Public Works articles from January 2005

Public Works archives from January 2005

Invaluable information.(Editorial)
January 1, 2005... Prior to joining Hanley Wood, I ran a small technical association in Boulder, Colo. I had hired a senior engineering student to work part time and she was wonderfully talented and bright, but totally hung up on the computer. She did everything...

Water filtration system wins award.(News & Views)
January 1, 2005... The editors of Popular Science magazine have noted the Maytag Central Water Filtration System--including ultrafiltration technology engineered by Zenon Environmental Inc., Oakville, Ontario--as one of this year's top 100 breakthrough...

Complete online infrastructure survey.(News & Views)
January 1, 2005... On March 9, the American Society of Civil Engineers will release the 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure, assigning letter grades to different areas of the nation's infrastructure. Members can help by completing a brief online survey...

AWWA conference focuses on membrane technology.(News & Views)
January 1, 2005... The American Water Works Association will host its 2005 Membrane Technology Conference and Exposition March 6-9 in Phoenix. The conference, cosponsored by the International Water Association and the European Desalination Society, will focus on...

Congress OKs 2005 transportation spending.(News & Views)
January 1, 2005... The 2005 fiscal year Transportation-Treasury Appropriations bill was incorporated into the $388 billion omnibus appropriations bill Congress approved Nov. 20. Provisions include an obligation limitation of $34.4 billion for the federal highway...

Palo Alto looks toward zero-waste plan.(News & Views)
January 1, 2005... The city council of Palo Alto, Calif., has voted to draft a zero waste goal and action plan, which it will vote on next spring. City council member Yoriko Kishimoto said, "As we look ahead to our landfill closing sometime in the next 10 years,...

District to replace 2800 lead pipes.(News & Views)
January 1, 2005... The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) will replace 2800 lead service pipes this year to reduce the risk of lead contamination in drinking water. The program is part of a plan to replace all the city's estimated 23,000 lead...

Company receives FEMA contracts.(News & Views)
January 1, 2005... Airborne 1, El Segundo, Calif., has entered into two joint ventures that have been awarded five-year contracts with the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency to perform riverine and coastal flood insurance...

New Jersey adopts strong mercury, arsenic standards.(News & Views)
January 1, 2005... New Jersey has adopted the strongest mercury and arsenic standards in the nation. The rules, announced by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection commissioner Bradley M. Campbell, will reduce mercury emissions from certain facilities...

Truck recorders may create unneeded expenses.(News & Views)
January 1, 2005... Responding to a recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposal, the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) stated that requiring electronic onboard recorders on trucks that monitor drivers' compliance with...

Company provides study, design for CSO.(News & Views)
January 1, 2005... Black & Veatch, Overland Park, Kan., has been charged to study and engineer a solution to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and mitigate surface flooding within the Harlem and Baden watersheds. Under contract to the Metropolitan St. Louis...

EPA clarifies Lead and Copper Rule.(RULES & REGULATIONS)
January 1, 2005... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing states guidance to help clarify how the collection and management of lead and copper samples is conducted to comply with regulations on lead in drinking water. "This guidance is the direct...

Baltimore enters Adopt-A-Waterway partnership.(COMMUNITY)
January 1, 2005... Baltimore has entered into a partnership with Adopt-A-Waterway to solve problems with the area's urban and stormwater runoff, announced Baltimore mayor Martin O'Malley. The pact unites local, regional, and national businesses and government to...

FHWA study dispels rebar myths.(DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION)
January 1, 2005... The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI), Schaumburg, Ill., has announced the release of a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) study titled Long-Term Performance of Epoxy-Coated Reinforcing Steel in Heavy Self-Contaminated Concrete....

Company to remedy, operate desalination plant.(OPERATIONS)
January 1, 2005... The Board of Directors of Tampa Bay Water tapped American Water-Pridesa, Voorhees, N.J., to remedy, operate, and manage the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant, the largest of its kind in the United States. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

National design-build awards honors groundwater project.(DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION)
January 1, 2005... The Design-Build Institute of America has recognized CDM, Cambridge, Mass., with a National Design-Build Award in the "water under $15 million" project category. The award, given for the company's Gilbert and Mosley project in Wichita, Kan.,...

Beautiful roadways are no accident.(PEOPLE)
January 1, 2005... Every year the National Roadside Vegetation Management Association (NRVMA) recognizes a city, parish/county, and state for demonstrating best practices and innovative management of roadside vegetation. All 2004 NRVMA award winners included...

Paving devices increase safety of rural roads.(OPERATIONS)
January 1, 2005... Approximately 3.1 million miles of rural roads stretch across America. As area populations increase and these roadways become more functional and busier, they also have become more deadly. In 2003, more than 21,000 people were killed on rural...

Superfund progress contributes to healthy communities.(OPERATIONS)
January 1, 2005... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency demonstrated significant progress cleaning up high-priority contaminated sites in the national Superfund program, according to a released summary. The summary, covering fiscal year 2004, states the...

Making upgrades.(Ideas & Opinions)
January 1, 2005... I love my Mac. At least I do when it works. Most people are very loyal to their computers, but I'm on a Mac at work and a PC at home. So really, I can go either way as long as the machine does what I want it to do. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Embracing controversy with confidence.(Ideas & Opinions)
January 1, 2005... The most challenging aspect of a municipal water professional's job is not always technology, budgets, and capacity issues. Rather, it is often the increased levels of public attention and conflict over new policies and projects. Managers,...

Fleet software saves time, money.(Ideas & Opinions)
January 1, 2005... If you want to avoid having horror stories to tell, said Sam Lamerato, do your homework thoroughly when choosing your fleet management software. It's a must to visit another government agency to see your prospective software in action, said...

Public Works 2005 forecast: what will drive the profession in the coming year?(Special report)(Cover Story)
January 1, 2005... The public works business--and it is indeed a business--is changing rapidly. The pressures driving these changes come from federal and state regulations, funding (or lack thereof), a shifting and growing population, advances in technology, and...

Pervious pavement naturally absorbent: a porous pavement primer.(Stormwater collection & treatment)
January 1, 2005... Pervious pavement is a design alternative that allows water to percolate through the pavement structure and into underlying soils--an achievement that directly conflicts with every lecture on traditional pavement design delivered in...

Paving with roller compacted concrete: RCC topped with asphalt quickly provides a durable street.(Concrete construction & repair)
January 1, 2005... 'This is the finest product for city streets to come along in years," said Marty Savko of Nickolas Savko & Sons, Columbus, Ohio. "I first read about roller compacted concrete (RCC) pavement in 1995 and it sounded interesting so I did some...

From trash to treasure: converting a landfill into a community park.(Landfill operation & closure)
January 1, 2005... David A. Lorenz, executive director at South Suburban Park and Recreation District in the South Denver, Colo., metro area has eyed the closed Arapahoe County-owned landfill in Douglas County as a potential recreation site for years. Developers...

Making choices on the front line: committees result in better decisions.(Administration & management)
January 1, 2005... The final responsibility for all decisions made in any business belongs to the manager. Managers strive to make informed decisions that will improve communication with staff, implement efficient business practices, and provide speedy...

Inside drops.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2005... 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...

Water-filled barricade recycle your old pool!(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2005... 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...

BioD-Watl[TM] coir wattles.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2005... RoLanka's coir wattles provide the most versatile BMP's for sediment control during construction. Use coir wattles to keep the dirt where it belongs. No hassles, no fines and guarantee healthy environment. Our contact information is: 155 Andrew...

External seals.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: Products for the Pros)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2005... 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...

Tough road calls for tough repair.(Products Solving Problems)
January 1, 2005... For the Cook County Highway Department, finding a durable, cost-effective solution for heavily traveled bus stops along Chicago's Western Avenue required creative thinking. Like other stops, these are constantly subjected to pushing, shoving,...

Steel reinforcement increases security of buildings.(Products Solving Problems)
January 1, 2005... Washington, D.C., is home to a large number of high-profile government offices, landmarks, and other buildings. These vulnerable structures require protection from the potential effects of terrorist attacks, so that the U.S. government and the...

Sweeping up after Mardi Gras.(Products Solving Problems)
January 1, 2005... Lafayette, La., which has a population of 105,000, annually hosts dozens of parades during the festive pre-Lenten season, sponsored by the Mystic Krewes of Mardi Gras. However, none is as important as the cleanup crew. Cleanup efforts by the...

Rebar-scanning PDA.(COMPUTER EQUIPMENT)
January 1, 2005... The new Hilti PS 200 Ferroscan system, made up of the PS 200 S scanner and PS 200 M monitor, detects rebar and other ferrous objects in concrete to help save time and money by avoiding costly rebar hits. Portable, quick, and easy for one person...

Dispatch and scheduling software.(PROJECT INFORMATION SOFTWARE)
January 1, 2005... ControlBoard has been engineered from the ground up to solve the problem of resource scheduling, tracking, and dispatching in the heavy and highway construction industry. Its innovative design looks like an electronic white-board, where changes...

Real-time mobile CAD.(PROJECT INFORMATION SOFTWARE)
January 1, 2005... The fieldPro On-Demand Surveying solution is a complete software-based system that seamlessly integrates survey instruments, computer-aided design (CAD) environments and the tablet or laptop PC to provide industry professionals with an...

Eliminate inaccurate timecards.(CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION TOOLS)
January 1, 2005... The Jobclock system, designed exclusively for the construction trades, eliminates inaccurate or imprecise timecards. Workers use a small green keytab on their keyring to clock in, and a red keytab to clock out. Additional keytabs allow tracking...

Tougher jobsite level.(CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION TOOLS)
January 1, 2005... Formerly known as the Stanley Compulevel, the ZipLevel Pro-2000 has been updated with several new improvements, making it even more robust on the job-site. The product saves contractors time and money by letting laborers work alone to quickly,...

Fast hand-held mixer.(CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION TOOLS)
January 1, 2005... The new Collomix Power Duo cuts mixing time in half, improving jobsite productivity. It produces outstanding mixing quality because of two counter-rotating mixing shafts that force the material through the paddles with no torque. The...

Sprayer for liquid waterproofing.(CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION TOOLS)
January 1, 2005... The SE-05100 and SE-05200 Pro Series spray units provide fast, efficient application of waterproofing and dampproofing materials. With models for solvent or water-based materials, the sprayers combine a Honda engine with a Speeflo pump for...

Hand-held breaking tool.(CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION TOOLS)
January 1, 2005... The Callander Slide Hammer is an easy, safe, and efficient tool for breaking concrete. This innovative hand tool requires no power to operate. It is available with four different ends--a point, chisel, broad chisel, and tamper--for almost any...

Angle grinder.(CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION TOOLS)
January 1, 2005... The G23MR angle grinder features the patented Internal Double Insulation technology, combining the durability of an all-metal body with the double insulation advantages of plastic housings, for improved reliability and longer life. The tool...

Accurate laser tool.(SITE PREPARATION EQUIPMENT)
January 1, 2005... The Hilti PD 32 laser range meter provides fast, accurate measurements with an effortless touch of a button, and it fits in a pocket, pouch, or tool bag. Aim the laser and press the button, and the unit immediately displays the distance up to...

Convertible skidsteer.(SITE PREPARATION EQUIPMENT)
January 1, 2005... The Loegering Versatile Track system allows you to operate your skidsteer with tires or as a full rubber track undercarriage, depending on your need. Converting your skidsteer into a compact track loader takes less than an hour. The machine...

Deep, early entry saw.(CONCRETE PLACING EQUIPMENT & FINISHING TOOLS)
January 1, 2005... The X-5000 paver saw can cut a 4-inch deep, dry, ultra-early entry cut. No other saw in the industry can cut this deep, this soon in the finishing process. It is also ideal for ultra-thin whitetopping projects. Other features include dual...

Improved strength and rheology.(CONCRETE-MAKING MATERIALS)
January 1, 2005... Tercem 3000 is a hydraulic cement containing a blend of silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and port-land cement that is ideal when concrete requires additional strength and durability, as well as superior placing and finishing...

Long-lasting protection.(CONCRETE-MAKING MATERIALS)
January 1, 2005... Moistop Ultra 15 is a Class A underslab vapor retarder with a low water vapor permeance and high tensile strength. It is made from polyolefin film. With a water vapor permeance of 0.029, it is designed to deliver long-lasting protection at a...

Multi-layered membranes.(CONCRETE SUPPLIES)
January 1, 2005... Monarflex ground membranes, a line of specialty construction membranes used for niche applications, offer reliable protection against moisture, vapors, and gases. Made with a high-quality, low-density polyethylene material, they are strong and...

New concrete anchor.(CONCRETE SUPPLIES)
January 1, 2005... The MB Slam Anchor is a large-diameter anchor for embedment in concrete. The anchor is expanded by a wedge that is engaged by a setting rod driven down the center of the hollowed bolt. This method provides greater strength, safer installation,...

Concrete curing solution.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... The Topper is a patent-pending solution for covering and curing formed concrete. Made of laminated layers of PolyPop and sealed between woven poly, the product bends, twists, and curves around wall forms and insulated concrete forms without...

Traffic sign accessories.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... BriteSide reflective panels and vertical message centers are suitable for use in traffic areas of special concern. The products maximize visual impact to increase safety, keep traffic moving smoothly, improve emergency response, and increase...

Asphalt batch control.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... The AB500Premium asphalt batch control system includes integrated software and hardware components to automate the batching and discharge process. It conforms to current state regulatory requirements and comes in two-, three-, and four-scale...

Low-cost debris removal.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... The truck-mounted VSK100G Pick-up VaXcavator is easy to operate, easily fits into the back of a pickup truck, and fits a range of applications. Features include a dual-position air filtration system, making it suitable for dry work. The cyclone...

Advanced RO system.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... These reverse osmosis (RO) systems offer cost-effective nitrate removal, desalting, and production of high-quality process water. The products remove up to 99% of dissolved salts, total organic carbon, and silica from the water supply,...

Innovative pulsation dampener.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... The CPVC Revolution pulsation dampener offers a higher temperature rating (180[degrees] F) than the previous PVC model; it also features chemical resistance capabilities that equal or surpass the older version. The system has threaded housings,...

GPS for excavators.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... The updated Site Vision global positioning system (GPS) enhances the performance of excavators with tilt-bucket attachments. It uses dual GPS antennas to compute the position of the machine blade or bucket. An onboard computer determines the...

Automated arm.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... The Python automated arm creates elliptical motion when lifting and dumping, resulting in smooth operation, clean dumping, fast cycle times, and none of the banging and shaking commonly associated with other lifts. The faster lift cycle can...

Stator re-tensioning device.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... The company's stator re-tensioning device is designed to dramatically increase stator longevity, important in abrasive applications. It consists of an adjustable stainless-steel sleeve, with an internal rubber lining and a series of adjusting...

Flexible total stations.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... TPS800 total stations are fast, easy to learn to use, accurate, flexible, and optimized for field usage. The standard TC800 models provide extended-range electronic distance measuring up to 3000 meters using an infrared laser beam with prisms...

Rugged street sweeper.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... The MS/MT350 is a rugged machine mounted on a commercially available truck chassis. The sweeper has dual steering controls and operating positions, delivering favorable maneuverability. Features include a 60-gallon fuel system, single- or...

Field-erected wastewater treatment.(FORMWORK & FORMING PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2005... BIO-PLUS field-erected treatment systems offer optimized engineering that combines technical knowledge, manufacturing, and installation capabilities to provide high-efficiency, cost-effective wastewater processing. A range of biological...

PW forum: answers to vexing questions.
January 1, 2005... Questions and answers in this section are from info NOW, a service of the American Public Works Association. APWA members can participate in to up to 12 online communities, such as Operations or Emergency Preparedness. Community members post...

Can microbes clean arsenic-contaminated groundwater?(Profile)
January 1, 2005... Microbial processes ultimately determine whether arsenic builds to dangerous levels in groundwater, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Remediation may be as simple as stimulating certain microbes to...