GS&P DIALOGUE - "Engineering"

How to Choose a Design-Build Teaming Partner

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:51:32 GMT

Have you seen the television show The Amazing Race? I always find it entertaining to watch the dynamics of the teams as they compete in challenges that take them to cities and countries around the world in the quest to win $1 million. You can almost predict at the start of the season which teams will be strong contenders, and which ones will provide the most entertainment due to their bickering, overall antics and inability to efficiently complete the tasks.

Forgive the leap, but thinking about how I'd choose a partner to go on the Amazing Race drew parallels to how I go about selecting a Contractor partner to successfully win and complete a design-build project. When delivering a project using the Design-Build delivery method, just like any other project, you want to have a team of qualified design and construction professionals. But, what differs with D/B is that this team is operating under a single contract with a single source of accountability and responsibility to the Owner. Just like in the Amazing Race - you are in this together, and no matter how strong one member is, the project's success will rely on how well the entire team can work together.

The U.S. (Primary) Interstate System: Where Does It Go From Here in the Southeast?

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:10:30 GMT

This U.S. Interstate highway system is a vast, fascinating network of multi-lane, access controlled arterial roadways with improved engineering features that have provided millions of American motorists and freight carriers with a relatively high speed and safe route to almost any location of prominence in the country. No other country has a comparable roadway network in terms of engineering and distances covered. Would you agree that it isn't overstating to compare the feats of the Interstate Highway system to the public works accomplishments of great civilizations such as the aqueducts of the Roman Empire or the Great Wall of China? But as populations increase and commerce and trade barriers continue to expand, how will our interstate system be impacted? Are we in need of adding more roadway to this already extensive network?

Who Wants To Be An Engineer?

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:33:34 GMT

To kick off our firm's celebration of National Engineers Week from February 19-25, I was excited to be part of the group of GS&P employees who participated in Engineering Day at Nashville's Adventure Science Center on Saturday, February 18. Our involvement has become a yearly tradition that I always look forward to; it's a day for us to share our passion for engineering with a wonderful group of local kids.

The Super Power of Centennial Park

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:03:07 GMT

After reading Marion Waters' post on Gadgets in Transportation Design, I was thinking about the various ways advancing technology may impact the evolution of our transportation system. It also led me to think about how one of my personal interests, the American railroad system, was affected by the technological advancements of steam locomotives. Well before talk of Intelligent Transportation Systems, even before talk of the interstate system - innovations in our railroad system were changing the way passengers and freight were transported across our country.

Gadgets in Transportation Design

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:11:14 GMT

I absolutely love gadgets. Maybe not as much as my 33 year old son-in-law or his 6 year old son (MY grandson), but nevertheless, I am a true blue gadget lover. When Apple's iPhone 4s was unveiled, did you, like my son-in-law, rush to order it the day it became available? To some, it is hard to fight the temptation to upgrade their smartphone every time a newer model is available - they just have to have the latest version with all the bells and whistles. In many of these instances (my son-in-law included), their current model still works as intended and the buyer takes into consideration that there will be a newer model made available in a fairly short timeframe making their purchase (in their minds) obsolete yet again.

As a trusted advisor to my clients, it is among my duties to understand the latest and greatest technologies being introduced within the Transportation industry. It is also my obligation to look beyond my clients' needs (and wants) of today and understand how these technologies will help meet the mobility needs of their community in the future. DOTs and municipalities don't have the luxury to update their 'gadgets' every time a newer solution is developed. So as design consultants, it is our job to create designs that support allocation of their financial resources to the best, highest and most meaningful long-term use.

When Driving On the Left Is Right: A CFI Story

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:26:48 GMT

There was a time when money for transportation projects was not as constrained as it is today and designers were not as limited in the types of solutions that could be implemented to correct capacity or operation of an intersection or interchange. Now that federal, state and local funds have drastically shrunk, designers have been tasked to do more with less - all at a time when people are driving more than ever before.

The solution: Think outside the box. Engineers and DOTs across the country are pushing the barriers of innovation everyday to help stretch available funds and improve mobility. In Georgia - we're switching traffic to the left hand side of the road.

Designing (Not Documenting) For LEED

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:29:14 GMT

Ask any architect, engineer or designer for his thoughts on LEED certification, and you’ll likely get a mixed bag of reactions. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as a green building certification system, LEED has only been around for a decade or so, and its popularity didn’t start to boom until fairly recently. As it’s gained prominence in design firms and organizations, professionals in my industry have not only become familiar with the many benefits of LEED certification, but we’ve also become familiar with its difficulties.

Reaching For Sustainability in Transportation Design – And Achieving It

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Sustainability is associated with plenty of things, but transportation planning and design may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Still yet, as a senior associate in GS&P’s Transportation market, sustainable transportation planning and design is one of my primary focuses. Facilitating energy-efficient modes of transportation, reducing emissions and streamlining traffic operations are at the root of sustainable transportation design, but I’ve learned over the years that sustainability is not just about “good design.” It incorporates countless other variables and objectives, and there are numerous tools available to help you create and measure a sustainable design.

Roundabouts: What took us so long?

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:50:07 GMT

It seems roundabouts have finally made it to the southeast United States. Yes, people were not sure if us southerners would be able to traverse the circular intersection - but I'm happy to report we've figured it out. No one has gotten stuck going round and round like Chevy Chase did back in the 80's. The only problem with the new roundabout that just opened in my hometown of Roswell, Georgia is that people in the roundabout were slowing down and waving to people in the circle.

That hospitality lasted just a few days however and people are now getting used to it. The feedback the City is receiving has been tremendously positive – a response that is good for roundabouts everywhere. It's the first roundabout in Roswell and in North Fulton County, and the positive vibes help show how people have become more accepting of roundabouts, and this gives decision makers the confidence to build more of them.

Did you miss the ICT revolution?

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:59:59 GMT

I have been with Gresham, Smith and Partners for more than eight years now. I was hired because of my passion for traffic engineering and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). GS&P has been extremely successful in helping clients in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and Tennessee design and deploy systems for traffic management that have saved the traveling public tens of thousands of hours of congestion and the cost of the fuel that would have been used.

GS&P has graciously allowed me to be what I am and to participate in a number of organizations including ITS Georgia. I've served on the ITS Georgia Board of Directors for more than a decade and have been Chapter President in 2010 and 2011.

With this short introduction, there is very little doubt that I am on the geeky side of being an engineer. My wife of 41 years tells me regularly that it takes a very special person to tolerate someone with my special characteristics. Being the magnanimous person that I am, I do not take offense, nor do I intend to change.

Job Well Done; The Impact of Recognition

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 12:53:44 GMT

"Job well done!" What does reading those words do to you? Recognition causes a wide variety of emotional responses in people. To some it may lift spirits after several long weeks or months of hard work. To others it may reaffirm that the difficult project decisions that they had to make were the right ones. Maybe you realize how valuable another member of your team was in achieving success. As a designer, recognition of one of your projects could mean the culmination of several years of intense study, research, apprenticeship and teamwork into a single deliverable that is now recognized as good design.

Cities Need to be Leaders in Climate Change Adaptation

Tue, 03 May 2011 09:06:23 GMT

Reading this recent article from the National Science Foundation certainly makes you wonder how weather will affect the lives of our children and grandchildren in the future, especially those in urban areas of the US. Will our kids of today and their children continue to take never ending showers (that is, until the water turns cold)? Will they pay more for municipality supplied water than gasoline? Will there be a Great Lakes Water Company supplying water to Colorado, Texas, etc. Are we seeing more evidence of a changing weather pattern?

You Want HOW MUCH for a Gallon of Gas?

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:51:04 GMT

A holistic approach to sustainable transportation.

Anyone who’s spent much time behind the wheel of a motor vehicle lately has no doubt felt the pain associated with skyrocketing gas prices which, according to AAA, have risen an average of almost $1.00 per gallon over the last year. You’ve seen your monthly gas costs rise precipitously and will no doubt think twice before loading up the minivan and driving the family to the Grand Canyon this summer. The long term implications for family budgets are scary.

Across the nation, transportation professionals are wringing their hands at the task of building new roads and keeping existing ones in good repair to keep pace with growth in traffic demands, all while federal transportation dollars are shrinking. To wit: according to a recent report from the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission, over the period from 2008–2035, if current trends continue, there will be enough money to maintain only 44 percent of the of the current transportation system and to make only 36 percent of necessary improvements. Cities, regions and states simply can’t sustain their road programs into the future.

Green is the New Black When it Comes to Street Design

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:09:59 GMT

There is no denying that organizations as well as cities and states are consistently being pushed and encouraged to be more "green" and more "sustainable." In my experience as a professional civil engineer, I can also say there is no denying that there has been an increased focus to translating those efforts into the design and maintenance of our country's infrastructure. More specifically, I'm a transportation engineer and for projects that have been traditionally about asphalt, concrete, curb inlets, etc. it has been fascinating to see the innovation that is occurring and the design concepts that are developed and catching on that truly lessen our impact on the environment and promote sustainability.

Stop the Insanity! Let's Revolutionize the Structural Steel Process

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:07:45 GMT

I’ve been designing conventional steel buildings for many years. And, I know I'm not alone in having a desire and drive for making the system better. For some time we have realized the incredible inefficiency inherently built into this process, and have sought out ways to build more efficient processes, as well as ways to help our clients benefit from better predicted results.

Are You There Airport Director? It's Me, the Terminal

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:05:02 GMT

Dear Airport Director,

Excuse me, but have you seen me lately? I'm not exactly a spring chicken any more. Us boomers have to look after ourselves you know. A few upgrades would go a long way to bridging the gap between today and retirement. I think you should really consider a few investments in this terminal body.

Have you seen my friends CHO and TPA? Wow, are they looking good! Refurbished terrazzo, no more spalling, no more dull spots. Good to go for many more years and the updates help them to become easier to maintain too.

Have you heard the talk about how energy efficient I could become? New energy efficient light fixtures would almost pay for themselves. And the cost to keep me conditioned? An upgrade here or there could save energy and lower some bills. It wouldn't hurt to save some money now to put into my retirement account.

What can engineers learn from the recent earthquakes in Japan?

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:12:47 GMT

In the video below you will see high-rise buildings swaying from the recent earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan. Based on my analysis of the video, I estimate the building swayed back and forth up to five feet. As a structural engineer, whenever I see something like this, even with my experience and background, I feel humbled by the immense forces of nature at work.

Electric Cars: Environmental Boon or Bust?

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:57:33 GMT

Electric cars are on the way to a street near you. Nissan has begun delivery of their all electric Leaf, Chevrolet is shipping its electric-gas Volt. Several other manufacturers have announced plans to offer electric cars. In fact, an estimated 20 new models are slated for the market over the next few years and market penetration is projected to reach as high as 5% by 2020.

Many consumers are turning to electric cars as a way to avoid the impact on their pocketbooks of wildly fluctuating gas prices. While the economics of electric versus gasoline powered automobiles is beyond this posting, it is a strong motivator for some in the choice to go electric.

Holiday Wrapping: The New Atlanta International Terminal

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:01:10 GMT

The holiday season is upon us and if you are like me, you are frantically working to wrap all of your last-minute gifts. However, I am pleased to say that the new 1.2-million square-foot Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal shell in Atlanta is wrapped. Construction on the interiors will continue through next year with a Spring 2012 targeted opening.

View this virtual fly-through video of the project:

Is Your Airport Ready for the Winter of 2010-2011 and Beyond?

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:14:58 GMT

December is here and thanks to our good friends up north (thanks Randy and Vic), early winter weather has pressed south across most of the country with near freezing temperatures in Florida to an early winter snow in Seattle. For airports, this means the start of the 2010-11 deicing season. Airports have planned for months and updated their protocols/ procedures for the application of pavement deicers, and collection of aircraft and pavement deicers as prescribed to their own unique circumstances. These protocols/procedures can be simple or highly complex, but in any case, they are an absolute necessity when it comes to (1) ensuring safe aircraft operations and (2) meeting environmental compliance requirements.

Q&A Recap of 17th Annual ITS World Congress: Ubiquitous Society with ITS

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:45:22 GMT

The 17th Annual ITS World Congress was recently held in Busan, Korea. For five days, experts from 80 countries joined together to share the latest trends and discuss the future of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). This year's Congress theme was a "Ubiquitous Society with ITS" and focused on how ITS systems are being created to meet an integrated goal of providing safe, efficient and low-emission transport.

GS&P's Executive Vice President of Transportation Marshall Elizer, P.E., PTOE has been installing and designing intelligent transportation systems for more than 20 years. When he recovered from the jet lag caused by his return flight, he took the time to answer some questions and provide his highlights and takeaways from this year's conference.

Airport Land Use Development Planning for Revenue Generation

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:14:17 GMT

The economic trouble which has engulfed the U.S. has impacted many aspects of our business infrastructure including producing a major financial strain on our nation's airports. For many airports, the summer is the busiest travel period of the year. Terminals are crowded, not only with business travelers, but with vacationing families while children are out of school. But, summer 2010 passenger traffic statistics are not encouraging.

Why More Airports are Embracing Environmental Stewardship

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:28:15 GMT

Many within the Aviation industry understand that mere compliance with environmental regulations is not enough to address all of our social, political or management responsibilities regarding the environment. Most airports are moving toward a position of proactive environmental stewardship: a commitment to continuously and purposefully work toward reducing an organization's impacts on natural resources.

Can You Handle It?

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:24:36 GMT

Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) continue to evolve with a focus on creating a better staff and passenger experience, greater efficiencies and increased safety. Automation and self-service options have long been utilized as ways of improving services and increasing productivity.

The advent of "no-lift" designs at ticket counters has improved the level of automation in recent years. As installed in the Alaska Airlines terminal at Anchorage International Airport (ANC), the ticket counter take away belt runs perpendicular to the main take away. The passenger sets a bag on the belt to be weighed; when complete the belt advances to the main take away and from there to the BHS matrix for level 1 screening. This process helps to reduce the repetitive strain injury associated with such tasks typically performed by an airline or TSA agent, thus reducing workers compensation claims and operational costs. Recently this "no-lift" design approach has evolved to the baggage inspection rooms, where such devices allow the TSA to perform trace detection without the need to lift and carry the bag from alarm line to ETD table, and then to a cleared bag line.