Blog

Improving Safety and Quality of Underwater Bridge Inspections

Written by: Roy Forsyth, PE, CWI, C.H. and Mark Mutziger, PE; Collins Engineers Engineers are intimately aware that what is out of sight, cannot be out of mind. Bridges often have foundations in waterways. Even though they often cannot be visually seen, they need to support the bridge no matter if... Continue Reading

What Would Life be Like in Wisconsin Without Engineers?

Written by: Leslie Blaize, CPSM, Blaize Communications Engineers Week Feb. 17-23 When Wisconsin’s citizens enjoy a glass of clean water, safely cross a bridge or work in a multi-story building, they can thank engineers. In honor of their important contributions, the American Council of... Continue Reading

A Proactive Program at Work: Investing in Dam Repairs Averts Crisis

Written by Chris Goodwin, PE; Ayres Associates Dams are an integral part of our lives, providing recreational opportunities, power generation, flood control, wildlife habitat, and other important functions. More than 2,100 high-hazard potential dams are operating in the United States, as reported... Continue Reading

Leading the Charge in Child Abduction Recovery Efforts

Written by: Scott Kiley, MSA Professional Serivces Bringing our children home Nearly half a million children are reported missing in the United States every year. While many are found and safely returned home, others are less fortunate. Three counties in Wisconsin have teamed up to challenge... Continue Reading

Egg-Shaped Tank Provides Creative, Cost-Effective Solutions

A Major Capital Investment Highlights Long Road to a Revitalized Clean Water Plant Eight years ago, the City of Waukesha sought to replace its tired and inefficient wastewater treatment facilities with cost-saving, energy-efficient equipment. The City set out on a major capital project ($44.6... Continue Reading

Using LiDAR Scanning to Take a Close Look at Aging Infrastructure

Using LiDAR Scanning to Take a Close Look at Aging Infrastructure in the City of Sheboygan Repair, or demolish and build new? This was the question on the minds of staff at the Sheboygan Water Utility in the city of Sheboygan, Wis., who were facing a decision regarding their 87-year-old,... Continue Reading

Erb Park & Swimming Pool – Revitalizing a Beloved Community “Bird Bath”

The City of Appleton, Wisconsin, has long been considered the heart of the Fox River valley, with beloved Erb Park being its cultural pulse for nearly a century. Purchased in 1923, the park acquired its first public pool in 1940—affectionately known as the “bird bath” due to its... Continue Reading

Tale of Two Centuries: Rehabbing A Historic Bridge In A Historic Community

Written by: Dave Pantzlaff, Ayres Associates It was three years after the Model T became the first mass-produced automobile when a salesman from the Iowa Bridge Company met with the City of Chippewa Falls to extol the virtues of a new type of bridge from the Marsh Engineering Company. The... Continue Reading

3 Ways to Find Common (under)Ground

Written by: Fred Groth and Bryant Stempski, GRAEF Society, scholars, and semi-trucks, how will they get along? For 90 years, UW-Madison’s Memorial Union has connected generations of leaders, the next great thinkers, musicians, artists, and a community built on their shared legacy. But... Continue Reading

Communication key to designing lasting benefit to Madison Water Utility

Municipal building design projects are often fraught with numerous stakeholder groups. Sometimes these groups are at cross purposes and have different agendas to put forward. The “magic” lies in gaining input and buy-in from local elected officials, neighborhood businesses, state... Continue Reading

Verona Road Project an enriching, personal journey for design team

The Verona Project included many unique and complex aspects, including a Single Point Urban Interchange. Imagine, ten years of your engineering career solely dedicated to one highway project. After staff from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Strand Associates,... Continue Reading

How a Utility Is Tapping Innovation for 23x More Storage

At a site believed to be an inspiration for John Muir, a growing city replaces a 75-year-old water tower with a double-reservoir system to better serve residents. The result is an innovative, cost-effective, creative solution designed to serve the daily water needs of Madison, Wisconsin,... Continue Reading