The East Central Branch will host its Annual Officer Installation Luncheon on September 6th at The Dubsdread Ballroom. Please join us for the installation of the 2019/2020 slate of officers and recognition of all who served this past year.

This year we have the pleasure of hosting Ms. Nicola Liquori Chief Executive Officer and CEO for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) SunRail Program.

When

Where   

Historic Dubsdread

549 West Par Street
Orlando, FL 32804

Contact   

Craig Ballock
ASCE East Central Branch
[email protected]

 

Register now

 

The purpose of this section is to shine a "Spotlight" on volunteer members, within ECB, that are known to go out of their way, above and beyond expectations. This month's Spotlight is shining on Mr. Alex Goetz. Read below on how his involvement with ECB is making a difference.

	Alex Goetz

Alex Goetz graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering (2014). He recently celebrated his 3 year anniversary with KPM Franklin as a Project Manager in the Civil Engineering Department. Alex is fortunate to be able to work primarily on projects within the hospitality industry.

Alex has held the role of Government and Public Relations Chair since 2017, his goal for the position is to keep members informed on local and state policy decisions which may impact the civil engineering profession, and to encourage fellow civil engineers to engage politically at the local and regional level.

Alex was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, where he currently lives with his wife Lacie and their energetic dog Beau. When Alex isn't working or spending time with Lacie and Beau, he likes to practice his swing on the golf course or work on his yard.

Engineer Mark Van Hala's Farewell Party

 

On July 22nd, at the Co-Op, we had the opportunity to wish Engineer Mark Van Hala good luck as he moved to New Orleans for a new position. 

 

Engineer Mark Van Hala has been extremely important in assisting in growing volunteering actives and education in the classroom for more than 20 years.  He has been a part of multiple groups as judging, mentoring and serving as a leader to help organize volunteers to events.  He has always shown a willingness to teach younger engineers as well as volunteer at local schools to get students excited about STREAM.  He would attend multiple events a month to ensure that there would be an ASCE/FES member present at schools and events. Engineer Mark Van Hala also served in ASCE EWRI, FES, APWA, ASCE Education Board, First Robotics to name a few and is always willing to lend assistance in other groups as well with always a smile.   

 

At the event, Engineer Mark was presented two awards, one from students in Renaissance robotics, and another a shovel commemorating his involvement in further education in Central Florida, which Engineer Mark has already placed in his new office in New Orleans.  We just want to take this time to thank Engineer Mark for all the work he has put into Central Florida and hope to never lose touch with him.

 

"Present to Engineer Mark Van Hala for his tireless efforts building the prestige and future of the engineering profession"  from ECB Education Committee

 

"True friends are never apart... Maybe in distance, but not in heart!" from students in Renaissance Robotics

 

 

    

Report by Juan Gonzalez Photo by Juan Gonzalez, Khanh Olka, and Prasad Chittaluru

Academies of Engineering and Information Technology 

Career Awareness Student Expo

 

October 25th, 2019 | 8AM - 1PM

Orange Technical College - Mid Florida Campus

 

Opportunities in engineering and information technology are projected to grow exponentially faster than the average for all occupations from 2019 to 2026. Because of this exponential growth, there is an urgent need to address the skills gap, as not enough college graduates are filling open jobs and traditional education isn't able to keep up with these fast-paced STEM industries. NAF academies in Central Florida high schools seek to address the skills gap and increase the talent pipeline.

We invite you to help us shape your future workforce. We hope you'll consider joining us for our 2nd NAF Academies of Engineering and Information Technology Career Expo to be held October 25th, 2019. This will be a valuable student experience allowing professionals to interact with students in industry-focused academies. We have several ways that you can impact 400 students from Orange and Seminole counties: classroom experience, tradeshow presenter, panelist and sponsor.

For the classroom experience, we are asking that you do a 20-minute presentation or hands-on experience to be repeated at least three times. Two companies will be paired in each classroom to expose students to as many companies as possible.

We ask tradeshow presenters to provide an activity, a device demonstration or a challenge that will engage students.

The panel will consist of 4-6 speakers from higher education and business. Last year this session was a fan favorite.

As a sponsor, you play a major role of ensuring that this event is available for 400 eager, bright-eyed learners. We are in need of 400 lanyards, giveaways, shirts, lunches, 25 posters, 30 signs and 15 buses. Please see the sponsorship form to explore how you can help.

Dickson -Azalea Park and the Washington St Bridge

by Rocio Rodriguez

History & Heritage Chair

  

The Dickson-Azalea park is located in the downtown Orlando area, just north of Langford Park. It is a beautiful park surrounded by lots of vegetation (see Fig.1) and quiet brick streets, typical of the area.

Figure 1: Fern Creek and surrounding vegetation.

This 5-acre park was originally purchased in 1916 by State Senator Walter Rose, who developed it along the creek into lots for homes, leaving the area adjacent to the creek aside as a park. In 1924 Mr. Rose transferred the park (then known as Fern Creek Park) to the City of Orlando. In 1935, it was named Dickson Azalea Park in honor of Henry Hill Dickson, who was an advocate for the city's beautification ( see Fig.2).

Figure 2: Dickson-Azalea Park

To go over Fern Creek, there used to be a deteriorated wooden bridge on Washington street. By 1926, the city council decided to replace the old bridge with a reinforced concrete bridge. They decided to use a brick roadway to match surrounding roads in the area ( see Fig.3). 

Figure 3: Washington bridge over Fern Creek.

In 1926, the Concrete Steel Bridge Company of Miami Beach won the bid. The proposal was for $10,400. Orlando city engineer Morton Hagartney designed the span. "The Washington Bridge is a fine example of a reinforced concrete arch deck bridge. Three 20-ft long arches form the substructure that support the bridge's deck and cantilever floor beams widen to provide walkways on both sides of the bridge. Urn-shaped balusters set in panels, separated by low pilasters and light fixtures on tapered posts, give the bridge a classical appearance ( see Fig.4). This bridge is the only bridge of its kind in the City of Orlando". [1]

 

Figure 4: Structural details on Washington bridge. Notice cantilever beams and understructure spans.

The building was considered a landmark by the city of Orlando in 1991.

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August Technical Luncheon

 

Please join us on August 27th for our next technical luncheon by Ms. Maysill Pascal, Senior Regional Engineer/Sales Manager for USW a Menard Group USA Company.  Menard Group USA is a ground improvement contractor specializing in stabilization of soft ground.  This presentation will discuss various types of ground improvement techniques and the typical depths of treatment and applicable soils for each technique.  More specifically, Ms. Pascal will discuss CMC Rigid inclusions, which often serve as a value engineered substitute for traditional deep foundation and piles, and provide cost savings, shorter schedules and more economical footing and slab designs. 

 

Register now

Each year, the ASCE East Central Branch Geo-Institute Committee strives to provide scholarships to deserving students who are pursuing geotechnical-related degrees from universities within our region.  Applications are reviewed by members of the Committee, which is comprised of professional engineers from various geotechnical engineering firms in Central Florida.  After much consideration, we are pleased to announce that Ruben Fernandez of the University of Central Florida was selected to receive one of our scholarships.

Report by Bill Fox

G-I Chair

The ASCE East Central Branch Annual Golf Tournament will be hosted on Friday, September 27, 2019 at Shingle Creek Golf Club with an 8:00 am shotgun start. Please join in helping us make this another successful year!

 

   

Contact

Craig Ballock 

Tournament Chair 
[email protected]

  Register now

On Wednesday, July 17, 2019, EWRI volunteered to cook dinner for about 25 residents of Ronald McDonald House (at Florida Hospital for Children). We prepared chicken, baked potatoes, salad, and provided an assortment of gourmet desserts.

 

Photos:

 

EWRI_Volunteers: from left Sue Woodbery, Doug Moulton, Beth Whikehart, and Roland Raymundo

Report and photo by Doug Moulton

EWRI Chair

On Thursday, June 20, 2019, 20 engineers attended a luncheon and construction field visit of Wekiva Parkway Sections 5 & 6, hosted by RS&H and FDOT. The presentation was held on-site at the RS&H trailer and covered the latest construction updates for both sections.  After the presentation, everyone visited multiple construction sites:

Report and photo by Corey Bloxam

 

From the left, Daniel Kroeze, and Matt Laluzerne

Report by Khanh Olka

Photo by GPI

Catherine Felter, EI

ASCE ECB YMF Community Service Chair

2019 Icebreaker Chairwoman

Congratulations to our faculty advisor Dr. Kevin Mackie for being awarded the 2019 Faculty Advisor of the Year Award for the ASCE Florida Section. We appreciate his help and dedication to our Student Chapter !

 

Report by Christopher Carrino

UCF Student Chapter President

 

Listing employment opportunities in the East Central Branch newsletter is a great way to reach over 3000 local engineers.  Contact Khanh Olka for more information. 

Horizon Engineering Group is seeking highly motivated, skilled individuals to join their rapidly growing firm. Located in Maitland, FL, they opened their doors in 2003 with the mission of providing Clients with professional engineering service based on years of experience and sound professional engineering judgment . Horizon is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality along with unmatched dedication to consistently exceeding the expectations of our clients. 

Horizon is currently seeking the following positions.  Qualified applicants are encouraged to email their resume to [email protected] .

DRAINAGE PROJECT ENGINEER

 

Requirements:

• B.S. in engineering branch related to water resources, with at least 2-4 years post graduate experience
• EI Certification
• Recent FDOT experience
• Able to work effectively with an interdisciplinary team to meet challenging design and schedule requirements
• Capable of developing technical writing and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microstation, GEOPAK Drainage, ASAD, ICPR software desirable
• Familiarity experience with PONDS, HY-8, WSPRO, HEC-RAS software a plus
• Experience preparing BHRs including scour analyses a plus

Responsibilities:

• Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of conveyance systems, analysis and design of cross drains, design of storm water management facilities, floodplain compensation analysis
• Design and inspection of best management practices for erosion and sediment control
• Prepare technical documents including drainage reports, pond siting reports, bridge hydraulics reports and permitting documents
• Prepare construction plans consistent with FDOT standards

SENIOR DRAINAGE ENGINEER

Requirements:

• B.S. in engineering branch related to water resources, with at least 10 years post graduate experience
• Registered Florida PE
• Well versed in FDOT design standards and criteria related to both drainage design and plans production; able to interpret and apply technical information contained in procedures and manuals to accomplish the design process for assigned projects
• Ability to work effectively with an interdisciplinary team to meet challenging design and schedule requirements
• Strong technical writing and communication skills
• Knowledge of ERP permitting requirement with water management districts throughout the state
• Proficiency with Microstation, GEOPAK Drainage, ASAD, ICPR software
• Experienced with PONDS, HY-8, WSPRO, HEC-RAS software
• Experienced in the development of BHRs including scour analyses

Responsibilities:

• Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of conveyance systems, analysis and design of cross drains, design of storm water management facilities, floodplain compensation analysis
• Design and inspection of best management practices for erosion and sediment control
• Prepare technical documents including drainage reports, pond siting reports, bridge hydraulics reports and permitting documents with minimal oversight
• Prepare construction plans consistent with FDOT standards
• Assist with QC of construction plans and design documents generated by other team members
• Assist with project pursuits (LOI, ELOI, Technical Proposals, Presentations, Manhours, etc)

LEAD BRIDGE ENGINEER

Position Requirements:

• B.S. in the field of Civil or Structural Engineering, M.S. is a plus
• Minimum 15 years of relevant post graduate experience
• Registered Florida Professional Engineer
• Well versed in FDOT and AASHTO design standards and criteria related to transportation structures design, plans production, and project delivery processes

• Able to demonstrate a strong technical ability in all aspects of bridge design and plans production, which may include reinforced, prestressed and post-tensioned concrete bridges, steel plate and box girder bridges.  
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills

• Ability and interest in guiding, training, and mentoring younger team members
• Detail oriented team player with an ability to contribute to a positive work environment

Responsibilities:

• Participate or lead a variety of project pursuit activities on both traditional bid-build and design build projects, including feasibility evaluation, directing preliminary design activities, authoring and assembling proposals and pursuit documents, and representing the firm at client presentations.
• Work closely with staff, clients, contractors, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Prepare work scopes, manhour estimates, and other contract related documentation.
• Lead structural design and production activities from conceptual stage through final design and construction phase support to ensure successful project completion.
• Manage task schedules and costs in a challenging and dynamic environment to deliver projects on time and under budget.
• Motivate and inspire team members to produce the highest quality deliverables and consistently exceed our client's expectations.

SENIOR BRIDGE ENGINEER

 

Position Requirements:

• B.S. in the field of Civil or Structural Engineering, M.S. is a plus
• Minimum 10 years of relevant post graduate experience
• Registered Florida Professional Engineer
• Well versed in FDOT and AASHTO design standards and criteria related to transportation structures design, plans production, and project delivery processes

• Able to demonstrate a strong technical ability in all aspects of bridge design and plans production, which may include reinforced, prestressed and post-tensioned concrete bridges, steel plate and box girder bridges.  
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills

• Ability and interest in guiding, training, and mentoring younger team members
• Detail oriented team player with an ability to contribute to a positive work environment

Responsibilities:

• Assist with a variety of project pursuit activities on both traditional bid-build and design build projects, including feasibility evaluation, directing preliminary design activities, authoring and assembling proposals and pursuit documents.
• Work closely with staff, clients, contractors, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
• Assist in preparation of work scopes, manhour estimates, and other contract related documentation.
• Lead staff in various structural design, production, and post-design tasks.
• Manage task effort and cost to deliver projects on time and under budget.
• Take pride of ownership in producing the highest quality deliverables and consistently exceeding our client's expectations.