Amanda Thomas, PE

I vaguely remember going to visit a dam while I was in college. It was part of a class (can't remember which one). I think that's why this quote from the story stuck out to me while driving to work Wednesday: "There is no university program related to dam design or construction". This is yet another part of our infrastructure with a poor grade (ASCE's 2021 infrastructure report card gave dams a D). Heavier storms, as a result of climate change, are causing even more stress on all of the "old" infrastructure that is already in need of repair. "Shoring up just the ones that could pose a risk to human life would cost $34 billion by one estimate." The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (aka the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) includes some funding for dam repair and dam safety. But as the article points out, that funding is just a drop in the bucket. Do you live near a dam? Will you be impacted if a dam fails? https://lnkd.in/eUtXZqBp

11

3 Comments

🚨 Breaking News: Infrastructure Alert 🚨 As a civil engineer, it's crucial to stay updated on structural issues and their impacts. This week, the town of Babb, Montana faced a significant challenge. On Monday, June 17th, two historic steel siphon pipes, aged between 100 and 112 years, burst during a routine inspection. These pipes, integral to the siphon system, transport St. Mary River water across a ravine and uphill to the North Fork of the Milk River. Constructed between 1912 and 1926, their failure is a stark reminder of the importance of diligent maintenance and timely upgrades in our aging infrastructure. Let’s use this incident as a call to action for evaluating and investing in our critical infrastructure. #CivilEngineering #Infrastructure #Sustainability #EngineeringNews #WaterManagement

4

Two days of intense, but fun learning more about AI and how to better utilize it. So much information that will help myself and my team improve. #aec.ai, #SMPSUtah, #SMPS

29

1 Comment

Great discussions today with section leaders at RMSO 2024 in Green Bay, WI on the Five Forces Driving the Future of Water ; Sustainability, Technology, Economics, Governance & Social/Demographics.

13

Regulations are notoriously confusing. Right now there are a lot of people studying the PFAS rules to try to digest them and gain a better understanding of how they apply to their facility. Confusing as the new rules may be, Kiewit is able and ready to jump into that discussion. We can help folks understand their exposure levels and to identify which options and solutions are available to them to address the problem. We can also offer our knowledge and engineering resources related to how to treat some of the issues related to PFAS compounds. I’m available as a starting point to help navigate the regulatory changes, so reach out to me to figure out next steps.

7

During my last three years at #SCDOT, I was honored to be part of a team tasked with developing solutions to address permitting delays on many future roadway construction projects. I'm excited to present the applications developed during this project as well as the results from the past few years of implementation at the National Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Conference tomorrow morning at 9am CT. Join me to learn how the following items were addressed! #NAEP, #Environmentalprofessionals, #environmentalpermitting, #NAEP2024

30

4 Comments

Don’t sweat the small stuff 🛑 In this week’s Engineering Management Lessons video, Matt Evans, Ph.D., Professor of Geotechnical Engineering at Oregon State University, explores how giving your engineers space to fail might be your team's biggest growth opportunity. Dive in 📺 https://bit.ly/EMLEngFail Hear more from Matt by checking out his full-length episode of The Geotechnical Engineering Podcast ➡️ https://bit.ly/TGEPEp101 #Engineer #Engineering #Leadership #Growth #Failure

3

1 Comment

Across our nation, coastal marshes face threats from climate change and erosion. According to my HDR colleagues, Nick Brown, Robert Lewis and other industry experts, sediment replacement is one strategy used to counteract eroding coastal marshes and improve their sustainability. Check out this article published in the ASBPA American Shore and Beach Preservation Association’s journal for a comprehensive breakout of this solution.  https://lnkd.in/eZ4kYUVz

2

Across our nation, coastal marshes face threats from climate change and erosion. According to my HDR colleagues, Nick Brown, Robert Lewis and other industry experts, sediment replacement is one strategy used to counteract eroding coastal marshes and improve their sustainability. Check out this article published in the ASBPA American Shore and Beach Preservation Association’s journal for a comprehensive breakout of this solution.  https://lnkd.in/eZ4kYUVz

29

This is a really creative way to address the housing shortage within the confines of existing rules and zoning. It's a shame that cottage courts have basically been regulated out of existence. Fortunately, there are still a few scenarios where they can still be created. #affordablehousing #cottagecourt #strongtowns #zoning

4

Hi everyone! Just thought I'd share that I wrote an article in this month's issue of Structure Magazine, here: https://lnkd.in/gG-zF_kQ (online article) https://lnkd.in/g3qn866C (full magazine issue -- see page 10)   Let me know if you'd like to discuss how to engineer damping in your tall building!

55

2 Comments

So I'm working on a book called "Ultra High-Speed Ground Transportation Systems - Brining Cities Together to Foster Face-to-Face Collaboration". I'm contemplating Best Practices. There is a broad spectrum of performances. Pastor Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life sold so many copies that he reverse-tithed - gave 90% and living off of the remaining 10%. On the other hand, I've seen authors in the hole for upwards of $10,000.00 and garages full of books. Here are some principles I was able to come up with regarding successes: 1. Speak to a significant need of the audience; 2. Include color graphics throughout the book to increase the appeal (This will result in a more expensive product); 3. Get universities, associations, and museums on board during the actual drafting process, because once it's in print, it's too late; 4. Know that the book in and of itself will not sell itself based on its cover - Marketing is absolutely essential; and 5. Once published, give a complimentary copy to each of your points of influence including professors, museums, associations, and high-level government officials who will have an interest in the content of your book. Anything else to add? #civilengineering #transportationplanning #trafficengineering #highspeedrail

4

If you're as excited as I am about all that is happening along KC's Riverfront, join me at the upcoming WTS program! See information about the panel discussion and registration below!

5

Let's talk two-year agreements between employers and relocated employees. Let's face it, starting a new job is challenging. Starting a new job following an expensive and labor-intensive relocation is even more so. Employers make an up-front investment of at least $60,000.00 to bring an employee on board. Therefore, it's in everyone's best interest, especially the taxpayers, that all parties do their parts to ensure that an employment engagement is long-term. For the employee, this means paying back the relocation allowance in full should they choose to leave the company within the first two years. For employers, should the "well run dry", train employees for a more lucrative role, so they can make a lateral transfer. Additionally, both parties should keep the lines of communication open and agree that there will be no "pulling out the rug from underneath you without warning". What are your thoughts about two-year agreements? They don't guarantee two years worth of work. They simply outline how both parties will make a good faith effort to ensure that the employment engagement lasts for at least two years. #humanresources

2

Exciting news ahead! 🌟 Get ready for the upcoming events of Forum for the Built Environment and Forum for Tomorrow (fft)! ✨ Follow the link below to secure your post!

2

With all the flooding in Minnesota, the American Geophysical Union’s WaterSciCon was perfectly timed. Read the article by clicking this link: https://buff.ly/3XJiOs0 The conference included presentations from multiple universities, including a UMinn PHD student's presentation that highlights how large rainfall events are occurring at higher frequencies than their name represents. The article goes on to highlight how large-scale ponds provide cost-effective solutions, while infiltration cannot solve it all, and innovative technologies will help in the future. But in the end, it all comes down to funding for construction and maintenance. #stormwatermanagement #civilengineer

15

1 Comment

Ready for the next stage in your engineering career? ⭐️ Our Pass the PE Exam blog this week is breaking down how a PE License can boost your salary and career trajectory so you are ready for the next stage of career advancement. Check it out ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eHJR8mZ5 How did a PE License transform your career? Share your PE story in the comments to motivate others currently studying for the PE exam! ⬇️ This content is brought to you by PPI, a Kaplan Company. #Engineer #Engineering #PELicense #Career #Growth

3

To all my #SteelDetailing folks, I'm seeking clarification on the spacing of staggered holes in a beam flange for structural connections. Specifically, I'm wondering if the 24" staggered holes should be spaced 24" from hole center to hole center on the same line or 24" from hole center to hole center on opposite lines. Any insights or references to relevant standards would be greatly appreciated. #steeldetailing #steeldetailer #Structuralsteelfabricator #tekla #SDS2

3

2 Comments