By Evan Thomas KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Shoreham Deep Water Port Project

KC was engaged to perform surveying and engineering services in support of a Governor’s Office initiative to provide a feasibility study for developing a proposed deep water port at the abandoned nuclear power plant site in Shoreham, Suffolk County, NY.

Survey tasks included setting horizontal and vertical control for a photogrammetric survey of the 125 +/- acre plant site area and bathymetric survey of the one-mile channel servicing the original power plant site. Additional tasks included providing primary control azimuth pairs to NYSDOT specs, ROW determination of bounds of Old County Road, topographic mapping of the 800 +/- surrounding project limits, and research/plotting of the LIPA and National Grid parcels defining the project limits and utility corridors serving the plant site.

KC is now involved in the feasibility study associated with the project. This study has been undertaken to determine if a deep-water port could reduce truck trips and traffic congestion on Long Island and Metro-New York roadways. Various components of a deep-water port have been factored into this feasibility study, namely site access requirements and improvements, linkages to existing transportation facilities, nautical configurations, operator interest, capital expenditures, maintenance costs, market forecasts, funding mechanisms, jurisdictional authority, permit requirements, potential environmental impacts, and construction effects.

Four feasible port planning scenario concepts have been formulated; a preferred concept has not been articulated as further analysis and the implementation of a public involvement program in a subsequent study phase would be needed to identify a preferred scenario concept.

By Evan Thomas KC'S BLOG • • • 0 Comments

The Benefits of Design-Build

The design-build project delivery method differs from the traditional design-bid-build delivery method in that it involves one contract between a design-build team and the project owner rather than two separate contracts between the project owner and a contractor and the project owner and a designer. This method streamlines the process, unifying the designer and contractor to enhance their collaboration and prevent conflicts.

Design-build is still in its nascent stages in New York, where agencies are beginning to recognize the benefits of this increasingly popular delivery method, which include more innovative designs, accelerated project delivery, lower project cost, and fewer change orders. ACEC New York endorses the design-build delivery method under the condition that it is a two-step procedure, “a process that best protects the interests of the owner, design professional, contractor, and the public.” This process requires a New York State registered and licensed design firm, independent of the project owner and teamed with an equally qualified contractor, be selected based on qualifications and experience during a two-phase Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process with transparent selection criteria.

An example of one such design-build project is NYSDOT’s D900034 Region 8 Design-Build Project in Ulster County, for which the KC Team was shortlisted in the RFQ stage and subsequently selected as the most qualified in the final RFP stage, with a perfect technical score. This design-build project involves the full replacement of two bridges: BIN 1040750 NYS Route 209 (3-span continuous steel girder bridge with a total span of 402 feet) over Rochester Creek and BIN 1019700 NYS Route 28 (7-span continuous steel girder bridge with a total span of 994 feet) over Esopus Creek.

As Lead Designer, KC is performing the structural design of the two structures, including the three-span continuous multi-steel superstructure and seven-span continuous multi-steel superstructure, staged construction and work zone traffic control, geotechnical work, and hydraulic analysis. Because of our well-integrated team and fast-tracked design during the RFP stage, we were able to deliver an innovative solution that reduced the overall bridge span length while maintaining full structural stability and adhering to all applicable codes and regulations.

KC is thrilled to help pioneer design-build projects in our backyard, and we look forward to playing a key role in future projects as New York joins this growing trend in the design and construction industry.

By Evan Thomas KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Warwick Public Transit Garage Project

KC provided architectural and engineering services to complete the design of the Warwick Public Transit Garage, including the design of the prefabricated steel building, foundation, and slab on grade; plumbing systems; roof drainage system; heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; and other components. Additionally, KC is preparing technical specifications for the project to comply with all current code provisions.

KC committed to delivering a facility with both exceptional functionality and aesthetic appeal. Accordingly, special consideration was given to the rural character intrinsic to the area in addition to the building’s proximity to a main artery to the Village and its placement within the Town building complex.

This project was funded by grants from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the NYSDOT, which were awarded through Orange County. Therefore, the project required close coordination with both the County and Town as well as strict adherence to all FTA, NYSDOT, and local requirements affecting municipal construction projects.

This project was put out to bid, with Verticon Construction of Monroe, NY succeeding with a bid of $2,296,000. This bid is $1 million less than their previous bid on this project when it was first released as a design-build project, which the Town cancelled before releasing the design-bid-build project for which KC was selected. Considering this lower bid and adding KC’s design fee, the new project should realize the Town of Warwick a cost savings of $800,000.

By Evan Thomas KC'S BLOG • • • 0 Comments

What type of equipment do surveyors use?

Land surveying is one of the oldest professions in the world, dating back to ancient times. Surveying illuminates the features of a property, outlines property boundaries, locates underground utility lines, and so much more. So what type of equipment do surveyors usually take out into the field? We decided to ask our survey crew and here is what they had to say:

“What an interesting question because it can be interpreted in different ways. Does it mean the survey equipment we utilize or is it the clothes and features we wear on a daily basis? I guess we can account for both ends of the spectrum because surveying equipment and our own personal equipment go hand in hand.

We’ll start with our basic personal equipment. Unfortunately, as surveyors, we are constantly in the field so our attire isn’t always office appropriate. Whether it’s a ragged shirt with torn jeans or a t-shirt with holes, our field attire is not really ideal to wear in a professional office environment. The same could be said for wearing nice, respectable clothing while performing fieldwork. No one wants to survey in khakis and a button down shirt. That’s why we always keep a spare change of work clothes, just in case we do need to perform fieldwork in an emergency. This means we can dress respectably in the office and still have the option to change into field clothes.

As far as personal gear, safety is always a priority. We constantly keep our orange vests in our packs as well as our hard hats and boots. Using proper footwear while surveying in the field is essential. There’s a lot of standing and walking, so a good pair of boots goes far. Additionally, we may have our own tool belts as well as safety glasses. Again, safety is always a top priority so you’ll always find these either in our backpacks or survey truck.

Shorts are not a recommended item of clothing because half the time we’re walking through tall brush and need to be cognizant of ticks. You’ll also find bug spray, sunblock, and sanitary hand wipes. Some other items you may find are a magnetic compass, a small mini reflector prism, and a 25-foot steel tape.

As far as the typical surveying equipment, there are our surveying instruments:

  • The Nikon Nivo 2C; and
  • The Leica TCRA 1103 Plus robotic instrument.

These are the two instruments used by the field crews on a daily basis for collecting data. However, the instruments are always brought inside at day’s end and are never left in the survey truck. Tripods, prism poles, and various other tools can be found in the bed of the survey truck.

All of these items get used in different ways but are essential to performing the duties of a surveyor."

By Evan Thomas KC'S BLOG • • • 0 Comments

Getting to Know KC’s Engineers

While we don’t often think about it, engineers are at the heart of our everyday lives. They’re the ones responsible for designing our worlds, from the water we drink and the roads we travel to the faucets we run and the cars we drive. It takes a special kind of person to be an engineer, someone dedicated to using their skills and knowledge to develop solutions to everyday problems. We chatted with some of our engineers to learn why they entered the field:

“I studied engineering because I wanted an academic challenge that would ultimately prepare me for employment and a career. I selected civil engineering because I like practical three-dimensional solutions. I chose consulting as I wanted to find varied projects and I have. At 30 years into my career, I still enjoy finding practical solutions. I also enjoy being an advisor to clients and a mentor to staff.” – Nancy Clark, Civil Engineer

“My fascination with miniature/model structures and Legos is what inspired me to want to build or design structures as a young kid. I was also fortunate enough to have great guidance and encouragement to pursue becoming an engineer at a young age.” – Julian Llorente, Structural Engineer

“My interest in engineering began with seventh grade woodshop, where newly acquired skills allowed me to begin experimenting with designing and building, with functionality being the goal. The hands-on aspects of technology class, combined with a preference for math and science, led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in engineering.” – Mike Tamigi, Electrical Engineer

“I grew up in a large and poor family, I had to build my own toys. I guess that made me believe there is always a solution, I just have to look for it.” – Jamil Yousef, Structural Engineer