By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • • 0 Comments

The Engineering Behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons

Next week Thursday is Thanksgiving. And while we may spend time eating around the table Thursday evening, many people are sure to kick off the day by watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

This year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the parade will be a little bit different with some extra adjustments in order to keep everyone safe. Macy’s collaborated with the City of New York, to build an ambitious strategy that would continue the parade tradition. According to Macys.com, “In order to avoid gathering large crowds of spectators along our traditional 2.5-mile route in New York City, we have shortened the route to focus solely on the last section of our annual march. On Thanksgiving Day, we will showcase our annual celebration’s signature balloons, floats, performances and herald the arrival of Santa Claus, in front of Macy’s famed flagship store on 34th Street for our national television special on NBC.”

The concept behind the parade will remain the same, so if you’ve ever wondered about all the science and engineering behind the parade, read on.

When engineering a new balloon design, creators first sketch out a diagram, which is examined and adjusted by engineering experts, to ensure that the design will safely float. Then dimensions are determined, and a real-size clay model of the design is created, to calculate how much fabric and helium is needed.

The float then goes through months of testing, conducted by dozens of handlers. The tests are to ensure proper inflation and deflation, easy handling, and more. Then the finishing touches are added to the balloon.

Fun Facts:

  • It takes 90 minutes to inflate a balloon and 15 minutes to deflate one.
  • The average balloon requires 12,000 cubic feet of helium. That’s enough to fill about 2,500 bathtubs.
  • Balloon pilots must attend training and must be able to walk the parade route backwards. Balloon handlers support the pilot and help maintain control of the balloons. They must weigh at least 120 pounds and be in good health.
  • For more information about this year’s parade, go to: https://www.macys.com/social/parade/
By Evan Thomas KC'S BLOG • • • 0 Comments

East Midtown Greenway Breaks Ground

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday, November 22, 2019, workers broke ground on the highly anticipated East Midtown Greenway (EMG) project for the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). The Department of City Planning (DCP) determined in 1993 to create a mixed-use path encircling the entire island of Manhattan. The West Side has been quicker in advancing this vision than the East; however, the design and construction of the EMG is a significant step towards achieving this goal. KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. is thrilled to have played a major part in bringing this project to fruition.

The EMG is the second phase of a three phase development entitled the East Midtown Waterfront Project (EMWP). The intent of the EMWP is to construct a continuous public waterfront esplanade over the East River in Manhattan, NY. The EMG’s southern and northern termini are East 53rd Street and East 61st Street.  The project also includes a new pedestrian bridge that will provide access the esplanade at 54th Street and Sutton Place South.

KC performed the topographic survey, utility survey, and easement survey for the project. Work associated with the production of these deliverables included a comprehensive investigation of all available record utility and government agency maps. KC also researched available design drawings, as-built drawings, and aerial maps spanning approximately 80 years to understand site conditions, both above and below ground.  KC’s survey crew coordinated with an arborist to accurately measure, classify, and record all trees within the project limits.

KC also assisted in providing an existing conditions report.  Narratives provided a detailed description of the project land use, ownership, and zoning. This report also included a written description of onsite utilities and important features including an existing 11-foot gravity retaining wall and a comprehensive engineering investigation of an existing bridge located adjacent to the project area.

In addition, KC actively coordinated with the NYCEDC and a bridge architectural firm to provide a bridge design that is visually appealing, meets the high expectations of the community, and adheres to the design standards set forth by both the NYC Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYCDPR). The primary structure is a steel tied arch bridge with one arch on either side of the walkway.  These arches have a rise of 18 feet, and are inclined 6 degrees outward.  The walkway is a concrete deck with a clear width of 14 feet between railings.  Lighting fixtures will be mounted directly onto the arches to provide ample lighting onto the bridge deck, while minimizing impacts to adjacent homes and the parkway below.  The bridge will serve pedestrians and bicyclists, and will have striping and signage to safely facilitate both.

Additional Press Coverage:
NBC New York
amNY