Consultant Archives - McNeil Engineering

What is the future of landscape architecture?

Landscape architecture has been around for centuries; over time, it has evolved to address various challenges and opportunities. From designing public parks and gardens to planning entire cities and regions, landscape architects have played a critical role in shaping our world. But what does the future hold for this field? In this blog post, we will explore some of the emerging trends and innovations that are likely to shape the future of landscape architecture, and the future of projects of our landscape architects here at McNeil Engineering.

Sustainable Design

As concerns about climate change continue to grow, landscape architects will be increasingly called upon to design sustainable landscapes that can help mitigate its impacts. This will involve using various techniques, such as green roofs, rain gardens or permeable pavements, to reduce runoff and improve water quality. Additionally, landscape architects must consider using different types of renewable materials and energy sources. Landscape Architects might also incorporate carbon sequestration strategies, where carbon is removed from the atmosphere and held in a solid or liquid state, into their designs.

Resilience Planning

The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires and floods, has highlighted the need for landscape architects to design resilient landscapes. This will involve developing strategies to help communities bounce back from disasters quickly and efficiently and creating landscapes that absorb and adapt to changing conditions.

Technological Integration

Technology integration into landscape architecture will continue to accelerate in the coming years. This will involve 3D modeling software, drones and other advanced tools to help designers create more accurate and detailed designs. Additionally, landscape architects will increasingly rely on data-driven approaches to inform their designs, using data analytics to understand the needs and behaviors of users, as well as to predict the impacts of climate change.

Health and Well-being

Landscape architects have long recognized the importance of designing spaces that promote human health and well-being. In the future, this will become an even greater focus, as cities and communities look to address the growing problem of physical inactivity and the associated health problems it creates. Landscape architects will be called upon to design parks, public spaces, and streetscapes that promote physical activity and social interaction and create green spaces that can help reduce stress and improve mental health.

Biodiversity Conservation

As the world’s population grows and urban areas expand, the need to conserve biodiversity will become increasingly pressing. Landscape architects will play a critical role in this effort, designing landscapes supporting a wide range of plant and animal species and creating habitat corridors that can help connect fragmented ecosystems.

Equity

The landscape architecture profession has historically been criticized for its role in creating exclusive and segregated spaces. In the future, landscape architects will need to become more attuned to the issue of equity, working to create inclusive public spaces that serve the needs of all members of society. This will involve engaging with local communities to understand their needs and aspirations and designing landscapes that promote access and participation for all.

Water Management

The management of water resources will continue to be a critical issue in the future, as climate change and population growth put increasing pressure on freshwater supplies. Landscape architects will be called upon to design landscapes that can help manage water resources more effectively, using techniques such as rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, and stormwater management systems to reduce demand and improve water quality.

Urban Agriculture

As concerns about food security and access to healthy food continue to grow, landscape architects will increasingly be called upon to design landscapes that can support urban agriculture. This will involve creating rooftop gardens, community gardens, and other urban agriculture projects that can help provide fresh produce to urban communities.

Regenerative Design

Regenerative design is an approach to design that seeks to create spaces that sustain themselves and contribute to the health and vitality of their surrounding ecosystems. In the future, landscape architects will increasingly embrace regenerative design principles, designing landscapes that can help restore degraded ecosystems and reverse the impacts of climate change.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Landscape architecture is an inherently multidisciplinary field, and in the future, landscape architects will increasingly work with a range of other professionals, including ecologists, engineers, urban planners, and community organizers. This will involve collaborating on large-scale projects requiring a broad range of expertise and engaging with local communities to ensure that designs reflect their needs and aspirations.

In conclusion, the future of landscape architecture is likely to be shaped by a range of trends and innovations, from sustainable design and resilience planning to integrating technology and promoting health and well-being. Landscape architects will increasingly be called upon to address the complex challenges facing our communities and planet, designing landscapes that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change, promote social justice and equity, and restore degraded ecosystems. By embracing these emerging trends and working collaboratively with other professionals and communities, our landscape architects can help create a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for us all.

We hope you’ll contact us here if you ever need a landscape architect to help you with a new and exciting project. You can also check out some of our previous landscape architecture projects here.

The advantages and disadvantages of using precast concrete in structural engineering

Precast concrete is a construction material used in structural engineering for several decades. It’s made by casting concrete in a reusable mold or form outside its final location. The precast concrete elements are transported to the construction site and assembled into the final structure. As we have covered in our previous blog posts, concrete is a very popular material, used in almost every structure today.

Here at McNeil Engineering, we use a lot of concrete in our projects. With precast concrete, however, there are several advantages and also some disadvantages to using it in structural engineering, which we have outlined below.

Advantages of Precast Concrete in Structural Engineering:

Quality Control: Precast concrete elements are manufactured under controlled conditions in a factory, allowing for better quality control than on-site construction. The precast elements are produced using high-quality materials and subjected to rigorous testing, resulting in higher quality and consistency than site-cast concrete.
Speed of Construction: Precast concrete elements can be manufactured in large quantities in a factory and transported to the construction site as needed. This results in faster construction times and a shorter project schedule. Precast concrete elements can also be installed quickly, reducing the time required for on-site assembly and minimizing disruption to the surrounding area.
Cost-Effective: Precast concrete may have higher initial costs due to the need for molds and transportation, but it can be more cost-effective in the long run. Precast elements require less labor and equipment on-site, reducing the overall project cost. Additionally, the high-quality finish of precast concrete can eliminate the need for additional finishing work, saving time and money.
Durability: Precast concrete is known for its durability and resistance to environmental factors, such as extreme weather conditions and chemical exposure. It is also resistant to fire and has a long service life, which can reduce the need for frequent maintenance and repairs.
Flexibility: Precast concrete elements can be designed and manufactured to meet various structural requirements. They can be used in various building types and configurations, including multi-story buildings, bridges and retaining walls. Precast elements can also be customized to match specific design requirements for projects, allowing for greater flexibility in design.
Reduced Site Disruption: Precast concrete elements are manufactured off-site, reducing on-site construction and disruption to the surrounding area. This can be particularly beneficial in urban or densely populated areas where minimizing disruptions is important.
Improved Safety: Precast concrete elements are produced in a controlled factory environment, improving workers’ safety compared to on-site construction. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, and can also improve the quality of the final product.

Disadvantages of Precast Concrete in Structural Engineering:

Transportation and Installation: Precast concrete elements can be heavy and require specialized equipment for transportation and installation. The size and weight of precast elements may also limit the use of certain construction methods, such as crane placement, which could result in additional costs and logistical challenges.
Environmental Impact: The manufacturing process for precast concrete can have a significant environmental impact. Concrete production requires large amounts of energy and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Additionally, the transportation of precast elements can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Maintenance: While precast concrete is durable and requires minimal maintenance, repairs can be more complex and costly than on-site repairs to site-cast concrete. Precast elements may also require special maintenance, such as sealing joints and replacing damaged elements.

Precast concrete is popular in structural engineering due to its many advantages. The quality control, speed of construction, and cost-effectiveness of precast elements make it an attractive option for many construction projects. The durability and flexibility of precast concrete also make it a reliable and versatile building material. However, precast concrete has several disadvantages, including transportation and installation challenges, potential environmental impact and unique maintenance requirements.

When considering the use of precast concrete in structural engineering, it is important to carefully evaluate the project’s specific needs and weigh the pros and cons of this material. Precast concrete may be a good option for projects that require speed of construction, high-quality finishes and durability. However, projects that require specialized installation methods, or have strict environmental requirements may not be well-suited for precast concrete.

Additionally, it is important to work with experienced and reputable manufacturers and contractors like our engineers at McNeil Engineers when using precast concrete in structural engineering. Proper planning, design and quality control measures can help minimize the risks associated with this material and any other project materials and ensure a successful construction project.

If you’re considering a project involving precast concrete or need a structural engineer, we hope you’ll contact the team at McNeil Engineering here. You can also check out some of our previous structural engineering projects here. You can count on our professionalism, understanding of the construction process and commitment to quality design. The result is the most efficient, economical and safe structures specifically suited to your needs.

From our roofing and paving team: A closer look at clay pavers

We’ve been doing commercial paving jobs for a long time. In fact, we’ve paved so many apartment complexes, commercial centers, and so on, that we can practically do it in our sleep. We joke! Of course, we are not paving places around Utah and beyond in our sleep. We only mean our roofing and paving team does an incredible job. From both an esthetic and durability perspective, the work we do stands the test of time.

Now, the question is, what pavers do we prefer as we evaluate paving jobs on behalf of our clients? We’re very honest about the fact that clay pavers are recognized by builders, renovators, architects, and building designers for their quality and reliability as well as for their colors and textures. The unique look and feel of clay pavers can only be owed to that kiln-fired construction.

Why we love clay pavers

Seen across many public places and in homes throughout the world, clay pavers are known for their rich earthy tones that add natural character and distinction to any paving project and can be mixed to create interesting design statements. Who doesn’t love a good earth tone? This is our planet, after all. Colors that ground us in nature are both relaxing and still very much on-trend.

Beautiful, strong, striking and versatile, clay pavers provide a timeless element in landscaping architecture and design. Clay pavers add a certain level of artistry to your outdoor setting. Our contractors and engineers suggest kiln-fired clay pavers because they offer an array of vivid colors and textures that help create beautiful landscape designs and evoke a certain sophisticated style and natural beauty. You can look both wealthy and natural at the same time.

Suitable for pathways, patios and domestic driveways, clay pavers are manufactured to last. When you think of “clay”, don’t think of clay pavers as shrunken or fragile. They offer the unique combination of beauty, quality, and durability that only one of Utah’s most experienced commercial paving firms can promise.

What are some advantages to clay pavers?

Clay pavers do have some natural advantages over other types of pavers on the market. They aren’t superior from a purely aesthetic perspective. First, clay pavers provide you with a truly natural feel. Clay pavers are high-quality, natural products made from natural clay and water. They also fade far less than other materials. High temperature firing over 1100°C ensures a clay paver’s color will never fade due to sun exposure. They’ve already been exposed to near-sunlike temperatures, after all.

For those looking for more practical applications, clay pavers are also slip-resistant: The unique textures of clay pavers deliver slip resistance, even on wet driveways or pathways. This slip resistant quality can be designed with aesthetics in mind. It checks all the boxes. Form and functionality meet in clay pavers. Clay pavers are also quite strong. They are great for driveways and other heavy-load areas. For commercial applications, nothing beats clay pavers for strength and durability. Similarly, for pathways, patios and other foot traffic areas, clay pavers are ideal. Guests will also find them pleasing to look at.

You’ll also be happy to know that clay pavers are easy to maintain. That’s good news for highly trafficked areas. Clay pavers are hardwearing and clean easily. Usually, all it takes is a mild detergent and a little scrubbing to clean even heavily soiled clay pavers. In most cases, they can just be hosed down or swept clean. Quick and easy maintenance will ensure they last long and look beautiful for a long time to come.

Better value and environmental cred

For those looking to burnish their environmental credentials, clay pavers offer a number of benefits. They are environment-friendly. How? Well, clay pavers are kiln-fired products made from readily available, naturally occurring clays. No environmentally damaging chemicals are used in their production. They come from the earth and can equally return to the earth.

Clay pavers are recyclable in this way. We find that clay pavers are a time-tested choice for those who want pavers that both look good and will last a long time. They never go out of style, you will never tire of their warm, natural beauty and they can be easily recycled. If you are a commercial business, you can advertise to your customer base that you are environmentally friendly because you use clay pavers.

Finally, clay pavers offer great value for the money. Clay pavers are natural in appearance and maintain their color even after long-term exposure to the sun’s UV radiation. Clay pavers can last over 1000 years. Now that’s impressive. Want to have a look at some of the roofing and paving jobs we’ve completed over the years? We’re waiting to show you!

Why is Utah’s Economy So Resilient?

As a Utah-based civil engineering firm serving the entire state, and beyond, we watch very closely the economic conditions of our home state. And we couldn’t be happier with how Utah is doing. We offer civil and structural engineering services to businesses and organizations in a state ripe for growth. But why is Utah’s economy so resilient? What makes the Beehive State so special? Let’s take a deeper look.

Job Growth in Utah Remains Strong

Utah’s economy and labor supply continue to perform strongly due to the states growing population. Nationally, many states are suffering from population decline, which leads to anemic growth and a poor environment for businesses to thrive. Conversely, people are moving to Utah in droves. This massive population growth has led to a thriving environment for businesses.

Utah’s nonfarm employment rate for October increased approximately 3.1% across the past 12 months, and the state’s economy added an estimated 50,600 jobs since October 2021, according to the October job report from the Utah Department of Workforce Services. This level of growth sets Utah apart from other states in the Southwest or Intermountain West.

At the time of this publication, there were approximately 1,690,000 jobs in Utah. In total, over 37,300 Utahns are unemployed, and October’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment remains unchanged at 2.1%. Contrast that with the national unemployment rate, which is 3.70% and you can see why Utah is doing so well. A low unemployment rate and healthy business activity point to a state setting the standard for its peers.

When it comes to labor participation, all labor offering itself for work is being absorbed by Utah businesses. If Utah residents want a job, it is not difficult to find one in this current environment. Our economy continues to be one of the nation’s best-performing state economies. Labor markets are tight across the nation, even to the point of restricting growth in many states. But not in Utah. An unemployment rate of 2.1% does signal that the Utah labor market is extremely tight. Yet the economy continues to grow at a vigorous pace.

Growth in the Private Sector Drives Utah’s Economy

This high level of growth speaks to both the resilience and attractiveness of Utah and its economy. Only a strong flow of labor in migration can support a low unemployment rate economy growing at this pace. And that is exactly what Utah is experiencing. And people all over the country know it, otherwise, they would not be coming here. They know that if they want a good-paying job, Utah is a fantastic destination.

Private sector employment in Utah recorded a 46,900 job increase in October, an expansion of 3.4%, according to the Department of Workforce Services. The following sectors all saw big growth in Utah:

Construction
Transportation Services
Utilities
Healthcare, Hospital, and Medical Services
Leisure
Hospitality
Tourism

The only industries that saw appreciable declines were financial services, professional and business services, and service sector jobs. Layoffs have been heavy in the white-collar job sector and you can see it in the data produced in Utah’s unemployment numbers.

Tourism continues to be a bright spot in Utah’s business picture. People are flocking to Park City for amazing snowing and Canyonlands National Park for otherworldly landscapes. Tourism remains a valuable and, in some areas, a vital part of Utah’s economic picture.

Retiring Workers and New Job Seekers Cloud the Job Picture

Overall, U.S. economy expanded to the largest it’s ever been in recorded history. The major reason behind this is the combination of surplus workers from the Baby Boomer generation leaving the workforce just as Millennials and Gen Zers continue adding to it. Most of the Baby Boomers are retiring and exiting the production side of the economy, and they did not birth enough babies to match the number of workers from their generation. What is the result? An overall decline in labor supply puts pressure on the economy to get smaller, not larger. And yet, there is a lot of overlap, resulting in a massive economy.

Because for every Utah Baby Boomer who leaves the economy, there are roughly two young Utah workers available to backfill the void. Even though unemployment is low and the labor market continues to show strength, how long will it be able to keep up with the Federal Reserve raising interest rates to combat inflation?

Utah also benefits from being a net receiver of population from in-migration, which combined with the large internal supply of labor, contributes to Utah’s growing and strong economy. The takeaway here is that in many cases, Utahns are not leaving the state to find careers elsewhere once they are able. No, instead they stay right here in the Beehive State and lend their skills to the growth of their home state.

We’re proud to be a Utah-based civil engineering firm. We’ve worked on projects across the state and continue to leave our mark on buildings, roads, bridges, and projects that future generations can appreciate. Thanks, Utah!

What does the global 2023 construction outlook reveal?

It’s no secret that 2022 has been a complicated year. The construction sector has seen some serious highs and lows as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic linger. Add in soaring inflation, big infrastructure spending, and a hot job market and it truly is a confusing environment for civil engineering firms in Utah. The question now is, what will 2023 bring? Let’s take a moment in today’s blog post to find the answer.

The United States 2023 Construction Outlook

The United States benefits from big infrastructure projects and an economy that’s still humming. Analysts are seeing an easing in inflation and lead times for certain building materials. Still, pricing remains stubbornly high. Optimistic projections point to a mild and short recession, mainly because of high employment and a dropping consumer price index (CPI) reading.

Here is how construction spending in six sectors is going to look. Expect manufacturing, highways, transportation, multifamily housing, lodging, and communications to expand by at least 5% next year. Another four other sectors, which include healthcare, public safety, education, and commercial, are expected to grow by zero to 4%. And there will be a slight decline in construction spending for single-family housing, power, improvements, and office buildings.

Finally, let’s take a local look. Utah added some 50,600 new jobs over the past 12 months, a 3.1% increase, with the numbers in fast-growing Washington County and the rest of southwestern Utah closer to 4%, according to a new report from the state Department of Workforce Services. And what was the fastest-growing sector in Utah over the past year? Construction, which added 15,100 new jobs. Utah continues to be one of the best-performing economies in the United States.

The European Union’s 2023 Construction Outlook

Meanwhile, across the pond, analysts are a lot more pessimistic about the European construction outlook. According to one reading from a European construction research group Construction output growth across Europe will drop to 0.2% in 2023 and drop even further to flat in 2024, with the reason being the ongoing war in Ukraine. But Europe is also grappling with rising interest rates, inflation, and material shortages.

Many analysts expect this to be a rough period of adjustment for the construction sector. Why? Because nearly all factors that affect construction demand are trending negatively in the Eurozone. These include the economy, consumer prices, interest rates, and consumer confidence. Specifically in Europe, demand for civil engineering has been lifted by big public and private investments in low-carbon energy and transport schemes. Still, the prospects for residential output drag down the overall outlook for the sector. And unlike the United States, Europe is not rolling out huge infrastructure investments across the board to its member countries.

It was only as recently as early summer that many were expecting a 2.2% growth in GDP in the Eurozone, even taking the war in Ukraine into account. Those estimates have been revised down to as little as 0.5%. Fortunately, the civil engineering outlook in Europe looks positive as many countries invest in low-carbon energy and renovate existing infrastructure, albeit with projects small in scope than those in the United States.

The U.K.’s 2023 Construction Outlook

The United Kingdom relies on seasonal construction forecasts released by the Construction Products Association (CPA). So, what does this upcoming forecast say about the state of construction in the U.K.? Well, according to the Autumn Construction Forecast, construction output is forecast to fall by 3.9% in 2023. Contrast that with 2022, when construction activity rose by 2%, and you’ve got a pretty wild swing. Currently, construction activity is at above-normal levels as activity continues at a high level.

It is also important to consider that the huge decline in activity for fall 2023 is a sharp downward revision from -0.4% in even the worst scenario included in the U.K.’s CPA Summer Construction Forecast. Why? Mainly due to the impact of a wider economic recession, exacerbated by the effect of the ‘Mini Budget,’ and the consequent fallout from recent political uncertainty. With the U.K. having set a record for the shortest term for a prime minister in recorded history, lots of important projects have been either shelved or delayed.

The fact is there is still much uncertainty around the United Kingdom’s economy. There are still many factors that will adversely affect the construction forecast within the country. These factors include falls in real wages and potential further rises in interest rates, which will likely lead to further falls in consumer spending decisions.

On top of these issues, the wider uncertainty around the UK economy means that demand for private housing new build and private housing repair, maintenance, and improvement, is expected to fall. But what about commercial builds? Other key construction sectors such as commercial and infrastructure are also expected to be adversely impacted by valid worries about construction cost inflation. Rising prices are sure to negatively impact and possibly directly hinder project viability.

So, with that update on the U.S. and European construction outlook, 2023 appears to be a year of contraction, although more in some places than others. Here at McNeil Engineering, we are ready to serve our clients with top-level civil engineering services on construction projects in Utah and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How infrastructure jobs and the construction sector come together

Infrastructure is a hot topic today thanks to the Biden administration’s infrastructure bill. This comes during a time when municipalities all over the country are struggling with crumbling roads and bridges. Here in Utah, the bill is already bearing fruit with $25.4 million awarded to two projects designed to modernize Utah’s infrastructure. Many within the contracting and construction sectors rejoiced at the passage of this bill as it would mark a huge windfall for construction companies contracted to handle infrastructure projects. So, how will the infrastructure bill impact the construction industry? We take a closer look at this very question in our today’s blog post.

When Infrastructure, Engineering, and Construction Come Together

Infrastructure construction and civil engineering companies come together to complete big projects. And some big projects are coming to fruition thanks to the infrastructure bill. They include everything from roadways to bridges, highways, dams, pipelines, rail systems, ports, public transportation, wastewater treatment and more.

There are many segments and business types within the infrastructure and construction industry. They range from homebuilders to companies that support massive government-funded projects. It will be those working in public/private partnerships that stand to benefit from the huge financial windfall contained within the infrastructure bill. Some of the biggest infrastructure projects can take many years to complete but have a lifecycle that lasts for many decades, or even a lifetime.

Large infrastructure construction programs often feature a central company that manages the overall project. This is a common procedure to ensure all aspects of the project are properly aligned. Depending on the infrastructure project, this could include hundreds or thousands of subcontractors providing different subcomponents and services. That’s why you need a central company managing every part of the job. In the infrastructure and construction industry, this role is sometimes called the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor. Big companies such as Bechtel and Jacobs usually occupy this spot. These companies fill the role of prime contractors in government contracts.

Infrastructure jobs take a lot of money and resources to complete. Projects are generally built to support a fixed maximum use or population and have a specified lifespan. Of course, this can be challenging. After all, how do public and private sector planners accurately predict population density and infrastructure use years into the future? They need to ensure they build systems to support populations many decades out. It isn’t easy, but it can be done and is done every day on infrastructure projects across the country.

Public/Private Partnerships Drive Infrastructure Projects

Large infrastructure projects are generally public-private partnerships to some extent, simply because of the size and scope of the job. Municipalities and state agencies require help from the private sector to ensure these projects are finished. You must also consider money and time spent, as each project’s duration and capital requirements often require government funding. These types of infrastructure projects usually pertain to public property or public goods such as water, power, and transportation networks. There are also toll roads and power plants to consider. In those cases, you see more private spending, but the majority of big infrastructure jobs are still primarily government-sponsored.

Infrastructure projects are managed this way because it would be extremely difficult for companies to build large infrastructure without government help. Why? Because the risk profile and capital requirements for these projects can be astronomical depending on the project. And for companies that are evaluated based on short-term financial results, government help is even more crucial. Many large projects simply would not be built without the involvement of the federal government.

Still, public/private construction projects are not without downsides. While they are necessary for many of these large projects, they’re structurally flawed because they separate the buyer — which is the government in this case — from the citizen user. As a result, this can distort pricing guidelines and cause too much or too little capacity on the project. Of course, this problem is not relegated to the construction sector only. It is a problem that lots of industry verticals deal with, from education to healthcare. That’s why it is so important to put proper controls in place when managing public-private partnership programs. This will ensure there are no financial or job site distortions. It also ensures training and skill on both sides of the partnership.

No two companies are the same. Still, there are common requirements that compel companies who work in the infrastructure and construction industry. These pressures can result in wildly different strategies and tactics, but understanding constraints and compulsions helps frame how the industry operates. And that’s why it is so important to partner with companies and vendors who understand these pressures and have experience working on infrastructure jobs. Here at McNeil Engineering, we fit that bill. Head over to the projects section of our website to see some of the work we have done over the years!

Top tips for project managing a complex build

Proper project management on big engineering jobs is critical to ensure the job gets done on time and on budget. We take project management very seriously here at McNeil Engineering. It is one thing to put an engineer’s mindset to work on a project, but it is entirely another to properly manage it to ensure adequate results.

Whatever field of engineering you work in, the reputation of your company rests largely on your ability to get things done – on time, and within budget. The proper specs must be met. Keeping projects to schedule – particularly with inevitable changes, additions and delays – becomes a project manager’s biggest challenge. And it’s one we excel at meeting.

Whether one is an experienced engineer or project manager looking for ways to properly deliver on a successful project, these are the best ways to properly project manage a big job. The best project managers are great at setting, managing and exceeding expectations. And that’s exactly what we do here at McNeil Engineering.

Ensure Project Specifications are Clear from the Start

This may seem like an obvious observation, but the biggest reason projects run into problems is because they were not laid out properly in the beginning. Pre-project planning is critical to ensuring success. Even small changes along the way can derail a project. Before the team even gets started, it’s important to ensure the objectives, scope, timeline, materials, budget, specs and reporting are all in order.

Project expectations must be initially established between a client and senior management before the project gets off the ground. Project managers must ensure their involvement in the early planning process. All parties must have a realistic understanding of the job, objectives and deliverables. This is all done in the very beginning.

Focusing on a Strong Project Management Team

It’s of vital importance that you create a team with the right skills and attitudes to get the job done. The project manager’s job is to ensure the team involved has the proper skills and talents to see the job through to the end. Everyone must have a clear understanding of their roles and how they contribute to the overall development of the project. Before civil or structural engineers even get involved, the team must be properly selected.

You also want to make sure your project managers are empowered to make decisions on the fly. They must be motivated and ready to handle unforeseen circumstances. Working with an engaged and motivated team is critical to ensuring the success of a project. In many cases, the project manager’s role is not to do things themselves, but to understand the best way of getting things done by motivating and instructing the team.

Establish Benchmarks and Project Milestones

Project managers must also be able to gauge where they are at on a project at all times. They must be able to establish client sign-offs at various stages throughout the project. This way, all stakeholders will be engaged in the project and delivery will be kept on track. There are several ways this can be done. One way is to set up calendar reminders for milestones. This ensures transparency around deadlines and keeps timelines and budgets in order.

It is also important that project managers are more proactive than reactive. This will create an atmosphere where any unforeseen issues can be dealt with quickly and without the chaos of unplanned reactions. And finally, don’t hesitate to celebrate when key milestones and benchmarks are met. This will keep your team motivated and engaged in the project.

See the Big Picture and Expect the Unexpected

Part of being proactive involves expecting the unexpected. And seeing the big picture helps project managers ensure they have the information they need to expect the unexpected. They should be able to simplify complex problems and break them down into more manageable and measurable projects. While making the wider plan seem less daunting, it also allows for a more effective means of tracking progress and measuring success.

It’s important to remember that projects rarely go exactly to plan. Contingency plans must be established so that the team does not hit the panic button the moment something does not go according to plan. The project manager should work out risk factors at various stages and set up a plan on how to minimize their impact should they crop up. One should never plan for failure, but changes that could create failure should be expected and planned for.

Here at McNeil Engineering, we understand how important it is to ensure a project is properly managed by an experienced and professional project manager. We never go into a job without keeping all the factors we’ve discussed in this article in mind. If you’re looking for a project manager you can count on for your project, contact us today.

How Utah will spend its share of infrastructure money

On November 15, 2021, Pre. Joe Biden signed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill was designed to create jobs across the country by dispersing billions of dollars to state and local governments to fix crumbling bridges and roads and by expanding broadband internet access to millions of Americans.

Why was this bill needed? Well, for many reasons. Many would say we have needed a big investment in infrastructure for generations. It’s no great secret that the United States has been underinvesting in infrastructure for decades. Many of our nation’s roads and bridges are in dire need of repair. It’s important to also consider that the last major infrastructure initiatives in America happened about 100 years ago and about 50 years ago. That’s a long time to go without investment in our much-needed transportation infrastructure.

To make matters worse, a lot has changed in the past century or so. The investments of yesterday no longer address the needs of today. The world is moving to green energy, urban lifestyles and different population patterns. It was time that our government addressed these changes and the infrastructure bill was meant to change that. So, why are we talking about it today? Because we wanted to take a closer look at how the State of Utah will use its portion of these much-needed infrastructure funds. What can we expect to see as a result of the bill’s passage?

Water is the Name of the Game in the West

First, let’s talk about water. It is already well known that the desert southwest is in the midst of a megadrought, and the infrastructure bill is designed to address this. The bill lays out over $8 billion for water infrastructure projects across the American West. The bill includes $1.15 billion for water and groundwater storage, conveyance projects like canals or pipelines and $3.2 billion for the replacement or rehabilitation of similar projects. An additional $1 billion has been earmarked for rural water projects.

An additional $1 billion has been earmarked to promote recycling projects designed to reuse stormwater runoff and wastewater treatment. Another $250 million is intended for desalination research and emerging projects. Dams in the region will also get $500 million to ensure they are properly maintained and in good working order for the foreseeable future.

The Colorado River Basin is also undergoing historic changes. Officials worry about the future of Lake Powell, as one example. Lake Mead, which is the country’s largest man-made lake, is shrinking rapidly. As such, $300 million will go toward bolstering the Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan, which will set up programs to monitor reservoirs, implement conservation and storage projects, and prevent additional water cuts to both the upper and lower Colorado River basins.

How Infrastructure Spending Will Change Utah for the Better

Meanwhile, Utah officials are strategizing on how that $8 billion will help Utah. One example of where the money will go is The Central Utah Project Completion Act, which diverse water from the Colorado basin to the Wasatch Front. The project will get an additional $50 million, which will go towards upgrades to municipal water use, mitigation, hydroelectric power, fish and wildlife and broader conservation efforts.

The Western Area Power Administration will also receive $500 million for drought-related shortfalls. The WAPA is one of the four power marketing administrations within the U.S. Department of Energy. Another $300 million will go towards repairing waterway and watershed damage that results from natural disasters, which are an increasing occurrence these days.

Native tribes in Utah will also see funding, with $2.5 billion going towards the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund. The IWRSCF is designed to help fund much-needed water projects on tribal lands. Part of that $2.5 billion will bring running water to nearly half of Utah Navajo Nation residents who currently do not have proper running water.

Natural Disaster Mitigation and Land Management

Another big chunk of infrastructure money will go towards mitigating wildfire damage and encouraging better land management. From conducting prescribed burns to mechanical thinning, projects like these will see hundreds of millions of dollars funneled to their efforts.

Roadways and railways will also see big investments, with good reason. With more than 2,064 miles of roads in bad need of repair, billions will be funneled to road and highway improvements. These investments will directly benefit Utah residents and businesses as they seek to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, conduct business and drive commerce.

In the end, infrastructure spending creates and protects the framework for how we live where we live and it lasts for decades. So it’s long overdue to have a completely holistic rethink about those things and spend the money to put the basics in place. Here at McNeil Engineering, we’re excited to see these projects come to fruition and hope to be involved in some of these restoration projects. Stay tuned for developments in the near future.

Why engineering consultation is important for your project

We are all familiar with what engineering is, but what do engineering consultants do? Essentially, engineering consultation is the practice of planning and designing a client’s engineering needs. The consultation portion of the business is critical because the client or builder must achieve a proper balance based on what is practical for the project. What you want and what is achievable may be two different things.

A Primer on Engineering Consultation Services for Utah-based Companies

We focus on Utah-based companies because we are a Utah-based company, but we certainly do work outside of Utah and offer engineering consulting services to any business that needs them. But how do these services generally work?

As with any business partnership, the consultation generally begins with a sit-down conversation. The client and the firm will have an in-depth conversation about the specific needs of the project. Both will require a clear definition and understanding of what needs to be done in order to complete the project and provide the required services. If a client wants their project to stand out, to be a project of distinction and excellent character, it will be critical they form a strong working relationship with the engineers advising them.

Similarly, engineering companies must know and understand the wishes, needs and expectations of their client. They need to have a proper understanding of the goals, design ideas, budget, timeline and quality expectations. These are critical aspects of any large engineering or build project, and the company you partner with needs to have a strong understanding of these aspects.

There are also vital considerations to be made from the client to the engineering consultants. It is important that both adequately explore different opportunities, design ideas, budget constraints and so on. Clients need to ensure they have a full and proper understanding of timelines, details and any special features they want or need.

What are the Specific Functions of Civil or Structural Engineering Consultants

No matter the type of engineering being discussed, there are specific functions engineering consultants must consider as they work with their clients. It is incumbent on them to carefully study project reports. They need to properly understand cost estimates and the financial viability of a project. Civil engineering consultants in Utah and beyond must closely interact with the client and obtain a full understanding of their requirements and needs. They should be able to adequately analyze and identify problems that may arise in the project.

Depending on their findings, engineering consultants should not be afraid to advise their clients on repair, alteration or maintenance requirements of the existing project and plan. And they shouldn’t be afraid to clearly and tactfully explain if some of the client’s requirements fall outside of either budget or timeline. They need to create design process flows and plans based on client requirements that fall within budget and timeline and stick to it.

In the end, engineering consultants play a very important role in making sure their clients achieve their core objectives and do so within the parameters both have set. In the end, it is the firm’s job to meet the client’s expectations and implement the project according to what was agreed upon.

Understanding the Benefits of a Local Engineering Consultant

Using a Utah-based engineering firm for your Utah-based project is important for several reasons. First, local engineers will have an in-depth knowledge of local building codes, which could save you time and money when it comes to future inspections. Local engineers and licensed professionals from a local company provide a level of local competency and legitimacy for your project. Local firms also have access to data that might be useful for the completion of your project.

You must also consider costs. Hiring a local firm generally costs less because they come with a wealth of experience and know-how related to your local area. They won’t have to travel or bring equipment from afar when they operate in your local area. It’s not a bad idea to plan ahead and include a local engineer in your engagement process early on.

We also want to take a moment to talk about the risks associated with not using an engineering consultant. Without a civil or structural engineer guiding your project, you’ll be flying blind. Build mistakes will cost you a lot more down the road than if they are addressed with a consultant before the build even begins. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but hiring an engineering consultant mitigates a substantial amount of risk.

Finally, consider fee structures and rate breakdowns. From a job cost standpoint, a fixed fee is preferable to an hourly rate, but it all depends on the job. At McNeil Engineering, we provide consulting services to fit just about any civil or structural engineering job. We invite you to stop by and learn more about how our top-notch roofing, paving, civil, structural and BIM consultants can ensure your job completes on time, on budget and without a hitch.

The construction process from start to finish

The building construction process from start to finish involves a lot of effort and investment. Consider that Utah is growing at a huge rate. At 1.64%, Utah currently enjoys the 4^th highest growth rate in the country. As such, there are a lot of people coming to Utah and a lot of buildings are being built. But what exactly does “buildings being built” mean? Obviously, putting up a structure requires a lot of time and hard work, but what kind of hard work? Also, consider that constructing residential and commercial structures are both entirely different things.

Careful planning must go into each aspect of building a structure. The planning has to start by asking: What is the structure’s purpose, utility and demand? Once those questions are answered, the construction process enters its first critical phase: the planning phase.

1. Planning

Planning might very well be one of the most important steps in building construction. The first step in construction planning involves acquiring a plot of land. Search for a location that is best suited for the building. Be careful selecting land which has all the desired facilities nearby but is riddled with land issues, whether it be zoning, soil or other problems you don’t want to suddenly have to deal with.

Consider a proper data collection regime as you plan your structure. Whether you do your own research online or hire someone, it is important that you have all the relevant information regarding the land you are about to purchase.

2. Get Technical Help

Hiring the right people to help you with construction is going to be an important part of the process. After selecting your land, you need to hire an architect to help with the building designs. Hiring an architect will also usually involve hiring an engineering firm to help you with the details. Whether it be structural engineering, civil engineering, land surveying or more, you need to hire true professionals like those here at McNeil Engineering.

It is usually after your work with the architect that you will hire a structural engineer. The structural engineer will handle the details from reinforcements to how deep your foundation will be to the size and type of gravel used, the width of your pillars and so on. Your structural engineer will play a critical role in ensuring your building doesn’t someday end up like this one.

3. Estimate and Budget

Consider the amount of material and money that goes into building a structure of any type. With the costs of materials going up by the day, how you budget and pay for your structure will be critically important. Many builders will work with a building estimator to figure out the material quantity required and where they can give or take on quality.

Once the building estimator has prepared an abstract sheet that shows the cost of construction, it will be time to line up the financial resources required for the project. If the financial resources aren’t there, the builder will need to seek pre-approval for loans in advance. The last thing you want is to find yourself in a cash crunch on your project.

4. Municipal, Licensing and Permitting Agreements

Obviously, you will need proper zoning permissions and permits to complete the job. Once the project is ready to be executed, then it will be time to get permission from any state or local authorities that govern the location of your land. Generally, these are the documents you will need as you take your construction application to the appropriate authorities:

Land Survey
Soil Test
Land Documents
Architecture
Structural Report
Architect Certificate

These may not be the only documents or permits you will be required to show once you are ready to execute construction. It might not be a bad idea to have a lawyer or accountant handy to double-check your due diligence.

5. Find Your Builder

Your fifth and final step before construction actually begins will be to approach your builder or contractor. Choose your builder carefully as your choice will be a major factor in securing building construction quality and quantity in a timely manner. In the contract document, all work-related details must be clearly stated.

Your contract document should cover the property layout as well as details regarding payment methods, timelines and final costs. Finally, the condition of the contract should be checked over by a licensed attorney to make sure a final deal can be signed.

Are you considering a commercial project but are not sure who to turn to? Here at McNeil Engineering, we are happy to point you in the right direction. We are experts at all things engineering, but we can also help put you in touch with the people you need to talk to in order to get your project off the ground. Ready to get started? Contact us today or send us an email at info@mcneileng.com. We’ll be waiting to help you get started!

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