Sustainability Archives - McNeil Engineering

Should you become a civil engineer?

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

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

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

Many career paths

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

Leave a mark on the world

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

Work wherever you want

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

You’re a planner

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

Get the respect you deserve

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

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

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

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

Why is Utah such a great place for business?

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

Why does Utah have such a pro-business climate?

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

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

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

Utah remains a desirable state

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

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

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

Businesses incentives drive growth

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

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

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

Taking a closer look at concrete

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

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

What is low-noise concrete pavement?

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

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

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

How Does Curing Impact the Properties of Concrete?

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

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

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

How do Admixtures Change Pumpable Concrete?

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

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

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

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

A closer look at engineering in the 21st century

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

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

Engineering in the Modern Age

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

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

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

A New Framework for Engineering Skills Modeling

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

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

Teamwork
Open Communication
Ethics
Accountability
Business Management
Entrepreneurship

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

Famous Engineers of the 21^st Century

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

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

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

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

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

What’s the difference between civil and mechanical engineers?

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

What do civil engineers do?

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

Planning
Designing
Building
Maintaining
Operating

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

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

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

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

What do mechanical engineers do?

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

Materials Science
Engineering Physics
Arithmetic
Mechanical Systems
Thermodynamics
Structural Analysis
Electricity

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

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

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

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

Educational requirements for civil and mechanical engineers

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

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

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

The difference between work environments and project types

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

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

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

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

A closer look at our service offerings

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

1. Civil Engineering

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

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

Our civil engineering design services include:

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

2. Structural Engineering

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

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

Our structural engineering services include:

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

3. Laser Scanning and Land Surveying

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

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

Our laser scanning services include:

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

Deliverable modalities include:

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

4. Landscape Architecture

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

Our landscape architecture services include:

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

5. Roofing, Paving and BIM

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

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

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

Advances in engineering continue to reshape the discipline

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

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

Scientists Use DNA to Overcome Materials Engineering Obstacles

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

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

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

Shifting to More Sustainable Bricks

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

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

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

Other Notable Advances in Engineering

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

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

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

The construction industry has gone through big changes

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

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

1. Buildings get bigger

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

2. Prefab structures become popular

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

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

3. Utility connections become normal

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

4. Building materials changed

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

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

5. Energy efficiency and sustainability become the norm

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

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

6. Digital technologies and record-keeping

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

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

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

Advances in roofing and paving technologies

When you think about roofs and roads, they seem like unchanging paradigms. Sure, humanity went from thatch to tin to tile and roads went from dirt to pavement, but is it as simple as that? Here at McNeil Engineering, we offer roofing and paving consultation services. But we also take great pride in following advances in the roofing and paving disciplines. When we offer our services, we do so with these advances in mind.

Because here’s a fact: technological advancements are visible in all aspects of human existence, whether it be in the construction industry or otherwise. And roofing and paving materials have also undergone their fair share of technological advancement. That’s why we wanted to take a moment in our latest blog to discuss those advances and how builders can benefit.

How Roof Technology Has Evolved Over the Years

Gone are the days when the roof was nothing more than something that protects a home or business from the elements. Today, builders are constructing rooftops that play a critical role in efficient energy consumption and cost-effective construction jobs. Engineering and construction firms grow with their local markets and the demand for greater roofing trends and sustainable roofing has never been greater.

Take green roofs as one example. Green roofs absorb heat and light, but they also contribute to less pollution and fresh air. When combined with solar tiles, commercial businesses can do a lot to burnish their sustainable credentials. We went into greater detail discussing rooftop innovation in one of our recent blog posts discussing some of the most common rooftop materials in use today.

We discussed things like:

Cool roofs
Roof insulation
Flat roof membranes
Fireproof roofing
Synthetic roofing
Solar roof panels
Green roofing

There are specific reasons and implications as to why a company should invest in new roof technologies and materials. Not only are newer materials more durable, but they can save on costs and lost a lot longer. While they may be more expensive at the outset, in the long run they generally prove to pay themselves back. If you’re thinking of a roof retrofit, there are plenty of exciting advances to choose from, and McNeil Engineering would be happy to help you make that choice.

New Demands Create a Need for Paving Innovation

You may look at a road and see just a road. Yet, you would be surprised to learn how new and existing technologies are radically changing the world of asphalt paving. The road of today is not the same road your father or grandfather traveled on. Paving, like many other construction-related activities (like roofing), is undergoing dramatic evolution. And while some are either in development or only exist on paper, the way the world thinks about infrastructure is rapidly shifting.

Engineering firms have also been able to use existing technologies to make paving better, more cost-effective, and more efficient. And with a giant $1 trillion infrastructure bill now making its way through state coffers, the demands for paved roadways have only gone up, and it’s up to engineers and contractors to innovate and meet those demands.

The question is, how has paving technology changed? The innovation is in how you mix it. In years past, asphalt was mined as small rocks out of the ground. These small rocks – called aggregate – make up the majority of the world’s paved surfaces. This aggregate could be a mix of pebbles, rocks and other small particles. A binder — generally a petroleum byproduct — would then glue everything together.

How Paving is Evolving in the Engineering and Construction Sectors

Rather than paving from new materials, which all must be gathered and then glued, firms now use recycled materials. Rather than simply tossing old roads, they can be pulverized where the new road will be laid and the materials can then be recycled. This saves time, money and the environment.

Asphalt mixes used to be very one-note. Asphalt would be laid using a one-size-fits-all solution. Today, asphalt mixes can be specially designed to withstand heavy equipment use and specific environmental changes. One such example is Superpave, which is essentially the short fo for “SUperior PERforming Asphalt PAVEments.” They certainly took liberties with that acronym, but it’s a way to give highway engineers and contractors more control over how pavement will perform under different temperatures and traffic loads.

Our engineers and consultants and McNeil Engineering take all advancements and innovations into account when they begin a roofing or paving job. We take pride in staying on top of the latest developments in paving, roofing, consulting, civil engineering, structural engineering, land surveying and so much more. Don’t leave your next job to a firm that doesn’t keep up with the trends and evolve to meet the needs of changing times. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you with your next big commercial project.

The construction process from start to finish

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

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

1. Planning

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

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

2. Get Technical Help

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

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

3. Estimate and Budget

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

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

4. Municipal, Licensing and Permitting Agreements

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

Land Survey
Soil Test
Land Documents
Architecture
Structural Report
Architect Certificate

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

5. Find Your Builder

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

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

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

12 3 4 Next ›Last »