SEAOC CONVENTION SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
Dr. Roy Lobo is the Principal Structural Engineer with the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development and has been with the OSHPD for over Eighteen years. Dr. Lobo received his doctorate degree in Structural Engineering from the University at Buffalo New York in 1994. He has since worked for several reputed firms in the Los Angeles area before joining the OSHPD and moved to Sacramento in 2003. He is an active member of the structural engineering community with memberships in professional organizations such as the Structural Engineers Association of Central California (SEAOCC) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He was president of SEAOCC, FY20/21, chair of the SEAOC Seismology and Existing Buildings Committees and chair of the same committees for SEAOCC. Roy is a voting member of the ASCE 7-22 and ASCE 41-23 committees and the chair of the ASCE 41-23 foundations subcommittee.
Aniket Tolani is a Structural Engineer at Glotman-Simpson Consulting Engineers. His current role involves analysis, performance-based seismic evaluation and design of high-rise buildings on the west coast of the US and Canada. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Mumbai, India, in 2016 and Master’s degree in Structural Engineering at University of California San Diego, USA, in 2021. His areas of interest include earthquake engineering, performance-based seismic design, non-linear analysis, and software development for structural analysis & design.
Rafael Sabelli is a Principal and Director of Seismic Design at Walter P Moore. Rafael has earned a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Special Achievement Award from AISC, as well as the T.R. Higgins Lectureship award. He is a member of the AISC Committee on Specifications, where he is vice-chair of the Technical Committee on the Seismic Provisions, and a member of the AISC Committee on Manuals, where he is chair of the Seismic Design Manual committee. He is a member of the ASCE 7 Seismic Task Committee and the NIST Building Seismic Safety Council’s Provisions Update Committee. Rafael was coeditor for the SEAOC Structural/Seismic Design Manual. Rafael is co-author of Ductile Design of Steel Structures. He has published technical papers on braced frames, connection design, and structural stability. He is the past President of the Structural Engineers Association of California.
Professionally, Jay is a Research Structural Engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His research focuses on structural systems subjected to strong ground motions from earthquakes. Prior to joining NIST in 2008, he worked as a structural engineer for over 10 years in various major metropolitan areas. He is a licensed structural and professional engineer in several states. He completed his undergraduate degree at North Carolina State University, and his doctoral degree from University of California, San Diego. He enjoys watching and playing ice hockey, coaching his kid’s ice hockey and lacrosse teams, and being active with academia.
Marios Panagiotou (PhD, PE) is a Senior Consultant at Nabih Youssef Associates in Los Angeles and founder of the Online School of Earthquake Resilient Design. He specializes on the advanced seismic analysis and design of large, complex, and earthquake resilient structures. Between 2008 and 2015 he was an Assistant Professor of Structural Engineering at UC Berkeley conducting analytical and large-scale experimental testing research of RC structures, as well as on earthquake-resilient buildings and bridges. His PhD studies, at UCSD, on the seismic design, analysis, and shake-table full-scale testing of a 7-story building received the 2012 ASCE Alfred Noble prize. He has published 23 journal papers and has taught graduate courses at UCB, UCLA, and USC. He was a member of the NIST-FEMA Functional Recovery Project Review Panel. He is co-developer of the computational framework BTM-Shell for the advanced seismic analysis of RC buildings.
Genevieve Graham recently joined Arup as a graduate structural engineer. She received her MS in Structural Engineering, Mechanics, and Materials at UC Berkeley in May 2021. She received her BS in Civil Engineering from the American University of Dubai in 2020 and her BA in English from the University of Virginia in 2016. Genevieve researched code provisions for gravity framing analysis and design under SEAONC University Research Program with the guidance of Dr. Jack Moehle.
Luis is an early career engineer and researcher with core competencies in the areas of earthquake engineering, computational science, and spatial analytics. He has previously worked on building and bridge design as well as in risk and resilience consulting at the City of Davis Public Works Department (Davis, CA), MOST Enginyers (Barcelona, ES), T.Y. Lin International (Oakland, CA), and, most recently, Arup (San Francisco, CA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Davis and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Structural Engineering, Mechanics, and Materials at the University of California, Berkeley. Looking forward, his interests are directed towards promoting systemic resilience against natural hazards within the context of international development in Latin America.
Hagen (Hay-gun) Tam is currently a Designer at Degenkolb Engineers and the Treasurer of SEAONC YMF. He recently graduated from UC Berkeley where he completed his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and Master’s in Structural Engineering, Mechanics, and Materials. During his graduate studies, Hagen participated in the SEAONC Seismology Committee and UC Berkeley Joint Research Program where he studied the behavior of pre-Northridge steel moment frame column splices.
Dr. Roufegarinejad is an Associate at Forell | Elsesser Structural Engineers (F|E) and leads firm’s Research and Development Group. With over twenty years of engineering and research experience, Ali’s research interest and engineering expertise covers many areas of engineering and computational mechanics. He manages advanced analysis at F|E and has led analysis of some of F|E’s most challenging projects. Ali is the author of several articles presented in international conferences and published in ISI-indexed journals. He received his Ph.D. from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and has several years of postdoctoral studies and research experience in Iran, the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US.
Zeyang “Arthur” Cao
Zeyang “Arthur” Cao is an Engineer at Forell | Elsesser Structural Engineers. He has contributed to a diverse set of public and private projects in both seismically active and hurricane-prone areas. Arthur is passionate about learning and applying advanced analysis techniques to accurately capture structural response in extreme events. Arthur has led several international multidisciplinary teams in design competitions and enjoys collaborating with architects to bring their visions to reality. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Rice University and his Master’s degree from Stanford University.
John M. Coil, is principal and only engineer of John Coil Associates. He was previously a senior vice president of Thornton-Tomasetti Consulting Structural Engineers, President of Coil & Welsh and President of John Coil Associates Inc. Mr. Coil attended the University of California at Berkeley where he received his bachelors and masters degrees in Civil and Structural Engineering. Mr. Coil served in the Army Corps of Engineers as a member of the Stanley Raiders. He has been an active member in many professional organizations and is a frequent speaker or presenter at seminars and meetings. He is a past president of the Structural Engineers Association of California and of the Applied Technical Council and is currently Dean of the SEAOC College of Fellows. He is or was a registered civil and/or structural engineer in most of the western states. Mr. Coil has served on the faculty at California State University, Fullerton; the University of California, Irvine; and at Cal Poly Pomona as lecturer for structural engineering undergraduate and graduate structural design classes. Over his 50-year career as a civil and structural engineer, he has been the designer or engineer of record for over 100 public schools, 5 hospital facilities, and over 500 commercial, institutional or industrial buildings. He has designed hydraulic structures such as water reservoirs, sewage and water treatment facilities, storm water channels, roadway and pedestrian bridges. He has also provided the structural design for several thousand dwelling units either as single-family homes or multi-family apartment or condominium projects. Mr. Coil has served as an expert in over 400 litigation cases relating to building failures or construction defects. Mr. Coil is currently retired and has been engaged in the last several years in restoring a 100+ year old Victorian house.
Maikol Del Carpio
Dr. Del Carpio has over 7 years of research and academic experience through his time as a lecturer and research assistant in the Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Department at the State University of New York at Buffalo. During his time there, Dr. Del Carpio taught courses on the Structural Engineering and Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures and was involved in the publication of multiple research papers. During his 7 years at KPFF, Dr. Del Carpio has expertly utilized his analytical background to develop and implement innovative retrofit schemes and conduct seismic assessments of large healthcare campuses. Dr. Del Carpio is also an associate member in the ASCE 41 Committee and has participated as analysis consultant in the development of guidelines for the seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Multi-Unit Wood-Frame Building with Weak First Stories (FEMA P-807 Report).
Connie I. Chen is a Ph.D. candidate working with Professor Jack Moehle at UC Berkeley, where she also received her B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2017 and M.S. in Structural Engineering, Mechanics, and Materials (SEMM) in 2018. She is a 2019 NSF Graduate Research Fellow. Her research interests include studying the effect of vertical earthquake ground motions on tall buildings and improving the seismic resilience of tall buildings. She is the current President of the Berkeley Student Chapter of EERI and the Treasurer for Civil and Environmental Engineering for Anti-Racism (CEE-FAR). She is passionate about student outreach, and has worked for programs for equity and diversity such as UC Berkeley’s Getting into Graduate School (GiGS) program and the Pre-Engineering Program (PREP).
Megan Stringer is an Associate Principal with Holmes Structures. As the firm’s in-house sustainability expert, Megan brings a keen eye for reducing a structure’s embodied carbon and use of unnecessary materials. Megan is versed in working with large design teams by having led structural design for the largest mass timber project in North America. She is currently the SEAONC Vice President.
Mr. Elhassan is a licensed California Structural Engineer with an MS and PhD (1992) from UCLA in Earthquake Engineering. He has over 30 years of experience in the structural and seismic design of buildings, with strong expertise in the earthquake engineering and design that requires the practical application of advanced technology earthquake protective systems. He has performed state-of-the-art analytical, research and experimental work, and published and presented over 40 technical papers on structural analysis and design. He has also planned and managed specialized full-scale and in-situ seismic testing of existing structural members for numerous projects. Mr. Elhassan has served on the SEAOSC Board of Directors between 2008-2010 and on OSHPD’s Hospital Building Safety Board (HBSB) between 2013-2021.
Mr. Kargahi is a licensed California Engineer with a PhD (2002) from USC and has over 20 years of experience in building design and rehabilitation. His expertise includes forensic engineering and building damage investigation due to earthquakes and other causes, seismic evaluation of structures, and innovative design of strengthening systems for seismic rehabilitation. He has also provided engineering and management services covering all phases of design and construction for a wide range of projects within the educational, healthcare, industrial, mining, recreational, and retail sectors. Mohsen’s recent experience includes seismic evaluation of numerous buildings of various structural systems and design of retrofit measures to address their deficiencies.
Mr. Michnewich is a licensed Structural Engineer in California with over 8 years of experience in building design and analysis. His area of expertise includes performance-based seismic design and evaluation of concrete and steel buildings. Matt’s passion for seismic engineering and deep understanding of structural behavior have made him a leader on projects involving design, evaluation, and retrofit services across the civic, higher education, and healthcare sectors. Matt works to enhance the state of practice in performance-based evaluation of existing buildings as a member of the ASCE 41 committee and enjoys serving the structural engineering community as a board member of SEAOSC.
Saman A. Abdullah is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan, Iraq. He received his BS from the University of Sulaimani; his MS from California State University, Fullerton, CA; and his PhD from UCLA. He is a member of ACI Committee 374, Performance-Based Seismic Design, and ACI Subcommittees 318-W, Wind Provisions (Structural Concrete Building Code), and 369-F, Retrofit (Seismic Repair and Rehabilitation). His research interests include design of earthquake- and wind-resistant concrete structures, behavior of tall buildings, and large scale laboratory testing.
Tommy Jimenez is a Sr. Business Development Manager at Fyfe Company. He has been working with Fyfe Company for over sixteen years on the design and development of the Tyfo® Fibrwrap® advanced composite strengthening systems. He is a licensed civil engineer in CA, has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Benedictine University.
Shane Maxemow is a Structural Engineer with the Dept. of State’s Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), in the Civil and Structural Division. Mr. Maxemow’s experience extends from new building design, existing building investigations and modifications, disaster response techniques and portfolio program management and development. Shane joined OBO in July 2019. His current position ensures proper structural design and implementation of building design and construction for diplomatic structures overseas. Shane is also responsible for managing and developing programs to define, analyze and mitigate portfolio risk due to seismic, tsunami and wind events. Prior to joining the Department of State, Shane served as a Senior Structural Engineer at Robert Silman Associates (Silman) from 201- to 2019. At Silman, Shane provided a wide range of design, restoration and investigation development for projects. Mr. Maxemow holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Civil Engineer from the University of South Florida. Shane is a licensed Structural Engineer in the State of Illinois and a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Virginia.
Anindya Dutta has over twenty years of experience in structural and earthquake engineering. He has provided analysis and design of a variety structures in high seismic zones. Dr. Dutta has authored a number of technical reports and journal papers as well as been a member of various technical committees.
Kevin D. O’Connell is a Principal and Structural Engineering Division Head in the Los Angeles office of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. Kevin has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California, an M.S. in Structural Engineering from Stanford University, and is a licensed Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer in California.
Anahid Behrouzi, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Architectural Engineering at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She is committed to addressing topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within structural engineering curriculum and serves as department representative on the Cal Poly College of Architecture & Environmental Design (CAED) Faculty/Staff DEI Committee as well as the faculty advisor to the CAED Student DEI Committee. Anahid completed her doctoral studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign focusing on the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete buildings.
Claire Leader is a Structural Designer at MKM & Associates in Rohnert Park, California. As an undergraduate architectural engineering student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, she was an active member of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design’s Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. As a Peer Health Educator and board member for the Student Health Advisory Committee, Claire advocated for the wellbeing of university community members. Claire continues to focus on diverse representation, equitable practices, and social justice in the industry.
Faith Sharp is graduate student in Architectural Engineering at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. After graduation, she plans to become a structural project engineer and continue diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within her future firm. Faith aims to generate and encourage dialogue around DEI and how it translates to our role in designing the built environment. A specific goal of hers is to increase outreach efforts between practitioners and aspiring engineers.
Doug Hohbach is a principal with Hohbach-Lewin, a design oriented firm with a broad spectrum of practice, and with offices in Palo Alto, San Francisco, Pasadena and Eugene, OR. Doug also is a longtime SEAOC member, with past service as President and Seismology Committee Chair as well as in multiple other roles.
With a focus on design, Parisa Nassiri utilizes performance-based engineering to find optimal solutions for ambitious clients. By utilizing Structural Fire Engineering (SFE), she guides design teams, works with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's) to calculate expected performance of the space. These calculations can lead to construction cost savings, expression of architectural intent, and alternative egress solutions. Parisa has a proven track record of developing effective strategies with the design team to meet project objectives. She is well-versed in code consulting methods and is dedicated to providing the most cost- and time-efficient solutions for her projects.
Jon Heintz is the Executive Director of the Applied Technology Council in Redwood City, California. He is a structural engineer with more than 30 years of experience in earthquake engineering practice and research, natural hazard mitigation, seismic evaluation and retrofit, and strategic planning on structural engineering research needs at the national level. He is actively involved in committees for the development of guidelines, codes and standards for new and existing buildings, and has participated in post-earthquake investigations immediately following the 1989 Loma Prieta, 1994 Northridge, 1999 Chi-Chi Taiwan, and 2010 Chile Earthquakes, as well as damage assessments following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. He has led numerous ATC projects, most notably those leading to the publication of FEMA P-695, Quantification of Building Seismic Performance Factors, FEMA P-58, Seismic Performance Assessment of Buildings, Methodology and Implementation, and most recently, FEMA P-2090/NIST SP-1254 Recommended Options for Improving the Built Environment for Post-Earthquake Reoccupancy and Functional Recovery Time.
Ryan Kersting, S.E., is an Associate Principal at Buehler in Sacramento and serves as the in-house technical expert on building codes, structural standards, innovative solutions, and emerging trends within the industry. He has served on multiple technical and professional committees for SEAOC, NCSEA, ASCE, ATC, NEHRP, and other organizations and is dedicated to improving building performance and promoting the profession to the public. In particular, he was one of the lead authors of the recently-released FEMA-NIST report on Functional Recovery. He is a former SEAOC President, and he currently serves on the NCSEA Board, the ATC Board, and as the chair of the SEAOC Policy Committee, for which he has been the lead advocate for California Assembly Bill 1329 that seeks to bring functional recovery provisions to the California Building Code.
Michael Mahoney is a Senior Geophysicist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a position he has held for over 36 years. He currently leads FEMA’s seismic problem-focused studies and has investigated a variety of earthquake-related issues to develop design and construction guidance under the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). He is currently leading FEMA’s efforts on functional recovery and the recently published Report to Congress, Recommended Options for Improving the Built Environment for Post-Earthquake Reoccupancy and Functional Recovery Time (FEMA P-2090 / NIST SP-1254). His list of projects includes the development of FEMA’s seven volume Performance-Based Seismic Design Guidelines series (FEMA P-58), Example Application Guide for ASCE/SEI 41-13 Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings (FEMA P-2006), and Seismic Evaluation of Older Concrete Buildings for Collapse Potential (FEMA P-2018). Mr. Mahoney is also responsible for FEMA’s earthquake-related work with the International Codes and has been involved in the nation’s model building code development process since 1984. He has investigated building performance in disasters dating back to Hurricanes Hugo and Andrew and the Northridge earthquake. In 2018 he was awarded the Alfred E. Alquist Special Recognition Medal and in 2020 he was received an honorary membership in the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California.
Dr. Siamak Sattar is a Research Structural Engineer and the Associate Program Manager in the Earthquake Engineering Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His research areas include seismic performance assessment of concrete and masonry buildings, functional recovery, and uncertainty quantification. Prior to joining NIST, Siamak was a post-doctoral research associate at the University of Colorado-Boulder where he pursued his Masters and Ph.D. He also worked as a practicing structural engineer specializing in the design of concrete and steel structures for four years. Siamak is involved in development of codes and standards and Chairs the ACI-374A, Functional Recovery, and ACI-369C, Reinforced Concrete Frames, subcommittees. Siamak is a recipient of the 2020 EERI Housner Fellowship.
Ron Hamburger is a Senior Principal and Board Chair for Simpson Gumpertz & Heger. A past President of SEAONC, SEAOC, and NCSEA, he has been a member of the Existing Buildings, Seismology, BSSC Provisions Update, AISC Specifications and ASCE 7 Committees. Since 2001 he has served as a leader in the development of the FEMA P58 Methodology for Next Generation Performance-Based Seismic Design. He was an author of the joint FEMA/NIST Report to Congress on Recommended Options for Improving the Built Environment for Post-Earthquake Recovery. He is currently serving on the ATC-138 project team developing a functional recovery module for the FEMA P58 methodology.
Ayse Hortacsu is a Director of Projects at the Applied Technology Council, a structural engineering non-profit organization focused on technology transfer from research into practice. Since joining ATC in 2008, she has managed the development of over 40 publications on structural engineering with a primary focus on earthquake engineering. She is currently managing two multi-year projects for FEMA and NIST that are investigating functional recovery considerations for lifeline infrastructure systems. She served as a Director for SEAONC 2016-2018 and is currently serving as a Director for EERI.
Mr. Aniket Borwankar is a Composite Strengthening Systems (FRP & FRCM) Development Manager with Simpson Strong-Tie. Mr. Borwankar received his Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University with a focus on carbon fiber reinforced cement based materials. After working for eight years as a consulting engineering at firms in Tennessee and California, where he was involved with design of new building and retrofit of existing structures, Mr. Borwankar joined Simpson Strong-Tie in March 2017. Since then, he has been involved in designing FRP projects and educating engineering firms on the design principles of FRP. In addition, he is involved in research and development of new FRP products for Simpson Strong-Tie, and works with consulting engineering firms to test new FRP applications for job specific field conditions.
Jakub Valigura is an engineer with KPFF Consulting Engineers in San Francisco. His specialty is in design of steel and reinforced concrete structures and in design for functional recovery. He is the Past Chair of SEAONC Seismology Committee and currently chairs SEAONC Resilience Committee.
Charles A. Kircher is a registered professional engineer with more than 40 years of experience in earthquake engineering, focusing on vulnerability assessment, risk analysis and innovative design solutions. As Principal of Kircher & Associates, he provides consulting services to a variety of clients that include commercial and industrial businesses, military and government organizations, and other engineering companies. Dr. Kircher is a Fellow of SEAOC and an Honorary Member of SEAONC. In 2019, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Dr. Kircher is active in seismic-code-development committees, including for the NEHRP Recommended Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures and ASCE 7. Dr. Kircher was the Project Technical Director for the ATC-116 project, which developed the FEMA P-2139 report series.
Justin Moresco is a Director of Projects for the Applied Technology Council. He has more than 15 years of experience in structural engineering, seismic risk analysis, and natural hazards risk mitigation, and he has worked as a professional journalist and editor, with a focus on urban development. Justin has participated in post-earthquake damage investigations in California, Ecuador, Mexico, and New Zealand. He holds a B.S. in structural engineering from the University of California, San Diego, an M.Eng. in structural engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Postgraduate Diploma from the London School of Journalism. Justin is a licensed civil engineer in California, and he served as the ATC project manager for the ATC-116 project, which developed the FEMA P-2139 report series.
Kelly Cobeen is a Principal with Wiss Janney Elstner Associates in their San Francisco office, and is a registered Civil and Structural Engineer with more than 30 years of experience. Her work includes a wide range of project types, sizes and construction materials, with a special interest in seismic resistance of light-frame construction. She has been involved in numerous code development, research and educational activities, including updates to the NEHRP Recommended Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures and the ASCE 7 seismic provisions. Kelly was a member of the Project Technical Committee for the ATC-116 project, which developed the FEMA P-2139 report series. She is a past president and Fellow of SEAONC and SEAOC.
As a Project Engineer at Holmes, Donovan has worked on a variety of buildings in high seismic regions of California. His design and construction experience span from non-ductile concrete retrofits to new mass timber structure designs. Beyond the current standard of practice, he pursues parametric modeling methods for structural efficiency and value engineering. Donovan received his BS in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and his MS in Structural Engineering at the University of California, San Diego. He is a co-author of the Woodworks CLT Diaphragm Technical Design Guide to be published late 2021.
Steven Shepherd is a practicing structural engineer in California at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. with 8 years of experience. His practice has included detailed finite element modeling, structure response analysis, and fragility evaluations of power generation facilities; new design; seismic retrofit; structural investigation; and structure rehabilitation.
Jim McDonald is a practicing structural engineer in California and Principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. with 25 years of experience. His practice has included structural design of education, healthcare, commercial and residential buildings; seismic evaluation and upgrade of buildings, including power generation facilities; structural condition investigations rehabilitation of concrete, steel and wood buildings; and evaluations of bridges, condition evaluations of maritime structures, and ships.
Dr. Skokan is a Principal with Saiful Bouquet Structural Engineers in Pasadena, where he manages a number of complex, large-scale, fast-paced and technically challenging structural design projects. With over 25 years of experience, he has completed projects for a wide variety of building structures with particular emphasis on the design of healthcare facilities, the seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings, and the use of nonlinear analysis and performance-based design for new and existing buildings. Dr. Skokan is active in the structural engineering community serving on local, state and national committees that develop guidelines for seismic design of new and existing buildings and served as the Technical Chair for the 2010 SEAOC Convention. He has published and presented nationally and internationally on the design and analysis of structural systems and has been involved in the design of several award-winning projects. Dr. Skokan received his Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees from UCLA and is a licensed Structural Engineer in the State of California.
Brandt Saxey, SE, LEED AP, is the Technical Director for CoreBrace where he is responsible for the Research and Development of Buckling-Restrained-Braces. He is a member of the AISC 341 Seismic Systems Committee, Connection Design Committee, and Manual Committee where he has participated in code development and in the writing of example problems for BRBF, SCBF, SPSW and other lateral systems. Prior to his work at CoreBrace, Brandt was a practicing consulting engineer for several years.
David Gonzalez, PE, SE is a Senior Principal with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger in their Orange County office with more than 23 years of diverse experience in structural investigations, design of new buildings and the seismic evaluation and rehabilitation of existing buildings. As part of his diverse practice, he works with clients in the commercial, institutional, higher education and federal markets. He is Past-President of the EERI Washington Chapter and Member of the SEAOSD Seismology Committee.
Peter Maloney is an Associate at Degenkolb Engineers in San Diego, with 10 years of experience in existing building retrofit and rehabilitation. He received his undergraduate degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before moving to San Diego to complete his M.S. at UCSD. Peter is currently serving as the Existing Building Committee Chair for both SEAOC and SEAOSD, where he recently led the efforts for the first phase of the San Diego Vulnerable Building Inventory.
Tim is a Senior Project Manager at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger in Newport Beach, California. He has over eighteen years of experience in the field of structural engineering with a focus on the seismic evaluation of existing structures. He is currently involved in work within the nuclear industry, both domestically and abroad. His range of projects include seismic probabilistic risk assessments (SPRAs), fragility analysis, seismic margin assessments, experience-based qualification methods, walkdown of existing facilities, and dynamic response analysis of structures.
Scott Arnold is the Director of Engineering Solutions at Fyfe Company. He has been working with Fyfe Company for over twenty-six years on the design and development of the Tyfo® Fibrwrap® advanced composite strengthening systems. He is a licensed civil engineer in multiple states and has a Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering from the University of California at San Diego.
Dr. Thanh Do is a Structural Forensic Engineer with Thornton Tomasetti, based on San Francisco and Los Angeles. His expertise includes forensic investigation of structural failures and construction defects; litigation support; building envelope diagnostics; property condition assessment; and advanced structural analysis. Thanh specializes in design and analysis of tall buildings and foundation systems, and assessment of structures damaged by earthquake, wind, and water. Thanh also has experience in the design of new steel and reinforced concrete structures, retrofit of existing structures, as well as demolition and deconstruction engineering. A few examples of his recent investigation projects range from collapse of a high-rise building, construction defects in a transportation Design-Build project, to earthquake damage assessment of an oil refinery.
The Structural Engineers Association of California awarded Victor Zayas their “Lifetime Achievement Award” stating: “Victor Zayas has changed the practice of structural engineering for the better”.
Zayas’ PhD thesis work was elected to an ASCE Hall of Fame for “Pioneering Innovation and Lasting Impact”, for saving lives by avoiding structure collapses. Victor is an inaugural member of the Academy of Distinguished Alumni, of the University of California Berkeley, Civil Engineering Department.
Victor is the inventor of pendulum seismic isolators, and founder and president of Earthquake Protection Systems California, “EPS”. Structure Engineer Magazine cover story cites “Victor Zayas: Steady Innovation”. “Zayas embodies the entrepreneurial spirit while also helping to invent and shape how engineering can continue to improve.” Dr. Zayas is the world’s leading engineer implementing seismic isolators that minimize damage sufficiently to maintain functionality. Since 1979 Zayas has advanced developments on pendulum seismic isolators, seismic isolator materials, economical construction methods, displacement based seismic design, and earthquake shaking damage estimations.
Dr. Miyamoto is a world-leading expert in disaster resiliency, response and reconstruction. He provides expert engineering and policy consultation to the World Bank, USAID, UN agencies, governments and private sector. He is a California Seismic Safety Commissioner, a Global CEO of Miyamoto International and a structural engineer. From the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake to the Ecuador, Nepal, Indonesia, New Zealand, Mexico and 2020 Puerto Rico earthquakes, Dr. Miyamoto has led teams of experts on dozens of response and reconstruction projects around the world. He also led critical seismic risk reduction programs in Turkey, the Philippines, Romania and Bangladesh, as well as disaster risk mitigation policy work in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador and El Salvador. He is one of the most respected minds in disaster resiliency and recovery. Dr. Miyamoto holds advance degrees from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and California State University, where he has been recognized as a Distinguished Alumni. His team won the Engineering News-Record’s “Best Global Project” award four times and the U.S. Presidential “E” award. Major media such as ABC, CNN, LA Times, NY Times and Rolling Stone have profiled him. He was also featured in the “Designing for Disaster” exhibit at the National Building Museum.
Curt B. Haselton, Ph.D., P.E. is the John F. O’Connell Endowed Professor of Civil Engineering at California State University, Chico, and the Co-Founder and CEO of Haselton Baker Risk Group (hbrisk.com) and the Seismic Performance Prediction Program (SP3); SP3 is a commercial tool to implement FEMA P-58 analyses, with the goal of making broad use of resilience-based design and risk assessment feasible in structural engineering practice. Dr. Haselton's research is in the area of performance-based and resilience-based earthquake engineering, with focuses on damage and loss estimation, building code development, collapse safety assessment, ground motion selection and scaling, and the treatment of uncertainties. Dr. Haselton also chaired of the Building Seismic Safety Council team to rewriting Chapter 16 of the ASCE 7-16 building code.
Ed has been with HB-Risk since 2017. He supports the development of SP3 and has been part of numerous HB-Risk consulting projects involving seismic risk assessment and non-linear structural modeling. He has a bachelor's in Civil Engineering from the University at Buffalo and a master's degree in Earthquake Engineering awarded jointly from IUSS Pavia (Italy) and the University of Patras (Greece).


New Delhi: Reliance Infrastructure Ltd Thursday said it will sell its entire stake in Delhi-Agra Toll Roadway to Singapore-based Cube Highways for Rs 3,600 crore, following which the Anil Ambani led company’s debt will be reduced by 25 per cent to less than Rs 5,000 crore. Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) has entered into a pact with Cube Highways in this regard. Cube Highways and Infrastructure III Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based company formed by global infrastructure fund – I Squared Capital and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Also Read – Maruti cuts production for 8th straight month in SepThe transaction is in line with Reliance Infrastructure’s strategic plan of monetising non-core business and focus on major growth areas like engineering & construction (E&C) business. RInfra on Thursday announced the signing of Definitive Binding Agreement with Cube Highways and Infrastructure III Pte Ltd for the sale of its 100 per cent stake in Delhi-Agra (DA) Toll Road Private Limited, the company said in a statement. “The total deal enterprise value is over Rs 3,600 crore. In addition, NHAI claims of Rs 1,200 crore to be filed by DA Toll Road Pvt Ltd will flow directly to Reliance Infrastructure,” the company added. Also Read – Ensure strict implementation on ban of import of e-cigarettes: revenue to CustomsRInfra said, it will utilise the proceeds of this transaction entirely to reduce its debt. “After the completion of the transaction for Delhi-Agra Toll Road, the debt of Reliance Infrastructure will reduce by 25 per cent to only less than Rs 5,000 crore,” the company said. The transaction is subject to all requisite permissions and approvals, it added. Reliance Infrastructure’s special purpose vehicle (SPV) DA Toll Road Private Limited operates the 180-km long six-lane road that connects the national capital Delhi with Agra on National Highway (NH) 2. “The profitable project has witnessed impressive revenue growth of 25 per cent in FY18,” the company said. The tolling operation for the heavily-trafficked project started in October 2012 and has a concession period till 2038. RInfra is one of the largest infrastructure companies, developing projects through various Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in several high growth sectors such as power, roads and metro rail in the infrastructure space and the defence sector. Also, it is a major player in providing Engineering and Construction (E&C) services for developing power, infrastructure, metro and road projects. The company through its SPVs has executed a portfolio of infrastructure projects such as a metro rail project in Mumbai on build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) basis; and eleven road projects with total length of about 1,000 kms on build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis.


Are you looking to fund an outdoor warning sirens or another mass notification systems project? Here is the starting point.
FEMA’s hazard mitigation assistance funding eligible mitigation measures that reduce disaster losses.
“Hazard mitigation” is any sustainable action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and property from future disasters.
Mitigation planning breaks the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction and repeated damage. Hazard mitigation includes long-term solutions that reduce the impact of disasters in the future.
Alternative Cost-Effectiveness Methodology
On Oct. 7, 2022, FEMA announced an increase in program accessibility for communities for the fiscal year 2022 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program application cycle.
This increased support will benefit underserved communities with challenges meeting the Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) requirement when accessing funding through Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs.
The fiscal year 2022 (FY 2022) grant application period for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for the Flood Mitigation Assistance and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant programs opened on Sept. 30, 2022, and closes at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Jan. 27, 2023.
Find Funding for Hazard Mitigation
Which Best Describes Your Project?
- Rebuilding my community after a major disaster in a way that reduces future disaster losses.
- Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program (HMGP)
- Reducing the risk of flood damage to NFIP-insured buildings.
- Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
- Helping my community reduce risks from future disasters and natural hazards.
- Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
- Making my community more resilient after a wildfire disaster.
- HMGP Post-Fire Assistance
- Implementing one of the 68 Congressional Community Projects that prioritize sustainable & cost-effective measures to reduce risk and/or reliance on federal disaster funding.
- Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM)
Access resources to help interpret federal statutes, regulations and best practices about mitigation strategies.
Contact HQE Systems, Inc. for additional information on accessing grant funding for your organization.
HQE Systems, Inc. | HQE is a Minority-Owned Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) providing full solutions for: Mass Notification Systems, Electronic Security Systems, Software Development Services, Contract Support, and Prototyping Services. As a brand-agnostic solutions provider, HQE prides itself in providing the BEST solution for the project. HQE possesses over 30+ factory certifications and reseller licenses to ensure our clients receive the highest quality service at the ideal budget. HQE can provide full design, installation, integrations, upgrades, and long-term maintenance support for any size and scope project.


Many new ideas are starting to take shape as our products are transforming into intelligent for ‘Smart Cities.’ One of them is the Smart Variable Messaging Systems (VMS) which displays customisable billboard-sized messages that inform motorists of important real-time traffic updates. It is an essential part of any next-generation traffic management system and can be easily customised to the specific needs of the region it is installed in.
They are intelligent displays, Smart VMS can assist entire cities and states with their major traffic challenges such as traffic congestions and delays, rising numbers of road accidents and repair works, and difficulties in dispatching emergency services. Its capability of automatically displaying live information of congestions, optimal routes, journey times, weather, parking availability, air quality, roadworks, events, and more, can help to improve traffic flow by communicating to motorists of any necessary measures to take on their journey.
Read on to find out more about Smart VMS.
What is Smart VMS?
Smart VMS are dynamic message signs that can provide road users with real time information on the go, among others:


Block Paving Driveway with a Diamond Pattern in Gosport, Portsmouth
This driveway project has been supplied and carried out by Formpave Driveways in Gosport, Portsmouth.
This block paving driveway features a 90° layout with Charcoal paving bricks, double Buff border with a Buff diamond pattern and new ACO drains.
Visit our website to find more info about our block paving services in Portsmouth. Call Formpave Driveways today to schedule an appointment or to request a free quote on your own driveway project.


The new national headquarters of the National Fuel and Oil Company (ENCO) in São Tomé, inaugurated on January 14, has 3 floors for offices, technical areas and parking. The new building, built by Solmaior, with capacity for more than 100 employees, is the result of a sustainable construction project and preserves the main facade of the old building, that is now integrated in a building that reflects modernity. The building inspection was made by the company Exergia São Tomé and Príncipe.
According to ENCO’s Board of Directors President, this work demonstrates the investor’s willingness to look at the country with confidence.
The inauguration was presided by the Economy and International Cooperation’s minister, Dr. Agostinho Quaresma dos Santos, who emphasized the importance of this building, which is part of the perspective of large companies based in São Tomé and Príncipe to participate in the country’s modernization process.
It should be highlighted that the whole building is prepared to receive, at a later stage, a system of photovoltaic energy production that will allow to suppress much of the building’s energy needs.


Construction financing is the lifeblood of any building project. It pays for supplies, hires workers, and acquires tools to improve productivity in future building jobs.
FREMONT, CA: Every construction project is dependent on construction financing. It funds new projects, pays suppliers, and acquires equipment or machinery that improves the efficiency of your upcoming major construction project. A construction loan finances the construction and renovation of a home or other building. The loan pays for construction materials, labor, and other expenses. It is available via banks, credit unions, and private lenders. The terms of construction finance can vary significantly. It is essential to browse around for the most affordable price. Conventional mortgages often offer lower interest rates than construction loans. However, these loans could continue to be an excellent choice for financing the construction of a new home or any other form of building.
It is vital to understand the fundamentals of construction financing before beginning building. Typically, this type of finance takes the shape of a mortgage, a loan secured by the property you own. Typically, the mortgage covers the property's cost and the materials and labor required to build the project. In rare circumstances, the mortgage may also pay the cost of permits and other construction-related expenses. Once you have acquired financing, you should adhere to your original objectives and budget. This will ensure that you may enjoy your new home for an extended period.
A construction loan could be the best choice for you if you need construction financing in a short amount of time. Typically, a construction loan provides twelve months to finish a project. This is a viable alternative if you are confident that you will complete the assignment within the allotted time. It is vital to remember that you will be required to make regular loan payments during the construction process. The remaining loan balance must be repaid once the construction is complete and you're finished. While construction loans can provide short-term funding for some, they are not the ideal solution for most those seeking to finance long-term objectives.
Construction financing can simplify and streamline the building process by offering a single source of funding to pay all construction-related expenses. It eliminates the need to obtain loans from many lenders, saving time and reducing stress. Construction finance is also an excellent way to save money because the terms and interest rates are competitive. The flexibility of construction financing enables borrowers to choose the repayment plan that best meets their demands. It makes construction financing useful for those who wish to build a new home or undertake a substantial building project.
Meager starting fee
Construction financing is a terrific way to secure the funds to launch a project. Initial payments can be problematic. Those who want assistance with this first expense have access to many solutions. Consider building financing with low beginning payments as one possibility. This allows you to begin your idea without immediately gathering large sums of money. Find a construction lender ready to work with you to create a payment plan that falls within your budget. This will make it much easier to repay the loan and lessen your financial load. The construction financing option can help you obtain the necessary funds for your dream project regardless of your strategy.
Assist you in constructing your dream house
Construction financing is a nice alternative if you want to build your dream home. Construction finance enables you to obtain the funds necessary to meet construction expenses. It is a method for constructing your ideal home with little or no savings. Typically, construction loans have shorter periods than conventional mortgages. You will only be required to pay interest on the borrowed amount during construction. This could reduce your total cost. After a building is complete, you can convert your construction loan into a permanent mortgage. You will require only one loan once your home is built. Determine if your lender can assist you in obtaining construction funding.


When it comes to installation, it is often the lack of manpower that prevents a project progressing at the required velocity.
At Strut Direct we are able to provide supplementary crews with designated team leaders to ensure the job is completed swiftly and professionally.
Some of our most recent projects we have supplied crews to include:
Wanlip STW, Becton STW, Riverside WTW, Belfast STW, Elgin WTW, Honour Oak WTW, Stithian WTW,
Nanstallan WTW, Newhaven WTW.


There is limited metered street parking on Grove, College, and York Streets near the library. Parking meters accept credit cards, nickels, dimes, and quarters, or the Parkmobile app. Meters for handicapped parking are available on College Street between Grove Street and Elm Street. Wall and High Streets are closed to vehicular traffic.
Off-street parking facilities open to the public in easy walking distance from the Beinecke Library include 56 Broadway opposite the Yale Bookstore (two blocks west), 65 Grove Street (two blocks east), and the Crown Street Garage (three blocks south).
More detailed information on street parking and public parking garages can be found on the Park New Haven website.


Chandigarh Citi Center is one of its kind commercial project built on the site of 10 acres . The project is located on one of the busiest VIP road Zirakpur near to Chandigarh Delhi Highway. The project offers a unique product mix of Retail, Offices Spaces, SOHO Suites and Service Residences. The project has huge potential for any kind of business because of its location and will offer huge foot fall. The construction of the site is in full swing and it will be move in ready within few months.


For over 20 years, Professional Design Group has remained dedicated to designing and constructing unique and dynamic outdoor living spaces. Our professional eye for detail and expert craftsmanship are just a few reasons more and more Virginians choose us every day!
Concrete is a cost effective alternative to manufactured pavers and natural stone. Installation is quicker and the final product is long lasting and extremely durable. Stamped concrete can mimic natural materials in color and design and is therefore more economical.
Our selection of styles, colors and patterns are nearly limitless as well as their applications. From patios, pool decks and walkways to porches and driveways, we can design and install any custom combination of concrete and stonework. There are many reasons why homeowners, businesses and municipalities are choosing stamped concrete to enhance their landscapes and buildings. Patterned concrete is not only realistic, but also bears the permanent durability of concrete.
Stamped concrete can make a dramatic impression and design flexibility is one of the biggest reasons for it’s popularity. It can be shaped, textured and colored to achieve almost any look imaginable. It can compliment various architectures, provide traction on public walkways, and blend with nature in all types of landscapes.
A variety of stamped patterns are on the market today to add natural looking effects and dimensions to concrete surfaces. There are numerous manufacturers with their own line of designs, but two of our most commonly installed patterns are Ashler Slate and Flagstone.
The photo to the right is an example of a more complex design. By adding a few extra touches, stamped concrete can go from simple to sophisticated.
Stamped concrete can be exotic, over-the-top, intricate, and extremely eye-catching. You might think to do all that it also has to be expensive. We at Professional Design Group will design your project to fit into your budget and do whatever scenario necessary to make it affordable for you.


How Drones Are Impacting the Construction Industry
Did you know there are over 800,000 registered drones in the United States? When most people think of drones their minds go toward the popular recreational drones available on the market.
However, the reality is that drones have begun entering many different commercial sectors. In particular, this unmanned aircraft is making a huge impact on the construction industry.
If you want to know about how drones in construction are changing the way we plan and make buildings, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll briefly cover some of the changes within the industry. Let’s get started!
Drones Reduce the Labor Needed to Survey Land
In the past, great teams of workers were required to survey land. This meant that surveys were more expensive to finance. Not only that, but they were prone to human error.
Drones, on the other hand, capture all necessary data instantly. Best of all, they require significantly less manpower to operate.
Drones In Construction Can Be Safer
Project sites that require inspections can lead construction workers into potentially dangerous situations. This makes it an ideal task for drones. Since they’re unmanned, there’s no risk of any human worker getting hurt.
This makes potentially dangerous inspection or survey work much safer.
Drones Are Improving Communication
Since drones have cameras on them they can provide real-time visual information to the construction management. This in turn improves communication since it allows management to monitor their workers and observe any changes to the job site.
Drones Can Provide Improved On-Site Security
Many construction sites are prone to annoyances like petty theft and vandalism. That’s why an increasing number of supervisors are using them for security purposes.
The cameras on drones can be used to capture the criminals in the act. Plus, the very presence of the drone acts as a deterrent to scare off anyone who is trespassing.
Drones Work More Quickly
Whether they’re surveying land, or transporting material, drones can get the job done more quickly than most people or traditional transportation methods. This means that jobs can often be completed in half the time that it normally takes.
And keep in mind that these are just some of the ways that drones are affecting the construction industry. Check out this article to read a more expanded version of these benefits.
Want More Content? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn how drones in construction are changing the industry. As you can see, drones can save a lot of money and manpower in the field. Not only that, but they also provide more security and safety.
So, we can expect the use of drones in the construction industry to be around for the foreseeable future. Who knows? Someday we might even rely entirely on drones to build our buildings.
Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics you’re sure to love.


Technology Applied to Construction and Engineering
Technological specialization for construction and engineering
WE DEVELOP THE TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS DEMANDED BY THE SECTOR.
Every day, the construction sector generates a huge amount of data on various aspects, such as costs, activities, hours, materials and people. The complexity of these data and the projects themselves, involve a detailed customization, which makes decision-making more difficult and clearly generate the need for innovative systems and solutions that always provide the necessary information.
In this sense, Hiberus has opted for work in the engineering and construction sector in recent years, in collaboration with reference companies, applying new approaches and services to improve planning and control for project development, as well as to streamline business needs in a constantly changing sector.
Hiberus has also opted to lead the development of improvements for the integration processes and extensions of BIM (Building Information Modelling) to get the most out of these technologies and accompany the implementation of the new methodologies and processes needed.
Lobe, empresa líder española en utilización de tecnología BIM.
Implantación integral de la totalidad de los módulos de la solución con los modelos 3D de Revit. Sistema de virtualización y optimización de los procesos industrializados a cada una de las promociones desarrolladas por el Grupo. Externalización del equipo de IT.
We transform, evolve, and revolutionize.
Hiberus has a great experience in the industry, having participated in numerous engineering and construction projects with the main market leaders. Having gained experience in this field, Hiberus revolutionizes the pillars of construction by incorporating technology into its strategy and operations, which allows these companies to adapt to this new reality and demanding environment achieving high levels of efficiency, competitiveness and obtaining a significant return on investment.
Do you know how we do it?
For more than 10 years we have capitalized on experience in the creation of technologies to automate, develop and manage processes aimed at improving the quality of services offered by the construction and engineering sector, managing resources, transforming engineering operations, or reinventing design models by expanding the possibilities provided by BIM modeling or tools such as Revit and conceptualization through artificial intelligence or 3D modeling, among others. We work in a highly specialized environment, creating and sharing ecosystems with construction companies, technological partners and IT contractors. Thus, we guide our services and technological solutions to support our customers in their strategy, applying improved practices and automating their business processes.
Our teams are experts in technological development linked to all stages and operational processes of the construction sector, allowing all types of entity to transform their processes with greater agility, ease and security.
Hube, comprehensive process control and cost savings in your construction projects
A commitment by Hiberus to efficiency and productivity in the construction field with an ambitious differential solution that responds to the integral management of the different construction processes of the projects. Planning, monitoring and surveillance of projects using virtualization technology tools on Revit 3D models or other BIM tools on the market.
Outsourcing of integrated business processes and complete management of the operating process through our Hiberus Agile Centres initiative.
Implementing BI, cutting-edge visualization, and reporting tools to give construction managers more control over all project processes.
Development and innovation for the design, conception, planning, manufacturing, construction, sales, and after-sales process of the project.
Business Intelligence applied to the construction industry makes it possible to make decisions, improve processes and centralize data. Confluence of tools for the analysis of large amounts of data and intelligent processes remotely through sensorisation.
Integration with a web viewer of 3D models to facilitate information access and management, as well as incident management on-site. Augmented reality technologies, geolocation, and wearable devices that aid in the management of construction workers.
Capability to manage complex multiple information flows from the BIM model (Building Information Modeling) itself, connecting across systems (ERP, intranet, accounting, etc.), getting budgets, and supporting time savings to save major project expenses.
Use of the BIM method
Integration and advanced management with 3D models enabling the exploitation of properties of model objects, the automation of changes in model objects or their families, the use of custom advanced filters on Revit or advanced visualizations of the model highlighting or biasing parts of it based on external sources of information.
Use of a virtual data model managed by a team of designers composed of architects, engineers, landscapers, riggers, designers, installers (and in general all construction technicians) and developers, etc. Data integration in a single system. Measure variables and resources by virtualization, 3D mobility, control and quality.
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British Cycling announce expanded programme of HSBC-sponsored Let’s Ride events
a day ago
British Cycling has unveiled an expanded series of city centre cycling events for 2018, all of them lead-sponsored by HSBC UK.
The HSBC Let’s Ride events are free, family-friendly cycling festivals and they will be staged in sixteen cities between May and September. There will also be a Let’s Ride event at the L’eroica heritage sportive in the Peak District in June.
The events form part of British Cycling and HSBC UK’s vision to get two million more Brits on bikes by 2020.
- May 13: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Cardiff
- June 10: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Birmingham
- June 15-17: HSBC UK Let’s Ride L’eroica (Peak District)
- June 17: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Southampton
- June 24: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Edinburgh
- July 1: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Manchester
- July 8: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Bristol
- July 13-16: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Stockton
- July 15: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Sheffield
- July 29: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Newcastle
- August 5: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Coventry
- August 12: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Leicester
- August 26: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Glasgow
- August 29: HSBC UK Let’s Ride the Lights (Blackpool)
- September 2: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Leeds
- September 16: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Nottingham
- September 23: HSBC UK Let’s Ride Liverpool
A graph produced by Newcastle University’s Urban Observatory showed a massive drop in noxious air during the staging of the Newcastle ride. Monitoring equipment operated by the Geospatial Engineering Group at the university’s Civil Engineering and Geosciences department plotted the falling away of air pollution as barriers were erected to prevent motorists from entering much of the city centre. (Similar results can be seen from the air-quality monitors in the early hours of the morning – with motorists in bed their only noxious emissions are personal and generally duvet-capped.)
Tom Komar, of Sustrans’ transport modelling team, said the graph showed how “a cycling event temporarily improved air quality” and that this “proves the benefits of active travel” for the health of cities and the individuals who inhabit them.


Infinite Cable & Prewire is our division to provide full cable and prewire installation for Residential applications.
What is Pre-wiring?
Pre-wiring is building your new home or office building with the wiring for systems such as a home theater system, alarm, fire safety, security cameras, network cabling, and more in mind. This building stage is usually done just before the drywall is placed and the walls are finished.
What are the Benefits to Pre-wiring?
Trying to get wires where they need to go after the walls are finished is a very difficult project. Once a wall is finished it is harder to get cabling where you want it to go. Saving time in labor with prewiring will save you a lot of money. It can often be necessary to open up drywall which can be a costly repair.


A WEB-BASED APPLICATION FOR IDENTIFYING AND
Joseph K. Berry
Senior Consultant, New Century Software
Phone: (970) 215-0825 – Email: email@example.com
Michael D. King
Senior Pipeline Engineer, UTG-Pipeline Transportation, BP America
Senior Engineer, SAIC
<Click here> for a printer-friendly copy (.pdf)
A .NET web-based application for siting pipelines is described that integrates a routing model for alternative route generation and hydraulic, cost and economic models for evaluation and selection of the best route. The routing model identifies a project area, start and end points and then invokes one of three routing model levels depending on data availability and resolution to identify an optimal route and corresponding corridor containing the top Nth best paths. The approach used in development of the routing model (ArcGIS) is discussed including criteria selection, map layer calibration and weighting. The route evaluation and selection process is extended through an integrated hydraulic model (Excel) to optimize pipe diameter, compressor station location and other engineering factors; a cost model (Excel) to estimate construction cost based on several GIS-derived and user-defined factors; and an economic simulation model (Excel) to investigate economic viability over the project life. Lessons learned in the four major aspects of project development are presented—routing model, database development, model integration and web-based deployment.
The Least Cost Path (LPC)
method for determining the optimal route of a linear feature is a
well-established grid-based GIS technique.
It consists of three basic steps: Discrete
Cost Map, Accumulated Cost Map
The first and most critical step establishes the relative “goodness” for locating a pipeline at any grid cell in a project area. The individual map layers are calibrated from 1= best to 9= worst conditions for locating a pipeline. In turn, the calibrated maps are weight-averaged to derive a Discrete Cost Map as shown in figure 1.
(Paper with full color figures is posted online at www.innovativegis.com/basis/Present/GITA_Oil&Gas_04/ )
Figure 1. Discrete Cost Map.
Saddle points between areas of high cost act as “passes” that
severely constrain routing in a manner analogous to early explorers crossing a
mountain range. However, the explorers
had to tackle each situation independently as they encountered them and a wrong
choice early in the trek could commit them to punishing route that was less
than optimal. The second and third steps
Figure 2. Accumulated Cost Map.
The second step of the
As the expanding ripples move across the discrete cost map an Accumulated Cost Map is developed by recording the lowest accumulated cost for each grid cell. In this manner the total “cost” to construct the preferred pipeline from the starting location to everywhere in the project area is quickly calculated.
Note that the accumulation surface has a bowl-like appearance with the starting location at the bottom (zero cost). All of the other locations have increasing accumulated cost values with the increase for each step being a function of the discrete cost of traversing that location. The ridges in the bowl reflect areas of high cost; the valleys represent areas of low cost. Note the effect around the low cost “pass” areas. The contour lines of accumulated cost seem to shoot out in these areas indicating lower total cost than their surroundings. The same areas in the 3D view appear as saddles along the ridges—points of least resistance (total cost) on the slopping bowl-like surface.
Figure 3. Optimal Route.
The bowl-like nature of the accumulated cost map is
exploited to determine the
By mathematical fact this route will be the line having the lowest total cost connecting the start and end locations. Note that the route in the figure goes through the two important “passes” that were apparent in both the discrete and accumulated cost maps.
The optimal corridor identifies the Nth best route. These form a set of “nearly optimal” alternative routes that a siting team might want to investigate. In addition, optimal corridors are useful in delineating boundaries for detailed data collection, such as high resolution aerial photography and ownership records.
The Optimal Corridor Map (figure 4) is created by calculating an accumulation cost map from the end as well as the starting location. The two surfaces are added together to indicate the effective “cost” distance from any location along its optimal path connecting the start the end locations.
The lowest value on this map forms the “valley floor” and contains the optimal route. The valley walls depict increasingly less optimal routes. Nearly optimal routes are identified by “flooding” the surface.
Figure 4. Optimal Corridor.
In the example, a 5% optimal corridor is shown. Notice the “pinch point” along the route at the location of the low cost “passes.” The corridor is allowed to spread out in areas where there is minimal cost difference but is tightly contained around critical routing locations.
IDENTIFYING AND EVALUATING ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
The data supporting the routing collaboration tool is organized into two databases—the Application Database consisting of numerous tables that store program initialization, input and output information and other necessary data and the GIS Database containing all of the input and output mapped data. The GIS data is organized into three levels: global (1km), regional (30-90m) and local (<30m) resolution. The global database is always online for macro corridor analysis while the regional and local databases are developed on a project basis for detailed routing considerations.
Figure 5 identifies the basic set of data used and processing steps at the regional level of analysis. The twenty-three criteria maps are divided into five categories—Exclusion, Environmental, Construction, Hazards and Consequences. The exclusion maps identify locations that prohibit pipeline siting, such as large water bodies or extremely steep slopes. The other categories identify locations that siting could take place but with varying degrees of preference, or “cost.” For example, certain land cover types such as grasslands are much better for pipeline location than dense forests. Similarly, gentle slopes are preferred over steeper ones and loose soils preferred over extremely rocky outcrop areas.
Each of the individual criteria maps are calibrated to a preference scale from 1= best through 9=worst location for siting a pipeline. This critical step incorporates expert judgment on the relative “goodness” for the different conditions occurring on a map. The calibrated map layers within a category are in turn weighted to reflect their relative importance compared to the other maps in the category. For example in the Construction category, Terrain Slope is deemed eight times more important than Land Use classification.
Figure 5. Model Criteria Map Processing.
The final step in deriving an overall cost surface involves weight-averaging the five category maps (all maps equally weighted as 1 in figure 5) and “masking” the result with the exclusion areas. The final map layer identifies whether any location could contain a pipeline (Exclusion= null), and if so, what is its relative goodness (1 to 9 worst). The routing procedure uses this information in attempting to follow a path of smaller avoidance values. However, a location with a high avoidance value (cost) could be part of the solution if a direct path through it is more optimal and results in the lowest total cost for the entire route.
Figure 6 shows the results of a route simulation with a 1%
The results identify a route/corridor moving along the
Colorado Front Range, down through
Traditional routing procedures would “box” a large area around the begin/end points and collect detailed data within the entire box. The global level analysis suggests that information in the northwest is not needed as none of the top potential routes (1% to 4% optimal corridors) seek solution in this area.
Figure 6. Route Simulation Example.
In practice, the model would be run several times varying criteria map layers and weighting to more fully understand the routing sensitivities for a proposed pipeline. Where the route/corridor changes, and doesn’t change, is valuable information for determining regional level data acquisition and model simulations to identify the best pipeline route.
Once a candidate route has been generated it is evaluated for its hydraulic engineering, construction cost and economic viability. The route is divided into segments and then metrics are derived for Hydraulic and Cost model input. The hydraulic segmentation procedure is terrain-based and divides a route into variable length segments that represent similar terrain configuration as determined by major inflection points and slope characteristics. Necessary spatial information, such as soil and terrain factors are assigned to each segment and automatically passed to the Excel-based Hydraulic Model and combined with other user specifications to determine the optimal engineering design of the pipeline route, such as pipe characteristics and compressor station types and locations.
In turn, the output from the Hydraulic Model is passed to a Cost Model for use in deriving construction costs associated with the proposed pipeline. In addition, the route is re-segmented to reflect spatial considerations, such as river/road crossings, land use and soil conditions impacting construction. The result is a detailed report of maps, charts and tables of the estimated cost to construct the pipeline. In the final step, the cost data is passed to the Economic Model that assesses the financial viability over the project life based on fiscal considerations, such as initial and operating costs, projected revenue stream and interest rates.
AN INTEGRATED WEB ENVIRONMENT FOR ROUTING COLLBORATION
The pipeline routing application consists of three broad components— Databases , Models and Web Environment. The databases provide a standardized schema for storage of application and spatial data. The models are used for generating feasible pipeline routes and evaluating their hydraulic, cost and economic considerations to better understand the siting sensitivity within a project area and ultimately selection of the best route. The web environment controls user access and security, viewing existing project data and simulations, generating new simulations, storage of results and database maintenance.
Upon logging-in, users are presented with a listing of existing projects they are authorized to view (left side of figure 7). Selecting a project enables them to interact with existing project simulations they or others have created, or generate new project simulations to identify new alternative routes or to specify different evaluation model assumptions.
When a user selects an existing project an interactive map view and tabular description is generated. If the user is authorized, a new project area can be defined by zooming/panning on a global map set and either click-and-drag a rectangular box or entering the latitude/longitude coordinates of the project extent. Once a new project is established the project Administer assigns users and the Data Administrator adds additional map layers beyond the standard global data set as appropriate for the level of analysis anticipated.
Figure 7. Project Listing and Simulation Tree Interfaces.
Another way to view an existing or new project is through its simulations (right side of figure 7). A “tree-view” of the existing simulations for a project organizes the sets of Routing, Hydraulic, Cost and Economic simulations as separate branching levels. The base of the tree is the user’s assigned projects. The first branch identifies all of the alternative routes developed for the project area. Within each route simulation the cascading hydraulic, cost and economic simulations are hierarchically listed.
This organization follows the processing flow of first generating a potential route and then using the route segment summaries and user input to execute Hydraulic, Cost and Economic simulations input into the Hydraulic and Cost models. The tree-view can be expanded and collapsed for easy viewing. Selecting an existing simulation displays its results in graphic, tabular or chart form. At any level, a user can specify an entirely new simulation or clone an existing simulation then edit its input parameters to generate a new simulation. New simulations are queued for processing, its status is tracked and an email is sent to the user when it is complete.
Administrator level users provide overall program management. The User Administrator oversees user access, authorization and security. The Project Administrator handles creation of new projects and assignment of users. The Model Administrator is responsible for changes in the defaults values and logical structure of the routing, hydraulic, cost and economic models. The Data Administrator manages the standard databases used by the application and is well-versed in GIS data issues for loading additional map data into the system as appropriate for new projects.
The Pipeline Routing Collaboration tool delivers cutting-edge capabilities for route generation and evaluation within a web-based environment. Providing route simulation and evaluation capabilities as a web-based service enable personnel to pose “what if” scenarios in a collaborative environment, regardless of their location or special skills and equipment.
The approach is analogous to a “spatial spreadsheet” enabling users to rapidly generate alternative routes and evaluate their relative engineering, cost and economic considerations. This collaborative environment provides a GIS-based pipeline routing application that is objective, consistent, comprehensive and cost-effective.
The major advantages of the application include:
web-based service with access to maintained server hosting data storage, program executables/licenses, using a standard web browser;
collaborative environment organizing alternative simulations by multiple users;
fully integrated environment for pipeline route generation (Routing) and evaluation models (Hydraulic, Cost, Economic);
flexibility for adding, calibrating and weighting routing map criteria; and
minimal GIS experience required.
A working version of the tool is currently being refined with rollout planned for early fall.
Glasgow, J., et. al., 2004. Online GeoWorld feature article entitled “A Consensus Method Finds Preferred Routing” at… www.geoplace.com/gw/2004/0404/0404pwr.asp.
LoPresti, F. and B.l Miller, 2004. Online paper entitled “Finding the Best Path for a Pipeline: Interactive Route-Planning on NYU Web” at… www.nyu.edu/its/pubs/connect/archives/96summer/loprestipipeline.html.
Yusof, K. W. and S. Baban, 2004. Online paper entitled “Least-cost Pipelines Path to the Langkawi


Construction Review Information
Minimum Fire Code Requirements
The major concept of minimum fire code requirements is the safe evacuation of the building’s occupants. A safe and clear atmosphere is essential for the expedient and safe escape of everyone. Any obstacle prevents or slows their escape and may cause occupants to panic. Exit signs and emergency lights make exits obvious and easy to locate. Fire rated separations, corridors, doors, dampers, automatic fire sprinklers, etc. are necessary to limit the smoke and the fire’s progress allowing additional time for the occupants to escape.
The fire safety process begins with the building’s construction features. Florida Building Code requirements play an important part in fire safety. Construction features provide a sound foundation for slowing or limiting the fire’s destructive power and providing an easier escape. The exit features are maintained (limits smoke and fire intrusion) and a premature collapse is prevented. Typically, the Florida Building Code dictates the major portion of the building’s structural components, as related to fire safety. Construction features such as; occupancy and building size limitations, occupancy and tenant separations, structural protection, etc. are usually determined by the Building Code. Egress, fire protection systems, etc. are sometimes found in both the Building Code and the Fire Code. The Code section that affords the most stringent life safety will be applied.
The Florida Fire Prevention Code will be concerned with the interior portion of the building and may have additional construction requirements. They may include; protection of storage areas, details for multi-story buildings, corridor and exit construction, an automatic fire sprinkler system, a fire alarm system, or other fire protection features. The reduction of fire damage to the building or its contents is another concern. Most life safety features have a dual role. For example, a fire sprinkler system will limit the spread of the fire to allow the occupant’s time to escape. In most cases, the fire sprinkler system has also extinguished or limited the spread of the fire. Primarily, the occupancy, tenant, and hazard separations attempt to separate the fire from the occupants as they escape, but they also limit the spread of fire. In the majority of the occupancies, as the occupant load (number of people in the building) increases, so does the fire safety requirement. The potential for disaster increases as the number of people in a building increase. Under normal conditions, a single person in a building at the time of a fire will be able to escape without delays. With a large number of people present, other people, tables, chairs, etc. restrict the occupant’s movements and an increase of nervousness heightens the potential for panic.
The Fire Prevention Division will review all commercial building plans for compliance with the applicable State statutes, Florida Administrative Codes, County codes, ordinances, or regulations. These may include but are not limited to, applicable National Fire Codes, Florida State Statutes, Florida Fire Prevention Code, Manatee County Land Development Code, and local amendments to the Fire Code.
The following information is necessary to ensure a thorough and timely review:
- Occupancy classification of the building or portions of the building must be identified. The use of each room is necessary to determine the appropriate Code requirements.
- Minimum 20 ft. fire department access roadways. The Manatee County Land Development Code may require wider access aisles.
- When Manatee County utilities water is present, a fire hydrant is required for new building construction and new additions. The fire hydrant shall be within 400 ft. curb line distance of the farthest portion of the building. This distance is measured along the edge of the roadway (not right-of-way) and/or driveway.
- A fire apparatus must be able to drive on an all weather-driving surface capable of supporting the weight of the apparatus from the hydrant to the building.
- Show the hydrant location or make a note of why it is not applicable. Interior remodeling that does not encompass new construction or additions, do not require a fire hydrant.
- The building size may be limited by the Standard Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code.
- Indicate the location and wall details of any required tenant or occupancy separations.
- A typical wall section of any fire rated separations (walls, ceilings, etc.) is necessary. Include the independent testing laboratory design number for the type of separation.
- Providing details of the type and installation of the fire penetration sealing components (dampers, sleeves, sealants, etc.) is helpful.
- Occupancies such as assembly, business, educational, health care, residential, mercantile, etc. usually require the storage and hazardous areas to be separated from other areas by a one-hour fire rated assembly. The door(s) in these assemblies must be fire rated and have a self-closing device.
- Stairs (interior and exterior means of egress components) must meet the requirements of the Florida Fire Prevention Code in reference to the tread, riser, landings, etc.
- Occupant load factors in the Florida Fire Prevention Code are used to determine the maximum safe occupant load of a building.
- Indicate the size and locations of all exits. The typical exit width is 36″ in clear width.
- Exit doors are to be side hinged and no wider than 48″ in width.
- Exit doors should swing outward or toward the direction of exit travel. Areas with more than a 50-person occupant load must comply with this standard.
- Exit signs are required. Certain conditions may require the signs to be illuminated and have battery back up.
- Most large buildings or occupancies must have at least two exits as remote from each other as practical. Large occupancies may require more and/or larger exists to meet the exit capacity requirements of the Florida Fire Prevention Code. The main exit and the secondary exit widths are usually calculated with different formulas.
- Fire exit corridors may be required to be separated from other areas by a one-hour fire rated assembly.
- Typically, buildings with 100 person occupant loads or more are required to have panic hardware on the required exits.
- Travel distances to exits may become an issue and require more exits than were provided.
- No dead-end corridor shall exceed 20 feet.
- Interior finishes become more crucial and restrictive as the occupant load increases. The interior finish requirements are listed in the Florida Fire Prevention Code & Building Code.
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
- Must meet the Florida Administrative Code requirements.
- Must be engineered and installed by a Florida licensed fire sprinkler contractor.
- A separate permit and review are required through Duette Fire Rescue.
- A ground inspection of all components prior to installation, 200-psi test, and a final inspection by Duette Fire Rescue is required.
- Check with Duette Fire Rescue to see if a Fire Sprinkler System will be required in your proposed building.
- Other conditions required for a fire sprinkler system must be designed and installed by a Florida licensed fire sprinkler contractor. A separate permit and review are required and a final inspection and functional test are required prior to a Certificate of Compliance or Occupancy.
Fire Alarm Systems Requirements
- Must meet the Florida Administrative Code requirements.
- Are required in business occupancies (two or more stories above level of exit discharge, 50 occupants above or below level of exit discharge, or 300 person occupant load); Industrial occupancies with more than 100 person occupant load or 25 people above the level of exit travel.
- Are required in some storage occupancies.
- Check with the Fire Prevention Division to see if a Fire Alarm System will be required in your proposed building.
- Other conditions that may require a fire alarm system.
- Must be designed and installed by Florida licensed fire alarm contractor.
- A separate permit and review are required and a final inspection and functional test are required prior to a Certificate of Compliance or Occupancy.
- The Fire Prevention Division will not design the building or fire safety features, however, if you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Fire Prevention Division.
Contact Fire Prevention for a fire or life safety presentation for your Duette business, organization, or group.


A concentric reducer is used to join pipe sections or tube sections on the same axis.The concentric reducer is cone-shaped, and is used when there is a shift in diameter between pipes For example, when a 1" pipe transitions into a 3/4" pipe and the top or bottom of the pipe doesn't need to remain level. This pipe reducer may be used when there is a single diameter change or multiple diameter changes. Unlike eccentric reducers, concentric reducers have a common center line. Concentric reducers are useful when cavitation is present. Eccentricity occurs when the centerline is offset.


PEI (Paradigm Electric, Inc.) is a locally owned and operated company that has been in business for ten years servicing the Northern Nevada area. Specializing in Design Build Construction, PEI, can take a simple or complex Commercial-Industrial project from initial concept to a final completion. PEI is able to maintain the highest standards for installation and conducts all aspects of design and construction in a swift and safe manner completing jobs within our clients construction schedule. At PEI our attention to detail is unsurpassed regardless of the scope of work. PEI’s business model is based on honesty and integrity and our goal is to build and maintain long lasting relationships with our clients and customers.


Concrete pump trucks are widely used in modernization construction. During the pumping process, the boom pump pipe wall are suffering severely abrasion problems caused by both high conveying pressure and sliding of gravel and concrete slurries, which finally lead to a higher costs and frequent maintenance, also the pump operators will suffer great loss. Therefore, it is essential for us to find out a more economically and feasible materials which can greatly extend the service life of the pump pipes, which is of significance not only for improving equipment production efficiency, but also minimize production costs and saving resources.
After years of study and full research, KINGCERA developed its own abrasion-resistant ceramic lined boom pump pipe systems, also known as “KCPP pump pipelines” (Patent Number: 2007200622128). This pipe were developed on the basis of full research from various brands of boom pump trucks under different operating conditions, with dynamic mechanical pipeline optimization, the pipe was fully lined with high-strength abrasion resistant ceramic linings in order to protect the inner wall and minimize the abrasion problems caused by the flow slurry.
EXISTING PROBLEMS FOR NORMAL BOOM PUMPING PIPES
1. Short service life time, frequent shut down and maintenance, not good for pumping operation
2. High weight of pipe, not good for replacement and repairmen.
MECHANISM OF BOOM PUMP PIPE WEAR LOSS
KINGCERA has conducted many surveys and tracked for the use of pump pipes from various truck pump companies, finally we found that the service life of the pump pipeline is not only related to the material of the pipeline itself, but also directly related to the physical properties of the content of concrete (mainly for sand and gravel hardness, also particle size) and the flow impact angle has the greatest influence.
1. Particle shape and size
Based on our observation, the concrete which contain pebbles had little impact abrasion to the pipelines, while the crushed gravels will shorten the service lifetime of the boom pump pipes.
2. Working pressure and flow rate
For a same truck boom pump, different part of the pipeline will meet with different wear problems according to the working pressure and flow rate. Under normal circumstances, the first elbow and the last elbow of the pipeline will suffer from greatest wear and abrasion problems.
3. Flow impact angle
The result showed that the abrasive wear is the main cause when the flow impact angle is 0 degrees. As the angle increases, the abrasive wear decreases and the proportion of surface fatigue wear increases accordingly. When the angle is 90 degree, the surface fatigue wear becomes domination cause, the material with good toughness will of low wear rate. For example, rubber is the best anti-wear material for a flow impact angle of 90 degrees but the worst material when the angle becomes 0 degrees.
The relationship between material and flow impact angle
It can be seen from the above picture that the wear loss of ceramic material is the smallest when they are working under a small flow impact angle. The worn-out of the boom pump pipe is the result of the combination of abrasive wear and surface fatigue wear. Whether it is a straight pipe or an elbow, abrasive wear occupies for the dominant factor, so it is not appropriate to use mild steel witch of lower hardness. In order to improve the service life of the pipeline system, it is necessary for us to find a material with higher hardness and toughness that can take the place of traditional mild steel pipeline. Abrasion resistant ceramic tile linings have extremely high hardness and high toughness, which are ideal materials for solving the wear problems for boom pump pipelines and they are widely used home and abroad.
Advantages of KCPP boom pump pipeline
1. Super abrasion resistance and 10 times longer service lifetime than ordinary pipelines.
The worn-out of the boom pump pipe is the result of the combination of abrasive wear and surface fatigue wear. It is not wise to increase the hardness of the material or improve the toughness of the material itself. We should better make some combinations of the materials we choose and obtain the best hardness and toughness. In order to achieve this goal, we have cooperated with Tsinghua University to develop high-strength wear-resistant ceramic linings which will be suitable for concrete conveying through continuous experiments and improvements. KINGCERA uses the alumina as the main raw material and adding a variety of rare elements and sintering it through well-controlled procedures. Finally we get the excellent abrasion-resistant ceramic tile linings with hardness more than 90HRA, which is next to diamond. A report provided by the Institute of Powder Metallurgy of Central South University have indicated that he wear-resistance performance of ceramic linings is about 266 times that of manganese steel and 171.5 times than high-chromium cast iron.
Above experimental data is measured by MC-730 friction testing machine under the conditions of pressure P=76N, mechanical speed n=800 rpm, and test time of 30 minutes. According to the calculation of the wear loss, the wear-resistance of KINGCERA’s ceramic tiles is equivalent to 266 times of manganese steel and 171.5 times that of high-chromium cast iron.
2. Super impact resistance
KINGCERA’s unique formula helps to form a strong crystal bonding and structural, which greatly enhances the impact resistance of KINGCERA’s abrasion ceramic tiles. The fracture toughness of the ceramics can reach 7Mpa•m1/2, which is 1.5 times than ordinary ceramic linings. So they could be applied under very harsh conditions with excellent performance.
3. Light weight, quick and easy installation
The density of ceramic is 3.8g/m3, which is only weight half than normal steel. For a same size boom pump pipe, KINGCERA’s KCPP pump pipe is about 20% lighter than ordinary cast steel pipelines. For example, “KCPP 125A90DR275” elbow is only 13.7kg, which is 28% lighter than a cast steel elbow. The lighter weight makes it easier for replacement and greatly reduces down the whole truck loading.
4. Reduce the frequency of maintenance and replacement
Greatly extend the service life, reduce down the frequency of maintenance, replacement, and the operating cost of the pump truck.
5. Good compression resistance, safe and reliable
The KCPP pipeline is made of 20# seamless steel pipe, with good sealing performance and good compressive strength of ceramic linings as 1300MPa, which can fully meet the pressure requirements of various types of boom pump truck pipelines.
6. Smooth inner wall ensures a better flow pump capacity
The KCPP concrete pump pipe contains unique self-lubricating ceramic tiles, which could reduce down the coefficient of friction and blockage. The installation process of ceramic linings are carried out strictly in accordance with Q/OKVL001-2003, to ensure a smooth transition surface of the tiles, the maximum height difference should not exceed to 1mm.
7. Superior cost-effective performance
KINGCERA provided a set of KCPP concrete boom pump pipelines to JINAN JINSHENG CONCRETE CO., LTD in March 2008 as a trial use. At the same time, there was another set of ordinary pump truck pipelines. The two sets of pump truck pipelines were installed on 48-Meter pump. With the same experimental test condition, the ordinary elbow pipe was worn-out after 4000m3 pumping job, and the KCPP pump elbow were continuously working through 10 months with a total pumping capacity of 43026.5m3.
Application of KINGCERA’s KCPP pump truck pipeline
BRAND: ZOOMLION/ SANY/ PUTZMEISTER/ XCMG/ CIFA/ HAINUO/ ISUZU/ SHANTUI/ KYOKUTO/ IHI/ SCHWING/ JARLWAY/ HOLD ETC.
PIPE TYPE: HBT30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 concrete pump pipelines.