Design – KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.

September 16, 2024 By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG #2D • #CADD • 2024 • 3D • Design • Engineering • software 0 Comments

What is Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)

Did you know that before the invention of Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) software, drafters and designers had to create models by hand using large sheets of paper and drawing boards? This process was not only labor-intensive but also very challenging to review and revise.

Fortunately, the field of engineering and design has undergone a revolution with the advent of CADD software. CADD is a software program used in architecture, engineering, and construction that makes it easier to sketch and create physical components or arrange procedures. One of the key advantages of CADD is its ability to streamline the design process. With traditional drafting methods, any changes or modifications to the design would require starting from scratch. However, with CADD, designers can easily make revisions, saving both time and effort. This flexibility allows for more efficient and accurate designs. Additionally, CADD software offers a wide range of tools and features that enhance the design process. These tools include the ability to create 2D and 3D models, generate detailed drawings, and analyze data. By utilizing these features, engineers and designers can visualize their concepts and identify potential issues. Another key advantage of CADD is that it also promotes collaboration among different firms involved in a project. With the software's ability to share and exchange design files, team members can easily communicate and work together, regardless of their physical location. This level of collaboration not only improves efficiency but also ensures that all parties are on the same page, reducing the risk of errors or misunderstandings. In terms of productivity, CADD greatly speeds up the design process. The increased productivity allows for faster project completion and ultimately leads to cost savings. This iterative process not only improves the quality of the final design but also fosters innovation and problem-solving skills. With its ability to create precise and accurate designs, CADD continues to shape the future of the industry, making it easier than ever to bring ideas to life.

August 28, 2023 By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG #Flow • 2023 • Design • Engineering • Fluid • Mechanical 0 Comments

How is the flow of fluid significant in mechanical engineering?

Designing effective and high-performing mechanical systems requires an understanding of fluid flow, an essential element of mechanical engineering. The area of fluid mechanics, known as “fluid flow,” focuses solely on the properties and motion of fluid. We must also be aware of the numerous varieties of fluids when analyzing fluid mechanics: real fluid, ideal fluid, Newtonian fluid, non-Newtonian fluid, and ideal plastic fluid comprise some of the various kinds of fluids that have been recognized in the mechanical engineering industry.

The descriptions of these fluids are as follows:

Real fluids can be compressed and possess viscosity and surface tension. Some examples of real fluids are castor oil and petrol.
Ideal fluids are supposed to be both incompressible and viscous. Some examples of ideal fluids are water and air.
Newtonian fluids are ones whose viscosity is independent of the rate of stress. Some examples of Newtonian fluids are gasoline, water, and alcohol.
Non-Newtonian fluids have a variable viscosity that can become either more liquid or more solid when subjected to force. Toothpaste, butter, and soaps are examples of non-Newtonian fluids.
Ideal plastic fluids are referred to whenever a particular requirement is met, such as shear stress being equivalent to the gradient of velocity and also being greater than the yield rate. An example of an ideal plastic fluid is clay.

The flow of fluid has a significant impact on how quickly a product moves via a pipe, the duration it requires for it to settle or dry out, and how quickly the fluid gets distributed into packaging components. Therefore, fluid flow is necessary to make sure fluid control procedures are safe, effective, and affordable.

December 12, 2022 By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG #Additivemanufacturing • #Priniting • 2022 • 3D • CAD • Design • Engineering 0 Comments

What is Additive Manufacturing?

Did you know that additive manufacturing (AM) makes physical objects from 3D digital designs? AM is defined by GE Additive as “data computer-aided-design (CAD) software or 3D object scanners to direct hardware to deposit material, layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes.”

Digital technology has been revolutionizing the engineering industry for decades, and AM brings a new and improved angle that will expand the range of designs. AM is capable of producing shapes that were previously unattainable using only metal powder material and a laser machine. Instead of molding or even machining, the laser machine can recreate and build up the 3D printing layer by layer, including the detailed structures on the inside. AM is so practical that engineers are able to make last minute changes to the 3D printing without delaying or ruining the object. Additionally, a large section of the 3D printing can be made as a single large piece instead of printing multiple smaller parts and then assembling them together. It is safe to say that as the industries become more aware of what AM is capable of doing and AM becomes more popular within industries, it will have a bright future due to its capability of working so well side-by-side with other technology, including machining. AM can also be utilized in other industries such as aviation and medical because it is capable of printing aircraft parts and medical devices, including creation surgical implants.

To learn more about AM, please visit: GE Additive

November 30, 2020 By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG #Cashless • #Statewide • #Thruway • #Tolling • 2020 • construction • Design • Engineering 0 Comments

Design-Build Contract D800002: Cashless Tolling, Statewide, NY

This Design-Build project involves the design and construction of cashless tolling on the New York State Thruway ticketed system from approximately Thruway Exits 16 to 61 (MP 45.00 to MP 496.00), which will save travel time, reduce traffic, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions, benefitting the approximately 267 million vehicles that travel the Thruway each year.

The work varies on a site-by-site basis. Work generally consists of the strategic and cost effective placement of gantries, the removal of toll plazas, the reduction (in most locations) of the infrastructure footprint, positive separation of opposing traffic, signing, striping, design and construction modifications of super elevations to accommodate higher speeds through the gantry and modified toll plaza areas, landscaping, electronic work, communication buildings, tandem lot access modifications or closures or relocations, drainage work, pavement work, coordination with and/or preservation of existing utilities, asbestos and hazardous material abatement, and/or solutions to provide safe ingress and egress to and from the Thruway System.

The Cashless Tolling Constructors, LLC team, of which Stantec Consulting Services Inc and KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. are Lead Designer, was selected as Best Value Team for this project. KC leads the structural engineering team, with work including providing design for four different types of gantries; generators / mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP); and communication buildings, including tie-in points to existing power and fiber sources, adequate parking space, and safe access for maintenance personnel.

KC also performs quality management, surveying, and civil and utility engineering services.

The cashless tolling system went live in November 2020, more than a month ahead of schedule, with toll booth removals, asbestos and hazardous material abatement, and final construction work to occur in 2021.

October 19, 2020 By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG 2020 • Design • Engineering • Riverfront • Streetscape • surveying 0 Comments

Plattsburgh Streetscape and Riverfront Access Design Project

This project included engineering and design services to improve riverfront access and increase visitation, connectivity, and pedestrian traffic by designing sidewalk, lighting, and aesthetic improvements. The project area included Saranac River, located between Broad Street Bridge and the pedestrian footbridge, as well as 11 total streets, parks, and green spaces.

The scope of work included sidewalk and street improvements and widening, green space enhancements, implementation of traffic calming measures, lighting improvements, and additional design components.

As subconsultant, KC was responsible for determining current and estimated future downtown walkability conditions, providing design input and analysis for potential conflicts with parking and waterfront recreation, and reviewing project specifications and final design drawings. KC provided drawings in support of relevant permit applications and conducted Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act, and Title VI Conformance summaries.

KC also provided supplementary survey services to support development of construction drawings for the City as well as bid phase support services for development of technical specifications.

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