Materials Engineering & Testing Archives - Terracon https://www.terracon.com/category/materials-2/ Just another WordPress site Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:37:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.terracon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-Terracon_BrandIcon_RGB-favicon-32x32.png Materials Engineering & Testing Archives - Terracon https://www.terracon.com/category/materials-2/ 32 32 Terracon Launches Alternate Delivery Group Focused on Transportation Infrastructure https://www.terracon.com/2023/08/23/terracon-launches-alternate-delivery-group-focused-on-transportation-infrastructure/ Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:37:26 +0000 https://www.terracon.com/?p=24190 OLATHE, Kan. – Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals announces the creation of its Alternate Delivery Division, a team of professionals dedicated to working ...

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OLATHE, Kan. – Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals announces the creation of its Alternate Delivery Division, a team of professionals dedicated to working on design-build, public-private partnership (P3), construction manager/general contractor and other alternate delivery projects. Terracon’s alternate delivery group is designed to deliver a consistent experience to clients while continuing to evolve to meet the changing needs of the fast-paced transportation industry. With a focus on quality, consistency and reliability, the alternate delivery division led by David Lipka, P.E., who has recently been named national director. Lipka brings more than three decades of experience in geotechnical and materials engineering services to the team, including extensive experience in the delivery of design-build, progressive design-build, P3 and other alternate delivery methods for transportation and infrastructure projects. In addition to Lipka, the leadership team includes three national managers who will oversee and lead project performance, serve as project executives, and will guide the client experience in their regions across the United States. The national managers include Rick Chesnut, P.E., P.G. for the western U.S., Michael Wigger, P.E. for central U.S., and Scott Gutowski, P.E. for the eastern U.S. 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 https://www.terracon.com/2023/07/14/teaming-up-to-deliver-winning-projects/ Fri, 14 Jul 2023 20:55:18 +0000 https://www.terracon.com/?p=24059 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 ...

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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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Established Pacific Northwest Area Materials Engineering Firm Embraces Terracon Name https://www.terracon.com/2023/05/24/established-pacific-northwest-area-materials-engineering-firm-embraces-terracon-name/ Wed, 24 May 2023 21:15:23 +0000 https://www.terracon.com/?p=23955 Mayes Testing Engineers adopts new identity to align with Terracon SEATTLE – Mayes Testing Engineers, Inc., a leading provider of construction quality assurance services in the Pacific Northwest, announced its full transition to Terracon. The ...

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Mayes Testing Engineers adopts new identity to align with Terracon SEATTLE – Mayes Testing Engineers, Inc., a leading provider of construction quality assurance services in the Pacific Northwest, announced its full transition to Terracon. The Mayes team provides special inspections, materials testing, condition surveys, and other materials consulting for owners, developers, architects, contractors, and structural engineers. “We have enjoyed being a part of Terracon over the last seven years and offering our clients’ expanded capabilities throughout Seattle and the Puget Sound region and are now ready to continue as Terracon,” said Kevin Graham, principal and office manager of Terracon’s Materials office in Lynnwood, Washington. Since joining Terracon in 2016, the Mayes team has continued to provide its core services in coordination with Terracon’s service lines. It complements the company’s environmental, facilities, geotechnical and materials capabilities to bring the office count to 80. Mayes Testing Engineers, Inc. was formed in 1991 by acquiring Boss Testing, initially established in 1984. Locally owned and operated, Mayes is known as one of the largest providers of construction quality assurance services in the Pacific Northwest, with in-depth structural steel, concrete, soils, masonry, structural wood, asphalt, and non-destructive testing experience. Earlier this year Terracon transitioned environmental health and safety training company, Argus Pacific, into its brand. The Seattle-based provider specializes in custom classes in asbestos, lead, mold, hazardous waste, emergency response, and numerous other occupational health and safety topics.

About Terracon

Terracon is an employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm with 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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Show Up and Keep Up https://www.terracon.com/2023/03/09/show-up-and-keep-up/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:40:25 +0000 https://www.terracon.com/?p=23732 Alternate Delivery Group Ready to Meet the Needs of Dynamic Transportation Projects Fast is the pace at which design-build, public-private partnership (P3), and other alternate-delivery transportation projects move. Consistency in leadership, processes, and deliverables are ...

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Alternate Delivery Group Ready to Meet the Needs of Dynamic Transportation Projects

Fast is the pace at which design-build, public-private partnership (P3), and other alternate-delivery transportation projects move. Consistency in leadership, processes, and deliverables are essential to keeping each unique project on schedule. This was the inspiration behind Terracon creating a new alternate delivery group. While no two alternate delivery projects are alike, our clients can expect a consistent and reliable experience from project to project, no matter where it’s located.

Meeting the Unique Demands of Alternate Delivery

Being a trusted partner requires meeting clients where they’re at. This mindset led to the creation of the alternate delivery group, so our services to transportation clients could evolve alongside changes in the industry. “We created the alternate delivery group out of our transportation and infrastructure sector to get laser-focused on consistency in the pursuit, execution, and delivery of transportation projects,” Chief Growth Officer Michael O’Grady said. “Today there is a tremendous number of transportation projects going into alternate delivery, whether it be design-build or P3. It takes a certain amount of expertise to understand how to manage those projects and deliver to our clients, so we felt we needed a group to focus strictly on that part of the transportation market.” Alternate delivery projects have their own rhythm. As the emphasis on timing and scheduling increases, so does the need for experienced professionals who can manage the challenges at hand, with the foresight to anticipate and plan for any potential future issues. “The alt-delivery structure allows us to narrow in on the needs of our clients as well as the risk associated with these projects. At the same time, we will manage those risks to effectively meet project needs and schedules,” O’Grady said. Alternate delivery projects will become more streamlined as their numbers continue to grow. The experienced professionals in Terracon’s alternate delivery group have the specialized skills and experience to partner with you every step of the way. Let’s get to work on your next project.

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A Trusted Partner for Every Phase of the Project Journey https://www.terracon.com/2022/09/27/a-partner-for-every-stage-of-the-project-journey/ Tue, 27 Sep 2022 20:22:32 +0000 https://www.terracon.com/?p=23122 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 ...

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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 Names John Norwood National Manager for Materials Technology and Innovation https://www.terracon.com/2022/08/18/terracon-names-john-norwood-national-manager-for-materials-technology-and-innovation/ Thu, 18 Aug 2022 13:17:37 +0000 https://www.terracon.com/?p=22948 RALEIGH, N.C. – Terracon, a leading provider of environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services, has named John Norwood, P.E., CSSGB, national manager for materials technology and innovation. Norwood is responsible for partnering with Terracon’s operations ...

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John NorwoodRALEIGH, N.C. – Terracon, a leading provider of environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services, has named John Norwood, P.E., CSSGB, national manager for materials technology and innovation. Norwood is responsible for partnering with Terracon’s operations and service line leaders to explore future technology needs and drive technology adoptions. “I’m passionate about connecting people with technology in ways that make our jobs better,” Norwood said. “I’m excited to be at Terracon and looking forward to doing great things with technology and business systems to continually improve our client experience.” John has more than 14 years of experience managing engineering and construction management projects, including developing materials-focused cost control methods, streamlining project initiation and quality audit processes, and implementing companywide systems surrounding field and lab reporting. John earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University and is Six Sigma certified. He is based in Terracon’s Raleigh office.

About Terracon

Terracon is an employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 5,500 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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Keep projects on track with Terracon’s geotechnical and materials laboratory testing services https://www.terracon.com/2022/06/24/keep-projects-on-track-with-terracons-geotechnical-and-materials-laboratory-testing-services/ Fri, 24 Jun 2022 19:45:49 +0000 https://www.terracon.com/?p=22786 Logistics, power generation and transmission, transportation, infrastructure, and commercial ventures all rely on early and/or ongoing materials engineering and testing services. Laboratory services and materials testing are essential factors for delivery and completion of a ...

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Logistics, power generation and transmission, transportation, infrastructure, and commercial ventures all rely on early and/or ongoing materials engineering and testing services. Laboratory services and materials testing are essential factors for delivery and completion of a safe, quality structure. The technical expertise and accurate data you need to keep projects moving forward is never far away. Terracon’s nationwide network of more than 140 laboratories is the largest in the country. We also have the accreditations and validations many project specifications require. Our laboratory certifications include:
  • 103 AASHTO-accredited laboratories
  • 65 USACE-validated laboratories
  • 6 CMEC-accredited laboratories
  • 4 ISO 17025 accredited laboratories
  • 1 IAS SIA-100-accredited laboratory
You’ll have peace of mind knowing we can verify the quality of nearly any material specified on your project. We test a large variety of materials needed to keep projects moving forward, including soils, asphalt, concrete, masonry, and aggregates. In addition, we can also perform in-house specialty testing – delivering the information you need to make informed decisions faster. We can perform rock mechanics, corrosion testing, petrographic analysis, concrete and asphalt mix designs, fireproofing, reinforcing steel testing, and more. The knowledge and experience of a local materials team is ready to guide testing services. We’re ready to partner with you to deliver timely, accurate data on your next project. Contact your local Terracon office to learn more about how our laboratory services can support your project goals.

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Invest early for greater return on investment: How to maximize asset life with pavement management https://www.terracon.com/2022/02/11/invest-early-for-greater-return-on-investment-how-to-maximize-asset-life-with-pavement-management/ Fri, 11 Feb 2022 16:20:54 +0000 https://www.terracon.com/?p=22378 Our technology-focused, fast-paced world has created increased demand to deliver consumer goods in an efficient and expedient manner. Truck delivery logistics depends heavily on our nation’s roadway infrastructure, which are comprised of different types of ...

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cracked pavement Our technology-focused, fast-paced world has created increased demand to deliver consumer goods in an efficient and expedient manner. Truck delivery logistics depends heavily on our nation’s roadway infrastructure, which are comprised of different types of paved highways, roads, and bridges. Paved roadway surfaces require consistent maintenance using proactive pavement management plans to avoid significant deterioration and repair costs, and to maintain human welfare and safety standards for all vehicle users. In 2021, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) compiled an infrastructure report card that rated our country’s roadways as a “D,” and further estimated that over 40% of our roads are in poor to mediocre condition. Simultaneously, businesses, school systems, universities, and hospitals that own paved surfaces (i.e., parking lots, drive lanes, walking surfaces, etc.), are faced with several challenges in managing their assets. Facility owners balance many things: daily operations, purchasing equipment, maintaining their facility, employee satisfaction, safety, and more. Pavement assets are rarely considered for annual budgets when potholes or cracks are limited. The reality is that a failure to plan and invest in routine pavement maintenance through a master management plan typically yields expensive repair and reconstruction costs along with extensive disruptions to the operation. Pavement maintenance might be little more than an afterthought, but degrading pavement conditions can adversely affect businesses in a variety of ways. Potholes and large ruts can damage trucks and other equipment, affecting the serviceability of these assets. Poor pavement conditions will also slow down traffic, which can ultimately lead to service delays. In addition, damaged walking surfaces create a larger probability of injury to pedestrians. How are owners and consultants addressing these issues? Investing in the long-term performance of pavements A pavement management plan uses a scientific and scalable ASTM approach to first objectively assess existing assets, then develop maintenance and rehabilitation plans followed by estimated budgetary needs. Pavement engineers and consultants perform Pavement Condition Index (PCI) surveys to understand the types and severity of distresses present on a pavement and provide recommendations to address them. Our pavement experts advise clients to invest in pavements early to ensure the assets remain serviceable and safe for end-users while optimizing capital expenditures to prolong asset life. This effort will help avoid the cost and delays associated with complete reconstruction of failed pavement systems. Below is an illustration of our experience with a large community college system client that partnered with Terracon to establish a pavement management system starting in 1996. Over the course of 20 years, we have successfully managed the serviceability and maintenance of the pavement network at the 32 college campuses/properties with an overall budget of about $15 million. Without a pavement management plan, the estimated cost to repair or replace pavement systems at the time of failure or absolute need would have exceeded $50 million. Our experienced professionals can put together a plan to assist facility owners efficiently maintain their pavement systems for years to come.

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Innovative iTrams Tool Streamlines Data Access and Workflow for Complex Projects https://www.terracon.com/2021/09/01/innovative-itrams-tool-streamlines-data-access-and-workflow-for-complex-projects/ Wed, 01 Sep 2021 12:48:36 +0000 https://www.terracon.com/?p=21735 Today’s large-scale construction projects are complex undertakings that can generate thousands of tests. Additionally, tight schedules, large teams, constantly evolving specifications, and workflows are standard. Quickly getting critical quality management information into the right hands ...

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iTrams on Green Line Extension project Today’s large-scale construction projects are complex undertakings that can generate thousands of tests. Additionally, tight schedules, large teams, constantly evolving specifications, and workflows are standard. Quickly getting critical quality management information into the right hands is essential for successful, on-time project delivery. Terracon developed iTrams specifically to meet this challenge for clients, and its utility is currently being demonstrated on a major public transit project. While providing Quality Control (QC) services for the $2.1-billion Green Line Extension Project (GLX) in Boston, the Terracon team has encountered the need to capture, organize, and provide enormous amounts of data to numerous stakeholders and project teams. This massive project, which started in 2017 and is expected to conclude in fall 2022, includes:
  • Two new branches for the Green Line light rail system;
  • More than 3 miles of new track and a 1-mile viaduct;
  • Six new stations, including a station relocation;
  • A new vehicle maintenance facility;
  • Replacement or rehabilitation of several bridges; and
  • New drainage, utilities, retaining walls, and noise barriers in the rail corridors.
Terracon is utilizing our iTrams tool to meet our client’s needs on this project, including: controlling workflow between multiple teams and entities; enabling users to find information quickly and easily; providing transparency through a web-based system with customizable access; and enabling a unique project workflow.
Terracon performed Quality Control services for the Green Line Extension project, including:
  • Managing, verifying, documenting and performing field and laboratory testing;
  • Providing an accredited onsite laboratory to perform testing efficiently and economically;
  • Performing inspections of materials and work performed, including inspection and testing of concrete, reinforcing steel, structural steel, rail, aggregate, ballast, and soil.

How iTrams Works

Starting with the project dispatch, Terracon’s test and report status information is automatically fed to the database, and each subsequent step to the final approval process is updated as it is completed. Access for other quality teams is provided on an as-needed basis. Unique customizable workflows then shepherd the report through the approval process. iTrams features 10 customizable filters to allow for tracking and sorting by any client-directed feature. Information enters our web-based iTrams system as Quality Control (QC) and owner’s verification testing data, observations, and reports. The entire project team (owners, resident engineers, contractors, and QA/QC firms) has customizable access and the ability to input their data. iTrams quickly walks this data through the editable approval process to reach final acceptance. It can generate trend charts, test evaluations, deviation and engineering judgment logs, and statistical analysis to effectively compare and evaluate QA and QC data.Green line extension trains Since Terracon began work on the GLX project in 2019, approximately 10,700 individual reports have been generated. iTrams allows these reports to be found and sorted through a user-friendly, front-facing database that is accessible to dozens of people on various teams associated with the project. Data is frequently updated, so users can make decisions with confidence. During its busiest phase, Terracon had 20 field staff working on the project, including inspectors, materials technicians, and structural steel inspectors. We performed visual inspections on reinforcing steel, formwork, foundations, masonry, shotcrete, soil, duct banks, piers, piles, concrete, structural steel, asphalt, retaining walls, rail, and ballast. Testing was performed on concrete, grout, mortar, rail welds, soil compaction, asphalt placement, and wall backfill. Specialty testing such as pull testing of epoxied anchors and reinforcing steel was also performed.

How Contractors use iTrams

During the GLX project, the QC team leaders review reports daily in iTrams for their associated discipline. They can review and reject reports, and make comments so the reports can be revised before being submitted to the client. This system is a very efficient method for tracking reviews and comments, and allows all users to see the history of all reports. The system also tracks a unique feature on the GLX project called Safety Security Verification Check (SSVC). When any of these items are observed in reports, it is noted and tracked in iTrams. This allows these items to be closed out easier and more efficiently. The flexibility of iTrams helps with the tracking and sorting all test results and Inspector’s Daily Reports (IDRs) as well as allowing the results to be sorted by the appropriate design package or specification. The workflow and hierarchy on this project were much different than most. The GLX Constructors team has a quality team that supervised the quality of the project. GLXC has several internal employees that were part of this group, including the quality manager, the quality control manager who supervises the leads of the project, and Terracon staff, who were part of quality control. Terracon provides a deputy quality control manager who supervises the Terracon staff. Additionally, there is a QC office coordinator who is in charge of scheduling Terracon staff and training, a document control manager who supervises the reporting and submittal of reports, and a laboratory manager. Every large project is unique, so iTrams is customizable. The tool is also easily adapted during each project to accommodate changing needs as they occur. For example, for the GLX project, iTrams used the design package numbers as a way of sorting reports. For more information about iTrams, contact Michael Jenkins, P.E., Terracon’s national director for transportation construction engineering services. For more information about the Green Line Extension Project, visit https://www.mbta.com/projects/green-line-extension-glx  

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Terracon’s TARGETID Provides Vital Data for MLS Stadium Construction Project https://www.terracon.com/2021/04/28/terracons-targetid-provides-vital-data-for-mls-stadium-construction-project/ Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:50:26 +0000 https://www.terracon.com/?p=16465 When completed in spring 2022, Nashville Soccer Club’s (SC) new stadium will be the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States. Terracon has been involved since the project’s beginning, providing environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials ...

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Nashville MLS stadium in construction

Construction on the Nashville SC soccer stadium.

When completed in spring 2022, Nashville Soccer Club’s (SC) new stadium will be the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States. Terracon has been involved since the project’s beginning, providing environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Located just south of downtown in the vibrant Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, the Nashville SC Stadium will be Music City’s newest home for MLS soccer, live music, and other events. Stadium features will include 30,000 seats, seven premium areas, 27 suites, a safe-standing supporters’ section, and more. Terracon’s team started with a Phase I environmental site assessment for the site on a former fairground. Later, a Phase II environmental site assessment was performed. Facilities work has included waterproofing of below-grade walls, air/moisture barrier review, testing of window glazing systems, review of the roofing system, and installation review. Most of Terracon’s work on the new stadium is focused on geotechnical and materials, starting with preliminary geotechnical services for the stadium location during the design phase. Challenges included the pinnacled karst topography and bedrock. Early in the project, our teams started using TARGETID, a new and innovative solution that uses GIS integration to combine the project’s testing and inspection data with its rich design data in real time.

Watch to learn more about TARGETID.

Terracon field professionals enter testing and inspections data in the field using a mobile device. A mobile application enables them to place their data into an interactive map that includes the project’s design information. Site data is available in real time, from the locations where the testing is performed, so clients can view specific data quickly to make timely, informed decisions. Using TARGETID early in the project has helped to keep the construction on schedule, but the benefits of using TARGETID go beyond work on the stadium’s foundation. The timely data provided through TARGETID can help clients make informed decisions as a project progresses. In fact, stadium construction is a good example of a large-scale project that generates massive amounts of materials testing data, such as field density tests, concrete tests, and more. TARGETID allows our clients to quickly and easily sift through the thousands of reports to find the one they want in mere seconds or minutes. TARGETID is a technological breakthrough in the industry. The testing and inspection locations of our materials tests on a project are recorded within the context of the project design information in a map. This allows the client to view the needed results with an interactive map of the project instead of sifting through spreadsheet results and checking against work orders – a tedious and time-consuming process. In addition to a seamless integration with our internal data management systems, we can export the testing and inspection information in numerous GIS and design formats or simply in a spreadsheet if desired, saving both Terracon and the client time. TARGETID also makes it easy to find stored data quickly. For example, site plans for the stadium were entered into TARGETID, enabling the contractor to find information by location or stage of construction. On the Nashville MLS stadium project, TARGETID is also being used to show the status of our inspections for structural steel. The status of each framing member is updated as the inspection occurs on the project site and is easily identifiable with a color-coding system. Visible in both 2D and 3D, framing members colored blue are ready for decking (if applicable); green sections are ready for concrete (if applicable); yellow members indicate contractor work in progress; gray members indicate members not erected or pending initial observation; and red indicates framing members with identified deviations to be addressed with inspectors, structural engineers, or architects. For updates on the Nashville SC stadium construction – including the Live Stadium Construction Camera, visit: https://www.nashvillesc.com/stadium/construction For more information about TARGETID, visit: https://www.terracon.com/services/materials/targetid/

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