Converse Highlight - Hoover Dam Bypass

The construction of the landmark Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge (also known as the Hoover Dam bypass),  is an internationally recognized engineering marvel.  It is the first concrete-steel composite arch bridge built in the United States, the longest concrete arch in the Western Hemisphere, and the second-highest bridge in the U.S. (890 feet above the Colorado River). The project has received many awards:

• 2014 - Special Mention, Awards for Outstanding Concrete Structures, The International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib)
• 2013 - Award of Excellence, Major Civil Engineering Projects, Centenary Awards, International Federation of Consulting Engineers
• 2012 - Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award, American Society of Civil Engineers
• 2011 - Grand Conceptor Award, Engineering Excellence Awards, American Council of Engineering Companies
• 2011 - Grand Award, Engineering Excellence Awards, American Council of Engineering Companies of Nevada
• 2011 - Eugene C. Figg, Jr. Medal, International Bridge Conference
• 2011 - First Place, Bridges (Projects > $100 Million) Category, Globe Awards, American Road & Transportation Builders Association
• 2011 - Excellence in Structural Engineering Award, Bridges and Transportation Structures Category, Structural Engineers Association of Arizona
• 2011 - Be Inspired Award Winner, Innovation in Bridges Category, Bentley Be Inspired Awards
• 2011 - Public Works Project of the Year, Transportation | Cost Greater Than $75 Million Category, American Public Works Association
• 2011 - Bridge Award of Excellence, American Segmental Bridge Institute
• 2011 - Outstanding Project, Bridges and Transportation Structures Category, Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards, National Council of Structural Engineers Associations

The bridge consists of a 2,000 foot-long composite concrete deck arch, requiring over 6000 cubic yards of concrete and 8 million pounds of steel to build at an estimated cost of $120 million. The Nevada Approach portion of the project consisted of over one million cubic yards of embankment, six concrete bridge structures and approximately 2.5 miles of asphalt concrete pavement, including traffic interchanges, drainage improvements, wildlife crossings and pedestrian and visitor improvements.

Converse is proud to have participated in this project. Our scope of services included materials testing and inspection on soils, concrete and asphalt, as well as the development and implementation of the QA/QC plan. 

 

Converse Consultants is an industry leader in geotechnical engineering, and environmental, groundwater and materials sciences. We are celebrating our 70th year of service.

For more information about Converse please contact Beth George at bgeorge@converseconsultants.com

 

This Stuff Is Sexy

Infrastructure.  There.  It doesn't get sexier than that this side of Chris Hemsworth. Seriously.

Yeah, ok, most people don't think of infrastructure as sexy.  Most people don't think of it AT ALL.  Heck, a lot of people probably don't know what infrastructure is.  Don't feel bad if that's you.  You're in good company.

So here's the thing.  Whether or not you think it's sexy (but haven't you ever seen a bridge backlit by a glorious sunset?) infrastructure is the backbone of your daily life and things would be radically 
different without it.

Clean water is something we take for granted as a first-world country.  Most of us have never experienced a time when we didn't have safe, clean water at the turn of a tap.  So, how does it get there?  Source development, conveyance, treatment, storage and more conveyance, that's how.  Pipelines and reservoirs and wells and treatment plants and pump stations.  Then there's recycled, reclaimed and wastewater.  More pipelines, treatment, etc.

How about roads?  We like to complain about potholes (potholes are NOT sexy) and everyone hates traffic.  Why can't they just build more lanes so we don't have to rot on long, skinny parking lots every day?  Because it takes time and money.  The time can be dealt with.  It's the money.  There is no sustainable source of transportation funding at the Federal level and in many states, including California.  So the roads continue to deteriorate, traffic gets worse, and nothing gets done, except by the local transportation agencies.

Over 60%  of the bridges in the United States are in a critical state of disrepair.  The California State Water Project, which brings water to the thirsty Southern California region from the northern part of the state, is nearly 60 years old.  The Aqueduct leaks millions of gallons of water a year.  The American Society of Civil Engineering issues an annual report card of the state of infrastructure in the country.  In 2013 the national grade was D+.

The problem is this: infrastructure isn't politically sexy.  Heck, an alarming number of state and local elected officials don't have a good understanding of what it is and what happens if we continue to ignore it.  Sure, it's been bandied about at the federal level but there is no real conviction behind the words.  Too often aging infrastructure is used as a scare tactic.

Politicians aren't likely to take our crumbling infrastructure seriously until their constituents do.  Constituents won't make an issue of it until the dams start leaking, bridges start falling and we can't get water from the tap.
  
by Beth George

The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author

Converse Consultants is an industry leader in geotechnical engineering, and environmental, groundwater and materials sciences. We are celebrating our 70th year of service.

For more information about Converse please contact Beth George at bgeorge@converseconsultants.com

6 Tips To Earn Respect At Work

You're the new guy in the office, or the woman promoted to a management position. You've got to make your way; make your mark. You have to be a team player; approachable, helpful and friendly, without getting walked on. How, you might ask, how in world can I do this?

I'm glad you asked. Here are 6 Ways to Earn Respect at Work.

 

1. Don't Be A Know-It-All. No one likes the guy who has all the answers, especially when some of them are wrong. Even if you DO know all the answers keep them to yourself unless it's appropriate.

2. Be Honest. No one respects a liar. Tell the truth, always. Be kind, but truthful. This should go without saying but, unfortunately, some people have trouble with honesty.

3. Listen. Really listen. When someone is talking, don't think about what you're going to say next. Pay attention to what the speaker is saying. Ask questions when she's done. If you listen to people they feel valued and, in return, will value you.

4. Carry Your Own Weight. Be someone people can count on to do his part. Slacking rarely engenders respect.

5. Don't Get Involved In Office Politics. Sometimes it's impossible to avoid the internal machinations in the office but stay out of the posturing and positioning. Be your own woman and stand on your merits, not the favor of others.

 

6. Stay Clear Of Drama. No exceptions. No matter how juicy that gossip is, no matter how annoying John in accounting may be, stay away from drama. Stay above the fray. Some might think you're not 'part of the gang' but they will respect you.

 

These six tips might not guarantee a corner office and a seat on the Board of Directors but they do ensure you will maintain your dignity and self-respect and gain the respect of others.

Was this helpful? 

Do you have additional tips?

Converse Consultants is an industry leader in geotechnical engineering, and environmental, groundwater and materials sciences. We are celebrating our 70th year of service.

For more information about Converse please contact Beth George at bgeorge@converseconsultants.com

Converse In History - Anaheim Stadium

In 1960 Gene Autry founded the Los Angeles Angels. The team played their first year at Los Angeles’ Wrigley Field in 1961. The old park lacked major league capacity so the Angels shared Chavez Ravine (Dodger Stadium) on it’s completion in 1962 and played there until 1965.

The new American League expansion team quickly chafed at being in the shadow of the well loved Dodgers, and it was announced on April 9, 1964, that a new ballpark would be built in for the start of the 1966 season. It was to be called Anaheim Stadium.



Anaheim Stadium under construction

Three different sites were considered for the new stadium and the present location was chosen for cost and quick availability of the land and because the junction of State Routes 22 and 57 and Interstate 5 were anticipated to be adjacent to the stadium. Four farms were on the site, and a road had to be cleared through a corn field for the groundbreaking ceremony on August 31, 1964.



The project was on a very fast track with less than two years to design and build a Major League stadium. Four construction bids were submitted to the city, but only one could guarantee that Anaheim Stadium would be completed on time. The $ 24 million contract was awarded to Del Webb's construction company, a firm which had worked on the Convention Center. Del Webb carried part of the Convention Center team, including Converse Consultant, to this new venture.

The stadium site is located in the Santa Ana River floodplain, presenting several challenges for the design and construction. The active river channel had to be diverted to prevent flooding of the new ballpark. The sandy soils of the floodplain wouldn’t support the structure so the Converse staff designed a pile foundation system and was involved in designing the stadium as five separate structures built side by side for structural and seismic stability.

Since the project was on such a fast track it was necessary to use some creative scheduling during construction. After the first deck was framed and poured the contractor was still waiting for steel to arrive from Japan. In order to keep to the schedule the playing field itself was finished and the infield turf was laid. After the steel arrived and the second and third decks were under construction the crews were able to look down on a pristine Major League diamond, which was quite unusual in stadium construction.



Anaheim Stadium from the Press Box

In order to ensure an adequate supply of infield and outfield grass to replace sections worn and damaged by play the city used an additional ten acres of land across the street from the stadium complex as it’s own turf farm.

Opening Day came on April 19, 1966. The three tier stadium had 43,204 seats that stretched from the right field foul pole to homeplate and around to the left field foul pole. The original dimensions at Anaheim Stadium were 333 ft. (left), 404 ft. (center), and 333 ft. (right). It was known as a power hitter’s park because the ball carried so well.

Anaheim Stadium instantly became known as the "Big A", because of the A-frame scoreboard that was behind the outfield wall. It was 230 feet tall and a $1 million giant halo topped the scoreboard. This has since been moved to the parking lot, and is still visible from the freeways.

Converse Consultants is proud to have been a part of this project and we extend a very special thank you to Mr. Tom Liegler, the original manager of the stadium. Mr. Liegler was involved in the original siting, design and construction of the stadium and was kind enough to provide a great deal of information for this article.

Converse Consultants is an industry leader in geotechnical engineering, and environmental, groundwater and materials sciences. We are celebrating our 70th year of service.

For more information about Converse please contact Beth George at bgeorge@converseconsultants.com

 

 

Picking Up The Pieces - Brownfields in a Post-RDA Califonria

In Feb 2012, the California state legislature won the legal battle to dismantle community redevelopment agencies (CRAs), reallocating roughly $1.7 billion in local property taxes away from brownfield cleanup towards the state’s budget deficit. In the midst of a recession, proponents argued that funds would be better spent on education and public safety, but the move was highly controversial and resulted in significant public outcry (and litigation).

Why? Because, at the time, only redevelopment agencies held certain powers to assess and clean up properties with environmental contamination. With authority granted in the Polanco Redevelopment Act, CRAs could identify blighted properties in specific redevelopment areas, coordinate a remedial action plan with the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) and State Water Board, and sue responsible parties for the cost of cleanup.

One of the most important features of the Polanco Act, however, was the provision for immunity from liability. If site cleanup was conducted in accordance with an approved remedial action plan, then the agency was immune from liabilities associated with previous environmental contamination. This immunity extended to those who entered into agreements with the CRA after the acceptance of the remedial action plan (subsequent purchasers, developers, lenders, etc.), thereby encouraging investment in high-risk properties.

Assembly Bill 440 (Gatto), signed by Gov. Brown in October 2013, was designed to reinvigorate brownfield cleanup by granting the power once held by redevelopment agencies to cities, counties, and housing authorities. Under the new bill, municipalities and successor agencies are re-tooled with the authority to initiate site cleanup and recoup costs from responsible parties with added provisions, such as:

Wider jurisdiction. Cities, counties, and housing authorities can use the AB 440 powers anywhere within their jurisdiction, not just areas designated for redevelopment.

Expanded rights. Agencies now have the right to order a property owner to provide a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). This means a city has the right to see any existing Phase I documents and/or can force the owner to prepare one if needed, at their own expense.

Liability Protections. Similar to the Polanco Act, AB 440 offers agencies immunity from liability for release(s) addressed in the clean-up plan, transferable to future purchasers of the property and financiers. It is important to note that protections do not apply to those responsible for release of contaminants and associated parties prior to the clean-up plan, to those responsible for hazardous substances not identified in the plan, or those who obtain approval of the clean-up plan through fraud, nondisclosure, etc.

Owners and municipalities should be aware of this opportunity as it may lead to more infill projects.

 

For more information regarding AB 440 and related topics, contact Norman Eke at neke@converseconsultants.com

Converse Consultants is an industry leader in geotechnical engineering, and environmental, groundwater and materials sciences. We are celebrating our 70th year of service.
For more information about Converse please contact Beth George at bgeorge@converseconsultants.com

 

Harnessing The Wind - Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project

California became the first state to develop large wind farms in the early 1980s and the unique geography of the Tehachapi area makes it one of the world’s leading wind energy centers. Prevailing northwesterly winds blow through the passes in the Tehachapi Mountains that connect the San Joaquin Valley with the Mojave Desert.

The Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) provides the electrical facilities necessary to interconnect new wind turbine-based electrical generation in excess of 700 megawatts (MW), and up to approximately 4,500 MW, from the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area (TWRA).

SCE Graphic

 

The project consists of over 250 miles of new and upgraded high-voltage transmission facilities extending from Eastern Kern County to the city of Ontario. Much of the work was completed in existing SCE rights-of-way to reduce environmental impacts.

 

The Tehachapi project helps California expand its renewable energy capabilities.  Converse Consultants provided geotechnical monitoring services for the transmission lines, including pile installation and sound walls.  We have worked with Southern California Edison for many years, and are proud of our involvement in this major project.

For more information about the Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project contact SCE at TehachapiRenewableTransmission@sce.com

 

Converse Consultants is an industry leader in geotechnical, environmental, groundwater and materials sciences. We are celebrating our 70th year of service.
For more information about Converse please contact Beth George at bgeorge@converseconsultants.com

 

The Las Vegas Veterans Memorial-Honoring Those Who Serve

The Las Vegas Veterans Memorial project is a community effort to recognize and honor our veterans and their service to the country. The sacrifice made by those who serve in our nation's military affect not just those in Las Vegas, or the United States, but many parts of the world.

The public recognition of the importance of this sacrifice is what led the Las Vegas Veterans Memorial Board of Directors to move forward with the monument.  Their motto is "To show appreciation and bring recognition to the commitment and sacrifices our Veteran’s and their Families have endured throughout our country’s history by establishing a Veterans Memorial".

 After an intense competition the Board selected Douwe Blumberg from a field of 200 artists to create the Memorial.  Blumberg has completed more than 200 projects, including the “America’s Response” Special Operations Monument placed by Ground Zero in New York City. Within the last 18 months alone, he has installed five large outdoor pieces for cities across the country.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held in November, 2015. The memorial is on a two-acre park setting on the grounds of the Grant Sawyer State Building and will  feature 18 statues, each around 7-8 feet tall, surrounded by granite memorial walls with explanatory narrative.  The pathways in the park include commemorative bricks honoring a veteran by name, branch and dates of service.

Three soldiers rescuing an injured warrior and a family group will face the soldier vignette. This is the central focus of the Memorial. Ten historical background figures represent veterans of America’s past wars.

Dedication for the Memorial is scheduled for May 27, 2016.  This world-class Memorial will inspire many generations in the Las Vegas area and honor those who put their lives on the line to gain and preserve our freedom.

Converse Consultants is proud to be part of this important project.  We donated the geotechnical design reports for the memorial and park.  Converse actively seeks out ways to honor our veteran and active duty military personnel.

For more information about the Las Vegas Veterans Memorial visit their website at http://lasvegasveteransmemorial.org/.

Converse Consultants is an industry leader in geotechnical, environmental, groundwater and materials sciences. We are celebrating our 70th year of service.
For more information about Converse please contact Beth George at bgeorge@converseconsultants.com