The Critical Role That Storm Water Management Plays in Enhancing Everyone's Lives

Even today, the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina continues to haunt New Orleans. Concern still lingers that another hurricane might hit the area in the future, only to send the community back into a spin once more. This is why various companies are implementing innovative storm water management practices intended to keep the city above water should a force of nature strike again.

As urbanization continues to spread across America, the imminence of more storm water runoff is a frightening reality. As previously open, vegetated spaces are displaced by concrete and structures, the storm water dilemma will only grow in its severity.

Storm water runoff originates from many sources, natural and manmade. In urban settings it ends up flowing overland instead of seeping into the ground, where plants and trees manage its volume and filter it before it enters waterways. If there is no effective substitute for natural processes, excessive storm water can cause significant waterway pollution throughout the country. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2oDoPCk

Structural Engineering Firms Have the Right Stuff to Combat the Forces that Tug at Buildings

Behind every strong structure that has withstood the test of time is a remarkable team of structural engineers. A structural engineer is trained to make sure that buildings and other structures are able to withstand any gravity load or lateral load they might encumber. These licensed professionals concentrate on the framework of structures to determine if they will remain secure, stable and safe throughout the duration of their use.

This is why for every construction project that occurs around the country, a structural engineering firm will always be brought in for consultation. They provide technical advice that determines if construction plans can proceed accordingly or modifications need to be made. To give you a better idea, following are a number of services that structural engineering firms can assist with in your construction project.

Site Investigation

Prior to the start of a construction project, a structural engineering company can conduct a survey and investigation of the site. This enables them to determine the suitability of the earth for the specifications of the proposed structure. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2oXFG62

CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS CAN HELP MUNICIPALITIES ADDRESS SEWER SYSTEM PROBLEMS

One can’t separate the state of Louisiana from water. With all the rivers and bayous found here, bodies of water are part of life in the state, where people derive their livelihood and where they go for leisure.

However, the line between urban life and nature is a delicate one, and can be easily disrupted. Take for example the recently reported case of wastewater leakage in Mandeville. According to a NOLA.com report, a broken sewage pipe has caused a spike in fecal coliform levels in Bayou Castine.

The sewer leak coincides with Mandeville’s opening of a new section of beach off Lakeshore Drive, which naturally generated safety concerns among residents and local officials.

Challenges in Wastewater Management 

In a lot of ways, the development of the sewer system is one of the most important achievements in human history. After all, the system safely conveys wastewater away from the community. Without it, no civilization would have flourished. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2oLobCx

THE ROLE OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES IN RENOVATING HISTORIC BUILDINGS

It’s official: one of New Orleans’ historic buildings will be given a second lease on life. Reports have revealed that the historic headquarters of the New Orleans Public Service, Inc. will be reinvented as a luxury hotel with 217 rooms.

The reinvented headquarters, which will be renamed the NOPSI Hotel, is expected to open in Spring 2017.

One thing worth noting is that this will not be a demolition job, but rather a renovation of the site. A representative from the developer said that “a meticulous restoration returns each space to its previous splendor, including the building’s street facades, cast iron rails and stone panels.” Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2oLobCx

CIVIL ENGINEERING FIRMS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT PROPOSED REVIVAL OF NEW ORLEANS-ORLANDO RAIL LINE

Homes weren’t the only victims of Hurricane Katrina—New Orleans’ infrastructure was heavily devastated as well. One of these casualties is the New Orleans-Orlando rail line, a vital route that connects the two cities.

However, according to Amtrak and other officials, there are plans to reconnect the daily service passenger train more than a decade after Katrina damaged the railroad tracks. This announcement gives further momentum on the plans to resurrect the line. In 2015, Congress authorized a $500,000 study on the best way to re-launch the line.

The study found that it made the most economic sense if Amtrak’s trains traveled to Orlando daily, while making pit stops at Mobile, AL, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville, FL. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2p62Wiu

AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT CIVIL ENGINEERING COMPANIES CAN DO FOR YOUR UPCOMING PROJECT

Unless you’re standing in the middle of nowhere, you’ll see evidence of a civil engineer’s handiwork everywhere you turn. So if you’re planning almost any type of infrastructure project, you’ll most likely have to work with a civil engineering company.

That said, civil engineering companies offer a wide scope of services that encompass various industries. Take a look at some specializations that you can consult a civil engineering firm about.

Transportation Engineering 

Civil engineers may be involved in the design and construction of many types of transportation infrastructure. This can include roads, streets, highways, bridges, piers, railways and even airports. Their expertise ensure that the design would be efficient, convenient and safe. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2oLoUUi