Originally Aired on Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Discover the profound role the engineering industry plays in shaping the U.S. economy and the latest business sentiment metrics among industry leaders in this presentation. Our experts will present key insights from the latest ACEC Research Institute’s Economic Assessment and Forecast, detailing contributions to GDP, job creation, and tax revenues.

We’ll also explore sector performance and provide a five-year forecast for industry revenues. Combined with findings from our quarterly Engineering Business Sentiment Survey, this session will offer a complete picture of current industry conditions, future expectations, and economic indicators. Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

When retaining walls are needed on a project, there are several options available. For fill walls, the best options are concrete gravity walls or mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. Geosynthetic (geogrid) MSE walls offer several advantages over traditional concrete gravity walls and metallic-reinforced MSE walls, making them a popular choice for owners and engineers. Geogrid MSE walls are roughly one half the cost of concrete gravity walls, depending on the size and height of the wall.

As seen in the February 2025 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired on Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Join us for an educational webcast where we explore how InfoWorks WS Pro addresses the limitations of current hydraulic modeling practices in the United States and Canada. Discover how InfoWorks WS Pro enhances modeling workflows and drives unparalleled advancements toward achieving an effective digital twin.

Learn about its streamlined modeling framework, from model build to calibration, analysis and reporting, to the more advanced capabilities dealing with multi-user access, cloud computing, live data integrations and asset criticality.

Developing a performance specification for a steel pedestrian bridge is commonly used by specifiers because it allows them to identify the required performance features of the structure while deferring the actual bridge structural design to the bridge manufacturer. It also allows the bridge manufacturer to efficiently design and fabricate a bridge that meets the project needs and specifications while maximizing the efficiencies of their manufacturing equipment and capabilities.

An important performance specification standard is the steel finish. A properly selected finishing system will account for bridge service life, maintenance needs, aesthetics and owner budget. The selection of a steel finish depends on multiple factors, including environment, application, owner experience, owner preference and budget. Future maintenance also needs to be considered in the long-term cost analysis.

As seen in the December 2024 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Microbially induced corrosion (MIC) is a growing concern for industries that rely on concrete infrastructure in environments exposed to hydrogen sulfide (H2S). From wastewater treatment plants to sewer systems, this unique form of biochemical corrosion can lead to the rapid degradation of concrete, jeopardizing the structural integrity and longevity of key infrastructure.

MIC occurs when sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, such as Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, convert H2S gas into sulfuric acid, which reacts with concrete components and causes progressive deterioration. Environmental factors such as humidity, water chemistry and transit time of wastewater exacerbate this process, making certain settings more vulnerable to MIC. The impact on concrete can be devastating due to the material loss from the exposed surface, spalling (surface chipping) and significant weakening of the remaining material. As the sulfuric acid (H2SO4) reacts with concrete, it triggers chemical reactions that compromise its strength and load-bearing capacity, potentially leading to expensive repairs or structural failures.

As seen in the December 2024 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired November 13, 2024

Learn how to leverage existing site conditions data and aerial location intelligence to create a synchronized, single source of ground truth within your GIS, design, and construction- management platforms.

We’ll discuss real-world project scenarios and provide step-by-step technical instruction on how to effectively implement geospatial -AI into your existing project workflows, ultimately improving project outcomes for all stakeholders.

Use cases will include how to use automated feature identification and extraction in GIS applications to better inform early-stage site analysis as well as how to synchronize such data in design environments to maintain data continuity for more accurate preliminary designs.

This presentation will focus on practical, technical instruction for civil engineers, design professionals, and project managers looking to improve the accuracy and efficiency of their projects by leveraging consistent data across mapping and design workflows.

Originally Aired October 22, 2024

Revolutionize your upcoming infrastructure projects with the power of PDF standardization. Discover how Alvine Engineering pushed innovation from paperless delivery and+ document management through connecting all users in real-time.

Learn the benefits and utilization of different PDF tools/processes to incorporate company- standard content such as symbols/markups within tool sets, line styles, templates, and custom columns (status/layers). Gain insights from industry experts and discover practical tips for implementing and maintaining your standards.

Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting out, this webcast will equip you with the knowledge and tools to optimize your workflows and deliver exceptional results.

With the continued growth of infrastructure in America, the need for trusted pipe solutions in the sewer industry continues to pose challenges to designers and owners alike. The forecast for storm and sanitary sewer pipe is estimated to surpass $8 billion by 2026, equivalent to more than 700 million linear feet of pipe installation (The Freedonia Group, n.d.). Many of these new installations will be tested to ensure joint integrity.

This article focuses on items typical in sanitary sewers in collection systems and larger, which typically is 8-inch diameter or greater. For diameters 30 inches and larger, the ability to test systems becomes more difficult and can make some test methods impractical. Joint testing is dominated on the sanitary side of the industry, but there’s a growing trend to test critical storm sewers, especially in locations with high groundwater or contaminated soils. For the sake of this article, most references will be for sanitary sewers.

As seen in the October 2024 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Geopositioning—the process of determining or estimating the geographic position of an object or point on Earth—is a concept with ancient roots, dating back at least to the ancient Greeks who used stars to establish location on Earth by triangulation. But despite the age and ubiquity of geopositioning in navigation (in the form of latitude and longitude or global coordinate systems), it wasn’t common for projects in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector to have geopositioning until the late 20th century, when the Global Positioning System (GPS) and sufficient computing power became more widely available. Geopositioning is usually defined as “the process or technique of identifying the geographical location of a person or device by means of digital information processed via the internet” or even specifically as “the ability to track a device’s whereabouts using GPS.”

For purposes of this article intended for AEC professionals, geolocation will be defined loosely as the precise geopositioning of an infrastructure or design project in terms of latitude and longitude or (more often) in a projected coordinate system, as established by the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and digital processing.

As seen in the October 2024 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

In the nearly 35 years since the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase I Stormwater Rule was implemented, there has been an incredible amount of progress in the field of stormwater management. Advances in regulations and stormwater management solutions have enhanced the effectiveness of stormwater control measures (SCMs). These developments have established robust standards and best practices for managing stormwater runoff from new and redevelopment sites, ultimately reducing the quantity of pollutants and excess runoff entering receiving waters.

As seen in the September 2024 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Water scarcity is a global existential threat. Year-over-year reduction in supply of freshwater poses a risk to everything from human health to agriculture, manufacturing, and even national and global security.

Exacerbated by population growth and environmental factors, water scarcity touches every corner of the globe. About 4 billion people, representing nearly two-thirds of the global population, experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) admits that 40 of 50 states are facing water shortages within the next year...

The world can move fast, and as technology continues to evolve it’s based on the data and systems that support them from the times past. As projects become more digital in the design phase and through construction, projects are becoming more connected. Tune in for a session to dig deeper.

The webcast features George Floros, head of GIS at Skanska Infrastructure UK, and Marc Goldman, AEC expert from Esri. This session will delve into the growing role of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data within infrastructure projects, highlighting its crucial function in promoting interoperability across various AEC platforms and workflows. The speakers will use several Skanska projects, from bid through to completion, as case studies to demonstrate the practical application and benefits of IFC data in streamlining the exchange of design, engineering and construction information.

Throughout this webcast, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of IFC data standards and their importance for ensuring effective collaboration. Floros will provide detailed insights into real-world applications of IFC, illustrating how these standards enhance project collaboration and efficiency from the design phase to construction. Meanwhile, Goldman will discuss the integration of IFC data with GIS and other AEC solutions, showing how such integration can drive better decision making and optimize project outcomes.

Participants will learn best practices for implementing IFC data in their projects, with practical tips to maximize the benefits of IFC data integration. This session is tailored for professionals in AEC sectors who are eager to enhance their project-delivery strategies and workflow integration through advanced data-integration techniques. Join us to transform how your projects operate with cutting-edge insights from leading industry experts.

Learn how to leverage aerial intelligence within engineering design software platforms to streamline preconstruction planning and design. Attendees will explore the synergy of 2D and 3D datasets derived from aerial imagery, with a focus on linear feature extraction and the seamless transfer of content between Revit and Civil 3D for enhanced design accuracy and efficiency. Discover how AI-powered tools facilitate feature extraction and how to enable real-time updates via Esri ArcGIS Online.

Cristian de Santos is CEO and co-founder at SAALG Geomechanics, an engineering software company that applies the insights of his academic research at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia to the problem of geotechnical uncertainty. “The reality is, nowadays, we are capable of building almost everything we can imagine, such as metro lines, cities in the middle of the desert and even artificial islands in the middle of the ocean,” he says. “However, many of those big infrastructure projects are losing money, or we are paying too much for them, both financially and environmentally. And part of the reason, in many cases, is because of geotechnical uncertainty.

“At the end of the day, everything is built on the ground or under the ground,” adds de Santos. “When we don’t know how the ground is going to behave, many of our designs are over-engineered with more steel and concrete than needed or excess excavation which contribute to excess CO2 emissions. By not knowing how the ground is going to behave during construction, we suffer delays, accidents, malfunctions, and, in the worst-case scenario, even the failure of our projects.”

As seen in the May 2024 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Urban stormwater management is a critical aspect of city planning, as it plays a pivotal role in ensuring public safety and preventing potential damage to property and infrastructure caused by flooding. This webcast will discuss “outside the box” thinking for urban stormwater mitigation, focusing on how large-scale underground detention systems can be effectively integrated within the public right-of-way beneath municipal streets. The presentation will center around two case studies from Lake Forest, Ill., and Glenview, Ill.

During this session, attendees will learn about each project’s history, alternative analysis, design and construction challenges, the inclusion of a stormwater lift station, and the recommended solutions. The webcast also will highlight the role of stakeholder engagement in shaping the outcome of these projects. Join us to gain insights into these innovative approaches to managing stormwater in urban environments.

Geomembranes are used in large-scale containment facilities such as landfills, wastewater ponds, mining applications, secondary fuel storage and potable water reservoirs. The protection of groundwater and the preservation of water resources depends on these thin barriers that are extremely vulnerable to damage. When a geomembrane contains even a small number of leaks—along with wrinkles that are typical in geomembrane installations—it performs only slightly better than a low-permeability soil liner (Giroud and Wallace, 2016).

As seen in the February 2024 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

This archived webcast will delve into the intricacies of designing large-diameter sewer projects, emphasizing efficient and cost-effective methodologies. Attendees will learn how to identify the most-optimal solutions for upcoming projects, covering an array of crucial aspects from material selection to placement, jointing, backfilling and rigorous testing procedures.

The archived webcast promises insights into the decision-making process behind selecting appropriate pipe materials, explaining why composite pipe materials have swiftly emerged as the preferred choice in the industry. Attendees can anticipate comprehensive discussions on the handling of pipe materials and adherence to standard installation practices, crucial for ensuring seamless project execution.

Join us for an engaging archived webcast as we delve into the cutting-edge advancements at the intersection of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and cost-effective satellite-based connectivity. In recent times, IoT has emerged as a game-changer for the real-time monitoring of large, geographically distributed infrastructure assets. However, the challenge has always been in extending this capability to remote locations where traditional connectivity falls short.

This webcast will explore the groundbreaking strides made in the field of satellite-based connectivity, opening new possibilities for IoT applications in previously inaccessible areas. Discover how these innovative solutions are reshaping the landscape of infrastructure monitoring—providing a reliable and robust connection to geographically distributed assets such as railways, bridges and dams in even the most remote and challenging environments.

Open-bottom buried bridges are structures built with side walls and a top that’s either flat or in an arc formation. With either configuration, the bottom is not constructed as part of the bridge structure, which provides a foundation design that’s separate from the bridge’s structural design. The structure sides support the surrounding soil, while the open bottom has the flexibility for a variety of site adaptations.

This feature is useful with existing streambed conditions where it’s essential to reduce site disturbance. Where the bridge spans over the streambed, the natural soils can be preserved, assisting in the sustainability of wildlife and fish passage. A buried bridge structure limits the exposed structural elements, reducing maintenance time and costs by protecting the bridge against exposure to de-icing materials. A prefabricated concrete structure is constructed at an offsite precast plant location and delivered to the site, reducing the overall construction time as compared with onsite conventional stick-built-type bridge structures.

As seen in the December 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2021, there are about 42.5 million Americans with disabilities, making up 13 percent of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. This group includes people with hearing, vision, cognitive, walking, self-care or independent-living difficulties.

For much of human civilization, engineers designed infrastructure through the lens of the non-disabled, with little regard for how certain aesthetic or functional features may affect or even become obstacles for those with disabilities. In 1990, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, which extended civil rights protections to people with disabilities and looked to prevent discrimination against the disabled in the workplace and in public spaces. The law was amended with improvements in 2008.

This professional-development article will focus only on one aspect of engineering for those with accessibility needs: curb ramps that gently transition a pedestrian from a curb to a street or vice versa. And it will focus only on one particular project: the East Colfax Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Denver.

As seen in the December 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

The City of San Fernando has provided a creative solution to manage stormwater runoff, protect water bodies from impurities and considerably enhance local groundwater recharge. An underground system capable of capturing 24 acre-feet of stormwater in a single event was installed beneath the San Fernando Recreation Park.

Join us as we examine planning efforts for the San Fernando Regional Park Infiltration Project, discuss the design of the underground infiltration system and explore how groundwater recharge can be an important water-supply source for the region.

This webcast provides a brief introduction to helical piles and its applications in different types of soil conditions. In addition, we will be talking about the theory behind the development of load capacity by helical piles and its estimation.

The webcast will discuss some of the advantages of helical pile systems under certain soil/site conditions. Quality control during helical pile installation is as critical as in any construction job. The development of quality-control parameters can be achieved by performing load tests and monitored by recording the pile installation torques. Compression and tension capacities can be verified by performing ASTM Standard Test Methods for Deep Foundation Elements. In conclusion, we will look at some case studies involving the application of helical piles.

Originally Aired November 30, 2023

Originally Aired on Wednesday, November 1, 2023

For more than 50 years, pressure sewer systems powered by grinder pumps have emerged as an effective solution for septic tank replacement sewer projects.

A pressure sewer system consists of a network of small-diameter pipes that are pressurized to move wastewater from individual homes or buildings to a central collection point, typically a treatment plant or a larger sewer system. Grinder pumps, which are installed at each individual property, are used to break down solid waste and pump it into the pressurized pipes.

This webcast will highlight the benefits and best practices of grinder pump pressure sewers in these septic-to-sewer projects. These best practices are the results of lessons learned through the last several decades of working across the United States and five continents. Examples of these best practices in action will be shared through various real-world projects and case studies.

Originally Aired on Wednesday, October 25, 2023

New classes of GIS features have become increasingly available with the emerging ability to run AI and deep learning on high-resolution aerial imagery. These features open new opportunities to expand your digital twins and create real-world project solutions.

In this session, attendees will learn how to successfully bridge the gap between aerial imagery, machine learning and GIS. You will walk away understanding how to leverage AI-based GIS layers to monitor the built environment, quickly and accurately identify and digitize impervious surfaces, reduce the time and cost associated with field surveys and manual digitization, improve data accuracy, simplify access to federal infrastructure funding, and more.

Corrugated steel pipe (CSP) and structural plate products have been produced since the early 1900s and have since been expanded to a variety of applications. CSP and structural plate products are designed with a profile wall to provide a more efficient strength-to-material ratio. This strength, paired with its durability and dependability, has allowed it to be a versatile product since its inception.

A prevalent use for these products is vertical applications, which includes caissons for utility poles in electric transmission lines, bridge and building piers, wind-tower foundations, crane enclosures, utility sewer shafts, petroleum cellars (pits), general concrete forms, and more. These applications often are temporary structures used as forms or construction aids but not intended for long-term structural support. They can be constructed using CSP, structural plate or tunnel liner plate.

As seen in the October 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Today, cities are grappling with a range of concerns related to the sustainability and resilience of their critical infrastructure. This includes everything from roads and bridges to essential facilities. As a result, the demand for sustainable, resilient and efficiently managed communities is on the rise. However, this presents a significant challenge: how to seamlessly coordinate the construction and maintenance of critical infrastructure while keeping pace with the growing demands of modern society.

The answer lies in the integration of building information modeling (BIM) and geographic information system (GIS) data to help streamline the flow of information among construction and operational data systems. These advancements have become pivotal for increasing efficiency and achieving substantial cost savings in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) projects. Given the AEC industry’s responsibility for managing vast assets worth billions of dollars, access to accurate, geolocated data is crucial for making informed choices and improving operations.

As seen in the October 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Civil engineers working on land-development projects typically are hired to develop site plans and gain regulatory approval for those plans. In most urban areas, a stormwater management plan must be approved prior to construction. The purpose of each plan is to ensure the project is designed to minimize the amount of pollutants that are washed from a site during storm events and transported into downstream water bodies through storm drains as well as to reduce the peak flows and excess runoff volume that result from the creation of impervious surfaces. Therefore, engineers must understand the fundamentals of stormwater quality regulations, including why they were developed, how to find and interpret local stormwater quality regulations and design criteria, and how to find and use independently verified performance data to evaluate innovative stormwater control measures (SCMs) to meet regulatory goals.

As seen in the September 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Construction site logistics can be simply defined as the systems put in place to control the planning, execution, procurement, transport and stationing of workers, materials and other resources to achieve the goals of a construction project. Construction owners and overseers have sought to apply this control since the first large construction projects were attempted millennia ago, and the continued existence of monumentally large and exquisite structures such as the pyramids or huge megalithic walls and buildings suggest the discipline of site logistics was advanced even in ancient times.

As seen in the September 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Stormwater is a resource to be managed. Stormwater systems require maintenance to ensure they will continue to function properly and control flooding, provide water quality benefits, ensure public safety, meet regulatory requirements, and provide a return on the community’s financial investment. Management includes hydraulic, hydrologic, treatment or some combination of the three. The primary goal is to address pollutants such as Total Suspended Solids, trash and nutrients before they reach the receiving waters. Many methods and solutions can be used to treat pollutants and address the hydrologic changes development creates, including, but not limited to, detention filtration in green infrastructure. Stormwater systems range from large concrete storm sewers, roadside ditches and flood-control reservoirs to rain gardens and natural riverine systems.

As seen in the August 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired June 8, 2023

Hydrodynamic separators (HDSs) are one of the most commonly utilized treatment solutions in stormwater management, but not all HDS units function the same. This webinar will discuss the basic operating principles of HDS  and how the design of these devices has evolved over time.

Participants will learn why technology design changes are occurring as well as how to properly assess the sediment removal and treatment performance of HDS units. Specific focus will be placed on the new Stormwater Testing and Evaluation of Products and Practices (STEPP) verification program and how it can be used by stormwater managers and designers to evaluate these types of treatment systems.

The STEPP program is a Center of Excellence within the National Municipal Stormwater Association (NMSA) and is launching its verification service this year.

Originally Aired May 11, 2023

Join us for a webcast focused on AEC firms’ challenges in integrating CAD, BIM, and GIS for the delivery of Digital Twins. As work processes become digitized, AEC firms need to adopt workflows to thrive in the changing environment. This webcast will discuss the unique capabilities of GIS as a foundation of implementing digital twins in the AEC industry.

Our speakers will explain how AEC professionals can leverage location intelligence within their projects and understand how digital twins are being delivered for built world projects. Attendees will see how GIS can be easily integrated with other AEC software acting as the connector of data of many types and formats.  This session will provide valuable insights on leveraging digital data and the ArcGIS platform to streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and increase chances of success in the digital age.

Expert presenters will provide essential guidance for AEC firms on the impact and importance of digital twins for improved infrastructure management.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving AEC industry.

BIM for Infrastructure software has made significant advancements in recent years and has now matured as a well-established tool in the industry. While the software is similar to BIM for building design, it has several unique features that cater to the specific needs of non-building infrastructure projects. BIM for Infrastructure software facilitates enhanced communication and collaboration among project stakeholders, easing information sharing and informed decision making. There are several vendors that offer BIM for Infrastructure software, including ALLPLAN, Autodesk and Bentley. Non-proprietary data formats, like Industry Foundation Classes (IFC 4.3), play a crucial role in ensuring successful project delivery by allowing seamless collaboration among different stakeholders and software programs from different vendors. BIM for Infrastructure is currently used on many DOT projects, including the Delaware DOT’s Taylor’s Bridge Replacement.

As seen in the May 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

At the most basic level, aerial photogrammetry is simply the process of extracting information about an object or landscape from aerial images. Once processed using photogrammetry software, 3D data derived from high-quality aerial imagery can drastically improve the efficiency, quality and accuracy of preliminary project design work.

Learn the benefits of using 3D data captured through aerial imagery in the preliminary design of infrastructure projects, including improved visualization, enhanced communication, better collaboration, increased efficiency and improved safety.

As seen in the April 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired on March 21, 2023

Deep foundation systems are a crucial component of America’s infrastructure because they provide a stable base for building structures in areas where the shallow soil or rock is not strong enough to support the weight of a building. Deep foundations can reach deeper to stronger soil or rock layers, providing better support for the structure. They are commonly used in the construction of buildings, bridges, offshore platforms and other infrastructure projects as well as wind and energy projects, particularly in areas with challenging soil conditions. Deep foundations play an important role in ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the infrastructure, and therefore play an integral part in supporting the economic growth and development of the country

There are five key performance functions associated with typical geosynthetics (geotextile or geogrid) that determine performance in unpaved and paved roadway applications. In addition to these five key functions, geotextiles with wicking technology that offers continuous moisture management provide enhanced lateral drainage and continuous water management.

As seen in the February 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired January 24, 2023

The digital delivery transformation in infrastructure opens exciting opportunities for consulting engineering firms, but still presents many challenges. As the industry moves toward digitalization, state DOTs and other organizations face a critical question: how do contractors and other stakeholders utilize project information in a model without radically shifting the roles and skills of project managers, pre-construction engineers and site foremen?

The answer, according to Michael Baker International, is model-centric design and delivery. Instead of trying to shift from CAD to BIM overnight, Michael Baker uses model-based practices to deliver better CAD documents, meeting clients’ needs today while preparing their workflows and staff for a digital future. Using BIM-to-CAD model authoring tools, Michael Baker teams are now pursuing model-centric design in more than 25 states and working closely with software providers to build workflows bridging multiple vendors and disciplines.

Join experts from Michael Baker and their software partners at ALLPLAN to learn how they’ve worked together to build the tools and workflows for an accessible and scalable model-based design approach and hear why every engineering firm needs to get a jump start on digital delivery before it becomes a requirement.

Piping systems are typically designed with the service loads in mind. Many utilities are subjected to highway loads, so the design vehicle frequently reflects a vehicle described by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design code such as an HS-20 or HL-93 truck. However, there are many other vehicular loads that the pipes will likely need to support as well. Many of these are loadings from vehicles used during installation of the utilities. Excavators, dozers, front-end loaders, roller compactors and other equipment are commonly used on projects that involve pipelines. Many times, these pieces of equipment are operating at cover depths less than the final cover that will support the highway vehicles. Contractors need to know how much cover is required to operate the various pieces of equipment they use on projects.

As seen in the December 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Years in development (and in marketing!), the reality of digital project delivery is upon us. Evolving beyond its emergent stages, implementation of digital delivery practices is yielding measurable benefits today for a growing number of design firms, contractors, municipalities and transportation departments—even while overcoming adoption hurdles. In addition, evolving digital submittal requirements of asset owners and permitting authorities, coupled with the ongoing development of user-friendly digital delivery platforms, reveals future opportunities for those who chose to participate.

The concept of digital delivery (or digital project delivery) has been part of the construction industry lexicon for many years. In that time, the industry developed and improved its technology and learned to overcome many hurdles associated with changing from a decades-old 2D permitting and construction process to a more-efficient and collaborative digital-delivery methodology.

As seen in the December 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired December 13, 2022

There’s no arguing that a digital representation of a construction site has been a game-changer for remote collaboration in the AEC industry.

However, replicating the site needs to be executed strategically according to the needs of different workflows. For example, what would an engineer or architect need to visualize the site vs. an owner who simply needs to track the progress of his or her project?

While the digital twin concept is being rapidly integrated into construction processes across the world to visualize a site remotely using 3D point cloud data, the “visual twin” concept may be the missing ingredient for simpler construction progress management needs.

Originally Aired November 3, 2022

Capturing and documenting the jobsite is only half the battle. Communicating progress effectively with your team and clients is just as crucial to successfully see a construction project through to completion.

By taking advantage of cutting-edge 360-degree photo documentation technology, civil and structural engineers can now capture and communicate site progress through a centralized cloud-based platform. Reduce the need for onsite visits to save time, stay within allocated budgets and eliminate doubt from stakeholders.

In this webcast, learn how 360-degree reality capture technology is improving collaboration among teams through seamless and secure data-sharing. Within a shared SaaS platform, your team and clients can remotely access a virtual representation of the jobsite, ensuring everyone stays on track at every stage of the project.

Originally Aired November 22, 2022

Who doesn’t want to make their life easier? Whether the goal is to simplify a tedious process to improve efficiency, or perhaps have more valid, accessible data to derive your safe designs, you can be part of the solution.

One of the things we hear most from our ecosystem is that changes in designs remain a huge challenge. Even if you aren’t trying to build a full-blown digital twin, there are ways to get started and not waste your time by using open, vendor-neutral, scalable platforms.

If we keep doing things the same way, where does that path lead? Have a charted course to a digital twin with an open development environment.

Engineering firms, developers and system integrators are solving previously costly challenges with APIs and machine learning.

Join us as we share solutions people like you have achieved in their digital transformation journey. Learn what others chose when getting started and see clear examples of how others are already using technology.

In many parts of the United States, stormwater quality regulations are expanding to include treatment criteria for total phosphorus. Phosphorus is the second-most-regulated pollutant in stormwater runoff after total suspended solids. However, engineers and regulators are still learning how to remove phosphorus from stormwater to promote healthy waterways and meet agency requirements. This article will provide an overview of the current state of phosphorus treatment research and how this research can help guide decisions when specifying stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs).

As seen in the October 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Despite being on the market for decades, BIM adoption remains just under 40 percent, with minor increases year over year. For most firms that have adopted BIM, their goals are to increase efficiency, reduce errors and lower costs while offering expanded services. In pursuit of these goals, most firms struggle with learning curves, training staff and modernizing their workflows with BIM integration. Opportunities exist for firms that overcome these challenges and adopt BIM as an integral part of their operation.

As seen in the October 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired September 28, 2022

The knowledge, preservation and maintenance of existing infrastructures are some of the most challenging matters facing modern civilization. It involves, in inextricable patterns, factors belonging to different fields coupled with the requirements of safety and operations.

For these reasons, it is fundamental to carry out digital strategies and technologies to know and predict the conditions of existing structures. The presentation is focused on existing railway tunnels in Italy, which has some of the highest and oldest tunnels in the world.

The U.S. coastline is under attack! But not in the way many would assume; our coasts are under attack by the constantly changing environment, rise in sea level and increased severe-weather events. Although storms, floods and erosion have always been hazards, they now occur on top of higher sea levels. Combined with coastal development, these hazards now threaten approximately $1 trillion in real estate along U.S. coasts. According to the “2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report,” the average global sea level rose around 10-12 inches during the last 100 years and is predicted to rise an additional 10-12 inches during the next 30 years. With more than 60,000 miles of U.S. roads and bridges in coastal floodplains, coastal designers will need to work fast to protect our valuable infrastructure.

As seen in the September 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

When we think of a steel mill, we might imagine a picture of dark skies, rusty exposed steel and billowing smokestacks. There is a long-held preconceived notion that steel mills are “dirty.” Not so! During the last 30 years, the steel industry has made major strides forward with modern technology and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In one sector of today’s steel mill, we will instead find cleaner and more controlled electric arc or induction furnaces, charged with increased amounts of scrap steel, less raw material and overall smaller production footprints. Steel mills are now surrounded by green landscapes, a sign of sustainability. Structural steel produced in the United States through this modern process contains an industry average recycled content of 93 percent. The most recycled material by weight in the world is steel, and it can be repeatedly recycled without the loss of metallurgical and engineering properties. For these reasons, steel is a premier green construction material and should be considered alongside any other material when designing for sustainability.

As seen in the September 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired September 8, 2022

Trash in water bodies is a longstanding problem, and the last few years have seen a significant uptick in efforts to address the issue. These efforts include the implementation of several new technologies designed to capture trash, but information on how well these technologies perform has not kept pace with implementation. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) recently published E3332, a standard method for evaluating the performance of trash-capture technologies.

Users of the ASTM standard will have standardized, scientifically valid data on a variety of performance parameters for the tested trash-capture device. This will greatly simplify the task of comparing options and allow end users to better predict how a given solution will perform over its lifetime.

When it comes to stormwater mitigation, the United States is wrestling with urban flooding and epic droughts, and both come with a heavy price tag. Underground infiltration galleries and drywells are stormwater infiltration best management practices (BMPs) that effectively reduce runoff and help restore natural hydrology by promoting shallow and deep infiltration to recharge groundwater resources.

Such solutions must meet the needs of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit programs, including Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) pollution load reduction requirements.

As seen in the August 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired June 21, 2022

Structural engineers can play a significant role in driving a better response to climate change, because building construction accounts for a significant percentage of annual greenhouse emissions.

Join Karl Gullerud and Seth Guthrie as they examine how small and medium-sized structural engineering firms can design more sustainable building structures using the tools offered in RAM structural analysis software from Bentley Systems. They will highlight recent software updates that help structural engineers deliver highly efficient and optimized building designs. You will also learn about emerging sustainability trends.

Structural engineers are essential for creating more sustainable and resilient infrastructure. See how RAM products can help you achieve those goals.

Originally Aired on June 6, 2022

Houseal Lavigne Associates is an urban planning firm specializing in all aspects of community and economic development. Having worked with more than 400 communities across the United States, they incorporate illustrative and graphically compelling methods to communicate planning and development concepts.

Using ArcGIS Pro, CityEngine and Unreal Engine as well as traditional 2D and 3D CAD and BIM tools, Houseal Lavigne transforms GIS information into rich and immersive 3D environments.

In this webcast, Houseal Lavigne highlight their use of GIS, BIM, CAD and a range of visualization techniques to plan and design urban, campus and large-scale projects.

Erosion control solutions are a pivotal part of earthwork projects and site development. Whether being used for newly constructed roadway side slopes or remediating existing channels after seemingly more frequent rainfall events, Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) and High-Performance Turf Reinforcement Mats (HPTRMs) are versatile nature-based solutions for various erosion control applications. While overall design and historical performance of a solution are important, installation is critical. Achieving the expected performance from TRMs and HPTRMs starts with a proper installation.

This article presents the best practices for installation of TRMs, HPTRMs and Anchored HPTRM systems in erosion control applications.

As seen in the June 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Engineers, designers, operators, and owners of infrastructure and commercial facilities, private or public, are aware of most of the enormous advances in geospatial technologies such as global positioning, reality capture, GIS, BIM, digital twins, AR/VR, etc. Some of these have achieved deep, almost ubiquitous penetration into popular culture—satellite navigation available on any smartphone being a prime example.

Aerial imagery has long been a foundational component for infrastructure projects and location intelligence. It may seem that aerial views of Earth have been around for decades (they have) and haven’t changed much in all that time (definitely not the case)…

As seen in the May 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

A digital twin is a realistic and dynamic digital representation of a physical asset, process or system in the built or natural environment. A digital twin gives you the digital context and visibility to analyze the past, monitor the present and predict future behavior to improve decisions and optimize results.

Why digital twins? Digital twins allow you to make data accessible and actionable to create the visibility and insights that make infrastructure sustainable and resilient, and better serve stakeholders.

As seen in the February 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Palo Alto is the 13th-largest agricultural producing county in Iowa, with an estimated $468 million in crops and livestock reported in 2017. On average, each farm in Palo Alto County covers about 435 acres, and each acre is essential for the farm’s livelihood. Simply put, land is important and losing it to erosion is not an option.

The West Fork of the Des Moines River cuts diagonally through Palo Alto County, providing drainage for approximately 1,800 square miles of farmland. 485th Avenue and 425th Street intersect along the West Fork of the Des Moines River and are connected by the Kirby-Flynn Bridge, a historic pin-connected Pratt high-truss bridge dating back to 1881. During rain events, the Des Moines River often would flood in this area, causing erosion on an upstream bend and floodwaters to inundate the bridge, resulting in a more-than 24-mile detour for local travelers.

As seen in the February 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Structural-plate buried structures consist of multiple metal plates that are corrugated, shaped to a specific curvature, hot-dipped galvanized (when made of steel), and bolted together in the field to construct large culvert or clear-span arch bridge crossings. After assembly, they are backfilled using granular soil to complete the bridge crossing. They are considered flexible structures that work via soil-structure interaction, where the structure and surrounding engineered backfill work together to support the design loads.

Structural plate has been in use for more than 90 years. It originally served as a large-diameter alternative to corrugated metal pipe (CMP) for use in hydraulic applications where CMP could not be efficiently built large enough to satisfy hydraulic requirements or where bottomless (arch- or box-shaped) structures were needed. Original corrugation profiles were relatively shallow (6” x 2” or 9” x 2.5”), which limited the available structural-plate span length.

As seen in the December 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired November 16, 2021.

Learn how Kimley-Horn, one of the nation’s premier planning and design consultants, develops and delivers public-facing GIS-based portals to clients for project recommendations and delivery.

Kimley-Horn will highlight its use of GIS tools and methods to develop collaborative solutions saving their infrastructure clients time and money while connecting teams and communities.

Included in the presentation will be real-world examples of  critical projects involving public and private development, where GIS reduced risk by connecting  stakeholders and increased the success of the project.

Originally Aired November 9, 2021.

Most people think of accounting as a cost center. However, accounting can actually help grow revenue and become a profit center—if structured properly. Research shows that professional services firms lose 4-7 percent of revenue due to revenue leakage. With appropriate tools, you can capture that revenue.  Additionally, accounting can play an important role in supporting the revenue-generating activities of the firm to drive additional revenue.

Join us as Eldar Causevic, a 25-year veteran of growing professional services firms, shares his input on how to re-imagine your accounting investment and make sure it actively contributes to the growth of your company.

Residents of urban and suburban areas of the country tend not to think much about how they travel to and from work, the store or a restaurant. However, those in rural parts of the country who live on a stretch of county roads with very few homes know that if it rains, the bridge may not be crossable.

Today, civil engineers typically build roads and highways in urban and suburban areas so they won’t be inundated with a rain event less than what’s considered a 100-year storm (Q-100), which means there’s a 1-percent chance the storm event will happen in any given year. When you live on a rural stretch of roadway, typically narrow with few other residents using the roadway, the design storm frequency the drainage structures will be unable to handle is much more common. In this example, the structure is designed to overtop the roadway during a three-year storm (Q-3), which means there’s a probability of the three-year storm event in one year = 1/F or 1/3 = 33.3 percent chance the runoff from the rainfall event will overtop the roadway. If you live down this stretch of roadway, you will be wondering if you can cross the drainage structure each time it rains.

As seen in the October 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

This is a higher-level course having some deeper engineering content. The overall purpose is to have all engineers become more-informed steel joist specifiers, not to turn them into joist engineers. More-informed specifying engineers then can more-efficiently collaborate with New Millennium joist engineers early on a project. Together, we can then accelerate the process, cut costs and improve the project-delivery timeline.

The intent of green infrastructure (GI) is to mimic the natural water cycle during a stormwater event. Traditionally, when a site is developed, most runoff is directed toward a downstream drainage system and carried offsite. An undeveloped site allows infiltration and evapotranspiration, with some overland flow and runoff during heavy storms.

Green infrastructure provides decentralized Best Management Practices (BMPs) for treating stormwater by infiltrating it into the subsoil to reduce volume and flow, and doing so in smaller systems located throughout the site to treat water closer to the source.

Originally Aired August 24th, 2021. 

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) used 2D drawings and technology for design, construction, facility information, and records-management purposes. Accessing this information was inefficient and resulted in incomplete and outdated information for decision making. Drawings lacked the content required for asset lifecycle management and other critical business functions. To improve access of information, the district developed a Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Building Information Modeling (BIM) Vision with a goal to “create a scalable and maintainable solution for sharing WRF data that integrates with other systems.”

From California to Maryland, high-rate biofiltration continues to gain acceptance within the regulatory and engineering community as an acceptable alternative to traditional bioretention. These systems provide high treatment levels in a compact size (see Figure 1), making biofiltration feasible on sites where traditional bioretention is not possible. They have earned numerous agency approvals for meeting water-quality standards for post-construction best-management practices (BMPs). In addition, they benefit from being smaller in size, which saves valuable land space and reduces long-term maintenance costs compared to traditional bioretention.

As seen in the August 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired May 19, 2021.

Reducing flood risk in older, established neighborhoods that were designed to less-stringent criteria than common today can be challenging. Developing a clear understanding of the existing conditions is key. Outside-the-box thinking can also be critical to developing cost-effective solutions. Join us as we examine master-planning efforts, discuss underground detention design and display time-lapsed construction videos for a flood-relief project in University Park, Texas. The webinar will also address project management and project delivery alternatives from the City Engineer’s perspective.

The term “project accounting” isn’t familiar to many architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals because their firms revolve around meeting their client’s needs, the projects they’re awarded, and how those services are performed. In these types of service-based businesses, accounting often is a “back-office” consideration. But if AEC professionals want to run a better business, they need to perform accounting at a project level.

In effect, every project manager is a business manager: the CEO of his or her own little company. The company is the project, and AEC professionals should be held accountable for delivering what their clients expect—and to do so profitably. A lot of firms, however, don’t think about it this way. They don’t empower their project managers, nor make them accountable for the business side of their work. And why should they? After all, AEC professionals went to school to design and build incredible projects, not to run a business.

That’s where project accounting comes into play. By applying today’s business intelligence tools effectively, design and engineering firms can centralize and streamline the way they enter and use information for time tracking, billing, project management and accounting. And with recent advances in analytics tools and artificial intelligence, firms can leverage their software to transform data into actionable insights to support business decisions.

As seen in the June 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired on May 6, 2021.

Managing facilities has never been more challenging, and airport management is no exception. Between changes in passenger volumes, a dynamic regulatory environment, maintenance and expansion of infrastructure, increased security concerns, and the constant need to grow revenue, the considerations of airport management can be staggering.

Smart airports, like San Francisco International (SFO), are turning to the power of GIS and BIM to transform the way they address these challenges.

Join us on this webcast to hear how Josephine Pofsky, Director of Infrastructure Information Management at San Francisco International Airport, takes on the challenges of the airport’s Planning, Design and Construction Division’s Technology Visioning Program, focusing on research, development and deployment of practice technologies.

Filling steel Hollow Structural Section (HSS) columns with concrete achieves increased compression capacity through steel and concrete composite action. Additional benefits to concrete-filled HSS columns include increased fire endurance (research has shown up to 3 hours depending on the level of loading), reduction in the requirements for costly coatings for fire protection, and even increases in connection capacity in some configurations.

While engineers may be aware of these benefits, often questions arise about the practical aspects. Which type of concrete should be specified? What are the limitations? How are connections affected? This article provides guidance on the benefits of concrete-filled HSS with a primary focus on beam-column design. The 2016 Specification is used for this discussion and is referred to as AISC 360-16.

As seen in the April 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired March 30, 2021.

The pandemic caught many businesses unprepared, forcing them to make — almost overnight — the technology and process changes that would quickly become their lifeline during the period of uncertainty that followed.

Join us in an insightful webcast led by Shafat Qazi, CEO and founder of BQE Software, as he discusses which technologies businesses adapted, which ones are likely to stay, and which technologies and processes will return when we come back to our offices. Shafat will also share the steps you need to take now to be prepared for the post-COVID era and how to convert the new challenges into business opportunities.

This course is expired. The content is only available for viewing. The quiz is not available and you cannot receive AIA credits for viewing this course.

Originally Aired March 16, 2021

Data. We all need it and there are certainly many challenges to ensuring you have it at the right time in the right place. Spend your time and money where your expertise is most valuable.

No matter where you are on your digital journey, become informed or take simple steps to plan with trusted information and drive efficiency for improved ROI. Our experts will discuss real-world examples ranging from new mobile data collection to subsurface digital twins.

Join Scott Devoe, senior director, Geotechnical Information Management, Bentley, and Andy Hassett, Azure Solution Specialist, Microsoft, to see how engineers are taking calculated steps to improvement.

Looking for ways to boost your project productivity and gain a competitive edge during these uncertain times? Learn how recent innovations in high-quality reality-capture programs enable General Motors and Walbridge’s GIS, engineering and visualization professionals to quickly identify ground conditions, create workflow efficiencies, improve facility operations, and enhance construction project visualization with instantly available truth on the ground.

In this webcast, representatives from General Motors and Walbridge will share real-world examples on how high-resolution aerial mapping can be applied to GIS, Engineering, Design, Construction and Facilities Management projects with vertical, oblique and 3D location data to help perform deeper analysis and make faster, smarter decisions.

Rapid growth in the construction industry, the removal of natural vegetation and an increased demand on our waterways has caused the problem of erosion to become a major yet often-overlooked issue in the world. The removal of natural vegetation during construction along with increased conveyance has caused erosion rates to rapidly increase.

Therefore, engineered solutions to mitigate soil erosion have become more critical to the overall success of infrastructure. A practical and cost-effective solution to the problem of erosion is to use a High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM). HPTRMs are geosynthetic materials that reduce erosion by retaining and protecting the soil below when in an unvegetated state as well as reinforcing vegetation as it establishes, greatly increasing the hydraulic limits of natural vegetation.

As seen in the February 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Many bridge owners today are burdened with narrow design windows, ever-shrinking design and construction budgets, and tight construction timelines. To serve these situations, we, as bridge engineers, often need to put away the finite-element model and instead rely on a classic, tried-and-true engineering design principle: KISS (keep it simple, stupid). Prefabricated modular steel bridges are founded on this principle by using simple materials, simple geometries, simple analysis models, simple erection equipment and simple installation techniques. However, even the simplest bridge designs require comprehensive engineering evaluation and analysis to maximize the structure’s performance at a minimal cost.

As seen in the December 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired December 15, 2020

The unprecedented global events of 2020 forced AEC firms of every size and discipline to quickly adapt to a model of workforce flexibility and economic survivability. Leaders placed emphasis on staff’s health and safety while reassuring clients they are capable of managing complex projects across remote settings and regulatory ambiguity.

Simultaneously, executives focused on cash-flow management while tapping into federal relief funds. But as offices steadily reopen, what can a resilient AEC industry expect heading into an anxious 2021? Steve Gido will offer “big picture” industry insights, highlight operational and financial trends and tactics, and discuss how firms are balancing a future of cautious optimism and limited visibility.

Originally Aired November 17, 2020.

In today’s challenging economic environment, more engineering firms and municipalities are relying on the pressure sewer solution. Developed more than 50 years ago, pressure sewer systems have become a viable and appropriate alternative to conventional gravity sewers and septic tanks – both for residential and non-residential applications.

Whether you’re designing a new community or replacing a failed gravity sewer system, learn how pressure sewer systems are ideal for almost any terrain: flat, wet, rocky or hilly. And discover how to sewer previously unserved areas and unlock difficult land using pressure sewer technology that is both environmentally sensitive and economically sensible.

This must-see webcast includes design, case study, installation and O&M content, which will prove useful to anyone involved in the decision making and execution of a collection sewer program or for those searching for alternatives and improvements to traditional gravity sewer systems or for septic-to-sewer replacement projects.

Originally Aired October 27, 2020

Everyone knows hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel provides corrosion protection, but when properly specified, HDG also is used for its other advantageous engineering and architectural properties. Recent studies and applications have dispelled common misconceptions, updated engineering properties and expanded its use as an aesthetically pleasing coating.

This webcast will explore the real story regarding HDG Fasteners on the Bay Bridge, recent studies and data relating to HDG slip factor and slip critical connections, and HDG steel’s use in Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS) applications.

Buried flexible sewer pipes come in a variety of materials. The most common in the United States are corrugated metal (CMP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), centrifugally cast glass-fiber-reinforced polymer mortar (CCFRPM or fiberglass), solid wall polyethylene (PE), steel reinforced polyethylene (SRPE), corrugated PE and polypropylene (PP) pipe. Design engineers often seek simple ways to compare between all of these different materials. It is easy to categorize the various materials by use of simple acronyms such as CMP, HDPE, PVC, etc.

For hydraulics, the Manning’s (n) value is utilized. For joint tightness, referencing the requirements of ASTM D3212’s 10.8 psi water tightness is the most common. In pressure applications, there are pressure ratings. It is more difficult, however, to find a simplistic way to quantitatively compare structural performance or pipe strength. One of the most common ways to attempt to compare structural performance is the use of pipe stiffness.

As seen in the Octobet 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired October 27, 2020

Everyone knows hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel provides corrosion protection, but when properly specified, HDG also is used for its other advantageous engineering and architectural properties. Recent studies and applications have dispelled common misconceptions, updated engineering properties and expanded its use as an aesthetically pleasing coating.

This webcast will explore the real story regarding HDG Fasteners on the Bay Bridge, recent studies and data relating to HDG slip factor and slip critical connections, and HDG steel’s use in Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS) applications.

Manufactured Treatment Devices (MTDs) are similar to non-proprietary stormwater BMPs in that they must be maintained so they perform as intended. However, the majority of effort and focus is placed upon the initial design and construction of stormwater treatment facilities, with little thought as to how these systems will be maintained long-term. The property owner, in all cases, is left responsible for the consequences of decisions made by others during the design and construction phases, nearly all of whom have moved on to new projects after the construction phase of the project is terminated.

This is changing, as civil engineers are now placing more importance on the long-term maintenance costs associated with MTDs. To serve the best interest of their clients, not only does the specifying engineer have the responsibility to select and design the stormwater BMP that meets the site’s structural and regulatory requirements, they also have a responsibility to consider long-term cost of ownership as well as initial capital costs.

As seen in the August 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired September 17th, 2020.

AEC firms are tasked with the engineering, construction and management of our critical infrastructure.  They have historically been challenged to bring CAD, BIM and GIS together to improve the waterways, roadways, and infrastructure we require to live our lives.  These data, applications and professional expertise have been siloed, limiting the productivity, accuracy and collaboration of project teams.

Radical transformation of the working environment is changing the way AEC firms deliver work to their clients and to their community. Work processes are becoming more digital with growing demands for productivity and a distributed workforce. AEC firms that are able to adopt digital workflows to plan, design, build and operate will thrive.  Others will fail!

With the ArcGIS platform AEC firms are able to easily obtain, share, and analyze data, saving time and resources.  ArcGIS improves coordination and efficiency, brings AEC projects to life through geographic context, and enables teams to engage and collaborate.

Originally Aired August 27, 2020

Recent events have accelerated an existing, growing trend in the AEC industry toward remote design collaboration. As projects only grow more geographically distributed and complex, it is vital that design project leaders keep their teams connected to information and each other – especially those on small and mid-size teams needing to remain as efficient as possible in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Join our webcast to learn how mid-size design teams are adapting to the new normal of remote design collaboration, to deliver projects faster, and with less risk and rework.

Ever wonder what you can really use GIS for? Looking to increase your understanding of GIS integrations? Learn what GIS is, where you can get it for free and paid, how you can create a map and share/access it inside of InfraWorks, Civil 3D, Revit and more.

In this webcast you will learn to use Civil 3D to import utility GIS data and convert it to a Civil 3D Pipe Network. Find out what GIS platform works best for you. Most importantly, you will stop hand drawing existing utilities & start harnessing the power of GIS data and bring it into your workflows.

Pump stations (also known as lift stations) are an important and ever-growing part of the U.S. infrastructure. All drainage, whether wastewater, stormwater or industrial, takes advantage of gravity for the longest distance feasible by the given topography. In most cases, the gravity opportunity runs out before the required destination. At this point, the media needs to be collected and lifted via pumps and a force main to its final destination or to a new location where gravity can again take over. The number of pump stations is increasing across the country because of a reduction of septic systems, expanding mandates to manage stormwater, and an increasing need to develop in flat, low-lying areas.

As seen in the June 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

As a water utility, you are facing a range of problems in your efforts to provide reliable, resilient and affordable water systems. Some of the most common concerns are rising electricity prices; aging assets and infrastructure; increasing water scarcity and loss; growing urban populations and shrinking rural ones; and extreme weather events resulting from global climate change, including hurricanes, floods and droughts. Fortunately, there are similarly wide-ranging solutions to many of these problems, from public-private partnerships to conservation awareness to smart water technologies. Increasingly, utilities are adding digitalization to this list.

As seen in the May 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Originally Aired April 14, 2020

Join Ron Couillard, Sr. Technical Specialist at U.S. CAD, to dive into best practices and back and forth workflows for Civil 3D and InfraWorks.

Attendees will come away with:

– An overview about the new InfraWorks environment with the ribbon

– How to bring preliminary design data from InfraWorks into Civil 3D

– How to create and change design data in Civil 3D and push back out to InfraWorks

– Knowledge of new features to increase design efficiencies and productivity

Originally Aired March 5, 2020

Should you design and analyze in 3D?

For today’s infrastructure demands, geotechnical considerations are coming to the forefront. As infrastructure assets are crucially linked to subsurface environments, they are vulnerable. Learn why 3D analysis is not only important but crucial.

Engineers involved in safe design traditional analyze in 2D. As trends and technology advance, users now have access to new accepted methods in 3D analysis which are emerging as a more robust and more accurate form of solving stability challenges, allowing a more rigorous calculation for the true factor of safety or probability.