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FEMA Permitting Study for Bridge Replacement

No Impact Study A hydrology and hydrological study is required if an “obstruction” (a bridge for example) is planned to be constructed within the floodway of a FEMA detailed study area. Any obstruction, including fill material, retaining walls, buildings, pavilions to...

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The Cost of Structural Engineering

The Cost of Structural Engineering

If you’re purchasing or remodeling a home or commercial building, one thing you don’t want to overlook is the structural integrity of the building. It may have a layout designed in heaven. It might have the best flooring in the neighborhood. But if your foundation...

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How Are Bridges Engineered?

How Are Bridges Engineered?

Bridges are very complex structures that must take into account many stressors throughout their service lives. From varying load sizes to weather conditions such as floods and earthquakes, bridges must be engineered to withstand many loads and forces, structural...

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What Kind of Engineer Builds Bridges? 

What Kind of Engineer Builds Bridges? 

”Building bridges” has become a popular metaphor for bringing people together. Socially speaking, it’s a worthwhile endeavor that usually yields fruitful results. But in order for bridge building to be successful, it requires thoughtful planning and consideration of a...

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Structural Engineer vs. Architect

This sounds like some kind of pickup basketball tournament. If I were picking odds on who would win, I’d go with the engineers — they are more likely to take high-percentage shots and play solid defense.  Most people’s questions about architects and engineers,...

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What Do Structural Engineers Do?

When you walk across a bridge, do you worry about it falling down? Whenever you ride an elevator in a skyscraper, do you hold your breath as you watch the floor numbers light up, hoping you make it all the way to the top? After you leave your car in a parking...

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Architect vs. Engineer vs. Contractor

This sounds like some kind of pickup basketball tournament, but it’s probably not going to be as popular as March madness! The question people ask about architect vs. engineer vs. contractor is whether you need one or the other, or two, or all three. In terms of...

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How Much Does a Structural Engineer Cost? 

This reminds me of a story G. K. Chesterton told of two men having a conversation. The first man said, “It’s raining.” The second replied, “What’s raining?” There ensued a violent conversation ending in a wonderful friendship.  So the question is, “How much does...

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Structural Engineer Building Inspection

Building inspectors generally will look at most properties that are being bought or sold to give the buyer peace of mind and the seller some freedom from liability if there are problems discovered with the home soon after the sale. But building inspector’s reports...

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Repair and Rehabilitation of Bridges

Repair and Rehabilitation of Bridges

Bridges should last at least 100 years if they are well designed and maintained. The materials used to construct modern bridges far exceed the quality of materials from even 40 years ago. Many of the newer bridges have precast components which are created in a...

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Types of Cracks in Concrete Structures

Types of Cracks in Concrete Structures

Non-structural cracks are generally caused by stresses that are induced internally. A simple example would be a weld that cracks without any applied stresses from loads because of “leftover” or residual stresses due to uneven heating of the weld and the members it...

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When Do You Need a Structural Engineer?

In short, structural engineers are needed whenever there is a problem to be solved, or a problem to be unraveled, with respect to a structure. Of course, municipalities and large institutions hire both architects and structural engineers when they are building...

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Effects of Cracks in Concrete Structures

Effects of Cracks in Concrete Structures

It is not uncommon to observe cracks in concrete structures, but all breaks aren’t the same. Several factors contribute to cracking. Some may not be a structural concern, but some may require direct attention. It’s essential to address these concerns because the...

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What Kind of Engineer Designs Bridges?

What Kind of Engineer Designs Bridges?

I had this exact question when I was a young man in the US Army. Fortunately, my father worked as a construction inspector for highway construction projects, and he was able to direct me to someone who helped in my journey. I found out which schools had engineering...

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Martin Russ at SPRAT Training

Martin Russ at SPRAT Training

Martin Russ, one of our bridge inspection team members, attended a Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) rope access training last week. Martin's skills as a rock climber along with this certification will allow our teams to inspect bridges not...

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