Engineering Georgia - See Page 34

MAY/JUNE 2016 1
May/June 2016
GETTING UP CLOSE WITH
DRONESIS YOUR FIRM READY FOR TAKEOFF?
GOING BEYOND THE BLUEPRINT
HOW BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING IS TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRY

MAY/JUNE 2016 3
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
20
28
20 GETTING UP CLOSE
WITH DRONES
26 GOING BEYOND
THE BLUEPRINT
34 MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
WE'VE GONE DIGITAL!
Visit EngineeringGA.com
to read and share this issue.
40
6 THE PULSE
40 PROFILES
42 STRATEGIES
48 ASSOCIATION NEWS
58 ENGINEERS BEYOND
THEIR CAREERS

4 ENGINEERING GEORGIA
EDITORIAL
BOARD
CHAD BECKER Kimley-Horn
JEFF CORBIN Parsons
STEPHANIE DAMMEN-MORRELL Hussey Gay Bell
ERIK M. GRANDOWSKI CPSM, Pond & Company
RICHARD D. “RICK” GURNEY P.E., Keck & Wood, Inc./ASCE Georgia
BETH HARRIS CPSM, United Consulting/SAME Atlanta Post
JENNIFER HEAD ACEC Georgia
JENNY C. JENKINS P.E., McGee Partners, Inc./ASHE Georgia
BRIAN O'CONNOR P.E., T.Y. Lin International/ASHE Georgia
JOHN PIERSON Georgia Tech Research Institute/ASCE Georgia
MICHAEL PLANER P.E., PES Structural Engineers/SEAOG
BILL RUHSAM P.E., PTOE, Michael Baker International/ITE Georgia
JACK SEIBERT P.E., GEF
THOMAS TRUE P.E., Rochester & Associates, Inc.
BILL WELLS ITS Georgia
MALIKA REED WILKINS Ph.D., State Road & Tollway Authority/WTS Atlanta
LISA S. WOODS P.E., HNTB Corporation
PATTI ZACHARY Heath & Lineback Engineers, Inc.
Publisher:
Michael “Sully” Sullivan
Editor-in-Chief:
Sasha Ugi
Managing Editor:
Nikki Welch
Creative Director | Designer:
Sabrina Tongren
www.in8-design.com
Contributing Editors:
Ellen Berman
Kasie Bolling
Lori Johnston
Jeff Mitchell
Contributing Photographers:
Christine Hall Photography
Justin Evans Photography
Accounting & Advertising Services Manager:
Brittney Love
Advertising Sales:
ACEC Georgia
233 Peachtree Street
Suite 700
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 521-2324
www.acecga.org
Send change of address to:
ACEC Georgia
233 Peachtree Street, Suite 700, Atlanta, GA 30303
or email info@acecga.org
Facebook.com/EngineeringGA
www.EngineeringGA.com
Engineering Georgia 2016 is published bi-monthly by the American
Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC Georgia) and its
partner associations ASCE, ASHE, GEF, GSPE, ITE, ITS, SAME, SEAOG
and WTS. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without
permission is prohibited.
In8 Design, ACEC Georgia, and its partner associations ASCE,
ASHE, GEF, GSPE, ITE, ITS, SAME, SEAOG and WTS, as well as their
representatives, employees and agents, are held harmless from
any claim, demand, liability or action on account of, or in any way
arising out of, the client’s advertising, products and services, or its
participation in Engineering Georgia.
Atlanta Post

MAY/JUNE 2016 5
T
he great philosopher Ferris Bueller once said, “Life
moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around
once in a while, you could miss it.” The same could
be said of the speed of change in the trends and
technology that impact the business of engineering. The speed
of this change can be daunting and there is a natural discomfort
when the familiar way of doing things is disrupted. But, with
disruptive change comes new opportunities. Firms that recognize
this and embrace the opportunities offered by new technologies
and business trends will have a distinct competitive advantage over
those that fail to look around once in a while and miss them. The
articles in this issue are focused on some of those changes.
In our cover story, we take a bird’s eye view of how commercial
drones are already changing the way engineering and surveying
do many things that were either not possible or cost prohibitive
to do before. Aerial photography, land surveying and
mapping, environmental and safety inspections,
of the many applications in which drones
are being used to get better, more useful
information – and in many cases, less
expensively than traditional methods.
For all companies, providing better
servicetoclientslessexpensivelywill
always be a competitive advantage.
In addition, many people view
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
as merely a new technology – a way
to take design information that used
to be shown on 2D plans and render
it in a 3D computer model that a client
can virtually tour and use to suggest
tweaks that lead to a better design. But in
our second feature article, we learn that when
properly applied, BIM is more than a technology;
it’s a tool for upending the traditional linear model
and builder to work together collaboratively, rather than sequentially.
Clientsarestartingtorealizethecost,timeandcollaborationadvantages
computer model, but as a collaborative process – will also have a new
competitive advantage to offer their clients.
And, while these new technologies and industry standards emerge,
mergers and acquisitions (M&A) continue to remain a fact of life in
gaining a larger geographic footprint or expanding their range
of practice disciplines. But, ask anyone who has been through
a merger and they will tell you that the compatibility of the two
been involved in both successful and unsuccessful mergers to share
reading for anyone who might be considering an M&A transaction.
Publisher’s | LETTER
Engineering Georgia
The last article I want to highlight is our spotlight on House
Bill 943 (HB 943), which was signed into law by Governor
are not a topic that will make you a hit at cocktail parties (trust
me, I’ve learned this the hard way), they are something that
can have potentially far-reaching impacts on your business.
We take some time in this “Business of Engineering” issue to
explain what the new law prohibiting uninsurable broad form
Georgia led the effort to get this legislation enacted into law and
we are proud of the positive impact it will have on the business
climate for design professionals in Georgia.
Finally, I can’t end without mentioning the upcoming Georgia
Engineers Summer Conference (to be held at Disney’s
Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World®
Resort). Walt
Disney was not an engineer, but he did have his own
engineering company, WED Enterprises, which
was owned by him alone, separate from the
Walt Disney Company (WED was acquired
by the company after Walt’s death and
renamed Walt Disney Imagineering). At
WED, he assembled the best engineers
and architects, as well as all of the
other creative disciplines needed to
turn his dreams into realities. His
ultimate plan was for Walt Disney
World®
Resort to be the site of a
futuristic “Experimental Prototype
Community of Tomorrow” (Epcot®
,
for short) where people would
actually live, work and play and
the latest technological innovations
would be incorporated, providing
a model of transportation and urban
planning for other cities to follow. Although
Walt’s version of Epcot®
was never realized,
the version of Walt Disney World®
Resort that
did get built was still a monumental engineering and
infrastructure achievement; in fact, it was the largest private
At this year’s Conference, you can see some of the behind-the-
scenes engineering and infrastructure that makes the magic
happen, including a tour of the hidden tunnels underneath
the Magic Kingdom®
Park itself! More importantly, you can
take advantage of the business-focused seminar content
and unsurpassed networking opportunities that the Georgia
Engineers Summer Conference is known for. To register, go to
acecga.org and click on the summer conference link. All of us at
Engineering Georgia magazine hope to see you there!

The Pulse | NEWS BRIEFS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION
DIRECTOR RELINQUISHES ROLE
GovernorNathanDealannouncedthattheDirectoroftheEnvironmental
Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources, Jud Turner, will step down from his role effective June 1,
2016. Turner was appointed Director by Governor Deal in January 2012
and will continue to serve as a member of the state’s water litigation
team as a Special Assistant Attorney General.
CERM CHAMPIONS BASKETBALL FOR SECOND YEAR STREAK
Corporate Environmental Risk Management, LLC (CERM) took home
the championship trophy in the annual Architecture & Engineering
Basketball League Championship. This win marks the second year that
CERM has taken the top spot in the league.
ATLANTA GAS LIGHT MERGER WITH SOUTHERN
COMPANY WINS APPROVAL
Southern Company's acquisition of AGL Resources Inc. has been
approved by Georgia energy regulators. Once complete, this $12 billion
deal will create the second-largest utility company in the nation.
POND & COMPANY WINS IMPACT REGIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS
Norcross-based Pond & Company, a nearly 400-person engineering,
IMPACT Regional Business Award and International category award from
the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. The IMPACT Regional Business
industry categories during an awards ceremony held in late May.
HEADS OF ATLANTA AIRPORT AND WATERSHED
DEPARTMENT DISMISSED
AviationGeneralManagerfortheworld’sbusiestairportwillbereplacedby
Interim General Manager Roosevelt Council, who currently serves as the
also announced the end of Jo Ann Macrina’s tenure as Commissioner
of Watershed Management. William Johnson, the city’s Deputy Chief
GDOT CELEBRATES 100TH YEAR
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) launched its
Centennial Kick-Off on April 20, 2016. Governor Nathan Deal signed
a proclamation declaring 2016 as the Department’s centennial year.
Statewide events and exhibits are scheduled to take place throughout
the year in recognition. Additionally, an independent study from
Cambridge Systematics was released, in parallel with the Kick-Off,
economic development and safety improvement stemming from the
$10 billion plan unveiled by Governor Nathan Deal in January.
ENERGY AND WATER SAVING PROJECTS
UNDERWAY AT TWO STATE AGENCIES
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) announced the
North Georgia Mountains Authority (NGMA) and GDOT have entered
into energy performance contracts which will provide energy and
water savings of approximately $16.6 million. Each of these state
agencies partnered with an energy services company and conducted an
Investment Grade Energy Audit to determine the appropriate energy
and water conservation measures to implement. The agencies will
complete energy and water conservation projects and use the provided
savings to fund the work. Energy performance contracting improves
of conservation.
KINDER MORGAN SUSPENDS WORK ON
PALMETTO PIPELINE PROJECT
Kinder Morgan Inc. has suspended work on a $1 billion petroleum
pipeline project which would affect select parts of Georgia. The
announcement comes following the State Legislature's passage of
a temporary moratorium on the use of eminent domain in pipeline
construction.
FINAL DESIGN WORK STARTED ON I-285/
GEORGIA 400 INTERCHANGE
North Perimeter Contractors, a partnership of three engineering and
construction companies, has started work on the I-285/Georgia 400
reconstruction. The project, which directly involves the development
partners, GDOT and the State Road and Tollway Authority, is slated to
take four years to complete.

MAY/JUNE 2016 7
SEAOG HANDS OUT STRUCTURAL DESIGN AWARDS
The Structural Engineers Association of Georgia (SEAOG) celebrated its
creativity in structural design across seven categories. While Merit Awards
were given in each category, the year’s Outstanding Project Awards went to:
Category 1: New Buildings under $5 Million in Construction Cost
UniversityofGeorgiaStructuralEngineeringTestingHubLaboratoryProject
Category 2: New Buildings between $5-$25 Million in Construction Cost
Georgia Power Environmental Testing Laboratory Project
Category 3: New Buildings between $25-$75 Million in Construction Cost
National College Football Hall of Fame Project
Sykes Consulting, Inc.
Category 4: New Buildings over $75 Million in Construction Cost
Reinsurance Group of America’s Global Headquarters Project
Category 5: New Bridge and Transportation Structures
Broad Avenue Veterans Memorial Bridge over the Flint River Project
Heath & Lineback Engineers
Ennis Hall Renovation and Seismic Upgrades Project
Palmer Engineering Company
Category 7: Other Structures
Stealth Sculpture Project
SEAOG also recognized John Hutton, P.E., S.E. of Uzun+Case Engineers
with the Individual Achievement Award. Above, Hutton (center)
accepts his award from Jim Sailors of Sailors Engineering Associates,
Inc. (left) and Housh Rahimzadeh of Diversakore LLC (right). b
Stealth is a contemporary urban sculpture designed by
Tristan Al-Haddad and his team at Formations Studio in collaboration
with Jim Case of Uzun+Case Structural Engineers. The piece is
a monolithic cast-in-place reinforced concrete form standing
33 feet tall in the plaza of the Promenade Tower at 1230
Peachtree Street in the Arts District of Midtown Atlanta.

HB 943 SIGNED INTO LAW BY GOVERNOR NATHAN DEAL
Representatives from ACEC Georgia, AIA Atlanta and Peachtree Government
Affairs joined bill sponsors State Representative Carl Rogers and Senator
Charlie Bethel as Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 943 into law.
On Tuesday, April 26, Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 943 into law.
This important legislation, which was introduced at ACEC Georgia's
request and which was sponsored by Rep. Carl Rogers (R-Gainesville),
clauses in contracts for engineering, architectural and/or land surveying
services.
for damages arising from a project without regard to which party
actually caused the loss or whether the party assuming the liability is
even negligent at all. Engineers and architects who have signed these
professional liability policy or policy endorsement available that would
insure this type of additional risk. As a result of HB 943 being signed
into law, those types of clauses will be "against public policy and void
and unenforceable" to quote the language of the new O.C.G.A. 13-8-
2(c), which will become effective as of July 1, 2016 (note that contracts
entered into prior to that effective date would not be affected).
ACEC Georgia members and President and CEO Michael Sullivan with Senator
Johnny Isakson during Hill visits to the nation’s Capitol earlier this spring.
ACEC GEORGIA POLITICAL ADVOCACY AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL
ACEC Georgia leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. to meet with
membersofGeorgia'sCongressionaldelegation,includingCongressman
Buddy Carter, Congressman Tom Graves and Congressman Barry
about being a part of next year’s advocacy efforts, visit acecga.org.
ACEC Georgia members Kevin McOmber of Clark Patterson Lee, Jay Wolverton
of Wolverton & Associates, Doris Willmer of Willmer Engineering, Darrell
Rochester of Rochester & Associates and incoming Chairman Charles Ezelle
of Thomas & Hutton, with President and CEO, Michael Sullivan (center).
POLITICAL PULSE

MAY/JUNE 2016 9
The Pulse | NEWS BRIEFS
ASCE GEORGIA MEMBERS’ VOICES HEARD
DURING 2016 LEGISLATIVE FLY-IN TO D.C.
Several Georgia members were among the more than 200 ASCE
members from across the country recruited to Washington D.C.
for the annual ASCE Legislative Fly-In to advocate on Capitol Hill for
infrastructure improvements.
ASCE Georgia members with U.S. Congressman Rob Woodall.
Members of the
Georgia section head
to their meetings on
Capitol Hill: ASCE
Region Five Director
Melissa Wheeler,
ASCE President
Richard Morales,
ASCE Georgia Past-
President Katherine
Gurd, ASCE Georgia
Legislative Chair
Jeffrey Chiu, ASCE
Georgia Past-
Presdient Rebecca
Shelton and ASCE
Georgia Past-
President Ray Wilke.

and Duty to Defend Clauses in Georgia
THE GROWING PROBLEM
For years, architects and engineers have
had to contend with clients demanding that
they sign contractual provisions in which the
were coupled with verbiage that saddled the
design professional with an additional duty to
defend the client against any claims arising
out of the project, even before the question
of whose negligence caused the claim had
been established. However, the professional
liability insurance that engineers or architects
are covered by does not insure these types
of additional contractual liabilities. Engineers
and architects who sign contracts with these
taking on this uninsurable potential liability.
As a result of this growing problem in
Georgia, the American Council of Engineering
Companies of Georgia (ACEC Georgia)
formulate a plan for tackling the issue. The
by Emily Meador of Kimley-Horn, with the
active participation of myself and a few other
key players in the Georgia architecture and
engineering (A&E) marketplace, including
the American Institute of Architects (AIA
BROAD FORM VERSUS LIMITED FORM
into two general categories: broad form and
limited form. Broad form clauses require
the indemnitor to assume the liability
of indemnifying the indemnitee for any
damages, losses or expenses arising from
the project. This duty arises without regard
to which party is at fault and, in many cases,
even if the party at fault is the indemnitee
themselves or another third party. Phrased
me asking you to indemnify me for everyone’s
negligence, even my own, and even if you
may not have been negligent at all. Broad
held responsible for its own actions, but not
the negligent acts of others.
clauses seek to indemnify the indemnitee
for damages, losses or expenses only to the
extent they are caused by or result from the
negligence, recklessness or intentional wrong
conduct of the indemnitor. Limited form
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
Many contract drafters do not understand
how A&E professional liability insurance (PLI)
is different from commercial general liability
insurance(CGL).Forexample,PLIonlyinsures
the professional and only for professional (as
opposed to contractual) liability; insuring
the negligence of others is not allowed and
addingotherpartiesasan“additionalinsured”
is not allowed. By contrast, CGL policies
allow for coverage of contractual liability and
also allow for a client or owner to be added
to the policy as an additional insured party.
Additional insured status allows owners to
tender a defense for third party claims to
the CGL policy. Unfortunately, engineers
and architects cannot avail themselves of a
GCL policy because CGL policies exclude
coverage for damages related to professional
services, like the services provided by an A&E
recourse for design professionals and A&E
against negligence in performance of their
professional services.
Eventhemostskilledtransactionallawyermay
not be an expert on the nuances of professional
liability insurance for engineers and architects,
especially regarding how PLI coverage would
clauses is largely a “cut and paste” problem;
contract clauses that might make sense in one
context (where the indemnitors can be insured
by a CGL policy and the clause is insurable)
don’t make sense in contracts for engineering or
architectural services(whereonlyPLIisavailable
and the clause is not insurable). Lawyers simply
they come across in other contracts (including
contractstheymayhavedraftedforthatclientto
usewithcontractors,forexample)andusethem
in engineering and architectural contracts.
Since PLI policies do not allow additional
insuredsonthepolicyandonlypayfordamages
of professional services, when broad form
used in design contracts, there is actually no
point design professionals should remember is
thatthecoverageprovidedbythePLIinsurance
company is not affected by the obligations
agree to language outside of the coverage the
PLI provides.
The majority of clients/owners do not
and duty to defend clauses in the A&E
context are uninsurable. Clients want the
and would likely not even ask for broad form
clauses were uninsurable. On the other hand,
language because they do not understand
what they are agreeing to or sometimes fail to
read the contract at all.
GEORGIA
HOUSE
BILL

MAY/JUNE 2016 11
POLITICAL PULSE
clauses are insisted upon by the client and
therefore avoid exposing the company or their
may feel that they cannot afford to turn down
projects or negotiate when the client is a large
or important one. In any of these situations,
advisor, insurance carrier and/or attorney.
THE RISK
Shifting risk to a party who cannot obtain
insurance for that risk is not in the interest
potentially massive amount of liability and
risk for a project while simultaneously putting
is also not in the best interest of the clients/
owners. In the event there is an issue and the
into play, the client/owner will want the
only as valuable as an indemnitor’s ability to
pay. Less than 10 percent of civil cases go to
when the defendant is uninsured. Getting
negotiating with an insurance company.
THE ANSWER: LEGISLATION
The interconnected issues and concerns
discussed above were the motivation for
experienced a similar trend and addressed
the problem with legislation; a total of forty-
three states have enacted various “anti-
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2016,
THE NEW GEORGIA LAW
(O.C.G.A. § 13-8-2(C))
PROHIBITING THE
USE OF BROAD FORM
INDEMNIFICATION WILL READ:
A covenant, promise, agree-
ment, or understanding in or
in connection with or collateral
to a contract or agreement for
engineering or architectural
services purporting to require
that one party to such contract
or agreement shall indemnify,
hold harmless, insure, or defend
the other party to the contract
or other named indemnitee, in-
agents, or employees, against
liability or claims for damages,
losses, or expenses, including
attorney fees, is against public
policy and void and unenforce-
for damages, losses, or expens-
es to the extent caused by or
resulting from the negligence,
recklessness, or intentionally
wrongful conduct of the indem-
nitor and/or other persons em-
ployed or utilized by the indem-
nitor in the performance of the
contract. This subsection shall
not affect any obligation under
workers' compensation or cov-
relating to workers' compensa-
tion, nor shall this subsection
apply to any requirement that
one party to the contract pur-
-
policy endorsement.
has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry working as an underwriter for some
indemnity’’ statues to date. Of those forty-
three states, eighteen states prohibited broad
every state allows limited form indemnity.
HB 943 sought to amend Georgia’s existing
law (O.C.G.A § 13-8-2) dealing with illegal and
voidcontracts.ThebillwasintroducedbyState
Representative Carl Rogers (R-Gainesville)
of America during the 2016 legislative
session and was ultimately signed into law
by Governor Nathan Deal on April 26, 2016.
duty to defend clauses will now be "against
public policy and void and unenforceable"
to quote the language of the new O.C.G.A. §
13-8-2(c). The new law applies to both public
and private clients and will become effective
of July 1, 2016. Note that contracts entered
into prior to that date are not affected.
The amendment of O.C.G.A. § 13-8-2(c) is a
major win for the A&E industry, as well as for
entities, which will gain from an expanded pool
projects where routine use of uninsurable
to no longer submit proposals.
The tireless efforts of ACEC Georgia, AIA and
many other key players in the industry led to
the passage of this amendment to O.C.G.A §
13-8-2 and is an important step forward in the
A&E industry and the PLI insurance world.
to face the choice of turning down projects
risk being assumed in contracts. In sum,
and duty to defend clauses as against public
project delivery team, including the owners
and clients.

AMEC FOSTER WHEELER
welcomed Barry Brown as
the new Bridge Design Leader
for its Georgia Environment
and Infrastructure Americas
business. In this new role,
Brown will be responsible for
building and managing bridge
across the state. He has more
than 30 years of design and
management experience and
holds both a Bachelor’s degree
in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech and a Master’s degree in Business
Administration from Georgia State University.
ASCE GEORGIA
ASCE:
P.E., Richard Morales, F.ASCE, P.E., Katherine McLeod
Gurd, F.ASCE, P.E., Raymond Wilke, F.ASCE, P.E. and Steven
McCutheon, F.ASCE, P.E. Ph.D. The ASCE Membership Application
Review Committee elects ASCE members to Fellow through a review
of professional accomplishments and contributions. Of the more
than 3,000 Georgia ASCE members, as well as 150,000 national ASCE
members, fewer than 3.5 percent are Fellows.
ATC GROUP SERVICES and CARDNO have separated into two distinct
ATC Group Services in March 2012. ATC Group Services, a professional
ATLANTA BELTLINE INC. (ABI) welcomed Henry Ikwut-Ukwa
as its new Transportation Director. Ikwut-Ukwa will lead the effort to
implement the 22-mile Atlanta BeltLine Transit loop with the Atlanta
Streetcar crosstown network, as well as implementation of the Atlanta
BeltLine 46-miles of complete streets and accompanying elements of
the Connect Atlanta Transportation Plan and the Streetcar System Plan.
Prior to joining ABI, Ikwut-Ukwa was the manager of planning and
development with the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority in
Birmingham, Ala. He also previously served as manager of transit system
planning for MARTA for nearly six years.
THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE hired former Georgia Environmental
Finance Authority (GEFA) Water Resource Division Director, Linda
MacGregor, as its Water Resource Director. During her time with GEFA,
MacGregor served as a Senior Program Manager, where she coordinated
a range of water resource projects and assisted with implementing the
Governor’s Water Supply Program.
Barry Brown
CHATHAM ENGINEERING COMPANY, LLC, a Savannah-based
Charles Cobb, P.E. and Stephen Swanger, P.E.
GOODWYN, MILLS AND CAWOOD, INC. merged with Smyrna-
based Stevenson & Palmer Engineering, Inc
the Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc. name. Stevenson & Palmer has
provided professional engineering services to communities throughout
Georgia for more than 50 years, helping build public infrastructure,
manage water resources and promote community development.
GWINNETT VILLIAGE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT’S
Board has named Marsha Anderson Bomar as its new Executive
Director. Anderson Bomar has more than 40 years of experience in
transportation and community development, including founding her
a member of the Duluth City Council since 2006.
HUSSEY GAY BELL welcomed
Michael Snare as a Senior
Project Representative. Snare
will be responsible for overall
construction inspection of
water and sewer piping, pump
stations, water/wastewater
treatment plants, grading
streets and sites, paving, storm
drainage and concrete projects
for the firm. Snare has four
years of experience, including
past involvement with large-
scale projects completed for the Georgia and Florida Departments
of Transportation.
INGENIUM ENTERPRISES, INC. is the new name of Grimail
Crawford, Inc
MWH GLOBAL announced two promotions: Dean Bell to Senior Vice
President for the company and Mark Beumer to Vice President.
NEWCOMB & BOYD promoted six employees to Partners: Donald
Walker, Gregory Johnson, David Chandler, Jeffrey Linde, Steven
Severini and Todd Mowinski.
NOVA ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL welcomed Gary R.
Watkins, AIA, LEED AP
Project Manager. Watkins has more than 30 years of comprehensive
architectural experience spanning educational, institutional, municipal
promotion of Brian Schiessle, also based out of Kennesaw, to
Geotechnical Services Manager.
Michael Snare
The Pulse | ON THE MOVE

MAY/JUNE 2016 13
PRIME ENGINEERING welcomed Edward Page as a Project Engineer
for its Industrial Department. Page’s background encompasses focused
experience on fueling storage systems, pipelines and terminal design.
REEVES YOUNG COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS welcomed Mike
Iezzi
Southern Polytechnic State University and has more than 16 years of
vertical construction experience.
SALAS O’BRIEN and Minick Engineering, Inc. announced they are
joining forces and will adopt the Salas O’Brien name. Minick Engineering
is known for its mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering
consulting services and boasts a strong history of projects across all
markets throughout Georgia and the Southeast. Together, the combined
SYSKA HENNESSY GROUP, INC., expanded its operations with a new
Tim Campbell, the
veteran Ben Coe and healthcare expert Vince Lord.
UNITED CONSULTING'S Beth
Harris,CPSM,hasbeenselected
by the Society of Marketing
Professional Services (SMPS) to
serve as its At-Large Delegate, a
two-year term on the National
Board of Directors. Harris is a
Past President of SMPS Atlanta
and currently serves the Society
Chair.
VHB expanded its Atlanta team with the addition of Alex Levy as
a Senior Ecologist. Levy brings more than 26 years of professional
experience in wetland determinations, protected species investigations,
general ecology studies for transportation, utility and site development
impact planning, permitting and National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) compliance documentation to this new role.
WSP I PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF appointed Bruce Moulds, P.E. as
Southeast Regional Business Development Director. In his new position,
Moulds will be responsible for developing and implementing business
development strategy for transportation and infrastructure projects, as
Michael J. Churchill as a Senior
Supervising Mechanical Engineer.
Beth Harris

The Pulse | OUT & ABOUT
ACEC GEORGIA INAUGURAL PAC GOLF TOURNAMENT: Joe Macrina of Wolverton & Associates with Representative Christian
Coomer, ACEC Georgia President and CEO Michael Sullivan, Senator Frank Ginn and Senator Butch Miller.
ACEC GEORGIA INAUGURAL PAC GOLF TOURNAMENT:
Dale Jones and Jeff Dingle of Jacobs.
ACEC GEORGIA INAUGURAL PAC GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Pond
& Company golf team included: Tony Parker, John Cassidy, Mike
Magahey and Bill Sloan.
2016ASCECHARITYGOLFTOURNAMENT:Mike
Marasa of Hayward Baker gives a presentation on
the 2014 National Corvette Museum Collapse.
ASHE 2016 JIM MCGEE SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT: Scott Jordan of American Concrete Pipe
Association, Jason Hewatt of Forterra Building Products, Beau Quarles of the Georgia Department of
Transportation and Sam Drake, also of Forterra.
ACEC GEORGIA INAUGURAL PAC GOLF TOURNAMENT: Matt Calak and Warren
Dimsdale of Heath & Lineback Engineers, Inc. with Jim Willmer (pictured center)
of Willmer Engineering, Inc.
ASHE 2016 JIM MCGEE SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT: Jennifer Aulick Etheridge of Aulick
Engineering, along with Paul Murphy, Tom Montgomery, Paul Condit and Ben Clopper of Michael
Baker International.

MAY/JUNE 2016 15
ASHE 2016 JIM MCGEE SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT: Brian O’Connor of T.Y. Lin
International, Emily Kosmalski of Terracon played alongside Kelli Weigle and Wesley Brock of THC, Inc.
GEORGIA ITE MARCH MONTHLY MEETING: Mallory Scates and Sydney Jenkins,
both Kimley-Horn employees, during the monthly meeting at Maggiano's
Cumberland.
GEORGIA ITE MARCH MONTHLY MEETING: Mike Blanchette and Jinwoo Seo
of Kimley-Horn with Julianne Bolls of Arcadis and Bing Zhang of Kimley-Horn at
the monthly meeting.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ITE TRAFFIC BOWL: Georgia Tech Traffic Bowl Team,
Maria Palma, Ben Wallach and Calvin Clark representing the Georgia Section of
ITE. Georgia Tech ended up with a second place finish!
GEORGIA ITE MARCH SOCIAL: Members enjoying an afternoon at Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta, GA.
ASHE 2016 JIM MCGEE SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT: Scott Gero of AECOM, Mario Macrina
and Angela Snyder of Wolverton & Associates and Greg Ramsey of CH2M.

The Pulse | OUT & ABOUT
ACEC GEORGIA FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAM: More than 50 participants graduated from the 2015-2016 program.
SMPS/ACEC GEORGIA JOINT TRANSPORTATION PANEL: Shamoin
Parks with Casting Services Group and Makenna Yeargain with Pond &
Company prior to the panel discussion.
ACEC GEORGIA FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAM: Holly Bauman of
T.Y. Lin International, Melissa Crosby of Amec Foster Wheeler, Ivan
Carranza of Amec Foster Wheeler, along with Jesse Simmons and Dan
Brown of Pond & Company.
ACEC GEORGIA LEADERSHIP PLANNING
RETREAT: Tanya and Randall Bagwell of
NOVA Engineering and Environmental with
Bruce McNitt of Arcadis.
ACECGEORGIALEADERSHIPPLANNINGRETREAT:AECOM’sDonHarriswithwife,Debbie,picturedwithJulietandJohn
Heath of Heath & Lineback Engineers and IncomingACEC Georgia Chair,Charles Ezelle ofThomas & Hutton.
SMPS/ACEC GEORGIA JOINT TRANSPORTATION PANEL: Panelists John Ray of Gwinnett
County Department of Transportation, Ann Hanlon of North Fulton Community Improvement
District,JimWilgus of Cobb County Department ofTransportation andTreasuryYoung of Georgia
Department ofTransportation with Moderator Michael Sullivan (center) ofACEC Georgia.
ACEC GEORGIA LEADERSHIP PLANNING RETREAT: ACEC Georgia Chair Roseana Richards of Pond & Company, Norma and Dave
Goershel of Amec Foster Wheeler along with Mindy and Michael Planner of PES Structural Engineers.
SMPS/ACEC GEORGIA JOINT TRANSPORTATION PANEL:
Bobby Darnel and Jeff Doubrava of S&ME with Russ Danser of
Edwards-Pitman Environmental.

The Pulse | EVENTS CALENDAR
ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONVENTION
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa
2 Grasslawn Avenue
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
The 2016 AGC Georgia Annual Convention
offers plenty of networking opportunities and
recognition programs, as well as an informative
business session and golf tournament. Make plans
to join AGC Georgia and invite your colleagues
and families to join, too!
Cost: $675
Register at www.agcga.org
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BOARD BREAKFAST
7:30a.m. – 9:00a.m.
Crown Plaza Atlanta – Midtown
590 West Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
Save the date to join WTS Atlanta for its annual State Transportation
Board of Georgia Breakfast event.
Learn more at www.wtsinternational.org/atlanta
2016 GEORGIA ITE SUMMER SEMINAR:
AIM HIGH
The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort
201 Arnold Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Hosted by the Georgia section of ITE, this annual
conferenceprovidesvaluabletechnicalsessionsin
a relaxed environment, networking with some of
Georgia’s transportation leaders, the opportunity
to earn PDHs and fun for the whole family.
Cost: $305 – ITE Members; $355 – Non-Members; $255 – Public Sector
Register at www.gaite.org
GEORGIA ENGINEERS SUMMER CONFERENCE
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Walt Disney World®
Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
This event will offer an exclusive look at the
bleeding edge technology and innovation used
to build and maintain Walt Disney World®
Resort,
as well as the opportunity to network with
industry leaders, earn PDHs and use discounted
Contemporary Resort!
Cost: $600 – ACEC Georgia, ASCE, GEF, GSPE and IEEE Members;
$800 – Non-Members
Register at www.acecga.org
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION’S
2016 ANNUAL CONVENTION
Savannah International Trade
and Convention Center
1 International Drive, Savannah, GA 31402
This year’s GMA convention, themed “Cities
in Play,” will enable attendees to participate in
an array of recreational activities and sessions
focused on what cities are doing to engage their
Foundation’s Chief Playmaker, Steve Gross, will
serve as the convention’s keynote speaker.
Cost: $410 GMA Members; $560 Non-members
Register at www.gmanet.com/Training-Events
JUN
162016
EVENTS
2016
JUN
92016
JUN
122016
JUN
172016
JUN
202016
JUN
232016
JUN
262016
JUN
242016
JUN
282016

MAY/JUNE 2016 19
SUMMER SOCIAL 2016
6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.
Topgolf – Midtown
1600 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Hosted by AIA Atlanta, the Circle of Trust Atlanta and ULI Atlanta, the
and beverages, high-tech golf and networking with more than 200 of
professionals. No golf experience is required. In fact, 85 percent of
Topgolf customers are inexperienced.
Register at www.aiaatl.org
ACEC GEORGIA FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAM
KICK OFF
3:30p.m. – 5:30p.m.
755 Club at Turner Field
755 Hank Aaron Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
To kick off the 2016-2017 Future Leaders Program, hosted by ACEC
Georgia, attendees will take a DISC Assessment to better understand
theirownstrengthsandweaknessesincommunicatingandworkingwith
others, while also learning strategies for relating to other personality
types. Over the course of nine months, the Future Leaders Program
trains talented, up-and-coming engineers on topics such as business
development, presentation skills and accounting.
Cost: $725
Register for the 2016-2017 program at www.acecga.org
ITS GEORGIA ANNUAL MEETING
AND EXHIBITIONS
Callaway Gardens Lodge and Spa
4500 Southern Pine Drive
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
This conference provides a forum for attendees
to learn about new technologies and changing
trends in the ITS industry, as well as network with
fellowprofessionals.Theconferencethemeis“ITS
Georgia is embracing to elevate technology solutions in transportation.
Learn more at www.itsga.org
ANNUAL WTS ATLANTA
SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON
Save the date for WTS Atlanta’s yearly scholarship
lunch as it awards two undergraduate and two
graduate scholarships to female students in the
Learn more at www.wtsinternational.org/atlanta
2016 GEORGIA TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT
The Classic Center
300 North Thomas Street, Athens, GA 30601
Save the date for the largest transportation event
in Georgia. A partnership of ACEC Georgia, the
Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Chamber of Commerce
and Georgia Transportation Alliance, this event provides engineers with
bridges to ports and airports.
Learn more at www.acecga.org
JUN
302016
SEP
132016
SEP
252016
SEP
272016
OCT
272016
NOV
302016

Engineering GA | FEATURE
GETTINGUP
CLOSEWITH DRONES
Sites, but Concerns Remain Before Commercial
Use Really Takes Off
DRONES HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL.
items as small as a cooler in a truck. But, the potential for drones is
much bigger. Businesses that use them can expect cost savings, fewer
safety risks and a faster ability to gather critical data to design and build
structures.
Weber-Snapp’s employer, Atlanta-based Environmental Planning
for client assessments. “Now we decided to try to do the drone instead,
over a regular plane,” said Weber-Snapp, an Environmental Engineer and
Senior Scientist. “The drone is half the price, which is a big thing.”
By Lori Johnston

MAY/JUNE 2016 21
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects sales of drones for
commercialusetorisefrom600,000in2016tomorethan2.7milliondrones
reach 2.5 million this year and increase to seven million in 2020.
In the engineering, construction and architecture industries, these
unmanned aircraft are primarily used for land surveying, engineering
inspections and monitoring structures such as roads and pipelines.
to create 2D photos and 3D models with lifelike representations of the
site. High-resolution images and video produced by drones can also be
used for marketing and advertising.
“It’s hard to capture the feats engineers perform for their clients with
just a camera on the ground,” says Don Eberly, President and CEO of
design and construction industry who have used drones.
Aerial photography, inspections, surveys and construction are among
the top commercial applications in Georgia for unmanned aerial
vehicle operators that hold a government-required Section 333
exemption, according to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems
International (AUVSI). This Section 333 exemption refers to the FAA
Concerns about privacy and liability remain, as companies use drones
to capture footage and data. “Technology is being developed faster than
society is able to adopt rules and regulations to monitor and control it,”
says Orrin B. MacMurray, P.E., FACEC, Chairman Emeritus of New York-
based C&S Worldwide Holdings, Inc. b
FlyWorx, based in Atlanta, has
worked for a variety of clients,
including the Serenbe community.
Credit: FlyWorx

A geo-referenced orthophoto is created
using a drone that shot 450 photos for a
Credit: FlyWorx
CURRENT USES
Drones are nothing new, says MacMurray, a former American Council
of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Chairman and 2012 ACEC New York
far back as the mid-1800s. They have been used by hobbyists for decades
and regularly by the military since the 1970s.
As a consulting engineer, MacMurray represents ACEC on a Federal
Aviation Administration committee working to establish rules on how
small unmanned aerial vehicles can be operated beyond visual line of
sight. “The technology has taken on a greater degree of visibility because
of its military use and the fact that we can make sensing devices and
cameras so small and light they can be put on the vehicles,” he says.
“More and more are entering the environment.”
Some unmanned aerial vehicles are as large as the military drones,
have rotors, are small, can hover and are light enough to be carried by
a person. But, they are often unable to carry heavy loads. Fixed-wing
craft, which are more like those used by the military, can’t hover — a
Interest in drone shoots is increasing on projects such as bridges,
stadiums and highway construction, like bypasses, Eberly says. For
of construction. The stadium is set to open in 2017. “You just can’t
capture the essence of those types of heavy construction projects that
span long distances without a drone. The inclusion of drones makes it
more possible,” he says.
For one of its clients, FlyWorx circumnavigated an Atlanta high-rise that
had sustained tornado damage. The drone provided a solution for what
would have been a complicated, long and expensive process, possibly
requiring humans to physically evaluate the damage, says Roman Molla,
President of FlyWorx. His Atlanta-based aerial drone imaging company
was founded in 2014 and operates with a Section 333 exemption.
Last year, Burns & McDonnell, which is based in Kansas City, Missouri,
help manage and reduce safety risks, simply by removing the need
for a human to pilot an aircraft or to be on the ground in a potentially
dangerous site, and especially when evaluating projects such as facility
and transmission line routes.
The company says using these remotely operated aircraft could reduce
the need for environmental permits, since engineers may no longer
need to put boots on the ground to collect measurements and data, and
and money. “While the FAA continues to explore additional leeway for
the use of UAVs throughout the country, utilities and other commercial
report by Burns & McDonnell.
Sensors and cameras attached to the drone take high-resolution photos
by the second that are saved with data points, such as GPS coordinates,
elevation and volume metrics, and surface temperatures, Molla says.
The millions of data points FlyWorx’s cameras and sensors collect are
used to create 3D models and 2D images, such as orthophotos, that
such a uniform scale it can be used to measure true distances. Ortho-
data, such as high-resolution generated, geo-referenced 2D maps, Molla
says. Airplanes also can be used to create the 2D maps and 3D models,
but the images are not as high-resolution and the process can be longer
and more expensive, he says.
Bob Gonsalves, President and CEO of UAVUS (U.S. Association of
Unmanned Aerial Videographers), the nation’s largest membership
association of commercial UAV operators, says some of his members
gauge the volume for clients and track progress at a worksite.
Often, video and photo shoots using a drone happen a few times over
the life of the project, if there’s the budget to capture each phase, Eberly
says. But the commercial application is still new enough that Eberly’s
them.
SURVEYING THE LANDSCAPE FOR DRONES
Being a drone operator does not make you exempt from rules operating
in April 2014, has more than 5,000 registered members. Almost every
Section 333 exemption application that the company writes for its
members includes uses such as infrastructure surveying and aerial
inspection, he says. Georgia has 84 companies with Section 333
exemptions, according to AUVSI. b

AERIAL ACRONYMS
UAVs: Unmanned aerial vehicles (can
include devices or controls and can
be equipped with various sensors,
such as a video and still cameras)
UASs: Unmanned aerial systems (normally
comprised of a control station for a
human operator and one or more UAVs)
UAMS: Unmanned aerial mapping systems
BVLOS: Beyond visual line of sight
MAY/JUNE 2016 23

Companies have had more wiggle room, in terms of where and when
“At the same time, equally important, it’s necessary. No one wants to
be involved in a drone photo shoot or drone shoot that would not be
safe, viable or reasonable. It’s important to protect people’s privacy and
safety,” he says.
The restrictions are still loose, Eberly says, but he expects rules about
how and where drone shoots can be conducted to become more
be careful about where and how they execute drone shoots, such as
must keep the drone high above the street, while making turns.
While the technology is moving fast, new regulations are coming slowly,
Gonsalvessays.TheFAAhassettheceilingat400feetformostoperations,
including many of those with exemptions that allow the commercial use
of unmanned aerial vehicles outside of restricted airspaces. “There are
Gonsalves says. “For some applications, this is all evolving, but right now
those are the limitations that have to be considered.”
Beyond that, however, there is little FAA guidance, and legislators have
passed a bill that would have made it illegal to use a device to capture
images where there is an expectation of privacy, such as a backyard.
Governor Nathan Deal vetoed the bill in May, however, arguing that
the state should allow the FAA the chance to complete its guidelines
before adding a layer of potentially competing rules. In the interim,
the Governor announced he would issue an executive order to create
a commission to propose state-level guidelines that can be used until
the FAA acts.
FUTURE USES FOR UNMANNED VEHICLES
with FlyWorx on three sites, including a manufacturing plant in
Milledgeville. “We are kind of rare,” she says. “It’s the same thing when
people began using GIS; now everybody is using it.”
AUVSI projects drones will create more than 70,000 new jobs from 2015-
2017 and more than 100,000 by 2025, with an economic impact of $82
states have not yet used them for Georgia projects, or for work by their
However, a 2014 study from Georgia Tech, commissioned by the Georgia
aerial vehicles, including for construction site measurements, bulk
material measurements and airport inspection. GDOT uses drones to

MAY/JUNE 2016 25
University of Georgia researchers are testing a prototype that uses ultrasound sensors
on unmanned aircraft to relay information which can help operators map the interior of
structures and guide them to locations. The research is conducted as part of a contract
with Southern Co., which plans to use unmanned aircraft to improve reliability and
enhance crew safety.
However, the immediate future of commercial drone use might run into turbulence.
rules and regulations under development may force a closure if they restrict drones from
Firms must pay attention to regulations and liability concerns, which often cause
companies to hire government-approved operators instead of purchasing their own
drones. They also face a learning curve, from making sure the aerial vehicle hovers over
the correct property and can adjust to the height of structures and topography. “It’s not
always going to be easy to use the technology,” MacMurray says.
months later, they tell him, ‘my drone is in a tree.’ “Think very hard before you get into it
thinking you can do it yourself,” he says.
However, drones aren’t expected to be the only choice as engineering, architecture and
continue to use airplanes for work in large, wooded areas or wetlands, she says.
MacMurray reminds folks that unmanned aerial
vehicles are just another tool for collecting data
and information. “I think, as professional
engineers and design professionals, it’s
that it’s our responsibility to judge
whether the quality of the data
that’s generated by these tools
is adequate for the purpose
we’re going to use it
for,” he says.
High-resolution photos
taken from a drone
helped create a geo-
referenced 3D model
and orthophoto for
FlyWorx clients.
Credit: FlyWorx
BY THE NUMBERS
The projected economic impact of
unmanned aerial vehicles for Georgia.
DIRECT EMPLOYMENT
+++++
2016: 668
++++++++
2017: 1,003
+++++++++
2020: 1,161
+++++++++++
2025: 1,481
TOTAL EMPLOYMENT IMPACT
ssssss
2016: 1,299
sssssssss
2017: 1,949
sssssssssss
2020: 2,256
sssssssssssss
2025: 2,880
TOTAL DIRECT SPENDING
$$$$$$
2016: $65.7 million
$$$$$$$$$$
2017: $98.6 million
$$$$$$$$$$$
2020: $114.1 million
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
2025: $145.7 million
TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT
wwwww
2016: $126.3 million
wwwwwwww
2017: $189.5 million
wwwwwwwww
2020: $219.3 million
wwwwwwwwwww
2025: $279.97 million
Source: “The Economic Impact of Unmanned
Aircraft Systems Integration in the United
States,” March 2013, Association of
Unmanned Vehicle Systems International

E
ngineers, architects and contractors were drawn to their
professions not just to build things, but by the desire
to build them better. The best design and construction
professionals are always on the lookout for ways
that constantly evolving technologies can provide them with a new
competitive edge to build things better than ever before. Building
Information Modeling (BIM) technology offers one of the most powerful
tools for not only building better buildings and infrastructure, but also
for transforming the process of how they get built.
of a design, which were formerly represented on two-dimensional plans,
and transforms them into a three-dimensional computer model that can
be displayed in a way to allow owners and clients to “walk through”
or addressed at the project’s earliest stages and for changes to be
made to the design before construction has commenced.
BIM is more than just software. It’s a tool for true collaboration
(not just coordination) between owners, design professionals and
builders that allows for accurate and up-to-date information to be
shared in real time, which will in turn make the 3D BIM model a true
resource for effective decision making. The better design and decision
making resulting from BIM is reducing the cost of construction, as well
that has been improved by engagement from all the stakeholders
(owner, designer and contractor) working collaboratively, rather than
cost, time and collaboration advantages that BIM offers, and design
advantage over those who are late to adopt.
A BRIEF HISTORY
suggested by American engineer, inventor and digital pioneer, Douglas C.
Englebart, in his 1962 paper titled Augmenting Human Intellect¹:
These lists grow into an ever more-detailed, interlinked structure, which
Going BEYOND the
BLUEPRINTHow BIM (Building Information Modeling) is Transforming
By Kasie Bolling

MAY/JUNE 2016 27
graphical user interface (GUI), the SKETCHPAD program, constructive
solid geometry (CSG) system, boundary representation (brep), human-
computer interaction (HCI), Building Description System (BDS),
Graphical Language for Interactive Design (GLIDE), GDS, EdCAAD,
precursors to what we now know as BIM technology. In the early 1980’s,
software available on a personal computer. Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD, now
in its 19th imagining, is still widely used today by both Windows and
MAC users. In addition, an ever-increasing number of BIM software is
including Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft EcoDesigner, Bentley Structural
Modeler, Tekla BIMSight and EcoDomus.
riding that wave for some time. Those that haven’t risk being left behind.
MAKING THE LEAP
Richard Burroughs, President of Atlanta-based Applied Software
of BIM technology as soon as possible. “The transition from the 2D
world to the 3D world offers an improvement in the ability to design,
understand and operate anything from a building to a stretch of
highway. Technology continues to accelerate and deliver functionality.
Firms just have to jump in and be smart about gaining the access and
training necessary to start catching up with earlier adopters.”
MattSweeney,P.E.,BIMProgramManageratPESStructuralEngineers,Inc.
agrees with that assessment, “PES has been employing BIM technology for
BIMtool,AutoDeskRevit,asthefutureofourindustry.Theychoseaselect
few to start training and getting familiar with the technology through
small pilot projects internally in order to stay ahead. I was included in
we do everything in Revit: 20-story concrete towers, complex churches,
industrial parks, multi-family residential projects and more.” b
GSFIC. The two were photographed at GSFIC headquarters, where statewide BIM standards are researched and developed.

While BIM technology strengthens the development and ease of
designing elaborate, large-scale structures, Sweeney recommends
starting small and using the application to make slow improvements.
discipline. Formulate a general strategy to determine how big of a
change you want to make and how quickly you’re prepared to make
looking to improve understanding, employing the help of online
training tools, like LYNDA.com and CADlearning.com, is a tangible way
who's been working in the BIM framework for a while and is happy to
discuss change management.
should have in place before introducing its team to BIM technology:
Leadership that is committed to this change of direction and prepared
to embrace the process
Openness to engaging a consultant to bring BIM technology in-
house and marry people to the process
Designation of a project staff person who wants to lead the way,
keep on going down the road. Burroughs says this particular aspect is
evolve there will be a persistent learning curve.
Ongoing research both online and with peers. If done properly, this
Proper hardware and software to achieve desired results
Adequate internet connectivity and access to the cloud
The right external partners. Burroughs adds that once up and
running, external partners might not be experts in sharing information
or setting up the model for proper collaboration.
BIM TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS TO FIRMS
While getting started may seem somewhat daunting, the advantages to
entering the BIM arena are hard to ignore:
Gaining an Advantage:
to large-scale, complex projects.
Improved Communication and Enhanced Collaboration:
As more and more partners jump on the BIM bandwagon, there are
increased opportunities for invaluable information sharing among all
team members, including the owner, designers, subcontractors and
more. With greater information sharing, greater collaboration and
project transparency between team members follows.
Early Insights: Thanks to the level of detail in the deliverable, BIM
technology helps partners determine potential costs while identifying
and correcting challenges before they become on-site problems.

MAY/JUNE 2016 29016MAY/JUNE 29MAY/JUNE/JUNE 2016
A UNIQUE APPLICATION
OF BIM TECHNOLOGY
The Georgia State Financing and
Investment Commission is currently
animating a model of the State
Capitol for historic purposes.
“There are a number of interesting
uses for this project. On one hand,
students can explore the animation
and click on a portrait hanging in the
hall to learn more about the person
depicted. On the other hand, we can
examine a variety of scenarios if a
hostage situation were to take place.
There are lots of possibilities where
BIM technology is concerned – some
we may not have even thought of
before.”
- Marvin Woodward, Deputy
Investment Commission
Time and Money Saver:
the owner has an opportunity to view the project in greater detail before
construction begins, BIM can help reduce the number of change orders,
ultimately saving time and money. By implementing BIM technology in-house
can help expedite the review process and speed up delivery of a construction
project.
When considering BIM technology from the client’s perspective, Sweeney
time interpreting 2D plans. 3D modeling in BIM is really impressive and helps
them grasp exactly what you’re talking about. As a result, clients become more
invested and involved.”
“The BIM movement is global and it’s growing,” added Burroughs. “In some
countries, it’s required. Whereas in Europe, it’s more widespread, the U.S.
movement gets more complex over time, the sooner you adopt, the more time
and money you’ll save. Research shows that companies that adopt BIM tend
important that you understand your clients and their needs. It’s also important
“Owners are seeing the value of BIM technology. They know that it can help
control project costs, offer a better suited project upon completion, equate to a
andprovidefacilitymanagementdata.Forthat,theyarewillingtopayapremium
for BIM experts. BIM is driving change in the industry through improved risk
management and collaborative relationships. If you need more convincing,
simply look to the Lean principles: focus on effectively delivering value to your
customer and seek continuous incremental improvement.” b
The 12-monitor wall at GSFIC's headquarters, shown above with a depiction
of the Georgia Captiol South Parking Deck, allows clients to experience a

30 ENGINEERING GEORGIA3 NE NG GEORGIA30 EN3 RING GEORGIAINEERING G30 ENGINEERING GEORGIA
RECENT TRENDS IN BIM TECHNOLOGY
AND WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON
Having had a decade of BIM usage upon which
of the moment. “We can share information even
quicker than we used to. The cloud allows us to
collaborate with team members and clients in
real time. Another exciting recent development is
coordination and modeling to another level.”
As far as the near future is concerned, Sweeney
projects that BIM users will see more improvement
in communication of the processes so nothing is
lost in translation. He hopes that there will also be
improvements to collaboration tools.
“Keep expecting the BIM movement to continue
to grow,” he said. “Eventually, we will get to the
the owner and the designers to
whole team working together
to put together an accurate,
well-coordinated building
model rather than throwing
information blindly over a
next couple of years, tools will get considerably better to achieve this.
I would like to see analysis tools work in conjunction with modeling
tools and for design models to truly become part of the construction
coordinated design and construction process, at the end of the day
you’ll have a better building.”
reality and the incorporation of drone technology, Burroughs indicates
that this is an exciting time for advanced users. Of course, advancements
in BIM technology present a lot of potential value to progressive owners.
“Their involvement in the process can help determine the information
they wish to get out of the project,” said Burroughs. “For instance,
data can be appropriately structured so it’s consumable by the owner’s
operation, maintenance, systems and facilities departments. They can
take the metadata provided about the systems within the model and
operate them at a better level and lower cost. The data can also help
them manage maintenance and renovations a lot easier. Best of all,
distant future, most things will be connected. Based on how a building
is modeled, ‘smart buildings’ can incorporate software and sensors to
sensors can monitor temperatures, equipment and number of people
software can adjust HVAC control systems, turn off lights in an empty
room and perform energy analytics in real-time. We’re not entirely there
yet, but it’s coming.” b
A project rendering (top) demonstrates the stark
contrast and advantage of BIM technology over the
traditional 2D view of the same building (bottom).

MAY/JUNE 2016 31
FROM THE GROUND UP:
UNDERGROUND UTILITIES TO SATELLITES
A large number of BIM-related software
exists to serve a wide variety of disciplines.
As just one example among many, AutoDesk®
Infraworks 360®
preliminary engineering
and design software provides tools that are
unique to civil-based projects that entail
infrastructure planning – such as laying the
groundwork for a highway – in a real-world
context, using cloud capabilities. Infraworks
can access Google Earth satellite data for
typography and land planning. What might
have taken a large team weeks to complete in
the past can now be completed in just a couple
of days by a team as small as two engineers.
From that data, a 3D model can be created –
complete with the location of utilities. These
models can prove highly effective in public
hearings, particularly when compared to
a hand-drawn rendering. For instance, if
neighbors are concerned about an obstructed
throughs to dispel any fears. Once it’s time to
to contractors at the jobsite via mobile devices.
Image by Matt Sweeney / PES Structural Engineers, Inc.

informationstoredthereinformanagementandfuturemaintenance.The
‘M’ in BIM stands for modeling, but it can also represent management.
From a client perspective, Woodward believes this level of technology
takes what would normally be 2D rendering to an interactive 3D model
spaces ahead of construction in
order to avoid claims like “it’s not
what I envisioned” upon the project’s
throughs in the most dramatic
fashion, GSFIC uses a video wall at
its headquarters comprised of 12
interconnected HD monitors for a
large-scale experience that can be
shared by a room full of people.
To provide clients with a more intimate 360° experience, both GSFIC
and McCarthy Building Companies Southeast Division use Virtual
Reality as part of its BIM offering. McCarthy’s Southeast Division
hospital project in the City of Atlanta. Virtual Reality employs the same
a headset as opposed to looking at a screen.
VIRTUAL VISIONARIES
The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC)
recently found value in the use of BIM technology when working on
the reconstruction of the Gross Anatomy Lab at the Medical College of
Augusta. Although an architect designed the BIM model for the project,
the project for a more engaging experience.
“Themostimportantaspectofadding
animation to BIM is the chance to
experience a building before it is
built and make better decisions in
order to drive down costs, speed
up the time to build and eliminate
eco-friendly construction practices
are extremely important in Georgia,”
explained Marvin Woodward, Deputy
“In order to perfect the animation,
it’s important to get the right people in the room at the right point in
building. In addition to initial planning and design, BIM technology can
be used for estimating, scheduling and even facility maintenance.
“Our role is on both the front-end and the back-end. On the front end,
we animate the model so the client can experience the building, and
“The most important
aspect of adding
animation to BIM
is the chance to
experience a building
before it is built.”
The use of Virtual Reality, while still a new technology, continues to grow in use within the engineering
and construction industries, as demonstrated by McCarthy Southeast Division's recent implementation.

MAY/JUNE 2016 33
“Virtual Reality was just one of the innovative approaches
we took on this project,” shared Shannon Lightfoot, VDC
Manager at McCarthy’s Southeast Division. “Although
Virtual Reality has been used by McCarthy in other
our division. We partnered with VIMTREK to make sure
our deliverable was as high quality as possible. Virtual
adds realism and a better sense of scale than one might
derive by looking at a 2D rendering on paper or even a
3D model on a computer screen. A hospital comprises a
restrooms, labs, etc. Through the use of Virtual Reality,
the client is given a tour of those spaces in greater detail.
Through their headset, they can see a rendering of the
virtual reality environment. They can actually look on
the wall and see the different components that might
be there, then help us perfect the design by talking
through their expectations. This process involved people
members of the medical team. Their impressions add to
level of detail, it’s easier to spot potential issues and
resolve them earlier in the process.”
VDC Engineer at McCarthy, Alexa Malusky offers Virtual Reality up as the
next best thing to being there. “Everyone’s excited when they put the
headset on. This is new technology that offers an incredibly immersive
experience. Even before we are awarded the project, this technology
also makes a great impression during pursuits. We can take a headset to
pitches and give prospective clients an opportunity to not only see, but
experience what we’re conveying.”
Lightfoot believes that the technology is only going to get better and will
be available to the masses in time. And, as Virtual Reality becomes more
readily accessible, it will not only become something that’s easier for
that clients will come to expect.
“Virtual Reality offers a better way to engage all parties in the design and
edge of technology. Virtual Reality is the next evolution of the Building
Source:

By Ellen Berman
T
he most successful marriages begin with great
communication, shared goals and mutual respect. But, a
match made in heaven is not the same as a merger made
in Georgia. Just as couples quibble, so do companies. And,
a cultural mismatch can land a merger or acquisition on the rocks. New
managementoftenstepsinasthemeddlesomemother-in-law,tampering
with employees’ comfortable work styles and alienating employees,
resulting in broken relationships and disruptions to productivity.
dramatic managerial shift, anonymously shares, “before, the company
conversations going on that you could participate in, and people would
come out in the hall to discuss and solve different issues. Engineers
need to be around other engineers to be creative.”
Once this merger was completed however, company dynamics
drastically changed. “Now when you want a meeting, you go in for a
brainstorming session in a conference room and there’s no spontaneity.
Everyone keeps their doors closed. We have no say in the direction of
the company and management says we have to answer to ‘Wall Street’.”
As this example proves, culture is one of the most important aspects
dwindling group of disillusioned staff, stakeholder engagement is a must
is not possible, there is a clear danger of creating an atmosphere of
distrust, while destroying company culture.
TAKING THE NECESSARY TIME
For Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood (GMC) and Smyrna-based Stevenson &
Palmer, discussions for an acquisition began more than two years before
the decision was eventually reached in April 2016.
MERGERS
Corkey Welch, former President of Stevenson & Palmer and now
Senior Client Manager for the Georgia operations of GMC says, “By the
into the deal, not only because I knew their top executives’ personalities,
Jim Teel, Jr., Atlanta Vice President of GMC, which has grown through
various acquisitions over the years to more than 300 employees across
the Southeast, agrees. “We’d been getting to know the people and
priorities at Stevenson & Palmer for an extended period of time and it
was quickly evident that both our groups were focused on clients.”
Once the executive teams were on-board, employee engagement
became the next vital step. “We found it’s best to bring folks along
slowly,” says Teel. “We didn’t just hand out roles. We involved our
engineers before we merged. They are the foundation of our service
team, and we believed that if they felt alienated and not part of the
process, it would make it a lot tougher.”
Know the Ropes Before Tying the Knot
ACQUISITIONS

MAY/JUNE 2016 35
Details of GMC’s game plan and vision were negotiated with employee
input; fear of the unknown was ameliorated and employees didn’t feel
theneedtojumpship.Twomonthspriortotheclosing,staffconferences
were held where human resource, accounting, support services and
compensation, and, they were excited that the merger would offer
them more resources to do their jobs and the opportunity to enhance
their skill sets. “When everyone’s brought into the process, the change
doesn’t come about as a total 180,” says Teel.
Another important value to both parties was that a family atmosphere
be preserved. “We want the merger to be a combination of not only
business practices and ideals, but also of relationships,” says Welch.
corporate hub, where after a day of hard work, corn-hole boards and
other team oriented activities will give employees the chance to get
together in a casual setting.
UNDERSTANDING COMPANY FOUNDATIONS
Alan Agadoni, Senior Vice President of National Programs for ATC
Group Services LLC, headquartered in Lafayette, La., can vouch for the
importance of communication. He has been on both sides of the table
while getting to know each other.”
But,asthecompaniesbeganfocusingonintegration,problemsemerged.
ATC’s lower-margin, lower-rate business model, which encouraged
offerings. There was “a lack of alignment in our markets, clients and
overall business strategy,” shares Agadoni.
Tony DiMarino, a Cardno Branch Manager, agrees. “Cardno and ATC
previous leadership was pushing for rapid growth.”
According to Agadoni, rather than adapt their large-scale accounting
platformtoATC’sbusinessmodel,Cardnotriedtoimplementitssystems.
“Everyone underestimated the productivity impact of integrating our
accounting and other systems. We spent a lot of time trying to make that
even when the numbers add up, people need to feel they are a part of the
team. Above all, it’s about building a partnership based on mutual respect.
“People felt they weren’t being listened to and their opinions didn’t
matter. We started losing people and many were questioning their
There were groups of people who thought the merger was a hunting
ground for opportunities. There’s a big difference between people
working together versus people trying to get ahead and exploit each
you are acquiring without hurting morale, you are fooling yourself,” says
Agadoni.
will certainly be brought to bear on ATC’s most recent merger with Sage
Environmental Consulting, and with Cardno as they expand their service
offerings across global markets.
Agadoni adds, “The bright spot is that our clients stuck with us and we kept
theteamtogetherandnowarelookingtogrowwithouracquisitionofSage.”
“It all comes down to doing due diligence,” says DiMarino. “Look deeper
and assure the leadership, the work groups and the path match.” b
“Compatible cultures are
crucial to any merger.
People work for your
organization because of
who they work for and
with, but most often it’s
the culture they work in.”

Engineering GA | FEATUREEngineering GA | FEATURE
ALLEVIATING EMPLOYEE CONCERN
Communication between staff from both companies early in the merger
process was a fundamental aspect of Massachusetts-based VHB’s
acquisition of Atlanta-based GT Hill Planners Corporation in late 2015.
Todd Hill, Environmental Services Manager for VHB and Principal at
GT Hill prior to the merge, shares that at the beginning, “we looked at
all our clients and the issues each one would have in order of priority.”
parties, as well as allow for a seamless transition for their clients.
ErinMurphy,ManagingDirectorforVHBAtlantaandformerPresident
of GT Hill, agrees. “We had an enormous amount of communication with
upper management, which helped make the employees feel integrated
very early on.”
Town-hall meetings also paved the way for employee engagement and
minutes of our conversations, but after the merger, we addressed career
they could take things to the next level. We are a young company and it
helped to discuss these things with their peers. This gave them a sense
of ownership of the process,” adds Murphy.
package, as well as new arenas for career growth. “For example, a lot
of times you work on a particular geography and learn all the species in
that area, but aren’t exposed to things that are more exotic. It excited
our staff to be able to work in other areas,” says Hill.
Employees of GT Hill did have to adapt to VHB’s work style. For instance,
VHB employees typically have laptops and can conduct more business
remotely. Hill had to convince his staff that it was time to upgrade their
computer system by integrating it with VHB’s system. And, to promote
camaraderie, Hill says they have convinced their new coworkers to
continue Band Shirt Fridays, where employees wear a favorite rock band
t-shirt to work.
their service offerings and work cultures to geographic markets. Hill’s
yourself. Make sure you will continue working on things that you enjoy.”
DEVELOPING KEY COLLABORATION
When San Jose, Calif.-based Salas O’Brien joined forces with Atlanta’s
HESM&A Consulting Engineers, employees weren’t given advance
notice. But Stan Everett, HESM&A’s Managing Principal, made sure
employees knew that it was an opportunity to broaden their client
more training and advancement. A four-page document of FAQs was
b

professionals, including 20 staffers acquired from KLG Consulting
Engineers. According to Everett, nothing much has changed. “We’ve
shared knowledge bases and employees have had functions together.
At the local level, the transition was easy. We worked very hard to
communicate everything. If you don’t, employees assume the worst.
Salas O’Brien believes in best practices, so sometimes they convert to
our way or we convert to theirs. The important thing is we truly believed
compatibility. Everett adds, “Compatible cultures are crucial to any
for and with, but most often it’s the culture they work in. Work has to
be fun, as well as rewarding, and people have to be growing and feel like
they are accomplishing something.”
BUILDING STRONG COMMUNICATION
Jim Hamilton, former President of Southern Civil Engineers, Inc.
(SCE), is certain that the success of his company’s merger with Kimley-
Horn and Associates, Inc. hinged on shared values.
Hamilton says, “We spent a lot of time talking about values before the
acquisition. We talked about culture and what the culture would be like.
There is a difference between going from a 15-person to a 2,500-person
company. At the base of it all, we had some common values that were
really important to us.”
Bothcompaniesweredrivenbyintegrity,honestyandhighexpectations.
And, both are high-achieving companies who focus on caring for clients
and employees. These values were the glue that, over a period six
months prior to closing the deal, helped bond the two companies and
groove SCE into Kimley-Horn’s operation.
“It’s like any big endeavor,” says Hamilton, “you have to plan it out
well. SCE existed for 30 years and we weren’t going to make the change
unless we knew it was the right thing. As engineers, we make sure every
component is in our formula for success. And Kimley-Horn’s transition
team made it happen; their Southeast regional team, including IT and
to know each other, too.”
intensive,off-sitecultureandphilosophyseminarstodiscussapproaches
to managing projects, interacting with clients, accounting procedures
and handling problems. They also enjoy weekly ice-cream socials as a
way to get to know one another better.
its small-practice feel. “We are connected across the country. We have
the same internal relationships, and yet, are part of the bigger practice.”
It has been three years since the merger, and only two of the 15 SEC
employees have left.
Ideally, this is how all mergers and acquisitions should be. Employees
that what they most value about their work will not disappear. The
transition should be a time to honor the company’s accomplishments
while continuing to work towards the betterment of the company
and the success of its clientele. Quite possibly, preserving the positive
qualities of each entity is the key to perfect matchmaking when
“We spent a lot of time talking
about values before the
acquisition. We talked about
culture and what the culture
would be like. There is a
difference between going from
a 15-person to a 2,500-person
company. At the base of it all, we
had some common values that
were really important to us.”

By Nikki Welch
COMING SOON TO ATLANTA:
the LIVING
BUILDING

MAY/JUNE 2016 41
Profiles | PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
O
ver the past few decades,
the Georgia Institute of
Technology (Georgia Tech)
has focused its attention on
creating a standard of institutional excellence
within not only the state, but across the globe.
The University continues to set records,
make monumental discoveries and push
the boundaries of advancement. One recent
noteworthy project is known as The Living
Building Challenge.
In 2015, Georgia Tech received a $30 million
grant from The Kendeda Fund, a private
“the most environmentally advanced
education and research building ever
constructed in the Southeast,” according to a
press release from the school.
According to the Cascadia Green Building
Council, a leading advocate for progressive
of the Living Building Challenge, Living
Buildings are a structure that “generates all
of its own energy with renewable nontoxic
resources, captures and treats all of its water,
must meet requirements listed under seven
‘petals:’ site, water, energy, health, materials,
equity and beauty.
Given the complexity and novelty of the
help select the design team for the venture.
“The ideas competition was a fascinating
process that set the perfect tone for this
important project,” said Barry Berlin, a long-
time advisor for the Kendeda Fund who
overseestheAtlantaprogram.Thecompetition
served as an environment to share ideas and
designs, engage together as a community and
promote a learning atmosphere for students
and professionals, alike.
Three teams participated in the design
Each of the teams had to focus attention not
only on the architecture behind the building,
but also civil, electrical, mechanical and
structural engineering, as well as plumbing,
care to consider the local community and
climate needs.
The winning Living Building concept was
LordAeckSargent,inpartnershipwithSeattle-
based Miller Hull, the company responsible
urban building of its kind and commonly
the world.”
“Lord Aeck Sargent’s deep knowledge of
the Southeast, coupled with Miller Hull’s
experience designing one of the most iconic
commercial living buildings in the world,
make this an optimal partnership for all
involved,” said Berlin.
Joseph Greco, President of Lord Aeck Sargent,
to love architecture as an undergraduate
student, so the opportunity to be involved
with a project as transformative as this is really
an honor.”
The winning design is expected to go into
construction in 2017 and will take 12-18
months to complete.
Design projection created during the ideas
competition by Lord Aeck Sargent and The Miller
Hull Partnership. The lifelike rendering depicts
the Georgia Tech Eco-commons post-construction.

L
ong-gone is the belief that social media is solely for
personal use or marketing products and services to
look to build their brand, a well-rounded social media
marketing plan presents a budget-friendly forum to regularly connect
and meaningfully engage with their target audience.
According to Social Media Examiner’s 2015 Social Media Marketing
understanding social media’s role in growing and promoting their
imperative to their business. Facebook and LinkedIn were listed in
the study as the two most essential social networks, with Facebook
taking the clear lead in usage by Business-to-Consumer marketers and
LinkedIn in usage by Business-to-Business marketers. Although, 66
percent of participants indicate they plan to increase their use of Twitter
video in the past few years.
development of a loyal fan base and lead generation. The most
commonly used content leaned heavily visual, with a focus on photos
and graphics, followed closely behind by blogging, thought leadership
and video.
If your company hasn’t dipped its toe into the social media ocean, it’s
using social media as a way to brand themselves, but they’re learning
relevant subjects, as well as consistently including company logos across
Once a foundational understanding and presence is established,
compelling images and thoughtfully written content can help convey a
company’s story. And, in today’s mobile marketplace, target audiences
such as prospective clients and future hires have increased access to the
To gain clearer insight into the engineering industry’s use of social
media, Engineering Georgia
best practices for reaching external audiences and engaging internally
b
NETWORKING
inTHE NEW AGEBy Kasie Bolling
Strategies | MARKETING

FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
Barker: “I like to use a blend of platforms
platform could and should have a slightly
platform we adopted. It allows
you to interact with and engage
the local community. On the
other hand, Twitter provides a
quick,more‘inthemoment’way
to live tweet from events and
professional conferences. Aside
from the limited 140-character
text, you can showcase photos
of site visits and completed
projects. You can also share
other related pages’ content
through retweets. Thanks to
our talented Media Director,
Sanna Haynes, we’ve been more
intentional of our use of video
on YouTube and other platforms,
another real growth opportunity
for us.”
Marino: “YouTube. Statistics show that
companies using videos for promotion
than non-users. If you visit NOVA’s YouTube
channel, you’ll see we’ve created the NOVA
Academy, which consists of a series of
informative videos on each of the services
we provide. It’s just another way we provide
useful information to our audience, share our
industry expertise and demonstrate who we
are to prospective clients and potential hires.
Videos prove a great way to boost search
rankings and engage visitors.”
Zachary: “Facebook.Ilikethefactthatyou
can relate to your audience on a more personal
level and the response is more immediate. It’s
like you’re actually connecting with people on
Facebook, rather than just ‘entities’.”
WHY SHOULD ENGINEERING FIRMS HAVE
A SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE?
Barker: “One big reason is that very few
and interacting with your clients online, it
provides another way to understand them
better. It’s also a great way to demonstrate
credibility to the client and the communities
Marino:“Socialmediaisagreatwaytoget
your brand out there affordably. In addition
to boosting your brand, it’s an excellent tool
current and prospective clients. My ultimate
goal is to get the word out about the services
we provide at NOVA, in a way that promotes
online participation and conversation. I want
we’re not high enough in the
search engines for potential
media. When I see our clients,
potential clients, and even our
competitors commenting and
I’m doing something right!”
Zachary: “One of the most
importantreasonsistoletpeople
know that you are here and in
business. It’s a simple way to
keep that online presence up-to-
date. If not, they might wonder
‘Why is it that your company is
not technologically up-to-date?’ A
them to do a little research on who you are
and what you do. They may determine that
some of your posts around activities your
employees are doing.”
FAVORITE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA?
Barker: “As a professional planning
transportation and communities, we love
interacting where we have a chance to be
TODD BARKER, AICP
PRINCIPAL & SENIOR CONSULTANT
ADRIAN COLLABORATIVE
TRACEY MARINO
CORPORATE MARKETING DIRECTOR
NOVA ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL
PATTI ZACHARY
MARKETING MANAGER
HEATH & LINEBACK ENGINEERS, INC.
PANELISTS
THE BEST TIMES TO POST
12 to 1p.m. on Saturdays & Sundays
3 to 4p.m. on Wednesdays
1 to 4p.m. on Thursdays & Fridays
7:30 to 8:30a.m., right around
12p.m. & 5 to 6p.m. on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays & Thursdays;
also, 10 to 11a.m. on Tuesdays
12 to 3p.m. from Monday through Friday
5 to 6p.m. on Wednesdays
Source: Hubspot

MAY/JUNE 2016 45
We use social media to share our place in the
community, post about upcoming events,
offer wisdom through great quotes and
interesting articles and share photos of our
team in action.”
Marino: “There’s not just one simple
answer. A good rule of thumb is to have a
healthy mix of content. A lot of companies
only post information that is referred to as
“look at me-see what we’re doing.” This type
of self-promoting content becomes boring,
and eventually your audience will tune out.
It’s wise to provide industry information
and news your audience can use. I strive to
provide 75 percent industry-related topics
and only 25 percent of posts for tooting our
own horn.”
Zachary: “I like to post about projects
and employees’ involvement. I’ve found that
at an event or standing before a recently
Tagging the people in the photo increases
what works best for your company, post a
variety of things and discover what appeals
most to your audience.”
MOST SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL MEDIA
CAMPAIGN OR PRACTICE?
Barker: “Last September, we hosted
the Adrian Collaborative Community Art
Show in Downtown Duluth. In terms of
sheer engagement, our multiple platform
social media campaign to promote the event
initiatives and arts enrichment in developing
communities overseas.”
Marino: “Considering the fact that we
had no social media presence a year ago, I’d
have to say the majority of our success in that
arena has come from building that online
presence from the ground up and watching
our audience grow. b
THE 80/20 RULE
IN SOCIAL MEDIA
According to industry
standards, only 20 percent
of social media posts should
initiatives with strong calls-
to-action. The remaining 80
percent should be devoted to
posting interesting news in
order to engage audiences,
encourage shares and
grow post or page “likes”
organically. Some ideas
include quotes, industry
news, geographically
pertinent updates or
questions – anything that will
elicit a positive response and
get a conversation started.
Source: Social Media Today

It has proven an excellent way to get our
brand out there, while saving marketing
dollars that might not be as effective
if spent elsewhere. The only cost is my
time to get in front of people on a regular
basis. It’s important to keep it interesting
by identifying posts that will encourage
conversations and potentially go viral.
With the right content and effective
NOVA’s website.”
Zachary: “We recently tapped into
the massive ‘#ILookLikeAnEngineer’
We posted a photo of a few of the female
engineers at our company with that
hashtag, and found that they received
the most likes and shares of anything
we’ve posted to date.”
ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER FIRMS?
Barker: “I strongly recommend starting
to what you can maintain. Because the main
cost of social media is your time, it’s
important to strike a balance so
thatyoucanbeconsistent
DID YOU KNOW?
80 PERCENT
of Facebook users visit the
platform daily and
81 PERCENT
of adult internet users have
a Facebook account.
CONNECT WITH ENGINEERING
GEORGIA ON FACEBOOK! FIND US AT
FACEBOOK.COM/ENGINEERINGGA
Source: GlobalWebIndex
We try to keep a balance between shared
content from industry sources and our
original content that is a mix of ‘social’ and
technical/project topics.
Determine how often to post and what
kind of content you’d like to share.
Remember that consistency is more
important than frequency.”
Marino: “Endeavor to increase your
‘link-ability’ by posting blogs, along with
that points back to your company and
your website. I highly recommend
investing in video production.”
Zachary: “My best advice would
audience, post regularly and keep your
website up-to-date. It’s also important
to respond to people who comment
on your updates or post to your wall in
order to keep them engaged.”

ROSEANA RICHARDS, P.E., LEED AP
Pond & Company
ACEC Georgia Chairman
richardsr@pondco.com
www.acecga.org
Association | NEWS
GET CONNECTED TO ACEC GEORGIA
facebook.com/ACECG
twitter.com/ACECGA
linkedin.com/company/acec-of-georgia
bit.ly/ACECGAYouTube
acecga.org

MAY/JUNE 2016 49
ASCE Georgia attendees with ASCE 2016
Opal Awards Gala Winner Dr. Rudolph
Bonaparte P.E.
2016 ASCE Outstanding Projects and
Leaders (OPAL) Gala in Washington D.C.
The American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE) hosted hundreds of civil engineering
professionals, including several people
from Georgia, to celebrate the engineering
profession at the 2016 Outstanding Projects
and Leaders (OPAL) Gala in Washington, D.C.
Lifetime Achievement Award winners in
Education, Government and Management;
Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Award;
RICHARD MORALES, M.SC, F.ASCE, P.E.
LB Foster
ASCE Georgia President
RMorales@LBFoster.com
www.ascega.org
and newly awarded ASCE Fellows. This year,
ASCE Georgia’s own member Dr. Rudolph
Bonaparte, P.E. was awarded the prestigious
OPAL Award for Design. To learn more about
the Gala, please visit www.ascega.org.
ASCE Georgia Congratulates
Newest Fellows
ASCE Georgia would also like to congratulate
its newest members to be named a Fellow of
founded in 1852, making it the oldest
engineering society in the United States. The
Membership Application Review Committee
elects ASCE members to Fellow through a
review of professional accomplishments and
contributions. Of the more than 3,000 Georgia
ASCE members, as well as 150,000 national
ASCE members, fewer than 3.5 percent are
Fellows. To learn more about becoming a
Fellow, visit www.ascega.org.
ASCE Georgia Charity Golf Tournament
Proceeds from the ASCE Georgia Charity
the ASCE Georgia Younger Members’
Nicaragua Missions Trip to design and
build a pedestrian bridge in the jungles of
Nicaragua; 75 golfers helped raise more
than $15,000 for the cause
As part of the festivities, attendees
also participated in two technical
presentations: Mike Marasa with Hayward
Baker spoke on the Corvette Museum
Gorrie (pictured above) presented on the
Galveston Bridge Replacement
ASCE 2016 Opal Awards with National
President Mark Woodson, P.E.

BRIAN O’CONNOR, P.E.
T. Y. Lin International
ASHE Georgia President
Brian.OConnor@tylin.com
www.georgia.ashe.pro
Association | NEWS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
EAGLE SPONSORS
AECOM
Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc.
Forterra
Landair Surveying Company
McGee Partners
BIRDIE SPONSORS
Heath & Lineback Engineers Inc.
S&ME
Southeastern Engineering, Inc.
PAR SPONSORS
1st Engineering, Inc.
American Engineers, Inc.
CH2M
Keck & Wood, Inc.
Kimley-Horn
Long Engineering
Michael Baker International
Platinum Geomatics
Primacq Group
S&ME
Terracon
THC, Inc.
TranSystems
T.Y. Lin International
Wolverton & Associates, Inc.
The Croy Engineering team took top honors as the Tier 1 winners:
David Webb, Scott McNally, Tom Robinson and Eric Brisse
Tier 2 winners: Daniel Sabia with Pond & Company, Jon Pierce, Ron Osterloh with
Pond & Company, Randy Boykin with Heath & Lineback Engineers (third from right)
McGee Partners’ Luke Taylor, Tommy
Crochet and Candice Thomas with
Drew Pitman of Parsons Brinckerhoff
(second from right)
Jay Ashtiani with United Consulting, Joe
Macrina with Wolverton & Associates, Allen
Krivsky with Heath & Lineback Engineers
and Stan Hicks with KCI Technologies
enjoy a day on the golf course

MAY/JUNE 2016 51
W
e would like to take this
in the background who keep the Georgia
Engineering Foundation (GEF) running year
after year. As volunteers for GEF, these leaders
are supporting the people who mentor the
studentswhowillbecomethenextgeneration
of engineers. These “top dogs” support GEF
in a myriad of ways.
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
First, they conduct annual scholarship awards,
whichinvolvethereviewofapproximately200
applications for the 45 awards given out each
year. This is a complicated task as contacts
need to be set up with the various universities
in Georgia to encourage students to apply
and for interviews of the applicants. Each
along with grade averages reviewed and
validated. In-person interviews are conducted
by numerous volunteers. Then, after all this
is presented to a committee for scholarship
selection. Selections are also complicated due
to the varying criteria associated with many
of the scholarships. The “top dog” currently
leading this effort is and
his predecessors have included
and .
GEF SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET
Second, they set up the annual GEF
Scholarship Banquet. This involves not only
dedicating time to set up the banquet, but
RAYMOND J. WILKE, P.E.
City of Atlanta
GEF President
rwilke@AtlantaGa.Gov
www.GEFinc.org
also reaching out to sponsors. Many hours
go into coordinating the presenters for each
scholarship, pulling together scholarship
winners’ biographies, seating presenters and
scholarship winners together and making sure
the appropriate checks are in each envelope
presented to the scholarship winners. In
addition, an Annual Report is developed and
printed for distribution at the banquet. For
the last few years, the “top dogs” supporting
this effort are and ,
whom we extend much gratitude and thanks.
If you would like to sponsor this event in 2016,
contact Steve at SPoole@conteches.com.
STUDENT MENTORING
Third, they support elementary and high
school student mentoring activities each
year. These activities include MATHCOUNTS,
Future Cities Competition, Georgia Science
Fair, Exploring Engineering Academy,
Rockdale Magnet School and The Science and
Mathematics Academy at Benjamin E. Mays
High School. The “top dogs” supporting these
initiatives include and
. Pulling together these activities
each year means GEF reaches and mentors
hundreds of future engineers.
LEADERSHIP
Finally, let’s not forget our leaders, as these
are the people who provide guidance and
direction. Our current leader is
Other recent leaders include
and ,aswellasPresident-Elect
and Secretary .
Students comment on building smart cities at the Museum of Design
Atlanta (MODA) during the 2015 Exploring Engineering Academy. GEF
volunteers help make this camp possible each year, providing valuable
experiences to the next generation of engineers
GEF’s President and “top dog,”
Ray Wilke, P.E.
BECOME ONE OF THE “TOP DOGS!”
JOIN GEF AND HELP MENTOR THE
NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS.

RECOGNIZING LUTHER O. COX, P.E.
achievement of one of our Board Members.
Fellow of the National Society of Professional
Engineers (NSPE) for his years of service and
local chapter level of GSPE. At our last board
meeting, I was able to present Luther with
this is just an achievement along the way
and it doesn’t mean he can stop now. I only
is no stop in him! His commitment to GSPE
over the years has been invaluable and this
him. Please join me in congratulating Luther
on this achievement and thanking him for
all he does for GSPE and the engineering
community.
KEVIN BERRY, P.E.
Hodges, Harbin, Newberry and Tribble, Inc.
GSPE President
kberry@hhnt.com
www.gspe.org
IT TAKES A VILLAGE…
takes a lot more than one person and I would
be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to
thank those who make GSPE possible. Our
board has some great folks who provide man
hours to keep things going. Thanks to all of
IalsooweahugethankstoourExecutive
Director, Carolyn Jones. Carolyn has
works diligently on our projects and
programs to ensure their success. Thank
you for everything you do, Carolyn!
MOVING ON
it’s time for me to move on and welcome
our incoming GSPE President, Jason Cooper,
P.E. I’m looking forward to working with
Jason as he continues to provide leadership to
GSPE. I hope you’ll consider joining Jason and
the rest of the state board at our annual GSPE
Planning Session on July 19, 2016 in Atlanta.
We’ll spend some dedicated time planning out
the year and refocusing our view to ensure we
are achieving the vision and mission of GSPE.
JULY 19, 2016
GSPE Planning Session
Atlanta
OCTOBER 2016
New P.E.
Recognition Dinner
Atlanta
Association | NEWS
Please join me in congratulating
Luther on this
achievement
and thanking him for all he does for GSPE
and the engineering community.
JOIN
US
Luther O. Cox, P.E. with GSPE
President Kevin Berry, P.E.

MAY/JUNE 2016 53
SEAN COLEMAN, P.E., PTOE
Kimley-Horn
ITE Georgia President
Sean.Coleman@kimley-horn.com
www.gaite.org
in as one of those summer daydreamers.
But, did you know that there is a way to
get both summertime fun at the beach
while also networking with your peers and
growing professionally? Come join us at one
of the premier transportation conferences in
GAITE 2016 Summer Seminar!
The Summer Seminar will once again be held
at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
on beautiful St. Simons Island from Sunday,
July 17 to Wednesday, July 20. The Summer
Seminar is an excellent venue to hear great
technical presentations, build connections
andcatch-upwithcolleaguesinaphenomenal
beach setting. Still not convinced that the
Summer Seminar is for you? Here are some
of the highlights:
EARN up to 12 PDHs and six ACIP CM credits
at the technical sessions.
CONNECT with colleagues over a seafood
buffetattheWelcomeReception,overburgers
at one of the many beachfront cookouts and
over drinks at the poolside bar.
RELAX with your family and friends at one of
many pools and awesome beachfront.
I
t is hard to believe that we are nearly
halfway through 2016 and summer
fun is just around the corner! I’m sure
that many reading this article can’t wait to
leave work behind and head to the beach,
lake or mountains, and you can count me
ENJOY a round of golf at the Jimmy Roper
Classic Golf Tournament and a round of
cornhole on the beach.
EXERCISE by participating in the annual 5k or
the always competitive volleyball tournament.
CONTRIBUTE to our student scholarship
at the entertaining Scholarship Reception
cocktail hour and auction.
DINE AND LAUGH at the Tuesday Night
Banquet; and, don’t worry about your
movies and making crafts during this time.
PARTY at the Dancing/Dessert Social, which
is fun for all ages! Don’t believe me that an
engineering conference can have a fun dance
party to close out the event? Just like our
Facebook page at “Georgia Section ITE” or
search #gaite2015 on Instagram to see all of
the great pictures from years past.
If you have never been to a Summer Seminar
and are 35 or younger, you are eligible
for the First Annual Young Professional
Scholarship! Believe me, once you go as a
young professional, you’ll be hooked and
want to come back year after year. Please
visit www.gaite.org/summer-seminar
for details on the Seminar and Scholarship.
See you in St. Simons!
S
Meredith Emory, ITE Georgia member, received the Southern District of ITE
Young Member of the Year Award at the Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
ITE Georgia Immediate Past President,
Andrew Antweiler, received the award for
Best Section in the Southern District of ITE.
GEORGIA ITE’S RECOGNITION AT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ITE’S ANNUAL MEETING

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Engineering Georgia - See Page 34

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