Sustainability Archives - McNeil Engineering

The impact of material selection on structural engineering design

Structural engineering design is an essential aspect of the building construction phase and material selection is one of the most critical decisions. Engineers create structures that can withstand various loads and environmental factors and material selection can determine the structure’s durability, strength, and cost-effectiveness. The choice of materials can significantly impact the building’s overall design, construction and maintenance.

At McNeil Engineering, we consider our materials carefully in each project. In this blog post, we will discuss the impact of material selection on structural engineering so you can better understand why we might make the decisions we do here at McNeil Engineering!

Strength and Durability

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in determining the structure’s strength. For example, in high-rise building construction, reinforced concrete and steel are commonly used due to their high strength and durability. These materials can withstand the high loads and stresses in tall buildings. The choice of materials should be based on the structural load, environmental conditions, and the intended use of the building. In contrast, wood is a popular choice for residential buildings due to its low cost, ease and durability. However, wood may not be suitable for structures exposed to harsh weather conditions or high loads.

Cost-effectiveness

The selection of materials can significantly impact the cost of building construction. Material costs can vary widely depending on the type of material and the quantity required. Therefore, it is essential to choose cost-effective materials without compromising the structural integrity of the building.

For example, precast concrete panels can be more cost-effective than traditional cast-in-place concrete. Precast panels are manufactured off-site, reducing construction time and labor costs. Similarly, steel beams and columns can be more cost-effective than reinforced concrete in certain building types.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in structural engineering design. The selection of materials can have a significant impact on the environmental impact of the building construction. Sustainable materials might be chosen based on their ecological impact, recyclability and durability.

For example, using recycled steel and concrete can reduce the environmental impact of building construction. These materials are recycled from old structures, reducing waste in landfills. Additionally, the use of timber can be a sustainable choice if the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Aesthetics

The choice of materials can also significantly impact the aesthetic appeal of the building. The selection of materials should be based on the desired architectural style and the intended use of the building. For example, glass and steel can create a modern and sleek aesthetic, while brick and stone can create a traditional and timeless look for the project.

Maintenance

Material selection can also impact the maintenance requirements of the building. Materials prone to corrosion or weathering may require more frequent maintenance, increasing the cost and time needed.

For example, if a building is located in a coastal area, materials that are prone to corrosion, such as steel, may require more frequent maintenance than materials that are more resistant to corrosion, such as aluminum or fiberglass.

Construction Time

The choice of materials can also impact the construction time required for the building. Materials that are easier to handle and install can reduce construction time and labor costs.

Using prefabricated concrete panels could reduce construction time and labor costs, as the panels can be manufactured off-site and transported to the construction site for installation. Similarly, steel beams and columns can be faster to install than reinforced concrete, as steel components are lighter and easier to handle.

It is also worth noting that using innovative materials and construction techniques can lead to new design possibilities and improved opportunities for performance, opening the door to new possibilities in structural engineering. For example, using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) can significantly increase the strength and stiffness of structures. CFRP can reinforce existing structures or as a primary material for new structures. Similarly, using 3D printing technology can allow for the creation of complex geometries and the optimization of material usage, which will be very exciting!

Material selection is a crucial aspect of structural engineering design. The choice of materials can impact almost every part of the building project, including the building’s strength, durability, cost-effectiveness and construction time. Therefore, structural engineers must carefully consider the properties of various materials and select the most appropriate materials for the specific project requirements.

We hope this has helped you understand how important material selection is for our engineers here at McNeil Engineering. If you have an upcoming project that could benefit from our expertise, visit us here and contact a team member today. We’d be happy to discuss an upcoming project for any of our services.

Landscape Architecture McNeil Engineering

The importance of accessibility in landscape architecture

Landscape architecture is an art and science that involves designing outdoor spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable. One crucial aspect of landscape architecture is accessibility, which refers to designing spaces that can be used by everyone and are accessible to the population at large, including those with disabilities. At McNeil Engineering, we ensure our projects contain accessibility features so everyone can enjoy and experience them.

Accessibility is essential in landscape architecture, as it enables people to use and enjoy outdoor spaces to the fullest extent possible. Outdoor spaces that are inaccessible or difficult to navigate can be frustrating and discouraging for people with disabilities, limiting their ability to participate in social activities, exercise or simply enjoy the outdoors. Therefore, incorporating accessibility features into landscape architecture is crucial for ensuring that outdoor spaces are inclusive and equitable for all.

Here are some reasons why accessibility is so important in landscape architecture:

Inclusivity

Accessibility features in landscape architecture enable people with disabilities to use and enjoy outdoor spaces on an equal footing with everyone else. This inclusivity promotes social integration and reduces stigmatization and discrimination against people with disabilities. It also creates a sense of community and belonging for people with disabilities, who may otherwise feel isolated and excluded from outdoor activities.

Health Benefits

Accessible outdoor spaces have significant health benefits for people with disabilities. Spending time outdoors can help reduce stress, improve mood and enhance overall physical and mental health. Accessible outdoor spaces enable people with disabilities to enjoy these benefits and enhance their quality of life.

Legal Requirements

In many countries, accessibility is a legal requirement for outdoor spaces. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States mandate that public outdoor areas must be accessible to people with disabilities. Failure to comply with these laws can result in legal consequences, such as fines and lawsuits. Therefore, incorporating accessibility features into landscape architecture is a moral obligation and a legal requirement.

Economic Benefits

Accessible outdoor spaces have economic benefits for the community as a whole. They attract a more diverse group of visitors, including people with disabilities, their families and friends. This increased foot traffic can increase local businesses and tourism revenue. Additionally, accessible outdoor spaces can increase property values in surrounding areas, making them more attractive to potential buyers.

Sustainable Design

Incorporating accessibility features into landscape architecture promotes sustainable design. Features such as permeable paving, rain gardens, and green roofs can enhance accessibility while conserving water, reducing stormwater runoff and improving air quality. Additionally, sustainable design can reduce maintenance costs and increase the longevity of outdoor spaces, making them more accessible and functional over time.

So, what are some examples of accessibility features in landscape architecture? Here are a few:

Accessible Pathways

Accessible pathways are essential for people with disabilities to navigate outdoor spaces safely and independently. These pathways should be wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility aids, with a smooth and slip-resistant surface. Additionally, pathways should be well-lit and free of obstacles that may obstruct people’s movement.

Seating Areas

Seating areas are an essential feature of accessible outdoor spaces, allowing people to rest and relax. Seating areas should be designed to accommodate people with disabilities, with benches and chairs that are easy to access and use. Additionally, seating areas should be placed in shaded areas and protected from the elements.

Ramps and Lifts

Ramps and lifts are critical accessibility features that enable people with disabilities to navigate elevation changes. These features should be designed to be easily accessible and safe to use, with non-slip surfaces and appropriate handrails. Additionally, ramps and lifts should be located in well-lit and visible areas to ensure all users’ safety.

Braille and Tactile Signage

Braille and tactile signage are essential accessibility features for people with visual impairments. These signs provide information about the outdoor space, such as directions, warnings, and amenities. Braille and tactile signage should be located at strategic points along accessible pathways and designed to be easily readable and understandable.

Accessible Planters and Gardens

In urban gardens or design features, accessible planters and gardens should be available. They provide people with disabilities the opportunity to engage in gardening activities. These features should be designed to be easily accessible, with raised garden beds that are wheelchair-friendly and easy to use. Additionally, plants and gardening tools should be selected to ensure they are easy to reach and use for people with disabilities.

Accessibility is a crucial aspect of landscape architecture that promotes inclusivity, enhances health, meets legal requirements, provides economic benefits, and promotes sustainable design. Incorporating accessibility features into outdoor spaces ensures that people with disabilities can enjoy the benefits of the outdoors to the fullest extent possible. Therefore, landscape architects should prioritize accessibility in their designs and work to create outdoor spaces that are inclusive and equitable for all.

We hope you’ll contact us if you ever need a landscape architect to help you with a new project, or if you’d like to update an existing structure for more accessibility. You can also check out some of our previous landscape architecture projects here.

What is the future of landscape architecture?

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

Sustainable Design

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

Resilience Planning

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

Technological Integration

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

Health and Well-being

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

Biodiversity Conservation

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

Equity

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

Water Management

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

Urban Agriculture

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

Regenerative Design

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

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

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

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

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

The advantages and disadvantages of using precast concrete in structural engineering

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

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

Advantages of Precast Concrete in Structural Engineering:

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

Disadvantages of Precast Concrete in Structural Engineering:

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

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

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

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

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

What are landscape architects and what do they do?

One of the services we offer at McNeil Engineering is Landscape architecture, not to be confused with landscaping. Landscape architecture is a multi-disciplinary field that involves the design and planning of outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, plazas, and other green spaces. Our landscape architects here at McNeil Engineering work hard to create functional, attractive, and sustainable environments that work with the surrounding landscape and provide benefits to the people who use them.

Our landscape architects integrate various design elements, such as plants, trees, hardscaping, water features, and structures, into all our projects. They must consider factors such as site analysis, climate, topography, hydrology, and other environmental factors, as well as the needs and desires of our clients, to create the best possible design solution for each individual project.

The Process of Landscape Architecture

The process of landscape architecture typically involves several steps, including site analysis, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration.

Site Analysis: The first step in the landscape architecture process is to conduct a thorough site analysis to understand the existing conditions of the site, including its physical characteristics, environmental conditions, and existing structures and landscapes. This information is used to inform the design process and to determine the best solutions for the site.

Conceptual Design: During the conceptual design stage, landscape architects brainstorm and create rough sketches and diagrams to explore different design ideas and concepts. This is where the landscape architect begins to consider the various design elements that will be incorporated into the final design, such as plants, trees, hardscaping, water features, and structures.

Schematic Design: In the schematic design stage, they begin to refine the design concept, creating more detailed drawings and plans that include the placement of different elements and how they will interact with each other.

Design Development: In the design development stage, the landscape architect further refines the design, adding more detail and making any necessary adjustments based on feedback from clients and other stakeholders. This stage is also when the landscape architect begins to consider the construction techniques and materials that will be used to implement the design.

Construction Documents: Once the design is finalized, the landscape architect creates detailed construction documents, including drawings, specifications, and cost estimates, that outline the construction process and materials required to build the design.

Construction Administration: The final stage of the process is construction administration, where the landscape architect works with contractors and other construction professionals to ensure that the design is being built according to the construction documents and that the end result meets the client’s needs and expectations.

Skills and Qualifications of a Landscape Architect

Landscape architects must have a range of skills and qualifications, including:

A strong understanding of design principles and techniques, including the use of color, texture, form, and scale.
Knowledge of horticulture, plant science, and environmental systems, including the ability to select appropriate plants for different climates and conditions.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and visual, to present ideas and designs to clients and stakeholders and to work effectively with contractors and other construction professionals.
Technical skills, including proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software and other design tools.
Project management skills to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction.
A strong sense of creativity and problem-solving skills to develop innovative design solutions that meet the needs and desires of clients while also considering environmental and practical constraints.

Project Types in Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture is a diverse field with many different project types, including:

Urban Planning: Landscape architects may also work in urban planning, helping to create livable and sustainable communities. This can involve working on large-scale projects, such as urban renewal initiatives or the development of new communities, as well as smaller projects, such as the design of park spaces and public squares.
Landscape Restoration: Another area of specialization within landscape architecture is landscape restoration, which involves the rehabilitation and rejuvenation of degraded or damaged landscapes. This can involve the restoration of natural habitats, such as wetlands or prairies, or revitalizing urban parks and green spaces.
Research and Education: Landscape architects may also work in research and education, helping to advance the field through the development of new techniques and technologies. This can involve working for universities, research institutions, or government agencies.
Historic Preservation: Landscape architects may also specialize in historic preservation, working to restore and preserve landscapes, gardens, and parks that are of historical significance. This may involve working on projects to restore historic gardens, parks, and other green spaces, as well as the design of new landscapes that are in keeping with the historical character of the site.

Landscape architecture is a multi-disciplinary field that combines creativity, technical skills, and environmental knowledge to create beautiful, functional, and sustainable outdoor spaces. Whether working on urban planning initiatives, restoring degraded landscapes, or designing new parks and gardens, landscape architects play a vital role in creating the outdoor spaces that define our communities and enrich our lives.

We hope that this has helped your understanding of landscape architects and if you need one for a project, you’ll contact us here. You can also check out some of our prior landscape architecture projects here.

Past projects and updates from McNeil Engineering (Part 2)

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.

What does a digital transformation in civil engineering really mean?

The technological revolution and digital transformation of entire industries have changed the way we do business in America and around the world. The ongoing digital transformation of society has without a doubt completely changed the working world. With the rise of cloud software, the internet of things, and automation, global businesses can now communicate and solve problems faster, as well as serve a far wider audience. Businesses and individuals are no longer constrained by distance. Collaboration can happen just about anywhere. And the same is true for the civil engineering sector. Civil engineers in Utah and beyond know that technology has massively changed how they do their jobs.

Engineering remains a cornerstone of the global economy and today, civil engineers are more collaborative and have access to a vast amount of data. Digitisation has changed the way engineers operate and make decisions, as there’s a much broader scope of technology to utilize in just about every aspect of our jobs. We can get projects done faster and more accurately than ever before. Here at McNeil Engineering, we proudly embrace the digital and technological revolution to more effectively complete jobs on behalf of our clients.

How the Digital Transformation Impacts Civil Engineering

The digital transformation in the civil engineering sector has massively changed how we proceed on projects. And while engineering has always been an ever-evolving discipline, digital transformation has only amplified this effect. New technologies have sped up product development, transportation, project management, data storage and transfer, and real-time data management. Much like so many other industries, the increasing use of digital technology has made engineering a much more data-driven sector. It’s now more important than ever that businesses equip themselves with the right technologies for sustainable growth in the sector. Otherwise, they will find the competition leaving them in the dust.

One of the main ways digital transformation has impacted civil and structural engineering is through cloud computing. While it’s not a new technology, the cloud is now used by engineers all over the world, and they use it to great effect. For example, cloud computing allows engineers to store their digital designs all in the same place before construction. Long gone are the days when engineers had to rummage through metal filing cabinets to find the engineering diagrams, blueprints, and files they need. The value of cloud computing in engineering relies on data capture, storage and transmission, 3D modeling, and creating the best possible customer experience. These are all factors we closely consider as we lay out our digital transformation strategy here at McNeil Engineering.

Digital transformation and the rise of big data have paved the way for digital twin applications. Engineering firms all over the world now use digital twin applications to greatly improve their effectiveness on engineering projects. But what is a digital twin? Put simply, a digital twin is a virtual model of a physical object used to gather and analyze data to predict how the object will perform in real life. The use of a “digital twin” is just one more example of how digital transformation has paved the way for predictive analysis in engineering and new ways of collaborating and innovating.

The Future Look Bright for Civil Engineering

What does the future of engineering portend in light of this new digital transformation of society? Well, for one, you can expect the engineering discipline to become even more complex and innovative. Civil engineers themselves will need to be more versatile, adaptable, and flexible if they want to overcome challenging issues around the cities and states we live in. And with so many infrastructure jobs starting all over the country, engineering firms will be tested to ensure they have adapted to the digital transformation all around us.

Take climate change as one example. As companies shift to sustainable methodologies and technologies, climate change has been an ongoing issue for many years now and it’s created a need for sustainable practices in our everyday lives. This means engineers will need to focus on building sustainable structures that have a positive effect on the environment.

Digital transformation and the rise of new technologies will increasingly play pivotal roles in a more sustainable future. Furthermore, as a result of digital transformation, augmented reality has the potential to redefine the future of engineering. Augmented reality – which is an interactive version of the real world – can be used for assembly, engineering training, and quality control. However, going forward, businesses must ensure they plan how they will integrate augmented reality and other advanced software, to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Above all, digital transformation means the engineering sector will rely much more on digital data, analytics, and virtual representations of the real world to deliver the best products in the right environments.

At McNeil Engineering, we pay very close attention to emerging technologies and how they impact the field we operate in. Are you ready to partner with a future-forward engineering company that’s fully embraced a digitally transformed future? Contact us today!

Concrete and permeable pavers in commercial applications

Over the past few years, more and more businesses are turning to concrete pavers for commercial entrances, driveways and parking lots, waiting areas, and other retail and industrial applications. And there is a good reason why. Put simply, pavers provide a wide array of benefits, they are a superior choice for commercial applications. Take your outdoor layout as one example. When seeking to create or update a beautiful outdoor space, the installation of concrete pavers can provide a beautiful and inexpensive paving solution. Interlocking concrete pavers add character while functioning as a durable, low-maintenance, easy-to-install paving option.

Even better, concrete pavers for commercial applications come in a plethora of styles, colors, and designs. Even more, they are incredibly durable and long-lasting. They have been used successfully in numerous commercial applications and in all sorts of climates and weather systems. The result? When properly installed, concrete pavers will easily last over 20 years with very little maintenance on your part. Modern high-strength concrete pavers provide resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and heavy friction and high abrasion and skid resistance. Worried about oil and petroleum products? Many concrete pavers are manufactured already resistant to oil-based liquids. They are also very resistant to high temperatures.

Another big advantage of using commercial concrete pagers includes their ease of use. You can remove and replace them quickly and easily. If a paver gets dislodged, it can be re-set very quickly and inexpensively. Pavers are also excellent for reducing stormwater runoff and flooding. Put simply, you cannot find this many compelling reasons to use anything other than concrete commercial pavers!

Concrete Commercial Paver Value Propositions

While concrete pavers may carry a higher sticker price than alternative materials, consider the long-term cost when investing in pavers. After you have taken a closer look at the durability, flexibility, low maintenance, and quick installation of concrete pavers, you will quickly realize that their lower life cycle costs can often prove to be the most cost-effective option for your commercial project.

Pavers withstand shifting earth through the natural use of control joints. While control joints are intentionally added to poured concrete to accommodate the stress of settling and shifting of the earth beneath, the spaces between concrete pavers act as built-in control joints. Unlike full concrete slabs, pavers are less prone to cracking and degradation over time, as a result. Most commercial paving installers improve this durability by using sand-filled joints. These joints act to transfer the load without actually damaging the pavement surface. What’s the result? A longer-lasting, lower-maintenance installation. What’s not to like about that?

What Are Permeable Pavers?

Permeable pavement is a commercial paving option that has been growing in popularity over the past several years, and there’s a good reason for that. It’s superior to asphalt and concrete in terms of durability, cost, installation time, maintenance requirements, and sustainability. Some companies even make 100% recycled plastic pavers, which are one of the most eco-friendly paving materials you’ll find anywhere. If you want to burnish your project’s sustainability cred, then permeable pavers may be just what your company needs.

Permeable pavers are a great option if property prices are high or water restrictions restrain development options. Permeable paver systems offer a functional, space-saving, and safer alternative to traditional water maintenance solutions such as retention ponds. And in some municipalities retention ponds simply are not allowed. Using permeable pavers opens the door to a project that might not have otherwise been possible.

Almost every commercial business in America uses pavement of some sort. Pavement plays a vital role in building the sidewalks, pathways, driving lanes, and parking lots that accompany most buildings. There are many different types of pavement, all with their own strengths and weaknesses. That’s why it is so important for you to conduct proper due diligence on the type of pavers you’ll need for your project.

Concrete pavers are manufactured and installed to easily withstand high volumes of pedestrian and vehicular use. They have been used successfully in numerous residential, commercial, municipal, port and airport applications. So, no matter what your commercial application, you’ll likely find a use for commercial concrete pavers somewhere in your project.

Are you looking for an engineering firm that has worked on countless commercial paving projects? If so, consider your friends at McNeil Engineering. When it comes to commercial roofing and paving jobs, our experts know just what kind of materials your project needs, whether commercial pavers or otherwise. For more information on some of our commercial paving projects, check out the commercial paving section of our website. And once you’re ready for your free consultation, simply contact us. We’re ready to help you take your next commercial building project to the next level.

The greening of civil engineering

Climate change, pollution-related illnesses, and energy costs have prompted engineers and architects to innovate and evolve. Times have changed. New residential and commercial buildings and renovations are designed to be more environmentally friendly, thereby reducing emissions, illnesses, and energy consumption. This is the trend no matter where you look in the world. Using sustainable practices is a hot trend in renovation and new building development, one that was developed more than 50 years ago when most builders and designers gave the idea little thought. Today, if you aren’t designing and building sustainably, you’re missing out.

We’re proud to support sustainable development here at McNeil Engineering. We understand that environmental solutions that safeguard our planet for future generations have always been at the forefront of new projects. But what other steps can the civil engineering sector take to support sustainable engineering efforts further?

It’s time to go sustainable

Many businesses, specifically those within the construction and civil engineering industries, are under pressure to implement more sustainable practices. Governments worldwide have challenged companies to become net carbon neutral by – at the minimum – 2050. The Environmental Protection Agency wants to reach this target and meet the goal of net zero by 2030. Will states meet it?

Environmental concerns have pushed some companies to identify greener, or environmentally safer, manufacturing, shipping and design options. And we support these efforts. Green engineering is a concept that focuses on minimizing a company’s environmental impact and streamlining its operations. In many cases, these efforts yield productivity benefits in the long run.

Understanding green engineering may help you or your employer decide to use this design method for your needs, no matter what kind of project you’re working on. What is green engineering and what are its core principles? We’ll provide some green engineering benefits and include several examples discussing green engineering in the workplace.

What is green engineering?

Green engineering utilizes engineering processes and methods that minimize pollution, improve a business’ sustainability, and decrease the potential for health issues caused by unsafe manufacturing and design methods. It is incumbent on manufacturers and engineering firms to conduct proper due diligence and operate only to the highest environmental standards. But how can individual engineers do this?

Well, for one, engineers can do this by nothing more than improving existing processes. Successful green engineering examines sustainability issues, such as fossil fuel use, measures a product or service’s life cycle, identifies potential waste concerns, and decreases the likelihood of these problems occurring with innovative concepts. Engineers understand how to evaluate these concepts and make design decisions based on them. There are specific aspects of green engineering to consider:

1. Waste Management and Reduction

Modern commercial manufacturing processes have a problem. They’re dirty. Many commercial processes, such as manufacturing and shipping products, may waste energy through inefficient manufacturing and delivery methods. The question underlying sustainable engineering is how to eliminate this waste. What kind of new production methods can be introduced or innovated to reduce waste?

2. Pollution Management and Reduction

It may seem simplistic to ask why pollution is a problem. We all know that pollution is a problem at every level of society. Pollution prevention focuses on identifying a company’s pollution sources and minimizing the waste it produces. Engineers may identify why pollution occurs, find processing methods that decrease its spread, integrate newer and cleaner techniques, and enhance manufacturing and delivery cleanliness. Civil and structural engineers play an important role in this process.

3. Product Optimization and Enhancement

Guess what sustainable engineering firms focus on? Sustainable engineering firms try to find ways to improve the products or services they’re engineering while making them safer for the environment. This is generally a multi-pronged effort. This process may include finding alternate energy sources that work better than traditional options or identifying greener and more efficient manufacturing materials and methods. Engineers must operate within this mindset to find the most sustainable or “green” solutions to a particular engineering problem.

4. Materials Efficiency and Management

What does materials efficiency and materials management mean? Essentially, materials management entails finding better and safer materials for diverse engineering purposes. Finding more advanced materials is especially important in the product design and manufacturing phase. Engineers may identify new and safer materials or invent options to integrate into their plans and find better and more efficient production methods. When engineers innovate, we all win.

We support sustainable engineering methods here at McNeil Engineering. Our engineers understand the importance of sustainability in our profession. Contact us today to learn more.

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

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

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

Why we love clay pavers

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

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

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

What are some advantages to clay pavers?

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

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

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

Better value and environmental cred

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

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

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

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