Civil and Construction Presentations - Spring 2021

Superstructure Design for the 100th Street Bridge over US-131

The existing bridge encountered several collisions due to a low clearance between US-131 and the bridge. Thus, an effective redesign was necessary. The superstructure component of the bridge was successfully designed, while implementing comparisons of prestressed concrete and steel girders. Traffic volumes and common vehicles axel types were studied to establish bridge dimensions and load requirements. While mainly considering construction and structural design, a traffic control plan was also successfully obtained to safely re-route traffic throughout the construction process. Construction schedules, cost estimations, and useful quantities were also considered to complement bridge design and site logistics.

Water Main Design for Thomas Farms Residential Community

A 40-acre parcel of land located in Dewitt township was purchased and developed into residential housing. Hydraulic analysis and other design work for the development were performed using Innovyze InfoWater and ERSIGIS to produce a water main design. A preliminary cost estimate and preliminary construction schedule for the water main distribution system was developed using the RS-Means database and Microsoft Project. The installation of this water main system ensures that all the residences have an adequate source of water and fire protection. Its addition will also be extending the existing system creating additional tapping locations for potential community growth.

Structural Design of a New Concessions Building for Forest Hills Public Schools

Concessions buildings serve as the hub for all sports complexes, so it is extremely important that one can serve its community to the fullest. Structural design software such as Revit, Risa 3D and Tekla Tedds were utilized to design beams, columns, lintels, bearing walls, retaining walls, and footings to ensure the safety of the community. Design begins with analyzing how loads will act on the new concessions building, then by following a top to bottom and side to side approach while designing all structural elements. Ensuring the safety of all community members who use the concessions building is the highest priority of all structural engineers.

Alpena Blair Street Pier Redesign Project

The Blair Street Pier in Alpena, Michigan needs to be replaced. Rising sea water and high storm surges are battering coastal infrastructure, and this pedestrian pier in Lake Huron is no exception.  The project included a design of pier pilings, a pier scour analysis, and the design of superstructure elements.  An engineer’s cost estimate and life-cycle cost analysis were also performed.  The project is permitted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE). The completed project will be a resilient pedestrian pier that will last for generations.

Medical Service Facility Site Development in Portage, Michigan

Efficient planning consists of studying an area and adapting available space to the community’s needs. A medical service facility was proposed by the City of Portage to accompany a new senior center being built.  A plan was developed for the facility site incorporating sufficient space for parking, a drive-thru lane for the pharmacy, and to allow proper drainage for storm runoff.  Given dimensions of the building, two site layout plans were developed using AutoCAD.  Traffic analysis and pavement design were performed along with stormwater runoff design and storage calculations.

Red Arrow Highway and Union Pier Improvement Project

Union Pier has become one of many destinations for tourists in Michigan, but the roads leading to it were not particularly tailored for pedestrians and the storm sewer system became inadequate.  A road diet was implemented to make the area more tourist friendly by redesigning the roads and adjusting aspects of the intersection for pedestrian safety.  Storm sewer calculations were also performed.  With less vehicles on the roadway, the locals and tourists of Union Pier can navigate through the area uninterrupted by the Red Arrow Highway and the storm sewer upgrade will contribute to the safety and ensure the longevity of the area.

Design of 2-Story Parking Structure in Alpena, Michigan

Additional parking was needed to accommodate the growing population and business popularity in downtown Alpena, Michigan.  A two-story parking structure at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Water Street was designed using structural analysis software.  The parking structure design included spaces for over 100 vehicles and had to account for the owner’s requirement that all or part of the structure could be easily converted into office space in the future should the parking needs of downtown Alpena change.

Abby Farms Multi-Use Site Development

The owner of a 195-acre property located in Pavilion Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan was interested in developing the site to create a multi-use site. The multi-use site includes several individual industrial lots, a multi-family development, and a new road running through the property connecting Sprinkle Road and O Avenue. Several engineering skills were utilized to develop the site layout, cost estimation, and design alternatives. Alternatives include the design and cost estimation for two different road layouts: a single road that will service both proposed uses and two separate roads that will service the industrial and multi-family uses separately.

Re-development of Kalamazoo’s Emerald Park

The City of Kalamazoo wants to upgrade Emerald Park to better suit the community's needs by making the park more accessible and neighborhood friendly.   The upgraded park design includes a new gazebo and picnic area, restrooms, playgrounds, walkways, and a soccer field.  Engineering software was used to design and analysis alternatives for the City.  Cost estimates and preliminary construction schedules were also completed.

Intersection improvement at Springport Road & Rives Junction Road in Jackson County MI

The evaluation of an intersection in Jackson County included possible upgrades to the intersection of Rives Junction Road and Springport Road for safety improvements, which has been the subject of a higher-than-expected rate of crashes. Options included an analysis of a sustainable intersection improvement that reduces wait times for traffic, which would reduce the carbon emissions from vehicles. The traffic on Rives Junction Road had to stop and wait for traffic on Springport Road, which had a free flow condition. The best option to improve these issues of the intersection was to design a roundabout.