Archive of Terracon Articles About Facilities Services

Logistics Facilities Services Newsletter

terramedia — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:35:20 +0000

Retrofit your warehouse space to meet current needs

As your requirements grow and evolve, our logistics professionals have a large suite of services to help take your built facility where it needs to go. Whether you’ve had your warehouse for years or just acquired a new facility, we can make that property meet your specifications. Let’s get started.

Get the full picture first

Understanding a facility’s condition before you buy it gives you peace of mind that you’ve made a sound investment. When a logistics client had questions about whether to invest in an unused warehouse, Terracon facilities experts assessed the building using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) to provide 2D and 3D models. Both methods detected deflection in the wall panels, with possible water ponding on the roof above. Providing these two data sets in the same scope of work eliminated the need (and cost) of additional testing and gave the client a holistic view of the challenges to help them make informed decisions.

Building health covered – from top to bottom

Roof Assessments. One of the biggest assets at any facility, roofing keeps the elements out while protecting everyone and everything inside. Make sure concerns about your facility’s roof won’t hang over your head. Learn more.
Structural Assessment. A facilities condition assessment (FCA) gives a clear picture of where a facility is, making it easier to develop a plan for getting it where it needs to be. Here’s how.
Pavement Solutions Pavement might be an even larger asset than the roof. Our Pavement Technology Solutions can help set up a long-term pavement maintenance plan based on data – not speculation. Find out how.

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Easing the Way for Distribution Center, Warehouse & Terminal Upgrades

terramedia — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 14:09:36 +0000

Warehouse and terminal facilities are constantly evolving to meet the changing demand of the logistics sector. New technologies such as automatic storage retrieval systems, pallet dimensioning, and robots, place new demands on existing facilities. Terracon’s expert teams can help logistics facilities managers and owners meet these challenges head-on. Adding new components to a warehouse or terminal facility may create the need for geotechnical or structural analysis services. For example, adding an automated storage retrieval system may require new footings or structural framing. Terracon works closely with clients, architects, and the engineers of record to provide professional engineering services necessary for modifying existing warehouses, distribution centers, or terminal facilities. “Involving our team during the early design phase of a ‘structure within a structure’ project, we can provide a range of services throughout the life of the project,” said Brad Urhahn (Director of Major Accounts – Logistics).

Terracon Provides

Environmental and geotechnical due diligence
Existing facility condition assessment
Structural assessment, analysis, and recommendations
Construction materials testing during construction/installation necessary to meet design and building code requirements.

How can our professionals and services keep your next logistics project on track? Let’s connect to see how we can help at every stage of the project journey.

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Terracon Names Christopher McIntyre Senior Vice President and Florida Division Manager

terramedia — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 21:27:53 +0000

Jacksonville, Fla. – Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals, announces Christopher L. McIntyre, P.E., has been named senior vice president and Florida Division manager. The strategic change is designed to support client service, innovation, and project delivery as the company continues to grow its presence in Florida and the southeastern U.S. Drawing on nearly 16 years of experience, McIntyre will assume responsibility for overseeing the safety, leadership, growth, and strategic direction of Terracon’s Florida Division. After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in civil engineering, McIntyre relocated to northern Virginia, where he spent the first eight years of his career. During this time, he earned a Master of Engineering degree from George Mason University and obtained his professional engineering license. In 2013, McIntyre decided to return to his Florida roots and relocated to Jacksonville, where he launched his career with Terracon. McIntyre is actively involved in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Florida Engineering Society (FES), American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE). Additionally, he has successfully completed the FES Florida Engineering Leadership Institute and the ACEC Pathways to Executive Leadership program. Terracon is an employee-owned, multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 6,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 175 locations nationwide. Explore with us by visiting terracon.com.

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Mike Covert promoted to executive vice president for services and quality

terramedia — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 18:56:59 +0000

Fort Worth, Texas – Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals, announces a strategic organizational change to support client service, innovation, and project delivery as the company continues to grow. Mike Covert, P.G., has been promoted to executive vice president for services and quality. In this role, he is responsible for the continued growth and evolution of Terracon’s service lines, quality and project delivery, and sustainability. He previously served as senior vice president and national environmental service line director. Covert also served in other leadership roles since joining Terracon in 1998 as part of the acquisition of HBC Engineering. With more than 35 years of experience, Covert holds a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Texas at Dallas and a bachelor’s degree in geology from Southern Methodist University. He also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Baker University. Covert has been a contributor to the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) E50 Committee and served as the chair of the Environmental Business Council for the Geoprofessional Business Association (GBA). He is based in Terracon’s Forth Worth office. Terracon is an employee-owned, multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 6,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 175 locations nationwide. Explore with us by visiting terracon.com.

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Teaming Up to Deliver Winning Projects

terramedia — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 20:55:18 +0000

Terracon Works Alongside A/E/C Clients to Achieve a Common Goal

The traits of the best partners go far beyond talent. Integrity, trust, the ability to work toward a common goal, and having difficult conversations when necessary are the foundation of successful partnerships. When Terracon partners with our Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) clients, our job is often to provide the accurate, timely data our partners need to stay on schedule. Challenges can and do arise – the world is an imperfect place. We understand issues within the industry because it’s our industry, too. In fact, our A/E/C clients accounted for nearly a third of our projects and revenue in 2022. Collaborating with our partners means bringing solutions to your projects to solve problems or avoid challenges altogether.

Resources at the Ready

Our strength lies in our numbers and the expertise and commitment of our employee-owners. With more than 6,000 scientists, engineers, and other professionals, we offer nationwide networks of expertise in several key areas, including environmental services, materials testing and laboratories, geotechnical services, industrial hygiene, facilities services, and more. The diversity of services means we can help your A/E/C project both now and in the future. Local expertise gives our clients knowledgeable partners who can help anticipate and possibly avoid challenges unique to a particular state or region. And our fleet of drill rigs, laboratories, and other resources helps cut the time needed to gather and analyze necessary data.

Making More Informed Decisions Through Technology

Technology is transforming the A/E/C industry. At Terracon, we use several technological innovations to maximize the value of the data our clients entrust us to gather. We enhance our consulting services through data-driven decision-making and provide software-as-a-service solutions to put the power of technology into our clients’ hands. We offer two technology solutions that help streamline the site selection process for our A/E/C clients on a wide variety of projects. We can work with clients remotely and our innovative platform unlocks powerful, site-specific data and anticipated subsurface conditions allowing for a quick advance into planning and preliminary designs and budgets without setting foot on the proposed project site. We have a software-as-a-service offering delivering location-based intelligence to clients performing preliminary siting and routing solutions for renewable energy and other large linear projects. We’ve also developed technology tools to simplify searching for specific testing results on large projects. Our GIS-based platform puts testing results right on the project site map. Finding a particular test result is as easy as clicking on the area where the test was taken, providing a better understanding of the critical nature of any specific test on the overall project. In many ways, data is our business. We’re committed to continually innovating to help our clients find new ways to maximize the data we gather.

Resiliency Services that Benefit Companies as well as the Environment

Sustainability is as important to us as it is to our A/E/C clients. Our cultural and natural resource professionals, NEPA planners, scientists, and landscape architects excel at providing the services needed to navigate the complexity of environmental regulations. We can help identify and clearly walk you through each step of the permitting requirements specific to your project needs, allowing you to prioritize and stay ahead of potential hurdles. Whether we’re helping to protect people and natural resources, enhance ecosystem services, or extend the life of facilities, we bring a sustainability and resiliency mindset to our projects that go beyond the obvious needs to find opportunities that champion the stewardship legacy of our projects. We’re also intently focused on sustainability in our own business practices. We understand the challenges involved because we leverage the same services ourselves that we provide to our clients to continually improve and make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.

Welcoming the Opportunity to Overcome Challenges

Good planning is important. So is adaptability when plans change. We are in the business of not only providing data and answers that are good news, but also on occasion when it is not. “We’re going to be there to tell you when things aren’t what you want to hear,” Laura Campa, P.E., materials assistant service line director said. “But we’re also going to partner with you to come to a solution and figure out how to get those items corrected.” Good news or bad, we have the solutions to help at every step of the project journey.

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Solid Facility Performance Starts at the Top

terramedia — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 14:48:53 +0000

Don’t overlook roofs – one of the largest components in warehouse integrity

When it comes to warehouses, not all roofs are created equal. Regularly inspecting and assessing your warehouse facility’s roof throughout its lifecycle is part of a roof asset management program. Terracon’s experienced teams provide services for roof inspection, design, construction oversight, and contractor solicitation. Most often roofing assessment for warehouses are performed as part of a Property Condition Assessment (PCA) during the due-diligence phase of a real estate transaction as providing a snapshot of the roof’s condition. Issues with warehouse roofs are frequently related to the sheer volume of the roof surface, not necessarily the complexity of the design. For example, cold storage warehouses are subject to greater differentials between outside and inside temperatures, potentially leading to moisture intrusion from increased vapor drive. Converted cold storage properties could have issues with foundation slabs and roof systems not designed for cold storage. Project accessibility and size pose significant consulting challenges, including the access costs of a traditional building condition assessment. Terracon’s facilities professionals use our internal drone resources, to provide more effective, efficient means of visual assessment of difficult-to-reach building systems. This approach yields greater accuracy, coverage, and safety. With our advanced capabilities, we can provide visual information, infrared imaging, and 3D imaging of a structure’s exterior. This augments our visual assessment to deliver more comprehensive information and findings typically with less cost, minimal building interruption, and faster turnaround time. Moisture surveys can point to potential trouble spots in warehouse roofing before problems reach a critical stage. For example, problems with vapor barriers or other roof elements can be solved more easily when discovered early. Warehouse roofs may also have asbestos, and Terracon’s team can help monitor contractors during removal protocols and replacements. As the pace of demand for distribution centers, fulfillment centers, warehouses (including cold storage), intermodal, and other logistics facilities, continues to grow at an unprecedented pace across the U.S., partnering with the right professional engineering consultant early is key. Contact us for your next warehouse project today!

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Don’t Let Pavement Management Fall Through the Cracks

terramedia — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 14:21:16 +0000

Pavement Technology Solutions Help You Manage a Large, Often Overlooked Asset

Pavement is a considerable asset at logistics facilities. Unfortunately, it is an asset that is routinely neglected. Heavy truck traffic, severe weather, de-icing chemicals, snowplows, and lack of maintenance add substantial strain on the pavement and can seriously affect its longevity. As a result, owners and operators pay for costly replacements and are subjected to slowdowns in facility operations during reconstruction activities. So, what is our industry’s response to this challenge, and what are some of the best practices for managing pavement assets? Studies show that the successful long-term performance of pavement can be directly correlated to having a comprehensive management plan. After completing exhaustive market research, Terracon has developed Pavement Technology Solutions that leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital data collection to provide thorough assessments of pavement conditions. This process empowers our professionals and partners with data to better strategize and plan timely maintenance and rehabilitation activities. As a result, we can efficiently budget and streamline expenditures, while improving the pavement condition in the future.

Planning for future pavement success

A pavement condition index (PCI) allows us to quantify existing pavement distresses and to benchmark pavement conditions across multiple facilities throughout the lifecycle of your assets. A PCI summarizes the type, severity, and extent of pavement issues such as potholes and alligator cracking, helping to prioritize repair and preventive maintenance dollars where most needed. Once the PCI is determined, our pavement experts can help by providing you short- and long-term strategies for efficient pavement maintenance allowing you to farther stretch you capital expenditures. A pavement management plan can help you set your future maintenance budgets while greatly reducing the risk of unexpected major repairs or replacement. Having a team of professionals to establish and manage a cadence for assessing your entire portfolio of facilities, then providing guidance and solutions along the way, is critical to maximize and asset life and your investments.

Speed at every step of the pavement management process

Speed is an essential component in logistics operations, and we bring that urgency to our Pavement Technology Solutions services. Our data collection process utilizes vehicle-mounted cameras to gather pavement information rapidly, safely, and efficiently. We then use AI to convert that data into mosaic imagery for real-time visual documentation of pavement conditions, to help ensure repeatability and remove human bias. We can create a repository of technical data and visual documentation readily available to showcase the historical evolution of your pavement.

Ask Yourself…

General: Does your company currently have a strategic plan to manage pavement assets and understands the total area of pavement throughout your portfolio of properties? Budgeting: What does your annual CapEx spend for pavement rehabilitation, repairs, and maintenance entail and how is it currently allocated? Design: Do you have a professional engineering team engaged in managing your entire portfolio of facilities and a process to produce bid documents consistently and efficiently for construction? Operations: How often do poor pavement conditions impact productivity at your facilities? Our nationwide network of engineering professionals and laboratories gives us the resources to make recommendations on any needed pavement rehabilitation, repairs, and maintenance at the pace of your business; we can also provide any assistance needed to bid and award work to qualified pavement contractors. Together, we can create a plan, reduce uncertainty and poor pavement conditions and make life easier!

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A Trusted Partner for Every Phase of the Project Journey

terramedia — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 20:22:32 +0000

Projects are like fingerprints; the combination of location, timing, elements, budgets, risk tolerance, and other factors makes each one unique. The needs of today, next month, next year, and the next five years can vary greatly depending on those same factors. Terracon has evolved with the times, developing innovative new services and combining them with traditional methods so we can be a partner on your project journey now and into the future. We’ve broken down the project journey into four phases – Site Selection, Design and Mitigate, Construction, and Manage Assets – to help meet clients where they are now and set a plan for the future. The ability to see the trees and the forest allows us to meet client needs with flexibility and efficiency. Here’s a glance at each phase of the project journey:

Site Selection

Better data faster is the key to site selection. We use innovative, technology-based solutions to give our clients the information they need to make informed decisions. Stage1 delivers a report of preliminary expected subsurface and environmental conditions on virtually any project site in the country, allowing our clients to make an apples-to-apples comparison before choosing a site. Pivvot’s linear siting solutions helps our clients make the best choice for large, complicated projects like pipelines and transmission lines. Founded more than 55 years ago as a geotechnical firm, we’ve stayed true to our roots as we’ve grown. The nation’s largest fleet of drill rigs means our clients get the soils and other geotechnical data needed to keep projects on schedule.

Design and Mitigate

If and when an environmental or geotechnical challenge is identified they can quickly inflate timelines and budgets without proper planning. We have some of the most trusted consultants in both fields of expertise. Our clients have access to our nationwide network of certified industrial hygienists; and we were once again ranked No. 1 in asbestos and lead abatement for the ninth consecutive year according to Engineering News-Record’s 2022 rankings.

Construction

Materials testing, inspection, and data management are essential once ground has broken. Our nationwide network of more than 140 laboratories makes sure quality assurance, quality control, and special inspection services are nearby, so timelines aren’t slowed by waiting on results. Large projects like power plants, logistics sites, and stadiums can produce reams of testing data. TARGETID, our innovative, GIS-based solution puts testing data on the map, bringing an end to the days of searching through endless spreadsheets for a specific result. Local, state, and federal building codes must also be considered during construction. Leaky windows and roofs can quickly inflate a budget. So can non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Our facilities experts can help you address these issues before they become challenges to help construction finish on-time.

Manage Assets

Efficiency is at the heart of a high return on investment in facilities of all ages. This includes the parking lots around facilities. We can provide clients a pavement management plan that regulates maintenance costs and keeps parking lots in safe working order without the need for large, unexpected repairs. That same planning is beneficial for HVAC and other important systems within facilities, so that maintenance, repairs, and replacement can be worked into the budget. The best people, the right resources, innovative tools, proper planning, and a trusted partner are essential elements to a great journey. Regardless of where your project is or where it’s headed, Terracon is ready to work with you at every step.

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Terracon Helps Clients Maximize Multifamily Assets

terramedia — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 20:14:28 +0000

Multifamily facilities present investors and developers with a blend of opportunity and unique challenges. Whether it’s an apartment complex, student housing, townhomes, or even hotels, Terracon’s team of facilities experts can provide you with the information you need to make critical decisions at every stage of a building’s lifecycle. Terracon’s experienced staff help investors navigate the challenges of multifamily facilities including interpretation of state and federal housing requirements; building, occupant health, and accessibility regulations; energy usage analysis and optimization; and environmental assessment and management. Once buildings are in service, our consultants can provide value added assessment, repair design, and asset management services to keep buildings performing as planned. Even though Terracon has a national footprint, our dedicated client management and specialized consulting teams are dedicated to your projects. Through innovation such as Terracon’s map-based project delivery platform, Client Portal, combined with simple listening and communication, our project teams deliver the results you need on time, within budget, and in a way not possible anywhere else in our industry.

Terracon Multifamily Asset Management Services

Facility Asset Management Programs
Pavement and Roof Evaluation and Management
Structural Monitoring, Assessment, and Repair Design
MEP and Energy Studies
Building Enclosure Testing and Assessment
Environmental Testing and Assessment
Immediate and Long-Term Capital Expenditures
Re (Retro) Commissioning
System Replacement and Rehabilitation Design
Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Construction Administration
Facility Condition Assessments
Repurposing Evaluation

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Troubleshooting pinhole leaks in healthcare piping systems

terramedia — Tue, 24 May 2022 13:43:53 +0000

Managers can prevent problems by understanding water piping materials and causes of corrosion

Effects of a pinhole leak

Domestic water piping distribution in hospitals and other healthcare facilities can be critical to reliable and cost-effective operations. These facilities rely on domestic water systems to provide clients and residents with potable water for their hygiene and consumption. One challenge to these systems is the emergence of pinhole leaks – the sometimes-hidden degraders of piping systems that can lead to costly re-piping of entire properties if left unchecked. Pinhole leaks particularly impact facilities that promote the use of soft water as a desired attribute for clients where comfort is a core aspect of a property’s maintenance and operations plan. To diminish the likelihood of pinhole leaks developing in healthcare facilities, facility managers need to know the composition characteristics of piping materials, understand water chemistry and have it tested occasionally.

The right materials

The piping material used should depend on the application, water quality and resistance to corrosion for the specific location and water use. Galvanized steel is fabricated steel coated with zinc. Galvanized steel pipe has the advantages of steel pipe, as well as improved corrosion resistance in most environments. It can fail in environments with high sodium, such as hard water that has been softened, because the sodium makes the adherent oxide film detach and react more like steel pipe, resulting in oxide flaking. Copper pipes are more expensive but weigh less than steel and might cost less to install, depending on weight and labor restrictions. Copper also is generally less reactive to other chemicals and more corrosion-resistant than steel or galvanized steel. Stainless steel is widely considered resistant to all types of corrosion. Anaerobic and chloride corrosion can affect stainless steel pipes, although in the past 20 years, thinner-wall stainless steel has been installed as an alternative to galvanized steel and copper pipe, primarily for domestic potable-water piping. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) piping is found in some healthcare applications. It is very resistant to most corrosion, though not to solvents and some oils. One concern about PVC is that it does not comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 90A regarding flame and smoke spread requirements for HVAC systems. Copper piping is the most resilient choice. While PVC and CPVC pipe materials are more resilient than copper in terms of water chemistry, they do not comply with NFPA 90A in return-air plenums, and the water chemistry can degrade its adhesives. Galvanized steel had been used traditionally, but over time it can wear down to bare steel, which can contaminate the domestic potable water. Polyethylene cross-linked (PEX) piping has become widely used in residential plumbing systems. It is very flexible and often requires frequent or continuous support.

Avoiding corrosion

Corrosion is a critical issue to address in process water piping and domestic water piping systems. Generally, process hydronic heating or cooling systems employ corrosion inhibitors and biocides. Nitrites and molybdates are the most common corrosion inhibitors. Separate inhibitors are added to protect yellow metals, such as copper, in closed, process piping systems. Steel piping in closed, process piping and domestic water systems is resistant to corrosion if it is in a high pH environment. A water pH range of 8-10.5 is commonly used for steel piping systems. Steel might be subject to corrosion if the water pH is low or individual chemicals attack the steel. Dielectric fittings are preferred when dissimilar metals are connected such as steel and copper. Pinhole leaks in copper systems can commonly result from pitting corrosion, which is a localized breakdown of a protective film or layer of corrosion products, and from erosion corrosion, which is a combination of a mechanical wear and electrochemical corrosion process. Pinhole water leaks are often found near or around fittings and joints of the water distribution system piping. Galvanic corrosion – when two dissimilar metals are in contact with an electrolyte such as water – does not normally cause copper failure, but it can cause failure of other metals such as steel used in the piping system. Uniform copper corrosion, which is a general dissolving of the metal wall, is unavoidable but can be influenced by certain water chemistry conditions. The cleanliness of the brazing process of copper piping can be a significant factor in the strength of the joint and whether pinhole water leaks will develop as the system ages. Proper cleaning before and after brazing of the portions of the piping where the connection is made is important to having a lasting joint. Joints that have not been cleaned properly tend to eventually develop leaks. The lack of cleaning of the pipe joints also can lead to turbulent water flows and pipe erosion near the joints.

Understanding water chemistry

Domestic water chemistry is typically based upon the concentration of dissolved minerals in the water supply. Technically, hard water is typically above 120 ppm and is defined as having a high concentration of multivalent positive ions, such as calcium and magnesium, which are normally collected by ground water. Soft water is typically below 60 ppm and has a lower concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. It is not uncommon for healthcare facilities to have standalone water softener systems because municipal-provided water can be deemed too hard. Proper system maintenance includes taking care not to induce chemicals that would overly soften the water, as well as understanding piping materials, causes of corrosion and water chemistry. These components all work together to help assure the safe and reliable operation of a healthcare facility. Reprinted with permission from HealthcareFacilitiesToday.com.

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