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contents
October-November 2014 Volume 55, No. 6
features
Ramps inside the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg. Photograph by Patrick Coulie. See story p. 22.
Business. Small Firms. See story p. 78
departments Comment
4
Up Front
6
ACEC Review
11
Products 88 Advertiser Index
89
Next issue: Science and laboratory buildings; heritage restoration; the pros and cons of specialist designations.
2014 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards Introduction. Reassured by these Accomplishments.
16
Schreyer Award. Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
22
Tree for Life Award. New Victoria Mine Water Treatment Plant.
24
Ambassador Award. New Quito International Airport.
27
Engineering a Better Canada Award. Detour Lake Gold Mining Project.
30
Outreach Award. Dillon’s Environment and Community Investment Fund
32
Awards of Excellence Casino de MontrĂŠal Renovation Residence for the Sisters of St. Joseph Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvements - Onshore Works Glacier Skywalk Bow River Pedestrian Bridge and Utility Crossing John James Audubon Bridge Strandherd Armstrong Bridge Erection Gold Bar Thickener/Fermenter Operational Improvements Groundwater Denitrification using a PRB Developing Hydroelectric Potential in Northern Ontario Niagara Tunnel Project Mount Pleasant Substation Heat-Seeking Sewer Model North Channel Bridge Replacement Ambatovy Nickel Project
34 36 39 43 49 51 53 55 57 61 62 65 66 68 69
Winners Gallery Snapshots of the award-winning teams.
71
on topic
BUSINESS Small Firms. How companies with fewer than 25 staff are faring in the tough, megacorporate world of engineering. By Sophie Kneisel
78
ENGINEERS & THE LAW Potential Liability. By Owen Pawson & Jordan Regehr, Miller Thomson 82 CONVERSATIONS Engineering on TV: Interview with Steve Burrows 90
October/November 2014
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Canadian Consulting Engineer
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engineer FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE
comment
C A N A D I A N C O N S U LT I N G
Editor
Bronwen Parsons E-mail: bparsons@ccemag.com (416) 510-5119 Senior Publisher
Museum with a message
I
n the last 25 years Canada has built three national museums — all with unforgettable structures. The soaring glass walls and curving concrete of the 1989 Canadian Museum of History (formerly Museum of Civilization) dominate the Ottawa River across from Parliament Hill. The 2005 Canadian War Museum a kilometre or so away hugs the ground. Its interior is a labyrinthine complex of dark passages and jagged forms. The newest, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, opened this year and is this year’s Schreyer Award winner (p. 22). What an extraordinary edifice this is, and how skilled are its structural engineers at CH2M HILL! The building stands high above the flat Winnipeg landscape, a large mountainous form, with tumbling blocks forming the walls on one side, and a broad curve of glass facing the city. Inside are long narrow ramps recalling perhaps the journey of the human soul, or journeys to death during past atrocities. The location of the new museum in the geographic centre of the country means that most of us will have to make a special journey – a pilgrimage – to visit it. Perhaps that’s how it should be, given the institution’s high ideals and purpose. As others have pointed out, the fact that it is named the Museum “for” Human Rights, as opposed to being the standard Museum “of” Something, has implications. The choice of “for” shows that the museum’s purpose is not just to educate, but also to advocate for an ideal that will change human behaviour. I fear, however, that a visit to a museum will not make all that much difference in the grand scheme. Given that heads are rolling in countries like Syria and Iraq, and poverty rages on around the world, we’re a long way off a perfect state of universal brotherhood and respect for others’ rights. But I digress. This issue is dedicated to the celebration of excellence in engineering. The Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards are chosen partly for the projects’ technical innovation, but also for their social, economic and environmental benefits — for how they improve people’s everyday lives. So the winners include projects like the wastewater treatment plant in New Victoria, Cape Breton, that CBCL designed to clean up the water contamination from old disused coal mine shafts. Similarly we have Pinter & Associates’ work on remediating contamination from a fertilizer plant in northern Alberta. For sheer beauty and excitement, the Glacier Skywalk in Jasper National Park by Morrison Hershfield is incomparable. Like the Winnipeg museum, this project’s construction was not without controversy. However, few would miss a chance to enjoy the expanse of Canada’s Rocky Mountains from its cantilevered glass deck. Finally, it’s interesting that among the 20 winners, 11 are projects by small and medium-sized Canadian firms. In the feature “Small Firms” on page 78 we explore how these companies are coping today in an industry dominated by ever larger, multi-national corporations. Based on their strong showing in the awards, it’s clear that small and medium firms are still performing at the top of their form. Bronwen Parsons 4
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Maureen Levy E-mail: mlevy@ccemag.com (416) 510-5111 Art Director
Jessica Sharpe Contributing Editor
Rosalind Cairncross, P.Eng. Advertising Sales Manager
Vince Naccarato E-mail: vnaccarato@ccemag.com (416) 510-5118 Editorial Advisors
Bruce Bodden, P.Eng., Gerald Epp, P.Eng., Chris Newcomb, P.Eng., Laurier Nichols, ing., Lee Norton, P.Eng., Jonathan Rubes, P.Eng., Paul Ruffell, P.Eng., Andrew Steeves, P.Eng. Circulation
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Kim Collins (416) 510-6779 Vice President, Publishing Business Information Group (BIG)
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President, Business Information Group (BIG)
Bruce Creighton Head Office
80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON Canada M3B 2S9 Tel: (416) 442-5600 Fax: (416) 510-5134 CANADIAN CONSULTING ENGINEER is published by BIG Magazines LP, a division of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd. EDITORIAL PURPOSE: Canadian Consulting Engineer magazine covers innovative engineering projects, news and business information for professional engineers engaged in private consulting practice. The editors assume no liability for the accuracy of the text or its fitness for any particular purpose. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Canada, 1 year $60.95; 2 years $91.95 + taxes Single copy $8.00 Cdn + taxes. (HST 809751274-RT0001). United States U.S. $60.95. Foreign U.S. $60.95. PRINTED IN CANADA. Title registered at Trademarks O ffice, Ottawa. Copyright 1964. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in part or in full without the consent of the copyright owner(s). ISSN: 0008-3267 (print), ISSN: 1923-3337 (digital) POSTAL INFORMATION: Publications Mail Agreement No. 40069240. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept., Canadian Consulting Engineer, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON Canada M3B 2S9. USPS 016-099. US office of publication: 2424 Niagara Falls Blvd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304-5709. Periodicals postage paid at Niagara Falls, NY. US Postmaster: send address changes to Canadian Consulting Engineer, PO Box 1118, Niagara Falls NY 14304. PRIVACY: From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us. tel: 1-800-668-2374, fax: 416-510-5134, e-mail: jhunter@businessinformationgroup.ca, mail to: Privacy Officer, BIG, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON Canada M3B 2S9. Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Member of the Canadian Business Press
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
October/November 2014
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up front
COMPANIES
Big three firms on spending spree Canada’s three largest consulting engineering firms — WSP, Stantec and SNC-Lavalin — have completed major acquisitions this summer and early fall, each adding thousands of employees and multiple new offices. On September 24, Stantec announced it is buying the Canadian operations of Dessau, one of Quebec’s largest consulting engineering firms. The acquisition will give Edmonton-based Stantec a major presence in la belle province, adding 1,300 employees of Dessau to the 70 staff Stantec alStantec’s new headquarters is set to begin construction soon ready has in Montreal. in Edmonton. Stantec president and CEO, Bob Gomes, said: “Over the past tec’s mix of services, their culture, and two years we believe the their unwavering commitopportunities have ment to ethical business evolved to a point where practices strongly parallel we are comfortable and our own, and the inconfident in expanding creased opportunities for in this market.” our staff ... is exciting.” Dessau has a long hisEarlier in September, Isabelle Jodoin Bob Gomes tory in Quebec. It was WSP Global of Montreal established in 1957 and has 20 offices in (formerly known as Genivar) announced Quebec as well as offices in Mississauga that it has an agreement with Balfour and Ottawa, Ontario. It has large public Beatty to buy Parsons Brinckerhoff and private clients, and has won more Group. Headquartered in New York City, than 120 awards of excellence, counting Parsons Brinckerhoff has 170 offices and 50 just in the last five years. Projects of 13,500 employees on five continents. note include the Honoré-Mercier Hos- WSP says the acquisition expands its prespital Centre and the Montreal Palais des ence in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, Congrès, and La Pinière Wastewater and enables it to become one of the largest global “pure-play professional services Treatment Plant. The company was one of several firms” with approximately 31,000 emmentioned during the hearings at the ployees worldwide. Last, but not least, in August, SNC-LaCharbonneau Commission which just concluded. The commission is looking valin Group of Montreal completed its into collusion and corruption in the acquisition of Kentz Corporation for £1.2 billion. Kentz is a U.K.-based corporation Quebec construction industry. Dessau’s president, Isabelle Jodoin, with 15,500 employees operating in 36 said: “We’re eager to embark on this countries. It does engineering in the oil next stage of evolution for Dessau. Stan- and gas sector.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Green bonds for building infrastructure Ontario is launching a green bond program, making it the first government in Canada to do so. Green bonds were pioneered by the World Bank in 2008 as a tool to raise capital for environmental projects. The inaugural Ontario issue is expected to be $500 million. It will be used to fund the Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto. NUCLEAR
AMEC works on nuclear fusion AMEC has won a contract to develop and manufacture a prototype panel to protect the core vacuum vessel for the ITER nuclear fusion reactor in Caderache, Southern France. The project aims to show the technical feasibility of nuclear fusion as a power source. ENERGY
Stealthy wind turbines Wind turbines can interfere with radar signals, making it difficult to distinguish them from low-flying aircraft. To avoid the problem, EDF Energies’ 96-MW wind farm in Perpignan, France will use Vesta turbines that have a coating similar to those used on stealth fighter jets. The coatings turn radar signals into heat. continued on page 8
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2014-10-03 1:01 PM
up front
continued from page 6 BUILDINGS
Report sheds light on slow hiring of immigrant engineers The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) released a report on September 10 that identified some reasons why employers are not hiring internationally trained engineers. Entitled “From the World to the Workforce: Hiring and Recruitment Perceptions of Engineering Employers and Internationally Trained Engineers in Ontario,” the report presents the difficulties being experienced from both sides: employers and immigrant engineers. The findings are based on an online survey of 167 internationally trained engineers and 77 companies. Over 30 of the companies were also interviewed in person. The conclusion is that there are “asymmetries or misalignments” between the way employers recruit staff and how internationally trained engineers search for positions. It was found that only 10% of employers believe job applicants self-assess their language skills accurately. And more than two-thirds of engineering employers reported they have difficulty evaluating the non-Canadian engineering work experience of prospective employees. Companies with fewer than 10 engineers on staff were less likely to hire internationally trained engineers.
Aga Khan development transforms Don Mills A large Islamic complex opened in September in Don Mills, a postwar residential area of northeast Toronto. Developed on 6.8-hectares, the complex includes two separate large buildings. The Ismaili Centre, designed by Indian architect Charles Correa, is easily seen on the east, distinguished by its high, cone-shaped glass prayer hall. To the west, the 10,000-sq.m Aga Khan Museum houses over 1,000 artifacts including portraits, manuscripts and medical texts. Designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, the angular block has a courtyard at the centre with 13-m tall glass walls and a mosaic floor. The building is clad in brilliant white Brazilian granite and faces a reflecting pool. The design team for both buildings included Moriyama and Teshima, architects; CH2M HILL as structural, The Mitchell Partnership as mechanical, and Crossey as electrical engineers. Vladimir Djurovic designed the gardens. Prime Minister Stephen Harper was at the opening on September 12, along with Mawlana Hazar Imam. The Aga Khan was quoted: “We hope that this museum will contribute to a better understanding of the peoples of Islam in all of their religious, ethnic, linguistic and social diversity.”
Gary Otte / The Aga Khan Museum:
PROFESSION
Aga Khan Museum, Toronto.
8
STANDARDS
ASHRAE eyes E-cigarettes and cannabis Changes to ASHRAE’s Standard 62.1, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Buildings, are in store. The changes recognize that the existing ventilation rate procedure in its IAQ standard may be difficult to apply in existing buildings. Also open for public comment is an addendum to revise the definition of environmental tobacco smoke to include emissions from e-cigarettes and from smoking cannabis (now allowed by some jurisdictions). ASHRAE is also proposing multiple compliance options for verifying the performance of the building envelope under Standard 90.1-2013. CODES
Ontario allows taller wood-frame buildings Starting January 1, 2015 Ontario’s building code will allow wood frame buildings up to six storeys high. Until now, they were only allowed in buildings up to four storeys. The province will also require that wood frame buildings include stairwells made of non-combustible materials and have roofs that are fire resistant. Over 50 six-storey woodframe buildings exist in B.C. since the province changed its building code to allow them in 2009.
continued on page 10
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WATERSHEDS
New flood protection planned for Lake Manitoba Public open houses were held this fall in Ashern, Manitoba, to present conceptual designs for new flood management structures on Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin. After record floods in 2011 the Manitoba Government is looking for ways to control flood levels on the lakes, which lie 100 kilometres to the west and 300 kilometres north of Winnipeg. KGS Group is the prime consulting engineer working on the studies and recommendations. For Lake Manitoba the recommended option is to construct either a 11.6-km or 22.8-km new channel to connect it north to Lake St. Martin.
Lake St. Martin outlet structure constructed during 2011 record floods.
The work would include a control structure and several bridges. For Lake St. Martin, the recommendation is to expand and make permanent an emergency outlet channel that was constructed in 2011. The preliminary cost of this work, which would also
10
involve a new control structure, is between $142 million and $212 million. COMPANIES & PEOPLE
McElhanney, Associated Engineering McElhanney of Vancouver has acquired Infinity Engineering. Based in North Vancouver, Infinity is a small firm that specializes in bridge design and erection engineering. It has designed long-span and complex bridge projects in Canada, the U.S. and India. Associated Engi- Chris neering has a new vice- Skowronski. president of infrastructure. Chris Skowronski previously served as the division manager of infrastructure for the company’s central Alberta region. Bert Munro, vice Bert Munro. president and general manager of Associated Engineering’s Saskatchewan and Manitoba operations, has won the 2013-2014 Engineer of the Year Award given by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS). Munro has 35 years of experience in municipal, water resources and geotechnical engineering. He is a past president of APEGS, the Western Canada Water and Wastewater Association, and Consulting Engineers of Saskatchewan.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Four TBMs for Eglinton Crosstown LRT Work is under way on the largest transit expansion project in Toronto’s history — the 19-kilometre Eglinton Crosstown LRT, expected to be completed in 2020. The line cuts across the centre of Toronto and will stretch from around Keele Street east to Kennedy Avenue. It will have 25 stops and 10 kilometres will be underground in tunnels. Two tunnel boring machines, “Dennis” and “Lea,” are already burrowing east from Black Creek Drive, while a second set, “Humber” and “Done,” have arrived at the Brentcliffe launch site for tunneling west. All four machines will be extracted around Duplex Avenue near Yonge Street. A joint venture known as 4-Transit Group consisting of MMM Group, Delcan and Hatch Mott MacDonald is leading the project for Metrolinx. HMM is in charge of the tunneling. Metrolinx
up front
Work under way on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto.
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ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERING COMPANIES | REVIEW CHAIR’S MESSAGE
Engineering in Canada: telling an important story
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n this issue of Canadian Consulting Engineer, 20 outstanding projects from across Canada are celebrated. The Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards, presented jointly by ACEC and Canadian Consulting Engineer, provide an opportunity to tell an important story about how Canadian consulting engineers are making meaningful (though not always obvious) impacts on the daily lives of people here and around the world. The featured award winning projects, and indeed all of the projects submitted for consideration by the awards jury, are just a sample of initiatives demonstrating the enormous contribution that consulting engineering companies in Canada continue to make in a variety of fields. The awards gala is a keystone event that showcases ACEC members and elevates the image and profile of consulting engineering companies. Each year we see more creativity, innovation and ingenuity as consulting engineers tackle complex challenges and create opportunities for their clients in both the public and private sectors.
Balancing economic, societal and environmental challenges is becoming more complex. Strategic and innovative ways of thinking are the new normal. It is through these projects that we see so clearly that there is no other industry or profession that affects so many people in so many ways. This is a story that needs to be told. I encourage all ACEC member firms to add to this story by putting forward their outstanding projects when Canadian Consulting Engineer calls for submissions in the new year and by participating in the awards programs offered by ACEC’s provincial and territorial associations. I would like to thank Canadian Consulting Engineer and the jury members who committed many hours to review all of the submitted projects. We look forward to continuing to work with Canadian Consulting Engineer, to grow and expand the awards program. Most importantly, I would like to thank all of the firms that participated in this year’s awards program. They, along with their clients and other contributors to these projects, all deserve our congratulations. ANNE POSCHMANN, P.ENG. CHAIR, ACEC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MESSAGE DE LA PRÉSIDENTE DU CONSEIL
L’ingénierie au Canada : Une histoire important
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ans ce numéro de Canadian Consulting Engineer, vingt projets exceptionnels réalisés par des firmes de génieconseil de tous les coins du pays sont célébrés. Le gala des Prix canadiens du génie-conseil, qui est organisé conjointement par l’AFIC et la revue Canadian Consulting Engineer, est une occasion unique de mettre en valeur les nombreuses manières dont les ingénieurs-conseils canadiens font une importante contribution (bien qu’elle ne semble pas toujours évidente) à la qualité de vie des gens dans notre pays et dans le reste du monde. Les projets lauréats, de même que tous les projets candidats pour le programme des prix de l’AFIC évalués par le jury, ne sont qu’un exemple des projets réalisés par des firmes de génie-conseil et qui font ainsi une énorme contribution dans une diversité de domaines. Le gala des Prix est un événement phare de l’industrie qui présente les réalisations remarquables de firmes membres de l’AFIC et qui rehausse l’image et le profil des firmes de génie-conseil canadiennes. Tous les ans, nous voyons plus de créativité, d’innovation et d’ingéniosité dans les projets d’ingénieurs-conseils qui relèvent des défis complexes et qui créent des débouchés et des occasions pour leurs clients des secteurs public et privé. L’établissement d’un équilibre entre les défis économiques, sociétaux et environnementaux devient de
plus en plus complexe. De nouvelles manières de penser stratégiques et innovatrices sont la nouvelle norme. C’est par ces projets que nous constatons si clairement qu’il n’y a aucune autre industrie ou profession qui touche autant de gens de tant de manières. C’est un message que nous devons partager. J’encourage donc toutes les firmes membres de l’AFIC à nous aider à transmettre ce message en proposant les projets dont ils sont fiers lorsque Canadian Consulting Engineer invitera des candidatures au cours de la nouvelle année et les firmes membres à participer aux programmes de prix organisés par les associations provinciales et territoriales de l’AFIC. Je tiens à remercier Canadian Consulting Engineer ainsi que les membres du jury qui ont consacré de nombreuses heures à évaluer tous les projets candidats. Il nous fera toujours plaisir de travailler avec Canadian Consulting Engineer pour augmenter encore davantage le programme des Prix canadiens du génie-conseil. Je remercie aussi toutes les firmes qui ont participé au programme des prix de cette année. Ces firmes, leurs clients et tous ceux qui ont contribué à ces projets, méritent toutes nos félicitations. ANNE POSCHMANN, P.ENG. PRÉSIDENTE DU CONSEIL DE L’AFIC
October/November 2014 Canadian Consulting Engineer
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ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERING COMPANIES | REVIEW
Consulting engineering on Parliament Hill: ACEC advocacy sets sights on 2015 federal election
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CEC advocates for a business and regulatory climate that recognizes and rewards our members’ expertise and their contributions to society. To ensure long-term economic opportunity for its members, and for Canadians in general, ACEC continues to proactively advocate for long-term federal infrastructure investment and support for responsible development of Canada’s natural resources. ACEC’s Parliament Hill Day is the most important and successful government relations initiative in Canada for consulting engineering companies. Parliament Hill Day provides an excellent opportunity to advocate, on behalf of the industry, for long-term infrastructure investment. Each year, representatives of firms attending the Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards Gala, along with the ACEC Board of Directors and representatives of the provincial and territorial Member Organizations, meet with Members of Parliament to provide them with a strong and coordinated message on issues important to the consulting engineering sector and to Canadians.
ACEC and its members have had great success with Parliament Hill Day over recent years, and with a federal election anticipated in October 2015, this year’s Parliament Hill Day is especially important.
Infrastructure is an investment in Canada
A common theme of previous Parliament Hill Days — this year is no exception — has been the need for the federal government to assist the provinces and municipalities through investing in infrastructure. ACEC believes public infrastructure is a core business of government and vital to Canada’s prosperity. A long-term infrastructure plan will continue to strengthen the economy and enhance Canada’s competitiveness. From the industry’s perspective, a predictable, long-term infrastructure investment plan will allow all levels of government, public agencies and private firms to develop and allocate resources to plan, finance, design, construct and operate infrastructure projects. Following Parliament Hill Day 2013, ACEC President and CEO John Gamble
ACEC President and CEO John Gamble (right) at the announcement of the New Building Canada Plan earlier this year by Prime Minister Stephen Harper (centre). ACEC applauds the announcement; however, there is still much more to do.
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was invited to meet with representatives in the office of Hon. Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure and the Prime Minister’s Office leading up to the announcement of the $53 billion New Building Canada Plan (NBCP) by Prime Minister Harper and Minister Lebel. This announcement was welcome news for consulting engineers and their clients. ACEC’s leadership and credibility on the issue of long-term, sustainable funding contributed significantly to the government’s renewed commitment to infrastructure. ACEC and its stakeholder partners have invested significant time, energy and resources in promoting infrastructure investment by the federal government. Over the course of this journey, we have worked closely with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canadian Construction Association, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Engineers Canada, to name a few. As welcome as the announcement of the NBCP was, there is still much to do. Since 2006 infrastructure investment in Canada has averaged 3.4% of GDP, up from 2.5% during 2001-2006. However, even with the recent government programs and initiatives, investments are significantly lower than the 6% of GDP seen in the 1950s and 1960s. It is important to note that some of Canada’s major economic competitors such as China and India invest as much as 9% of GDP in infrastructure. Therefore, during Parliament Hill Day 2014 and through to the 2015 election, in addition to applauding the recent commitments to infrastructure, ACEC is identifying opportunities to improve and strengthen the NBCP. ACEC believes that responsible fiscal management and the elimination of the deficit provide governments the opportunity to further improve Canada’s prosperity through further investments in
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ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERING COMPANIES | REVIEW
infrastructure. ACEC therefore recommends that a portion of any surplus be dedicated to infrastructure, with a longterm goal that investments by all three levels of government return to historical levels of 6% of GDP.
Encouraging responsible resource development
As part of Parliament Hill Day 2014, ACEC is also raising the importance of supporting northern and remote infrastructure to improve access to Canada’s natural resources and to allow their transport to market. This will not only strengthen Canada’s economy, but it will also allow Canada’s resource sector to create skilled jobs and develop expertise while making public infrastructure for northern communities more affordable and effective. Investments in northern infrastructure (transportation, communications, power generation and transmission) will allow Canada’s resource sector to create skilled jobs and expertise both locally and across Canada. Further, sufficient investment in the North would create the critical mass needed to make public infrastructure for northern communities more financially viable and logistically effective. It also supports other pillars of the federal government’s Northern Strategy, including promoting social and economic development, as well as strengthening Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic. With more permanent infrastructure in place, private investment becomes more feasible. ACEC has been collaborating directly with the Mining Association of Canada, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada and other re-
François Plourde, Executive Vice President at ACEC member firm CIMA+ (right), met with Charmaine Borg, Member of Parliament for Terrebonne-Blainville, on August 20, 2014.
source sector stakeholders to study the unique challenges of doing business in the North and to identify possible policies and/or programs to encourage more investment. Investing in the North will strengthen Canada’s resource sector and provide opportunities to improve community infrastructure in remote regions of the country.
Engaging politicians in our communities
This past summer ACEC launched its Parliamentary Partners program by inviting past participants of Parliament Hill Day to liaise with Members of Parliament (MPs) in their own communities, engaging them in advocacy on an ongoing basis and creating a pool of experienced “ambassadors” of the industry. Based on feedback to date, ACEC will be expanding the program to strengthen advocacy and image building leading up to the election. ACEC’s public affairs team assists
registered participants by preparing them for meetings with their MPs in their riding offices. Parliamentary Partners exposes members to, and directly engages them in, ACEC’s advocacy on a more frequent and consistent basis. This allows ACEC to leverage its members’ local connections in their ridings and communities year after year. Over time, as the number of participants grows, there may be opportunities to coordinate very large and broad grassroots campaigns on future issues. The beginning of 2015 marks the official start of the election year. Our meetings with elected officials both on Parliament Hill and in the ridings, as well as with nominated candidates, will allow us to educate each of the parties on our industry issues and influence their platforms leading up to the election.
Learn more about ACEC’s successful and comprehensive advocacy program at www. acec.ca/advocacy
Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Canada (ACEC-Canada), 420-130 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5G4, tel: (613) 236-0569, fax: (613) 236-6193, info@acec.ca, www.acec.ca. ACEC Member Organizations: Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – British Columbia, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Yukon, Consulting Engineers of Alberta, Consulting Engineers of Northwest Territories, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Saskatchewan, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Manitoba, Consulting Engineers of Ontario, Association des Ingénieursconseils du Québec, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – New Brunswick, Consulting Engineers of Nova Scotia, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Prince Edward Island, Consulting Engineers of Newfoundland and Labrador. October/November 2014 Canadian Consulting Engineer
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ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERING COMPANIES | REVIEW
Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards: celebrating achievements
O
n October 23, industry leaders and invited guests gathered in Ottawa for a “Starry Night” Awards Gala to celebrate the achievements of the consulting engineering industry, including the twenty projects selected for recognition with an Award of Excellence. Of these, five projects were selected for special achievement awards, including the Schreyer and Tree for Life. ACEC’s Beaubien Award was bestowed posthumously on Allen D. Williams, an industry leader whose legacy lives on today. Allen opened A.D. Williams Engineering Limited in 1978 and set out to build a business that focused on bringing engineering expertise to remote northern communities in need of services unique to the local geography. In 2005, Allen fulfilled his dream of passing the firm down to his son, Reagan. Under their combined leadership, the firm grew to 170 employees across five regional offices. Allen was not only concerned with growing his own firm’s success; he also had a vision for the future of consulting engineering and worked to raise awareness of the industry among university and college students in Alberta. Allen’s commitment to the con-
sulting engineering industry is further exemplified by his service on the Board of Directors of Consulting Engineers of Alberta and ACEC. In 2009, Allen’s dedication to the consulting engineering industry was honoured by ACEC with the creation of the Allen D. Williams Scholarship. The scholarship is presented each year to a young professional in an ACEC member firm who has made significant contributions to the association and the industry. ACEC’s Beaubien Award was created in 1984 in honour of Dr. James de Gaspé Beaubien, who founded ACEC in 1925. The award recognizes individuals for their exceptional work as members of the association and for their lifetime contributions to the advancement of the consulting engineering profession. Johanne Desrochers, the long-serving former President and CEO of the Association des ingénieurs-conseils du Québec (AICQ), an ACEC Member Organization, was also honoured at the gala. Johanne announced her departure in June 2014 after 28 years of service with the association. “Johanne’s commitment and contributions to the association and the con-
Allen Williams.
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sulting engineering industry, not only in Quebec but across the country, cannot be understated,” said ACEC President and CEO John Gamble. “We are very fortunate to have benefitted from Johanne’s professionalism and dedication and we wish her the very best.”
Consulting engineers compensation survey
A
ll organizations need to know if they are paying their employees competitively, if their group insurance benefits and retirement plans are appropriate and that they have sound compensation policies and procedures in place. ACEC-Canada has partnered with Western Compensation & Benefits Consultants to produce an annual survey of Canadian consulting engineering companies. The survey report contains comprehensive information on: • Current salaries and bonuses for 80 positions including: engineers/ scientists, technicians/technologists; executives/senior management, HR, IT, accounting and payroll, and administrative staff • Expected changes in salaries for 2015 • Group insurance benefits and retirement plans • Compensation best practices. Members of ACEC-Canada receive a 15% discount. For more information visit: http:// wcbc.ca/published-surveys/consulting-engineers/
Johanne Desrochers.
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2014
INTRODUCTION
CANADIAN CONSULTING ENGINEERING AWARDS W
e are pleased to present exclusive detailed coverage of the winners of this year’s Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards.
Now in their 46th year, the awards are the highest mark of recognition for
completed projects by Canadian consulting engineers. The program is a joint initiative of this magazine with the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Canada (ACEC/AFIC). The Schreyer Award for technical excellence and innovation goes to CH2M HILL for their expert structural engineering for the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg. The Tree for Life Award, given for outstanding environmental stewardship, goes to CBCL of Halifax for the New Victoria Mine Water Treatment Plant in Cape Breton, N.S. For the second year, three additional special achievement awards were given: The Ambassador award for a project demonstrating Canadian expertise outside Canada goes to MMM Group of Toronto for the New Quito International Airport in Ecuador. The Engineering a Better Canada Award is given to BBA of Quebec for the Detour Lake Gold Mining Project in Northern Ontario. The award is for a project that enhances the social, economic or cultural quality of life in Canada. The Outreach Award goes to Dillon Consulting of Toronto for its Environment and Community Investment Fund. Also presented are 15 projects that won Awards of Excellence. They display extraordinary achievements in a range of construction sectors, everything from buildings, to transportation and water infrastructure, environmental remediation, mining, energy, and more. Finally, the people behind the projects — or at least those members of the teams who could be gathered together for snapshot photographs — appear on pages 72-74. Congratulations to all involved!
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2014 AWARDS
CHAIR’S COMMENTS
Reassured by these accomplishments It was a great pleasure to participate in the selection committee that evaluated the accomplishments of our Canadian consulting engineering companies. It was also a very difficult responsibility as the entries were of such a large diversity and quality. Fortunately, my juror colleagues were up to the task and we succeeded in choosing the 20 best for Awards of Excellence, and among them, five received special awards. As an engineer, and also as an educator, I am proud of our profession that designs great infrastructure, builds impressive landmarks, puts forward innovation, reinvests time and money in communities, and showcases Canadian engineering around the world. At a time when our profession is looked upon quite critically, it is more than reassuring to see those award-winners that were able not only to excel in their own field of expertise, but also to incorporate environmental, ethical and community concerns in their work. Let me thank ACEC and Canadian Consulting Engineer magazine who support these awards, as well as my fellow jurors. Congratulations to all the winners. And best of success to our Canadian consulting engineering companies. Christophe Guy, Eng., PhD, FCAE, O.Q. Jury Chair
THE SCOOP GALA DINNER
NUMBER OF ENTRIES
The 2014 winning projects
(last year in brackets)
PROVINCE OF ENTERING FIRMS
were presented at the
Total 60 (61)
British Columbia 12 (13)
Ottawa Convention Centre
Alberta 15 (13) ENTRIES PER CATEGORY
Saskatchewan 1 (1)
Buildings 14 (10)
Manitoba 0 (3)
Transportation 14 (15)
Ontario 22 (18)
Water Resources 9 (7)
Quebec 7 (8)
See full portfolio submissions
Environmental Remediation
New Brunswick 1 (1)
of the winning and non-
5 (6)
Nova Scotia 1 (4)
winning entries from 2014 and
Natural Resources, Mining,
P.E.I. 1 (0)
on October 23. SHOWCASE OF ENTRIES
previous years in the Awards
Industry & Energy 5 (10)
section of Canadian Consult-
Special Projects 6 (7)
ing Engineer’s website
Project Management 5 (3)
http://www.canadianconsultin-
International 0 (2)
gengineer.com/awards/show-
In-House Initiatives &
caseOfEntries.aspx
Community Outreach 2 (1)
October/November 2014
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Canadian Consulting Engineer
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2014 AWARDS
AWARDS JURY
2014 CANADIAN CONSULTING ENGINEERING AWARDS JURY CHAIR
Christophe Guy, P.Eng., Ph.D., FCAE, O.Q., is chief executive officer of Polytechnique Montréal, one of the largest engineering schools in Canada. He is a professor, researcher and expert in environmental and chemical engineering. The author of eight invention patents, he has helped establish several Quebec firms that emerged from university research. He is on the boards of the new Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC), the Montreal Science Centre, and Technopole Angus. JURORS
John Anderson, P. Eng. is a retired vicepresident of CH2M HILL Canada (formerly of Gore & Storrie). During his 47year career he provided consulting advice to numerous municipalities across Canada, in the U.S. and overseas. He served on the board of directors of ACEC, is a past president of Consulting Engineers of Ontario, past president of the Ontario Water Works Association and past treasurer of the American Water Works Association. Denis Beaulieu, Ph.D., Ing. was a researcher and professor at Laval Uni-
versity from 19782009, acting as associate dean of research and technology transfer from 1993-1998. He was also vice-president for development of technology at the Quebec Industrial Research Centre (CRIQ), from 2004-2008. He has authored textbooks on the design of steel and aluminum structures, and he is a past president of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering. Bill Birdsell, B.E.S., B.Arch., OAA, FRAIC, is president of the Ontario Association of Architects. He is also the principal of J. William Birdsell Architect in Guelph, Ontario which is a full service architectural firm. In addition to an architecture degree, he has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies. He is a member of the City of Guelph Committee of Adjustment, and contributes to several publications. Constantin Christopoulos, Ph.D., P. Eng., is a professor of civil engineering and the director of structures laboratories at the University of Toronto. He is also the holder of the Canada Research Chair in Seismic Resilience of Infrastructure. His current research focuses on high-per-
formance damping devices and systems for buildings. He is the author of more than 100 technical papers, two textbooks and the co-inventor on several international patents. He has lectured and practised seismic engineering all over the world. Tom Eichenbaum, P.Eng.DPA, is the former director of engineering at the City of Burlington in Ontario, a position he held since 1996 until retiring this year. He has helped in the planning and development of the city and has been Burlington’s lead representative on regional and provincial working groups for the Greater Toronto Area’s western region. In 2013 the Ontario Public Works Association selected him for their Public Works Leader of the Year Award. Darin Lamont, P.Eng. is manager of engineering and operations with Saint John Energy in New Brunswick. He is currently responsible for engineering, operations, metering and information technology with the utility. A graduate in electrical engineering from the University of New Brunswick, he is a member of the Saint John Emergency Management Organization and sits on the planning advisory committee for the town of Quispamsis, N.B. continued on page 20
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AWARDS JURY continued from page 18
Alistair D. MacKenzie, P.Eng., FCSCE, FEIC, is a professor emeritus at Ryerson University in Toronto. He was previously chief engineer at George Wimpey in Canada where he worked on civil and oil and gas projects. He is a past president of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering and chaired its national history committee for several years. He is also the author of scores of conference papers and magazine articles. MaryAnn Mihychuk M.Sc., P.Geo., is principal of CR Services in Winnipeg, a business consulting firm for mineral project development. She has 35 years’ experience in the mineral sector and was previously director of corporate relations for HudBay Minerals. From 1999 to 2004 she was the Manitoba Minister of Mines,
and served as a member of the Manitoba Legislature for nine years. She has also been director of regulatory affairs for the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada. Tarlachan S. Sidhu, Ph.D, P.Eng., has been dean and professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa since January 2012. Before that from 2002 to 2011 he was chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of the University of Western Ontario in London. He is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (U.S.) and of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. Clive N. Thurston, CBCO, GSC, has been president of the Ontario General Contractors Association since 2002. Previously he operated a construction company in Toronto for 12 years and has
wide experience in the construction industry. He is former chief building official for Prince Edward County. He also helped found the Building Advisory Committee at the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Chan Wirasinghe, Ph.D., P.Eng., is a professor at the University of Calgary’s Department of Civil Engineering, a position he has held since 1976. He served as the university’s dean of engineering for 12 years and was the founding dean of the Schulich School of Engineering. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Ceylon, he has over 40 years of experience and research in transportation engineering and planning. He is the co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Advanced Transportation.
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2014-03-07 3:44 PM 2014-10-03 1:02 PM
SCHREYER AWARD & AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
BUILDINGS
CH2M HILL
Canadian Museum for Human Rights JUROR COMMENTS
"The Museum is a remarkable achievement, both because of its elegant architecture but also its technical complexity. We selected it for the Schreyer Award, recognizing that it was precise engineering and complex computer modelling by the structural engineers that made the building possible."
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is envisioned as an iconic symbol of Canada – a magnificent and unique structure, and an inspiring place for the human rights debate. Initiated in 2003 by CanWest founder Dr. Israel Asper, the museum is located in the geographical centre of Canada, at The Forks of the historic native lands by the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The architectural design by Antoine Predock was selected in an international competition that included 62 submissions from 12 countries. CH2M HILL was selected to provide the structural engineering consulting services. A true team effort combined with the latest advanced technologies were the only feasible options to satisfy the challenges posed by the complex architecture. Building and constructing this building involved real-time collaboration between interdisciplinary groups in different geographic locations (40 companies located in eight cities in North America and Europe). The teams used high-tech technologies and tools to model, design, document and construct the building structure. The resulting magnificent building is a testament to the importance that Canada, as a nation, places on human rights. Exceptional structural complexity Predock's architectural vision for the structure recalls natural forms such as
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Roots, a Mountain, Dove's Wings, and a Cloud. There are also rationalized geometries in the Tower of Hope, Garden of Reflection, and Hall of Hope with its long span ramps. The architecture translated into exceptional structural complexity. The building includes large column-free spaces, unconventional load paths, long spans and extreme cantilevers. There are highly stressed connection points between the steel forms and at concrete walls, and delicate detailing in the glass facade. The only way to advance the structural design forward was to break it into separate components that could be modelled independently and sequentially integrated into the overall scheme. Design and construction of the Mountain Galleries proved to be the most challenging. The Mountain consists of a randomly stacked array of stone clad diagrid forms of irregular shape, suspended above the ground floor and cantilevering 16 metres over
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SCHREYER AWARD & AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
BUILDINGS
Photographs by Patrick Coulie Above: the Museum looms large between Winnipeg's downtown and the historic Forks area. Left: the structure has large column free spaces, unconventional load paths, long spans and extreme cantilevers.
the atrium. A disproportionately small back span required the floor diaphragms at the top and bottom levels to act as a horizontal couple to supplement the structure's resistance to overturning. The connection to the concrete core was also challenging, requiring complex tie-in connections. Maintaining the location of key structural elements during construction was difficult because it was taking place in a region with an extreme climate. It necessitated using temporary shores, controlling the method of steel erection and the sequence of concreting, and cambering the steel frame. Virtual modelling and BIM tools The use of high tech collaboration tools and computer generated models helped the team to clarify unknown issues, improve efficiencies and mitigate risks. For the complex three-dimensionally curved and sloping geometric forms CH2M HILL developed a workflow using software programs more com-
monly used by the industrial, automotive and aircraft industries. These models were used as contract documents along with conventional 2D drawings. Various components of the building such as the Roots, Mountain, Cloud, and Tower of Hope were broken out and individually translated from design concept into structural components using commercial and proprietary computer programs, then manipulated back into the master BIM geometric model. Today the advantages and disadvantages of BIM (Building Information Modelling) are well documented. At the time the museum design was initiated, however, BIM was relatively new and forced a cultural change among the design teams. Ultimately on this project the benefits of BIM were realized in excellent 3D visualizations, the sharing of information for coordinating work, and clear contract documents. Many other innovations were introduced into the design of the building's steel, glass and concrete structure. The principles of sustainable design were also applied and will be extended into the building operation. The project is presently pursuing LEED Silver certification.
Positive impacts Officially opened on September 19, 2014, the museum will bring positive energy, and new economic development and recognition to Winnipeg and the province, which is home to many First Nations people. Over the coming years the visitors who enter its walls will hopefully be changed by the experience and the exhibits, so that the building will fulfil its great purpose: “To explore the subject of human rights, with special but not exclusive reference to Canada, in order to enhance the public’s understanding of human rights, to promote respect for others, and to encourage reflection and dialogue.” CCE Name of project: Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg. Award-winning firm (structural engineer): CH2M HILL (Neb Erakovic, P.Eng., Crispin Howes, P.Eng., Bill Coupe) Client: Smith Carter Architects Design architect: Antoine Predock Other key players: The Mitchell Partnership (mechanical); Mulvey + Banani (electrical); PCL (construction manager); Walters (steel); Joseph Gartner GmbH (glazing), Ralph Applebaum (exhibits).
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TREE FOR LIFE AWARD & AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
CBCL ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
New Victoria Mine Water Treatment Plant JUROR COMMENTS
"We gave this project the Tree for Life Award, as we were impressed by how it mitigates potential catastrophic environmental impacts from former coal mines. We also appreciated how the engineers' sophisticated and innovative hydraulic analysis allowed a single plant to treat the discharge from two
metals. The precipitated metals are then collected as a solid residue and are disposed of in an on-site containment area. After the mine water undergoes active treatment it is directed for final polishing to a passive treatment system, which consists of a settling pond and constructed wetland, before it is discharged into the Atlantic Ocean. New Waterford and Sydney Mines pools treated at one plant Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation retained the services of CBCL In January 2010 to design and implement a mine water treatment scheme for the New Waterford mine pool only. In the process of refining the concept design, the CBCL team identified an opportunity to access the Sydney Mines mine pool water along with the New Waterford mine pool water at a single surface location. The significant benefits of this revised approach included: • the elimination of the need for a second active treatment plant, reducing both capital and long term operating costs; continued on page 26
CBCL
separate mines."
A long legacy of coal mining in the Sydney Coalfield which ended in 2001 has left a complex and extensive network of abandoned underground workings. With the shutdown of mining operations and the end of active pumping, the mines began to flood. This rising water is typically of poor quality, and when it surfaces contact with air promotes the precipitation of dissolved metals such as iron. The result is red ochre staining sometimes referred to locally as “copperous” water. In the past, acid mine drainage (AMD) and associated environmental impacts were an accepted part of mining operations. Recently, however, methods to control these problems are better understood, and many of these new approaches have been implemented in the New Victoria Mine Water Treatment Plant. Located in the heart of the Sydney Coalfield, this “active” treatment plant is a high density sludge system. It uses hydrated lime to reduce the acidity of the mine water, raises the pH and promotes the precipitation of dissolved
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TREE FOR LIFE AWARD & AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
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Deep interconnections below ground Mine water management requires a detailed understanding of mine workings interconnections. The large body of water within one or more interconnected workings is referred to as a mine pool, and the movement of mine water within the pool is dependent on how the collieries are connected. The Sydney Mines and New Waterford mine pool systems cover an area of approximately 50 km2 with approximately 42 km2 located under the Atlantic Ocean. The location of the plant in New Victoria is at the site of a former airshaft tunnel that connects to the Sydney Mines mine pool. This is a critical component of the system, because from this centrally located site, both the New Waterford and Sydney Mines mine pools can be accessed. The transmission of mine water from the two pools to the new plant involves complex mine water hydraulics using pumping wells and pipelines. Establishing the dynamics of the mine water flows To understand the dynamics of the individual mine pools, a complex and challenging drill program into the old workings was completed to collect data on the mine pool water elevation and chemistry. Subsequent borehole monitoring, a study of the historic mine plan and modeling of the seam structure were done to establish the inflow 26
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CBCL
• the elimination of two existing acid mine drainage seeps; • an optimized treatment plant location, relative to sludge disposal; • the management of sludge generated from one, not two, separate treatment facilities; • an optimized location for possible future passive marine discharge; and • the opportunity to use artesian flow to access mine water (reducing pumping requirements).
Above: an abandoned coal mine with visible acid mine drainage.
rates and the quality of the mine pool water. This baseline data was critical in establishing the rate of mine water level rise, the estimated timelines before equilibrium levels would be reached, and the volume and quality of water requiring treatment. Given the presence of variable flow rates and the uncertain chemistry of the mine water, the treatment plant was designed for two phases of operations with different flow rate ranges. It was also designed for deteriorating mine water quality, and the suspected poor quality of water in the inaccessible submarine areas of the deep Sydney Mines pool. The plant control system not only provides local control of the treatment system, but also acts as the central control point for remote pumping systems that control water levels in various underground mines. The comprehensive program addresses not only the direct impacts of acid mine drainage but also related concerns such as ground subsidence, the potential infiltration and contamination of groundwater aquifers, and the displacement of mine gases. The social and economic impacts on both private property and public infrastructure could be cata-
strophic if mine water from historic coal mining is left uncontrolled. A geothermal heating and cooling system was incorporated into the facility to take full advantage of the huge geo-thermal energy source that is the mine pool water itself. The construction and final commissioning of the plant was completed in February 2013 before the mine water levels reached critical levels. CCE
Project name: New Victoria Mine Water Treatment Plant, Cape Breton, N.S. Award-winning firm (prime consultant): CBCL, Sydney, N.S. (Aaron Baillie, P.Eng., Lorna Campbell, P.Eng., Donnie Arsenault, P.Eng., Robert Dickson, CET, Mark MacNeil, CET, Glenn MacLeod, P.Geo., Kevin MacPherson, Brad Kennedy, P.Eng., Kori MacPherson, P.Eng., Richard Morykot, P.Eng.) Client/owner: Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation Other key players: Atkins International (water quality modelling); BGC Engineering (geotechnical investigation); Conestoga-Rovers and Associates (mine workings mapping).
October/November 2014
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AMBASSADOR AWARD & AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
MMM GROUP
New Quito International Airport JUROR COMMENTS
large-scale project that won the Ambassador Award had met major engineering and environmental challenges. The project has already won an award from the UN for best practices in environmental sustainability.”
respect to prevailing winds, proximity to the city of Quito, and potential for future expansion. MMM undertook all of the engineering design, with the exception of the architectural and geotechnical design, for the project’s initial phase. This work included a 38,000 m2 four-level passenger terminal, as well as landside and airside infrastructure, an air traffic control tower, and airport and airline support facilities. A stormwater management facility, and water treatment and sanitary treatment plants were also part of this phase. The airport was designed to the International Building Code (IBC 2000) and other codes that were not generally followed in Ecuador but were mandated by the contract. The strict adherence to these codes created a high-quality facility, designed and built to North American standards. The project also helped to educate local affiliates and construction per-
TRANSPORTATION
“The engineers of this
MMM Group was prime consultant for the Phase 1 development of the New Quito International Airport located in Ecuador, South America. The original airport was in the heart of the city of Quito, nestled in the valley of surrounding mountains, and engulfed by existing urban development. The site constraints made expanding the existing facilities virtually impossible, so it was decided to build a new world-class international airport. The goals were for it to have the highest global standards for design and construction, to provide economic and social benefits, and to minimize the environmental impacts. Located on a 1,400-hectare plateau sitting 350 metres above surrounding rivers, high within the Andes Mountains and in one of the most seismically active areas in the world, the new international airport project presented design challenges. The new site location was recommended for its size, orientation with
continued on page 28
Above: the airport sits on a 1,400-hectare plateau, high within the Andes Mountains.
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AMBASSADOR AWARD & AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Aecon AG Constructores S.A./Fausto Hidalgo
continued from page 27
The plateau on which the new airport is situated comprises layers of volcanic ash. The existing soil in its natural state was loose, weak and not suitable for construction, so a rigorous testing process was undertaken to establish the best solution. The addition of water and load causes the soil to collapse; however, adding water to disturbed soil and placing it as engineered fill turned the soil into what has been described as “water resistant concrete.” Several trials were undertaken to determine the optimum process and materials composition. This was a solution unique to this site. Above: the runways are designed to allow pilots to "shoot the gaps." Construction depended on finding a unique solution for the weak soils of volcanic ash..
sonnel on these best practices for future projects. High seismic loads and poor soils One challenge was to orientate the primary runway so that its length could be maximized to take advantage of the prevailing wind conditions and to accommodate take-offs and land-
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ings that “shoot the gaps” between existing volcanoes. With the site located in one of the highest-risk seismic zones in the world, extensive architectural and engineering measures were required to ensure that the development is safe. The structures were designed using a combination of steel braced frames and reinforced concrete moment frames.
Benefits to the people of Ecuador Early on in the construction a significant archaeological find was discovered. The design-build team worked quickly and cooperatively with the archaeology team that was brought in to extract artifacts that were buried beneath the terminal and groundside parking areas. The artifacts were catalogued and returned to the government of Ecuador. With an increased capacity of more
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AMBASSADOR AWARD & AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
ronment, archaeology and heritage, and social factors. The end design was a durable, energy-efficient facility that incorporates local and recycled materials and one that was recognized by CIFAL (a branch of the United Nations) for its superior environmental responsibility. The airport has won several international environmental, corporate responsibility, and airport design awards. CCE
Above: the 38,000-sq. m, four-level terminal conforms to North American building standards.
than 1.2 million annual passengers over that of the existing airport and an expansion capability for 3.8 million more, the new international airport provides a variety of economic benefits for the city of Quito and Ecuador. Besides opening a new era for the progress of air transportation, tourism and urban development in the region, it created numerous employment opportunities and has generated development in the surrounding areas.
Safety within Quito’s city centre has also improved with the existing airport now decommissioned. At the onset of the project, the team embraced an environmental policy to mitigate the impacts of the airport's operations. The design and construction complied with international environmental impact assessment and environmental management plans. These included guidelines relating to aviation operations, the natural envi-
Project name: New Quito International Airport, Ecuador Award-winning firm (prime consultant): MMM Group, Thornhill, Ont. (Janine Turner, P.Eng., Hank Edamura, P.Eng., Kim Gurney, CET, Dan Butler, P.Eng., Carmine Bello, P.Eng., Slavek Strzemieczny, P.Eng., Ian Waymann, P.Eng., Mark Boone, P.Eng., Bill Longden, Brian Derich) Owner: Aecon Constructors Client: Aecon/Andrade Gutierrez Constructores S.A. Other key players: McMillan Associates (architect); Vecttor Projetos SC and Peto MacCallum (geotechnical), Aecon (contractor)
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NATURAL RESOURCES, MINING, INDUSTRY & ENERGY
ENGINEERING A BETTER CANADA AWARD & AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
BBA INC.
Detour Lake Gold Mine JUROR COMMENTS
"We selected this project for the Engineering a Better Canada Award, recognizing that this mining company had engaged the local communities and had provided social and economic benefits that respect Aboriginal rights."
On February 18, 2013, Detour Gold Corporation announced the pouring of the first four gold bars, consisting of approximately 2,000 ounces of gold, from its Detour Lake Gold Mine in northern Ontario. The event was a remarkable milestone in the company's transition from a young exploration company to an innovative, leading gold producer. Today, the mine is the largest regional employer, creating sustainable opportunities for the local communities and the region. Detour Gold Corporation acquired the property in 2007. It is the site of a former open-pit/underground mine (operating 1983-1999), located 185 kilometres northeast of Cochrane. After completing a feasibility study for the client, BBA helped to guide the development of this low-grade, high tonnage gold operation. BBA completed the detailed engineering, equipment purchasing and technical support for the open pit mine and new processing plant for on-site gold recovery. Standard mining practices had to be adapted and innovative techniques used in order to develop a robust design that met the production goals and extends the mine’s operational life.
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Innovations boost production The project included mining service buildings, waste tailings decantation and pumping, processing facilities and a 230-kV high voltage transmission line. In the processing plant crushing and grinding circuits feed ore at a nominal rate of 55,000 tonnes per day. This objective has been exceeded, with a record day at 63,700 tonnes on November 16, 2013. BBA implemented innovations that enabled the mine to surpass the typical capacity of similar operations. The innovations include the use of: • four 1,000 hp crushers (two pebble and two pre-crushing units) in order to reduce the milling energy consumption, increase the mill productivity and reduce grinding ball consumption: • the latest pump cell technology for carbon in pulp gold recovery from solution; • oxygen in leaching to reduce residence time, improve kinetics and eliminate the use of lead nitrate in the process; • waste heat recovery of process equipment, mill drives and motors for building heat; • heating of mine service facilities using waste oil from trucks; • tight water balancing and water recycling to minimize the use of fresh water, which eliminated the need to build a pipeline from a nearby river. Worker housing and infrastructure A major complexity was the significant muskeg and sensitive wetlands of the area. BBA used construction innova-
Above: inside the processing plant.
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The project also had to respect Aboriginal communities, provide regional social and economic benefits, and minimize the environmental footprint. This whole initiative was a tall order, but BBA forged a clear path forward.
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ENGINEERING A BETTER CANADA AWARD & AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
NATURAL RESOURCES, MINING, INDUSTRY & ENERGY
Above: construction under way to redevelop and expand the formerly closed mine.
tions and completed the early work infrastructure including building a remote camp to house 1,400 workers, 12 months ahead of the required construction schedule. For the worker housing, modular units were acquired from the 2010 G7 Summit. The site services include power supply, emergency services (e.g. first aid, ambulances and firefighters), communications, permanent housing, parking and recreational facilities. Respect for local communities and the environment Four agreements with Aboriginal groups define how they participate in the environmental management of the project and how they will benefit through training, jobs and contracting. To date, local Aboriginal people account for approximately 24% of the corporation's workforce, and over 53% of the workforce is from the Cochrane area. The broader community has benefited from the infrastructure investments, such as offices, lay-down yards and housing. The project has significantly reduced the regional unemployment rate. Local businesses are grow-
ing and new jobs have been created. For example, the new testing laboratory in Cochrane created 35 new jobs. In deciding to rehabilitate a shutdown mine the company took on a whole new set of environmental challenges, as well as risks. Comprehensive environmental assessments and studies were conducted to meet the provincial and federal requirements for responsible development. Prior to construction tours of the old mine site were arranged for key stakeholders to help them understand how the closed mine could be revitalized. As well, all environmental information was publicly posted in the regional municipal offices and libraries, and multiple open houses and community meetings were held to seek input on the proposed environmental mitigation. Meetings were held with chiefs, mayors, municipal councils, emergency responders and social service agencies to ensure they were prepared for Cochrane’s imminent economic growth and to inform them of any environmental issues as they arose. During each stage of the project, every effort was made to reduce the
environmental impact, including recycling process water to provide zero discharge to the environment. Power lines were installed only during winter to mitigate the impacts on muskegs and local wildlife, and the power lines were installed before construction to avoid using diesel generators. CCE Name of project: Detour Lake gold mining project, Northern Ontario Award-winning firm (feasibility study, EPCM early site preparation, detailed engineering, equipment procurement, technical site supervision): BBA, MontSt-Hilaire, Quebec (André Allaire, ing., Patrice Live, ing., Guy Décoste, ing., Jean Lavoie, P.Eng., Nathalie Blackburn, P.Eng., Jean-Guy Quenneville, ing., José De Andrade, ing., André Goyette, ing., Jorge Torrealba, ing., Langis Charron, ing.) Owner: Detour Gold Corporation Other key players: AMEC Mines & Metals (overall project & construction management); AMEC E & I (environmental studies, tailings); Walters (steel structure, detailing); Kiewit (highvoltage power); Promec; Moreau; Blais (mechanical, piping, electrical)
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OUTREACH AWARD & AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & IN-HOUSE INITIATIVES
DILLON CONSULTING
Dillon's Environment and Community Investment Fund JUROR COMMENTS
"The Outreach Award winner is a good example of what engineering compa-
Dillon is committed to sustainability both in the services the company provides as consulting engineers and in its own internal business procedures. Its vision is to be recognized by the company's owners, employees, and clients as a leader in corporate sustainability. In an effort to “walk the talk,” Dillon established the Environment and Community Investment Fund (ECIF) in 2009. The fund operates as a part of Dillon’s overall corporate sustainability strategy. Along with a charitable donation fund, it amounts to over 1% of Dillon's pre-tax profits. The fund also encourages employees to develop and participate in community and environmental initiatives of their choosing. The money serves as a catalyst to encourage a culture of volunteerism, community engagement and environmental sustainability.
Critical to the program are the employees who volunteer their time, energy, and skills to better the communities and environment in which they live and work.
Employees choose causes they are passionate about donates 1% of its Staff are encouraged to choose initiapre-tax profits to the tives they are passionate about, that fund and encourages cater to their area of expertise or have touched their lives personally. The staff to be involved in program generates the biggest spintheir communities." off benefits when Dillon can provide in-kind support for non-profit events, causes, initiatives, or organizations. It is these types of investments that tend to foster a culture of participation and volunteerism. The fund is allocated to each of Dillon’s 17 Canadian offices and is administered by passionate leaders from Dillon's Corporate Sustainability Strategy team. Employees, generally in conjunction with their office Community and Environment Committee, are free to propose initiatives that they feel meet the program’s criteria. The funds go to initiatives that meet either environmental or social criteria. Environmental initiatives must result in a reduction in waste, water consumption or carbon emissions, and they must produce ongoing improvements year after year. Social initiatives Above: Dillon's staff in its London, Ontario, office make breakfast for local school children. This is just one of many different outreach activities that employees take part in. must benefit outside nies should do. Dillon
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parties or encourage learning, engagement and relationship-building for Dillon employees. The programs can also act as a catalyst for activities that contribute to local and global communities. Everything from trees to breakfasts The range of causes and institutions that the fund supports across the country is diverse. In Yellowknife, the staff supported a community garden in conjunction with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Vancouver provided supplies and support to build a waterless toilet for an avian research centre. In Ottawa, a team helped create rehabilitation tanks for a local turtle sanctuary, while donating supplies, time and their professional expertise. In Oakville, staff members helped plant 550 trees at a local park for National Tree Day. In London, staff provided breakfast for local school children twice a month, including purchasing food, planning the menu, cooking, and serving. In Fredericton, Dillon assisted over 30 First Nation families over the holiday season through contributions of food, toys and volunteering. And in Saint John, a new fridge was provided for the breakfast program they support. When Calgary was devastated by the 2013 floods, employees rallied to volunteer their time to clean up nearby areas and help homeowners. In addition, Dillon has partnered with numerous charitable organizations and causes, including the United Way, Food Banks Canada, the Boys and Girls Club, the MS Bike Ride, Movember Canada, Habitat for Humanity, Earth Day, the YMCA, and the Canadian Diabetes Association, to name a few. All told, Dillon supported over 120 initiatives company-wide in 2013, with participation from every office. Dillon is a carbon neutral company that strives to offset its impact on the climate through the services it offers, through its staff programs, and by purchasing carbon credits that put climate protection first. In 2013 the company
purchased carbon credits from the City of London. Over the years, the fund has become a program the firm is proud of for helping communities enjoy a happier and healthier quality of life. CCE
Project name: Dillon's Environment and Community Investment Fund Award winning firm: Dillon Consulting (Ann Joyner, Andrew Wilson, Owen Wilson, Brendan Salakoh, Clement Lam, Justine Giancola , Amanda Howard).
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AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
PASQUIN ST-JEAN ET ASSOCIÉS
BUILDINGS
Casino de Montréal Renovation
Above: night view of building with new entrance. JUROR COMMENTS
"This project presented numerous challenges for the structural engineers, including dealing with a historical steel structure imported from France. During the construction the building's lateral resistance had to be maintained 100% while the casino stayed operational."
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Located on Notre-Dame Island, the Casino de Montréal has occupied two former Expo '67 pavilions for several years. After Loto Québec decided to refurbish the casino to turn it into a world-class gaming establishment, Pasquin St-Jean carried out the complex structural engineering for the project. Work was completed in December 2013. The project involved the addition of a mechanical floor on the roof, the seismically rehabilitation of the structure with dynamic brakes, the demolition of one floor out of two, and the construction of new floors. The building now has a total of seven floors, plus the roof. A new entrance was added, the vertical transportation was increased, and the loading dock was retrofitted. All this work took place while keeping the Casino and all its gaming tables fully operational 24/7. The project transformed the indoor areas without affecting the historical style of the building envelope, but rather enhancing it. The building
remains a symbol of the golden age of construction in Montreal. Modifications to half the interior while it was occupied Renovating a building that was designed and built in 1967 based on French building codes, with materials imported from France, brought its challenges. The preliminary work involved the historical research of existing French steel structures and in-situ materials tests. The pavilion had already undergone major transformations in the past and now this project involved altering more than 50% of the existing floor space. The architectural design required the elimination of existing columns and bracings. Some construction was near and under the water levels. Each proposed structural solution had to ensure accessibility to the work area and the need to minimize the loads by limiting the weight of the components. Work on the foundations was minimized by modifying the
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structural layout. The seismic rehabilitation had to maintain the building's lateral resistance at all times during the construction. The task was achieved using non-linear dynamic analyses through time steps that integrated seismic brakes into the structure and improved the bracing systems. The seismic analyses allowed the forecast budgets for the rehabilitation to be reduced by several million dollars. The new single entranceway has a special and unique configuration that resembles a sail. It incorporates a 25-m span, 15-m cantilever, and inclined supports. The design required managing the resulting lateral forces, precisely coordinating the geometry and camber, and integrating the existing lateral load recovery system. Rigid suspension and assembly systems in the building were designed to use existing beams. As well the structures were designed so that the mechanical and electrical services could be maintained. The special measures that were taken to ensure the safety of the workers and the public included the use of structured temporary walls forming five-floor work chimneys. The expanded areas were built before the demolition phases, and access to the site was carefully modified. Streamlined spaces and natural light The aim of boosting the casino's international image was met, especially through the improved interior spaces. The administrative areas are also more user-friendly and have lots of natural light and numerous outdoor terraces. Several strategies help to reduce the project’s environmental impact, such as the creation of green space on the parking lot roofs. Sustainable materials and energy efficient equipment were also incorporated into the building. The integrated team approach was used, which meant the various players involved in the project worked together and established a relationship of trust. For the duration of the project the impact on patrons was minimized to the point where most of them were not even aware that work was being done at the site – an amazing achievement for a project of this scope. CCE Project name: Réamagement du Casino de Montréal / Renovations to Montreal Casino Award-winning firm (structural engineers): Pasquin St-Jean et associés (Denis Pelland, Tech, Frédéric Marquis, ing., Charles-Etiennne Cyr, ing., Claude Pasquin, ing., Yannick Chouinard, ing., Yves Pelland, Tech., Samir Nafa, Tech) Owner: Casiloc (Loto Québec) Architect: Consortium MSDL / Provencher-Roy Other key players: BPA (mechanical engineer), Pomerleau (contractor)
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AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Residence for the Sisters of St. Joseph Bob Gundu
BUILDINGS
BLACKWELL
Above: aerial view of the unusual S-shaped building.. JUROR COMMENTS
"This is a beautiful community structure that overlooks the Don Valley in Toronto. We appreciated that the building has a light environmental footprint."
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Situated along the edge of the Don Valley at the corner of Broadview and O’Connor Avenues, this four-storey S-shaped residential care facility is the new home for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto. The 96,000-sq.ft. building in the heart of the city is situated on an assemblage of lots adjacent to the heritage-designated 19th century Taylor House. The facility comprises 58 residential suites, a lobby, activity space, chapel, and five private hospital units. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto wished for a new, smaller and greener urban home to decrease their operating costs and better suit their aging population. They wanted the new residence to foster their health and welfare and collective beliefs, and they wanted it to be closer to their ministries and outreach programs. The vision of the architect, ShimSutcliffe, was to design an iconic building with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and communal living. The relationship between nature and city is expressed in both the exterior and interior spaces of the building. A single loaded corridor forms the spine of the building, and a series of operable windows line one edge of
the corridor. They admit an abundance of natural light and natural ventilation through the corridor and into the suites. Blackwell, structural engineers, designed the supporting structural system for the unique building form and configuration. Long span thin structural systems The form and configuration presented conditions for various innovative long span thin structural systems. One such system is the substantial reverse terrace along the western face, where sections of the building overhang the last supporting columns by 10 metres. Paramount to the architectural design was an open floor plan for natural daylighting and community interaction. The sustainable design goals of the project also required large mechanical ducting immediately below the floor slabs. These two requirements eliminated more traditional reinforced concrete overhanging support systems for a flat slab structure, such as post-tensioned concrete beams, deep wall beams, or thick posttensioned slabs. Steel systems would continued on page 38
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continued from page 36
have been similarly constrained. The challenge was met with an innovative stepped wall system. At four locations along the mid-section of the building, the walls are stepped progressively farther south at each storey. Each wall is supported at its east corner only, resulting in a tendency of the entire system to overturn. The overturning is constrained by a connection to the floor and roof slab diaphragms at the top and bottom of each wall. The resulting in-plane slab forces are transferred to stiff but distant elevator core walls. Length and geometry of floor and roof slabs The length and geometry of the floor and roof slabs, and the relatively large in-plane forces that were generated, required further consideration. Axial creep and steel elongation were in-
cluded in the deflection analysis, since the diaphragm length had a pronounced effect on overhang vertical deflections. A semi-graphical modified strutand-tie method was used to determine the required strength of concrete and reinforcing steel sizes and layouts, due to the non-orthogonal geometry and numerous openings adjacent to the supporting core walls at each end. Higher strength concrete (45 MPa) was used to limit diaphragm deflections and provide adequate strength in these sensitive end regions. Additional reinforcing was also added. Built to strict sustainability guidelines, the new residence achieves operational savings as well as long-term lifecycle savings. In this project, sustainability extends beyond the physical requirements of creating a green
building and includes the longer-term evolution of the Sisters' organization and its ability to thrive. CCE
Project name: Residence for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto Award-winning firm (structural engineers): Blackwell, Toronto (David Bowick, P.Eng., Pierre Koch, P.Eng., Anthony Spick, P.Eng., Michael Robbins, Shannon Hilchie, P.Eng., Zerry Zhang, P.Eng., Eric Chung, P.Eng., Belinda Wong, P.Eng., Greg Saka, P.Eng., Grazyna Czarnecka, Dorothy Pawluk) Client: Shim-Sutcliffe Architects Other key players: Crossey Engineering (mechanical & electrical); R.A. Heintage (building envelope); ERA (heritage); Dr. Ted Kesik (sustainability); Nak (landscape); David Hine (code); Eastern (construction).
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HATCH MOTT MACDONALD AND MMM GROUP (H5M)
Port Mann Highway 1 Improvements TRANSPORTATION
JUROR COMMENTS
"This project was a huge undertaking that involved technical innovations, including 3D design and analysis. The engineers managed not only the relationships between roadways, but also relations between companies and organizations." Above: Cape Horn Interchange, one of many complex intersections along the corridor, which traverses railways, roads and utilities.
The Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project’s onshore works improved 37 kilometres of Trans-Canada Highway 1 between Vancouver and Langley, B.C. Totalling $1.6 billion in construction costs, the project created an efficient transportation network for people and trade. Over 125,000 vehicles use the highway to travel within Metro Vancouver or to cross the Fraser River each day. Hatch Mott MacDonald and MMM Group joined forces as the H5M joint venture to manage the entire design delivery of the onshore works (everything but the new Port Mann Bridge). The project is the largest transportation construction project in B.C.'s history. Delivered by a design-build method and valued at $1.6 billion, it involved widening the highway, adding 45 new structures and upgrading 14 interchanges. The H5M team led 13 other consultant firms to complete the designs and provide engineering services during construction. The team managed and produced 12,000 "issued for construction" draw-
ings in three years. At its peak, the design team boasted 250 team members. They logged in more than 1.1 million person hours of work. A complex, urban environment The final configuration of the onshore works was a masterwork of engineering design, completed through a complex, urban environment. The project traversed road network links and municipal crossings, as well as multiple railway and public transit lines. The corridor ran parallel to, and regularly intersected, every utility: electrical, lighting, fibre optic, gas, oil, drainage, and municipal services. H5M reached out to third-party utility stakeholders to develop more than 100 utility relocation and protection designs. The corridor had variable ground conditions that required over 200 preloads and surcharges (needing over 500,000 m3 of fill) and 25 lightweight expanded polystyrene embankments. Seismic analysis The province mandated an onerous, performance-based design approach
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for the seismic analyses of all bridges, walls and embankments. Much of the performance-based design philosophy that was developed during the project is under review for inclusion in the next version of the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code.
H5M developed analytical models for bridges, walls and embankments that simulated earthquakes with four different return period events, as well as a subduction event unique to B.C.'s coast. Intelligent transportation systems
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were deployed widely across the highway and the H5M team also managed the installation of a new, automated lane control system for the Cassiar Tunnel’s expansion. Environmental enhancements and vehicle emission savings Sensitivity to the region’s unique habitats and ongoing environmental stewardship were core values in the project. The environmental design improved fisheries habitats with compensation areas and wetlands, and provided nearly 200,000 m2 of aquatic habitat and 512,000 m2 of riparian habitat. Thanks to the designs, salmon returned to spawn in Still Creek for the first time in 80 years. Wildlife crossings and habitats were enhanced, sensitive species were protected, invasive plant life was removed, and diverse native plants were reintroduced. Highway 1 between Vancouver and Langley was Metro Vancouver’s most congested corridor. The improvements reduced traffic idling and travel time by up to 50 per cent. The work began in 2008 and road tolls were in place by December 2012. CCE
Project name: Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project - Onshore Works, Vancouver-Langley, B.C. Award-winning firms (project management, detailed design, construction support): Hatch Mott MacDonald (Tony Purdon, P.Eng., Chris Mealing, P.Eng., Aled Griffiths, C.Eng.) and MMM Group (Keith Holmes, P.Eng., Janet Branch) Owner: Transportation Investment Corporation Client: Kiewit/Flatiron General Partnership Other key players: Brybil Projects (structural, civil); TetraTech/EBA (pavement, geotechnical); PBX/FLIR (electrical, ITS); Hatfield (environmental); McElhanney (civil); Thurber (geotechnical); Urban Systems (civil); MEG (geotechnical); BKL (sound walls), InterCAD (civil), ISL (civil), Levelton (materials), Sharp & Diamond (landscape).
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INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION ACROSS CANADA Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project - Onshore Works | Vancouver, BC
Niagara Tunnel | Niagara Falls, ON
Niagara Tunnel photos courtesy of Ontario Power Generation
Hatch Mott MacDonald is proud to be honoured by our industry peers with the 2014 Canadian Consulting Engineers Awards. Thank you to our clients, staff, and partners who have made these projects a success!
www.hatchmott.com October/November 2014
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READ JONES CHRISTOFFERSEN
Glacier Skywalk JUROR COMMENTS
public access to a magnificent site without damaging the environment. The engineers optimized the structure's complex shape and provided an original solution for
Brewster Travel
Sturgess Architecture
the dampers."
Top: looking down on the extraordinary glass and steel composition. Above: the structure extends 35 metres out from the rock face high above the valley. A self-anchored cable suspension system supports the glass walkway.
narrow valley provides spectacular views of the waterfalls from a very high angle. The team wanted to push the limits of the sense of exposure and decided that the best approach was a glass floor, minimizing the appearance of the structural support. To maximize the "wow" factor it was decided not to use a high-tech cablestayed system. There should be nothing above the viewing area to compete with the grandeur of the natural scenery or interfere with people's views. Cantilevering the structure offered two advantages: not having to perform work down the face of the cliff and minimizing the amount of visible structure. Support on inner edge only A self-anchored cable suspension system was used for the glass walk. By taking advantage of the walkway's curved plan the engineers were able to support the structure on the inner edge only. Because the bridge is curved in plan, the suspension cable not only pulls up on the walk, it also pulls horizontally inwards. By varying the degree of the walk's curvature, the engineers were able to change the amount of horizontal force and determine the precise shape to optimally counterbalance the effects of the single sided support. Not only did this system minimize visible structure below the glass floor, it also kept the outer glass rail free of structure. The result is a highly efficient and nonintrusive structural system. Dampers and wind deflectors Although the system is highly efficient in carrying load, it is also relatively flexible. Four tuned mass dampers mitigate vibration due to pedestrian loads. The dampers are located under the outer edge of the Skywalk and are visible through the glass. Early in the design wind consultant RWDI also identi-
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TRANSPORTATION
"This project gives the
Located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, the Glacier Skywalk is a thrilling and dramatic structure featuring a 30-m curved glass walkway that extends 35 metres from a cliff face and 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley. One doesn’t have to be an engineer to appreciate the technical complexities of this project. Even before it was built, the Skywalk gained international attention with a World Architecture Award. The owner, Brewster Travel Canada, wanted to create a world class experience for visitors. Given the sensitive location, it was also very important to Brewster that the project would not detract from the natural beauty of the area. Read Jones Christoffersen was the design lead and structural engineer, with PCL Construction as project lead, doing construction and quality management, and Sturgess Architecture. The exhilarating perspective offered by the steep cliff face and the
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fied the need to modify the geometry of the walk to mitigate excessive vibrations under wind loading. Wind tunnel testing explored different wind deflector geometries to find the least intrusive shape that would still be effective. The detectors specified are glass elements mounted to the top of the outer rail, disguised as feature elements of the walkway. The complexity of the structure is primarily due to its challenging dynamic behaviour, which required 3-dimensional finite elemental models and non-linear time history studies. The predictions were confirmed by monitoring the behaviour of the completed structure on site. Vertical accelerations due to pedestrian activity have been restricted to 5 per cent of gravity. Some movement can still be felt, but this is considered to be a positive feature of the design ("We don’t want people feeling too comfortable!")
Foundation fracture During the rock excavation for the foundations of the 45-m cantilevered girder a large fracture was uncovered in the rock directly below the greatest reaction load. Immediate redesign work was required to develop a foundation system that would safely carry the loads past the fractured rock and into the solid rock below. This was achieved by using 14-m long mini-piles. The fractured rock was then stabilized with additional horizontal rock anchors installed below the main footing in the cliff face. This redesign was fast tracked to ensure that the new piles and anchors could be installed before the end of the construction season. Otherwise the installation of the girders the next season would have been delayed, with an associated ripple effect. Since the Skywalk opened this year, visitors from around the world have
come to experience the thrill of walking on glass high above the Sunwapta Valley in one of Canada’s most stunning National Parks. CCE Project name: Glacier Skywalk, Jasper National Park, Alberta Award-winning firm (design lead & structural engineer): Read Jones Christoffersen, Calgary (Dr. Simon Brown, P.Eng., Geoff Kallweit, P.Eng., Mark Ritchie, P.Eng., Stefan Franke, P.Eng.) Owner: Brewster Travel Canada Client: PCL Construction Management Other key players: Sturgess Architecture (architect); SMP (electrical); Urban Systems (civil); RWDI (wind modelling); Thurber Engineering (geotechnical); Golder Associates (environmental). Supplier: Bova Steel
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p48-50 CCE OctNov14 BowRiver.indd 48
CANAM
Paul (227)
2014-10-06 10:01 AM
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
FAST + EPP
Bow River Bridge and Utility Crossing JUROR COMMENTS
unique design in wood and blends into the natural beauty of the park. It has one of the longest spans in the world for this type of bridge."
80-metre timber span and damping system To avoid placing piers in the main stream of the environmentally sensitive river, the design features an 80-m clear span, which for a timber bridge is perhaps the longest of its kind in the world. The primary structural system that Fast + Epp designed is simple. Propped by drilled piers located just outside the normal river channel, 40 m haunched glulam girders cantilever from either side to support a 34-m suspended span. The bridge cross-section comprises Photo: Adam Gerber
e. es.
tant part of the bridge's sustainable design was reducing the use of materials. This was achieved through the shaping of the beams and use of dampers. Further, the use of easily removable modular deck panels encourages the re-use and longevity of the structure.
TRANSPORTATION
"The bridge features a
In the resort town of Banff in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, the Bow River Bridge and Utility Crossing is an iconic timber bridge. For this new crossing Banff wanted a bridge that would be both functional and that would enhance the stunning mountain views and river setting. The bridge creates an important community link, encouraging walking, jogging, and cycling in this recreational town. It also has to carry medium sized emergency vehicles. Driving the agenda, however, was a more pressing concern that existing sanitary pipes installed below the river at this location 50 years earlier could fail, which would spill raw sewage into the pristine Bow River. So the bridge also needed to carry new pipes, giving it an important dual use. Timber was chosen partly because of its strong carbon sequestration environmental benefits. Another impor-
Above: the wooden bridge has an 80-metre span and attractive bowed form. It carries pedestrians and cyclists, but also sewage pipes.
October/November 2014
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AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Structurecraft
each have different fundamental frequencies, and address footstep and jogging excitation respectively.
Above: installing the panels.
twinned sets of glulam girders stepped to follow the flow of forces, which range in depth from 2.6 m at the piers to 0.9 m at the suspended span. The 4-m wide deck is made of pre-stressed solid timber panels. These are removable to provide access to the service pipes hidden below, and they can be simply replaced. The span, with its extremely slender curved profile, created the primary structural design challenge for the bridge — its dynamic behaviour due to pedestrian excitation. To address the potential liveliness of the bridge, an increase in the structural damping was required. While tuned mass dampers are commercially available, there was no room to conceal them below the deck. Instead, a completely unique, custom alternative was developed. Two cable-suspended masses were visually exposed (for honesty) as unique tuned-mass dampers beneath the bridge. These masses
Support for the service pipes Tension rods tie the propped cantilevers down to Rundlestone-faced concrete abutments at either end of the bridge. The north abutment also houses a new sanitary/water line pump station, eliminating the need for any additional above-grade structures. The horizontal steel trussing provides both the diaphragm and support for the service pipes concealed just below the bridge deck. The bracing is configured such that only the timber chords are continuous, resulting in very little length expansion — one of the bonus features of wood. The central drop span sits on neoprene bearing pads on notches in the receiving ends of the cantilevered glulam girders. This detail is achieved by using long screws which invisibly reinforce the notch, forming an elegant connection that left plenty of tolerance during erection. The bridge's visually minimal stainless cable guardrail system involves 135-m long continuous cables. A finetuned pretension analysis was done to ensure the system had adequate ten-
sion in the summer, and to avoid overtension in the winter. Erection challenges led to prefabrication The tight, remote site, huge structural elements and harsh winter weather all combined to make the bridge erection a challenge. The lifts were to be completed before the spring thaw and there was a fixed date for a large mobile crane to arrive. Consequently, there was a huge emphasis on the ease and accuracy of the bridge's assembly in the field. In order to accurately assemble and erect the bridge, the individual elements were prefabricated in the shop under controlled conditions and shipped to the site as a kit of parts. CCE
Project name: Bow River Pedestrian Bridge and Utility Crossing, Banff, Alberta Award-winning firm (structural engineer): Fast + Epp, Vancouver (Gerald Epp, P.Eng.) Owner: Town of Banff Client & contractor: StructureCraft Builders Other key players: Tritech Group (civil, design-build contractor); Thurber Engineering (geotechnical); PFS (landscape).
signature structures
As the design-build contractor for the Bow River Footbridge, StructureCraft is proud to be associated with Fast + Epp on this award-winning project.
8279 River Way, Delta, BC mail@structurecraft.com structurecraft.com +1 604.940.8889
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October/November 2014
2014-10-06 10:01 AM
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
BUCKLAND & TAYLOR
John James Audubon Bridge TRANSPORTATION
JUROR COMMENTS
"We appreciated the challenging geotechnical and structural conditions in this innovative international project. It has the longest span for a bridge of its type."
Above: white towers 152 metres tall rise from the bridge's cable-stayed centre span.
South-central Louisiana is now home to the longest cable-stayed bridge within Canada and the United States of America: the 482-m John James Audubon Bridge, which crosses the storied Mississippi River. Providing a long-awaited means of transport across the river in this rural area, the bridge was completed in 2011 and is expected to enhance the local economy well into the future. The Audubon Bridge Project as a whole consists of 19.3 km of roadway and structure that ties US 61 and Louisiana Route 10. It is the first major design-build project undertaken by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Centre span is the centrepiece The centrepiece of the project is the central 482-m long cable-stayed bridge across the Mississippi River. The cablestayed structure consists of five spans,
symmetrically arranged about the navigation channel. The central span is flanked on each side by 189-m side spans, supported by the stay cables, and 49-m transition spans. Buckland & Taylor was asked to design a cost-effective and durable Main Bridge that is consistent with the importance of the structure and the aesthetic theme. The structure is named after the famed naturalist John James Audubon, who once lived at Oakley Plantation near the bridge. The natural colours selected for the aesthetic theme of the bridge pay homage to Audubon. The effect of the burnt umber coloured cable-stays together with the soft-white 152-m tall towers, provides a remarkable and striking addition to the skyline of the region. Durability for 100-years Several key features were included in
order to meet the stringent 100-year design life requirement of the contract. • A corrosion protection plan was developed. It provided the concrete properties required to ensure that the full 100-year design life of the bridge would be achieved before the ingress of chloride ions into the concrete, which would initiate corrosion. • The structurally critical concrete deck is protected by a relatively impervious 2-inch thick overlay composed of latex modified concrete. The overlay is sacrificial and can be replaced over the life of the structure as necessary to preserve the underlying concrete deck. • The structural steel is resistant to atmospheric pollution and carrion. The steel develops a stable patina of oxide to protect the underlying steel from corrosion, thus eliminating the life cycle costs associated with repainting. • The pedestals supporting the main
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HARBOURSIDE ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
Strandherd Armstrong Bridge Erection JUROR COMMENTS
"To accommodate the river's navigation needs this bridge was constructed on land before being installed. It was the first time in North America a structure of this type has been constructed using this method."
A new multiple space-truss arch bridge crosses the Rideau River in Ottawa. The Strandherd Armstrong Bridge is located south of the airport, connecting the communities of Barrhaven and Riverside south. The bridge has a concrete deck supported by steel framing that is in turn suspended by cables. The total span of the completed bridge is 143 m, while the arches rise above the deck level approximately 21 m at their peak. The crossing has eight full traffic lanes, two bike paths and two pedestrian sidewalks. River navigation on a UNESCO site A major challenge was the requirement for the navigation channel to remain open from May to October. No overhead work could take place Friday through Monday of each week during this time frame. It was inconceivable for a construction site to sit idle for four days of every week during the summer months. Therefore a
construction and erection method that significantly limited the amount of work completed over the waterway was essential. In addition, the Rideau River is a designated UNESCO world heritage site which heightened the need to limit the project's environmental impacts at the site.
TRANSPORTATION
TING
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Innovative construction method and launching Horseshoe Hill Construction, the contractor, required a practical and affordable erection plan and approached Harbourside Engineering Consultants. The engineers designed an innovative construction method that allowed 90 per cent of the steel superstructure to be erected on temporary supports on the east approach. The superstructure was then launched into place across the river. After the arch segments were welded and the deck was suspended, the ends of the arches were tied together with a “bow string� horizontal continued on page 54
Above: erection process under way, with the launched bridge structure supported on lift towers before it is lowered onto thrust blocks.
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AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
continued fom page 53
John James Audubon Bridge continued fom page 51
post-tensioned cable system and supported on railcars. The steel superstructure could then be rolled across the temporary launch structure. The launch structure consisted of three parallel steel box trusses that were aligned transversely with each of the bridge arches. They were founded on temporary piled bents consisting of drilled, then driven, steel pipe piles and a reinforced concrete pile cap. The pile bents were strategically located outside the navigation channel and the trusses were designed to be positioned above the navigation channel throughout construction.
towers are protected at the water line from the impact of vessels by ultra high molecular weight polyethylene panels attached to their outside faces. • The anchorage of the cable-stays in the towers provides access for stressing and facilitates their future replacement. However, the need to replace them is unlikely as the cablestay system provides three levels of corrosion protection.
Stability during installation with shoring towers Stability of this type of structure through all phases of its construction becomes challenging since the final structure relies on the entire deck weight, the parallel strand system cable hangers that tie the arches laterally to the deck, and the fixed anchorages at the thrust blocks. Having three independent arches constructed across the river without the deck providing stability through the hangers or stay cables would leave the arches susceptible to high winds. The use of shoring towers on land made construction of the arches much easier and more accessible. The arch segments essentially became bending members, spanning between the vertical supports of the towers located at each segment field splice. The towers also provided the transverse and longitudinal support which ensured stability of the arch throughout its construction, even during high winds when the deck was hung from the arches. Environmental benefits The construction and erection plan greatly minimized disruption to the water course and habitat by keeping the majority of the construction materials contained on land. The bridge provides the missing link between the southwest and southeast transit corridors in the city of Ottawa. It greatly reduces the transit time for residents, thereby reducing emissions. CCE Project name: Strandherd Armstrong Bridge Erection Award-winning firm (erection and construction engineer): Harbourside Engineering Consultants, Charlottetown, P.E.I. (Robbie Fraser, P.Eng., Greg MacDonald, P.Eng., Kyle Boudreau, EIT, Nick MacEachern, P.Eng., Stephen O'Brien, EIT, Ronald Keefe, EIT, Sarah Foster Hardy, P.Eng., Daniel Grant, EIT, Chris Mantha, EIT, Paul Burke, P.Eng.) Owner: City of Ottawa Client: Horseshoe Hill Construction Other key players: Stantec (geotechnical); Cherubini Metal Works (fabricator); Montacier International (steel erector); Freynssinet International (PSS cable supplier); Parsons/Delcan (bridge designer).
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Grouting technique reinforces shafts The weak soil conditions required the use of an innovative tip grouting technique to reinforce the bearing capacity of the 42 drilled shafts. After casting the pile caps inside 15-m high coffer dams, the 152-m towers were erected using jump forms to speed up the process (4-m lift/5 days). Steel anchor boxes are cast inside the hollow tower section to anchor the stay cables. Lock-up devices activated during high winds Under normal service, the superstructure is longitudinally connected to the west tower only using steel fixed links for a rigid connection. But during high winds, lock-up devices are activated to also connect the superstructure at the east tower. This system is highly efficient, allowing both towers to share any short-term or dynamic wind loading, allowing the structure to “breathe” under slowly applied thermal movements without building up large restraining forces. Composite deck The composite deck uses a steel grillage with a precast panel system. Every 14 metres each cable-stay is protected against vibration by a friction damper. To facilitate their installation in the tower, the stays were stressed one strand at a time. The relative flexibility of the superstructure required the stressing of the stays in two stages: the first to lock in the correct deck forces and geometry when the concrete deck was constructed and the second to obtain the correct final cable forces and bridge geometry. CCE
Project name: John James Audubon Bridge, Louisiana, U.S.A. Award-winning firm (superstructure design, foundation independent check, detailed erection engineering): Buckland & Taylor, N. Vancouver, B.C. (Don Bergman, P.Eng., Armin Schemmann, P.Eng.) Owner: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Client: Parsons Corporation Design-builder: Audubon Bridge Constructors (Flatiron Construction, Granite Construction, Parsons Transportation) Other key players: Dan Brown Assoc. (geotechnical); Leonhardt, Andrä (independent analysis check); Parsons (foundation design, independent check), Louisiana Timed Managers/Parsons Brinckerhoff, LPA Group, GEC (program manager); RWDI (wind); Touchstone (architecture).
October/November 2014
2014-10-03 1:08 PM
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
SMA CONSULTING AND CYBERTECH AUTOMATION
Gold Bar Thickener/Fermenter Operational Improvements "The jury recognized the unique simulation and optimization approach used on this project, and how it resulted in a capital cost reduction and reduced timeline."
The project at EPCOR's Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant in Edmonton, Alberta involved developing a comprehensive automated operational strategy for addressing a key bottleneck at the plant: the thickener/ fermenter tanks. SMA Consulting and Cybertech Automation worked with EPCOR on simulating the operations of the tanks to allow EPCOR to test various strategies for handling the loads safely. The Gold Bar plant treats over 100 billion litres of Edmonton's wastewater every year. The city's growth and its Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Strategy is steadily increasing this amount. The plant is set to increase its peak daily loading requirements to 1.2 billion litres or more. The plant therefore faces great pressure to treat as much wastewater as possible while minimizing the impact on the river and surrounding region. The plant is surrounded on three
Above: graph showing the operation of different tanks (fermenter, thickener tanks etc.) over a month long period. These visualization techniques allowed the plant staff to see what the outcome of different potential scenarios would be. The visualizations were developed and scripted using the open-source statistical computing suite, R.
sides by public parks, and on the fourth by the river. The approach used in this project – developing a draft strategy and testing via simulation – improved the treatment capacity of the existing plant without immediately requiring the construction of additional infrastructure. New infrastructure could have cost up to $15 million and taken at least a year to design and build. Virtual, not real, risks Because the development and testing of the operational narrative was undertaken within the confines of a simulation model, it meant that all of the risks were virtual, rather than occurring under a live flow test. Potential issues that came up in the simulation could be dealt with and thoroughly tested in the simulation. Cybertech drew on its experience with the petroleum industry to suggest a new method for developing a wastewater strategy. The company's process controls staff were embedded in a team of EPCOR operators and managers. Once a draft strategy was in place, SMA developed a combined discrete event and continuous simulation to capture the solids flow in the system using real minute-by-minute input data. They incorporated both the new automation system and new strategies for operators. Balancing massive fluctuations Developing the new strategy required balancing: (1) massive fluctuations in input volume and density; (2) biological processes in the fermenter tanks, which are time-dependent and
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WATER RESOURCES
JUROR COMMENTS
continued on page 58
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amec.com
2014-10-03 1:08 PM
PINTER & ASSOCIATES
Groundwater Remediation with a Permeable Reactive Barrier JUROR COMMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
t
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
"The engineers implemented a smallscale research process for permeable barriers and applied it to the real world. We appreciated how the process eliminated the need for the traditional excavation and disposal of material." Above: site near the fertilizer plant after 14 months of treating the groundwater plume. With a volume of 960 cubic metres, the PRB is much larger than most others and is remediating extremely high nitrate concentrations.
The trigger for the project was a groundwater nitrate plume caused by the long-term handling and storage of fertilizers at a Viterra fertilizer distribution facility in Northern Alberta. A nitrate plume was shown to be migrating off-site to the south towards sensitive receptors, including potable water wells. Conventional treatments or full-scale remediation proved too costly and disruptive to the site operations and nearby residents. Therefore, as prime consultant, PINTER developed and designed an innovative and costeffective permeable reactive barrier, or PRB, where nitrate impacts would be removed in situ with minimal disturbance to the surrounding environment. The PRB was designed to remove the majority of nitrate from the plume through biological denitrification. Viterra required a solution that would reduce short and long term liabilities, would be cost effective and would minimize disruption to the site
om
operations. At a larger scale than was reported in any literature, the PRB has been able to cost-effectively reduce the concentrations of nitrates in the groundwater to levels below the criteria. The PRB has prevented the expansion of the nitrate plume onto adjacent lands. Scaling up to apply to fertilizers One of the first tasks was to do a detailed cost benefit analysis of six potential solutions. Once the PRB was selected, Pinter gathered more detailed soil and groundwater data from the area and completed an extensive literature review. In-house expertise was applied in the disciplines of hydrogeology, bioremediation, contaminant transport, groundwater modelling, biochemistry and project management. The task of scaling up the technology and applying it to fertilizers rather than sewage was one of the complex challenges of the project. The geo-
chemistry of a fertilizer nitrate plume is significantly different than that of sewage related plumes shown in literature, including the presence of sulphates and ammonia in excess of 1000 mg/L. With a volume of 960 m3, this PRB is approximately six times larger than any shown in literature and is remediating nitrate concentrations more than 10 times higher than any previous work. Located on an adjacent property Another challenge overcome was the optimum placement of the PRB. The decision to locate it on the adjoining property was driven by the desire to allow the maximum amount of nitrification (conversion of ammonia into nitrate) upstream of the PRB, and to minimize disruption to the site. Making use of the natural drainage to help keep the PRB saturated, therefore maintaining anaerobic conditions was also a benefit. Constructing the PRB
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A
continued from page 57
Goldbar Thickener/Fermenter continued from page 55
on the adjoining property required some clear discussions with the adjacent landowner regarding what the project was, why it was being done, and what the benefits to him would be. The concentrations of nitrate present at the site were well beyond anything remediated with a PRB in the past. This PRB needed to be larger and had to contain a higher proportion of woodchips than anything seen in literature to ensure its long-term effectiveness. Laboratory scale testing and computer modelling were both used to aid in the design. Results of the testing and modelling suggested that the PRB could achieve nitrate reductions greater than 90%. This allowed for the design to be finalized with a high degree of confidence. The PRB was constructed by removing native soils, mixing them with pine shavings on an approximate 2:1 volumetric basis, and returning the mixture to the excavated area. The amount of pine shavings used was determined by calculating the expected nitrate mass flux and using a mass balance approach to provide enough carbon to remove nitrate for a period of at least 30 years. In total, 960 m3 of native soils were mixed with 480 m3 pine shavings and placed into the 120 m long x 4 m deep x 2 m wide PRB.
can be dangerous if mishandled; (3) the multiple operating modes of the thickener/fermenter tanks; (4) the constraints on total output volume, which are themselves impacted by the biological processes in the digester tanks; (5) the constraints on instantaneous output volume, which must maintain a certain ratio with other sources of flow; (6) the possibility of operator intervention to deal with an emergency or maintenance; and (6) the realities of operation, such as operator error and equipment usage. Simulating the strategy under the different scenarios required 16,000 lines of code and produced 24 million total pieces of data. The data were analyzed and visualized to provide hour-by-hour insight into an entire month's worth of operation for each scenario. The direct results of the control upgrades have been a 1.5% increase in solids concentration for the digester CCE feed, equating to it having 30% higher capacity.
Cost benefits of 50% and reduced potential liability The approach provided Viterra with a cost reduction of more than 50% compared to conventional solutions. Additional cost savings will be realized annually as there will be no ongoing maintenance or operational costs associated with the PRB. Also, site operations were never disrupted. Finally, Viterra`s potential for future liabilities has been significantly reduced. Monitoring results from the early months following installation show a steady decline of nitrate concentrations within the PRB. Nitrate removal expressed as a percentage was greater than 95% as of the latest monitoring event. The success with this project means the technique is now a proven tool and opens the door to other similar remediation projects worldwide where cost may be prohibitive and/or site specific considerations exclude more traditional approaches. Pinter received tax credits for portions of this work under the federal Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program. CCE
Project name: Groundwater Denitrification Using a Permeable Reactive Barrier Award-winning firm (prime consultant): PINTER & Associates, Saskatoon (Lawrence Pinter, P.Eng., Ryan Riess, P.Eng.) Owner/client: Viterra
Project name: Gold Bar Thickener/Fermenter Operational Improvements, Edmonton, Alberta. Award-winning firms (prime consultants): SMA Consulting and Cybertech Automation (Mohammed Al-Bataineh, P.Eng., Holly Parkis, Kevin Yachimec). Owner: EPCOR
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p60-63 CCE OctNov14 Hydro /Niagara.indd 60
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AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
– Developing Hydroelectric Potential in Northern Ontario
NATURAL RESOURCES, MINING, INDUSTRY & ENERGY
app
vices
HATCH
JUROR COMMENTS
'This is an excellent study that uses highly innovative analysis methods. If the findings are carried through to implementation they will benefit many First Nations that are currently off the power grid."
Hatch was retained by the Ontario Waterpower Association and the Province to identify the most cost-effective hydropower sites in six major watersheds in Northern Ontario. The development of such sites will benefit offgrid First Nation communities and the Ring of Fire mining region through the supply of clean, reliable energy. The assessment identified promising water power opportunities for most of the 20 remote off-grid First Nation Communities in the Far North of Ontario. The development of these sites will reduce the communities’ reliance on increasingly expensive diesel generation and reduce emissions in an environmentally-sensitive region. Hydroelectric power development will also benefit the Ring of Fire mining region. The landmark study identified more than the province's stated goal of 9,000 MW of renewable power that can be developed at a reasonable life-cycle cost. Furthermore, the screening tool identified opportunities of a size that a community could afford. The communities can take a signifi-
cant role in developing the projects in conjunction with a third party development partner. A more reliable and accessible power supply will enhance the communities' quality of life and provide them a share in the economic benefits for the next century. Employment opportunities will be created during construction and afterwards. Potential projects identified in the vicinity of the Ring of Fire mining area, of a size suited to industrial demands, were found to be very attractive, with an all-in supply cost under $0.07 per kWh. This potential will encourage the development of this resource, enhancing economic development throughout the North. Finally, some sites were identified that could help the province with its need for large-capacity waterpower to offset issues created by other renewable energy resources. Evaluation of environmental and fixed costs To establish the life cycle costs, Hatch evaluated data from more than 50 constructed or planned waterpower facilities
located in Canada’s North. The assessment established cost functions for the environmental assessment costs, “fixed” costs of generating equipment and concrete structures, and site specific costs. The energy potential at specific sites was based on an assessment of Water Survey of Canada records at 40 locations. This data was used to develop relationships between a watershed area and mean annual runoff, and the proportion of the annual flow volume that could be captured for power supply. The assessment was for a range of installed plant capacities. A customized GIS model was used to process all the available information efficiently and accurately. A variety of built-in ArcGIS processes and custom Python scripts, using more than 1,000 individual processes, determined the watershed area, access distance, subtransmission distance, dam volume and reservoir volume for a range of feasible dam heights for each of the potential sites. The model then computed the mean annual flow, installed capacity, average annual energy and project life cycle cost. Finally it com-
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a Life.
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NATURAL RESOURCES, MINING, INDUSTRY & ENERGY
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
HATCH MOTT MACDONALD IN ASSOCIATION WITH HATCH
Niagara Tunnel JUROR COMMENTS
"We gave this project an award in recognition of its size, complexity and its production of low-cost renewable energy. It also has innovative features, such as the use of the largest ever tunnel boring machine, and the largest ever prestressed concrete liner."
The Niagara Tunnel is the largest hydroelectric project in Ontario in 50 years and will provide renewable power over the next 100 years. The tunnel is 10.2 kilometres long, with a bored diameter of 14.4 metres. At its deepest point, it is 140 metres below the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario. It was built by Ontario Power Generation to divert water from the Niagara River, and carry it downstream to the Sir Adam Beck Generating Stations. Gravity alone will propel the water at an incredible 500 cubic metres (17,660 cubic feet) per second. As the owner’s representative, Hatch Mott MacDonald (HMM) and Hatch developed the concept design and set out the owner’s mandatory requirements to ensure a 90-year service life without any outages. Put into service on March 9, 2013, the tunnel enables the production of 1.5 TWh per year of clean renewable energy for the next 100 years or more. That is enough energy to power a whole city the size of Kingston or Barrie in Ontario.
After selecting a two-pass designbuild method, HMM/Hatch administered the contract, audited the contractor’s detail design and after required revisions, accepted its designs of mission critical systems. Worldwide firsts The sheer size of the tunnel and the geological conditions along its route required important innovations in design and construction techniques. These involved several worldwide firsts. The largest hard rock tunnel boring machine at the time was used, along with the largest pre-stressed nonreinforced 600-mm thick concrete liner. Also, a full surface electrically testable polyolefin liner was developed specifically for the project to protect the concrete liner from corrosive water in the host rock and to prevent the transfer of freshwater/chlorine ions to the rock (which was prone to swelling). The project also used full-surface scanning (no targets) revolving lasers to measure concrete deflection in real time during high pressure (20 bar),
Above: placing the arch concrete liner in the tunnel.
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pre-stress accurate to +/- 0.5 mm. The diversion tunnel was excavated using a two-pass tunnelling system. The 14.44-m diameter Robbins opengripper TBM known as "Big Becky" was was the height of a four-storey building and weighed 4,000 tonnes. The machine excavated approximately 1.7 million cubic metres of rock, which was transported through the tunnel by conveyor belt and stored on Ontario Power Generation property. The bored tunnel was initially supported by rock bolts, steel channels, steel mesh and shotcrete, the latter applied from the TBM trailers. The final lining consists of an impermeable membrane and a 600-mm thick unreinforced concrete liner that is prestressed with interface grout. Innovative tunnel lining The tunnel has a waterproof membrane between the initial and final lining that was fully testable in-place prior to pouring the concrete liner. The waterproofing membrane system combines a layered polyolefin membrane with a layer of geotextile fleece that provides protection from damage by contact with the shotcrete. The
fleece is backed by a thin plastic membrane that facilitates flow of the interface grout. The outer layer of polyolefin and the fleece are conductive. By applying a high voltage (low amperage) potential across them, any flaw in the main membrane is exposed by an electrical short. The resultant singeing is visible and is recorded by heat cameras. The interface between the inside of the membrane and the cast-inplace concrete lining was contact grouted over the full circumference of the tunnel. Low-pressure cement grout filled any voids and imperfections within the concrete lining. A second stage of interface grouting, with pressures of up to 20 bar, was carried out through a system of grouthose rings installed at regular intervals between the initial shotcrete lining and the waterproofing membrane. Grout blocking rings were provided around the circumference to control the flow of grout along the tunnel during the high-pressure grouting operation. These details ensured uniform grout distribution through the geotextile fleece and facilitated the filling of joints and
cracks in the initial lining and the surrounding rock.
Single entry point The environmental assessment meantthat all the underground work had to be accessed from a single entrance at the outlet end of the tunnel on property owned by OPG. In order to allow concurrent activities, all tunnel operational equipment had to be designed to allow traffic to pass to and from the TBM. To limit traffic in the tunnel, all rock removal was done using a conveyor that ran at the end of the excavation for approximately 11 km to the rock disposal site. CCE Project name: Niagara Tunnel Project, Niagara Falls, Ontario Award-winning firm (owner's representative): Hatch Mott MacDonald with Hatch (Harry Charalambu, P.Eng., John Tait, Paul Moorhouse, P.Eng., Kevin Child) Owner: Ontario Power Generation Other key players: Strabag ontractor); ILF Beratende Ingenieure (L Design), Morrison Hershfield (surface works design); Dufferin Construction (subcontractor).
Developing Hydroelectric Potential continued fom page 61
puted the Levelized Unit Energy Cost (LUEC). The LUEC was used to guide the determination of the optimum development plan for the river. A post-process evaluation then assessed the thousands of potential projects to determine the optimum development scheme along any given watercourse. The assessment accounted for the fact that the characteristics of a development for a small First Nations community would be very different from the needs of the Ring of Fire. A hopeful future Ontario’s Far North is already being
stressed by the effects of climate change, which is recognized as one of the greatest threats to this ecosystem. In addition, as communities grow and economic development moves forward in this region, the impacts of relying on diesel generation will become significant. Such issues as degradation of local and regional air quality, the need to fly fuel supplies into the remote communities, and the increasing costs associated with the reliance on fossil fuels can impact both social and environmental health. If developed, the power would help to overcome these difficulties. It would
displace over 20,000,000 tones of greenhouse gas emissions annually, assuming it displaces generation from natural gas. CCE Project name: Developing Hydroelectric Potential in Northern Ontario Award-winning firm (prime consultant): Hatch, Niagara Falls, Ont. (Stuart Bridgeman, P.Eng., Richard Donnelly, P.Eng., Andrew Mellick, Michelle Miller, CET, Dequan Zhou, P.Eng.) Clients: Ontario Waterpower Association and Ontario Government (Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Power Authority)
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WSP CANADA
Located at 338 West 6th Avenue, the 400-MVA Mount Pleasant Substa"This project incorpotion is an integral part of the most sigrates a substation into nificant investment in central Vancouan aesthetically pleasver's electrical system in 30 years. It is the only publicly-visible portion of BC ing building that is Hydro’s Vancouver City Centre TransLEED silver and adapts mission Project (VCCT). The VCCT to the surrounding project increases the reliability of the area. It also provides electrical supply throughout VancouVancouver residents ver and meets the growing demand for power in the South False Creek/ with more reliable Mount Pleasant area. power." BC Hydro required that the substation would be highly reliable after an earthquake. It had to be an aesthetically pleasing design, with durable materials to minimize the maintenance requirements. Traditionally, substations have very functional and pragmatic designs, often with large metal-clad equipment and exposed conductors inside chain link fence enclosures. But the Mount Pleasant Substation is much different. Through a stepped-massing design, creative use of materials, dedicated green space and public Above: the glass and steel building in a residential area of downtown Vancouver looks different to the typical utilitarian substation. art, the project fits JUROR COMMENTS
into the urban fabric and is the first substation on record constructed to meet LEED Silver requirements. It satisfies complex urban design issues with a design that is the result of public consultation and integrated design processes. WSP was the prime consultant and provided project management, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services. A combined team of 50 people from WSP and BC Hydro worked together to complete the design within many constraints. Small space - large equipment The building is located in a residential neighbourhood of houses, apartment buildings and low-rise commercial buildings. The urban site meant using a smaller site than normal and locating all equipment indoors. Areas of the site were also dedicated to public green space and landscaping to meet the city's development guidelines. With the fixed and constrained site it was not possible to enlarge the building to suit the equipment. Consequently, the building was designed with three floors with a floor-to-floor distance of 9 metres. One complete level is located below grade to reduce the exposed height of the building. This feature places the bottom of the structure below the water table and thus required a tanked foundation design and groundwater drainage system. For safety, all interior and exterior metal components are connected to a complex station grounding grid to eliminate electrical shock hazards. Extremely detailed design was required to introduce ground wires into metallic building components where they are not typical, such as aluminum win-
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NATURAL RESOURCES, MINING, INDUSTRY & ENERGY
Mount Pleasant Substation
continued on page 67
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SPECIAL PROJECTS
KERR WOOD LEIDAL ASSOCIATES
Heat-Seeking Sewer Model JUROR COMMENTS
This project took an innovative approach to studying where it is beneficial to recover the heat energy generated in sewer systems. The results are intended to help form a national sewage heat policy framework."
Above: heat-seeking model results showing the available heat from sewer mains in Metro Vancouver. The dark brown, red and orange lines represent the sewers with most heat.
A significant amount of renewable heat flows through Metro Vancouver’s sanitary sewers each day as warm sewage. This excess energy can be recovered and used to heat buildings and is an economical means of displacing natural gas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Because of the increased interest in extracting sewage heat for space heating and cooling, Metro Vancouver retained Kerr Wood Leidal Associates to examine the viability and implications of allowing sewage heat recovery projects. Metro Vancouver manages sewerage, drainage, and treatment of liquid waste for most municipalities in the Greater Vancouver area. The objectives were twofold. First, to develop an understanding of the technical implications of allowing access to the sewers for sewage heat recovery projects. Second, to develop the tools needed to evaluate sewage heat recovery requests in a regional context. 66
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The question was: how much heat can you safely recover without endangering sewage treatment processes, both now and in the future? To answer this question, KWL developed a HeatSeeking Sewer Model and applied it to the five wastewater treatment plant catchment areas of Metro Vancouver's sewer network. KWL’s modelling results show that there is plenty of heat in the sewer system. Up to 100 MW of recoverable heat is available across the region, enough to heat about 650 to 1,000 high-rise buildings. Why a sewer model is a complex problem Accurately assessing how much sewage heat is available, and the best locations to recover it, is a complex problem. The sewer system is a dynamic system where a myriad of variable influences affect sewage temperature. Population
growth, changes in land use, water conservation measures, rainfall and groundwater infiltration – to name just a few factors – all affect the temperature of sewage. To assess whether a sewer heat recovery project is advisable, it is critical to understand what is happening at any given point in the system, and to know what is influencing changes to sewage temperature. Until the Heat-Seeking Sewer Model was developed, no model existed that could calculate these discrete changes for a large sewage network with multiple sewage heat recovery projects. Also, no sewer heat recovery model existed that provides a GIS interface and mapping capabilities. This model estimates the available energy capacity within the sanitary sewer system as a whole and in each pipe section. It also identifies key factors that may affect the energy capacity. For example, it shows downstream
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constraints such as the heat requirements of wastewater plants and existing sewage heat recovery projects. Model overview The model calculates the sewage flow rate and associated sewage temperature at nodes within the network. The sewage heat capacity throughout the system is calculated by tracking the flows and temperatures of each component separately. The modelling engine consists of two modules: (a) a hydraulic modelling engine that calculates the daily average flow at each node in the collection system, and (b) an advective temperature modelling engine that tracks sewage temperature and available energy by using a mass balance of the sewer flow components. The advective temperature modelling engine also tracks the total energy recovered from the system by sewage heat recovery projects. Because too much heat recovery is
harmful, two temperature constraints were applied: the sewage temperature could not drop below 6ºC; and the inflow temperature at a wastewater treatment plant was set to a minimum of 11ºC. The 11ºC parameter is important because biological treatment processes are adversely affected if the temperature of the sewage falls below 11°C. Metro Vancouver was vitally concerned that sewage treatment not be adversely affected by sewage heat recovery. Benefits to Metro Vancouver The project allows Metro Vancouver to permit - or prevent - sewage heat recovery projects at specific locations. It has enabled Metro Vancouver to allocate available resources in an effective manner. Because of its mapping capability, the model also enables energy planners to match sewer heat resources to potential development areas. The model can be run and rerun to assess and reassess changing condi-
tions in the system. This ability is crucial to determining the viability and advisability of proposed sewage heat recovery projects. Although the model was applied to Metro Vancouver, it can be deployed in any sewer collection system, enabling the widespread implementation and management of these potential sources of energy. CCE
Project name: Heat-Seeking Sewer Model, Metro Vancouver, B.C. Award-winning firm (prime consultant): Kerr Wood Leidal Associates, Burnaby, B.C. (Jason Vine, P.Eng., Alex Charpentier, P.Eng., Nathan Chase, EIT, Karen Sutherland, P.Eng., Yuko Suda, P.Eng., Alan Tse, EIT, Mike Homenuke, P.Eng., Wayne Wong, P.Eng., Mike McDonald, B.Tech, Nissim Levy) Owner/client: Metro Vancouver
Mount Pleasant Substation continued fom page 65
dow systems, wall cladding, flashings and even handrails. While having to meet seismic and post-disaster requirements, the building structure had to be slim enough to provide maximum space inside for the significant clearances required for equipment and cable penetrations. Grounding The heavily reinforced walls also needed to accommodate large grounding cables. The rebar was electrically isolated to prevent its heating due to inductive currents generated by power conductors. Both epoxy-coated rebar and fibre-reinforced rebars were used. Since the walls needed to be as thin as possi-
ble, the clearances for rebar were minimized. All the walls were poured using a self-consolidating concrete. BIM and 3D minimized design modifications Due to the complexity of the building and equipment systems, the facility was designed using BIM software. All process equipment and interconnecting cable trays were also modelled in 3D. This approach enabled the systems to be checked for conflicts and generated useful information for pricing the project. Only minor modifications were required to the building to accommodate major equipment that arrived after the building was 90 per cent complete.
The project took six years from conceptual design to construction completion in 2013, and the final cost was within budget. CCE Project name: Mount Pleasant Substation, Vancouver, B.C. Award-winning firm (prime consultant): WSP Canada (Sean Kennedy, P.Eng., Ron Parker, Arnold Con, P.Eng., Nasser Koochek, P.Eng., David Woo, P.Eng.) Owner: BC Hydro Other key players: Architecture49/PBK (architect); Recollective (LEED); BKL (acoustics); PCL Constructors Westcoast (contractor); Durante Kreuk (landscape). Supplier: Trane (HVAC equipment)
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PROJECT MANAGEMENT
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
MORRISON HERSHFIELD
North Channel Bridge Replacement JUROR COMMENTS
"Constructed to increase commercial traffic, this new bridge required the combination of several innovative engineering technologies."
At the international border crossing between Canada, the U.S. and the Akwesasne Mohawk Community on Cornwall Island in eastern Ontario, the North Channel Bridge Replacement Three Nations Crossing replaces an existing high level bridge. The existing bridge - now being demolished - dates from 1962 and had reached the end of its serviceable design life. Morrison Hershfield was retained by the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL) to provide consulting engineering services for the construction phase of the new low-level bridge. The new bridge is adjacent to the old one, approximately 17 metres apart. The project faced many political and technical constraints. The first contract involved the construction of three in-water piers within the fast flowing waters of the St. Lawrence River North Channel. Highly technical marine equipment was needed and was anchored to the piers of the existing high level bridge for stability. Steel caisson liners were drilled 6 metres into the bedrock below the river bed, then construction of the piers was staged to the pier cap level using barges to deliver reinforcing steel and concrete to the pier locations.
Launched box girders The second contract was the construction of the bridge structure, approach detours and roadways. The superstructure consists of twin steel box girders with a concrete deck. The steel was placed from the north abutment using a complex innovative launching procedure that rolled the girders across the channel into position. The design of the bridge specified two parallel rows of 11 box girders. The box girders, made with steel plate up to 60 mil thick, measure 3.6 m wide, 3.2 m high and about 30 m long. They weigh as much as 85 tonnes. A series of 11 launches were required over a three month period. Upon completion of the girder placement the girders were jacked to remove the launching rollers and place the bearings. The installation, which required precise modeling to ensure not to overstress any part of the structure during the launch sequence, was closely monitored by Morrison Hershfield staff. Innovative concrete deck The concrete deck for the bridge was constructed using a National Research continued on page 70
Above: the new low-level bridge adjacent to the existing bridge that is now being demolished..
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Ambatovy Nickel Project JUROR COMMENTS
"The $5.3-billion project brings a large foreign investment along with state-of-the art Canadian mining engineering to a laterite deposit in Madagascar. This international collaboration will benefit Madagascar and the region for the next 30 years."
Above: nickel processing under way.
This self-sustaining nickel and cobalt mine and process plant is on the remote island of Madagascar, off the southeast coast of Africa. The Ambatovy Nickel Project represents the largest foreign investment and most ambitious and complex industrial undertaking in the region’s history. SNC-Lavalin successfully provided comprehensive engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services for this US $5.3 billion project. The work included: an ore preparation plant, a slurry transfer pumping plant, a 220-km slurry pipeline, a process plant and refinery (including all associated utilities), tailings management facilities, access infrastructure, and upgrades to a port.
A significant project management effort was required to address the complexity of this project due to its size, scope, remote location and technical design. At its peak, Ambatovy employed 600 people during detail engineering, and 20,000 at site during construction. SNC-Lavalin used integrated database software to map the sharing of work and coordination between international design staff (in Toronto and Edmonton, and Santiago, Chile), worldwide expert contractors, site con-
tractors, the site engineering and construction team, and the client project team. There were over 350 purchase orders and 90 construction contracts, 5,000 pieces of mechanical equipment, and thousands of kilometres of bulk materials. By project close, approximately 24,000,0000 m3 of earthworks were moved, 320,000 m3 of concrete were poured, including more than 6,000 piles, and 34,000 tonnes of steel were fabricated. Some 330 km of piping and 220 km of pipeline were assembled, and 1,700 km of cables were pulled. Port extension complexities An existing jetty at Madagascar’s busiest and most strategic seaport had to be extended to accommodate additional cargo. This work had to be done without disrupting the critical delivery of petroleum and while ensuring that potentially harmful material could be safely unloaded in the vicinity of vital food warehouses. The challenge of extending the port while maintaining continuous petroleum imports was resolved by working closely with the offshore piling contractor on the sequencing of their activities. Also a temporary underwater petroleum-unloading pipeline was installed. SNC-Lavalin undertook an advanced computer simulation to optimize the pathway of the 220-km buried pipeline through difficult terrain, assessing the fluid velocity and pressure at every point in the line. A detailed dynamic analysis ensured that no water hammer or other transient loads would jeopardize the pipeline's integrity. The plant introduced High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) technology. This necessitated special considerations for handling high pressure and high temperatures, requiring elabo-
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PROJECT MANAGEMENT
SNC-LAVALIN
continued on page 70
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continued fom page 69
rate safety systems to handle hazardous materials and detailed process and mechanical expertise. A complete 3D software model of the plant proved essential, helping with inter-discipline coordination, conflict resolution and client design reviews, as well as bulk material reporting and control. Training and support for locals Executing the project in Madagascar, a country with little mining and industrial activity, required SNC-Lavalin to develop a comprehensive Local Resource and Development Initiative (LRDI) program. It exceeded all its objectives. Two training centres provided basic workplace orientation and advanced training in trades and occupational health and safety to 6,100 people. The project achieved a 95 per cent placement rate of trainees. The LRDI program supported small, medium, micro, enterprise (SMME) development with thousands of hours of
training and mentorship. Over US$900 million of revenues through 700 contracts was provided to local SMMEs. The LRDI also facilitated the local supply of food products from regional farmers and helped to create over 1,500 jobs for female workers. Environmental protection for a sensitive environment Given Madagascar’s unique and sensitive natural environment, environmental standards were set high. The project was designed and executed per IFC [International Finance Corporation-World Bank] standards. Individual environmental protection plans were prepared for the mine site, the slurry pipeline, and the process plant and port facilities (including tailings management). More specific environmental management plans were developed for hazardous material handling, waste management, air, noise and soil management (erosion and
sediment controls), as well as water management for the overall project. As severe weather conditions could often halt construction, the schedule was adapted to complete most major earthworks during the dry season. In addition, the difficult nature of the soil at the process plant location required paying extensive attention to the foundation design and widespread dewatering during construction. CCE Project name: Ambatovy Nickel Project. Madagascar Award-winning firm (engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contractor): SNC-Lavalin, Toronto (Pierre Larochelle, Stephan Fiedler, Dale Clarke, Michel Turgeon, Isabelle Plante, Sami Douara, Alphonsus Kelly, Patric Mercille, Many Mangas) Owner/client: Ambatovy Other key players: Sandwell /Ausenco (port engineering)
North Channel Bridge continued fom page 68
Council of Canada (NRC) experimental concrete mix design. Developed by Dr. Daniel Cusson of NRC, the high-performance concrete is designed to minimize shrinkage, while maintaining all of its structural properties and being less prone to cracking. This new product could potentially increase the lifespan of concrete bridges by up to 40 years. Morrison Hershfield staff coordinated the scheduling of NRC, Aecon and Lafarge Concrete staff to address the requirements for the concrete placement and placing of monitoring instrumentation within the formwork. Toll plaza at fast pace Under a very tight schedule for opening the new crossing to traffic, the FBCL commenced work on a new toll plaza immediately north of the low level bridge, along with a new Canada Border Services Agency control facility. Phase 1 of the facilities costing over 70
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$10 million needed to be completely constructed in four months. To accelerate construction, FBCL asked Morrison Hershfield to provide contract management assistance for the procurement of all sub-trades and to provide on-site coordination, integration and scheduling. The work was completed and commissioned on time and budget. During the construction phase Morrison Hershfield worked closely with FBCL, CBSA, the city of Cornwall, and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Opened in 2013, the crossing gives international traffic direct access to downtown Cornwall and central areas, providing an important transportation link for the people of Cornwall and Akwesasne that will support future growth for both communities. Morrison Hershfield is providing construction administration services for the decommissioning and demoli-
tion of the 1960s high level bridge, which is expected to be completed by June 2016. CCE
Project name: North Channel Bridge Replacement - Three Nations Crossing, Cornwall, Ont. Award-winning firm (contract administrators): Morrison Hershfield, Ottawa (Stan McGillis, P.Eng., Robert Goulet, Arminda Bracaj, Mel Thompson, Brian Bellenger, Patricia MacNeil, Patrick Roger, EIT, Dragos Vlaseanu, Lauren Adams, Wiebe Hoogland) Owner/client: Federal Bridge Corporation Limited Other key players: McCormick Rankin (bridge design); WSP (civil engineering), AECON (contractor), American Bridge Company Canada (in-water works contractor), Seaway International Bridge Corporation (bridge operator)
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WINNERS GALLERY 2 0 1 4 C A N A D I A N C O N S U LT I N G E N G I N E E R I N G AWA R D S
The Winners! Congratulations to all the winning teams. Here are just some of the people involved in the 20 projects. See also the list of credits at the end of the articles describing the projects.
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Schreyer Award 1. Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Winnipeg. CH2M HILL. Left to right: Neb Erakovic, Crispin Howes. Tree for Life Award 2. New Victoria Mine Water Treatment Plant, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. CBCL. Left to right: Robert Dickson, Glenn MacLeod, Richard Morykot, Lorna Campbell, Brad Kennedy. Ambassador Award 3. New Quito International Airport, Ecuador. MMM Group, Toronto. Left to right: Carmine Bello, Janine Turner, Brian Derich.
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Engineering a Better Canada Award 4. Detour Lake Gold Mining Project, Ontario. BBA, Mont St-Hilaire, Quebec. Left to right: AndrĂŠ Allaire, Patrice Live, Guy DĂŠcoste. Outreach Award 5. Dillon's Environment and Community Investment Fund. Dillon Consulting, Toronto. Far left: Clement Lam. Second from right: Brendan Salakoh.
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* Note: the above special award-winners also won Awards of Excellence. October/November 2014
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WINNERS GALLERY 2 0 1 4 C A N A D I A N C O N S U LT I N G E N G I N E E R I N G AWA R D S
Awards of Excellence 6. Casino de Montréal Renovation, Montreal. Pasquin St-Jean et associés. Left to right: Charles-Étienne Cyr, Denis Pelland, Frédéric Marquis, Yves Pelland. 7. Residence for Sisters of St. Joseph, Toronto. Blackwell. Left to right: Greg Sawka, Shannon Hilchie, David Bowick, Kerry Zhang, Dorothy Pawluk, Anthony Spick, Michael Robbins, Pierre-Alexandre Koch.
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8. Port Mann / Highway 1 Improvement Project - Onshore Works, Vancouver, B.C. Hatch Mott MacDonald and MMM Group. Left to right: Chris Mealing, Aled Griffiths, Brian Arndt, Keith Holmes. 9. Glacier Skywalk, Jasper National Park, Alberta. Read Jones Christoffersen. Left to right: Stefan Franke, Mark Ritchie, Simon Brown, Geoff Kallweit.
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10. Bow River Pedestrian Bridge and Utility Crossing, Banff, Alberta. Fast + Epp. Gerald Epp (at left), Bradley Holmes. 11. John James Audubon Bridge, Louisiana, U.S.A. Buckland & Taylor, Vancouver. Left to right: Armin Schemmann, Don Bergman. 10 12. Strandherd Armstrong Bridge Erection, Ottawa. Harbourside Engineering Consultants, Charlottetown, P.E.I. Left to right: Greg MacDonald, Kyle Boudreau, Robbie Fraser, Nick MacEachern, Stephen O’Brien.
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WINNERS GALLERY 2 0 1 4 C A N A D I A N C O N S U LT I N G E N G I N E E R I N G AWA R D S
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13. Gold Bar Thickener/Fermenter Operational Improvements, Edmonton. SMA Consulting and Cybertech Automation. Left to right: Holly Parkis, Kevin Yachimec, Tami Wetmore, Sreekanth Lalgudi (EPCOR), Mohammed Al-Bataineh. 14. Groundwater Denitrification Using a Permeable Reactive Barrier, Northern Alberta. PINTER & Associates, Saskatoon. Left to right: Lawrence Pinter, Ryan Riess. 15. Developing Hydroelectric Potential in Northern Ontario. Hatch, Mississauga, Ont. Left to right: Danielle Zyngier, Stuart Bridgeman, Richard Donnelly, Michelle Miller, Andrew Mellick, Ross Zhou.
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16. Niagara Tunnel Project, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Hatch Mott MacDonald in association with Hatch. Left to right: Harry Charalambu, John Tait, Kevin Child, Paul Moorhouse. 17. Mount Pleasant Substation, Vancouver, B.C. WSP Canada. Left to right: Sean Kennedy, Arnold Con, Nasser Koochek, Ian McKay, Ron Parker.
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18. Heat Seeking Sewer Model, Vancouver, B.C. Kerr Wood Leidal Associates. Back row, left to right: Alex Charpentier, Jason Vine, Karen Sutherland, Nissim Levy. Front row: Nathan Chase, Yuko Suda, Mike Homenuke. 19. North Channel Bridge Replacement - Three Nations Crossing, Cornwall, Ontario. Morrison Hershfield. Left to right: Brian Bellenger, Mel Thompson, Arminda Bracaj, Robert Goulet, Patricia MacNeil, Stan McGillis.
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20. Ambatovy Nickel Project, Madagascar. SNC-Lavalin, Montreal and Toronto. Left to right: Patric Mercille, Dale Clarke. October/November 2014
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WINNERS CIRCLE C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O A L L T H E W I N N E R S O F T H E 2 0 1 4 C A N A D I A N C O N S U LT I N G E N G I N E E R I N G AWA R D S
Proud partner of these award winning projects. www.waltersgroupinc.com
Canadian Museum for Human Rights Detour Lake Gold Mine
Structural Engineers
New Quito International Airport, Ecuador
New Quito International Airport, Ecuador
Port Mann / Highway 1 Improvement Project – Onshore Works, British Columbia
Complex Projects
The Award Winning Residence for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto
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www.mmmgrouplimited.com
Practical Solutions
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October/November 2014
2014-10-03 1:10 PM
WINNERS CIRCLE C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O A L L T H E W I N N E R S O F T H E 2 0 1 4 C A N A D I A N C O N S U LT I N G E N G I N E E R I N G AWA R D S
BUILT ON EXPERIENCE. FUELLED BY EXPERTISE. For more than 35 years, BBA has been helping industrial clients transform complex problems into practical, innovative and sustainable solutions. Recognized for its extensive field experience and cutting-edge expertise, BBA delivers a comprehensive range of consulting engineering services, from studies and asset integrity plans to commissioning and operational support. With offices from coast to coast, BBA is synonymous with proximity and agility.
Detour Lake Mine, Ontario
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Environmental
Challenges inspire us.
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Congratulations to H5M Joint Venture!
in mind.
Levelton Consultants is proud to be involved with:
Proud to celebrate our award winning New Victoria Mine Water Treatment Plant project at the 2014 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards
info@CBCL.ca . www.CBCL.ca
Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project Onshore Works. Follow us on ...
Visit us at www.levelton.com or call 604.278.1411
Halifax • Sydney • Charlottetown • Saint John • Fredericton • Moncton • St. John’s • Goose Bay
October/November 2014
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2014 WINNERS CIRCLE C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O A L L T H E W I N N E R S O F T H E 2 0 1 4 C A N A D I A N C O N S U LT I N G E N G I N E E R I N G AWA R D S
Congratulations
Congratulations WSP Canada!
Glacier Skywalk: Jasper, AB
to our staff and project partners Innovative thinking. Practical results.
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rjc.ca
Trane Canada was happy to be a partner the Award Winning Mount Pleasant Substation Project! TRANE‌ 100 Years supplying Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Equipment, Controls, and Service
continued on page 40
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2014 WINNERS CIRCLE C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S T O A L L T H E W I N N E R S O F T H E 2 0 1 4 C A N A D I A N C O N S U LT I N G E N G I N E E R I N G AWA R D S
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2014 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards of Excellence. McElhanney is proud to have been part of the award-winning Port Mann/ Highway 1 Improvement Project.
Port Mann / Highway 1 Improvement Project
Engineering | Surveying | Mapping | Planning | Environmental
www.McElhanney.com
Congratulations TO ALL THE WINNERS OF THE 2014 CANADIAN CONSULTING
ENGINEERING AWARDS
October/November 2014
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WE LOOKED AT HOW FIRMS WITH FEWER THAN 25 STAFF ARE SURVIVING, AND EVEN FLOURISHING, IN THE TOUGH MEGA-CORPORATE WORLD OF CONSULTING ENGINEERING TODAY.
©GlobalP/iStock/ThinkStock
F
or some consulting engineers, a small firm offers the independence, the hands-on work and company culture that no increase in pay or corporate prestige can match. Others, like Wojciech Remisz, P.Eng., cite a passion for problem-solving – the quest for an elegant solution – as the fuel that keeps their small consulting business going, despite the challenges. When the owner and president of Remisz Consulting Engineers in Ottawa entered a project in Consulting Engineers Ontario's annual competition last fall, he was “dreaming big” for his 13-person firm. “I just wanted to be part of the group ... and to show that small can be beautiful, small can be smart, small can be practical.” 78
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Small can also be a hard way to make a living, as Remisz well knows. Buy-up cycle ending About a decade ago, there was a noticeable increase in the acquisition of small firms by larger ones, says Ian Steele, P.Eng., principal of PBX Engineering, a firm of 23 people with offices in Vancouver, Victoria and Qualicum Beach, B.C. “It seemed as though the small firm model was diminishing in importance, making it difficult to be competitive and sustainable... However, in the last five years, there has been a strong resurgence of small, nimble firms." "Their [small firms] appearance often results from dissatisfaction with
the larger corporate model, fueled by a strong desire for independence, or simply capitalizing on market opportunity," Steele explains. "Either way, small firms that offer specialized expertise are a very important part of the consulting ecosystem.” Practising in a niche market affords some protection from a buyout because large firms would have trouble absorbing so many engineers with the same specific expertise. “The work (in a larger company) wouldn't support 25 engineers doing our specialty,” says Brian Howe, P.Eng. Howe is president of HGC Engineering, who are noise, vibration and acoustics specialists in Mississauga, Ontario. Another explanation given for why
October/November 2014
2014-10-06 10:05 AM
By Sophie Kneisel
SMALL FIRMS
The small firm's appearance can result from dissatisfaction with the larger corporate model, fueled by a strong desire for independence."
Finding work - a worrying trend One aspect of the consulting engineering business that is becoming increasingly challenging for small firms is the effort they must put into getting work. Over the past five to 10 years, preparing proposals, even for minor jobs, has become a significant part of the work load in engineering firms. For small firms, this is particularly onerous. Robert Poisson, P.Eng., president of R.E. Poisson Engineering in Guelph, Ontario finds the stiffening of procurement practices a worrisome trend. “We used to be able to get work with a two-page letter proposal. The clients had more ability to choose consultants based on our previous good work, or our knowledge of the particular systems. Now, for all but the smallest of jobs, more and more clients are required to demand full-scale proposals, open to everyone in the business. Proposal preparation is becoming a larger part of our overhead costs.” Others find it especially frustrating that after putting all the work into the proposal, contracts are mainly awarded based on the engineers' price. Remisz, a former municipal government employee, remembers when contracts could be awarded in the course of a few days, based mainly on knowledge of a firm's capabilities and experience, rather than on an expensive proposal and a low price. “(Now) even small projects require elaborate write-ups, resumes, descriptions of methodology, timelines, innovation ... but at the end of day, only cost matters,” he says. Although his firm can access various bulletin boards where prospective clients post their upcoming projects, he says the subscription fees can be
prohibitive, particularly given that the two sites he uses (MERX and Biddingo) post many of the same projects, list projects that are too large, or don't list many projects in the Ottawa area. “We are at a disadvantage compared to larger firms that can pay multiple subscriptions and have someone on staff checking them daily full time, and who have a few proposalwriters and graphic artists to do nice covers,” says Remisz. “The proposalwriting effort can be well over 3 per cent of the value of the work it's getting you." He says it can take a week's worth of work to land an $80,000 project fee.
The advantage of a niche One school of thought is that general practitioners survive for the long haul, while specialists have to market their services extensively to get by. Or perhaps the success of small firms is usually driven by niche expertise, as PBX's Steele believes? “The ability to offer unique, focused skills and boutique technical services enables small firms to offer value in areas where larger firms often have difficulty being competitive.” HGC's marketing and business development manager, Bernard Feder, agrees: “If you're going to be small you have to be in a niche to prosper. Technical sophistication is increasing: you can't be a 25-person firm and be generalists.” For one thing, the acoustics and vibration specialists don't end up competing against 10 to 15 firms, because there aren't a lot of players in their niche, he says. But specializing in water and wastewater engineering puts Robert Poisson's six-person firm in direct competition with many others, large and small. He remembers a recent proposal call attended by 30 firms, six of which were completely unknown to him. “So it’s
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BUSINESS
fewer small firms are being purchased is that in today's economy large firms don't have enough work for the employees they now have.
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not really a niche,” says Poisson. “We have to distinguish ourselves by doing good work and getting repeat business or referrals.” Urban or rural? “If you are a niche player, and do most of your work sub-consulting to the larger firms, then being in a large centre matters,” Poisson suggests. The percentage of work done as a subcontractor to a larger firm varies widely, with some companies not subbing at all, while others indicate that subcontracting accounts for as much as 40 per cent of their jobs. Most agree that relationships with big firms – whether as subcontractors or as members of a project team – are very important, and that referrals from larger firms are an invaluable source of business. Poisson believes that there are advantages for general practices located in smaller centres: “In smaller centres, the projects tend to be smaller, and clients feel – justifiably – that they may get better service from a smaller firm." The preference of some clients for spending contract dollars locally, along with the “face-to-face service advantage,” are among the reasons that small, rural firms are successful, suggests Steele. And because smaller projects of a size not of interest to larger firms constitute a significant portion of the overall market, the small firm model can be very successful in big cities and rural areas alike. “This is why there are so many small, successful firms,” Steele suggests. Remisz brings the subject down to earth. The bonus he sees for firms who work on smaller or rural projects is the clients. “You are dealing with a road superintendent, a technician or a technologist who's wearing safety boots and hard hats, [rather than] a CEO or a senior bureaucrat in Gucci shoes.” Being in the Greater Toronto Area
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has been beneficial for HGC, Howe says, because the market there has been good lately. For him the bonus is that their location is excellent for attracting engineering talent: “That would be harder to do in a smaller centre.” Computers and the internet – the great levellers Has computer technology and the internet levelled the playing field between small and large firms? In terms of marketing, “There are no real technological impediments relating to firm size, as similar tools are available to both large and small firms,” says Steele. “Marketing opportunities through a web presence and social media are very much within the reach of, and effective for, all types of companies.” Smaller firms “can look like a milliondollar firm on the internet,” says Feder: “Larger firms keep secrets, and don't put everything online. Smaller firms put it all out there.” HGC recognized the value of the internet in its early days, he says, acknowledging that you have to “keep up with the game” online. The ability to access live data remotely has allowed HGC staff to work on international projects that could never have happened without the internet. But the firm's approach to technology is to become a “brain trust” – gaining expertise and developing skill sets. “We don't want to get too caught up in the shiny new toys that are available.” Keeping staff - small firm culture While it may not be difficult to attract graduate engineers to entry level positions in small firms, keeping them can prove challenging. “The problem is, a few years after training them, giving them hands-on, hard-hat experience, you cannot match the salary, wages, benefits, or stability of larger firms,”
Remisz says. Young employees will “upgrade and move on, leaving small firms as a training institution to get them to P.Eng. level.” On the other hand, Poisson points out: “Someone who decides to work for a small firm isn’t less of an engineer than someone who decides to go to a large firm. Working at a small firm has its advantages. There are no 'back room guys' in our company, grinding out the same designs year after year. Everybody gets to meet the clients, do some project management and business development. It’s a different thing, and a lot of perfectly smart people prefer it to working at the big companies, me in particular.” Steele finds that prospective employees consider job offers from large and small firms to be on a relatively equally footing. “Usually, well run small firms will offer a different culture and work environment compared to larger firms, one that appeals to the type of engineer who is naturally attracted to consulting.” The common drive that connects small firms, no matter where they practice or where their expertise lies, may be just that – a natural attraction to consulting – enjoyment not only of what they're doing, but how they are able to do it in a small firm culture. “I am 65 years old, and I love what I'm doing,” says Wojciech Remisz. And yes, his firm did show that small is beautiful by taking CEO's top honour in the 2014 awards with their Rockcliffe Parkway Recreational Path project. “It is an 'Oscar' for me personally, for my firm, and for my employees who dedicated their minds and hearts to this unique CCE public project.” Sophie Kneisel is a freelance writer based in Baltimore, Ontario and a former editor of Canadian Consulting Engineer magazine.
October/November 2014
2014-10-06 10:05 AM
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www.b-t.com
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engineers & the law
By Owen Pawson & Jordan Regehr, Miller Thomson LLP
Engineers can be liable for the financial losses they cause third parties, even if they have no contract with them.
Potential Liability
W
hen a person suffers a loss where there is no the representation and suffers economic loss. This is prephysical injury or damage to personal property, cisely what the Supreme Court of Canada held in Edgeit is known as "pure economic loss. Historically, worth Construction Ltd v ND Lea & Associates Ltd. In that the law of negligence did not permit a person to collect 1977 case, Edgeworth maintained that it lost millions on a damages for pure economic loss. A party could success- road building project due to careless inaccuracies in the fully claim such damages only where the loss was caused by plans and specifications prepared by ND Lea. The Court a breach of contract. This prohibition was caused by a found that ND Lea was liable for Edgeworth’s economic concern that there would be difficulty in determining lim- losses because ND Lea knew that bidders would rely on the its on liability outside of a contractual relationship. tender documents. In other words, the liability of the deWhile the general rule prohibiting damages for eco- sign professional was outside any contractual relationship nomic loss remains, the Supreme Court of Canada has de- with a sub-trade contractor. veloped five categories for recovery Although it's not surprising, engi"Liability existed even under pure economic loss. Four of neers can also be found liable for pure those categories are relevant to deeconomic losses for the "negligent if the period of time for sign professionals. The categories are: performance of services" when it is relational economic loss, negligent commencing an action under reasonably foreseeable that this would limitation legislation misrepresentation, negligent perforcause damage to a third party. This mance of a service, and negligent category of liability extends to situahad expired." supply of shoddy goods or structures. tions where the injured party does not "Relational economic loss" occurs where one party rely on representations of the design professional. For exnegligently damages the person or property of another ample, the B.C. Supreme Court found a structural engineer party. Because of the relationship between that other liable for the losses of a home owner caused by the negligent party and a third party, the third party suffers a financial preparation of a foundation plan where there was no conloss. This category of recovery was first recognized by the tract between the owner and the engineer. Supreme Court of Canada in a 1992 decision called CN Under the fourth category related to "shoddy services," Railway Co v Norsk. engineers may be liable for the cost of repairs incurred by The case shows that there is a potential for engineers to present or future occupants of poorly designed structures. A face liability under this category where an engineer provides Supreme Court of Canada case in 1992, Winnipeg Condoa careless design to a party who is in a “joint venture” type of minium Corp No 36 v Bird Construction Co, involved the relationship with a third party that suffers a financial loss. faulty design and construction of a condominium building. It Despite what looks like a broad exposure to liability, however, resulted in several tons of stone cladding falling into the engineers can take comfort from the fact that the Supreme street, many years past the statutory limitation period for Court of Canada has limited relational economic loss to nar- starting a legal action. The damages were purely economic; rowly defined circumstances. In fact, there have been no luckily, there were no injuries to people nor was there any successful claims under this category since 1997. property damage. However, the Court found that contractors Under the second category "negligent misrepresenta- and design professionals could be liable to subsequent owntion," an engineer may be liable to a contractor for financial ers for the costs of repairing defects caused by their negligent losses resulting from careless inaccuracies in the plans and work where the defects pose a “substantial danger to the specifications prepared for an owner that were included in health and safety of the occupants." This liability existed even tender documents. The courts have found that liability will if the period of time for commencing an action under limitaarise where an engineer makes a representation knowing tion legislation had expired and there was no contract in that another person may rely on it and the person relies on place between the parties.
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manufacturer case study
transportation
Alberta Hutterite Colony Dramatically Reduces Farm Operating Costs with Grundfos MAGNA3 and its Advanced Controls
B
ig Bend Colony located in Cardston, Alberta had an existing Grundfos Vertical Inline centrifugal LM pump that was heating a hog barn for their farming operation. The oversized pump was running 24/7 at a constant flow rate of 237 gpm irrespective of outdoor temperatures, resulting in energy usage of 36 kWh per day and an annual energy cost of $1,314. Big Bend Farm wanted to replace the standard LM pump with an energy efficient and maintenance free solution that would ultimately reduce electricity, natural gas and maintenance costs. The challenge was to find a replacement pump that would heat the hog barn only when needed. Since the barn needs to be kept at the same temperature at all times, heating is required only based on outdoor temperature conditions. Colony Plumber Josh Kleinsasser selected and installed a Grundfos MAGNA3 80-100 variable speed wet rotor circulator to replace the existing 3.0 LM 6/6.3, 3 hp pump. Also installed was an outdoor temperature sensor that will disable the MAGNA3 when the outside temperature rises to 50°F. This will eliminate the need for the pump to run in warmer conditions. The MAGNA3 pump was chosen for the following reasons: (1) Energy Savings were the primary consideration. The MAGNA3 is the most energy-efficient circulator available on the market, with the fastest return on investment. It can achieve energy savings up to 75% or more with advanced control modes. (2) MAGNA3 is able to accept external sensor inputs, allowing Big Bend Colony to have control based on an advanced differential temperature control mode. This not only guarantees maximum comfort inside the hog barn, but increases the energy savings. (3) Data collection was very important to Big Bend Colony. With MAGNA3’s built-in colour display Big Bend is able to gather valuable information such as energy consumed, flow rates, trend data and operating hours. Using the MAGNA3’s already built-in sensors, the additional outdoor temperature sensor and the calculated flow rate from the pump, Big Bend is able to monitor the system’s heat energy distribution and consumption in order to avoid excess energy bills caused by system imbalances. Since the installation of MAGNA3 in September 2013, flow rate has been reduced to 50 gpm when compared to the old LM pump. Big Bend Colony is now able to control the amount of heat released into the hog barn by keeping a constant differential temperature of 10°F between supply and return, with a variable flow rate that fits the real needs of the system. The new energy usage is 1 kWh per day at an annual energy cost of $36.50. This leads to an estimated payback period of 2 years. Additionally, Colonist Josh has experienced significant natural gas savings. Boiler capacity has dropped a considerable 75% as a result of less running time. Josh says “replacing the pump is peace of mind” and says they have since replaced a standby pump with the same MAGNA3 model.
ADVERTORIAL
GRUNDFOS
Grundfos is the world’s largest manufacturer of pumps and pumping systems. Grundfos’ Canadian headquarters is located in Oakville, Ont. 1-800-644-9599, www.grundfos.ca October/November 2014
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engineers & the law
continued from page 82
The determination of what constitutes a “dangerous” defect has since been the subject of several cases. For example, subsequent decisions found that the “danger” created by the negligence does not have to be imminent in order for a party to successfully make a claim for damages. What qualifies as a “dangerous” defect will depend on the facts. For example, courts have held that leaks which lead to the structural failure of a building are dangerous, while other courts have held that electrical transformers which have a propensity to overheat are not dangerous. Furthermore, Canadian courts are not in agreement as to whether losses can be recovered for a defective structure that does not pose a danger to health and safety. While some provinces have closed the door to claims against contractors and design professionals for losses caused by non-dangerous defects, other provinces have left the door open. Currently the potential liability of engineers for non-dangerous defects remains unsettled.
In conclusion, the potential for engineers to be found liable for financial losses which are outside of a contract with an injured party may seem far reaching. However, engineers should be relieved to know that, other than in a case of negligent misrepresentation, it is very difficult for a third party (without a direct contract with the engineer) to successfully claim damages under the categories noted above. Engineers should, however, consider ways to reduce the risk of such liability. These could include placing proper disclaimers on drawings and specifications, and implementing quality control mechanisms including internal due diligence reviews of their work. Engineers should also speak with their insurers to discuss coverage for claims by third parties. CCE Owen Pawson is a partner and Jordan Regehr is an articled student with Miller Thomson, LLP in Vancouver. E-mail opawson@millerthomson.com
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Bernie Teufele is appointed to President of Tetra Tech EBA, which was founded as EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd. almost fifty years ago. Bernie will continue to drive our business forward by providing high-quality services to our clients with our own resources and by leveraging Tetra Tech resources worldwide. Paul Ruffell, the current President of Tetra Tech EBA, is appointed to President, Canada Infrastructure for Tetra Tech. Paul will continue to build the Tetra Tech brand in Canada as one of the largest engineering firms in North America. tetratech.com • eba.ca
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manufacturer news
pumps
Reducing Clogging in Wastewater Pumps: Introducing the AmaDS3 Pump Station
S
olid materials suspended in domestic sewage or industrial wastewater can cause serious problems for pumps in wastewater management facilities. Solid chunks such as pieces of wood, metal or plastic can become lodged in a pump’s throat, reducing the flow and even jamming the impeller. More insidiously, fibrous wastes can collect in large rope-like tangles that can block pipes or jam pumps. Fibrous solid wastes are a growing problem, due to the increasing popularity of products such as cleaning wipes, disposable diapers and mop pads. While these products are intended to be disposed of as solid waste, consumers often find it convenient to simply flush them down a toilet and into the wastewater stream. A variety of special impellers have been developed to help wastewater pumps to deal with solids in the waste stream. However, these typically have lower hydraulic efficiency than conventional impellers and are never 100% effective. Operators of wastewater treatment facilities still face the messy and time-consuming task of clearing pumps. KSB’s new AmaDS3 pump station takes a different approach to the solids in the waste-stream problem. This device is intended for use in geographically dispersed wastewater collection systems where water from a remote site needs to be pumped to a central treatment facility. To minimize blockages (and down-time), the AmaDS3 is designed so that the pumps have little direct contact with solids in the water. This is achieved through a flushing cycle. Wastewater entering the pump station passes through a pair of solids separation chambers that screen out most solid chunks and fibrous material. The relatively solids-free water continues to a holding tank. When the control system senses that the tank is nearly full, it turns on pumps that reverse the flow back though the solids separation chamber. A check valve prevents flow back through the inlet pipe, so that the water – once again carrying the solid materials in suspension – is forced through the outlet piping, downstream to the next stage in the processing cycle. Since the pumps handle only pre-screened water, there is much less risk that these vital components will become jammed with solid materials. AmaDS3 pump stations are built as a sealed unit, designed to be installed in a dry well. The exterior remains dry and clean, so that maintenance is less dirty and difficult. Since the pumps are optimized for hydraulic performance, these units can deliver significantly lower energy costs than conventional submerged pumps with efficiency-robbing anti-clogging features. These pump stations are ideal for wastewater management systems that serve large geographical areas since they provide operators with a reliable, low-maintenance and efficient way of collecting sewage and industrial wastewater from distant corners of their territory. For more information about the AmaDS3 pump station, visit amads.ksb.com.
ADVERTORIAL
KSB
KSB Pumps Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of the international KSB Group. KSB provides sales and service for pumps for the industrial, municipal, energy, mining, agricultural and building services sectors. KSB Pumps is located at 5205 Tomken Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 3N8, Tel: 905 568-9200. www.ksb.ca October/November 2014
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Specifier’s Literature Review THE WORLD'S LARGEST HVACR EVENT RETURNS TO CHICAGO
The 2015 AHR Expo, Jan. 26-28 in Chicago, is the worlds’ largest HVACR marketplace. With 60,000 professionals in attendance, more than 2,000 exhibiting companies, and over 100 educational sessions, there’s more opportunity to explore, learn, network and stay ahead of the curve. www.ahrexpo.com.
IP VIDEO PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Bosch Security Systems’ approach to IP video is based on three pillars. First, it provides the highest quality of relevant IP video images anytime, anywhere. Second, it guarantees the most efficient bitrates and lowest storage requirements. And third, it delivers superior intelligence and analytics at the edge. This guide provides details on key technologies and specifications for all products. Learn more at www.boschsecurity.com/hdsecurity SUPPLIER: BOSCH SECURITY SYSTEMS
CREE® CXB SERIES LED LOW-BAY/HIGH-BAY LUMINAIRE
The CXB Series delivers up to 24,000 median lumens & up to 113 lumens per watt. With an exceptional rated lifetime, zero-restrike time & a compact lightweight construction, the CXB Series is a direct replacement for incumbent 250W & 400W HID & metal halide lowbay/high-bay light sources that provides additional benefits of energy savings, enhanced safety & significantly reduced re-lamp maintenance costs. The CXB Series offers familiar mounting options (junction box/pendant, hook and cord) allowing simple & quick installation for upgrade & new construction opportunities. Learn more about the CXB Series at http://www.creecanada.com/products/led-interior/high-low-bay/cxb-series SUPPLIER: CREE
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INTRODUCING ACO STORMBRIXX
ACO Stormbrixx is a unique and patented plastic geocellular stormwater management system. Designed for surface water infiltration and storage, its versatility allows it to be used in applications as a standalone solution or as part of an integrated sustainable urban drainage scheme. Its ingenious brickbonding and crossbonding feature delivers greater structural integrity – increasing reliability. Visit: http://www.acostormbrixx.us/ Contact: 1-877-226-4255. SUPPLIER: ACO SYSTEMS LTD.
BEHLEN COMBINES FUNCTION WITH VISUAL APPEAL
BEHLEN Industries’ Frameless building system uses engineered steel panels, roofing, and other steel components for a durable, longlasting performance and quick, easy construction. The Frameless system delivers spacious facilities with no structural columns and clear, unobstructed space up to 328’. Its lightweight structural components allow the buildings to be more energy efficient than traditional buildings with unobstructed interiors improving airflow and aiding the energy performance of HVAC systems. www.behlen.ca SUPPLIER: BEHLEN
KEEP UP WITH CANAM SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES
The Canam InfoTech Express bulletin, aimed at the consulting engineering community, is intended to keep decision-makers informed about the various products Canam fabricates. By consulting Canam InfoTech Express, designers will learn how to make optimum use of Canam products for the benefit of their customers. Registration is free of charge at www.canam.ws/engineers. For more information, contact us at www.canam-construction.com SUPPLIER: CANAM
PREVENT ASPHALT CRACKING
If you were planning to rout and seal your asphalt joints after they fail, think about the added costs of repairing what you’ve already done. Denso Re-instatement Tape is a polymer modified bituminous strip that is cold applied and designed to seal the joints between asphalt, concrete and steel, the first time. Re-instatement Tape seals around catch basins, manholes, utility cuts and next to concrete curbs prior to paving. Do it right the first time with Denso Road Products. For more information contact: Blair Slessor at 416-291-3435, email: Blair@Densona-ca.com, or visit our website at www.densona.com SUPPLIER: DENSO NORTH AMERICA INC.
2014-10-03 1:17 PM
OVER 20 YEARS AGO, FLEXHEAD INVENTED THE FIRST FLEXIBLE FIRE SPRINKLER CONNECTION.
BENEFIT FROM YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM
NEW PUMPS CAN CUT ENERGY COSTS BY UP TO 80%
CANADA’S SOURCE FOR BIG SUPPORT
That system was used in protecting billion dollar clean room facilities. Now, we’ve applied the same technology and quality to the commercial marketplace, and offer flexible fire sprinkler connections designed for use in suspended ceilings. FlexHeads are fast and simple to install; requiring no measuring, no cutting and no infield assembly. Benefits include simplified project management, faster occupancy, easier retrofits, and cost effective code compliance. FlexHead has also been seismically qualified for use in seismic areas and offer green benefits to building owners. Call us at (800) 829-6975 or visit www.flexhead.com for more information. SUPPLIER: FLEXHEAD INDUSTRIES
A Grundfos pump system refurbishment can deliver fantastic savings and performance improvements in older buildings – even without changes to the building envelope or piping. Learn more at www.thinkingbuildings.ca/ grundfoscrew SUPPLIER: GRUNDFOS
Sponsored by Engineers Canada, this program is designed for professional engineers, geoscientists and their families across Canada. We offer access to group retirement and savings plans at generally lower than market retail fees and provide personal, professional service. Get more information about the benefits of this program at www.engineerscanadafsp.grsaccess.com or call 1-800-724-3402. SUPPLIER: GREAT-WEST LIFE
Atlas manufactures and supplies HSS in sizes from 1" to 22" square, including corresponding rectangular and round sections. All sections are available in grades CSA G40.21 (classes C and H), ASTM A500 and A1085. To learn more about Atlas Tube’s HSS sizes, call 800.265.6912 or visit atlastube.com SUPPLIER: JMC STEEL
CREST® CONDENSING BOILER OFFERS FIRE-TUBE INNOVATION AND TOUCHSCREEN TECHNOLOGY
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MACH-PROAIR™: ENERGY CONSCIOUS, VERSATILE VAV
SAMSUNG 2 MEGAPIXEL PTZ DOME CAMERAS
Bringing leading-edge technology and exceptional energy-efficiency to the largest commercial applications, Lochinvar's CREST Condensing Boiler is the ideal choice for both new construction and energy retrofit applications. Now available in six models that range from 1.5 to 5 million Btu/hr, CREST offers thermal efficiencies as high as 99%. Designed with innovative fire-tube technology integrated with the exclusive SMART TOUCH™ operating control, CREST offers greater design flexibility and distinctive performance characteristics to meet today’s building standards. www.Lochinvar.com SUPPLIER: LOCHINVAR
Engineered to exceed the specifications for a wide variety of Variable Air Volume (VAV) applications, the Reliable Controls® MACH-ProAir™ is a fully programmable BACnet Building Controller (B-BC) with numerous downloadable standard codes and flexible I/O options, all priced to meet a modest budget, as it continues the Reliable Controls® tradition of intrinsic simplicity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. www.reliablecontrols.com/products/ controllers/MPA SUPPLIER: RELIABLE CONTROLS CORPORATION
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This application will allow WEG Electric Motor customers in NEMA markets to search an electronic catalog for motors and produce data sheets and technical drawings. The application will also allow the user to download or email PDF data sheets and drawings. The app is available for iOS, Blackberry, Android. Go to www.pamensky.com/downloads SUPPLIER: V.J. PAMENSKY
Samsung Techwin has introduced the industry’s first 32x 2-megapixel PTZ dome cameras, the new SNP-6320/6320H. Featuring the ability to zoom rapidly while maintaining perfect clarity enabling smooth tracking for evidence capture, these new dome cameras provide 2 megapixel HD images indoors and outdoors even in challenging lighting conditions. Both the SNP-6320 (indoor) and SNP-6320H (outdoor) cameras feature Wide Dynamic Range of 120dB and true day/night capability to deliver clear, high-quality images in challenging or varying lighting conditions. SUPPLIER: SAMSUNG
2014-10-03 1:17 PM
THE COMMERCIAL HYDRONICS EXPERTS
Taco system solutions offer a comprehensive, convenient, single-source to HVAC application challenges. Based on the highest industry standards and built with Taco's extensive experience, a Taco hydronic solution assures seamless integration and efficient operation. You can count on high quality and proven performance, whatever your HVAC application challenges. To learn more visit: www.commercial.taco-hvac.com or call 905-564-9422 www.taco-hvac.com SUPPLIER: TACO CANADA
VIC-FLEX™ STYLE AB6 ASSEMBLY FOR COLD STORAGE
The NEW VicFlex V36 Dry Sprinkler with Integral Style AB6 Assembly eliminates the need to measure and cut hard pipe, as well as wait for foam seals to dry, simplifying installation. The VicFlex bracket eliminates condensation making it a safer option for cold storage applications and combats differential movement between ceilings ensuring no compromise in the event of seismic activity or any settling of a building. With VicFlex, the sprinkler will move with the activity and adjust accordingly. For more information, see Victaulic publication PB-AB6, submittal 10.90 and online at: www.victaulic.com/vicflex SUPPLIER: VICTAULIC
products
UPONOR HYDRONIC DISTRIBUTION PIPING SYSTEMS PRODUCT GUIDE
With more than 40 years of proven performance, Uponor Wirsbo hePEX™ is the durable, cost-effective solution for transporting water to terminal units such as chilled beams and fan coil units. This full-color, 8-page brochure offers a comprehensive overview of product details, codes and standards, system applications and installation methods for hydronic distribution piping systems featuring Wirsbo hePEX pipe. To learn more, visit www.uponorpro.com. SUPPLIER: UPONOR
CANADIAN CONSULTING ENGINEER 2015 MEDIA KIT
Canadian Consulting Engineer magazine provides high quality editorial coverage of the most pertinent and timely issues that affect engineers across Canada. The magazine reaches the consulting engineers who make the critical decisions on building and construction projects. This is exactly the audience you need to reach. Advertise your product or service with us. Be seen and be specified! To order your 2015 media kit, please send along your request to Maureen Levy at (416) 510-5111, email: mlevy@ccemag.com or visit www.canadianconsultingengineer.com
professional directory
HVAC
Navien’s NPE-A series ComfortFlow technology has a built-in buffer tank and recirculation pump inside the units. They provide a zero GPM activation rate and are for commercial and residential applications. www.navien.com From Bosch Thermotechnology is a new commercial grade FHP LV Split System water source heat pump. The compact units come in 1.5 to 6 tons with up to 4.4 COP and 15.9 EER. www.fhp-mfg.com.
Reliable Controls has released the MACH-Pro1 and MACHPro2, fully programmable, BACnet building controllers. The MACH-Pro2 is for large MS/TP rooftop applications and midsize mechanical rooms. www.reliablecontrols.com WATER & WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Vortisand automatic backwashable cross-flow microsand filters work at the submicron level, 10-50 times finer than other media filters. Applications include HVAC side-stream filtration, process water and rain-harvesting water. www.sonitec.com 88
Experts in Measurement, Analysis & Control
905-826-4546 answers@hgcengineering.com www.hgcengineering.com
For information on placing an advertisement in the Canadian Consulting Engineer Professional Directory, contact Maureen Levy, Senior Publisher, 416-510-5111, email: mlevy@ccemag.com, or Vince Naccarato, Sales Manager, 416-510-5118, email: vnaccarato@ccemag.com
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ad index
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Manufacturer Case Study
Grundfos
KSB Pumps Inc.
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Title Alberta Hutterite Colony Dramatically Reduces Farm Operating Costs with Grundfos MAGNA3 and its Advanced Controls Reducing Clogging in Wastewater Pumps: Introducing the AmaDS3 Pump Station
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conversations
Steve Burrows, an executive vice president at WSP, is also the host of documentaries that unearth the engineering secrets of the Ancient World.
Engineering on TV
S
teve Burrows, PE, CBE, is executive vice-president and director of the U.S. buildings business of WSP. Over his 30 year career with WSP and other companies, he has engineered buildings around the world. But for the past six years he has also been hosting television documentaries that explore famous archaeological monuments and uncover the engineering secrets that made them possible. His most recent show is "Time Scanners," a six-part series showing on PBS in North America. http://www.pbs.org/ program/time-scanners/ Burrows was in Toronto at the end of September. CCE spoke to him then.
Q. How did you apply engineering technologies for the show? We took mobile laser scanners, together with older technology like ground penetrating radar and photogrammetry, and combined them to make a virtual model of ancient sites. We could then play with the model and make discoveries.
Q. What kinds of things did you find out?
One example is at the Roman Coliseum. We scanned it and created a model, then we put avatars (computer generated people) in the seats and did a direct comparison fire exit analysis between the Roman Coliseum and the Birds' Nest Burrows on the set at Petra in Jordan. "I love promoting engineering. I'm passionate about it. It's great fun." Stadium in Beijing. We did a Q. Obviously you're a very timed egress analysis to see busy man with your career as a building engineer at WSP, which was the better stadium for people to escape from in the event of a fire – and the Romans won. so how did you get involved in the TV business? After my work leading the engineering of the Bird's Nest Another episode was in Petra in Jordan where they built Stadium for the Beijing Olympic Games, I was given a CBE those incredible facades in the sandstone. The question was, by the Queen, which was a great personal honour. I had How did they do that? My initial opinion was that they may previously received the Brunel Medal from the Institution have created giant steps first to make sure the rock quality was of Civil Engineers, so in engineering circles, I am reasonably good and to create safe platforms for the masons to work well known. Atlantic Productions in London were making a from. We did a laser scan of the side walls and when we show called "Engineering the Impossible" that went out on turned the colour off, we could actually see the step profile. the Science Channel. They asked if I would be interested in In Egypt, we scanned four different pyramids and when doing a screen test for the show. we moved the models around we could see how they It sounded intriguing, so I went along. At the interview learned from one project to the next, such as how to move they sat me in front of a camera and microphone and said, the burial chamber from below ground to the middle of the pyramid. We did the show as a sort of evolutionary process, Can you explain how the pyramids were built? "I have no idea," I said. But on the table were some mints. to show how they built bigger and better over time. Which "Why don't we try?" I placed the first stone using one mint, is pretty interesting, because it's the construction apprenand then placed the next in another corner, and so on. I ticeship model on a giant scale. They were people who learned from generation to gentalked through the early process of building a pyramid using the mints, and the interviewer said, "You're our guy." eration and refined their art. I think we're losing that a bit I love promoting engineering. I'm passionate about it. in construction. I think the loss of apprenticeships is a sad It's great fun. thing in our industry and we need to get that back. CCE
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What’s your output?
If you’re pricing tankless units based only on input, it’s like using the wrong end of a hammer Before you pick a non‑condensing tankless water heater to save money, check out the total costs. Consider the Navien NPE-S (NPE-240S, NPE-210S, NPE-180S) condensing advantages: •More output for the money. With high efficiency condensing technology, NPE‑S units deliver more BTUs where it counts, resulting in greater flow rates than comparable units. •Lower installation costs for you. You can typically install a NPE‑S in half the time of other tankless units — usually within 4 hours, with more flexibility and lower material costs. •Lower operating costs for the homeowner. Our industry leading 0.99 EF can save the homeowner more on the yearly operating cost. Compare the total costs and you’ll see why Navien is the leader in condensing technology. To learn more visit www.CondensingSaves.com or www.Navien.com
The Leader in Condensing Technology
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