Magazine

1. Successful projects start with a strong knowledge of local conditions. A local engineering team can provide a strong working knowledge of a region’s physical, political, regulatory, economic, and demographic factors. In-person support and awareness of local zoning restrictions, plan development, review processes, and codes and ordinances allow for a smooth permitting process. Familiarity with…

What is an Arc Flash? An arc flash is the rapid release of energy produced from an unintended arc fault (short circuit) between live parts or live parts to ground. The energy is released as heat and light collide (electrical explosion) and create a concussive pressure wave that can carry shrapnel. The resultant energy is…

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As the frequency and severity of both heat waves and extreme cold weather events increase across the United States, assessing how well a structure can handle extreme temperatures — known as thermal resilience — becomes critical, according to Penn State Associate Professor of Architectural Engineering Julian Wang. With a four-year, $500,000 National Science Foundation grant, a…

Medtail facility insights Medtail can be seen as a quick and easy way for patients to obtain medical services without going to a hospital or doctor’s office. Changes in medical care, including telehealth, have driven the design of health care facilities in different directions. As shoppers navigate the parking lot of their favorite retail area,…

Winter will be here before we know it, which means snow and ice for much of the northern United States. However, there could be snow even down South, so no matter where you live, it’s important that your facility be ready for winter weather. BrightView, a commercial landscaping and snow services company, recently hosted an…

Experts have gone back and forth about whether we’re technically in a recession. But as the dust settles, one thing’s clear: companies feel like there’s an economic slowdown—and they’re looking for ways to cut costs. For many companies, safety programs might be first on the chopping block. But if you’re thinking about a program cut, remember: safety should…