The Current State of P3

In a recent article published by Engineering News-Record (ENR), the editors examine the current state of public-private partnerships (P3) in the United States. The number of P3 projects across the country is on the rise, as more states allow for P3 or gap financing to fund transportation and social infrastructure projects.

Indiana has established itself as a national leader in P3 projects. The Indiana General Assembly passed legislation over the last several years authorizing the Indiana Finance authority to enter into public-private partnerships.

American Structurepoint is a part of one of the biggest transportation infrastructure P3 projects in the country, the Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing project. The Concessionaire is WVB East End Partners, which is a consortium of Walsh Investors LLC, VINCI Concessions, and Bilfinger Project Investments. The prime construction contractor is WVC, which is a joint venture between Walsh Construction and Vinci Grand Projects. American Structurepoint is serving as a sub-consultant to the lead design firm, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

“The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is blazing the trail in Indiana,” said Cash Canfield, PE, vice president at American Structurepoint. “The Ohio River Bridges project is one of the largest construction projects in the country. Other states are looking at what INDOT has done as a model.”

Cash works closely on the contractor and developer side of P3 projects. From his experience working on the Ohio River Bridges project, he expects more states to use this mechanism since it gets the job done faster.

“It’s just another tool in the tool box. I think you will begin to see more states developing moreP3’s because it’s a great mechanism to leverage private investments to help fund transportation as well as other social infrastructure projects, especially since the federal government hasn’t been able to increase funds available for projects,” said Cash.

In the ENR article, the editors discuss a P3 delivery method that’s gaining more momentum in 2014 on a wide variety of social infrastructure projects as agencies put procurements together and build new relationships. The Illiana Corridor project, an east-west transportation corridor from I-55 in Illinois to I-65 in Indiana, is an example of the momentum shift. Agencies from neighboring states are using the P3 project delivery mechanism as a vehicle for project delivery to meet the public’s needs.
“This is a way to allow the states to innovatively finance these projects,” said Craig Parks, director of development at American Structurepoint. “It’s great for these large projects because it’s much easier to quickly deliver large projects and get the infrastructure working for our clients.”

Craig has worked more on the owner side of P3 projects, serving on both the I-69 Section 5 and the Illiana team which American Structurepoint, Inc. was part of the HNTB technical procurement advisory team for INDOT. This team assists INDOT in the development of procurement documents, specifically, the preparation of a reference design and technical provisions which outline the desired performance of the future infrastructure but provide flexibility in the final design in such a way to encourage innovation.

“The better we write the technical provisions to allow for innovation, the better value the owner will receive. We also help them manage risk,” said Craig.

A risk that both Cash and Craig believe more state and local agencies are willing to take, as they strive to build, repair, rehabilitate and replace transportation and social infrastructure with limited funding currently available.
To read more about the current state of P3 projects in ENR, click here.

American Structurepoint Makes “The List” for Top 25 Central Ohio Engineering Firms

Columbus Business First released its “Top 25 Engineering Firms” list for 2013, and we made the cut! The firms were ranked by 2013 consulting engineering billings from Central Ohio offices. American Structurepoint came in at #18.

We’ve seen a lot of growth in our Columbus office since opening in 1999. We have more than 30 employees, working across multiple disciplines to provide innovative solutions in-house to save clients time and money. Although originally focused on transportation and structural design projects, American Structurepoint’s Columbus professionals have also expanded to surveying, investigative, site/civil, structural, construction inspection, utility infrastructure, and environmental services.

One of our most recent projects involves managing and developing a program at The Ohio State University. We were retained by CampusParc in an owner’s representative role to manage the program that assists with planning, construction document preparation, bid administration and construction inspection for all parking garages and surface lots on OSU’s main campus.

Other notable projects in Central Ohio include I-75 Downtown Dayton Subcorridor (MOT 75), Emerald Parkway, MRW-71 Design/Build, and CLA-794. ACEC Ohio recently recognized the Emerald Parkway Improvements project as an Outstanding Achievement Award winner. The project went on to receive a National Recognition Award and will be honored at the 2014 Engineering Excellence Awards ceremony on April 29.

Congratulations to the other firms in Central Ohio who made the list!

Architects Design “Country’s Best” Nursing Facility

It’s always an honor when one of our projects is recognized. It’s an even greater honor when one of our projects become the first recipient of a national award. That’s exactly what happened this month, after Senior Housing News selected Wellbrooke of Westfield as the winner of the Design and Architecture Award for the country’s best “New Skilled Nursing” center.

“The design of Wellbrooke of Westfield represents a point in time where the focus of the health care industry has merged with service and hospitality,” said Rob Bray, project manager at American Structurepoint. “Our goal as a collective team of industry leaders was to create evolutionary facilities to seamlessly provide health and wellness services while not sacrificing a high-level of care and design aesthetic, which both the owner and operator strive to create and foster.”

We worked closely with Wellbrooke of Westfield’s owner and manager, Mainstreet Property Group, to develop their vision. Mainstreet was looking for an innovative approach to a health and wellness center. The result was a hospitality-inspired design with an urban lodge atmosphere and a sophisticated flare. We also worked with Direct Supply® Aptura®, the owner’s interior design consultant, on innovative design and furnishing concepts.

American Structurepoint Architect Tim Wise is one of the faces behind the design of Wellbrooke of Westfield. When it comes to designing senior living facilities, it’s personal for Tim. After recently placing his father in a nursing facility, he toured enough facilities to know what he liked and most importantly, what he didn’t like. For him, it was all about creating a culture that empowered residents to get out of their rooms and into living.

“My goal was to create an environment that promoted social interaction and healing. I would ask myself, is this somewhere that I would send my own father?” said Wise.

The design helps to create spaces that engage all the senses. This includes the large amount of natural light streaming into the facility, the variety of textures on the interior and exterior surfaces, and contrasting colors of surfaces meant to help guide people who are visually impaired between spaces. The team created a hotel experience, bringing interactive spaces into central locations, such as the café, pub and dining facilities that rival restaurant service and decor. They selected stained wood for the interiors. This is not a dry or dull medical space; rather, it’s a resort experience.

“The hotel-like amenities create a sense of place for residents as well as nurture opportunities for social interaction and healing. We are excited to see this facility meet or exceed the design intent for years to come,” said Wise.

We’re excited to share this designation with Mainstreet Property Group!

American Structurepoint Project Used in Purdue Roundabout Study

The 106^th Street and Springmill Road roundabout project was used as a major source of data for a new research study at Purdue University. Best Practices for Roundabouts on State Highways (SPR-3530) has been published in the Joint Transportation Research Program (JTRP) series, with the help of American Structurepoint resources.

This report presents a series of research findings from an investigation into roundabout operations. It offers a comparison of several analysis tools for estimating roundabout performance. It also offers a review of roundabout lighting practices, as well as a review of considerations for roundabout site selection.

Several American Structurepoint employees assisted with the research for this project, including Craig Parks, who served on the research SAC committee.

The JTRP series is incorporated in the Purdue Library Digital Commons collections, and usage statistics are tracked via Google Analytics. Click here to read the report.

Creating the Next Generation of Health Care Services

Designed by American Structurepoint, the Clearvista Lake Health Campus opened its doors for business this month after hosting a ribbon cutting and public open house.

There’s a new option in town for families looking for top-of-the-line rehabilitative care, assisted living, or long-term care.  Designed by American Structurepoint, the Clearvista Lake Health Campus opened its doors for business this month after hosting a ribbon cutting and public open house. The 65,632-square-foot center offers 30 service-rich assisted living apartments and 70 private and companion suites.

“The design of the Clearvista Lake Health Campus represents a point in time where the focus of the health care industry has merged with service and hospitality,” said Rob Bray, project manager at American Structurepoint. “Our goal as a collective team of industry leaders was to create the next generation of facilities to seamlessly provide health and wellness services while not sacrificing a high-level of care and design aesthetic, which both the owner and operator strive to create and foster.”

American Structurepoint worked with the developer, Mainstreet Property Group, and their preferred contractor to develop the most cost-effective and enjoyable health and wellness center possible. American Structurepoint services included site due diligence, design charrettes, schematic design, design development, construction documents, value engineering, and construction administration.

By focusing on an inviting aesthetic for visitors and inhabitants receiving rehabilitation and long-term care, an environment was created  that gives residents a sense of community and a place they’re happy to call home.

“The hotel-like amenities create a sense of place for residents as well as nurture opportunities for social interaction and healing.  We are excited to see this facility meet or exceed the design intent for years to come,” said Tim Wise, project designer for American Structurepoint.

The handsomely-appointed design and hotel-like environment is comfortable and engaging with concierge-style delivery of services and intergenerational activities for the whole family including four different dining venues, a movie theater, fitness center, fire pit, walking trails, on-site hair salon, and more.

To learn more about our other projects, visit http://www.structurepoint.com/architecture.

American Structurepoint Weighs in on Design Technology

When Engineering, Inc. magazine called, we answered. They were doing a spotlight on IT services, looking specifically at advances in building information modeling (BIM). The technology isn’t new, but it has certainly advanced over the years. And with the rapid development of cloud services, infrastructure design is undergoing an evolution of its own.

In the article, we discuss Bentley’s Microstation and GEOPAK tools, which we’ve used in our Transportation Group since 2000. We’ve also used Autodesk’s Civil 3D for our Survey, Civil, and Utility Infrastructure Groups since 2009.

What’s the biggest driver for using the software? For us, it’s a huge time saver, reducing delivery time by as much as 40 percent.

“Our clients expect us to deliver on tight deadlines. With the implementation of both Microstation and Civil 3D, we are better able to satisfy those demands,” said Jack Lashenik, vice president at American Structurepoint.

As an engineering and design firm, we’ve seen benefits across all of our business groups, thanks to the integration of software for infrastructure projects.

“With the use of products from both software companies, we are able to accept complex assignments,” said Lashenik.

To read the latest from these technology companies and how other firms are utilizing the technology, check out the latest edition of Engineering, Inc.

Heated Roads, Bridges? A Look Into Conductive Cement

In a recent article from Civil Engineering called “Conductive Cement Could Pave Way to Heated Roads, Bridges,” we are introduced to a new technology that could improve safety, as well as reduce heating and maintenance costs.

Imagine driving down I-69 after a snowstorm, with no concerns of slick and icy roads. According to researchers in Spain at the Universidad de Alicante, it’s not that far off. The research team in the university’s civil engineering department is working to develop composite cement that contains electricity much better than conventional concrete.

Here are some interesting points gathered from the article:

• According to Pedro Garces Terradillos, a professor at the university and the research team’s leader, the team began working on the technology more than 10 years ago. He believes the cement could someday be used to make conductive concrete for use in roadways, buildings, and other facets of infrastructure.
• Applying a continuous electric voltage to the concrete would cause it to heat up, and such concrete could deice a frozen surface, prevent freezing, or regulate building temperature.
• Garces’s research team has patented a preliminary design that includes admixtures of carbon nonofibers, nanotubes, and grapheme.
• However, Garces pointed out that there are still concerns with this technology. A major issue is determining which materials and procedures will ensure proper carbon fiber dispersion in any cement mix so as to safeguard structural integrity.
• Researchers say the conductive cement could be used one day to coat new and existing surfaces and structures.

In summary, researchers from all over the world have been working on this technology for decades. If it’s economically competitive with that of conventional concrete and it’s used to improve safety, it could be a huge breakthrough for our industry.  Stay tuned!

A Trip to Japan With the Governor

It’s no secret that Japan is Indiana’s largest source of foreign direct investment. There are more than 240 Japanese companies located in Indiana, with a large majority of those being automotive related. They account for approximately 45,000 jobs, and the trend seems to be that those numbers will increase. This provides exciting opportunities for us in architecture, civil, structural, environmental, and forensic engineering.

That’s why American Structurepoint’s Mike Sheek (Business Development) traveled to Japan in September as part of Governor Mike Pence’s delegation on the State’s trade mission. The purpose of the trip was for the Governor to express his thanks to the many Japanese businesses who have invested in Indiana, as well as to meet with new potential companies who may also want to locate in Indiana.

Mike had a few goals of his own, which included building new relationships with Japanese companies in hopes of earning their business in the future. He attended two receptions for Indiana-based Japanese companies (over 200 attendees at each function); a reception with Indiana’s sister state, Tochigi Prefecture; several private meetings with the Governor and Japanese executives; and plant tours of Subaru and two of their suppliers. In meeting with these executives, our hope is that it will enhance opportunities with their Indiana-based facilities.

One of the greatest benefits of the trip was spending time with the other 40 delegates on the trip. Mike built relationships with the Governor and his staff, attorneys, accountants, mayors, economic development leaders, and others who have business interests with Japan. In a personal letter from the Governor, Mike was thanked for his participation in the mission.

“You provided a great service to the State of Indiana, and I am grateful,” said Indiana Governor Mike Pence. “Japan is Indiana’s largest source of foreign direct investment, and I am confident that your efforts on the trip will encourage additional investment in the years ahead.”

Overall, it was a great trip that gave Mike a special insight into the Japanese culture and a trip that will potentially bring new business to the area.

What Causes a Megaproject to Simply Fall Apart?

Timing and execution are everything. Nowhere is this more evident than in the design and construction phases of a megaproject for a city or state. Many players are involved, and from beginning to end, the devil is in the details. When one person or entity fails to deliver, the ramifications create a ripple effect—one that ultimately can determine whether the entire project lives or dies.

That’s exactly what happened in the sudden demise of the $3.5 billion Columbia River Crossing project. The project (known as CRC) entailed construction of a new bridge, light-rail, and highway interchange to span the Columbia River and connect Portland, Ore., to Vancouver. Those plans officially came to halt in June. While many factors contributed to CRC’s fate, it is worth reviewing how it happened, the players involved, and what could have prevented the project’s demise in the first place.

Engineering News-Record recently did an in-depth article on the troubles plaguing CRC in its July 15, 2013 issue titled “Columbia Span Plan Falls Apart.”  The story suggests a number of reasons behind the collapse of the CRC project, including an ongoing battle over funding between the two states involved (Washington and Oregon), ever-growing costs, intense political wrangling, and contested tolling figures.

Other key issues to the project’s undoing: multiple bridge designs, multiple delays, and multiple changes in project directors over the years.

Hindsight is 20/20, but the real factor triggering the implosion of the CRC project may have more to with leadership—or lack thereof.  Megaprojects like the Columbia River Crossing project are destined to suffer without public buy-in and the support of the business community. That didn’t happen in the case of the CRC project, and the end result speaks loud and clear.

Bottom line: the death of the CRC project serves as a critical reminder for all of us in this profession on the importance of effective leadership. Without such leadership, construction efforts on the scope of the CRC project—or any project, for that matter— are that much more likely to meet a similar demise.

Driverless Vehicles: Profound Changes in Store for Transportation Infrastructure

Since the invention of the automobile, transportation infrastructure has been evolving as fast as the vehicles themselves. From the dirt paths of horse and buggy days up to the creation of superhighways between major cities for modern automobiles, transportation infrastructure is continuing to experience a design revolution. Recently, auto manufacturers have been pushing forward the concept of driverless vehicle prototypes for consumers, which will encourage the advancement of the transportation infrastructure to support it.

Google and university-affiliated research centers are working on fully autonomous technology for vehicles that would be able to drive between two locations without any operation by the occupant.

Such driverless vehicles would especially benefit persons with physical disabilities who are not currently able to operate a vehicle, as well as fleet operators, heavy equipment users, and the military, according to the May-June 2013 issue of The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)’s Transportation Builder magazine.

With an estimated 1.25 million annual fatal vehicle accidents occurring around the world, safety is another incentive for the new technology. The change would mean fewer crashes caused by human error, as well as the opportunity to increase highway capacity (more cars on the road) due to less physical gap between vehicles, greater residential and commercial development density along highway corridors, improved walking and biking options, smaller parking lots, and a shift in the design of office parks and strip malls.

The development process is advancing; however, it has not yet focused on the infrastructure that will ultimately be required to support this change in technology.  Understanding the issues and thinking outside the box will give infrastructure experts a decided advantage as this moves forward.

There is potentially room for transportation consultants to redesign and repurpose all parts of the highway system, including improving existing visual elements, such as lane markings, so driverless vehicle technology works more effectively. Other opportunities for work will involve gathering real-time data of work zones, congestion spots, weather, and passing vehicles, which will be collected and distributed electronically to improve the technology. Furthermore, cities that embrace this new technology will attract a greater share of new businesses and residents, contributing to their economic development.