We have been in the preconstruction phase of a brownfield project for about 18 months. In the process, we have been using a relatively new and still evolving set of technology tools, called ground penetrating radar (GPR). This geophysical method uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. Knowing what is underground is particularly important for the job [Read More]
Setting RTUs via Helicopter
Where would we be without helicopters? This week we used a Sikorksy S-58t helicopter to set 17 RTUs on a new project scheduled for completion next year. It’s amazing how fast the process moved. From pick up to the roof , set time was less than 1 hour. While we have been using helicopters on [Read More]
Why Project Blogs Work for Us
For the past couple of years, we’ve started a blog for each of our large projects. The premise is simple: once a week, a designated person from the field office sends digital images and brief descriptions to our home office. We manage that information, and on Tuesdays post to each project’s page. So, why do [Read More]
Top Down Wall Construction (Soil Nails)
On a couple of our projects recently, we needed retaining walls built in “cut earth sections” as opposed to “fill earth sections”. In these projects we needed top down construction and a method that afforded easy accessibility and we were dealing with earth that would only be “cut” and not “filled.” The alternative? What you [Read More]
Looking Ahead at Construction Materials
As the economy continues to improve, construction demand is slowly increasing. As a result, the demand for construction materials is also increasing and one has to assume those costs will continue to go up throughout 2011. Recently, I was talking with one of our fabricators who supplies steel for projects throughout the nation and he [Read More]
If Bank Credit is hard to get these days then Surety Credit is a real close second
While I think our economy continues to heal from what we are seeing the next 12 to 18 months will see more failures of the weak in commercial real estate and the construction industry. 2012 will be a tough year on the sureties and surety credit will even be harder to obtain over the next [Read More]
The Solution to a Macro Concrete Problem? Think Micro.
We were asked recently to help one of our customers with a damaged concrete sidewalk. Sounds simple enough, but it wasn’t just any sidewalk. This one was elevated and it was absolutely necessary for this office facility that the sidewalk remain navigable for the tenants through out the repair process. In years past, if someone [Read More]
Notes From a Pervious Concrete Seminar: How “Sustainable” Becomes “Practical”
This week, several of our team attended a workshop led by Matthew Offenberg, a recognized expert in the field of pervious concrete. The discussion centered on the design and function of pervious concrete pavements, new developments in the technology and some of the challenges in implementing it. I found it interesting that the workshop was [Read More]
How to Keep Segmental Retaining Walls On Time and On Budget
Last week, I received a call from a long-term customer asking us to get involved with a new civil project. The catch? It starts in 10 days. Wow—that’s a nice problem to have these days. The site is full of challenges we like: wetlands, a stream relocation, a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) interface along a [Read More]
When Company Fellowship Turns Fruitful
Every once in a while, our team takes a bit of time away from the busy schedules we all maintain for a get together. It’s not a big time commitment, but it gives us an opportunity to catch up with folks who may be in and out of the office a good bit. Today, we [Read More]
