Public Works articles from June 2006

Public Works archives from June 2006

Career paths.(Editorial)
June 1, 2006... My little brother, Alexander, has started looking at colleges. I think that he should, of course, attend the University of Illinois--my alma mater--but that's another story. He has received countless brochures, attended college fairs, and...

Wrestling with GASB 34.(OPERATIONS)
June 1, 2006... When the Government Accounting Standards Board issued Statement 34 (more familiarly known as GASB 34) in 1999, it constituted the group's first major change in reporting requirements since 1935. Municipalities all over the country must comply...

Iowa bridge marks technology milestone.(DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION)
June 1, 2006... A four-year research partnership between the Iowa DOT (IDOT), Iowa State University (ISU), and Lafarge North America has lead to the opening of an innovative concrete bridge in the Hawkeye State. The Mars Hill Bridge in Wapello County,...

Work zone fatalities take spotlight.(COMMUNITY)
June 1, 2006... Transportation officials from across the country gathered in the nation's capital in April to increase awareness of the growing number of work zone accidents and fatalities each year. More than 1000 people are killed in work zones across...

Guide sorts out tricky transportation law.(ASSOCIATIONS)
June 1, 2006... The American Public Works Association (APWA) offers a resource guide on the $286.4 billion SAFETEA-LU federal transportation law, intending to help officials sort out the complicated legislation and determine how it affects them. ...

Katrina hits wastewater revenues.(OPERATIONS)
June 1, 2006... Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region, causing millions of dollars of damage to homes, roads, and other structures. One of the hardest-hit areas, though, is water infrastructure. According to the Water Environment Federation...

Environmental entries sought.(AWARDS)
June 1, 2006... With its 2007 Environmental Excellence Awards, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking to recognize transportation projects, processes, and individuals who have promoted environmental stewardship in FHWA-funded work. The FHWA...

Dam garners engineering award.(DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION)
June 1, 2006... The Saluda Dam Remediation Project in Columbia, S.C., has received the American Society of Civil Engineers 2006 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement award. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. officials...

Soap ingredient mucks up agriculture.(RESEARCH)
June 1, 2006... According to a recent study, an ingredient in antibacterial hand soap remains in municipal sludge after wastewater treatment and accumulates in crop fertilizer. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that...

FEMA chief nominated.(News & Views)
June 1, 2006... President Bush has nominated R. David Paulison as undersecretary for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at the Department of Homeland Security. Paulison has been acting director of the agency since September 2005, overseeing 25...

Study to benchmark water usage.(News & Views)
June 1, 2006... The EPA and nine water districts across the country are launching a 33-month study to determine how much water new homes consume. The $530,000 study--which will collect data from billing records, surveys, and meter measurements--will help...

Demo debris largely recycled.(News & Views)
June 1, 2006... According to a study commissioned by the National Demolition Association, more than 115 million tons of demolition debris are generated in the United States each year. In addition, the industry reuses or recycles approximately 73% of that...

Indiana water utility recognized.(News & Views)
June 1, 2006... The Evansville (Ind.) Water Treatment Plant--operated by the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility and American Water--received the Directors Award of Recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water. The partnership is a volunteer initiative...

Project eyes stormwater pollutants.(News & Views)
June 1, 2006... A Water Environment Research Foundation project is looking at larger pollutants--such as trash and visible debris--in stormwater runoff. The project will compile, evaluate, and recommend sampling methods for the materials. The aim of the...

Innovative desal method tested.(News & Views)
June 1, 2006... Researchers at Yale University are erecting a pilot-scale plant to demonstrate an innovative forward-osmosis desalination project. Led by professor Menachem Elimelech and graduate students Robert L. McGinnis and Jeffery R. McCutcheon, the plant...

Engineering in Action videos.(News & Views)
June 1, 2006... The American Society of Civil Engineers offers Engineering in Action, a series of videos that cover topics of current interest to professionals in the field. Titles include: * Design and Installation of Buried Pipes * Geosynthetics in...

World of Asphalt 2007.(News & Views)
June 1, 2006... The 2007 World of Asphalt show and conference will take place March 19-22, in Atlanta. The event features exhibits of new asphalt-related equipment, products, and services, as well as educational programming, network opportunities, and a...

Risky business made less risky.(Ideas & Opinions)
June 1, 2006... When people consider risk as it relates to construction of public works projects, they typically think of a project's physical aspects, such as "changed conditions" or "unproven technology." They think of "surety bonds" and "worker safety."...

The cost of e-waste: facilitating the recycling of discarded electronics is expensive, but not doing anything at all could be even more costly.(Solid waste collection & disposal)(Cover story)
June 1, 2006... For public works departments, getting involved in the collection and recycling of electronic waste has become a question of not if, but how. With the life cycles of electronic equipment shrinking, the pile of junked gear mounting, and attention...

Finding help from the feds: open communication is essential to successful municipal projects.(Special report)
June 1, 2006... Local public works officials and federal bureaucrats often find themselves partners and adversaries at the same time. Although they serve the same citizens in the long run, they frequently have conflicting perspectives of the problem at hand....

Setting the next standard: water agency deploys next-generation information management.(Water supply & storage)
June 1, 2006... Geographic information systems (GIS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) are often part of an agency's standard operating equipment. When the technologies were first introduced, however, many viewed them as specialty products....

Bringing on a new plan: steps for success when building or expanding a water treatment facility.(Facility management)
June 1, 2006... Ask anyone who's created a new water treatment plant or revamped an existing one, and you'll likely hear about the complexities of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations, OSHA standards, lab reports, and emergency operations...

Taken by storm: drainwells put to the test by hurricanes.(Water distribution)
June 1, 2006... On Sept. 4, 2004, Hurricane Frances struck Florida with high-velocity winds and heavy rainfall, just three weeks after Hurricane Charley. Some areas of Florida received more than 13 inches of rain during the storm's slow passing. Lakes and...

Software streamlines California water agency.(Products Solving Problems)
June 1, 2006... For residents of California's San Diego County, off the Pacific Coast less than 30 miles north of Mexico, the supply of fresh water is a critical concern. Precipitation levels might reach 3 inches in the wake of the new year, but rain gauges...

Advances in traffic signal control.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... Among public works problems that get citizens' attention, traffic problems rank high on the list. Nothing gets a public works official's phone ringing with angry calls quite like recurring bumper-to-bumper congestion on a municipality's...

Actuated signal controllers.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... The ASC/3 series of advanced system controllers complies with all National Electrical Manufacturers Association TS2 and National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol requirements. Its hardware design allows it to serve as a platform...

Rugged data counter.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... The Delta III portable road-tube classifier can withstand harsh operating conditions while collecting data or performing volume studies on multi-lane, high-traffic roadways. Single-button operation enables the user to select data type and...

Bike path signal.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... The Cross Alert System, when positioned at a site where a bike path intersects with a roadway, detects motion on the path and warns motorists by flashing an amber warning light. Radio-controlled early-warning poles that flash when path activity...

Portable traffic counter.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... The Hi-Star portable traffic counter/classifier is a small unit that, when placed in the center of a traffic lane, provides data on volume, speed, and length of vehicles; temperature; and wet/dry conditions. The product can be used for volume...

Plastic safety barricade.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... Designed for use as a short-term traffic redirection device, the Road-Runner RUT model 66 plastic safety barricade offers the strong visibility of a solid barrier, but is highly portable. Because it can be stacked, it saves transportation,...

Work-zone signs.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... The company offers an array of signs and stands for use around construction work zones. The line includes a number of sign stands designed for quick access and compact storage. In addition, the company has added several models to its line of...

Interstate curb.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... The Interstate Grade FG 300 curb system--suitable for use on toll roads, freeway intersection acceleration lanes, and other challenging applications--combines a curb and base unit to create a tough curb section. Designed to work with the...

Portable speed bump.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... The Traffic Guard portable speed bump offers users a temporary solution for traffic conditions, including temporary traffic patterns around work zones, and emergency situations. It eliminates many of the liability and maintenance concerns...

Solar-powered signs.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... BlinkerSigns are high-visibility, solar-powered traffic signs, featuring superbright flashing light-emitting diodes. They alert drivers farther in advance to work zones--up to 2 miles away--to prevent accidents. Because they are powered by a...

Portable plastic barrier.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... The Roadguard/2 is a portable Jersey-style barrier made of blow-molded, high-density polyethylene plastic, making it durable and easy to handle. The double-chambered barrier measures 6 feet long, 42 inches high, 2 feet wide at the bottom, and...

Radar speed display.(Featuring: Signals, signs & accessories)
June 1, 2006... The RU2 Fast 750 radar speed display trailer has a 12-inch light-emitting diode that is 7 feet tall when raised into operating position. It is raised and lowered with an electric actuator, making setup easy. The trailer is simple to tow and...

Custom valve tagging.(Featuring: Water main accessories)
June 1, 2006... Hydra-Tag is a custom valve tagging product made of corrosion-resistant brass. Users can specify custom numbering or lettering on any size order. The tag attaches securely to the bolts of a valve for virtually tamper-proof installation. It can...

Valve selection software.(Featuring: Water main accessories)
June 1, 2006... Performance! 9.3.0 valve selection software uses industry-standard sizing equations and other measures to specify control valves. Its database includes detailed valve specification information, including materials, accessories, actuators,...

True union end connections.(Featuring: Water main accessories)
June 1, 2006... The company's spring-loaded Y check valves, Y check valves, and Y strainers now feature true union end connections; the feature enables the valves and strainers to be removed from the piping system without having to break down components....

Valve data collection.(Featuring: Water main accessories)
June 1, 2006... The PT-25 truck-mounted valve operator can keep track of its own activities, thanks to its data collection and mapping system. It can gather and save all of its activities when exercising valves into an ESRI mapping program. The valve operator...

Backflow prevention assembly enclosures.(Featuring: Water main accessories)
June 1, 2006... WattsBox insulated enclosures are designed to guard backflow prevention assemblies from freezing conditions. Doors provide access to the assembly for testing and repair, without having to remove the entire unit. The aluminum enclosures are easy...

Hydrant locks.(Featuring: Water main accessories)
June 1, 2006... The company's hydrant locks protect the devices against unauthorized usage. The products are easy to install and operate, and they do not require users to modify existing hydrants. They will fit virtually any hydrant style. Each of the locks is...

Road works.
June 1, 2006... Welcome to the first edition of PW Solutions: RoadWorks, a special section dedicated to the road repair and construction portion of the public works industry. As we learned in a recent reader survey, 74% of you think that pavement construction...

Cold patch with a twist.(ROAD WORKS)(Interview)
June 1, 2006... At a trade show recently, we came upon an arresting sight: Hundreds of pounds of dark black cold mix asphalt (CMA) road patching material, piled high in an open display box--but without the odor of petroleum solvents or the oily residue of...

Creative contracting: Jacksonville keeps the road work going, and keeps it local.(ROAD WORKS)
June 1, 2006... There's nothing small about the plan known as Better Jacksonville. Launched in 2001 and involving billions of dollars in improvement, the Florida city's massive initiative encompasses everything from the construction and improvement of...

Utility microsurgery: the advantages of using keyhole technology for road utility cuts.(ROAD WORKS)
June 1, 2006... Small-hole or keyhole technology in the utility maintenance industry is the equivalent of microsurgery in the healthcare industry. Those who embrace this innovation are achieving benefits and cost-savings for themselves, their stakeholders, and...

Automating asphalt compaction: new technology automatically controls compactive effort.(ROAD WORKS)
June 1, 2006... Without exception, the crews in charge of asphalt pavers and compactors have to hustle to get their jobs done and open the roads to traffic. In response to public pressure to minimize time spent with lane closures and traffic disruption,...

Construction aches and pains: a veteran traffic engineer shares tips and tricks.(ROAD WORKS)
June 1, 2006... Local road construction is a fact of life. Asphalt and concrete deteriorate, business districts expand, and the population continues to increase; streets are going to need an overhaul every once in a while. Traffic engineers like Randy Hoskins,...

Biodegradable erosion control.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The SedimentSTOP biodegradable filtration system delivers erosion and sediment loss protection on jobsites, and it is an effective best management practice. It consists of straw and coconut fiber with 100% biodegradable netting. It reduces soil...

Pavement repair mastics.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... Repair Mastics are suitable for repair jobs in high-traffic zones. The materials are easy to apply, and the affected road is ready for traffic as soon as they cool. They consist of durable aggregate and a voidless compound; they require no...

Asphalt additive.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... Vestenamer 8012 is a polyoctenamer product that, when added to a ground-tire rubber/asphalt mix, delivers an easier-to-process mix and quality road surface. The pellets reacts with the crumb rubber and the asphalt to produce a uniform, low-tack...

Lane striper.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The Contractor 120 lane striper is designed to be mounted on a truck with a 14,500 or 17,500 GVWR chassis. The unit has a 120-gallon minimum paint capacity. The cab-over design offers optimal visibility. In addition, the economically priced...

Asphalt crack sealants.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... Dura-Fill crack sealant comes in a number of formulations to meet the needs of various jobs and climates. The 1190 and 3405 sealants--designed for moderate and cold climates, respectively--consist of a polymer-modified blend of asphalt, oils,...

Asphalt reinforcement.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... HaTelit reinforcement can delay or prevent reflective cracking in asphalt, which is caused by heavy loads passing over a surface repeatedly over a period of time. The product consists of a high-quality polyester reinforcement grid, and an...

High-performance blacktop.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... Utility Mix blacktop is a high-performance, permanent cold-patch mix. It consists of a combination of crushed stone and complex liquid asphalt. It comes ready to use; application requires no mixing or heating. The product is suitable for use on...

Large-volume milling machine.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The W 2000 cold mill is a compact, large-volume machine with a broad cutting width for removing deteriorated asphalt pavements. It also can mill complete roadway structures down to 13 inches in one pass. It has a 565-hp engine, basic cutting...

Pouring pot.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The PP-2 pouring pot has a comfortable grip handle, with an ideal distance between the handle and release lever. Made of heavy-duty reinforced steel, it is painted safety orange for maximum visibility. The drip-proof nozzle comes in three...

Interlocking pavement.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... VS 5 is a structural pavement consisting of square blocks with shift protection on all sides and underneath. The five-sided protection provides stable conditions for both horizontal and vertical loads. The product is suitable for installtion on...

Continuous compaction control.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The Compatrol compaction control system, available on the company's reversible soil compactors, tells the operator exactly when maximum compaction has been achieved on a material. The technology lets users assess the uniformity of compaction...

Silt fence.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... This silt fence lets water pass through while trapping suspended soil particles. It restricts the loss of jobsite material, keeps surrounding surfaces free of mud, and protects the environment. Wide-crown, 1-inch staples driven into solid,...

Ride-on compactor.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The RD 27 series consists of 2.5-ton ride-on roller compactors suitable for use in a variety of applications and conditions. The RD 27-100 has a 39.4-inch drum width, and the drum on the RD 27-120 is 47.2 inches wide. Each has two vibration...

Hydraulic hammer.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The Arrow Hammer 1350 is a mobile hydraulic hammer powered by a 80-hp John Deere diesel engine. It can be driven at up to 20 mph, and during operation, it can work at up to 63 feet per minute, thanks to its hydraulically controlled creeper...

Concrete repairs: fast and long-lasting.(ROAD WORKS)
June 1, 2006... Repair and maintenance often play a role in the pavement selection process. Unfortunately, concrete is too often perceived in a negative light when it comes to repair and maintenance. The fact that these activities aren't needed for many years...

Save asphalt--up the RAP.(ROAD WORKS)
June 1, 2006... The hot-mix asphalt (HMA) industry has been recycling on a large scale since the 1970s. Research on mix properties and modifications to plant equipment were quickly done in response to the asphalt shortages experienced at that time. Within a...

Pavement management software.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... Pavement Management is a software tool that enables an agency to monitor and manage the condition of all the roads within its jurisdiction. It stores detailed information, including pavement type, location, lengthy and width, deterioration...

Slipform paver.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The GP-2600 is a mid-range paver designed to withstand rugged jobsite conditions. It includes an emission-controlled Tier 2 engine with an advanced cooling package. Its low profile gives the operator and crew optimal visibility, and the...

Root reinforcement matrix.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The Enkamat II turf reinforcement matrix has a 95% open structure to create a capture zone for roadside plants and soil to interact, anchoring roots and stems and creating high shear resistance. The fiber blanket protects seeds and prevents...

Rear loader.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The Delta-III rear loader has a rounded body, 3-cubic-yard hopper, and the ability to compact 800 pounds per cubic yard. The company's Floor-Trough technology strengthens the entire body while providing a natural liquid sump. The sides, front,...

Glare-free lighting.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The Moonlight glare-free lighting system features a balloon that inflates in seconds; a simple plug maintains air pressure and protects the light. Eliminating the need for a fan prevents dirt and debris from blowing into the lighting unit,...

Pothole patcher.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The FP5 flameless pothole patcher reduces waste, with an insulated, 5.1-cubicyard hopper that is electrically heated to keep asphalt at a constant temperature. The product provides more consistent, safe heat than propane or heating oil. The...

Chipping/compacting tool.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The Slidehammer can be used to break up concrete or asphalt, including during road and pothole repairs. It features a manually operated, impact-generating handle and interchangeable points. The diamond point and narrow chisel are suitable for...

Centrifugal trash pumps.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... Ultra V self-priming centrifugal trash pumps offer 300% increased pressure, 40% greater flow, and greater efficiencies than similar models. The easily removable, rotating assembly can be replaced without disturbing the pump casing, reducing...

Fiberglass utility body.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The Stor 'N Tow fiberglass utility body can be constructed with a steel or aluminum floor, heavy-duty towing bumper, steel or aluminum tailgate, and an aluminum-tube cab guard with expanded metal screen. The weatherproof, molded-fiberglass...

Modular green roof.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The 4-inch GreenGrid modular green roof system is lightweight, making it suitable for buildings with limited structural capacity. Composed of 2.5 inches of soil media, it weighs 10 pounds per square foot-similar to the weight of gravel ballast...

ADA-compliant traffic barrier.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The model 400ML traffic barrier is a portable unit that plays a user-recorded, 20-second message to alert visually impaired pedestrians to work-zone hazards when a sidewalk is closed or rerouted. To program, the user removes the bottom of the...

Root removal tripod.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... This tripod enables one person to load the company's FDU 100 foam dispersal unit to remove roots from pipe. Using the system, crews can treat a 400-foot mainline in 30 minutes or less. The tripod is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to use, holding...

Grade-control antenna.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The MS990 smart antenna, for use with the company's GCS900 3-D grade control systems, gives users a rugged, reliable positioning sensor. It can track next-generation global positioning system L2C and L5 signals, as well as Global Navigation...

Durable mulcher.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The 4600XL Track Wood Hog is an 82,000-pound unit that offers durability and high horsepower in a smaller, transportable machine. The hammermill is 14% larger than the previous model, increasing the tip swing to 36 inches. With power options up...

Powerful skidsteers.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The 400 series skidsteers feature heavy-duty construction, improved performance, and more operator comfort than previous models. The larger displacement, high-torque engines provide smooth, powerful operation. Low-effort servo-hydrostatic...

Rugged scarifier.(HOT products)
June 1, 2006... The KR-10 scarifier is a hard-working, precise machine for roughing or removing concrete surfaces. It also works on asphalt and aggregate, removing trip hazards, traffic lines, or other applications. Powered by a 9-hp engine, it has a 10-inch...

PW forum: answers to vexing questions.
June 1, 2006... Questions and answers in this section are from InfoNOW, a member-only service of the American Public Works Association. APWA's InfoNOW communities provide public works professionals an open forum for information exchange. There are 12 different...

Steering kids toward science.(Out of the Ordinary)
June 1, 2006... Succession planning is a huge concern for public works agencies across the country. Where are the engineers of tomorrow going to come from if we're already so short on talented candidates today--and all signs indicate the problem will only...