Engineering Archives - Page 2 of 18

5 top tips for staying safe on the job site

As civil and structural engineering professionals, we spend a lot of time working with construction and contracting professionals. We spend a lot of time on job sites and consistently find ourselves in potentially dangerous situations. This is why proper safety on a construction job site is so important for all parties to observe.

Those who work in construction as licensed contractors have an important but potentially dangerous job. Construction sites are rife with opportunities for construction workers to injure themselves. This is particularly true for new workers or those who are not aware of construction site risks. Certainly, some accidents are more serious than others. But any accident is bad, no matter how small or non-existent the injury. Jobsite injuries cause contractors to lose income. It could also negatively impact their reputation when it comes to finding new work.

That’s why, in the spirit of safety, we wanted to take a moment in our latest blog post to examine job site safety. Here are your top tips for staying safe on a construction job site.

1. Wear the right clothing and gear.

One of the easiest ways to ensure safety on the job is to ensure you’re wearing the right clothing, including shoes and hard hats. This may seem like common sense to many, but far too many accidents happen because the worker was not wearing the right gear. Construction professionals must always keep gear at the front of their minds so that they do not forget something important. Construction contractors should always have the appropriate shoes or boots that are reinforced, as well as adequate head protection with a safety helmet. They should also come to the job with eye gear and gloves. And if your employer does not offer these items, it’s time to have a chat with the boss. That’s because not providing workers with appropriate gear could be an OSHA violation. Yikes!

2. Lift heavy objects properly.

It’s not uncommon for construction contractors to suffer from random aches and pains after a long day at a job site. And yet, some of this pain can be avoided provided they’re lifting properly. Always take extra care when lifting or moving heavy objects. You want to make sure you bend at the knee rather than using your back. This prevents added pressure on your joints, shoulders and/or neck. You also want to make sure you minimize the twisting of your body when moving heavy items and make sure your body is properly grounded beforehand. These may seem like simple tips, but they go a long way to preventing an unnecessary injury that can result in a medical leave.

3. Pay attention to weather conditions.

Weather is an important factor in any construction job. Even the most seasoned contractors experience can experience injuries when the weather is bad or blustery. If you’re operating machinery on the job site, the weather is an even more important consideration. Crane operators, for example, must take the weather into account before beginning their day. Construction workers should take extra time going up and down ladders and wear the appropriate weather gear if the weather is bad. Always keep the weather in mind when you get to the job site.

4. Keep your work area clean.

Unclean work areas are the norm in the construction sector, but they shouldn’t be. Cluttered work areas can cause unwanted delays and even contribute to slip and fall injuries. Sure it may take some extra time, but it is worth it. You need to be sure to clear your work area before beginning work and set an example for your fellow construction professionals. This may involve cleaning up spills, drying out spaces where electrical work may be done or removing waste. A clean project area can drastically reduce the chance of injury.

5. Safely use your ladders.

Construction professionals use ladders every day on the job site. This is probably why ladder-related injuries are so common in the construction sector. Make sure you understand all OSHA rules before climbing a ladder. Take care to follow guidelines every time and use a spotter to make sure you’re steady on the ladder. Avoiding ladder injuries is simple when ladders are grounded and stable before use. Avoid rushing and take your time to ensure you don’t suffer from a ladder injury.

Each of these safety tips for construction contractors helps to reduce the potential for injuries on the job. But more than that, they also decrease other unrelated issues when it comes to job site safety. These issues could include workplace injury claims or OSHA violations. That is why it is so important that you take the time to review these safety tips before starting the next project. You want to make sure all of your workers are doing everything possible to prevent unnecessary injuries. Safety is everyone’s business, after all.

Taking a closer look at concrete

Engineering firms must be well acquainted with the materials we use on the job. And one of the more ubiquitous materials is concrete. It doesn’t matter where you are in Utah, from Salt Lake City to St. George, just about any and every building project involves concrete in some way, shape, or form. Concrete is a composite material composed of fine and coarse aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement that hardens over time. Concrete is the second-most-used substance in the world after water and is the most widely used building material.

The concrete industry in the United States is so big that its combined value surpassed $116 billion in 2020. Globally, the concrete industry tops more than half-a-trillion dollars and is larger than the wood, steel, and aluminum sectors combined. What’s more, radical changes in modern architectural designs have significantly influenced the demand for precast concrete in columns, slabs, staircases, walls, floors, girders, etc., for industrial and commercial buildings. That’s why we wanted to take a moment in today’s blog to look at some of the advances in using concrete as one of our primary building materials.

What is low-noise concrete pavement?

Modern traffic construction puts a premium on controlling traffic noise. Damping excessive traffic noise has become an important criterion in the design and construction of transportation infrastructure. The noise pollution due to vehicular movements can be minimized through the construction of noise barriers or low-noise concrete pavement. Today, most construction and engineering firms utilize low-cost noise-canceling pavement as their primary method.

Several techniques have been developed to reduce noise pollution, but low-noise diamond grinding is the one that has captured the most attention. Low-noise concrete pavements are roads with a low-noise surface. The low-noise surface is achieved by including readily available diamond grinding technologies within heavy traffic road design. Not only do heavy traffic conditions on major roads need a strong and durable surface, but home and business owners are thankful when construction companies use low-noise pavement in their neighborhoods.

Even better, low-noise concrete can be applied quickly, effectively, and at a much lower cost than other concrete applications. Low-noise diamond grinding textures can be applied efficiently and quickly to concrete road surfaces without impairing other features like guard rails, noise barriers, or curbs. Low-noise concrete laying techniques are incredibly effective. Diamond grinding textures reduce road noises by almost 50% compared to plain concrete pavement. Grinding textures facilitate smoother rides and increase road safety.

How Does Curing Impact the Properties of Concrete?

Civil engineers will be very familiar with concrete internal curing. But what is it exactly and why is it needed? Internal curing is a technique that extends the hydration of cement without increasing the initial water-cementitious material ratio. This is important to ensure the concrete retains its internal strength.

Internal curing involves employing water stored in the saturated lightweight aggregate or superabsorbent polymer to cure concrete and help further with the hydration of cement. The lightweight aggregate is saturated before batching to absorb water in its pores, and the superabsorbent polymer absorbs a high quantity of water and releases it once the polymer contacts ionic materials.

But why is internal curing important? In short, it makes the concrete better. Internal curing improves various aspects of concrete. These aspects include the reduction of chloride penetration, early-age cracking, curling, durability, and material lifespan. Reducing concrete cracking is one of the primary benefits of internal curing. It may be argued that several factors contribute to cracking in concrete, but it is worth mentioning that the major factors are volume changes and restraints. So, controlling volume changes by minimizing autogenous shrinkage leads to a considerable reduction in potential cracking.

How do Admixtures Change Pumpable Concrete?

Any admixture that improves the workability of concrete is advantageous for enhancing the pumpability of concrete. Various chemical admixtures like air-entraining admixture, high-range water-reducing admixture, and finely divided admixture have been utilized to improve concrete pumpability.

The choice of the type of chemical admixture and its utilization in concrete depends on the mixture’s characteristics. Using air-entraining agents improves concrete cohesiveness and reduces segregation and bleeding. Mineral admixtures reduce the rate and amount of bleeding in concrete and improve its pumpability.

It’s essential to ensure a durable material is used when constructing houses and buildings so that they can survive environmental conditions and last the test of time. Concrete is widely considered to be the most popular building material as it provides a variety of benefits, including durability, sustainability, low cost and energy efficiency.

In the end, concrete is one of the most cost-efficient building materials and its price remains steady even when other material costs change. Costs do vary depending on the grade, finish, surface preparation cost and tools required so it’s important to bear this in mind. These are all factors we pay close attention to here at McNeil Engineering. To learn more about the work our civil engineers do day-in and day-out with materials like concrete, click or tap here.

A closer look at engineering in the 21st century

If there has been one constant of the 21^st century, it’s been change. Humanity has made incredible strides and yet we face equally incredible challenges. The industrial revolution created a wealth of industry and growth of civilization, even as we collectively try to scale back consumption. Businesses and other engineering firms in Utah see it all around us. From water shortages to housing booms, change is all around us. But change is also a double-edged sword.

Still, fast-paced technological advancement has changed every aspect of our lives. From healthcare to manufacturing – what people thought was science fiction just a few short decades ago has become science fact today. This is our new reality, and we cannot hide from the changes. The field of engineering has equally changed over a wide arch of time. Let’s start with the obvious: academia.

Engineering in the Modern Age

Academic curricula must be ever-changing to accommodate new realities, inventions and societal shifts. Four-year programs around the world have had to adjust to keep from becoming obsolete. If you are a student studying civil engineering in Utah or structural engineering in some other state, consider that everything you are taught now will likely be out of date by the time you get your degree or certification.

In today’s world, if you want to be a specialist you should study beyond an undergraduate degree. Specialist engineers learn more than just the engineering basics. If you are currently working on a bachelor’s degree in engineering, consider continuing your studies and learning as you enhance your career.

Engineering in the 21^st century is much different from what came in the 20^th. Engineers must be constantly adjusting to fast-paced changes in the world. Materials change and methodologies evolve. Here at McNeil Engineering, we understand that our engineers must be always up to date on the latest engineering advancements and developments.

A New Framework for Engineering Skills Modeling

Specialists are required in just about every industry and discipline. And the demand for specialized skills has only expanded in the 21^st century. Companies of all types and sizes now look for a complete synthesis of 21st-century engineering skills. Big industry players want engineers who display an adept understanding of interdisciplinary fundamentals and have practical experience.

But beyond the basics, such as STEM and disciplinary fundamentals other important skills civil engineers and engineers of other types must cultivate are strong problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, quick decision-making, creativity, and design. These are but the fundamentals of what is expected of a great engineer. But there is even more to it than that. Professional engineers must also cultivate personal and professional competencies that include:

Teamwork
Open Communication
Ethics
Accountability
Business Management
Entrepreneurship

Engineers are often considered leaders of a project. They play a critical role in ensuring the job is done right. And it’s been this way for a long time. Famous engineers throughout the ages have embodied these skills and served as ambassadors for the profession.

Famous Engineers of the 21^st Century

While we are talking about modern-day engineering, a subject near and dear to us, we want to highlight some of the more famous engineers of the 21^st century and what made them famous. Because engineers can certainly be famous, too! Just consider that the modern world is a product of human ingenuity and imagination. We live in an era of outstanding innovation and engineers are at the forefront of that innovation.

Take Elon Musk as one example. We get it — he’s a polarizing figure. And we’re not here to debate his virtues or highlight his mistakes. Because despite who he may be as a person, he has made a huge impact on this world as a visionary engineer. Whether it be through the promotion of electric vehicles or his relentless drive to promote space commercialization and tourism, Musk is anything but a small thinker.

Another engineer who quickly made his way to the top and changed an entire industry is Satya Nadella, an Indian-American engineer who is currently the CEO of Microsoft. Nadella graduated as an electrical engineer in India, then came to the United States to pursue higher studies. Today he has spurred growth at Microsoft and helped reinvigorate its image as a responsible player in technology.

Finally, we would be remiss if we did not highlight John Smeaton, who is widely considered the father of civil engineering. Born in the early 18^th century, Smeaton worked on windmills, waterwheels, bridges, canals, harbors and lighthouses. At one point during his career, he published a paper about the correlation between pressure and velocity for objects moving through the air.

Civil and structural engineering form the backbones of our society. How things get built and how they are constructed form the basis for civilization, and we’re proud to have experienced, professional engineers as part of the McNeil Engineering family. After all, it’s in our name!

How do buildings get built?

Just ask anyone here at McNeil Engineering and they will tell you. They love to build. Why? Because building construction is a complex, significant, and rewarding process. It begins with an idea and culminates in a structure that may serve its occupants for several decades, even centuries. Engineers and construction professionals build structures to stand the test of time.

Like the manufacturing of products, building construction requires an ordered and planned assembly of materials. It is, however, far more complicated than product manufacturing. Buildings are assembled outdoors by many diverse constructors and artisans on all types of sites and are subject to all kinds of weather.

It’s important to note that even small or modest-sized buildings must satisfy many performance criteria and legal constraints. They must meet many local regulations and they require an immense variety of materials. They also involve a large network of design and production firms. Still, these jobs are not easy. Building construction is further complicated by the fact that no two buildings are identical. That’s right. Each one must be custom-built to serve a unique function and respond to its specific context and the preferences of its owner, user and occupant.

Evaluating a building’s unique properties

Because of a building’s uniqueness, there are basic construction principles every building and engineering firm must follow. They do not have to reinvent the wheel. They are merely refining and improving the building delivery process. In so doing, they bring to the task the collective wisdom of the architects, engineers and contractors who have done so long before they did.

Sure, there are building procedures that promote the development of standardized, mass-produced buildings, but these seldom meet the distinct needs of each user. Unique buildings have unique needs and must meet the needs of unique users.

Still, regardless of the uniqueness of each building project, the flow of activities, events and processes necessary for a project’s realization is virtually the same in all buildings. There are standardized procedures that construction and engineering professionals must follow to ensure the job gets done right.

That’s why we wanted to take a quick look at the overview of the workflow that brings about a building—from the inception of an idea or a concept in the owner’s mind to the completed design by the architects and engineers and, finally, to the actual construction of the building by the contractor.

The difference between construction and design

Design and construction are two independent but related and generally sequential functions in the construction of a building. The former function deals with the creation of the documents, and the latter function involves interpreting and transforming these documents into reality—a building or several structures.

The discussion starts with the various personnel involved in a project and the relational framework among them. Subsequently, a description of the two major elements of design documentation— construction drawings and specifications —is required for every project. What are some of the methods used for bringing a building into being, referred to as the project delivery methods? From the owner’s perspective, these methods are called project acquisition methods.

What are the project delivery phases that go into a project? The process by which a building project is delivered to its owner may be divided into the following five phases, referred to as the project delivery phases. Although there is usually some overlap between adjacent phases, they generally include a pre-design phase, design phase, preconstruction phase, construction phase, and postconstruction phase.

In Utah and beyond, buildings are a necessity

When you think of the things you need to survive, what comes to mind? Food and water probably top your list. Clothing probably isn’t far behind. There’s one other basic need that we sometimes take for granted: shelter. If you don’t have a safe place to sleep at night, life can become very difficult in a hurry. Think of the struggle the homeless of the world experience nightly. Most of us are fortunate enough to have a roof over our heads.

The buildings we live in come in an almost endless variety of types, shapes and sizes. Some houses are small, some are large. Some houses are mobile. Others might be skyscrapers that contain thousands of apartments. When it comes to buildings, the number of different types of structures that exist around the world is mind-boggling. From grass huts in the tropics and igloos in the Arctic to skyscrapers in the big city and single-family homes in the suburbs, it seems like there’s a building to suit every environment and purpose.

And that’s where McNeil Engineering comes in. We have been working on buildings, structures, bridges, roads, highways, and landscapes for many decades. When it comes to completing your engineering job on time and under budget, turn to your friends at McNeil Engineering.

What’s the difference between civil and mechanical engineers?

You’ve heard of them, but what makes them different? While civil and mechanical engineers do have some overlap, their jobs are both unique. While they both work in the design and construction field, the projects that these engineering disciplines work on are quite different. That’s why we wanted to highlight each of these disciplines and explain the differences between the two. Let’s first take a look at civil engineers.

What do civil engineers do?

On a construction job, a civil engineer’s primary job function includes the following:

Planning
Designing
Building
Maintaining
Operating

Civil engineers are responsible for ensuring public safety and environmental health in a construction project, no matter the type. Civil engineering is considered one of the oldest engineering specialties because humans have been building structures since we could stack two blocks on top of one another. The jobs civil engineers are generally called up for include, but are not limited to the following:

Roads
Railroads
Airports
Bridges
Harbors
Canals
Dams
Irrigation
Pipelines
Power Plants
Sewage Systems

Some civil engineers also have a special area of focus, which can include architecture, water resources and construction forensics. They are generally called upon to design plans for projects, analyze maps and surveys and monitor construction jobs. They may also play a project management role.

Civil engineers must consider the environmental impacts of the jobs they work on and use advanced software systems (such as BIM) to create and implement designs. They must review and understand all local regulations and order and analyze soil, concrete, steel, wood, and/or asphalt. Finally, they oversee infrastructure maintenance and repairs and create estimates and budgets for projects. This could include anything from materials, labor or equipment budgets.

What do mechanical engineers do?

As you can see, civil engineers have a big job to do! And yet, mechanical engineers also have a lot on their plate. If civil engineering is considered one of the oldest engineering disciplines, mechanical engineering is considered one of the broadest. Mechanical engineers must understand a wide array of sciences and principles, including, but not limited to:

Materials Science
Engineering Physics
Arithmetic
Mechanical Systems
Thermodynamics
Structural Analysis
Electricity

Like civil engineers, mechanical engineers also use a wide array of software programs such as CAD and CAM to complete their work. They also work very closely with architects, other engineers, project managers, and other construction and job site professionals. They work on both device and structural designs. Some of the projects mechanical engineers work on could include:

Manufacturing Facilities
Industrial Machinery
HVAC Systems
Transportation Networks
Infrastructure
Aerospace
Robotics
Medical Devices

As you can see, mechanical engineers don’t just work on construction job sites. They can be found in research labs, manufacturing hubs, ports of entry, and many more locations.

Some of the job aspects mechanical engineers must oversee include reviewing design plans and changing designs to remove flaws if any are found. They are also closely involved with developing and testing prototypes, managing a device’s manufacturing process, and finding ways for mechanical processes to solve problems.

Educational requirements for civil and mechanical engineers

As with any engineering discipline, both civil and mechanical engineers need to obtain a minimum four-year bachelor’s degree. Once they have obtained their degree, they must then take a state engineering exam to obtain their license. But the subjects they study and the degrees they earn differ widely.

Once civil and mechanical engineers obtain their degrees and pass their engineering exam, they then move on to receive on-the-job training through internships, apprenticeships and trainee programs. To become a senior civil or mechanical engineer, they must pass additional exams and demonstrate advanced knowledge of their discipline.

The skillsets required for civil and mechanical engineers also differ. Civil engineers generally follow a clear path for working on projects. Their projects are clearly laid out ahead of time and do not require a lot of creativity or innovation. Mechanical engineers, on the other hand, must use their creative skills to create complex designs and solve problems using mechanical processes.

The difference between work environments and project types

Civil engineers usually spend most of their time on-site supervising projects and traveling between job sites. They also collaborate more with architects, regulators, project managers, and urban planners. Mechanical engineers generally work with other engineers, such as civil and electrical engineers and project managers.

Another difference between the two includes the time it takes for their projects to complete. Civil engineering jobs generally take a long time to complete. Their projects are also generally quite large in scale. Mechanical engineers could work on big or small-scale projects; they could include everything from huge structures to tiny tools.

Here’s another way to look at the difference between disciplines. Civil engineers work on the structure itself, whereas mechanical engineers work on individual systems of the structure.

Here at McNeil Engineering, our civil engineers bring many years of experience to the table. If you have a job that requires engineering professionals with a vast wealth of experience, contact us today! (801) 225-7700

A closer look at our service offerings

When it comes to your next big build, McNeil Engineering has the services you need to get the job done right. We offer a wide array of engineering services, landscape architecture, project management, and more. That’s why we wanted to take a moment in today’s blog post to highlight each of the different construction project verticals we work in. Join us, and learn more about what we offer!

1. Civil Engineering

Civil engineers do a lot more than just design buildings and bridges. They work in many industries, from aerospace to automotive. Civil engineering is an exciting profession because, at the end of the day, civil engineers get to see the results of all their hard work. Whether it is a completed bridge or a gleaming new high-rise building, the fruits of their labors are visible in the material world.

There are also different categories of civil engineers and sub-disciplines. Transportation engineers represent one such sub-discipline. They work on roads, railroads, subway systems, and airports. Civil engineering has also evolved over the years. Some disciplines have faded away or transformed into something else. Sanitary engineering, as one example, has now evolved into environmental engineering.

Our civil engineering design services include:

Land development services
Site feasibility studies and due diligent analysis
Site layout
Road design
Grading design and earthwork analysis
Drainage analysis and storm drain system design
Stormwater detention system analysis and design
Erosion control measures & SWPPP
Water system analysis and design
Sanitary sewer system design
Subdivision design
3D models
UDOT access and encroachment permits
Permitting and Entitlement assistance with cities, counties and state agencies

2. Structural Engineering

In some circles, structural engineering is its own discipline and in other circles, it is a branch of civil engineering. Whatever you believe, one true thing is that structural engineering involves the application of the laws of physics, mathematics and empirical knowledge to design the basic elements of man-made structures.

Modern-day structural engineers work with a large and detailed body of knowledge. They must accurately predict the performance of different shapes and materials used in structures and measure load stresses. Structural engineering has also been around for thousands of years, with principles of the discipline being used to build everything from the Great Pyramids at Giza to the Roman Coliseum.

Our structural engineering services include:

Constructability analysis
Seismic analysis
Force protection blast analysis and design
Alternative designs for construction cost and time savings
Structural analysis, design, specifications and construction documentation
Field observation and construction management
Reinforced, precast tilt up and prestressed concrete
Precast concrete production, transport and erection
Post-tension concrete design
Steel, masonry and timber design
Construction products and materials development
Structural investigation and reports
Structural damage and failure analysis
Repair, re-strengthening and retrofitting of structures
Crane design & analysis
HUD permanent foundation analysis
Fire and disaster investigation and analysis

3. Laser Scanning and Land Surveying

Many big construction and infrastructure projects include a laser scanning or land surveying component. Here at McNeil Engineering, we focus on conventional laser scanning and surveying services. We are also a leader in Utah in laser scanning, which puts us at the cutting edge of the service. Our land surveying services include:

ALTA/NSPS land title surveys
Topographic/ utility surveys
Route and boundary surveys
Construction staking
GIS data acquisition
Cadastral and retracement surveys
Subdivision plat
Condo plat

Our laser scanning services include:

Transportation
Horizontal and vertical construction
Forensics/Insurance investigation
Historic preservation
Industry
Mining
Survey

Deliverable modalities include:

Archival point cloud models
2D CAD drawings,
3D CAD/BIM models

4. Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture is different from landscaping itself. Consider landscape architects as the structural engineers of our environment. It involves the actual design of the landscape as it relates to the natural environment it exists in. It could be anything from a town square to a pond or playground. Landscape architecture is dedicated to the design of healthy environments and communities, and to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people.

Our landscape architecture services include:

Site design
Master planning
Irrigation design
Landscape design
Plaza and paving design
Grading and drainage plans
Site and landscape remodel
Cost estimating and budgeting
Construction administration
Permitting and city approvals
Illustrative and graphic design
Signage and gateway design

5. Roofing, Paving and BIM

If you are building a structure in Salt Lake City or any other city in Utah, you’re going to need a roof and likely paving of some type. We focus on sustainable planning and design and use only the most modern materials in our roofing and paving jobs.

We’re also Building Information Modeling (BIM) specialists. BIM is a process for creating and managing construction project information throughout the project lifecycle. BIM allows engineers and construction professionals to create a digital description of every aspect of the build. BIM allows for the creation of information-rich 3D models and associated structured data.

We’re proud to employ professionals in each of these fields that wield many decades of experience in their fields. Whether you need a civil engineer or roofing professional, we’ve got the dedicated individuals you need to get the job done right the first time, every time. Contact us today to learn more.

Advances in engineering continue to reshape the discipline

Engineering is a vital and ever-changing discipline. At McNeil Engineering, we offer civil engineering, structural engineering, roofing, paving and landscape architecture services for companies and municipalities all over Utah. But we also closely follow all sorts of updates and innovations in the engineering sector. Sure, civil and structural engineering are our specialties, but what are some of the big advances occurring in engineering today? It’s fascinating stuff, which is why we wanted to take a closer look at our latest blog post.

So, what did we do? We conducted a thorough research regarding the latest scientific advances in the engineering field. It could civil, structural, electrical, or otherwise. We just find this stuff so cool. Advances in engineering of all types greatly interest us. Let’s get started!

Scientists Use DNA to Overcome Materials Engineering Obstacles

Scientists at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and other researchers have successfully used DNA to create superconducting materials. And while this advance is in the field of materials engineering, it will have a big impact on our sector as well since a lot of the big engineering and construction tools we use require advanced semiconductors to function properly. Now, what’s the big breakthrough?

Superconducting materials and substances have been the holy grail for electric engineers and material scientists for a long time. So, what are superconducting materials? Superconducting materials will have no electrical resistance. Electrons will simply flow with no friction, which in turn means the material will not create heat. Today, modern forms of electrical transmission create heat, thus degrading its performance.

The big advance here is in the use of carbon nanotube lattices. These are hollow cylinders that are literally a few atoms thick. They are so small they’re measured in a billionth of a meter. Previously, scientists struggled to control the chemical reactions that assembled the nanotubes. With this breakthrough, scientists used DNA sequencing to control the carbon nanotube modification reaction sites. As computer scientists and molecular genetic engineers continue to advance this process, expect to see faster, smaller and more efficient computer chips appear because of it.

Shifting to More Sustainable Bricks

Here’s an interesting breakthrough that very much relates to civil engineering, structural engineering and construction overall. It involves creating bricks out of polymer waste materials instead of mortar and cement. Why is this important? Consider that firing bricks and making mortar and cement is very costly and not quite sustainable from an environmental perspective. Now, organic materials chemists are working on sustainable alternatives to the good old-fashioned brick.

Instead of using the aforementioned materials (mortar and cement), scientists have focused on building materials made from waste byproducts. Using this method also supports something called the “circular economy.” The circular economy is based on the concept of little to no waste. Everything is reused or recycled. In this case, researchers used low-cost feedstocks to make lightweight and durable polymer building blocks. Once created, the blocks can be used the same way bricks are and bonded together using an adhesive-free chemical reaction. So, not only are these polymer waste byproduct bricks more sustainable, they also don’t need any separate adhesive.

While bricks like these have been created before, this new study specifically tested the strength and durability of these materials. Researchers also create bricks from waste cooking oil mixed with sulfur and dicyclopentadiene. It also looked at ways the material can be reinforced, if necessary. Integrating polymer bricks into other construction practices is now the primary focus of research in this area. As with any new technologies, incorporating them into the construction processes we already use every day is the next big challenge.

Other Notable Advances in Engineering

There are so many interesting innovations made in engineering every day. Let’s take a look at a few more quick applications of fascinating advances in engineering. First, let’s go back to the microscopic scale with the smallest flow-driven motors ever created. Researchers at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands took a cue from the iconic Dutch windmills sprinkled all over the Dutch countryside. They created self-configuring flow-driven rotors from DNA and all the rotors need to function is an electrical or salt gradient.

Another interesting bit of research involves reducing emissions from road construction to cut construction emissions in half. Consider that the construction sector accounts for approximately a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions around the world. To reduce those emissions, researchers in Sweden evaluated the construction of an eight-kilometer stretch of road using futurized materials, production technologies, supply chains and transport. They found that if construction companies used sustainable materials and construction techniques, they could reduce construction emissions by nearly 20%.

These and other fantastic advances happen in the engineering space every day. And at McNeil Engineering, we’re quick to embrace them. When Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques became effective, we immediately began to incorporate them into our projects. And as laser scanning technologies matured, we embraced those as well. Do you have a project that requires advanced thinking and sustainable materials or construction policies in Salt Lake City or elsewhere in Utah? If so, it’s time to get in touch with your friends at McNeil Engineering. (801) 225-7700

The construction industry has gone through big changes

Like any industry, the construction world is constantly evolving. The techniques, materials, technology and methodologies we use today bear very little resemblance to the techniques, materials, technology and methodologies of even 50 years ago, let alone even further back. Even now, most architectural styles and techniques are governed by the materials and methods of the day.

You may be looking at buildings and homes today and think they haven’t changed much, but they’ve actually changed quite a lot over the years. Just go back even a hundred years and you will how much modern home and commercial building design have changed.

1. Buildings get bigger

First, consider how much bigger buildings are today. The buildings echoed a Greek architectural style and had above-ground foundations with little-to-no reinforcements. Interiors were generally less than 1,000 square feet and rarely had a second or third floor. It wasn’t until after the Second World War that building processes began to undergo a major shift. The need for cheaper, more standardized materials came to the forefront and building became much more efficient. From insulation to other modern building techniques, a big shift changed the way construction was done.

2. Prefab structures become popular

Usually, you had a crew working on site and they would build a structure from the ground up. Today, you may work with prefabricated materials and structures built off-site and then transferred to the job site. Prefab building is designed for efficiency and affordability. Construction crews can repeat a simple process each time and finish jobs quicker and for less money. Companies and builders switched to this method of building to cut costs and introduce mass production to the construction process.

Predesigned structures are still used today. And it isn’t because they are cheap. They are also very flexible. Homeowners can customize a prefab home according to their specific design ideas. Commercial builders can also spec their structures using prefab materials. This saves the builders and the construction companies both time and money.

3. Utility connections become normal

Did you know that it wasn’t until the 1950s that modern indoor plumbing and electronics installation became commonplace? Whether it be in homes or commercial structures, utility connections were not commonplace until nearly 60 years ago. Even toilet facilities in commercial buildings are not common. Imagine going into a commercial building and not having access to a restroom.

4. Building materials changed

Building materials have also undergone rapid evolution once they became standardized and could be ordered in bulk. From cinder blocks to lumbar materials, a certain set of materials soon became the norm. And this paradigm has lasted until today, with lumbar being mass-produced in standard sizes, using everything from fir to spruce and pine.

Materials have also become safer. Remember asbestos? Fortunately, industry changes when health hazards become apparent. Although asbestos was a mass-produced and cheap material, it caused a lot of illnesses in construction workers and other people. For these reasons (and others), it was ultimately phased out and is no longer used in modern construction.

5. Energy efficiency and sustainability become the norm

Today, green energy and structure efficiency is the norm. It wasn’t until energy-saving materials became mass-produced that “green buildings” became a thing. Today, individuals and businesses are far more conscious of their carbon footprint. Commercial builders and residential homeowners want energy-efficient facilities and homes. Solar panels on homes and rooftop buildings are now a commonplace building feature.

Even things like green roofs are common. Did you ever think we would see a day when people and businesses would have full gardens on their roofs? Today, that is a lot more common than you think.

6. Digital technologies and record-keeping

One of the biggest advances in technology has been the move to digital. Everything now lives in the “cloud.” And the construction industry has followed this trend. Modern computing allows for greater efficiencies. It allows architects, builders and designers to work digitally instead of dealing with pen, paper, and lost records. Creating and sharing designs has become so easy that it can be done with a simple click or tap of a button. This helps construction teams and engineers visualize concepts and understand a build before it even gets started.

Record-keeping has also become much easier, with file sharing and remote file access now commonplace. No matter where you are in the world, it’s very likely the construction job you are doing requires permitting and paperwork to get off the ground. Storing these items in a digital space keeps them safe and easily accessible.

At McNeil Engineering, we have been operating at the cutting edge of construction, engineering, and design for a long time. Do you have a job that requires an experienced and professional engineering team? Whether it’s for civil engineering, structural engineering, landscape architecture, or otherwise, we’ve got your back. Contact us today to learn how we can level up your next big construction project: (801) 225-7700

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.

‹ Prev 123 4 5 Next ›Last »