Rapid technological advances are helping to expedient the planning process that precedes a construction project. That allows engineers, architects and designers to get to the heart of each structure, incorporating purpose and longevity into the utility of each build. Our expert panelists address trends and future-proofing that they’re seeing in their projects.
Panelists:
Dylan R. Cruess, Chief Operating Officer, TF Moran Inc., tfmoran.com Anna Giraldi, Senior Bridge Engineer, The Turner Group, ttgae.com
Dylan R. Cruess Chief Operating Officer, TF Moran
What emerging technologies or techniques in civil engineering and land surveying are having the biggest impact on your projects today?
Technology advancements are rapidly shaping the civil engineering and land surveying industry.
In civil engineering, our primary design software, AutoCAD, continues to incorporate 3D capability and Building Information Modeling (BIM) into our site design projects, allowing clients and general contractors to visualize the final appearance of a project while it is still in the design phase. BIM technology can also identify potential conflicts with utility lines and calculate construction items, such as the amount of dirt that needs to be imported or exported from the site.
In land surveying, TFMoran is at the forefront of the industry in utilizing unmanned aerial drones for mapping existing conditions data. Our new LiDAR-equipped drone is capable of accurately recording topographic data through tree cover and other obstructions. The use of drones is fundamentally changing the process of field surveying. A large property that might have taken a week to survey with conventional equipment can now be flown with a drone in a matter of hours. While drones can significantly reduce the time needed for survey fieldwork, they record a huge amount of photo and LiDAR data that must be analyzed and processed by computers in the office. For a large site, a drone might take 5,000 photos and capture almost 500GB of LiDAR points. Drone technology is fundamentally changing the land surveying industry by making field data collection faster, but it also increases the time and resources needed to properly analyze and process the vast amounts of collected data.
Technological advancements in civil engineering and land surveying are making the design process faster and allowing our clients and general contractors to visualize their finished projects before construction even begins.
What trends do you see as being popular in your current projects?
From a popular amenity perspective, we are seeing pickleball courts included in many of our current municipal and residential projects. It seems that pickleball is both a very popular sport and that the courts take up significantly less space compared to many other active recreation facilities, such as soccer fields or tennis courts. We recently had a municipal project where an underutilized baseball field is scheduled to be transformed into multiple pickleball courts.
An interesting side note: Did you know that pickleball and tennis courts are almost always designed to run north to south? This alignment minimizes the sun’s impact on the players’ eyes while playing.
How does TF Moran’s multidisciplinary expertise (civil, structural, environmental and landscape architecture) enhance project success in complex/multi use developments?
One of the most difficult aspects of a complex/multi-use development is coordinating all the different elements of designing a project into one cohesive package where each engineering discipline doesn’t conflict with one another. Is the civil engineer using the most current land survey information in their design? Is the landscape architect working with the most current civil engineering plan in their design? With multiple engineering disciplines, including land survey, civil, structural, environmental and traffic engineering, and landscape architecture at our firm, TFMoran, is able to manage the entire site design process in-house so it is more efficient, and we are able to avoid schedule delays and conflicts that can arise when dealing with multiple companies.
Anna Giraldi, Senior Bridge Engineer, The Turner Group
Why is bridge construction so important?
Bridges are more than just physical structures; they are vital connections that support communities, economies and daily life.
As bridge engineers, we must recognize that designing a bridge is not just about steel, wood and concrete — it is about engineering trust and reliability for generations to come. A bridge must instill confidence, guaranteeing the safety and security of those who depend on it daily.
Building trust begins with careful planning.
By combining technical expertise, innovation and a commitment to public welfare, engineers ensure that bridges foster trust and stand the test of time.
What is the process you go through designing a bridge?
The design of any bridge starts with a thorough site evaluation, bridge type determination and material selection. Engineers must consider the environment in which the bridge will be built — whether spanning turbulent waters, harsh terrains or bustling urban landscapes to make sure the bridge fits both structurally and aesthetically with its surroundings. Each site presents unique challenges, requiring different design solutions. Materials such as steel, wood, reinforced concrete or composites are selected based on their ability to withstand vehicle loads, extreme weather, seismic activity, and constant wear and tear. As climate change and increasing traffic loads put new demands on infrastructure, engineers must adopt new design approaches that improve durability and sustainability.
What measures are in place to ensure bridges hold up to their job?
Structural safety is ensured through adherence to engineering codes and standards such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bridge Design Specifications and state bridge design codes.
These codes, based on decades of research, are frequently updated to reflect advancements in technology and knowledge.
Engineers must calculate load factors, stresses, and static and dynamic forces, while ensuring that every component of the bridge can perform under expected and unexpected conditions. Proven software tools allow for precise modeling, aiding the engineers with the calculations.
Inspections during construction are essential to ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications. Engineers verify material quality, and the proper installation of structural components such as foundations, superstructures and decks. Regular oversight prevents costly mistakes, enhances durability, extends longevity, and minimizes risks of future structural failures.
Beyond construction, ongoing inspections and maintenance are vital to maintaining bridge safety. Bridge inspection protocols mandate inspections every few years, with more frequent inspections for critical and aging structures. Preventive maintenance extends a bridge’s life span and reduces the need for costly emergency repairs.
