Using 3D Data Derived from Aerial Imagery in Preliminary Design Work (Print PDH from the April 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

At the most basic level, aerial photogrammetry is simply the process of extracting information about an object or landscape from aerial images. Once processed using photogrammetry software, 3D data derived from high-quality aerial imagery can drastically improve the efficiency, quality and accuracy of preliminary project design work.

Learn the benefits of using 3D data captured through aerial imagery in the preliminary design of infrastructure projects, including improved visualization, enhanced communication, better collaboration, increased efficiency and improved safety.

As seen in the April 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH042023

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Vertical Foundations | Supporting America’s Infrastructure (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired on March 21, 2023

Deep foundation systems are a crucial component of America’s infrastructure because they provide a stable base for building structures in areas where the shallow soil or rock is not strong enough to support the weight of a building. Deep foundations can reach deeper to stronger soil or rock layers, providing better support for the structure. They are commonly used in the construction of buildings, bridges, offshore platforms and other infrastructure projects as well as wind and energy projects, particularly in areas with challenging soil conditions. Deep foundations play an important role in ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the infrastructure, and therefore play an integral part in supporting the economic growth and development of the country….

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The Benefits of Utilizing a Continuous Moisture Management (Wicking) Geotextile Horizontally Within a Pavement Section

(Print PDH from the February 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

There are five key performance functions associated with typical geosynthetics (geotextile or geogrid) that determine performance in unpaved and paved roadway applications. In addition to these five key functions, geotextiles with wicking technology that offers continuous moisture management provide enhanced lateral drainage and continuous water management.

As seen in the February 2023 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH022023

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Michael Baker Uses Digital Tools to Streamline Bridge Design (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired January 24, 2023

The digital delivery transformation in infrastructure opens exciting opportunities for consulting engineering firms, but still presents many challenges. As the industry moves toward digitalization, state DOTs and other organizations face a critical question: how do contractors and other stakeholders utilize project information in a model without radically shifting the roles and skills of project managers, pre-construction engineers and site foremen?

The answer, according to Michael Baker International, is model-centric design and delivery. Instead of trying to shift from CAD to BIM overnight, Michael Baker uses model-based practices to deliver better CAD documents, meeting clients’ needs today while preparing their workflows and staff for a digital future. Using BIM-to-CAD model authoring tools, Michael Baker teams are now pursuing model-centric design in more than 25 states and working closely with software providers to build workflows bridging multiple vendors and disciplines.

Join experts from Michael Baker and their software partners at ALLPLAN to learn how they’ve worked together to build the tools and workflows for an accessible and scalable model-based design approach and hear why every engineering firm needs to get a jump start on digital delivery before it becomes a requirement.

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Evaluating Minimum Cover Depths of Flexible Pipes Subjected to Tracked Vehicular Loads (Print PDH from the December 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Piping systems are typically designed with the service loads in mind. Many utilities are subjected to highway loads, so the design vehicle frequently reflects a vehicle described by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design code such as an HS-20 or HL-93 truck. However, there are many other vehicular loads that the pipes will likely need to support as well. Many of these are loadings from vehicles used during installation of the utilities. Excavators, dozers, front-end loaders, roller compactors and other equipment are commonly used on projects that involve pipelines. Many times, these pieces of equipment are operating at cover depths less than the final cover that will support the highway vehicles. Contractors need to know how much cover is required to operate the various pieces of equipment they use on projects.

As seen in the December 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH122022

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Digital Delivery: Immediate Benefits for You and Future Benefits for the Industry
(Print PDH from the December 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Years in development (and in marketing!), the reality of digital project delivery is upon us. Evolving beyond its emergent stages, implementation of digital delivery practices is yielding measurable benefits today for a growing number of design firms, contractors, municipalities and transportation departments—even while overcoming adoption hurdles. In addition, evolving digital submittal requirements of asset owners and permitting authorities, coupled with the ongoing development of user-friendly digital delivery platforms, reveals future opportunities for those who chose to participate.

The concept of digital delivery (or digital project delivery) has been part of the construction industry lexicon for many years. In that time, the industry developed and improved its technology and learned to overcome many hurdles associated with changing from a decades-old 2D permitting and construction process to a more-efficient and collaborative digital-delivery methodology.

As seen in the December 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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Harness the Power of a Visual Twin with 360-Degree Reality Capture Technology (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired December 13, 2022

There’s no arguing that a digital representation of a construction site has been a game-changer for remote collaboration in the AEC industry.

However, replicating the site needs to be executed strategically according to the needs of different workflows. For example, what would an engineer or architect need to visualize the site vs. an owner who simply needs to track the progress of his or her project?

While the digital twin concept is being rapidly integrated into construction processes across the world to visualize a site remotely using 3D point cloud data, the “visual twin” concept may be the missing ingredient for simpler construction progress management needs.

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How 360-Degree Photo Documentation Builds Trust and Improves Client Relations (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired November 3, 2022

Capturing and documenting the jobsite is only half the battle. Communicating progress effectively with your team and clients is just as crucial to successfully see a construction project through to completion.

By taking advantage of cutting-edge 360-degree photo documentation technology, civil and structural engineers can now capture and communicate site progress through a centralized cloud-based platform. Reduce the need for onsite visits to save time, stay within allocated budgets and eliminate doubt from stakeholders.

In this webcast, learn how 360-degree reality capture technology is improving collaboration among teams through seamless and secure data-sharing. Within a shared SaaS platform, your team and clients can remotely access a virtual representation of the jobsite, ensuring everyone stays on track at every stage of the project.

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The Pace of Possible: Be Part of the Solution To Improved Efficiency With Digital Twin Technology (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired November 22, 2022

Who doesn’t want to make their life easier? Whether the goal is to simplify a tedious process to improve efficiency, or perhaps have more valid, accessible data to derive your safe designs, you can be part of the solution.

One of the things we hear most from our ecosystem is that changes in designs remain a huge challenge. Even if you aren’t trying to build a full-blown digital twin, there are ways to get started and not waste your time by using open, vendor-neutral, scalable platforms.

If we keep doing things the same way, where does that path lead? Have a charted course to a digital twin with an open development environment.

Engineering firms, developers and system integrators are solving previously costly challenges with APIs and machine learning.

Join us as we share solutions people like you have achieved in their digital transformation journey. Learn what others chose when getting started and see clear examples of how others are already using technology.

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Examining the Phosphorus Problem: What the Data Tells Us About Reducing Phosphorus in Stormwater (Print PDH from the October 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

In many parts of the United States, stormwater quality regulations are expanding to include treatment criteria for total phosphorus. Phosphorus is the second-most-regulated pollutant in stormwater runoff after total suspended solids. However, engineers and regulators are still learning how to remove phosphorus from stormwater to promote healthy waterways and meet agency requirements. This article will provide an overview of the current state of phosphorus treatment research and how this research can help guide decisions when specifying stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs).

As seen in the October 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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BIM for Infrastructure Adoption: Slow Progress Toward Improved Efficiency (Print PDH from the October 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Despite being on the market for decades, BIM adoption remains just under 40 percent, with minor increases year over year. For most firms that have adopted BIM, their goals are to increase efficiency, reduce errors and lower costs while offering expanded services. In pursuit of these goals, most firms struggle with learning curves, training staff and modernizing their workflows with BIM integration. Opportunities exist for firms that overcome these challenges and adopt BIM as an integral part of their operation.

As seen in the October 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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Management of Existing Railway Tunnels Using Digital Strategies and Technologies (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired September 28, 2022

The knowledge, preservation and maintenance of existing infrastructures are some of the most challenging matters facing modern civilization. It involves, in inextricable patterns, factors belonging to different fields coupled with the requirements of safety and operations.

For these reasons, it is fundamental to carry out digital strategies and technologies to know and predict the conditions of existing structures. The presentation is focused on existing railway tunnels in Italy, which has some of the highest and oldest tunnels in the world.

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A Dutch Approach to Coastal Protection (Print PDH from the September 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

The U.S. coastline is under attack! But not in the way many would assume; our coasts are under attack by the constantly changing environment, rise in sea level and increased severe-weather events. Although storms, floods and erosion have always been hazards, they now occur on top of higher sea levels. Combined with coastal development, these hazards now threaten approximately $1 trillion in real estate along U.S. coasts. According to the “2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report,” the average global sea level rose around 10-12 inches during the last 100 years and is predicted to rise an additional 10-12 inches during the next 30 years. With more than 60,000 miles of U.S. roads and bridges in coastal floodplains, coastal designers will need to work fast to protect our valuable infrastructure.

As seen in the September 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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EPD: Achieving Green Goals with Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) (Print PDH from the September 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

When we think of a steel mill, we might imagine a picture of dark skies, rusty exposed steel and billowing smokestacks. There is a long-held preconceived notion that steel mills are “dirty.” Not so! During the last 30 years, the steel industry has made major strides forward with modern technology and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In one sector of today’s steel mill, we will instead find cleaner and more controlled electric arc or induction furnaces, charged with increased amounts of scrap steel, less raw material and overall smaller production footprints. Steel mills are now surrounded by green landscapes, a sign of sustainability. Structural steel produced in the United States through this modern process contains an industry average recycled content of 93 percent. The most recycled material by weight in the world is steel, and it can be repeatedly recycled without the loss of metallurgical and engineering properties. For these reasons, steel is a premier green construction material and should be considered alongside any other material when designing for sustainability.

As seen in the September 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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Setting the Standard for Trash and Litter Capture (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired September 8, 2022

Trash in water bodies is a longstanding problem, and the last few years have seen a significant uptick in efforts to address the issue. These efforts include the implementation of several new technologies designed to capture trash, but information on how well these technologies perform has not kept pace with implementation. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) recently published E3332, a standard method for evaluating the performance of trash-capture technologies.

Users of the ASTM standard will have standardized, scientifically valid data on a variety of performance parameters for the tested trash-capture device. This will greatly simplify the task of comparing options and allow end users to better predict how a given solution will perform over its lifetime.

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Drywells Address Both Flood and Drought Stormwater Mitigation Challenges (Print PDH from the August 2022 Issue of Informed Infrastructure)

When it comes to stormwater mitigation, the United States is wrestling with urban flooding and epic droughts, and both come with a heavy price tag. Underground infiltration galleries and drywells are stormwater infiltration best management practices (BMPs) that effectively reduce runoff and help restore natural hydrology by promoting shallow and deep infiltration to recharge groundwater resources.

Such solutions must meet the needs of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit programs, including Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) pollution load reduction requirements.

As seen in the August 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH082022

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Sustainable and Resilient Structural Design Using RAM Software (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired June 21, 2022

Structural engineers can play a significant role in driving a better response to climate change, because building construction accounts for a significant percentage of annual greenhouse emissions.

Join Karl Gullerud and Seth Guthrie as they examine how small and medium-sized structural engineering firms can design more sustainable building structures using the tools offered in RAM structural analysis software from Bentley Systems. They will highlight recent software updates that help structural engineers deliver highly efficient and optimized building designs. You will also learn about emerging sustainability trends.

Structural engineers are essential for creating more sustainable and resilient infrastructure. See how RAM products can help you achieve those goals.

AIA Course ID: WebA06212022

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Transform Community Planning and Development with Engaging 3D GIS Solutions (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired on June 6, 2022

Houseal Lavigne Associates is an urban planning firm specializing in all aspects of community and economic development. Having worked with more than 400 communities across the United States, they incorporate illustrative and graphically compelling methods to communicate planning and development concepts.

Using ArcGIS Pro, CityEngine and Unreal Engine as well as traditional 2D and 3D CAD and BIM tools, Houseal Lavigne transforms GIS information into rich and immersive 3D environments.

In this webcast, Houseal Lavigne highlight their use of GIS, BIM, CAD and a range of visualization techniques to plan and design urban, campus and large-scale projects.

AIA Course ID: MayA05062021

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Proper Installation of Turf Reinforcement Mats, High-Performance Turf Reinforcement Mats and Anchored Systems in Erosion Control Applications(Print PDH from the June 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Erosion control solutions are a pivotal part of earthwork projects and site development. Whether being used for newly constructed roadway side slopes or remediating existing channels after seemingly more frequent rainfall events, Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) and High-Performance Turf Reinforcement Mats (HPTRMs) are versatile nature-based solutions for various erosion control applications. While overall design and historical performance of a solution are important, installation is critical. Achieving the expected performance from TRMs and HPTRMs starts with a proper installation.

This article presents the best practices for installation of TRMs, HPTRMs and Anchored HPTRM systems in erosion control applications.

As seen in the June 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH062022

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Infrastructure projects take flight with accurate, high-resolution imagery, data, and insights(Print PDH from the May 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Engineers, designers, operators, and owners of infrastructure and commercial facilities, private or public, are aware of most of the enormous advances in geospatial technologies such as global positioning, reality capture, GIS, BIM, digital twins, AR/VR, etc. Some of these have achieved deep, almost ubiquitous penetration into popular culture—satellite navigation available on any smartphone being a prime example.

Aerial imagery has long been a foundational component for infrastructure projects and location intelligence. It may seem that aerial views of Earth have been around for decades (they have) and haven’t changed much in all that time (definitely not the case)…

As seen in the May 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH052022

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Open-Source Technology for Infrastructure Digital Twin Development (Print PDH from the February 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

A digital twin is a realistic and dynamic digital representation of a physical asset, process or system in the built or natural environment. A digital twin gives you the digital context and visibility to analyze the past, monitor the present and predict future behavior to improve decisions and optimize results.

Why digital twins? Digital twins allow you to make data accessible and actionable to create the visibility and insights that make infrastructure sustainable and resilient, and better serve stakeholders.

As seen in the February 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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Integrating Engineered and Nature-Based Solutions for River Bank Stabilization (Print PDH from the February 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Palo Alto is the 13th-largest agricultural producing county in Iowa, with an estimated $468 million in crops and livestock reported in 2017. On average, each farm in Palo Alto County covers about 435 acres, and each acre is essential for the farm’s livelihood. Simply put, land is important and losing it to erosion is not an option.

The West Fork of the Des Moines River cuts diagonally through Palo Alto County, providing drainage for approximately 1,800 square miles of farmland. 485th Avenue and 425th Street intersect along the West Fork of the Des Moines River and are connected by the Kirby-Flynn Bridge, a historic pin-connected Pratt high-truss bridge dating back to 1881. During rain events, the Des Moines River often would flood in this area, causing erosion on an upstream bend and floodwaters to inundate the bridge, resulting in a more-than 24-mile detour for local travelers.

As seen in the February 2022 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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Design Considerations for Using Flexible Buried Bridges in Lieu of Conventional Bridges (Print PDH from the December 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Structural-plate buried structures consist of multiple metal plates that are corrugated, shaped to a specific curvature, hot-dipped galvanized (when made of steel), and bolted together in the field to construct large culvert or clear-span arch bridge crossings. After assembly, they are backfilled using granular soil to complete the bridge crossing. They are considered flexible structures that work via soil-structure interaction, where the structure and surrounding engineered backfill work together to support the design loads.

Structural plate has been in use for more than 90 years. It originally served as a large-diameter alternative to corrugated metal pipe (CMP) for use in hydraulic applications where CMP could not be efficiently built large enough to satisfy hydraulic requirements or where bottomless (arch- or box-shaped) structures were needed. Original corrugation profiles were relatively shallow (6” x 2” or 9” x 2.5”), which limited the available structural-plate span length.

As seen in the December 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH122021

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Surveys, LiDAR and Maps: How Kimley-Horn Solved Project Collaboration and Asset Management Challenges (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired November 16, 2021

Learn how Kimley-Horn, one of the nation’s premier planning and design consultants, develops and delivers public-facing GIS-based portals to clients for project recommendations and delivery.

Kimley-Horn will highlight its use of GIS tools and methods to develop collaborative solutions saving their infrastructure clients time and money while connecting teams and communities.

Included in the presentation will be real-world examples of  critical projects involving public and private development, where GIS reduced risk by connecting  stakeholders and increased the success of the project.

AIA Course ID: WebA11092021

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Is Your Accounting System Helping or Hindering Your Revenue Growth? (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired November 9, 2021

Most people think of accounting as a cost center. However, accounting can actually help grow revenue and become a profit center—if structured properly. Research shows that professional services firms lose 4-7 percent of revenue due to revenue leakage. With appropriate tools, you can capture that revenue.  Additionally, accounting can play an important role in supporting the revenue-generating activities of the firm to drive additional revenue.

Join us as Eldar Causevic, a 25-year veteran of growing professional services firms, shares his input on how to re-imagine your accounting investment and make sure it actively contributes to the growth of your company.

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Stream Crossing Replacement: A Case Study on Rural Hydraulics (Print PDH from the October 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Residents of urban and suburban areas of the country tend not to think much about how they travel to and from work, the store or a restaurant. However, those in rural parts of the country who live on a stretch of county roads with very few homes know that if it rains, the bridge may not be crossable.

Today, civil engineers typically build roads and highways in urban and suburban areas so they won’t be inundated with a rain event less than what’s considered a 100-year storm (Q-100), which means there’s a 1-percent chance the storm event will happen in any given year. When you live on a rural stretch of roadway, typically narrow with few other residents using the roadway, the design storm frequency the drainage structures will be unable to handle is much more common. In this example, the structure is designed to overtop the roadway during a three-year storm (Q-3), which means there’s a probability of the three-year storm event in one year = 1/F or 1/3 = 33.3 percent chance the runoff from the rainfall event will overtop the roadway. If you live down this stretch of roadway, you will be wondering if you can cross the drainage structure each time it rains.

As seen in the October 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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Digging Deeper into the Design of Joists (PDH October 2021)

This is a higher-level course having some deeper engineering content. The overall purpose is to have all engineers become more-informed steel joist specifiers, not to turn them into joist engineers. More-informed specifying engineers then can more-efficiently collaborate with New Millennium joist engineers early on a project. Together, we can then accelerate the process, cut costs and improve the project-delivery timeline.

AIA Course ID: PDHWeb2021

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Green Infrastructure Mimics the Natural Water Cycle(Print PDH from the September 2021 Issue of Informed Infrastructure)

The intent of green infrastructure (GI) is to mimic the natural water cycle during a stormwater event. Traditionally, when a site is developed, most runoff is directed toward a downstream drainage system and carried offsite. An undeveloped site allows infiltration and evapotranspiration, with some overland flow and runoff during heavy storms.

Green infrastructure provides decentralized Best Management Practices (BMPs) for treating stormwater by infiltrating it into the subsoil to reduce volume and flow, and doing so in smaller systems located throughout the site to treat water closer to the source.

As seen in the September 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH092021

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Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District realizes the Benefits of Digital Twins (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired August 24th, 2021

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) used 2D drawings and technology for design, construction, facility information, and records-management purposes. Accessing this information was inefficient and resulted in incomplete and outdated information for decision making. Drawings lacked the content required for asset lifecycle management and other critical business functions. To improve access of information, the district developed a Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Building Information Modeling (BIM) Vision with a goal to “create a scalable and maintainable solution for sharing WRF data that integrates with other systems.”

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The Fundamentals of High-Rate Biofiltration (Print PDH from the August 2021 Issue of Informed Infrastructure)

From California to Maryland, high-rate biofiltration continues to gain acceptance within the regulatory and engineering community as an acceptable alternative to traditional bioretention. These systems provide high treatment levels in a compact size (see Figure 1), making biofiltration feasible on sites where traditional bioretention is not possible. They have earned numerous agency approvals for meeting water-quality standards for post-construction best-management practices (BMPs). In addition, they benefit from being smaller in size, which saves valuable land space and reduces long-term maintenance costs compared to traditional bioretention.

As seen in the August 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH082021

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Reducing Flood Risks in Older, Established Neighborhoods – Master Planning and Detention (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired May 19, 2021

Reducing flood risk in older, established neighborhoods that were designed to less-stringent criteria than common today can be challenging. Developing a clear understanding of the existing conditions is key. Outside-the-box thinking can also be critical to developing cost-effective solutions. Join us as we examine master-planning efforts, discuss underground detention design and display time-lapsed construction videos for a flood-relief project in University Park, Texas. The webinar will also address project management and project delivery alternatives from the City Engineer’s perspective.

AIA Course ID: WebA05192021

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Integrate Accounting and Project Management to Streamline Operations and Improve Profitability (Print PDH from the June 2021 Issue of Informed Infrastructure)

The term “project accounting” isn’t familiar to many architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals because their firms revolve around meeting their client’s needs, the projects they’re awarded, and how those services are performed. In these types of service-based businesses, accounting often is a “back-office” consideration. But if AEC professionals want to run a better business, they need to perform accounting at a project level.

In effect, every project manager is a business manager: the CEO of his or her own little company. The company is the project, and AEC professionals should be held accountable for delivering what their clients expect—and to do so profitably. A lot of firms, however, don’t think about it this way. They don’t empower their project managers, nor make them accountable for the business side of their work. And why should they? After all, AEC professionals went to school to design and build incredible projects, not to run a business.

That’s where project accounting comes into play. By applying today’s business intelligence tools effectively, design and engineering firms can centralize and streamline the way they enter and use information for time tracking, billing, project management and accounting. And with recent advances in analytics tools and artificial intelligence, firms can leverage their software to transform data into actionable insights to support business decisions.

As seen in the June 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH062021

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The Value of GIS + BIM for AEC Owners: San Francisco Airport Profile (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired on May 6, 2021

Managing facilities has never been more challenging, and airport management is no exception. Between changes in passenger volumes, a dynamic regulatory environment, maintenance and expansion of infrastructure, increased security concerns, and the constant need to grow revenue, the considerations of airport management can be staggering.

Smart airports, like San Francisco International (SFO), are turning to the power of GIS and BIM to transform the way they address these challenges.

Join us on this webcast to hear how Josephine Pofsky, Director of Infrastructure Information Management at San Francisco International Airport, takes on the challenges of the airport’s Planning, Design and Construction Division’s Technology Visioning Program, focusing on research, development and deployment of practice technologies.

AIA Course ID: MayA05062021

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Composite Concrete Filled HSS: Design Considerations (Print PDH from the April 2021 Issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Filling steel Hollow Structural Section (HSS) columns with concrete achieves increased compression capacity through steel and concrete composite action. Additional benefits to concrete-filled HSS columns include increased fire endurance (research has shown up to 3 hours depending on the level of loading), reduction in the requirements for costly coatings for fire protection, and even increases in connection capacity in some configurations.

While engineers may be aware of these benefits, often questions arise about the practical aspects. Which type of concrete should be specified? What are the limitations? How are connections affected? This article provides guidance on the benefits of concrete-filled HSS with a primary focus on beam-column design. The 2016 Specification is used for this discussion and is referred to as AISC 360-16.

As seen in the April 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH042021

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How to Prepare Your Business for the Post-COVID World (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired March 30, 2021

The pandemic caught many businesses unprepared, forcing them to make — almost overnight — the technology and process changes that would quickly become their lifeline during the period of uncertainty that followed.

Join us in an insightful webcast led by Shafat Qazi, CEO and founder of BQE Software, as he discusses which technologies businesses adapted, which ones are likely to stay, and which technologies and processes will return when we come back to our offices. Shafat will also share the steps you need to take now to be prepared for the post-COVID era and how to convert the new challenges into business opportunities.

AIA Course ID: WebA03302021

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Why the Cloud?(Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired March 16, 2021

Data. We all need it and there are certainly many challenges to ensuring you have it at the right time in the right place. Spend your time and money where your expertise is most valuable.

No matter where you are on your digital journey, become informed or take simple steps to plan with trusted information and drive efficiency for improved ROI. Our experts will discuss real-world examples ranging from new mobile data collection to subsurface digital twins.

Join Scott Devoe, senior director, Geotechnical Information Management, Bentley, and Andy Hassett, Azure Solution Specialist, Microsoft, to see how engineers are taking calculated steps to improvement.

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General Motors & Walbridge: How High-Res Imagery and 3D Data Accelerated Engineering and Facilities Projects (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired March 3, 2021

Looking for ways to boost your project productivity and gain a competitive edge during these uncertain times? Learn how recent innovations in high-quality reality-capture programs enable General Motors and Walbridge’s GIS, engineering and visualization professionals to quickly identify ground conditions, create workflow efficiencies, improve facility operations, and enhance construction project visualization with instantly available truth on the ground.

In this webcast, representatives from General Motors and Walbridge will share real-world examples on how high-resolution aerial mapping can be applied to GIS, Engineering, Design, Construction and Facilities Management projects with vertical, oblique and 3D location data to help perform deeper analysis and make faster, smarter decisions.

AIA Course ID: WebA03032021

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Hydraulic Performance Benefits of Engineered Earth Anchors (Print PDH from the February 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Rapid growth in the construction industry, the removal of natural vegetation and an increased demand on our waterways has caused the problem of erosion to become a major yet often-overlooked issue in the world. The removal of natural vegetation during construction along with increased conveyance has caused erosion rates to rapidly increase.

Therefore, engineered solutions to mitigate soil erosion have become more critical to the overall success of infrastructure. A practical and cost-effective solution to the problem of erosion is to use a High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM). HPTRMs are geosynthetic materials that reduce erosion by retaining and protecting the soil below when in an unvegetated state as well as reinforcing vegetation as it establishes, greatly increasing the hydraulic limits of natural vegetation.

As seen in the February 2021 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH022021

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Prefabricated Modular Steel Bridge Solutions for Accelerated Bridge Construction (Print PDH from the December 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Many bridge owners today are burdened with narrow design windows, ever-shrinking design and construction budgets, and tight construction timelines. To serve these situations, we, as bridge engineers, often need to put away the finite-element model and instead rely on a classic, tried-and-true engineering design principle: KISS (keep it simple, stupid). Prefabricated modular steel bridges are founded on this principle by using simple materials, simple geometries, simple analysis models, simple erection equipment and simple installation techniques. However, even the simplest bridge designs require comprehensive engineering evaluation and analysis to maximize the structure’s performance at a minimal cost.

As seen in the December 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH122020

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State of the AEC Industry: How Will the Dust Settle? (Archived Webcast)

 Originally Aired December 15, 2020

The unprecedented global events of 2020 forced AEC firms of every size and discipline to quickly adapt to a model of workforce flexibility and economic survivability. Leaders placed emphasis on staff’s health and safety while reassuring clients they are capable of managing complex projects across remote settings and regulatory ambiguity.

Simultaneously, executives focused on cash-flow management while tapping into federal relief funds. But as offices steadily reopen, what can a resilient AEC industry expect heading into an anxious 2021? Steve Gido will offer “big picture” industry insights, highlight operational and financial trends and tactics, and discuss how firms are balancing a future of cautious optimism and limited visibility.

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Design & Application of a Pressure Sewer System (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired November 17, 2020

In today’s challenging economic environment, more engineering firms and municipalities are relying on the pressure sewer solution. Developed more than 50 years ago, pressure sewer systems have become a viable and appropriate alternative to conventional gravity sewers and septic tanks – both for residential and non-residential applications.

Whether you’re designing a new community or replacing a failed gravity sewer system, learn how pressure sewer systems are ideal for almost any terrain: flat, wet, rocky or hilly. And discover how to sewer previously unserved areas and unlock difficult land using pressure sewer technology that is both environmentally sensitive and economically sensible.

This must-see webcast includes design, case study, installation and O&M content, which will prove useful to anyone involved in the decision making and execution of a collection sewer program or for those searching for alternatives and improvements to traditional gravity sewer systems or for septic-to-sewer replacement projects.

AIA Course ID: WebA11172020

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Galvanized Steel Myths, Misconceptions & Trending Uses (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired October 27, 2020

Everyone knows hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel provides corrosion protection, but when properly specified, HDG also is used for its other advantageous engineering and architectural properties. Recent studies and applications have dispelled common misconceptions, updated engineering properties and expanded its use as an aesthetically pleasing coating.

This webcast will explore the real story regarding HDG Fasteners on the Bay Bridge, recent studies and data relating to HDG slip factor and slip critical connections, and HDG steel’s use in Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS) applications.

AIA Course ID: WebA10272020

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The False Equivalency When Using Pipe Stiffness to Compare Flexible Sewer Pipe (Print PDH from the October 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Buried flexible sewer pipes come in a variety of materials. The most common in the United States are corrugated metal (CMP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), centrifugally cast glass-fiber-reinforced polymer mortar (CCFRPM or fiberglass), solid wall polyethylene (PE), steel reinforced polyethylene (SRPE), corrugated PE and polypropylene (PP) pipe. Design engineers often seek simple ways to compare between all of these different materials. It is easy to categorize the various materials by use of simple acronyms such as CMP, HDPE, PVC, etc.

For hydraulics, the Manning’s (n) value is utilized. For joint tightness, referencing the requirements of ASTM D3212’s 10.8 psi water tightness is the most common. In pressure applications, there are pressure ratings. It is more difficult, however, to find a simplistic way to quantitatively compare structural performance or pipe strength. One of the most common ways to attempt to compare structural performance is the use of pipe stiffness.

As seen in the Octobet 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH102020

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The Case for Leveraging the Model to Digitize Heavy Civil Construction (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired September 29, 2020

Join Rich Humphrey and Corey Johnson as they examine the current reality of project delivery in the civil construction industry and why civil construction projects still lag building and industrial projects in the use of BIM in project planning and delivery.

They will present a technology breakthrough that enables civil design models to be used to create construction models that will transform the way civil project teams plan and deliver projects. Model and location-based scheduling, estimating, work planning and field tracking will enable civil construction teams to win more projects, optimize resources, minimize re-work, reduce risk, and drive increased productivity and efficiencies by leveraging construction models into everyday workflows.

AIA Course ID: WebA09292020

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Designing Manufactured Treatment Devices (MTDs) with Maintenance in Mind (Print PDH from the August 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Manufactured Treatment Devices (MTDs) are similar to non-proprietary stormwater BMPs in that they must be maintained so they perform as intended. However, the majority of effort and focus is placed upon the initial design and construction of stormwater treatment facilities, with little thought as to how these systems will be maintained long-term. The property owner, in all cases, is left responsible for the consequences of decisions made by others during the design and construction phases, nearly all of whom have moved on to new projects after the construction phase of the project is terminated.

This is changing, as civil engineers are now placing more importance on the long-term maintenance costs associated with MTDs. To serve the best interest of their clients, not only does the specifying engineer have the responsibility to select and design the stormwater BMP that meets the site’s structural and regulatory requirements, they also have a responsibility to consider long-term cost of ownership as well as initial capital costs.

As seen in the August 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH082020

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Solving Infrastructure Challenges through GIS and Civil BIM (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired September 17th, 2020

AEC firms are tasked with the engineering, construction and management of our critical infrastructure.  They have historically been challenged to bring CAD, BIM and GIS together to improve the waterways, roadways, and infrastructure we require to live our lives.  These data, applications and professional expertise have been siloed, limiting the productivity, accuracy and collaboration of project teams.

Radical transformation of the working environment is changing the way AEC firms deliver work to their clients and to their community. Work processes are becoming more digital with growing demands for productivity and a distributed workforce. AEC firms that are able to adopt digital workflows to plan, design, build and operate will thrive.  Others will fail!

With the ArcGIS platform AEC firms are able to easily obtain, share, and analyze data, saving time and resources.  ArcGIS improves coordination and efficiency, brings AEC projects to life through geographic context, and enables teams to engage and collaborate.

AIA Course ID: WebA09172020

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Adapting to the New Normal: Remote Collaboration Trends Mid-Size Design Teams Should Watch (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired August 27, 2020

Recent events have accelerated an existing, growing trend in the AEC industry toward remote design collaboration. As projects only grow more geographically distributed and complex, it is vital that design project leaders keep their teams connected to information and each other – especially those on small and mid-size teams needing to remain as efficient as possible in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Join our webcast to learn how mid-size design teams are adapting to the new normal of remote design collaboration, to deliver projects faster, and with less risk and rework.

AIA Course ID: WebA08272020

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Harness the Power of GIS in Civil 3D, InfraWorks, Revit & Beyond! (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired July 28, 2020

Ever wonder what you can really use GIS for? Looking to increase your understanding of GIS integrations? Learn what GIS is, where you can get it for free and paid, how you can create a map and share/access it inside of InfraWorks, Civil 3D, Revit and more.

In this webcast you will learn to use Civil 3D to import utility GIS data and convert it to a Civil 3D Pipe Network. Find out what GIS platform works best for you. Most importantly, you will stop hand drawing existing utilities & start harnessing the power of GIS data and bring it into your workflows.

AIA Course ID: WebA07282020

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Prepackaged Pump Stations Provide Optimal Solutions for Wastewater, Stormwater and Industrial Applications (Print PDH from the June 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

Pump stations (also known as lift stations) are an important and ever-growing part of the U.S. infrastructure. All drainage, whether wastewater, stormwater or industrial, takes advantage of gravity for the longest distance feasible by the given topography. In most cases, the gravity opportunity runs out before the required destination. At this point, the media needs to be collected and lifted via pumps and a force main to its final destination or to a new location where gravity can again take over. The number of pump stations is increasing across the country because of a reduction of septic systems, expanding mandates to manage stormwater, and an increasing need to develop in flat, low-lying areas.

As seen in the June 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH062020

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Digital Twins Help Utilities Optimize Water Infrastructure Management (Print PDH from the May 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

As a water utility, you are facing a range of problems in your efforts to provide reliable, resilient and affordable water systems. Some of the most common concerns are rising electricity prices; aging assets and infrastructure; increasing water scarcity and loss; growing urban populations and shrinking rural ones; and extreme weather events resulting from global climate change, including hurricanes, floods and droughts. Fortunately, there are similarly wide-ranging solutions to many of these problems, from public-private partnerships to conservation awareness to smart water technologies. Increasingly, utilities are adding digitalization to this list.

As seen in the May 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH052020

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Civil 3D and InfraWorks Workflows (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired April 14, 2020, this PDH has expired

Join Ron Couillard, Sr. Technical Specialist at U.S. CAD, to dive into best practices and back and forth workflows for Civil 3D and InfraWorks.

Attendees will come away with:

– An overview about the new InfraWorks environment with the ribbon

– How to bring preliminary design data from InfraWorks into Civil 3D

– How to create and change design data in Civil 3D and push back out to InfraWorks

– Knowledge of new features to increase design efficiencies and productivity

AIA Course ID: WebA04142020

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Why 3D? (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired March 5, 2020

This archive webcast has expired.

Should you design and analyze in 3D?

For today’s infrastructure demands, geotechnical considerations are coming to the forefront. As infrastructure assets are crucially linked to subsurface environments, they are vulnerable. Learn why 3D analysis is not only important but crucial.

Engineers involved in safe design traditional analyze in 2D. As trends and technology advance, users now have access to new accepted methods in 3D analysis which are emerging as a more robust and more accurate form of solving stability challenges, allowing a more rigorous calculation for the true factor of safety or probability.

AIA Course ID: WebcastA03052020

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The Environmental Benefits of High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mats (Print PDH from the February 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

This PDH has expired.

When selecting erosion control solutions, High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mats (HPTRMs) offer environmental benefits that other erosion control technologies—such as rock riprap and concrete—can’t offer. During design, it’s important to consider factors such as hydraulic performance, durability, economics and environmental impacts. Sustainability and resiliency are becoming more important in project design, with emphasis being placed on the environmental impact created by materials. Erosion control solutions should be designed to provide a low environmental impact to achieve long-term performance and overall project success.

This article presents the environmental benefits of using HPTRMs as an erosion control solution.

As seen in the February 2020 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH022020

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Predicting Performance in Articulating Concrete Blocks: Block Geometry (Print PDH from the December 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

This PDH has expired

When left uncontrolled, water has created the deepest of canyons and destroyed countless properties. Sediment transport in streams and rivers is inevitable, but erosion must be controlled in critical areas for safety and economic reasons. Stream restoration and stabilization may require the use of armoring countermeasures to provide lateral or vertical stability to a stream. Articulated concrete block (ACB) revetment systems provide permanent erosion protection against the hydraulic forces of moving water. They are used when vegetation, soil remediation or other forms of hard armoring are unstable or unsuitable for a given hydraulic event or where the consequence of failure is not acceptable.

As seen in the December 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH2_122019

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Helical Piles: Best-by-Test Foundation Solution for Traffic Signs, Bollards, Emergency Call Boxes and Airport Taxiway Lights (Print PDH from the December 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Although it’s difficult to find official estimates for the number of traffic signs in the United States, given the near-ubiquity of signs (e.g., Stop, Speed Limit, Yield, Do Not Enter, One-Way Road, Railroad Crossing, Wrong Way, No U-Turn and many others), it seems safe to put the number in the hundreds of millions. And that doesn’t count “non-sign” regulatory objects such as call boxes, bollards and airport taxiway lights.

As seen in the December 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH122019

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Project Management Insights from the Project Engineer’s Perspective (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired December 11, 2019, this webcast has expired

A thoughtful conversation between Sabrina A. Wing, P.E., of Power Engineers Collaborative LLC, and Christine Brack, PMP of ChrismarGroup, on how they achieve better workflows and productivity in project management.

As construction projects increase in scope, complexity and cost, it is critical to ensure your team can efficiently collaborate on design work and effectively manage large volumes of project information. Learn from two industry experts on how to improve your ability to manage the ever-increasing complexity of construction projects.

Join this webcast to hear Informed Infrastructure speak with a panel of practicing design project leaders about their journeys in going digital and the benefits they realized.

AIA Course ID: WebcastA121119

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Shorten workflows by 50% in Residential Site Development (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired November 13, 2019, this webcast has expired

As a site designer you are always working against the clock, whether you’re trying to win a bid or trying to keep your current project on schedule/budget.

You need the ability to layout neighborhoods quickly without tedious manual work so you can look at more design options to deliver the most optimized financially feasible solution to your clients.

OpenSite Designer introduces speed and automation to residential parceling with the use of parametric design, smart objects, and optimization.

Join Senior Product Manager David Settlemyer to learn how you can reduce the time it takes to layout a neighborhood by 50%.

AIA Course ID: WebA11132019

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Introduction to Designing and Sizing Hydrodynamic Separators (Print PDH from the October 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

This PDH has expired

For decades, hydrodynamic separators (HDS) have been used as a primary treatment device for stormwater. While these systems have been in use for many years, sizing and designing an HDS system can be challenging and confusing. Performance targets, sizing methodologies, confusing performance calculations from manufacturers, online vs. offline placement, and other factors must be considered for proper design and functionality of an HDS system.

As seen in the October 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH102019

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The CEO Series: Greg Bentley on the Evolution of Engineering Software (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired September 25, 2019. This webcast has expired

AIA Course ID: WebcastA092019

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Practical Digital Workflows for Addressing Key City Initiatives (Print PDH from the August 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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With urbanization and the continuous threat to infrastructure from climate-related forces, it is time for cities to seek solutions to help minimize the chronic stress on current infrastructure as well as mitigate, respond to and recover from acute shocks from these recurring events. As cities continue to advance “smart” initiatives, city leaders continue to challenge city departments to digitally advance in support of those initiatives. But there still are information silos inhibiting collaboration and information sharing, which slows initiatives and creates an uneven pace of digital advancement across city departments. The digital city is data-centric using a city-wide digital twin to improve infrastructure and deliver services. All data owners/users benefit from an open and connected environment. Bentley Systems offers a comprehensive set of solutions to help cities manage the data associated with and generated by their infrastructure assets.

As seen in the August 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH2_082019

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The Appropriate Use of Engineered Earth Solutions (Print PDH from the August 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Multiple technologies are available for stabilizing and protecting steepened slopes, banks, and levees. Engineered Earth Solutions are innovative technologies that use geosynthetic materials and natural vegetation to reinforce earthen structures, providing increased geotechnical stability and reduced erosion. It is important to understand the different design requirements and geometric limitations of these technologies in order to optimize the solution for your project. What is the most efficient solution for the project? How steep of a slope can be built or protected with these systems? How does normal water level in a channel affect the overall design? Can the in-situ soil be re-used on the project?

As seen in the August 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH082019

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Long-Span Composite Floors: Engineered Options for Multi-Story Project Design (Digital PDH from August 2019 of Informed Infrastructure)

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Today’s variety of long-span composite floor systems requires the specifying engineer to understand their differences and how to optimize the unique advantages of the particular chosen system.

Three fundamental system configurations represent the range of long-span composite floor options on the market today. The designs of all three systems are based on the principle of composite action and the integration of steel and concrete structural elements. By understanding and leveraging the structural distinctions of these systems, the engineer can take full advantage of the specified system.

PDH August, 2019

AIA Course ID: PDHWeb082019

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Precast Structural Alternatives for a Green Solution (Print PDH from the June 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Concrete plays an integral role in urban development, from the fabrication of underground sewer lines to the construction of bridges and interstate highways. However, this development increases impervious surfaces that, in turn, generate more stormwater runoff, which often carries pollutants produced by the activities that occur on the impervious surfaces. These pollutants can include trash and debris, sediment, nutrients, dissolved metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons. Increased stormwater runoff also can erode and degrade the urban streams that ultimately receive the flow and may cause flooding issues for existing development downstream. The quality and quantity of stormwater runoff can threaten wildlife, natural systems and aesthetics. Fortunately, concrete also is part of the solution to these problems.

As seen in the June 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH062019

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Introduction to CJ Series Steel Joists in Floor Systems (Print PDH from the June 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Composite and noncomposite steel joists are utilized to support concrete floor systems. This article highlights the use of Steel Joist Institute (SJI) CJ-Series composite joists. SJI CJ-Series composite steel joists utilize shear studs welded through the steel deck to the underlying top chord angles of the steel joists (see Figures 1 and 2). Steel joist top chords typically are fabricated utilizing hot-rolled or cold-formed steel angles. A typical 1-inch horizontal gap between the top chord angles requires that the shear studs be welded to the top chord horizontal legs on either side of this gap.

After the concrete is placed on the steel deck and allowed to cure, the concrete slab acts as a compression chord element for the steel joist. Installed welded shear studs transfer the horizontal shear between the concrete slab and steel joist.

As seen in the June 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH2062019

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Introducing OpenSite Designer, Create Optimized Site Designs in Days – Not Weeks! (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired April 16, 2019. This webcast has expired

Say hello to OpenSite Designer. Bentley System’s new comprehensive site design application that is changing the game for the Site Design Industry.  Join Senior Product Manager David Settlemyer, P.E., as he reveals the benefits of OpenSite Designer and how its new innovative technology will advance the project delivery of site development projects of all types, large or small.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can rapidly develop site designs, mitigate risk, lower construction costs, and meet all your project requirements.

AIA Course ID: WebA04162019

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Practical Design Considerations That Can Extend The Service Life Of Metal Buried Bridge And Culvert Structures (Print PDH from the April 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Buried bridges can be described as a buried structure with a clear span of 20 feet or greater that supports an embankment and engages the passive support of the backfill material surrounding it. There are many different types of buried bridges used in highway construction. Some solutions are constructed from concrete; others utilize steel or aluminum in their designs. Buried culvert pipes utilize the same passive soil support and share many similar issues that impact the service lives of these structures.

Buried structures frequently offer advantages over traditional slab bridges. Pavement design and maintenance are simplified with buried structures, as the same pavement design used in the roadway profile can typically be utilized over the buried structures. Buried pipes and bridges often provide accelerated design and construction schedules as compared to conventional bridges. Because buried structures help dissipate surface live loads, they frequently can utilize full inverts or shallow foundations and eliminate the need for piling or other deep foundations commonly used in conventional bridge construction. All of these advantages often lead to lower installed costs as well.

As seen in the April 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH042019

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NEW Tools for Comprehensive Erosion Control and Revegetation Specifications (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired March 14, 2019. This webcast has expired

A major issue facing the construction industry is out-of-date and generalized specifications that allow for inferior or unsuitable erosion control products on their projects. Specifying appropriate erosion control solutions is essential for project success, sustainable vegetation, and notice of termination.

With numerous erosion control solutions available, it is pertinent that site conditions are considered when defining appropriate erosion control measures. The presented specification tool incorporates new industry technologies and will be demonstrated to select and specify appropriate erosion control measures. Utilizing this specification builder will ensure the products specified are customized by the designer to meet unique project needs.

AIA Course ID: WebA03142019

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Engineering a Permanent Road Foundation (Print PDH from the February 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Unbound aggregate materials are the largest transportation infrastructure asset for most state and local Departments of Transportation (DOTs). This asset is used in road bases and subbases as well as for surfacing of unpaved roads. Unbound aggregate layers also are the most vulnerable transportation infrastructure, as these layers are subject to premature failure due to deterioration, contamination and adverse hydraulic conditions.

These “out of sight, out of mind,” underappreciated and often under-engineered layers are the subject of this PDH article. The loss of support of unbound aggregate results in full-depth reconstruction, a total loss of the aggregate assets, and road downtime with traffic congestion and construction-related traffic accidents.

Readers will be shown improved best-management design practices and how to preserve unbound aggregate assets to enhance the performance of these layers. Use of the correct aggregate and a separation/stabilization geotextile can construct a Permanent Road Foundation (PRF) so full-depth reclamation and total reconstruction may be avoided. The quality of aggregate enabled by the selection of the proper geotextile will maximize the cost effectiveness of these now-permanent road layers.

As seen in the February 2019 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH012019

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Advances in Model-Centric Earthwork and Quantities with OpenRoads Designer (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired December 18, 2018. This webcast has expired

In this wecast, we will discuss and demonstrate the latest tools to model, measure, and report on earthwork and quantities in OpenRoads Designer. You will see how to create and analyze a 3D earthwork model and report on the results.

We will look at several methods of capturing and reporting quantities, including component quantities, element quantities, end area volume, and by named boundary.  This session will cover the practical tools and techniques you need to maximize productivity!

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Design Considerations for Wildlife Crossings (Print PDH from the Nov/Dec 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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The term “wildlife crossing” describes a variety of structures that are designed or retrofitted to provide safe passage for wildlife above or below a highway. Although wildlife crossing structures are not standardized designs, they can be categorized as two major types: overpasses and underpasses. Structures often are built in combination with fencing to increase their effectiveness.

Each crossing is designed to serve the target species for a specific location or accommodate the majority of species in an area. When wildlife crossing structures are designed for motorist safety, the target species typically are large ungulates such as moose, elk or deer. Other wildlife crossings are designed for species with high conservation concern, such as salamanders, desert tortoises, flying squirrels or kit foxes.

As seen in the Nov/Dec 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH122018

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Guidance for Designing External Stormwater Diversion Structures (Print PDH from the Sep/Oct 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Months of design, pages of specifications, and tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars may go into the design of a single bioswale, filtration basin or other stormwater treatment system. So why do engineers spend so little time thinking about the flow-control devices that make them work? This article focuses on the design of external stormwater diversion structures—an integral component of a complete stormwater management system.

As seen in the Sep/Oct 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH_092018

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Designing, Modeling, & Labeling ADA Compliant Ramps With Civil Cells (Print PDH from the September/October 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Designing ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps for installation in new or rehabilitated roadway intersections is a common task for civil engineers and other designers. Common, but not routine; adapting the ADA guidelines to particular situations can be tedious, and it’s very possible to make mistakes that lead to change orders and rework. In fact, non-compliant ramps are so common that redesigning ramps for reconstruction also is a common task for designers.

As seen in the September/October 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH092018

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Seismic Behavior of Helical Piles in Dense Sands( Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired July 19, 2018. This webcast has expired

Helical piles are being used in seismic regions of the U.S. and other countries, yet there remains much confusion regarding the state of practice and building codes for this pile type. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that piles with comparatively small cross-sections and high anchoring capacity, such as helical piles, could be beneficial for seismic resistance due to their slenderness, higher damping ratios, ductility, and resistance to tip uplift. Results from the premier full-scale seismic shake table testing program on helical piles in sands will be discussed.

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How to Design a Culvert Reline Project (Print PDH from the May/June 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Culvert replacements are a common reality for all owners of drainage infrastructure and a routine part of maintenance and expansion projects on federal lands, roadways and railroads; state department of transportation (DOT) roadways; and at the local level with county, township and municipality owned transportation corridors. Fortunately, culvert rehabilitation via relining has gained momentum as a viable alternative to culvert replacement when dealing with aging drainage infrastructure. Whether an owner of a culvert wants to take a traditional design and delivery approach or conduct the work themselves, the construction methods of many reline options can be performed by parties whose normal work activities don’t include reline construction. In addition, most methods can be performed by in-house maintenance teams or entities who do more traditional open cut drainage work.

As seen in the May/June 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH2_052018

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Addressing Project Complexity (Print PDH from the May/June 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Project complexity and cost often grow in tandem. Both can be mitigated by the early selection and detailed engineering of the structural steel building system. This course, developed as an easy-to-read article, will give you a working knowledge of structural steel building systems and the ways to drive down the various costs of complexity, regardless of scale.

As seen in the May/June 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

AIA Course ID: PDH_052018

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Improving Firm Profitability Through Business Intelligence (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired May 31, 2018. This webcast has expired

“Business intelligence” might seem like a buzzword or outlandish concept, but the truth of the matter is that it’s here to stay. You already have the option of knowing exactly how your firm is doing and consistently making the right decisions to dramatically increase profits.

You just have to use the right tools.

Join Shafat Qazi, CEO & founder of BQE Software, to understand how business intelligence opens up a whole new world of possibilities for engineering firms and how to harness its power. You’ll discover practical applications of cutting-edge technology that will both boost short-term profits and position your firm as a front-runner in the years to come.

Plus, Qazi will introduce you to BQE Software’s award-winning innovation, BQE Core. You’ll see how principals, partners, CFOs, and project managers are using platforms like Core to streamline their daily tasks, gain a distinct competitive advantage, and grow their companies like never before.

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Evaluation of Media-Based Stormwater Filtration Systems (Print PDH from the March/April 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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There are an increasing number of commercial and structural media-based filtration systems available to engineers and regulators to meet the need for effective and space-efficient stormwater treatment. As part of the due-diligence process, these individuals must understand and evaluate the design, functionality and ongoing operational requirements of the systems. This paper addresses fundamental media filtration evaluation criteria that, when taken together, provide a framework for comparing and contrasting different stormwater filtration systems. Consideration of these criteria is recommended prior to specifying or approving a system.

As seen in the March/April 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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Engineered Earth Armoring Solutions: An Alternative to Rock Riprap (Print PDH from the January/February 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Engineers are tasked to provide solutions for infrastructure challenges in the most efficient manner possible. One must balance standard practice with innovation to constantly improve effectiveness and efficiency. Rock riprap is an accepted traditional solution for erosion control and slope stabilization, but there are other alternatives.

Engineered Earth Armoring Solutions™ (EEAS) are environmentally friendly and economical erosion control solutions designed to provide significant hydraulic performance improvements over rock riprap. An EEAS consists of a High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM) in combination with Engineered Earth Anchors™ (earth anchors), and is designed to meet a project’s hydraulic, geotechnical, design life, environmental and economical needs.

As seen in the January/February 2018 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Post-Construction BMP Strategies (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired January 31, 2018. This webcast has expired

Join us for this webcast as we address best practices for integrating green infrastructure into stormwater designs and Post-Construction BMP strategies.  Bill Wood, PE, and John Helfrich, PE, ENV, SP, Associate Civil Engineers for SmithGroupJJR, will present a case study on green infrastructure at Loyola University Chicago’s Lake Shore Campus: Restoring Hydrology through Campus Redevelopment.  Chad W. Brensinger, PE, LEED SP, Project Manager at Charles E. Shoemaker, Inc., will present a case study on an automobile dealership development in Willow Grove, PA.  The presentation will cover stormwater best management practices used at the dealership to provide several levels of water quality and flow reduction to minimize local stormwater runoff issues, localized flooding and stream bank erosion.

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What Your Fabricator Wishes You Knew About HSS (Print PDH from the November/December 2017 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

This PDH has expired

Some engineers may be scared off from designing with Hollow Structural Sections (HSS) because they think—or have been led to believe—that HSS construction is too expensive. In actuality, HSS members can be very price-competitive with wide flange construction if the engineer keeps in mind certain things during design. The following information will give designers the knowledge to specify efficient HSS designs.

As seen in the November/December 2017 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

Content Provided by Steel Tube Institute

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Connecting Design and Construction for Architecture, Structure and MEP (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired January 11, 2018. This webcast has expired

BIM initially gained traction with design professionals; to iterate more fluidly, analyze options more objectively, and produce better documentation. Today, an increasing number of MEP and structural contractors and fabricators are using BIM to improve detailing, fabrication, installation and handover activities. The research by Dodge Data & Analytics presented in this webcast focuses on:

• How BIM is being effectively used to connect design professionals with fabricators and contractors.
• The business benefits being generated by using BIM to integrate the complete design-to-delivery workflow for structural and MEP as an efficient, collaborative digital effort.

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Profiles in Steel: Understanding your options for better building design and construction(Print PDH from the July/August 2017 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Architects and structural engineers today have access to an unprecedented range of steel building system options. Within your reach are system solutions that are tried-and-true as well as innovative and new. While certain systems may not be very familiar to you, they are all well proven in the building design and construction marketplace.

The following will give you a working knowledge of today’s range of steel building systems, the market trends that are driving them, and the prevailing design and engineering criteria used for systems comparison and selection.

As seen in the July/August 2017 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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Free Registration Required or Existing Members Can Log In

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Designing Dam Embankments with Articulating Concrete Block Systems (Print PDH from the January/February 2017 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Dams are called “installations containing dangerous forces” in International Humanitarian Law; there is potential for great destruction to people, property and the environment in the event of a dam failure. The forces that make dams dangerous also provide essential benefits such as drinking water, flood control, power production, irrigation and recreation. Holding a balance between destructive forces and essential benefits lies, to some degree, in protecting the dam from soil erosion when an overtopping event occurs.

As seen in the January/February 2017 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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Helical Design: Code Compliance and Effects of Seismic Activity (Archived Webcast)

Originally Aired March 1, 2017. This webcast has expired

Helical piles and anchors have been used in construction applications for more than 175 years. The first recorded use of helical piles was in 1836 by Alexander Mitchell in England. The helical pile industry has seen substantial growth in the last 20 years as most practicing engineers have recognized the strength, versatility, and many applications of the system.
The popularity of helical piles has grown so much, the International Code Council (ICC) established acceptance criteria AC358 for helical piles in 2007. ICC inducted helical piles into the International Building Code in 2009. However, helical piles were barely mentioned in undergraduate and graduate civil engineering studies.
The presentation will cover the design, applications, and building code requirements of helical piles.

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Recommendations for Bioretention Media Qualification (Print PDH from the November/December 2016 issue of Informed Infrastructure)

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Engineered bioretention media is optimized to filter and/or infiltrate stormwater runoff through a plant-soil-microbe complex. A successful bioretention installation involves oversight—not just onsite, but having a framework in place for transferring raw materials to a blended, commercially installed product. Read this “instruction manual” on how to successfully implement a bioretention media strategy. Then take the accompanying quiz to receive continuing education credit.

As seen in the November/December 2016 issue of Informed Infrastructure magazine.

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