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Post-pandemic, cities are struggling to operate virtually and the benefits of Smart City technology are even more apparent, and the need to fully virtualize critical functions is upon us. Some are investing into critical infrastructure–towers, servers, fiber–enabling communications and communities to stay connected. The need to bridge the digital divide, expand 5G, and develop applications to enable the economy, enhance virtual, mobile networks and create new approaches to resiliency is increasing. Adding new layers of redundancy, and most importantly, re-configuring public works systems to operate “virtually everything – virtually.”
Read More85% of water utilities are owned or controlled by municipalities and fall under the public works departments. PVC pipe is a major asset they manage. PVC pipe was introduced in North America in 1951, using a tin stabilizer and as a corrosion-proof piping solution and was commercially introduced into the U.S. public works market in the early 1960’s. Corrosion resistant, easy to install, low break rates, and cost competitive to existing water, sewer, and irrigation piping products, PVC pipe was quickly adopted by many communities. Today, over 40,000 North American water utilities use PVC pipe, and more than one million miles are in service – or about 78% of all new drinking water distribution pipes installed on the continent and these utilities are developing asset management plans and updating accounting’s pipe service life and asking “How long are these pipes going to last?” The initial design standards for PVC were based on the results of long term, steady state pressure regression tests and if the pipe did not experience significant cyclic pressure amplitudes, this design approach worked and is the basis for PVC pipe pressure ratings today (AWWA C900 and C905). Researchers discovered that PVC pipe had two distinct lives, one based on steady state conditions and the other based on cyclic (fatigue) conditions where frequent opening and closing of valves created transient conditions. Laboratory tests confirm that the fatigue mode of failure remains a possibility and the procedures for computing the number of cycles to failure for a given stress history has been well documented in literature. However, these studies were mostly developed based on lab test results, mostly driven by a single transient source. Fatigue analysis by using field monitoring data from pressure sensors under actual operating conditions are more accurate, yet complex. This presentation reviews a new methodology with real in-field examples of determining the RUL of PVC water pipes in service.
Read MoreCity and County engineers often receive requests, complaints, and suggestions from citizens about traffic safety (new pedestrian crossing warning technology, intelligent transportation systems, bikeable/walkable communities). The 2018 APWA Exceptional Performance in Journalism-awarded guidebook provides local agency staff with a best-practice approach to positively addressing citizens’ common requests for traffic safety concerns without just saying “no.” The guidebook offers practical, easy to use tips on listening to citizens and having an open dialogue to identify the core problem while engaging citizens in the process and apprising them of the plan of action. Although the document was developed using guidance and firsthand experience from Minnesota local agencies, the methods and message is applicable to agencies, regardless of size, across the nation.
Read MoreSmart Cities is a concept that has been around for several years; however, Public Works professionals need a better understanding of what is a smart city, defining the program elements…
Read MoreSmall towns and rural communities may produce less waste but that does not mean less work. Fewer staff, resources and vendor options create unique obstacles for smaller town solid waste…
Read MoreThe winter conditions in Texas this year were more extreme than any in recent memory. During this live event, public works professionals will share how they communicated with elected officials…
Read MoreMunicipal rights of way serve many public interests, A place for utilities is one of those interests. That ROW is becoming more crowded, filled with a mixture of scrap, abandoned…
Read MoreThere is a lot of interest in applying ice control materials directly to the pavement in liquid form. This session will explore in detail why liquids are being used in winter maintenance operations. What allows them to be so effective? What are the benefits of using liquids, and what are their limitations? Under what circumstances should I consider using liquids in my agency? This session will introduce attendees to how liquids are used, why they are used, and what it takes to use them.
Read MoreFor most winter cities where the snow does not melt for the entire winter season, snow disposal is a necessary service. Snow disposal is not restricted to snow removal in such locations but also includes snow storage. Storing snow efficiently is operationally very challenging and expensive. Generally other winter activities like snow plowing, ice control or removal get much more operational focus in comparison to snow storage. Whether the snow is stored along streets, in a snow storage facility or both, proper planning is essential. Managing a snow storage site particularly involves several costs that are not restricted to staff and equipment costs only. Innovative practices need to be deployed to make the operation sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly. The presentation will highlight City of Regina’s initiatives to make the snow disposal operation more sustainable by successfully implementing a pay per load user fee for snow storage. The presentation will provide an overview of how City of Regina is mitigating operational challenges associated with snow storage on or off snow storage facility.
Read MoreConstructed in the 1890s, Merchant’s Bridge spans the Mississippi River and now is the top priority freight improvement project in the St. Louis region. The bridge’s current capacity limits the existing double-track bridge to allowing only one train to pass at a time, causing significant delays in freight movement. Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) is replacing the main span and east approach of this historic structure. The new structure will replace the existing three with truss main spans up to 520 feet in length. The east approach includes six-deck plate girder spans constructed in 2006 and 31 multi-beam spans. A study identified the river span configuration that provided the most cost-effective, constructible solution, and satisfied all permitting requirements. Also included in the east approach design is a unique cellular concrete retained fill replacement of the existing 1890’s spans. The bridge type study results determined that the best option was to replace the existing three truss spans, strengthen the river piers, modify the deck plate girder spans, and encase the east approach spans. The existing main span through trusses will be replaced with ballast deck truss spans. The stone masonry river piers will be encased in concrete to resist Level 3 seismic and AASHTO vessel collisions. Deck plate girder spans will be widened from 12-foot to 15-foot and ballast deck will be added. There are six railroad stakeholders including CSX, BNSF, UPRR, Norfolk Southern, Canadian National, and Amtrak, who are all major stock holders of TRRA as well. This presentation includes aspects of a mega-transportation project in the St. Louis metro, asset management, historical preservation, and bridge inspection methods.
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