Author: ayres

CFD Hydraulic Modeling Helps Find Solutions to Dam Flow Problems

By Pete Haug, PE Today’s engineering challenges are complex, especially for dam owners and operators. Flow problems around dams include spillway scour, riprap damaging currents, river debris collecting in the wrong places, and uneven overtopping of training walls. Imbalanced flow entering powerhouse units can create trash rack vibrations, excessive bearing wear, and even air-core vortex… Read More »

BIM Delivers Dividends on Unusual Structure Upgrades

By Pete Haug, PE Building information modeling (BIM) can play a big role in keeping the wheels from coming off an intricate project. We’ll look at a case study of a turbine and powerhouse upgrade project where the goal was to minimize changes to the exterior of a historic 1910 dam. But first, here are… Read More »

Storytelling Campaigns Spur Brownfield Redevelopment

By Matt Ashby, AICP It’s part of human nature to love a good story. Stories bring us together, spark ideas, and activate people’s imaginations, all of which are needed to transform an unloved and unlovely brownfield into a vibrant new community centerpiece. Brownfields often sit vacant because they are daunting and complex, easier to be… Read More »