Costs for Service Life Optimization Part I: de Sitter’s ‘Law of Fives’
As engineers, our goal is to innovate and improve safety. Regular inspections of structures exposed to the elements often reveal issues that require costly fixes. The key to reducing future expenses? Service life optimization. By enhancing and extending asset longevity, we can cut costs and boost safety.
Simplifying Sustainability: A Proactive Approach to Navigating the Path to Net Zero
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the multitude of regulations and legislation focused on reducing carbon emissions in buildings? I certainly have. When I first entered the energy market over 15 years ago, I soon developed a deep passion around sustainability and was excited to see more and more state and local governments establish climate […]
Winning with the ‘New All 3’
“Better, faster, cheaper.” This is the old “All 3,” a timeless desire unlikely to ever change. It wasn’t long ago that our professional services provider response to All 3 requests was to “pick two”: We can design your project to be better and more cost effective, but it will take more time. We can pull […]
Parking Garage Inspection Laws
As engineering professionals, we continually seek ways to improve our industry, enhance efficiency, and ensure the safety of the public. One way that public safety is enhanced is through periodic inspection of structures susceptible to deterioration by the elements, including bridges, buildings, and facades. Today, I would like to focus on my specialty — parking […]
Sustaining the Skyline: Retrofitting Existing Structures for Sustainability
Ever looked at a city’s skyline and wondered what stories those structures could tell? How they’ve withstood the tests of time, weather, and now, the pressing demands of sustainability? Well, I sure have. On a brisk morning walk through downtown, amidst these towering figures, it dawned on me: why not dress the old in new, […]
AI in the AEC Industry – It’s Already Here in a Big Way
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Zweig: Minds and Machines Conference in Nashville, TN. The conference was a very interesting, in-depth look into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and the inevitable impact its implementation will have in our industry. It might come as a bit of a shock but at this very […]
How AI and ML Are Revolutionizing Engineering Design and Construction
As engineering professionals, we continually seek innovative ways to improve our industry, enhance efficiency, and ensure the safety of the public. Today, I would like to highlight some of the themes discussed in Episode 033 of the AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast, where Rob Otani, CTO at Thornton-Tomasetti, and I discussed how AI (artificial intelligence) […]
Planning and Execution: One Isn’t Enough
Through my work at the Engineering Management Institute, I have worked with many engineering companies with a focus on helping them grow their business. One of the biggest pitfalls that I have observed among these companies is the failure to be able to plan AND execute. Most companies can do one of these really well, […]
Engineer Your Impact: Strategies for Community Engagement and Outreach
“Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” ~ Shirley Chisholm Engineering is a field that thrives on innovation, problem-solving, and making the world a better place through technology. While engineers are known for their technical prowess, their skills and expertise can extend beyond their professional work and […]
Applications of Technology to Enhance Public Safety
As engineering professionals, we have a responsibility to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Part of this duty entails inspection and maintenance of existing infrastructure. Some jurisdictions require inspection and maintenance at periodic intervals to ensure that the public is kept safe while in and around these assets. For example, New York […]
