CCA adds Structural Engineer
CCA is pleased to welcome John O'Rourke, Structural Engineer
With deep expertise in residential, commercial, and industrial engineering, John O’Rourke has recently joined CCA’s New York City office as a Structural Engineer.
Mr. O’Rourke’s experience in the roles of Structural Engineer and Project Engineer have spanned across a multitude of residential, commercial, and industrial engineering projects. His direct experience is the result of working within engineering groups consisting of Civil, Structural, Architectural, Building Mechanical, Electrical and Process Piping Engineering Departments.
In addition to his background in engineering, Mr. O’Rouke has gained in depth design experience. His designs include: structural steel buildings, seismic design, shallow foundations, wood structures and buildings, and masonry. Additionally, he has provided special designs for retaining structures and avalanche shielding structures.
CCA adds senior HVAC, Energy, and Mechanical Engineering expert
CCA is pleased to welcome Paul Dudley Smith, PE, CEM
Dudley joins us as a senior Mechanical Engineer with over thirty years of experience in the design, construction and testing of HVAC, piping, and other mechanical systems. Mr. Smith has performed a myriad of mechanical system analysis projects, studies, reports, designs and specifications. Dudley has provided project management, construction oversight services, and client support for various projects. Mr. Smith is a Certified Energy Manager providing direction and support for energy decisions and conducts energy studies and audits.
California passes new laws following Berkeley tragedy
Berkeley took center stage in June 2015 when six students died tragically and another seven were injured after a balcony on which they were standing on collapsed.
As a result, the California Senate has passed a new law for the construction industry traced back to Berkeley balcony collapse. The bill was passed after a unanimous vote or 37-0 and is intended to close those accountability gaps by bringing stricter oversight to the construction industry.
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]New Orleans Pushes to Finish Last Big Storm-Surge Project
Since Hurricane Katrina first hit New Orleans in 2005, work has been ongoing to protect the city from future flooding.
The Engineering News Record reported that the final step in building the permanent system will be completed in April 2017. As quoted from the article:
The $654-million Permanent Canal Closures and Pumps (PCCP) project now is the last major piece of the $14.6-billion storm risk-reduction system in low-lying New Orleans. The federally funded effort will give the city, which is from 2 ft to 20 ft below sea level, protection from a major storm that has a 1% annual chance of occurring, a so-called 100-year storm.
“The pre-Katrina system was a system in name only,” says Dan Bradley, Corps senior project manager for the PCCP project. “We’ve reduced [risk] by 35% with a true system approach to risk reduction.” Ricky Boyett, district Corps spokesman, adds. “Before, the canals were the first line of defense. Now, they are secondary."
Read more about the system by going to the full article here.
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Ice Arena Improvements
Over time, all buildings will exhibit wearing of components requiring assessment for replacement and/or upgrading. As ice arenas start to age, there are a number of improvements that ice facility managers can schedule for their buildings. From new roofs to window glazing replacement, renovation of entries, bathrooms, and lobbies for accessibility compliance, these updates will not only improve the users’ building experience, but will also save on operating costs by creating more energy efficient spaces. There are many benefits of upgrading and maintaining a well managed rink facility. These upgrades increase opportunities for hosting school team sports or local community sports at large. Well maintained ice arenas contribute to the well being of participants as well as observers.
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Engineering trends in 2016
It's an exciting time in the field of engineering. Climate change, resilient design, hardened buildings, shelter from storms and shelter from terrorists all present challenges in the design of buildings and other structures. As reported by Civil and Structural Engineer, the stage is set for a range of opportunities in the industry:
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Increased skyscraper stability in Seattle using concrete
As reported by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a professor of engineering's solution for streamlining the construction of skyscrapers is being used in a 1.5 million square foot mixed use development in a suburb of Seattle, the Lincoln Square Expansion.
"Traditionally, coupling beams are reinforced with a labyrinth of rebar, adding a great deal of time, cost and complexity to the construction process."
The coupling beams used in the Lincoln Square Expansion, however, are built with fiber reinforced concrete, helping to reinforce the building against possible earthquake damage.
(Image credit: Cary Kopczynski & Co.)
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Importance of a safety culture on job sites
A culture of safety does more than just protect your firm from law suits and protect your employees from injuries. A recent article from Engineering News-Record states that it actually helps productivity, job quality and increased return on investment.
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]A San Francisco hospital is using a unique substance to prepare for earthquakes
As reported by CityLab last week, a San Francisco hospital is the first to use a unique substance to protect itself from possible future earthquake damage. The 7-foot wide wall panels made of "goo" are embedded throughout the structure to act like a shock absorber for the building.
"It has the consistency of chewing gum, the San Francisco Chronicle reports, and could keep the 15-story California Pacific Medical Center standing and fully operational during an event as big as the 1906 earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.8. The hospital, located about 7 miles from the San Andreas fault line, is the first building in the U.S. to use such technology.
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]New Jersey Fire Officials Demand Tougher Code
On August 24th, The Journal of Light Construction reported on New Jersey fire officials are looking for change - and are concerned that policymakers are dragging their feet seven months after a runaway apartment building fire.
"At issue in New Jersey is the question of whether stick-frame construction — what firefighters are calling "lightweight wood construction" — should be allowed in multifamily dwellings at all. Two identical bills under consideration in the state Assembly and the Senate would impose a two-year moratorium on permitting and building of stick-framed apartments or condominiums while officials study the question."
Read more about the situation here: http://www.jlconline.com/coastal-contractor-news/new-jersey-fire-officials-demand-tougher-code_o
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