can be an overlooked aspect of property management. Regular service can extend their life, improve safety and assist in maximizing long-term real estate value. Our civil engineering leaders discuss in detail the importance of pavement management in our WM Canvas blog: https://bit.ly/49smO3A #WareMalcomb #WMCivil #PavementManagement #WMThoughtLeadership

The Loneliest Road in America: US Route 50 in Nevada As civil engineers, we often study and design roads that connect bustling cities and accommodate heavy traffic. However, US Route 50 in Nevada offers a unique perspective on roadway design and maintenance in some of the most remote and rugged terrains of the United States. Dubbed “The Loneliest Road in America,” this stretch of highway presents intriguing challenges and insights for engineers. Historical Background: US Route 50 is a transcontinental highway that runs from Ocean City, Maryland, to Sacramento, California. The section through Nevada gained its lonely moniker in a 1986 Life magazine article, which described it as a desolate and remote stretch that requires careful planning and preparation for those who traverse it. Geographical and Environmental Challenges: • Terrain: Route 50 traverses the Great Basin, a region characterized by vast desert valleys, rugged mountain ranges, and minimal vegetation. Engineers must consider the impact of these features on road design, especially the steep grades and sharp curves that follow the natural topography. • Climate: The area experiences extreme temperatures, with scorching summers and frigid winters. This requires road materials and construction methods that can withstand significant thermal expansion and contraction. • Isolation: The road’s remoteness means fewer resources and services are available. Engineers must ensure that the road is durable and requires minimal maintenance, as frequent repairs are not feasible in such an isolated area. Engineering and Design Considerations: • Pavement Materials: Due to the harsh climate, selecting the right pavement material is crucial. Asphalt with high-temperature resistance and flexibility is often used to handle the extreme temperature fluctuations. • Safety Features: Despite its isolation, Route 50 still requires adequate safety measures. This includes clear signage, reflective markers, and guardrails in mountainous areas to prevent accidents. Economic and Social Impact: • Tourism: Despite its nickname, Route 50 attracts tourists seeking adventure and solitude. The towns along the route, like Ely and Austin, benefit from this influx, highlighting the importance of maintaining the road in good condition. • Connectivity: For the small communities scattered along Route 50, this road is a vital lifeline, providing access to essential services and goods. Ensuring its reliability is crucial for the well-being of these residents. 📸: unknown (DM me for credit) 🌎 Do you like it? Follow me and Hit 🔔 Ring on my profile for more content about #civilengineering #geotechnicalengineering #ecology #construction #vinylsheetpiles #geosynthetics

Regular pavement maintenance such as parking lots, sidewalks, and other outdoor amenity spaces can be an overlooked aspect of property management. Regular service can extend their life, improve safety and assist in maximizing long-term real estate value. Our civil engineering leaders discuss in detail the importance of pavement management in our WM Canvas blog: #WareMalcomb #WMCivil #PavementManagement #WMThoughtLeadership

🎉AV Traffic Design is ready to take on the New Year by building new relationships and participating on exciting new projects, projects that make a real difference in our communities. That enhanced traffic flow, reduced accidents and made pedestrian transit safer.     🚧Lets also take a moment to appreciate the hard-working folks who brave the elements to lay down the asphalt, install traffic lights, and make our roads safer. Their tireless efforts often go unnoticed, but they are the unsung heroes keeping us safe on the roads.     🚦As we step into the new year, let's cherish the great bond that exists between construction work and traffic control. Next time you drive by a construction site, give a nod of gratitude to these hard workers.     🎊Remember, improved roads not only make our journeys faster and smoother, but they also increase safety for us all. Here's to more successful road construction projects! #RoadSafety #ConstructionHeroes

Thinking about building in the Southeast? Effective site planning is crucial! Our latest blog explores key considerations for a strong foundation. 🏗️ https://lnkd.in/gFWymXu9 #CarmichaelDevelopment #Sitework #SoutheastDevelopment #Construction #Atlanta

Civil engineering projects, be it public works or residential areas, require meticulous planning and effort. Unexpected terrains often throw a wrench in the operations. However, with the strategic use of bog mats, challenges are transformed into smooth executions, safeguarding both ground and machinery while controlling operational costs. Learn how bog mats have become a critical component in ensuring the stability and success of many diverse projects across Ireland, including civil engineering: https://lnkd.in/eaXKJgrZ