Code Update: New Manual Simplifies Steel Deck on Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design
Although cold-formed steel (CFS) trusses and steel deck applications have been available for years, many designers continue to use either plywood deck on CFS trusses or design steel deck applications in the same way they would plywood, without taking full advantage of steel deck’s capabilities. This lag has been due in large part to a lack of comprehensive, user-friendly information sources on how to implement steel deck on CFS trusses, as opposed to wood deck on CFS trusses or steel deck on...
Project Management Insights: Setting Goals that Get Results
We are nearing the end of the year, and firms soon will be asking personnel to establish their goals for the new year. Although sometimes tiresome, it is an important exercise—especially for firms that are learning organizations, tie incentive compensation to improvement and focus on professional development. I’m working with a client that’s taking a closer look at how they develop project managers (PMs). Currently, their PMs loosely perform in the role while principals control most of the mo...
From the Editor: Who Will Build the Infrastructure We Need?
Back in 2016, both presidential candidates promised a massive spending bill to rebuild America’s aging infrastructure. In February 2018, the White House released what it referred to as a “blueprint” that would invest $250 billion in public funds, with the goal of spurring additional private investment totalling $1.5 trillion. In late-summer 2018, it was announced that any real action on an infrastructure bill would have to wait until after the midterm elections. Although most in our industry agr...
Thoughts from Engineers: Initial Reactions from the Water Infrastructure Act of 2018
America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA 2018) or S. 3021 was signed into law by President Trump on Oct. 23, 2018, and outlines an ambitious course of action with respect to the nation’s navigable waterways and built water infrastructure. (To read AWIA 2018 in its entirety, visit bit.ly/2KBK9o6.) The law provides more than $6 billion in funds for a range of water infrastructure projects, including navigation; ports, harbors and inland waterways; wetland and ecosystem restoration; flood p...
Executive Corner: Passing the Torch: Succession Planning Fundamentals for A/E Firms
With a huge number of baby-boomer leaders preparing to retire, we’re witnessing the next generation of industry CEOs being promoted to lead their firms. Almost every week, we see press releases showcasing new A/E CEOs taking the reins from their predecessors—the evolutionary process often touted in a seamless and deliberate manner. Unfortunately, not every organization is prepared for this transition. Whether it’s the founders’ desire to hold on for control or ego reasons or simply a lack of...
Final Thoughts: Project Management Often About ‘Common Sense’
I begin this column knowing I may offend some people in project management, because my contention is that project management of engineering projects isn’t that complicated. Project management relies on common sense we all use every day in our lives (with some additional paperwork). Managing a project can be simple and requires sound practical judgement. I think about when I was much younger and was preparing to build a model car. A step-by-step process might look like the following: • Deci...
ReEngineering the Engineer: Patience Is a Virtue
My dad passed away about a year and a half ago. Being the oldest of three children, it was my task to help put together the eulogy for the service. I knew I wouldn’t be the one reading it (those types of potentially emotional talks are not in my repertoire), but I wanted to capture some of the things our family remembered about him. I ended up soliciting the grandkids (and my two siblings), asking them what one thing they remembered most about their grandfather. Fortunately, there was plenty of...
Legal Issues: When (and How) Should a Mediator Evaluate a Case?
Construction is a rewarding business, but it’s also challenging and risky. Most larger projects involve dozens of companies, complex design and construction issues, compressed schedules, and tight budgets. So despite efforts to avoid them, it’s not surprising that construction has its share of legal claims and disputes that can distract management and staff, destroy business relationships, and damage the bottom line. Mediation can help resolve construction and other business disputes quickly...
Project Management Insights: When Everyone Is a PM, No One Is a PM
About 10 years ago, the #lifegoal in the industry was to become a Principal within one’s engineering or architecture firm. With that position came prestige, owner perks, financial and professional security, and decision-making authority on strategic matters. Managers were eager to trade in bonuses for any number of shares offered. Seats filled up quickly at seminars that taught “the business of the business.” This trend soon brought unique challenges, and we consulted around those, too. Owner...
Executive Corner: Is It Time for a Shareholders’ Agreement Tune-Up?
A well-crafted shareholders’ agreement is the foundation of any professional service firm’s ownership transition plan. In privately held firms (which make up the vast majority of firms in the A/E industry), this is the document that governs how ownership is transacted by and between the company and its shareholders. A good agreement will speak to virtually any circumstance that may arise, and specify the obligations of the company and shareholders in each circumstance with respect to ownership....
Video: Crashes Drop Measurably After Rural Road Safety Improvement Project on US 521 in Lancaster County
AdventHealth Weaverville Hospital
June Issue 2026
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