Civil and Construction Presentations - Fall 2020

Parking Structure for the Hilltop Village Development

Western Michigan University plans to modernize their main campus with the Hilltop Village Development and a significant challenge on the campus is the availability of parking.  To address this challenge a new parking structure was designed.  This structure is situated between the student recreation center and the fieldhouse providing adequate parking at an ideal location. The functional design, structural materials, and a cost estimate were analyzed to determine the most optimal construction path. The new structure will be a significant asset to the Hilltop Village Development.

Blanche Hall Park 

Now, more than ever, ensuring sustainability of our natural landscape is critically important. A design to maintain Blanche Hall Park, a historical land plot in Kalamazoo, has been developed, and the design helps protect wildlife that inhabit the city. Within the park space, people have easy access to visiting Portage Creek, seeing deer and squirrels in their natural habitat, and enjoying the lush greenery. A pavilion with restrooms, lighting, and bench seating was designed for patron convenience and safety.  Preserving the historical and natural aspects of the park was the top priority for this park restoration project.

Frays Park Redesign

Frays Park is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Kalamazoo, Michigan and  neighborhood residents have long wanted a picnic pavilion added to the park.  The pavilion was designed to address this request and additional playground equipment for children aged 2 through 5 was also designed to complement the existing playground for older children.  To further increase community awareness of the park, the four main entrances to the park were re-designed including improved signage and updated landscaping. Other design alternatives considered included a soccer field, basketball courts, and exercise equipment.

Dr. Decker Hains, P.E., PMP, F.ASCE

HOUSING PRE-FABRICATION AND RESOURCE OPTIMIZATION

Enclosure during construction is often time-consuming, expensive, and at the mercy of the weather.  By introducing methods for manufacturing prefabricated enclosure components such as wall panels and roof sections, the impact of the three major variables was reduced.  Designs for trusses, roof sections, wall sections, and foundations were developed and selected using civil engineering principles; and manufacturing and logistical processes were optimized using engineering and project management skill sets.  These multi-disciplinary efforts were combined to create an accessible and versatile set of designs and instructions that can improve the effectiveness of both a skilled and non-skilled volunteer workforce.