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Seismic analysis: an essential part of structural engineering

One objective of structural engineering is to protect against the catastrophic damage an earthquake can cause. While most earthquakes are small and cause little or no damage, they also can be catastrophic, leading to loss of life and billions of dollars in destruction to buildings, roads, bridges, sewers and the entire built infrastructure of communities.

Across the United States, California is best known for earthquake risk, but several other regions are earthquake-prone: Charleston, S.C., eastern Massachusetts, the St. Lawrence River basin, and the central Mississippi River valley are some that experience earthquakes frequently.

The area at greatest risk for earthquakes in Utah is the Wasatch Front — which just happens to be where most of the population and infrastructure is located. And this means that structural engineering has to include detailed seismic analysis.

Response of buildings

Seismic analysis An earthquake or tremor is the result of the release of energy deep underground, which causes seismic waves through the earth’s crust. When the waves reach the surface, they can cause buildings and other structures to wave, in turn.

In 1927, U.S. building codes incorporated standards for resistance to lateral force, which is the result of seismic waves, related to the weight of the building. Since then, building codes have advanced to include requirements that structural engineering plans take into account the height of the building, and response to lateral force including protective elements distributed throughout the structure.

Earthquake protection

It’s not possible to predict when an earthquake will strike, but it’s a certainty that one will, sooner or later. It’s a matter of time, especially in areas like California and Utah. Part of structural engineering is determining how resistant a structure will be, and what needs to be done to protect it and the people in the structure.

Seismic analysis and structural engineering

Seismic analysis includes a number of practices that calculate how a structure, or landscape, will react to an earthquake.

Equivalent static analysis looks at a building’s response to lateral forces, assuming the building won’t twist in reaction to seismic waves. It can be used only for low-rise buildings.
Response spectrum analysis takes into account multiple responses of a structure to an earthquake. Computer analysis looks at not just the lateral motion of the structure, but also the harmonics — similar to a vibrating guitar string.
Linear dynamic analysis is useful for taller buildings and buildings with non-orthagonal, or irregular profiles. Computer models calculate the structure’s elasticity or stiffness, and make predictions about the response.
Nonlinear static analysis is sometimes also called “pushover” analysis and is used for structures that will respond in a nearly uniform manner at every point. It applies calculated forces to the computer models that include non-linear properties — that is, doubling the force applied does not cause an equivalent increase in response, but either a greater or a lesser response.
Nonlinear dynamic analysis combines records of ground motion during earthquakes with detailed models of the planned structure. It considers the structure’s non-linear properties over time, and therefore gives results that are relatively more reliable than other forms of seismic analysis.

Even though nonlinear dynamic analysis is required in many building codes, the actual response of a building to seismic events depends on the intensity of the shaking and movement. Structural engineering uses all the different types of analysis for a complete and reliable assessment.

Seismic analysis is something that no structural engineering project can afford to skip. And in most jurisdictions, it’s part of the building code. Call our civil engineering professionals to discuss the seismic analysis of your next structural engineering project.

Profile of an engineer: Carl Greene, Principal – Consulting Manager, Roofing & Paving

When it comes to questions about roofing projects, McNeil Engineering’s top roofing consultant is Carl Greene, the Consulting Manager for Roofing & Paving. Carl has worked for more than 15 years as a paving and roofing consultant for McNeil Engineering, rising to the position of Principal and Partner in the company.

Before becoming a roofing consultant, Carl joined the Utah Air National Guard, and has travelled to five continents. He graduated from the Community College of the Air Force with an A.S. in Construction Technology and Personnel Management. In addition, he has an A.S. and A.A.S. in Architectural Technology from Salt Lake Community College, and bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Utah.

On Jan. 1, 2017, he became the first manager/principal/partner of McNeil Engineering in the Roofing & Paving section.

Get to know the partner who’s having an impact on your roofing and paving projects:

Why did you join McNeil Engineering?

“At the time, I was pulling active duty days with the Utah Air National Guard and desperately needed a change of pace.

“My previous employer had used McNeil Engineering to do structural engineering for several projects. I interviewed and felt a connection to the head of the department, Rod Davis. Funny side note: Rod offered me the position in March on a Friday. On Saturday, I received a call from the Utah Air National Guard that my unit had been activated for the war in Iraq. I had to call back Monday and explain that I could not accept the position. However, when we returned from our deployment, Rod was gracious enough to offer me a position, and the rest is history.”

Why did you decide to become a roofing consultant?

“Roofs are a very important part of a building’s architecture and my skillset fits well into the consulting work we do for roofs. We not only design replacement roofs, but we provide contract administration during construction. That type of project management, construction management and contract administration, are what set us apart from our engineering brothers.

“We take responsibility for the successful execution of every part of our projects. That includes paving projects. I believe the challenge of initiating a design and then seeing it through to its completion is one of the most compelling factors in why I chose this career as a roofing consultant.”

How would you describe the ideal project?

“The more creative I can be, the happier I am,” Carl says. And that sentiment is critical to the success of a roofing consultant’s job. “Removing a roof and putting it back on in the exact same way is boring. But coming across a roof that has had a history of problems and complaints, and being given the challenge to find a way to put it back together so that it works better for the next 20 to 30 years? That is what I come to work for each day.”

What do you think is the major strength that you bring to your clients?

Carl brings the traits he developed in his religious mission and other aspects of his life to bear on his role as a roofing consultant. “I consider myself as somewhat a peacemaker. I have a knack for seeing all sides of an issue so that I can better advise and guide my team and clients to a completed project. Being able to respond to crisis or high emotions with respect, a level head, and without a need to blame someone for what is going on has helped on more occasions than I can count,” he says.

What are your plans for the future?

“I hope to continue to expand and enhance the services we provide in the Consulting Department. Building Information Modeling (BIM), point cloud modeling, BIM for facility management, are only some of the possible directions we could move into in the future,” says Carl.

But he also looks beyond being a roofing consultant. “For myself personally, I plan on hanging around as long as I can be useful. When the career ends, I hope to travel, serve the community and provide service in line with my personal religious beliefs.”

Have a question or a project that involves roofing, paving or BIM?

You can always talk with Carl, another roofing consultant, as well as any of the engineering professionals at McNeil Engineering. Just give us a call.

What is laser scanning and how does it help you?

As a tool, laser scanning is finding more and more applications in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to high tech and even in agriculture. We at McNeil Engineering are leaders in the application of laser scanning to surveying, 3D modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM).

But the real importance of laser scanning lies in the benefits it provides to our clients: better, more accurate and complete surveys and building models faster and more economically. Let us walk you through how that happens.

What is laser scanning?

Laser scanning uses a controlled deflection of laser beams to gather information about a site or any three-dimensional space.

Movable mirrors deflect continuous or rapid pulses of laser light (a tightly focused beam that does not diverge like conventional light) in both the vertical axis and horizontal axis. A scanner then records the reflections off of surfaces, as well as the angle of the emitted and reflected light and the distance, 50,000 times per second. Other information can be associated with every single data point, such as geo-referenced data. A camera also records visual information that is merged with the other data.

The scanner can be moved to different vantage points at a potential construction site or within a plant (for example). The data sets collected can then be combined.

Laser scanning software then uses these billions of survey points to create a three-dimensional model of the survey. This is also called a “point cloud.” The point cloud can be imported into computer-aided design (CAD) software to build topographic survey maps that are rich in data.

Uses

A point cloud creates a full model of a site, a building or a project that is beyond three-dimensional. Combining photographs, CAD software then produces an array of deliverables quickly and accurately:

two-dimensional plans and elevations
panoramic images with georeferenced information for every pixel
point-to-point and point-to-surface measurements
full, detailed topographic maps with georeferences
sections and profiles
plant models showing structural elements
fly-through models and more.

These rich models can also capture information on materials and other construction or engineering details. A single set of data can be used by every phase of a project: conception, architecture, planning, modeling, approval, construction planning, and execution. It means that all the professionals can work from the same data, reducing the opportunity for human error.

Laser scanning allows architects and engineers to quickly and easily “see” a project in the planning. The models can show such tiny yet critical details as surrounding topography, conflicts between load-bearing structures and conduits, clearances, ties points and profiles.

The data can be exported to produce detailed topographic maps, surface wireframe models, links to asset information, intelligent plant and building information models.

At McNeil Engineering, we use laser scanning for land title surveys, boundary and topographic surveys and 3-D, 4-D and 5-D BIM models.

Benefits to the customer

While laser scanning is a powerful tool for architects, engineers and construction contractors, it also has many benefits for the client, developer or building owner.

First, surveys, plans and models can be developed much more quickly and more accurately than with conventional methods. This helps control costs, especially in complex projects or those in remote or challenging locations.

The richness and depth of data allows the client to visualize the project before the first shovel breaks ground, evaluate options and make better decisions about design, construction, materials and other aspects.

Better, more complete models also mean there are fewer unknowns about a site or a project, reducing liability for the owner.

Talk to one of the experts on laser scanning and surveying at McNeil Engineering to find out how it can pay off for your next project.

Engineering the intelligent building

Engineering intelligent building There’s a lot of talk about smart building design and smart building technology. It promises benefits for owners and occupants, energy savings and more. It also poses an interesting set of challenges for the structural engineering team. Smart building or intelligent buildings require the intelligence to be designed into the building from the get-go. Structural engineering has to take into account the elements and connectivity required to achieve intelligence. Fortunately, intelligent building offers some structural engineering benefits, as well.

What is an intelligent building?

One definition is that smart building combines environmentally sensitive design with networked digital technology to achieve new levels of building automation. Building automation started with automating heating and lighting. Controls that turn off the lights when no one is in the room, and automatically adjust heating and air conditioning to respond to weather conditions and occupancy — these just scratch the surface. Today’s intelligent buildings use a range of sensor technologies, cloud technology, wireless Ethernet (WiFi) and centralized building management software based on apps. The Internet of Things is an important concept — building intelligence and communications capability into what were once considered stand-alone machines and devices. It allows the building managers to monitor and control every part of the building from a central point in real time. The payoff is a more comfortable working or living environment, reduced energy and maintenance costs, a lighter environmental footprint, better integration into the surrounding neighborhood, and a longer and better lifespan.

The elements of intelligent buildings

Smart buildings today incorporate cutting-edge digital technology into every aspect of building control, management and maintenance. Sensors in every part and every phase of the building are connected to centralized monitoring control systems using both wired and wireless networks. Another important part of intelligent building that has a bearing on structural engineering is power over Ethernet. There are three IEEE-approved protocols to distribute electrical power over twisted pair Ethernet wiring. This allows a single cable to provide power and data, and is used to power and connect Voice-over-Internet (VoIP) telephones, IP cameras, wireless network access points, network routers and switches. They can also be used for:

intercoms, paging and PA systems
clocks
industrial control systems
building access control
security systems
Intelligent light fixtures and lighting controllers
point-of-sale kiosks

Structural engineering challenges

Achieving a smart building requires the architecture, designer, civil and structural engineering, construction— indeed, every phase and entity involved in the building’s life cycle — to incorporate this new technology into the plans. For the structural engineering team, intelligent building requires planning for using IP-based wiring, placing sensors where they’re needed and where they can provide the information to other systems.

Benefits to the building owner

The most obvious benefit of smart building technology and techniques to the building owner are lower costs of structural engineering, building, operation and maintenance. Automating the lighting, heating and air conditioning reduces energy consumption and costs. Just turning off the lights in empty offices has a profound impact that has payoffs for the building owner, the whole economy and community. Centralized control of every aspect of building control and maintenance improves security control and access to the building. Environment and access can be controlled by mobile apps. Intelligent buildings can also send proactive alerts about damage or wear, allowing repairs before the problems get worse. This reduces maintenance costs and extends the lifespan of the building.

Structural engineering payoffs

For the structural engineering team, smart building technology actually provides a number of benefits. The Internet of Things and Power-over-Ethernet can make design, structural engineering and construction faster. Intelligent buildings demand tighter collaboration among all the design and construction teams. IP-based wiring reduces the amount of cabling required, simplifying some of the structural engineering. It also reduces time required for construction and frees up available space for other uses. Talk to our structural engineering team to find out how to incorporate building intelligence into your next project.

Zero Scape or Xeriscape?

How many times have we all heard somebody say “zero-scape”? Sounds interesting…except it’s “xeriscape”, not “zero” scape—which would mean “no” landscaping.

Xeriscape, which was coined by Nancy Leavitt in the 1980’s, is a blend of the Greek word “Xeros”, which means dry or arid habitats and the term “landscape”, the visible features of an area of land. Xeriscape literally means dry landscape or dry-scape. The “Xeriscape” landscaping method, originally used in the western regions of the United States, was created particularly for arid and semiarid climates because it uses water-wise designs and drought-tolerant plants, mulch or stone, and minimal supplemental irrigation. That practice has become the typical term for water efficient landscaping using specific plants and ground cover suitable for the climate to create a visually attractive landscape that is at least partially self-maintaining and uses little or no irrigation water. If correctly designed and maintained, a Xeriscape can effortlessly consume less than half the water of a conventional landscape and, once established, Xeriscape should require less maintenance, water, and time.

Achieving Xeriscaping often means replacing turf/lawn with soil, rocks, mulch, and drought-tolerant native plants. Drought-tolerant plants are especially adapted to arid climates and are called xerophytes. Xerophytic plants often have less overall surface area than other plants, reducing the area that is exposed to the air and reducing water loss through evaporation. They may also have smaller leaves or fewer branches than other plants.

Some xerophytes have tiny hairs on their surfaces to provide a wind break and reduce air flow, thus reducing the rate of dehydration and enabling them to maintain a layer humidity around them. Succulents, a variety of xerophyte, have leaves coated with a powdery white wax; that wax and the color of the plants skin helps reflect sunlight and diminish water evaporation. Xerophytes are adapted to conserve water and store their own water during dry periods, and can survive long periods of extreme dryness with their deep spreading roots.

The Xeriscape landscaping philosophy uses as many native, drought-resistant plants as possible and arranges them in efficient, water-saving ways, which also result in saving money and time. Because of those financial and environmental benefits, Xeriscaping has grown in popularity for both commercial and residential properties.

How structural engineering can reduce waste

Waste and Structural Engineering Structural engineering can help solve a problem that’s getting a lot of attention today: waste. Plastic in the waterways, the “trash island” in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, landfills getting full — society in general is becoming more alarmed about waste. That’s bringing pressure to bear on politicians and businesses to reduce waste. Cities in the United States have already banned plastic bags and plastic straws, and the pressure is not going to let up.

Structural engineering decisions have a major impact on the amount of waste generated in construction, as well as the end of a building’s lifespan. Additionally, structural engineering decisions that reduce waste can also save energy and costs for erecting and disassembling buildings.

Recycled materials in construction

Using recycled materials diverts them from the waste stream, reducing the amount of material going to landfills or, worse, into the wider environment.

Steel, copper and aluminum are widely used and re-used, and contain a high amount of recycled basic material. Steel is easily recycled and reused for structural purposes, and copper is readily reused for wire and other applications.

A range of roofing materials contain recycled copper and other materials. They can be less expensive than traditional roofing tiles, and last longer with less maintenance over the roof’s life cycle.

Innovative structural engineering professionals know about recycled flooring materials, such as engineered wood and tile products. A variety of carpet materials are made from recycled bottles and fibers.

Gypsum from drywall can be recycled and used for new drywall, cement components, even agricultural uses.

Rubber from tires can be recycled and reused for a range of applications. One is as a flexible, safe ground covering for playgrounds.

A company in Norway demonstrated a product called NewspaperWood. It rolls recycled newsprint and other paper with solvent-free glue and presses the material into log shapes. These can be then cut and used in the same way as real wood.

Plasphalt is a material made by adding unsorted plastic waste with concrete and bitumen as an alternative form of asphalt. Experiments and studies of plasphalt show that it lasts longer than regular asphalt, reducing maintenance costs for roads.

And of course, everyone with any knowledge of structural engineering knows that concrete can be ground down and reused as filler in new concrete construction.

Structural engineering at demolition

Rethinking structural engineering can also help reduce waste and the amount of material going to a landfill at the end of a building’s life cycle, during demolition.

First, it requires a wider understanding of what is available to be reused, re-purposed or recycled. As stated, steel, aluminum, copper and concrete are readily recyclable, and there are many options available.

Wood, tiles, drywall, asphalt pavement, paper and glass can all be recycled or repurposed in various ways, as well. Tiles, cladding and floor covering can be sold or re-used in another building.

Structural engineering benefits

The benefits of using recycled materials in construction, and focusing on recycling at the demolition stage, are wide-ranging. First is the cost savings of having less material to transport to a landfill or dispose of in other ways. Energy savings are important, as well.

Using recycled materials is also a criterion for a building to be recognized in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, or LEED, by the U.S. Green Building Council. This recognition provides considerable public relations value for the building owner, tenants and builders.

Considering using recycled and repurposed materials in construction of new buildings also opens up new possibilities in structural engineering: new materials, new design choices, and new ways to reduce energy use and waste production through the building’s lifespan.

Expect to see more digital technology in engineering

When you visit a construction site in 2019, don’t be surprised to see the civil engineering professionals wearing a range of technologies on their wrists, arms, even built into their glasses. You’ll see more construction supervisors and workers using and wearing digital devices, using them to communicate and to check instructions and plans. And as they do, they’ll be putting more digital technology into the buildings and infrastructure.

It’s the major civil engineering trend for the times: the acceleration of digital technology into everything we make and build, as well as into the way we make them.

Technology in the civil engineering office

New construction and updates and upgrades to infrastructure will add more digital technology, enabling the so-called “smart city.”

Building information modeling, or BIM, will continue to grow in civil engineering and other applications. BIM is technology that provides three-dimensional representations of buildings, infrastructure and other construction projects. It also adds in richer information, including materials, schedules, and cost, in what’s called “5D BIM.” BIM enables better conceptualization and visualization of a project, better planning, conflict resolution, quality and cost control, as well as more complete monitoring of a project.

The construction software and data ecosystem is a civil engineering concept where all the parties involved in planning and construction collaborate in common sets of digital files. Integrating the many different processes and systems into a single, fully connected platform can be a huge challenge, but when it’s accomplished, it can empower all the players to achieve much more. At minimum, the integrated data ecosystem can minimize delays, resolve conflicts, reduce rework and empower communication among construction, engineering office and owner.

Cloud and mobile technology are already being used in civil engineering offices and at construction sites because they allow the team to leverage their investment in IT and data wherever they are, whenever they need them. Expect to see it being extended in new ways for more processes, using innovative new devices.

On the construction site

Owners and developers have always had to rely on imagination to visualize a new building before it’s built. Imagine now being able to see exactly what it will look like, in place, before the first shovel breaks ground.

That’s the promise of augmented reality (AR). Like many technologies now considered essential in commercial and industrial applications, augmented reality has had its growth spurred by gaming and entertainment. Devices and even headsets or visors show a digital image integrated with the real world. It thus provides a full, three-dimensional representation of a completed construction project, allowing owners, developers, architects and civil engineering professionals to see how their plans will fit into the existing environment. It’s another tool to anticipate and resolve construction conflicts and improve planning.

Civil engineering is beginning to make more use of wearable technology, for a range of uses: monitoring, accessing remote digital resources, and for communicating with managers, supervisors and workers.

GPS (global positioning system) tracking is already being used extensively in construction and civil engineering, and we can expect to see more creative uses of this technology. It reduces the time required for surveying, speeds the collection of accurate site data and helps project managers in dispatching and managing fleets of vehicles. Site managers are even using GPS to help find lost or stolen equipment.

Drones are finding more applications on the construction site. They allow surveyors to survey a site in minutes, and bring new possibilities in monitoring, inspection and civil engineering.

Some experts are predicting that robots will soon be able to lay bricks and tie rebar. We can expect to see robotics taking on more and more human tasks on the construction site.

Civil engineering has always led the way in innovative applications of every kind of technology. Expect to see more innovative uses of new technology in ways no one imagined before.

Challenges facing construction administrators

“May you live in interesting times” is an old curse. And these are certainly interesting times in the construction industry. Construction administration is facing rapid changes on a number of fronts, from labor to legal to technological.

Here are some of the main challenges facing today’s construction administration professionals.

Skilled labor shortage

Finding people with the right skills and experience for the many different jobs needed on a construction site has been a perennial issue for construction administration. Today, however, the industry is facing a major turning point as the baby boom generation retires. The fact is, not enough younger people are choosing the skilled trades, resulting in a shortage of skilled tradespeople to replace retirees.

Industries have engaged in sporadic promotion of skilled trades training as a viable and rewarding career path, but clearly, more needs to be done.

Safety

Construction work is dangerous and always has been. A recent study of U.S. construction workers found that 71 percent of construction employees reported being involved in a workplace accident in the past year. Strict safety regulations are enforced by high financial and even criminal penalties. As a result, construction faces high costs for insurance and workers compensation coverage.

For construction administration, it means that workplace safety is the highest priority on the construction site. Site and project managers need to understand risk mitigation and be on top of ensuring consistent, continuing safety training for all employees.

Tariffs

New tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber and other products essential to the construction industry kicked in at the beginning of the year. Even before they came into force, costs of some materials increased by 20 percent already. These price rises are expected to increase more as the effects of the tariffs ripple through the economy.

Some of these costs can be passed on to the customers and users, but overall profits are going to be affected for construction, design, engineering, developers and owners.

No productivity growth

McKinsey and Co. reported recently that the construction industry still has the same productivity as 80 years ago — that is, ratio of output to workers has not changed much, and in fact has declined since the late 1960s. Compare this to industries like manufacturing, agriculture and even retail, which have seen productivity rise 10 to 15 times over the same period.

Part of this is related to the skilled labor shortage. Workers just do not have the skills or experience needed for the job. But it’s also exacerbated by companies that try to do more with fewer people, even when it leads to less productivity and profitability.

Adapting “lean” techniques and processes, which has had a huge impact in manufacturing, depends on a great level of effective communication.

Sustainable construction administration

Construction administration is facing a great deal of political and social pressure to adopt sustainable practices and materials. In some jurisdictions, it’s even mandated.

Adopting new ways of building and new materials will require a shift in thinking and planning. It can also affect costs, at least in the short run. However, sustainable construction practices and materials can have long-term savings. Construction administration needs to be consulted at the earliest design and planning phases in order to optimize practices for the lifecycle of the building.

Integrating new technologies

BIM, augmented reality, cloud computing, mobile technology, wearable technology, robotics, GPS — all are being integrated into the construction industry at a rapid pace.

They all offer huge benefits, but at the same time, they pose challenges for construction administration. Managers, supervisors and workers will need training in using these technologies. Moreover, integrating them into the work site and planning processes will require not only education, but rethinking in processes.

Construction administration will need to become nimbler in adapting to an increasing pace in new technologies and business practices.

The ROI of landscape architecture

Landscape architecture pays. National studies, in fact, show that the return on investment in a development’s outdoor amenity space can be as high as 150 percent. This does not include the impact of energy costs and other lifespan savings that result from intelligent landscape architecture.

Landscape architecture adds value in a number of ways including perceived value as well as real property value. Several studies show that landscape architecture can add as much as 20 percent to the property value. Here’s how.

Perceived value

It’s often said that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. Landscape architecture becomes the first impression of passers-by, as well as potential tenant or buyers. It adds immediate sale and tenancy value by improving that first impression, or “curb appeal.”

Smart and creative landscape architecture helps a property stand out from all the others on the street. This boosts perceived value, which ultimately translates into higher property value and higher occupancy rates.

The American Society of Landscape Architects recommends investing at least 10 percent of mixed-use development value into landscape architecture.

Branding

Landscape architecture can support a building or a property development’s brand. That’s why it’s crucial that the landscape architecture be an integral part of the overall design of the whole property.

Energy savings

Intelligent landscape design has a profound impact on the energy use of a building and even a whole property development. Placing trees to provide shade can reduce the load on air conditioning in the warmer months, and block wind to reduce heating costs in the colder periods.

Traffic flow

Driveways, parking lots and walkways are essential parts of landscape architecture, and their design has a profound impact on how people experience the building or development. The design has to take into account the use of the building, the existing traffic flows, the desires of the owners and tenants, and uses of the property. It should also include accommodations for mobility-challenged users of the property, whether they’re owners, customers, tenants or visitors.

A well- designed landscape plan can help direct the flow of vehicles and pedestrians, improving the access to the building or the development, reducing congestion and risk of accidents.

High-return landscape design elements

Shade features: Awnings, structures or trees and shrubbery help cool the outdoor areas and attract people to the property — a boon for retailers and residential projects.
Seating areas: Benches, tables, picnic grounds for tenants or workers to eat lunch or take breaks add to the perceived value of any property, whether it’s commercial or residential.
Water features: Pools and fountains not only add appeal, but help cool the area on hot days, and attract possible shoppers. In a residential development, water features are a major value boost for the area.
Color: Flower beds, walkways, pavement materials, walls, fences — all these elements have color. Color can provide both harmony and contrast. Designs using living elements — plants and flower beds — can also change through the year, and from year to year. This makes the landscape architecture dynamic, providing new appeal from season to season and year after year. The result becomes new reasons to visit the property every season and every year.
Native plants and trees: Choosing species of flowers, shrubs and trees that are native to the local environment means they’ll be better adapted to the local climate than exotic species. This reduces maintenance costs as well as the environmental impact risks.

Turn to professional landscape architects

Landscape architecture cannot be an afterthought — not if you want to realize the returns and benefits on the investment. Consult with our professional landscape architects before the design of your project is complete, so that the outdoor elements are integral to the overall design and provide a powerful return on investment.

In engineering, communication is key

Construction Communication Every successful construction project depends on clear, frequent and continual communication among everyone involved: architects, engineers and clients. Construction administration can be seen as the communications hub in the project.

Every paving, roofing, landscaping or any other kind of project necessarily requires a number of different teams with their own skills, priorities, tools and needs. The construction administration project manager’s role is to understand all these aspects, develop the schedule and make certain that everyone understands their own role, their schedule and what the other teams need from them.

Communicating goals up front

Pulling all this off requires that construction administration put a priority on communication from the get-go. That means the project manager has to sit down with the client or owner and learn the goals of the project: what the client wants to get out of it, in addition to the budget and timing needs. Construction administration has to ensure that the architects, engineers and all construction teams understand them.

Ensuring complete plans

At this point, construction administration must work with the architects, engineers and construction teams to foresee any potential problems before they come up.

It’s the job of the architects and engineers to translate those goals and needs into clear plans that the construction teams can use. But it’s the job of construction administration to make sure that the client understands the plans. It’s also the job of construction administration to manage bidding, respond to requests for information, monitor construction, provide quality control, and make regular observation reports.

The construction administrator coordinates all documents and records, and does the final inspection at completion.

Communicating change

No matter how well everyone communicates at the outset of a project, changes later are common. Site surveys, local regulations and bylaws, changes to team personnel, labor conflicts, fluctuations in prices,materials shortages and a host of other issues often require changes to plans, budgets and schedules.

The construction administration project manager has to be able to adapt to these changes, make sure that all the teams understand the changes and communicate them, and their consequences. If the changes affect the cost or the completion date, the project manager has to inform the client and find out about the impact.

Often, changes have ripple or knock-on effects: new information about the site or ground can necessitate changes to the foundation plans. These can require changes to the elevation, paving, materials and schedules. Construction administration has to make certain that all the teams have the information they need to adapt. This includes documenting all the change orders and recommendations.

Construction administration: solving problems as they arise

The larger and more complex a project gets, the more likely that something will go wrong, no matter how careful it’s planned.Construction administration has to be able to work with the teams to find solutions quickly, and keep the project on schedule and on budget.

Keeping the client involved

The longer a project will take, the more that the client will want to do an inspection during the process. Inspections can be beneficial for everyone involved. A client inspection reassures the client or owner that the project is going well, and that they’ll get the results they wanted.

It also brings reassurance to the construction teams that they’re working in concert toward delivering what the client wants, and there won’t be any conflicts when they hand over the invoice.

Without communication, results can be very different from expectations, which can lead to tensions and even legal conflicts. By ensuring continuing communication, construction administration avoids misunderstandings and keeps the project running smoothly.

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