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Month: July 2022

Long-term proactive approach sustains Saskatchewan transportation assets

Posted on by Ryan (ODG)

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways constructs and maintains over 26,000 kilometres of highways, 800 bridges, 15,000 culverts, 18 airports in northern Saskatchewan, 12 ferries on the Saskatchewan River system, and a barge on Wollaston Lake. Effectively managing and operating these assets is critically important to Saskatchewan’s economy.

Within the transportation network, maintaining and upgrading existing drainage infrastructure is a significant undertaking. Project Manager and Senior Designer, Patrick Murphy, explains, “The large number of drainage structures, varied topography, and expansive geographic area makes drainage asset management a challenging task.”  

Since 2014, Associated Engineering has collaborated with the Ministry on a multi-site assignment to complete hydraulic designs and construction administration of culvert replacements, including bridge to culvert hydraulic designs and culvert to culvert hydraulic designs. Our role includes completing site assessments, survey, detailed design, and tender for each site. The Ministry selects and prioritizes sites based on the risk to public safely.

For the Associated team, the major design challenges include project timing, emergency situations, permit applications, insitu soil conditions, assessing existing damage, traffic accommodation consideration, and water levels for each of these sites. We have implemented a variety of innovative solutions to overcome these difficulties.

For example, the team uses a tri-hull, self-propelled boat and RTK GPS (real-time kinematic global positioning system) sonar survey equipment to enhance survey accuracy. In addition, for water testing, the team uses a pH/EC (electrical conductivity)/TDS (total dissolved solids) water tester to assess potential replacement materials for resistivity and pH levels to aid in selecting materials that will extend the service life of replacement alternatives at each site. We create GIS (geographic information system) applications for mapping, project management, photo management, and records management. 

“Having an established team to complete designs and tender-ready construction documents assists the Ministry in their asset management and provides a quality, well designed solution at each site. We tender projects at times for the most cost-effective replacements. This approach aids in reducing risk and challenges, both from a public safety and economic impact perspective.”

Additionally, our solutions consider climate change impacts, such as weather and runoff changes. We engage environmental specialists to help assess fish passage considerations. These specialists help identify fish passage requirements and highlight considerations for design flowrates when upstream habitat will not support fish habitat. 

Many First Nations communities are located in the vicinity of these replacement sites, including on roadways that provide sole access to communities and where drainage is a critical consideration. Our team has actively engaged and communicated with First Nations on all sites. Provincial and National Parks are also within the project areas. Consultation with First Nations and keeping stakeholders informed streamlines the transition from detailed design to construction.

Rehabilitation of Bailie Booster Pumping Station and Reservoir safeguards reliability of water supply in Halton Region

Posted on by Ryan (ODG)

Halton Region is a growing municipality in southwestern Ontario, with a population of approximately 600,000. The Region provides high quality drinking water to residents and businesses, and maintains an active program to continuously improve its drinking water system. 

The Region’s Bailie Booster Pumping Station and Reservoir supply water to the Burlington area. As part of its asset management program, the Region retained Associated to upgrade and rehabilitate the pump station and reservoir. The pumping station upgrades include replacing the plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, booster pumps and piping/valving, chlorine storage and dosing system, motor control centre, standby power and electrical systems, instrumentation and supervisory control and data acquisition system, along with required structural rehabilitation.

The two-celled, underground, concrete reservoir has a storage capacity of 17.5 million litres. The top of the reservoir is grassed, creating a park like setting. Structural rehabilitation of the reservoir involves removing the existing grass surface and waterproofing system and installing a new hot applied rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane system on the reservoir roof slabs. After membrane replacement, landscaping over the roof is reinstated. The main goal of the waterproofing replacement is to update the reservoir to meet new potable water storage guidelines and minimize the risk of contaminant infiltration. 

The site drainage design and sizing of the reservoir subdrain system considered climate change and anticipated increased frequency of and heavier precipitation events. More extreme seasonal temperatures and increase in relative humidity were considered in the design of the pump station heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. All process piping will also be insulated to address expected increase in humidity.

Project Manager, Anna Comerton, tells us, “The upgrades to the pumping station must be staged to allow continued operation of the station, as it is an integral part of the Burlington water supply system and cannot be taken out of service for an extended period.” Interruption or reduction of service must be performed during low demand season to accommodate overall distribution system needs. Careful planning and communication with all stakeholders (e.g. Region Operations and contractor) are required, so that individual equipment is replaced and commissioned in a phased manner and minimizes any impact on operations. For example, we replaced one booster pump and associated piping/valving system at a time.

Similarly, replacing the main reservoir fill/draw header has been done in sections so that the period required for station shutdown is minimized (e.g. less than 24 hours) and occurs during low demand season when an alternate station can handle the demand.

Residences surround the project site on three sides in this quiet neighbourhood. Construction was planned to restrict working hours, mitigate noise and dust, identify location of soil stockpiling, provide privacy screening, limit the number and location of construction vehicles, and prohibit idling trucks on residential streets. The Region also has a project ambassador assisting with communicating updates to the community and addressing questions.

Halton Region engaged Associated Engineering in 2018 to complete preliminary and detailed design and tender the rehabilitation works. Construction began in Spring 2021. The upgrades to the pumping station are in progress and are expected to be completed by early 2023. Cell 1 waterproofing was completed in the Fall 2021, and Cell 2 waterproofing is now in progress. Outside works are anticipated to be completed by Fall 2022.

Key personnel involved on this project include Anna Comerton, Joanne Verstegen, Carlos Baez, Roman Gluzman, Roy Gong, Azad Khamforoush, David Holyer, and Behnood Salehi.

Gold Sponsor of the 11th International Conference on Short and Medium Span Bridges

Posted on by Ryan (ODG)

Associated Engineering is proud to support this year’s International Conference on Short and Medium Span Bridges, hosted in Toronto, ON from July 19th to 22nd. In addition to being a Gold Sponsor of the 11th edition of this prestigious global gathering of bridge designers, specifiers, contractors, owners, and researchers, we are honoured to have many members of our bridges and transportation structures practices selected to participate in the technical program, as authors and presenters. We are also pleased to highlight the keynote speaker on July 21st, is our Past Vice President of Transportation Structures, Don Kennedy. We hope everyone enjoys the networking and learning about the latest developments with many peers in the bridge community!

Associated staff participating in the technical program:

Tuesday, July 19
15:20 – 17:00
Short Course #6
Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) – Design and Construction Material Attributes for Bridges in Canada
Speaker: Katrin Habel


Wednesday, July 20
10:40 – 11:00
Advancing Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code Hydrotechnical Provisions
Co-author: John van der Eerden

11:00 – 11:20
Prince Edward Viaduct Inspection, Assessment, and Renewal 
Co-authors: Dan MacDonald-Lockhart, Sarvejit Nagi, Don Kennedy 
Presenter: Dan MacDonald-Lockhart

11:40 – 12:00
Calibration of New Design Wind and Ice Loads for Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code Based on Ultimate Return Period and Considering Climate Change Effects
Co-author: Don Kennedy

13:30 – 13:50 
Field Study of Stable Unbonded-Fiber Reinforced Elastomeric Bearings
Co-author: Dan MacDonald-Lockhart

16:00 – 16:20
St. Andrews Lock and Dam Bridge Deck Replacement and Strengthening
Co-authors: Justine Meyers, Craig Schaper
Co-presenter: Justine Meyers

16:40 – 17:00
Constructability Consideration for Bridge Design and Optimization 
Co-authors: Helen Du, David Harvey 
Presenter: Helen Du


Thursday, July 21

8:30 – 9:50
Climate Change Adaption for Transportation Structures – Its Impact on the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and Evolving Practice
Keynote Speaker: Don Kennedy

11:20 – 11:40
New Life for Aging Infrastructure
Co-authors: Katrin Habel, David Harvey
Presenter: Katrin Habel

11:20 – 11:40
The Duggan Bridge Replacement 
Author: Rowan Shields
Presenter: Rowan Shields

11:20 – 11:40 
Seismic Shear Design of Reinforced Concrete Columns in The CHBDC 
Co-author: Don Kennedy

11:40 – 12:00
Fires, Floods, & Ice Jams – A Decade of Bridge Asset Management & Disaster Recovery in Fort McMurray, AB
Author: Sara Wadlow
Presenter: Sara Wadlow

11:40 – 12:00
Widening of the Anthony Henday Drive North Saskatchewan River Bridge 
Co-authors: Lathan Arasaratnam, Michael Paulsen 
Presenter: Drew Teal

14:30 – 14:50
Bulkley River Bridge —Engineering path for prolonging the service life of a 55-year old timber bridge
Co-authors: Julien Henley, Dale Harrison
Presenter: Julien Henley

16:00 – 16:20
The Design Challenges of the new Haisla Bridge Replacement 
Co-authors: Winnie Li, Jason Dowling, Nik Cuperlovic
Presenter: Winnie Li

16:20 – 16:40
Widening of Westbound Stoney Trail Crossing Over the Bow River 
Co-authors: Drew Teal, Lathan Arasaratnam, Michael Paulsen 
Presenter: Drew Teal


Friday, July 22

14:10 – 14:30
Crowchild Trail Bridge over Bow River – Widening and Rehabilitation 
Co-authors: David Nagy, David Harvey 
Presenter: David Nagy

15:40 – 16:00
Bridge Inspections Using Established RPAS Workflow
Author: Chris Schmelzle
Presenter: Chris Schmelzle

16:00 – 16:20
City of Moose Jaw Thunderbird Viaduct Rehabilitation
Co-authors: Stephen Chiasson, Alex Lyon
Presenter: Stephen Chiasson

16:20 – 16:40
Seismic Assessment of Roger Pierlet Bridge
Co-authors: Kiarash Kaveh, Jason Dowling
Presenter: Kiarash Kaveh

Affordable seniors’ complexes help meet residential and accessibility needs in Southern Alberta

Posted on by Ryan (ODG)

The Lethbridge Housing Authority provides safe, secure, and affordable housing for people in need in the Lethbridge region. In 2017, the Authority, with funding by Lansol Ltd., sought to develop affordable, accessible living for senior applicants, as a P3 (Public-Private Partnership) with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The project is part of a $444 million investment through the Canada Alberta Housing Benefit that funds rent support for nearly 35,500 Alberta households.

Lansol Ltd. engaged Associated Engineering to complete outline planning, rezoning, conceptual land-use layouts, preliminary and detailed design of off-site services, permit drawings, civil and electrical design for on-site services, landscape design for the open-space areas, and accessible sidewalk design. We also coordinated with third parties involved in the project, provided construction inspection for civil works, and coordinated geotechnical and testing works and various permits.

The original legal and zoning plan envisioned a high-rise apartment complex and eight duplex condo units along the boundary. The condo units were constructed prior to Lansol acquiring the land. Rezoning for a new land use required public engagement with the existing condo association to change the land use. Approval was required by all of the condo residents, prior to rezoning and subdividing the land. 

The project’s proposed schedule was to complete the Outline Plan amendment, rezoning, subdivision, development permit, off-site services, on-site design, civil construction and building construction within a year. Typically, this process could take upwards of three years. Through our collective and collaborative efforts with the City of Lethbridge Administration, we received timely feedback to fast track the schedule for permits and tender ready drawings packages.

The multi-family site was focused on affordable seniors’ complexes, and, as a result, half of the buildings constructed are accessible. Project Manager, Billy Crawford, explains, “Half of the parking was required to be barrier-free to accommodate the accessible housing, which made it a challenge to meet the parking criteria on the limited amount of paved surface. Our project team evaluated innovative land-use options, including strategic building placement and alternative stormwater management solutions to maximize efficient use of the land.” 

“Conventional stormwater management facilities, including ponds, was not viable due to limited space. Our team came up with an innovative approach to create underground stormwater storage by upsizing the minor system pipes.” 

The electrical design was unique for a multi-family development, as it was hosted by one electrical meter in order to minimize administrative costs and offer cost savings in the future, as the units are being marketed as rentals. The team developed a servicing strategy whereby the units were powered from a switchboard on-site, instead of the typical multiple electrical transformers. We serviced all the buildings with deep and shallow utilities, including streetlights, and power plugs to the parking stalls.

Communication was important in developing and sharing the concepts of the proposed buildings, and key site features. Billy shares, “During construction, our resident inspector, Emilee Kaupp, would regularly check in with residents to answer their questions or concerns related to schedule, construction activities, and temporary utility service shut offs. 

Associated Engineering also worked collaboratively with the home builder, Avonlea Homes Ltd., to deliver a successful project on an unprecedented schedule. To date, the project has received positive feedback from the surrounding neighborhood.

Our key personnel on this project included Billy Crawford, Emilee Kaupp, Kristi Stickel-Burke, Adam McDonald, and Mario Nunez. 

Shaping our Shared Future – Stan Torgunrud

Posted on by Ryan (ODG)

In 2013, Stan Torgunrud, a Civil Engineer in our Regina office, responded to a call for volunteers for an engineering assignment in Rwanda for the non-profit organization Water For People. The assignment was part of the Rulindo Challenge, an initiative by the Rwandan government, local leaders and Water For People to bring full water coverage to the Rulindo district. Collaborating with the local project team was an exciting and memorable experience for Stan. Although the assignment had limited scope, it gave Stan a glimpse of a successful district-wide model for bringing safe water and sanitation to communities.  

At the time, Stan didn’t expect this call to action to lead to years of involvement with the organization back in Canada. After returning to Regina, Stan continued volunteering for Water For People Canada, organizing fundraisers including curling bonspiels, bowling nights, and silent auctions. Since 2014, Stan has served on the Board of Directors of Water For People Canada including a term as Treasurer from 2015 through 2021. During this period, Water For People Canada has supported water and sanitation projects in Bolivia and Peru. Today, Water For People Canada is shifting its focus to the water crisis that impacts many of Canada’s Indigenous communities.  

Water and sanitation are also central to Stan’s professional focus. As a Project Manager in our Regina office’s Water Division, Stan works with First Nations, municipalities, and private clients to develop water and wastewater treatment solutions that best benefit the community and the organization.  

Outside work, Stan enjoys keeping active playing tennis, running, cycling, and skiing, with his wife and two children. He looks forward to plenty of camping and travelling when the kids are a wee bit older!

Calgary Zoo’s flood mitigation pumping system is a key component of the City of Calgary’s Flood Resilience Plan

Posted on by Ryan (ODG)

In June 2013, the City of Calgary experienced the worst flooding in its history, resulting in billions of dollars of damage, including over $50 million of damage to the Calgary Zoo, located on St. George’s Island in the Bow River. ISL Engineering and Land Services engaged Associated Engineering as a key partner to develop the Zoo’s flood mitigation system, a sheet pile cofferdam wall, watertight barrier, and pumping system. Our Environmental Division, Associated Environmental Consultants, provided essential hydrogeological services for the project. 

To provide a clear understanding of the highly complex island hydrogeology, we developed a state-of-the-art, 3D numerical model that allowed us to analyze the combined effects of the river flood hydrograph, the number of wells, their locations, and pumping rates throughout the design. The model was infinitely more important in construction, since it then allowed us to measure the effectiveness of the cut-off wall, and the pump performance, which would confirm the level of flood protection provided by the system. A flexible, risk-informed design helped mitigate the ‘known unknowns’ and optimize the final system’s performance.

Simplicity and reliability of system integration and automation into Zoo operations were priorities. We provided Zoo operators with a familiar interactive interface to remotely monitor performance of the system and groundwater levels across the island in real time from their central control room.

Preservation of the Calgary Zoo, the City’s first developed park space, sensitive riparian habitat, mature trees, and native vegetation were key factors in selecting the least invasive and most effect flood mitigation solution. Restoration of essential riparian edges between the riverbank and sheet pile wall returned the site to its natural pre-development condition.

Upstream mitigation that includes the Springbank off-stream reservoir on the Elbow River, modified operation of existing reservoirs on the Bow River, as well as a future reservoir, will provide greater protection against less frequent events.

Neal Barretto, Environmental Scientist, tells us, “The numerical model used for the planning stage of the dewatering systems is unique. Research indicated that few groundwater/surface water interaction modelling was completed at such a small scale for an island within a river.” Additionally, the sheet pile walls were introduced into the model using vertical no flow boundaries and hydraulic permeability of the base bedrock layer adjusted to allow for percentage leakage resulting due to connections between the sheet pile plate sections.

Given the uncertainties of climate change, the Zoo’s flood protection is designed to be easily adaptable by either raising perimeter wall heights or modifying pumping rates. Neal says, “By investing money up front in adding more monitoring pieces to the whole system, the Zoo will save money in the future as we will be able to fine tune the pumping system. This will reduce the operating cost of the pump and prolong the lifecycle of the pumping system.”

Ongoing monitoring provides assurance of dewatering system’s performance

Since the project completion in 2018, Associated Environmental has worked with the City of Calgary and the Calgary Zoo to provide support for the Zoo’s dewatering system, and upgrade the passive monitoring system to improve its ease of use and cost-effectiveness.  We also oversee the monitoring of systems and the pumping system operations and performance. In 2022, we will complete a detailed well inspection as part of the five-year inspection program.

In June, using the monitoring system, we were able to see the strength of the pumping system during a heavy rainfall event. The event caused minor flooding in parts of Calgary, but not at the zoo, where monitoring results showed that the water levels were stable. It was the first time the dewatering system was ‘stressed’, as Calgary and the surrounding area experienced high rainfall.

Our key personnel on this project include Neal Barretto, Robin Clee, Cory Lukacs, Corinne Arkell, Joe White, and Scott Witzke.

Making connections has been key to Sarvejit Nagi’s career in consulting engineering

Posted on by Ryan (ODG)

In high school, Sarvejit Nagi, Manager of our Bridges & Structures team in Toronto, was a high performing student in mathematics and physics. He also enjoyed building structures with Lego. These combined interests led Sarvejit to pursue a degree in civil/structural engineering. While at the University of Toronto, Sarvejit was mentored by a professor who specialized in reinforced concrete and steel design, which fostered his interest in structures. He also credits his sister, who runs a pharmaceutical consulting business, with providing mentorship.

As an engineering graduate, Sarvejit took on roles in materials inspection and as a construction assistant superintendent. Eventually, positions arose in structural inspection and bridge design. Sarvejit recalls, “I worked hard to improve my bridge design skills and was offered a permanent position as a transportation design engineer, which was a rare opportunity at the time.”

He tells us, “The first structural drawing I sealed was a tall cantilever retaining wall; this was a personal milestone.” Since, then Sarvejit has gained experience with more complex designs; each has given him a sense of satisfaction, particularly in-slab and beam-type bridges and three grade-separated rail bridges. 

After eight years with Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation Engineering Services, Sarvejit pursued positions in consulting engineering, motivated by the faster-paced environment. 

About eight years ago, Sarvejit became aware of Associated Engineering.

“I reviewed some of Associated’s engineering documents and appreciated the technical content. I was attracted to Associated by the quality of the work.”

Since joining the company in 2016, he says the management team, opportunity for personal development, growth, planning, and collaboration has kept him excited about working at Associated.

Some of Sarvejit’s project highlights include the Don River Boulevard Bridge Replacement; multiple (ten) bridge repairs in Toronto; and Steeles Avenue Rehabilitation; and Prince Edward Viaduct and Rosedale Valley Viaduct Rehabilitation. In particular, the luminous veil was an enormous undertaking, with a well-planned bridge inspection that led to evaluations, design, and construction administration. Working on the Owner’s Engineer team for the $1.88 billion Regina Bypass project was another highlight. 

“Our staff are our most valuable resource. We need to guide them in their career paths, provide mentorship, and share our experiences.”

As a Senior Structural Engineer and manager, Sarvejit says, “I enjoy seeing our staff grow and develop, including technical staff and Engineers-in-Training to Professionals. If you instill trust in staff, provide them with interesting and challenging projects and guidance, they can and will deliver.” Sarvejit believes in keeping communication open with staff, collaborating with other disciplines, providing support, and identifying key design considerations in their solutions. 

“My approach to working with clients and project delivery is to seek client input on the design, and understand their concerns and risks, so that the design meets their requirements.” 

Outside of work, Sarvejit is an avid sports fan, and a longtime Toronto Maple Leafs supporter. He enjoys tennis, golf, and badminton, and loves the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. He is also a member of a motorcycle club that supports local charities in Ontario.

Associated Engineering part of the team to deliver Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Renewal Project In Saskatchewan

Posted on by Ryan (ODG)

We are proud to announce that Associated Engineering is part of the team awarded the contract to deliver the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Renewal Project, working in collaboration with Graham, Aecon, and Stantec! The Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Renewal Project is the first water infrastructure project in Canada to be delivered using the Progressive Design Build model, which brings together construction, engineering, and operations to work collaboratively to deliver the project. Associated Engineering has worked with the team to complete the facility design and issued construction drawings with early construction activities beginning in June 2022 for this $273 million renewal. Associated Engineering is responsible for the civil, structural, electrical, and building mechanical design. Discipline leads Scott Miller, Risto Protic, Louis De Lange, and Peter Hooge (Associated’s Project Manager) have been engaged since the project kicked off in June 2020. The project will be constructed and commissioned in coordination with the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Corporation and is expected to be completed in 2025. 

The existing Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant was originally designed and constructed in the 1950’s to provide drinking water to the Cities of Regina and Moose Jaw. The facility has been expanded several times to accommodate increased water demand and population, but has not seen significant refurbishment since Associated Engineering designed the last expansion in 1988/89. The Buffalo Pound Renewal Project will modernize the facility with newer technologies, improve residuals management practices and increase the total capacity to 220 ML/d, while minimizing disruptions to the current operation during construction. The renewal design replaces the existing conventional clarification and filtration processes with high rate Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF), ozone for taste and odour reduction, and biological activated carbon filtration. Major components of the design also include the rehabilitation of existing structures, new and upgraded residual dewatering ponds for sludge handling, and a new administration building and workshop.

“I’m extremely proud of our design team and the collaborative approach taken to reach this exciting milestone,” says Doug Olson, Associated Engineering’s Senior Vice President, Water, and Quality Manager for the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Renewal. “I started my career with Associated Engineering as an inspector during the 1988 expansion of the Buffalo Pound WTP and it is always rewarding to be involved with repeat clients and plant expansions throughout my career.” Associated Engineering is excited to be part of this major renewal delivering improved operability, increased capacity and long-term reliability.