Civil and Construction Engineering Senior Design Presentations
MILHAM PARK RENOVATIONS
by: Sara Al Saadi, Benjamin DeVries, Tristan Richarson, and Stephen Timmer
Sponsor: The City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Department, Patrick Mcverry
Faculty Advisors: Decker Hains, Ph.D., P.E. and Yufeng Hu, Ph.D., P.E.
Milham Park is a popular destination for picnic goers and nature lovers in the Kalamazoo area. This 110-yearold park has structures and wetland areas that require renovation and new designs. This project includes plans for the removal of a weir in the Portage Creek, the construction of new playgrounds, and renovation of a large picnic shelter. HEC-RAS was used to model hydraulic flow of the Portage Creek. Several design options for the playgrounds and picnic shelter were considered. All of these improvements will be designed to keep Milham Park a sustainable and beautiful historic icon in Kalamazoo.
WMU MAIN CAMPUS PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS
by: Noah Bushaw, Kevin Dwyer, Parker Foote, and Jonah Henckel
Sponsor: WGI, Greg Ehmke, PE
Faculty Advisor: Xiaoyun Shao, Ph.D., P.E.
Student parking congestion has been a rapidly growing issue on Western Michigan University’s Main Campus. The development of a new, multi-level parking facility near the Haworth College of Business will be designed to match the parking demands while improving traffic flow in the area. Project elements include a detailed design of the parking structure to ensure a pedestrian and automobile friendly environment. The project will provide adequate parking spaces to meet the growing demands of WMU students and faculty in the future. These improvements will not only increase transportation safety but also add an aesthetically pleasing feature to the landscape.
WESTNEDGE AVENUE FLOOD CONTROL AND RETENTION POND EXPANSION
by: Khalid Alquraini, Alex Hoelscher, Adam Jacqmain, and Carl Rasch
Sponsor: Portage Transportation and Utilities
Faculty Advisors: Hexu Liu, Ph.D. and Decker Hains, Ph.D., P.E.
Significant flooding occurs frequently on South Westnedge Avenue near Portage Drive in Portage, Michigan. A hydrological analysis was performed to determine design flow rates and an additional storm sewer was designed to divert water from the road to an existing retention basin located east of the area. Design modification to the existing retention pond was made to accommodate the increase in demand. This project will alleviate the flooding and improve vehicular safety in the area.
M-26 REALIGNMENT OVER THE FIRESTEEL RIVER
by: Ethan Carpenter and Kyle Provost
Sponsors: Fishbeck, Inc. – Chris Sikkema and Michael Vought
Faculty Advisor: Valerian Kwigizile, Ph.D., P.E.
Annual bridge inspections have identified the bridge over the Firesteel River as structurally deficient and in need of immediate replacement. There were no viable detours for traffic around construction, so the design requires a vertical and horizontal realignment of M-26 to match the new bridge, which will be constructed adjacent to the existing structure to allow traffic to continue to use M-26. A full plan set was prepared along with quantities and estimated cost. The completed project retires the existing bridge before failure and allows for continued use during and after completed construction.
KALAMAZOO RIVER VALLEY TRAIL-SEGMENT 6
by: Carolyn Nauta, Andrew Wright, and Jacob Zahm
Sponsor: AR Engineering, Whitney Pizalla and Jason Raleigh
Faculty Advisor: Valerian Kwigzile, Ph.D., P.E.
As the public starts to focus on more environmentally friendly living habits, the demand for more nature trails and bike paths has risen. This section of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, located in Galesburg, Michigan, will be designed to incorporate the needs of the community by considering different trail layouts, materials, and parking options that would make the most economic and sustainable sense. The stormwater management system and affected culverts was assessed and redesigned to accommodate the new trail. This new addition to the trail is part of the Kalamazoo County master plan to connect two existing trails and ends in Fort Custer in Augusta, Michigan, with the eventual goal of connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. This trail will benefit the local economies and increase the activity levels of the surrounding citizens.
RAWSON’S KING MILL PARK FLOOD MITIGATION
by: Moosa Al Balushi, Jason Parker, and Thwin Zan
Sponsor: Fleis & VandenBrink, Jeff Wingard
Faculty Advisors: Upul Attanyake, Ph.D. and Decker Hains, Ph.D.
Rawson’s King Mill Park is a historic, picturesque park where St. Joseph County’s restoration efforts are being threatened by flood waters. To protect the mill and neighboring residence, a fill of the flood plain, new adjustable spillway design, and flood gate were designed. Due to these major changes, alternative designs to the landscape and pedestrian bridges were developed. All design alternatives comply with ADA, FEMA, EGLE, and St. Joseph County regulations.
SITE DEVELOPMENT-5341 SOUTH 9TH ST, KALAMAZOO, MI
by: Shon’Quase Dawkins, Nelson Hatheway, Christopher Henry, and Scott Morris
Sponsor: Stonefield Engineering & Design, J. Reid Cooksey
Faculty Advisors: Decker Hains, Ph.D., P.E. and Sid Bhandari, Ph.D.
The owner of 5341 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo, Michigan is interested in re-developing the site to create business opportunities for potential tenants. The surrounding area includes many industrial businesses, hotels, and recreational facilities that attract customers. Various engineering skills are used to develop the site layout, calculate cost estimations, and analyze design alternatives. Alternatives include comparing a multi-tenant building to separate buildings, stormwater drainage options, and concrete as opposed to asphalt for the parking lot. The completed design provides the owner with a variety of choices that will best suit their needs.