Public Works articles from December 2004

Public Works archives from December 2004

Cry wolf.(Editorial)
December 1, 2004... Many years ago, while I was finishing my bachelor's degree at night, I worked as the "chief engineer" (actually head maintenance man) of a 15-story hotel in downtown Denver. This building had an open fourth floor parking structure with large,...

FHWA announces Excellence in Highway Design awards.(DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION)
December 1, 2004... The 2004 Federal Highway Administration's Excellence in Highway Design awards were announced at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Annual Meeting in Philadelphia on Sept. 18. The honorees include historic...

Construction starts on Canadian e-waste facility.(News & Views)
December 1, 2004... GEKO Recycling Technologies Inc. hosted a sod-turning ceremony at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre to signal the start of construction of Canada's largest metals and electronics recycling facility. The $30 million facility will process...

Enter the Excellence in Environmental Engineering awards.(News & Views)
December 1, 2004... The American Academy of Environmental Engineers is now accepting entries for its 18th annual Excellence in Environmental Engineering competition. Entries representing diverse areas such as wastewater treatment, hazardous waste remediation, and...

Senate passes landfill gas tax credits.(News & Views)
December 1, 2004... The Senate in October passed a corporate tax bill that includes a landfill gas (LFG) tax-credit measure. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law, according to the Solid Waste Association of North America. The bill, H.R. 4520,...

NYC awards sanitation software contract.(News & Views)
December 1, 2004... PC Scale Inc., Oxford, Pa., has been awarded a contract to provide customized point-of-sale software for driver-assisted scale data management systems for New York City Department of Sanitation transfer stations beginning with phase one, where...

Company explores Los Angeles MSW treatment.(News & Views)
December 1, 2004... The city of Los Angeles Department of Sanitation has charged URS Corp., San Francisco, with evaluating technologies for converting its municipal solid waste into electricity, fertilizer, protein, chemicals, or other useful byproducts. The first...

Water Resources Academy becomes reality.(News & Views)
December 1, 2004... The American Academy of Water Resources Engineers (AAWRE) opened its doors at the American Society of Civil Engineers Annual Conference in Baltimore. AAWRE is dedicated to improving the practice, elevating the standards, and advancing the...

Nevada DOT calls for 1-15 corridor designs.(News & Views)
December 1, 2004... The Nevada DOT has contracted Parsons Brinckerhoff, New York, to prepare environmental studies and preliminary designs for improvements to the 1-15 corridor north of the "Spaghetti Bowl" interchange in Las Vegas. The DOT's Northeast Corridor...

AwwaRF awards research contract.(News & Views)
December 1, 2004... Black & Veatch has received a contract from the American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF) to identify and evaluate the costs, benefits and risks of complete water treatment plant automation. The 22-month research project...

Elections could affect transportation programs.(RULES & REGULATIONS)
December 1, 2004... According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), the major question for the transportation construction industry following last month's election results is, "What does this mean for the reauthorization of TEA-21?"...

Republicans gain in '04 election.(RULES & REGULATIONS)
December 1, 2004... Republicans increased their edge over Democrats in both branches of Congress; both houses have one Independent member. Source: ARTBA Senate House* Governors** Before After Before After Before...

Foundation names top transportation professionals.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2004... The American Road and Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation (ARTBA-TDF) has published "America's Top 100 Private Sector Transportation Design & Construction Professionals of the 20th Century," a book that...

Regional governments win mobile grants.(COMMUNITY)
December 1, 2004... ESRI and Trimble have awarded a total of $170,000 in their Mobile Government Grant Series program. The software, hardware, and training grants were given to 20 state, regional, and local governments within the United States. The grant called...

FHWA demos pedestrian-accommodation devices.(RULES & REGULATIONS)
December 1, 2004... The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) partnered with the American Traffic Safety Services Association to sponsor the first Pedestrian Accommodation and Delineation Devices Demonstration at the FHWA's Turner-Fairbanks Research Center on...

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.(PEOPLE)
December 1, 2004... Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day--part of Engineers Week--is designed to increase interest in engineering among girls and young women. On Thursday, Feb. 24, thousands of women engineers and male colleagues will take time to demonstrate to...

AWWA commissions lead study.(RULES & REGULATIONS)
December 1, 2004... The American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF), with support from 21 participating utilities and other entities, has commissioned a team led by HDR Inc., Omaha, Neb., and Economic and Engineering Services Inc. (EES),...

Engineering firm wins brownfield design award.(OPERATIONS)
December 1, 2004... MACTEC Engineering & Consulting, Alpharetta, Ga., and Atlantic Station LLC, Atlanta, were awarded the 2004 Grand Prize Phoenix Award for Atlantic Station as the best brownfield redevelopment project in the country at the recent National...

Researchers track arsenic contamination.(OPERATIONS)
December 1, 2004... Virginia Tech geosciences and biology researchers are examining where arsenic occurs in water, how it is getting there, and how to prevent it. Since health data have demonstrated that arsenic is a carcinogen, the United States standard for...

E-swimming with the big fish.(Ideas & Opinions)
December 1, 2004... From the California wine country to the to the cliffs of Maine, the nation's growing network of small, rural drinking water treatment systems are bound by a common thread--the need for up-to-date capacity development and regulatory information...

Looking at all the costs.(Ideas & Opinions)
December 1, 2004... Recently I came across the Editorial Viewpoint in PUBLIC WORKS' November 1999 issue that addressed the "flip side of road construction." The article discussed a Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP) report entitled "Road Work Ahead: Is...

America's best public works: the American Public Works Association (APWA) awards annually its projects of the year. Of the 14 winning projects, public works magazine selected a few to look at a little more closely. In these pages you'll read about the people behind five great projects.(Special Report)(Cover Story)
December 1, 2004... A fine dam project Dams and locks on the North Canadian River, Oklahoma City A penny saved is a penny earned. Or, in this case, a penny taxed is a project funded. Oklahoma City's dynamic river environment is on the rise, thanks to Paul...

Estimating capital costs: an effective way to assess maintenance costs.(Asset Management)
December 1, 2004... As a manager of your city's or county's facilities, you need a way to assess the condition of these facilities and to determine the cost to maintain them. This method needs to be low-cost, repeatable, auditable, and have the ability to be...

Funding street lighting: one county works to implement its street lighting program.(Infrastructure Maintenance)
December 1, 2004... Over the past few decades, Hillsborough County, Fla., has experienced a rapid increase in population and urban growth. This growth has resulted in a demand for traditional public works services in the county's unincorporated areas, which are...

Upgrading RBC plants a smart move.(Products Solving Problems)
December 1, 2004... When pondering the options for improving an older rotating biological contactor (RBC) facility, carefully consider how the existing plant can benefit from current expertise--such plants can be upgraded to maximize performance for a fraction of...

Modeling streambank protection.(Products Solving Problems)
December 1, 2004... Each year, new discoveries are made of the impact that human activity and infrastructure have on the environment. Structures that perform well in stabilizing streambanks and decreasing pollution of our nation's waters by reducing erosion are...

PW forum: answers to vexing questions.
December 1, 2004... Answers in this section are from PUBLIC WORKS' reader panel, a select few "know-it-alls" who volunteer their time to answer your questions. If you have a question or are interested in contributing your expertise to this column, please contact...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
December 1, 2004... Mentioned in our November Trendsetters article (page 24), Charlie Hales (No. 16) is currently with HDR's Portland, Ore., office. PUBLIC WORKS regrets the error.

InstALERT Rapid Messenger[TM].(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The instALERT RAPID MESSENGER[TM], the first ultra-portable variable message sign, weighs just over 40 lbs. Unfold from 3" X 28" X 30" to a 2.3' X 5' full matrix display. Communicate in just minutes using preprogrammed or customize instant...

Trench shield system.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Efficiency Production, Inc. provides a versatile and lightweight alternative in trench protection. The Build-A-Box modular aluminum trench shield system can be assembled in minutes to a wide variety of configurations. This flexibility enables...

Storm drain markers.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Almetek is pleased to introduce the only storm drain markers with a 30-year warranty. Our embossed stainless steel and brass discs come with a 30-year legibility warranty and are virtually indestructible. Almetek supplies a wide variety of...

Crosswind Fury sweeper.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Elgin's new Crosswind Fury sweeper unites regenerative air technology with a compact body, setting a new standard for municipalities that want powerful cleaning without needing a full-size sweeper. The Fury offers the same efficient cleaning...

HYDRA-TAG system for fire hydrants.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Assured Flow's HYDRA-TAG is a custom tagging system for hydrants. This durable identification system is made from corrosion resistant brass. Steel stamps are available for custom numbering or lettering. The HYDRA-TAG attaches securely to bolts...

Godwin Heidra[R] 100TD hydraulic submersible pump.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Designed for heavy duty dewatering applications, this 4-inch hydraulic submersible features a top discharge design that enables the pump to be lowered into a 19.5" diameter opening. The Heidra 100TD achieves maximum flow rates to 800 gpm,...

Hobas pipe for direct bury.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... HOBAS pipe is ideal for direct bury because of its high stiffness, which minimize deflection at very deep cover depths. Inherent corrosion resistance makes the fiberglass reinforced, polymer mortar pipe extremely long lasting. HOBAS...

Wood recycling equipment.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... This firm is known for its heavy-duty forestry, recycling, tree care, and sawmill equipment. Offering nine models of tub grinders and four models of horizontal grinders, as well as whole tree and brush chippers, trommel screens, and a new dry...

Gravelpave2 system.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The Chicago Department of Environment and the city Department of Transportation rebuilt an asphalt alley using a permeable system. The new alley has eliminated formerly chronic flooding without using the sewer system and reduced the heat island...

Hook lift mounted asphalt patcher.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... PB Unitized Asphalt Patchers are now available mounted on a hook lift subframe. Hook lift mounting enables multiple bed applications with a single truck chassis. Switching truck beds lets municipalities with only a seasonal pothole patching...

Distance Measuring Instruments.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... JAMAR Technologies has 3 new models of their already popular RAC Series vehicle installed Distance Measuring Instruments. The RAC-PLUS I, PLUS II and PLUS III are smaller (2.3"H X 7.8"W X 1.19"D) while maintaining their proven high intensity...

Automatic Tarping Systems.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The A2100 Air Tarping System features 1 1/4 solid steel shaft moves both arms simultaneously. Two double-acting cylinders activate arms in both directions. In-cab controls for simple operation and driver safety. Constant air pressure keeps arms...

RPM-227.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Our latest model, the RPM-227, is a 2 stage twin auger type self-contained heavy-duty snow blower utilizing a 350 hp Diesel Tier 2 electronic engine. The RPM-227 has a snow clearing capacity up to 3000 tons per hour. With a weight of only 9850...

Manhole Channel System.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The RELINER[R] Manhole Channel Repair System is molded fiberglass flumes and pipe sections used to rehabilitate inverts without flow interruption and can also be used in new construction. Field-installed modular components bolt together with...

Portable Locator.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Radiodetection's Portable Locator product group includes the RD4000 locator system (pictured) that is destined to become the industry standard in cable and pipe locators. This multi-frequency locator, up to 16 frequencies, is web-enabled to...

Water-filled barricade recycle your old pool!(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... We fix old pools, gutter and decks as well as provide a full range of pool and deck equipment. Product offers include: RenoSys PVC Pool Shell, RecDeck Recreational PVC Flooring, SoftSide Safety Padding, ToughDeck PVC Flooring, FuturaPool...

Inside drops.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... INSIDE DROPS for Sanitary Sewers eliminate outside drops, clean up failed inside drops and are excellent as stormwater drops and in wet wells. Compact, low-profile bowls and stainless brackets are simple and cost effective, reduce maintenance...

External seals.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Made from high quality EPDM rubber, INFI-SHIELD[R] external seal prevents Inflow and Infiltration in manholes or catch basins. Having excellent adhesion properties, INFI-SHIELD[R] is bonded with non-hardening butyl mastic. Being one continuous...

Carrydeck Cranes.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Shuttlelift Carrydeck Cranes are available in 8.5, 10.5, 15, 18, & 20 ton capacities and in main boom lengths ranging from 21' to 67'. Some features on our cranes include; 4-wheel steer, extremely compact machines allowing them to maneuver in...

PowrLiner 8900.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... If your Striping application includes both single-gun and double-gun markings with more paint output than any other popular brand of portable linestriper, the PowrLiner 8900 is the striper for you. It's heavy-duty airless fluid system produces...

New brochure for Municipal Managers.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Municipal Managers use the full range of Crisafulli dredges to clean lagoons of wastewater sludge or biosolids, to remove water treatment residuals and settled solids, and to maintain holding capacity of stormwater overflow ponds. Visit Online...

Leaf Loader.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... The Trackless Leaf Loader is the most advanced and efficient leaf loading machine on the market today. Advantages include: faster pick up, mulching capabilities, fewer loads to landfill, heavier truck loads, less traffic congestion, and reduced...

Pivoted Turnbuckle Manhole Riser.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Our "Pivoted Turnbuckle" is the most Efficient, Powerful Expandable Manhole Riser on the Market. American Highway Products Ltd. Manhole riser is used to reduce cost and stream line the adjusting of utilities to the new grade when paving a road....

Portable variable message sign.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... The instALERT portable variable message sign provides unmatched officer and citizen safety at an accident scene or emergency situation. This full-size, full-matrix electronic message sign can be dispatched from the back of a vehicle and set up...

Message sign system.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... Brick Trak keeps road maintenance crews safe by enabling personnel to manage a dynamic message sign system from a safe position on the roadside. It can be mounted on spans, cantilevers, roadway bridges, and other new or existing structures. The...

Flagger workstation.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... The J-4 Flagger's Workstation improves safety by keeping workers away from traffic. The unit features 6-inch wheels in front, 8-inch wheels in back, and four retractable outriggers for easy set-up. The 9-foot sign reaches to a height of 13...

Signs and stands.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... Dynaflex roll-up signs and stands are stable, easy to manage signs capable of withstanding windy conditions. The unit has an exclusive base, spring, and legs that provide stability on uneven terrain. Dynaflex sign stand resists winds up to 50...

Easy-to-use message board.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... The Sunray Street Machine is a solar-powered, portable message board that is easy to move and operate. It offers a variety of bright message features for almost any need, including hundreds of pre-programmed messages, MUTCD symbols, and...

Breakaway supports for signs.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... BREAK-SAFE and POLE-SAFE omni-directional breakaway supports for high-way signs and light poles are ideal for ground-mounted signs and luminaries located within roadside clear zones and locations vulnerable to vehicular impacts. They support...

High-quality color signs.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... The Vanguard VF-1320 variable message sign provides high-resolution color and graphics to convey any important communication. The available board size measures 24X32 pixels, with the center-to-center spacing of 1.3 inches, and a maximum...

Portable traffic signal.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... SQ2AV portable traffic signals increase a work crew's safety by enabling the operator to keep away from traffic and out of harm's way. Two units--which use traditional red, yellow, and green lights--are placed facing oncoming traffic, and the...

Wheelbarrow.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... The Accu-chute wheelbarrow gives users a high degree of accuracy and control in pouring. The pour spout at the front of the product lets you place the load exactly where you want it, with much less loss and cleanup. It features a thick pan for...

Maintenance-free batteries.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... Premium High Output batteries are now available with cold-cranking amp capability for a wide range of construction applications. The 4D battery now has a 1400 CCA rating, and the 8D version has a CCA rating of 1500. The batteries are...

Multi-use compressor.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... The Air Vantage 500 combines a welder, generator, and air compressor in one unit. The direct-gear-driven compressor is rated at 60 cfm and 100 psi. The unit comes with up to 20,000 W of three-phase, 240-VAC generator power; to power...

Portable floodlights.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... The AL4000 portable floodlight system has an automatic start/stop option that allows operators to control their fleet of light towers automatically. It can be set in two modes: the first, a timer mode, turns the generator on and off at a...

Fleet management software.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... Dossier Onboard combines the organization and power of the company's Dossier fleet maintenance management software with the automation of its FleetOutlook product. By reducing paperwork, data entry, and driver intervention, the product...

Safety harness.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... Pinnacle harnesses are geared toward use on construction and towers. The Y design incorporates padding at every critical point for maximum comfort and flexibility. Also, the fully integrated, inline shock absorber serves as an effective fall...

Data collection and surveying.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... The GPT-7000 reflectorless total station series has an onboard controller with the Windows CE operating system. A touch-screen display and user-friendly GUI permit fast, precise data collection and survey functions without the expense of a...

Concrete resurfacing.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... Concrete Canvas is a self-leveling, polymer-modified overlayment designed for fast-track resurfacing of concrete surfaces. Available in white or gray, the product readily accepts acid stands and acrylic shading materials to provide a broad...

Work in confined areas.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... The Mini CX backhoe loader is ideal for working in confined areas. Its compact size, 6.2-mph forward speed, and 3.7-mph reverse speed make it easy for operators to maneuver around a job. It features a heavy-duty chassis and integral welded...

Stable skidsteers.(Featuring: traffic control signage)
December 1, 2004... The company's 300 Series skidsteers have a number of enhancements and a new, unified design. The upgrade in stability comes courtesy of heavy components being mounted lower in the frame than competitive machines, long wheelbase, proper...

Finding success through communication.(Profile)
December 1, 2004... An old adage says that father knows best. For Melissa Smith Gentry, this could not be truer. "My father has always told me, 'Luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparation'," said Gentry. Her career path in the public works field has...