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  • About Us
    • Our Philosophy
    • Our Team
    • Downloads
    • Newsletter
    • Affiliations
    • Engineering Careers
  • Services
    • Civil Engineering
    • Structural Engineering
    • Laser Scanning & Land Surveying
      • ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey
      • Laser Scanning
      • 3D Modeling | BIM
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Roofing & Paving Consulting and BIM
      • Construction Administration
      • Roofing Consulting
      • Paving Consulting
      • BIM
  • Projects
    • Civil Engineering
    • Structural Engineering
    • Laser Scanning & Land Surveying
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Roofing & Paving Consulting and BIM
      • Construction Administration Projects
      • Roofing Consulting Projects
      • Paving Consulting Projects
  • News
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Bri Village Luxury Apartments

Past projects and updates from McNeil Engineering (Part 2)

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  • February 22, 2023

Welcome back to part 2 in our series about some of our amazing projects and big jobs from over 2022 and beyond. We wanted to share with you what’s been happening on some of our projects as well as give you an idea of everything we can accomplish at McNeil Engineering. Each of the projects below employed different types of skills and services we offer, and we hope you enjoy reading about them and learning more about what we do here.

Bri Village Apartments
One project our team has been particularly excited about is the Bri Village Luxury Apartments!
This adult luxury apartment community was recently completed in partnership with Brighton Ventures and Anderson Construction. This multi million dollar four-story timber-framed complex features 166 units. The apartments are stationed above a 209-stall parking garage that is post-tensioned concrete.

The Bri Village Luxury Apartments are modeled after up scale hotel resorts, and the project included many different amenities and custom design features to keep the design aesthetic in place.

Our team at McNeil Engineering provided the structural design services from ideation through construction for this project. By working together with all stakeholders, we were able to provide a cost-effective design solution. This solution was able to meet both the aesthetic and budgetary constraints of this unique project. This of course, was very important as design aesthetic was paramount for this project, in order to keep the resort stylings in place. The project was completed in August of 2020, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.

Larkin Cemetery
For over 20 years, our team has had a great relationship with the Larkin family and their incredible team at Larkin Mortuary. We have assisted with civil engineering projects in laying foundation for their current headquarters, as well as surveying different properties for them to prepare for future growth.

Our team at McNeil Engineering also helps them to take inventory during ongoing development of properties. It’s been a great relationship, and we were pleased to assist them in a new project at Larkin Cemetery.

This particular project was led by Surveying Department Manager Mike Hoffman. Our team started some of the processes by surveying and mapping both Larkin Cemetery locations using state-of-the-art technology to help the Larkin Cemetery team transition to a new cemetery management software system.

We utilized drones and ultra-high-resolution cameras during our surveying and mapping processes. With this, our team was able to provide Larkin Cemetery with different sophisticated imagery, including a complete point cloud image of both cemetery locations, which we sent to Dan Cable and the team at EDA Land Planning, Larkin Cemetery’s go-to Landscape Architect over cemetery development.

The surveys, maps and imagery of the cemetery locations that we provided will allow their team at Larkin Mortuary to ensure accuracy and precision when taking inventory of exactly what land assets they currently have. In addition, it will also help them plan for the future with confidence.

We look forward to continuing to work with the team at Larkin Mortuary, it’s always a pleasure!

Types of projects we do
Here at McNeil Engineering, we provide expert services in structural engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, civil engineering consulting and more. Throughout these projects at Bri Village Apartments and Larkin Cemetery, we were able to provide services in structural design, land surveying and mapping, along with consulting and more on these vastly important projects.

Structural Design is used to design structural elements of buildings and different types of structures and buildings. Structural designers, like the ones on our team, use different engineering techniques and principles to create plans and blueprints to ensure buildings we work on are safe and able to support the different types of loads they will be subjected to. We used our structural design services during the Bri Villages Project to help ensure the building would be safe and cost- effective but still maintain its design aesthetic.

When we performed land surveying in the Larkin Cemetery project, we utilized drones and ultra high resolution cameras. Different projects might call for laser scanners or other equipment to help map the earth’s surface, measure and plot the land. Land surveying can identify hazards already present on the land or potential hazards you might be exposed to in the future. In the case of Larkin Cemetery, we conducted the land surveying to help them take inventory of existing land they owned to ensure accuracy in future planning.

We hope this has given you an overview of our comprehensive design services including: civil engineering, structural engineering, land surveying, high-definition scanning (HDS), landscape architecture and consulting services to the private and public sectors.

Thanks for reading about some of our favorite projects from 2022. We hope you enjoyed this two part series, and don’t hesitate to contact us when you have need of any of our services, in 2023 and beyond.

  • Under : Engineering, General, Projects, Sustainability, Technology

2023 Engineering

What does the global 2023 construction outlook reveal?

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  • December 20, 2022

2023 EngineeringIt’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.

  • Under : Civil Engineering, Consultant, Engineering, General, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, Laser Scanning, LIDAR, Paving, Roofing, Structural Engineering

St. George, Utah

St. George is on a tear

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  • December 13, 2022

St. George, UtahHave you heard? Our little neighbor to the south has been on a tear lately, ranking second in the nation in new construction job growth, extremely low unemployment, and a booming services sector. Civil engineering, structural engineering, roofing and paving, and landscape architecture jobs abound in Southern Utah and St. George is benefiting. The National Bureau of Labor Statistics has labeled St. George a “dynamic” growth environment in relation to the metropolitan growth of the construction sector.

St. George’s success doesn’t surprise most people. The St. George area has seen 5% job growth in the past year, well outpacing the national average and other metros of similar size in the region. Simply put, St. George has population growth, and the continual construction needs to support a healthy construction environment.

In broader Utah, construction has been growing at an 8% rate, which is incredibly high. Few other states are showing construction growth at this level. The latest unemployment rates for Utah released in August point to a healthy job sector and steady employment. The state unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the nation at 2%. Contrast that with the national unemployment rate, which is 3.5%.

Where the growth is happening

One factor that points to a healthy construction and civil engineering outlook for St. George is the growing amount of building permits issued in the last 3 to 5 years. There is a ton of construction, civil engineering and structural engineering activity going on in and around the St. George area.

Take residential construction as just one example. The percentage of residential homes permitted and entering construction has been increasing year-over-year since 2015. One could even look as far back as 2010 to see the explosive growth. The increase is due to several factors. They include:

  • Population growth from retirees looking for a place to permanently retire.
  • Families looking for better educational opportunities for their children.
  • A wealth of outdoor activities and natural beauty on all sides.
  • A stable environment where jobs are plentiful and one’s essential living needs are met.

While the number of building permits issued declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, things are again looking up. Permitting is once again on the rise, especially in the industrial and commercial building sectors. And the number of building permits issued this year has almost doubled all last year for permits issued. Things are looking good for the construction sector and civil engineering in St. George, Utah!

Will a recession blunt St. George’s growth?

Many analysts have been predicting a recession, saying a big one is coming in the near future. These predictions have been put forth by economists and specialists within certain fields, with estimations of a recession hitting the national economy within one to two years, if we are not in one already. Yet others do not see that happening. Other economic indicators point to a healthier economic situation.

There are multiple facets to a recession, and though it is unknown at the moment if there will be a recession in the future, a closer look at recession indicators doesn’t point to a crash. The U.S. labor market is strong, the unemployment rate is very low, and there are lots of job openings. This serves as a buffer against the possibility of a recession. So, perhaps it is premature to sound the alarm about a recession just yet.

And even if there was a recession, how badly would it impact St. George? Utah has been a hot spot for growth in three categories of employment industries. Construction is at the forefront with a rapid 8% growth rate, while the retail and trade industry has been blossoming with a nearly 7% growth, and lastly, the leisure and hospitality industry produces 14% of all jobs within the state’s economy. And St. George sits at the front of this pack. We’re happy to report they’ll be growing for a long time to come.

Are you a business or public entity in St. George, Utah in need of civil engineering, structural engineering, roofing, paving, laser scanning, or landscape architecture services? Contact your friends at McNeil Engineering today!

  • Under : Engineering, General

Why is licensing important for civil engineers?

Why is licensing important for civil engineers?

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  • December 7, 2022

Why is licensing important for civil engineers?The market is tight out there. Whether here in Utah or other states, civil engineers are in high demand. With massive infrastructure spending and a post-pandemic boom economy, civil engineers are needed for everything from buildings to bridges and more. There is rising demand for those with a demonstrated ability to perform to the highest standards of the discipline—namely, fully licensed, professional civil and structural engineers in Utah and beyond!

Infrastructure and Climate Change

Let’s go back to the strong need for engineers thanks to infrastructure spending. Because after decades of neglect, America’s civil infrastructure is drawing more than just attention from legislators and the media—it’s attracting investment. Money is being poured into public works projects to revitalize the nation’s infrastructure.

Did you hear about the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act? This wide-ranging legislation was passed into law in November 2021. States across the country gain access to $1.2 trillion in spending on a broad swath of initiatives. In the end, it’s up to them, but in Utah and beyond, municipalities are shoring up aging roads and bridges and building out broadband communications networks.

And let’s not overlook the EV boom. Powered by consumers and incentivized by governments, the rush to EVs has changed the energy and infrastructure landscapes. States must undertake widespread upgrades and additions to the power grid and battery-charging infrastructure if we are to transition to an EV-dominated future truly.

In the end, it will be about more than electric vehicles. Civil engineers will be needed to help plan for and execute massive public works projects designed to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels, intensifying storms, droughts, forest fires, and the like.

Considering the number of construction projects that need completing, civil engineers have never been more crucial. The growing number of infrastructure projects is likely to increase the need for civil engineers in states across the country. That’s why we’ve talked a lot about the necessity for more people in the pipeline to study civil engineering.

The complexity and scale of many of these future infrastructure projects are likely to require greater civil engineering expertise. Combine the two, and you have rising demand for those with a demonstrated ability to perform to the highest standards of the discipline—namely, fully licensed professional engineers.

Why Maintaining Your License is so Important

When you are licensed, you are marked as a true professional. Licensing standards are recognized by employers around the country. Licensing represents a standard recognized by employers and their clients, governments, and by the public as an assurance of dedication, skill, and quality. Professional civil engineers in Utah and beyond must be licensed to do their job. In most cases, employers will not hire engineers who do not have their licenses.

There are many powerful reasons both professional and personal for earning and maintaining a PE license. Only a licensed engineer, for instance, may prepare, sign, seal and submit engineering plans and drawings to a public authority for approval, or to seal engineering work for public and private clients.

For consulting engineers and private practitioners, licensure is an absolute requirement. In fact, it is a legal requirement for those who are in responsible charge of work, be they, principals or employees. State and federal officials will not countenance engineering firms hiring unlicensed engineers. After all, human life is at stake. Imagine an unlicensed engineer working on a bridge used by thousands of people every day. Subpar engineering work completed by unlicensed professionals could be deadly.

Professional Engineers are a Requirement on Official Jobsites

More and more with each passing day, government agencies, educational institutions, and private industries are requiring that they hire and contract only licensed professional engineers. This is a trend that is almost certain to continue in the future. Today, no matter what career path a professional engineer chooses, a successful, ongoing career virtually requires a license.

Take accountants as a separate example. CPAs require a specific license to offer accounting services. Lawyers also require specific licensing. Would you work with a professional who was not licensed to do the work you need them for? Likely not. The licenses civil engineers get demonstrate their commitment to the high standards of the civil engineering process. Potential clients use that licensure as proof of your ability to offer engineering services to the public.

Today, employers and government agencies value the peace of mind professional licensure provides. Preparing for the examinations required to qualify for the license broadens workers’ skills. It helps them gain skills that translate into jobs in other engineering disciplines. At McNeil Engineering, we’re proud to count licensed, professional engineers among our crew. We offer only the best engineering civil and structural engineering services for our clients. To learn more about the work we’ve done across Utah, simply visit our projects page.

  • Under : Civil Engineering, Engineering, General, Technology

Engineering Trends

Engineering trends and technologies reshaping the discipline

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  • December 3, 2022

Engineering TrendsThe engineering industry is always adapting and changing to current conditions. As new technology becomes available and new possibilities make themselves clear, engineering shifts with the times. As a result, we see changes in everything from how designs are conceived to how projects are managed. But what are some of the specific changes we’re seeing? And how might they affect the future of our discipline?

Here’s a fact. The revolution may not be televised, but it will be digitized. From consumer shopping behaviors to industrial manufacturing processes to healthcare delivery, times are changing, and engineering disciplines need to change with them. The rapid rise of digital technology has created a major shortage of talent. In fact, according to a recent Deloitte study, this talent shortage could cost the US economy as much as $1 trillion by 2030.

With broad technical knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines, mechanical, civil, and structural engineers are well-positioned to thrive in this environment. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t part of the nearly 50 percent of all employees the World Economic Forum estimates will need digital upskilling by 2025.

What emerging technologies should those in the engineering profession be most familiarized with?

1. Your Very Own Digital Twin

Have you ever heard of a digital twin? It is not a new idea, but we’re just now starting to see it affecting engineering industries in a major way. For those unfamiliar with the term, a digital twin is an exact replica of something in the physical world, rendered digitally. Designed by way of sensors placed on and around the physical objects, these digital renderings give engineers unprecedented insight into performance. Digital modeling of this types gives engineers new insight into how buildings, bridges and roads are conceptualized and designed.

But what is the digital twin exacty? Consider a digital twin as nothing more than a component of something. This could be a building component, aircraft engine, or anything else that might involve engineering or design work. Engineers use digital twin modeling to find and fix emerging changes or problems with performance, or they can use it to come up with and and test solutions that can then be implemented in the real world.

2. Automation and AI

These could be mutually exclusive categories, but there is a lot of overlap. Automation, AI and robotics seem to be rapidly advancing in lockstep. The march of machine learning has produced countless benefits for the engineering industry in the process. These technologies can analyze projects, come up with solutions, monitor materials, and in some cases even carry out physical engineering projects in a way that makes humans’ jobs safer and simpler. Civil engineers benefit from advances in different types of modeling and materials sciences.

Machine learning and AI technologies are ever-evolving. Manufacturers and robotics companies tweak new AI systems and adapt them to new functions. Now, with the advent of quantum computing, machine learning and robotics to new heights as well. It could be that what we now look at as technologies that assist engineers and simplify projects will soon redefine the entire industry. Civil and structural engineers may benefit from entirely new methodologies driven by machine learning.

3. Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing has revolutionized the construction and manufacturing sectors. Manufacturers using additive manufacturing provides increased agility in managing supply chain issues. This technology played a key role in reducing the strain for manufacturers during the COVID-19 pandemic and became one of mechanical engineering’s fastest-changing technologies.

In some respects, 3D printing is beginning to change the very nature of engineering. Why? Because it’s providing a new way to manufacture parts for use in projects — from components of airplanes and automobiles to the basic structure of “printed” homes and even sections of commercial buildings. Entire industries are changing thanks to the ease of designing and building new components using 3D printing.

3D printing provides a new way for engineers to test designs and produce models. As the technology is becoming more available (and frankly, better), we’re poised to see both practices become mainstream in the engineering industry. And this will impact engineering disciplines of all stripes, from mechanical to civil and structural.

Most civil engineers are familiar with at least the basics of additive manufacturing, but that won’t be enough as building and design standards change and adapt to new techniques and methodologies. Advances in sustainability, speed, materials, and use cases mean 3D printing is making a future of net-zero, distributed manufacturing a viable reality. As 3D printing adoption accelerates, be on the lookout for government regulations and standardization processes that will inevitably follow. Engineers must stay on top of these developments, regardless of their particular discipline type.

At McNeil Engineering, we always keep our finger in the wind of technological change within the engineering sector. From advances in business information modeling and laser scanning to landscape architecture, we stay at the forefront of change in civil and structural engineering.

  • Under : Civil Engineering, Engineering, General, Structural Engineering, Technology

Civil Engineering Utah

Should you become a civil engineer?

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  • November 22, 2022

Civil Engineering UtahWe may be biased, but we would answer that question with a resounding yes. But we’ve got to do more than simply tell you to do something. We must tell you why. What makes civil engineering a compelling discipline to study? Well, if you are interested in physical processes in the real world, civil engineering may be right for you. Civil engineering encompasses a wide range of disciplines that contribute to the physical world around us.

Civil engineers are very often involved in the planning and design of large-scale projects. Civil engineering jobs typically involve building and developing big infrastructure jobs, such as tunnels, or airports. And with all this infrastructure money flowing into state coffers for new infrastructure projects, civil engineers are in greater need than ever before. From sewage treatment plants to water distribution networks, civil engineers work on it all.

Still, not all civil engineers are involved in infrastructure planning and design. Many civil engineers work in the building process itself or related construction activities like demolition. There are a lot of different types of civil engineering jobs as well. The fact is civil engineers are in high demand.

Many career paths

Courses in Civil Engineering can be used as a stepping stone to a wide range of careers. Rail, marine, transit, tunnel, sewer, and other subfields of civil engineering exist. No matter what kind of building or construction work you’re interested in, there’s likely a civil engineering specialty that covers it. A civil engineering degree, therefore, provides you with a way to switch careers should you choose.

Leave a mark on the world

As a civil engineer, you could be building bridges and designing monuments. When amazing things get constructed, you could be a direct part of it. Civil engineering allows you to really leave your mark on the world. Put in the time and effort to move your career in the direction of large-scale, high-profile building projects and you could wind up in the upper echelons of civil engineers in modern history. The works of many great engineers will endure for decades, if not centuries, cementing their place in history.

Work wherever you want

One of the great perks of being a civil engineer is your ability to work in a variety of environments. One day you might be in the office pouring over plans and the next you might be on the job site. Many civil engineers work in both indoor and outdoor environments. And in many cases, you can work anywhere you want in the world. Of course, we recommend gainful employment in the great state of Utah, but there are certainly other places where civil engineers find work.

You’re a planner

There’s something inherently satisfying about planning things. You consider yourself an avid planner and really shine when it comes to planning a building, a road system, or a whole development. You understand the importance of improvement. As a civil engineer, you will be continuously making improvements for society in all kinds of civil engineering projects.

Get the respect you deserve

Did you know that civil engineering is a highly respected discipline? That’s right, many people regard civil engineers with a high level of respect. They hold them in high regard, and for good reason. Civil engineers are in high demand all over the world. Their work is essential for the advancement of society and requires thorough education and a diverse skill set. Pursuing this career may provide you with a prestigious job that impresses others and provides you with a sense of fulfillment.

Do you like working with others? Civil engineering is an appealing career for people who enjoy working with others. Civil engineers often collaborate with other professionals, both in engineering and other professions. They also work with professionals from outside of their energy, such as clients, government officials and community leaders. This creates opportunities to network with other professionals and creates successful partnerships with a variety of people. Networking is often the key to success, and civil engineers have ample networking opportunities.

For those with strong critical thinking skills and a desire to find efficiencies in their work, civil engineering can be a worthy career choice. If you’re someone who likes puzzles or building things out of materials, you might enjoy some of the practical applications of this branch of engineering. No matter what your reasoning is, civil engineering is a rewarding and potentially lucrative career. It’s one where you can see the visual fruits of your labors and take great pride in your work. We certainly take great pride in ours.

We’re proud of our civil engineering core here at McNeil Engineering. These are professionals who’ve been steeped in the tradition for many years. Learn more about our civil engineering services today and get in touch for all your civil and structural engineering needs!

  • Under : Civil Engineering, Community, Engineering, General, Projects, Sustainability, Technology

Utah Business

Why is Utah such a great place for business?

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  • November 16, 2022

Utah BusinessWe’re proud to be a Utah-based engineering firm. We’ve called his great state our home for more than 30 years. And although the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge for everyone, we were fortunate to count on our clients here in Utah and beyond to help carry us through. Now, we are thriving. But we aren’t the only ones. Sure, there’s a lot of construction going on. Developers are more in need of engineering services than ever before. And there’s a good reason for that. Simply put, Utah has a great environment for business. Let’s take a closer look at why.

Why does Utah have such a pro-business climate?

Let’s look at all of the individual reasons why engineering firms, construction companies, retail businesses and other companies thrive in Utah’s climate. First, Utah has a very high rate of upward mobility for workers within its economy when compared to other states. What does that mean in practice? Well, “upward mobility” refers to the chances of a person being raised in the bottom fifth income bracket and reaching the top fifth income bracket. There are a lot of people in Utah who have bootstrapped themselves to success, and it’s because Utah provides them with that opportunity.

Utah has also established itself as a tech hub. Our “Silicon Slopes” is home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world. Northern Utah has facilities where some big names in tech conduct research and create products and services. They include big names like Adobe, EA Sports, and the Intel/Micron joint venture IM Flash Technologies. Many students who have graduated from prestigious Utah universities have found internships or built careers at companies that have a presence in the Silicon Slopes.

Utah also has a favorable regulatory and tax climate. The Beehive State offers a flat five percent personal and corporate tax rate, one of the lowest in the nation. Small businesses benefit from low-tax environments. And while low taxes are important to small businesses, a stable tax rate is equally important. Utah small businesses have benefited from the predictability of the state’s flat tax, which was first introduced two decades ago.

Utah remains a desirable state

Utah has been increasingly recognized as one of the top places in the country for business. As recent research suggests, Utah’s pro-business climate is enhanced by the state’s strong and stable economy. Utah has one of the biggest worker shortages in the Union. Utahns don’t have to go far to see the effects of the labor shortage — from hiring signs in restaurants and gas stations to businesses still running on reduced hours. Many of our favorite businesses are still shuttered or working at half-staff.

Utah sits at the epicenter of growth in the Intermountain West. Businesses flock to Utah and the state’s economy functions as a growth engine in the region. Utah continues to have one of the strongest economies in the country. Currently, Utah is tied for the second lowest unemployment rate in the country, at 2.1%, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employers continue to struggle to keep employees on and not only replace those who leave, but grow their workforce.

OThisis a problem that also has benefits. But of course, there are also challenges. All this unbridled growth has created a need for workers that the state hasn’t been able to keep up with. As a result, companies must push up wages to attract workers and raise prices on their products and services. The low unemployment rate could be inflationary. And yet, people from all over the country continue to move to Utah to find opportunities.

Businesses incentives drive growth

One of the biggest factors driving business growth in Utah remains the incentives businesses have to move their operations to the state. Incentivizing business creation and sustainable growth is key to Utah’s thriving small business ecosystem. There are now several state-funded programs across the state that businesses can tap into to expand and retain clients. Rural parts of the state can also access grant programs for small businesses.

Utah offers financial incentives for business relocation and expansion. These incentive programs are built with three factors in mind. State leaders want to ensure they are both effective and sustainable. First, the business expansion must be competitive. Second, the incentives must be post-performance. And thirdly, the incentive must be a tax rebate once the jobs have been created and the corporate taxes are paid. Most importantly, these incentives were previously only available to new companies relocating to Utah. But not anymore. Today, they are available to businesses already in Utah to help them grow right here on home soil.

At McNeil Engineering, we’re proud to be part of the stability underpinning Utah’s business community. We’ve worked with many businesses in the state. We’ve even worked on some projects in the Silicon Slopes. And we’re so happy to be doing business in a state that makes it easy for us to do so.

  • Under : Civil Engineering, Community, Engineering, General, Land Surveying, Projects, Structural Engineering, Sustainability, Technology

How infrastructure jobs and the construction sector come together

How infrastructure jobs and the construction sector come together

  • 0 comments/
  • November 10, 2022

 How infrastructure jobs and the construction sector come togetherInfrastructure 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!

  • Under : Community, Consultant, Engineering, General, Projects, Technology

5 top tips for staying safe on the job site

5 top tips for staying safe on the job site

  • 0 comments/
  • October 31, 2022

5 top tips for staying safe on the job siteAs 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.

  • Under : Civil Engineering, Engineering, General, Projects, Structural Engineering, Technology

Greatest engineering achievements of the 20th Century – Part I

Greatest engineering achievements of the 20th Century – Part I

  • 0 comments/
  • October 18, 2022

Greatest engineering achievements of the 20th Century – Part IWe may be in the 21st century but think for a moment about how many 20th-century devices you use on any given day. The fact is the 20th century was a hotbed of innovation and invention. We can easily name up to 20 world-changing engineering achievements. Seems appropriate, 20 innovations for the 20th century.

In this multi-part blog series examining 20th-century engineering achievements, we’ll touch on all 20 of these amazing human achievements. Some will be obvious, and some may cause you to double-take. Curious to find out what made the list? Read on!

1. Electrification

With the merest flick of a finger, a light turns on. From deep veins of coal to radioactive uranium, wind, and crashing waves – human ingenuity has been all about power. Whether it be the hidden power of an atom or the blazing radiance of our sun, humans have been fascinated by and innovating with electricity for over a century.

It all happened just over a century ago. At the beginning of the 20th century, following a struggle between the direct-current systems favored by Thomas Edison and the alternating-current systems championed by Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse, electric power was poised to become the muscle of the modern world. Today it keeps our factories running—as well as the telecommunications industry, the appliances in our homes, and the lifesaving equipment in our hospitals. In myriad other ways, ready access to electricity helps maintain the well-being of billions of people around the globe.

2. The Automobile

Before the first Model-T hit the roads of the early 20th century, Thomas Edison already saw the writing on the wall. When he did some future-gazing about transportation during a newspaper interview in 1895, he was quite clear.

“The horseless carriage is the coming wonder,” said America’s top inventor of the day. “It is only a question of a short time when the carriages and trucks in every large city will be run with motors.” Just what kind of motors would remain unclear for a few more years. And even today those motors are constantly evolving. The modern technological wonder of battery-powered cars proves this.

Certain aspects of cars from a century ago are still with us today. The telescope shock absorber is one example. Another is drum brakes. The basic principle behind these components has remained static for a century. And even as disc brakes have become the go-to, drum brakes are still used on the rear tires for cars manufactured all over the world. They contain fewer parts and are easier to service.

3. The Airplane

While we are talking about revolutionary modes of transportation, we would be remiss if we left out the airplane. Just consider for a moment that not a single human being had ever flown a powered aircraft at the outset of the 20th century. Travel by air was still talked about in the realm of science fiction. And yet, like so many other things, it would not be long before these concepts became fact.

By the century’s end, flying had become relatively common for people all over the world. Even space is no longer off limits, with tourists’ flights to low-Earth orbit now quite common. And yet, we’ve come a long way. The first piloted, powered, the controlled flight lasted 12 seconds and carried one man 120 feet. Today, nonstop commercial flights lasting as long as 15 hours carry hundreds of passengers halfway around the world. We take these concepts for granted, though just two decades so they were considered flights of fancy – no pun intended.

4. Irrigation, Water Supply, and Distribution

At the beginning of the 20th century, in the United States and many other countries, water was both greatly in demand and greatly feared. Today, we take for granted that potable water will emerge from our taps whenever we want it. But just one hundred years ago this was not the case.

Cities across the nation were clamoring for more water as their populations grew, and much of the West saw it as the crucial missing ingredient for development. At the same time, the condition of existing water supply systems was abysmal—and a direct threat to public health. Even today, water management policies – especially in the desert Southwest – cannot keep up with the massive growth the region is experiencing.

Today’s engineers still struggle with the problem, and some of them are coming up with smaller-scale solutions. And yet, whatever the scale, from aqueducts and dams to desalination plants and portable ultraviolet devices, the notable successes in water management achieved in the 20th century continue to offer encouragement to a new generation of civil engineers worldwide as they face the challenge of our never-quenched need for clean water.

5. The Transistor

Rounding out Part I of our series, we are going to bring it full circle. We started with electrification, and we’ll end with electronics! Back in 1948, no one had any idea what was about to happen. At the time, yawns greeted the electronics novelty that was introduced to the public in mid-1948: the transistor.

Brilliant inventors from the late 19th century to the present day have used common principles to build on each other’s work, leading us to today’s electronics revolution. The team that created the transistor at Bell Labs consisted of a group that went by Bardeen, Brattain and Shockley for their innovation. When they received the Nobel Prize, that same prize paid tribute to their predecessors, the discoverers of electrons, the vacuum tube, purified crystals and diodes.

The transistor spurred experimentation with new materials such as silicon and with a host of manufacturing techniques, leading to electronic devices that have altered every aspect of daily life.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this first look at our multi-part series examining the 20 top engineering marvels of the 20th century.

  • Under : General

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