2014 acec-bc awards · acec-bc awards for engineering ... the team completed a sustainability...
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ACEC-BC AWARDS
Meritorious Achievement 2
Young Professional 2
Buildings 2–3
Munigipal & Civil Infrastructure 4
Transportation & Bridges 5–7
Energy & Industry 7–8
Soft Engineering 9–10
Natural Resources & Habitat
10–11
ACEC-BC AWARDS FOR ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
www.acec-bc.ca
In today’s increasingly
complex world, we
are all impacted by the
work done by engin-
eers. The Association of
Consulting Engineer-
ing Companies of BC
is proud to recognize
those projects that have
made significant contributions to improving
our environment in many different areas.
ACEC-BC recognizes excellence in six differ-
ent categories:
BUILDINGS such as electrical, mechanical,
structural, foundations and related systems
engineering;
MUNICIPAL & CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE
related to water supply, wastewater, drainage,
solid waste, municipal and systems engineer-
ing related to municipal infrastructure;
TRANSPORTATION & BRIDGES including
roads, rail, bridges, tunnels, airports, transit
systems, ports and marine engineering;
ENERGY & INDUSTRY which includes all
engineering related to mining, metallurgy,
petrochemical, geology, geophysics, forest in-
dustry, power and transmission, industrial and
related process and systems engineering; and
SOFT ENGINEERING, for non-construction
projects such as training projects, computer
software, research and development, geo-
matics, pilot projects, development of instru-
mentation, environmental assessments and
studies and reports.
In a new category this year, NATURAL RE-
SOURCE & HABITAT recognizes excellence in
engineering related to the protection or en-
hancement of natural resources and habitat.
The work done by our members to en-
sure the integrity of their projects while at
the same time taking steps to protect the
environment is a huge contribution to our
society. The diversity of projects demon-
strates the impact that engineering has not
only in our lives but on the lives of people
around the world.
ACEC-BC also recognizes the outstanding
contributions of two individual members.
The Meritorious Achievement Award is
presented annually to an individual for sig-
nificant lifetime contributions to engineering,
the industry and the community. The 2014
Meritorious Achievement Award is presented
to Brian Johnson, who recently retired from
Stantec after 30 years, 20 of which he served
as Vice President, British Columbia. In that
position he oversaw the growth and develop-
ment of the company to over 800 staff and
revenues in excess of $100M. He is recognized
provincially and among his peers, for his work
leading to the development of new technol-
ogy in biological nutrient removal. He has
contributed significantly to industry groups
and community associations over the years,
and is friend and mentor to countless profes-
sional engineers in the province.
The Young Consulting Engineer Award rec-
ognizes an individual for achievements in the
first 10 years of their career. The 2014 Award is
presented to Allison Clavelle of Urban Systems
Limited. Allison served two terms as the Chair
of ACEC-BC’s Young Professionals Group,
and as an ex-officio director of ACEC BC as a
result of this role. During this time, she played
an important role as a driver of the YPG, and
helped to raise the profile of this group in
the consulting engineering community. At-
tendance at YPG events is now stronger that
it’s ever been, and plays an important role in
the engagement of young professionals in
ACEC-BC.
Keith Sashaw, President
ACEC British Columbia
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project – Onshore Works Consultant: H5M, a Joint Venture of Hatch Mott MacDonald and MMM Group—Page 5
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S AWARD
2014
2
2014 ACEC-BC’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
AWARD OF MERIT
Surrey Memorial Hospital Acute Care Tower
Consultant: MMM Group Ltd. And Bush, Bohlman & Partners
Located in one of Canada’s fastest grow-
ing and diverse communities, the Surrey
Memorial Hospital required expansion and
redevelopment to meet the needs of a quickly
growing population. As British Columbia’s
largest healthcare project, the 57,394 square
metre, eight-storey critical care tower expan-
sion, will deliver significant improvements
to patient care in Surrey, while providing a
world-class facility. The facility was designed
so it can be adapted to future needs and
expansion.
The team completed a sustainability design
approach for environmental, economic, and
social sustainability to attain LEED Gold. It
utilized durable natural materials such as con-
crete, wood, structural steel, and masonry;
and selected building materials that emit low
amounts of volatile organic compounds. The
collaborative team created a high-efficiency
mechanical and electrical system and de-
signed state-of-the-art energy efficient
technologies.
The project was delivered using staged
permit and construction packages to facilitate
the fast track process to meet the project
schedule.
The City of Edmonton recognizes the value
of building high-quality civic facilities for
its citizens. Hence the architectural response
for their newest library called for a striking
free-form clear span facility with maximum
daylight penetration. The structural design
team faced numerous challenges in the
execution of this mandate, not the least of
which was assuring the Client that the pro-
posed structural concept was both safe and
buildable.
The unusual structural design consists of
a concrete roof slab that cascades into con-
crete columns at two sides and is supported
by light steel columns at the front and back.
The roof relies on the deep wave form to
clear span the space and generous allowance
was made for skylight openings. This design
concept is not reliant on additional shear
walls or bracing for lateral stability, with the
result being a structure that appears to float
under maximum daylight penetration.
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Jasper Place Library
Consultant: Fast + Epp
MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Brian Johnson, P. Eng., Stantec Consulting Ltd.
The ACEC British Columbia Meritorious Achievement
Award recognizes an individual consulting engineer
for outstanding contributions to the engineering pro-
fession, our industry and the community.
The recipient of this prestigious award in 2014 is Brian
Johnson, P. Eng., Stantec Consulting Ltd. (retired).
Brian began his career with Dayton and Knight in the
mid-seventies and through to the early eighties, work-
ing for many of the irrigation districts in the interior
of BC, where he specialized in planning, design and
construction of all aspects of municipal engineer-
ing, including roads, sewage collection, treatment and
disposal.
In 1982, Brian joined Stantec and opened their Kelow-
na office. Over the course of the next 9 years he grew
the office significantly to be an industry leader in the interior. After moving to the lower mainland
with Stantec Brian was appointed Regional Leader and Vice President for Stantec operations in
BC in 1992. Over the course of the next 15 years, Brian led the growth and development of the
provincial offices to 800 staff with annual revenue in excess of $100M.
He is recognized provincially and among his peers, for his work leading to the development
of new technology in biological nutrient removal. Brian has contributed significantly to industry
groups and community associations over the years, and is friend and mentor to countless pro-
fessional engineers in the province.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD
Allison Clavelle, P. Eng., Urban Systems Ltd.
The 2014 ACEC British Columbia Young Professional
Award is to recognize an individual young profes-
sional who has demonstrated excellence in consulting
business practices, outstanding achievements in their
applicable fields, and leadership in the community.
This year’s recipient of the award is Allison Clavelle,
P.Eng., of Urban Systems. Allison has 8 years of profes-
sional experience and specializes in the field of trans-
portation planning.
Allison graduated from the University of Calgary in
2006 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After working
with EarthTech and HDR Corporation she joined Urban
Systems in 2012. Since then she has continued to ex-
pand her knowledge base and identify opportunities
that allow her to broaden her expertise on transporta-
tion design for transportation infrastructure. By building upon her strengths in public consulta-
tion she was able to identify a role for herself on transportation infrastructure projects for the
Ministry of Transportation, the District of North Vancouver and the District of Maple Ridge.
Allison has been a stellar example of participation within the consulting engineering industry
through her volunteer role with the ACEC-BC Young Professionals Group (YPG). She served two
terms as the Chair of the group, and as an ex officio director of ACEC-BC as a result. During this
time, she played an important role as a driver of the YPG, and helped to raise the profile of this
group.
BUILDINGS
AWARD OF MERIT
TRIUMF Advanced Rare Isotope Laboratory (ARIEL)
Consultant: Stantec Consulting Ltd. and Bush, Bohlman & Partners
This project is an expansion of the exist-
ing TRIUMF facility, increasing Canada’s
capability to produce and study isotopes for
physics and medicine. It features installation
of a high-power superconducting electron
accelerator, electron linear accelerator, proton
beam line, high-power target stations, and a
front-end isotope separator.
Extensive design work was carried out
by the prime consultant and engineering
branches to understand the needs of the very
technically savvy client. The depth of the con-
struction adjacent to existing buildings along
with radiation shielding requirements pro-
vided a particular challenge for this project.
Ductwork, pipe and cable placement needed
to be carefully worked into the design early
due to the required thickness of the concrete
walls.
Stantec designed the highly specialized
nuclear ventilation system and the “active” and
“non active” cooling systems along with the
room pressurization systems. Bush, Bohlman
& Partners achieved a design of a hugely deep
excavation within a metre of existing buildings
with a structure of massive concrete.
AECOM is proud to have worked with the Capital Regional District and our partner, Dr. K.F. Cheung, on the Modeling of Potential Tsunami Inundation Limits and Run-Up project, which is nominated for a 2014 Awards for Engineering Excellence by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – British Columbia. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural, and social environments.
www.aecom.ca
CREATING A BETTER TOMORROW
3
2014 ACEC-BC’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
Parkholm Place Building Envelope Remediation
Consultant: Levelton Consultants
Parkholm Place, a healthcare facility, had a
history of building envelope failures due to
air and water leakage. By request from Fraser
Health Authority, Levelton Consultants was
challenged to design and oversee this special-
ized building envelope remediation project.
Since the building was required to remain
operational during construction, it was neces-
sary that strict infection control procedures
were established at the design stage to safe-
guard patients and staff. The design incorpor-
ated specialized engineered wall cladding
assemblies to allow for effortless drying and
drainage; true continuous insulation with
thermal fibreglass clips to reduce the transfers
of heat; and structural upgrades since the
steel framing did not meet current industry
standards.
The client will profit from the increased
thermal efficiency through cost savings and
the seniors, staff, volunteers and visitors will
benefit from fewer draughts and cold spots;
peace and quiet with sound dampening tech-
nology; reduced condensation; and improved
indoor air quality.
BC Cancer Centre for the North
Consultant: MMM Group and Read Jones Christoffersen Consulting Engineers
This new cancer centre is strategically
located on the University Hospital of
Northern BC campus in Prince George, with
links to the existing hospital on two levels. The
project focus was to provide a building design
complimentary to the architecture of the ex-
isting buildings on-site, while also reflecting
the character of the region, and incorporating
First Nations’ design elements.
Striving for LEED Gold Certification, it is
an energy efficient building incorporating
sustainability into all elements of the design.
The project team designed this accessible
building which provides a calming and healing
environment; sensitive to those with mobil-
ity needs or compromised immune systems.
Environmental aspects include water con-
servation, air quality, and the first green roof
in the region for use by staff, patients and their
families. Electrical systems were designed
to include state-of-the-art energy efficient
technologies.
The centre was completed 10 months ahead
of schedule and within the allotted budget.
BUILDINGS
Guildford Town Centre – Greenwall and Access Platform
Consultant: Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
Surrey’s Guildford Town Centre has under-
gone a $280-million expansion, adding
220,000 sq ft in retail space, 70 new stores and
a 1,034-seat food court. Part of this overall
project included installing North America’s
largest living green wall on both faces of the
existing concrete retail bridge, which currently
connects the two main structures over 104th
Avenue in Surrey.
RJC worked closely with Ivanhoé Cam-
bridge and Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership
Architects (MCMP) to provide engineering
solutions during the detailed design and
construction phases of the project. Innova-
tive thinking and flexibility, as well as effective
communication and timely responses, al-
lowed the team to navigate the challenges of
installing North America’s largest living green
wall.
The hydroponic living green wall stretches
approximately 280ft on each side, is 13ft high
and is built from 100 per cent recycled materi-
als. The walls feature 120 different plant spe-
cies in a hydroponic, soil-free environment.
UBC Bioenergy Research and Demonstration Facility
Consultant: Stantec Consulting Ltd. and Nexterra Systems Corporation
Targeting LEED® Gold, the groundbreaking
Bioenergy Research and Demonstration
Facility (BRDF) project at the University of Brit-
ish Columbia is the first of its kind in North
America.
Nexterra Systems Corporation and GE
Energy implemented an energy-from-renew-
able-waste combined heat and power system
in combination with Stantec’s mechanical and
electrical engineering design services to de-
crease UBC’s carbon footprint.
The fuel for the BRDF is locally-sourced bio-
mass wood waste, including shavings, saw-
dust, tree trimmings, and clean construction
and demolition debris.
Collaborating with Nexterra, Stantec em-
ployed several sustainable strategies including
– 100% renewable energy (generated on-
site); full cut-off exterior lighting; low lighting
power densities; rainwater capture and stor-
age; and low-flow plumbing fixtures.
In addition to being a utility plant, BRDF is a
“Living Laboratory” that strives to achieve its
sustainability goals through the convergence
of research, operations, and industry. This
project establishes UBC as a centre of excel-
lence in clean energy and sustainable building
practices.
4
2014 ACEC-BC’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
MUNICIPAL & CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Mosquito Creek Debris Flow Net
Consultant: Tetra Tech
In North Vancouver, Mosquito Creek drains
Grouse and Fromme Mountains, through a
densely populated area. The upper part of the
watershed contains a number of existing and
potential landslide areas and log jams with
sediment wedges that could trigger a debris
flood.
The District of North Vancouver (DNV) re-
tained Tetra Tech EBA as the prime consultant
tasked with the design and installation of a
barrier on Mosquito Creek.
In order to understand the magnitude of
debris floods, a geohazard inventory map
specific to Mosquito Creek was prepared.
The resulting solution included a highly cost
effective and efficient, flexible barrier which
absorbs the impact of woody debris and re-
tains it while letting water pass. The location
of the barrier was carefully chosen to optimize
multiple goals, including effective protection
(volume and impact forces) requiring minimal
construction in a fish bearing creek with en-
dangered species and low impact to the ripar-
ian zone. The net can be released remotely by
a unique world first design.
AWARD OF MERIT
Coquitlam UV Disinfection Project – Water Treatment Facilities
Consultant: Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc.
Operated by Metro Vancouver, the Coquit-
lam Water Treatment Plant provides ap-
proximately 370 million litres of potable water
on an average day.
To comply with the newly revised Health
Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking
Water Quality, the existing water treatment
facilities were upgraded and an ultraviolet
(UV) disinfection plant was added. The plant
is located within the Coquitlam watershed, on
an environmentally sensitive site. Construc-
tion activities and the finished facility were
managed and designed to protect the exten-
sive wildlife present as well as terrestrial and
aquatic systems, while reflecting the goals
outlined in Metro Vancouver’s Sustainable Re-
gion Initiative (SRI).
Working closely with Metro Vancouver, the
Ausenco team developed the conceptual de-
sign for the facility, implementing a range of
innovative approaches to allow the facility to
be located on the tightly constrained site. The
team also provided preliminary and detailed
engineering and design; construction man-
agement; and commissioning management
services.
The project was completed under the $110
million budget and on schedule.
Burke Mountain Stormwater Diversion
Consultant: ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd.
The City of Coquitlam required a storm-
water diversion solution to manage runoff
for sustainable development of Burke Moun-
tain in the City’s northeast. ISL Engineering
and Land Services (ISL) led the project from
detailed design to construction, putting the
City’s integrated stormwater management
plan and project objectives into practice.
ISL developed a complex, large diameter
storm sewer diversion system that conveys
high velocity flows along Burke Mountain,
away from sensitive creeks and tributaries, and
ultimately discharges to the DeBoville Slough.
This storm sewer facility required specialized
piping, locking access systems and scour re-
sistance solutions to ensure the safe convey-
ance and discharge of the high flows.
The customized energy dissipation chamber
is able to reduce water forces travelling at
60km/h and up to 21,000 litres per second—
like a fully loaded concrete truck hitting the
chamber wall every second. This complex
project was completed under the $4.6 million
budget and on schedule in May 2013.
Peerless Road Recycling Depot
Consultant: McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd.
Upgrading the Peerless Road Recycling
Depot is a key initiative in the Cowichan
Valley Regional District’s commitment to zero
waste. The site was initially used for garbage
incineration, leaving behind 45,000 cubic
metres of incinerator ash.
The CVRD retained McElhanney as prime
consultant for design and construction of
the new facility. Key aspects of McElhanney’s
solution include the following:
The incinerator ash was treated to remove
scrap metal and used on site as fill material.
Asphalt pavement was used to cap the ash
in paved areas, which reduced the amount of
synthetic liner needed.
The new recycling centre was largely con-
structed using materials from the decommis-
sioned incinerator building.
The site layout promotes safe and efficient
use and opera tion of the facility.
An innovative bi-level site grading concept
facilitates recy cling of large items.
McElhanney’s design has transformed the
former incinerator site into a modern recyc-
ling centre that meets the needs of both cur-
rent and future residents.
City of Abbotsford: Clearbrook-Marshall Infiltration Gallery
Consultant: Opus DaytonKnight Consultants
The Clearbrook-Marshall Infiltration Gallery,
located in Abbotsford, BC, is an innovative,
advanced stormwater management facility
which enables stormwater run-off to be col-
lected, stored and treated prior to infiltrating
to an underground drinking water aquifer
called the Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer.
The aquifer is the primary source of drinking,
irrigation and industrial water for over 100,000
people in B.C. and Washington.
In order to continue with their Regional
Growth Strategy, the City of Abbotsford re-
quired an innovative approach to managing
the stormwater run-off for the area. Opus
DaytonKnight researched, pilot tested, de-
signed and managed the construction of the
Infiltration Gallery over a period of four years.
The Infiltration Gallery is constructed from
an engineered soil filtration media which
removes contaminants from the stormwater
using physical, chemical and biological pro-
cesses to treat the water and protect the
underlying aquifer. The soil media layer is
supported by surface vegetation designed to
complement the soil filtration media.
No. 1 Road Drainage Pump Station – Richmond, BC
Consultant: Opus DaytonKnight Consultants
The City of Richmond protects itself from
high tides and Fraser River freshet with a
system of dikes and drainage pump stations
that have been effective over the last century.
The City is constantly improving this system to
stay ahead of the impacts of climate change
such as bigger storms and higher sea levels.
Drawing from the latest international think-
ing on urban infrastructure, the Richmond
No. 1 Road North project is at heart a pump
station designed to protect the surrounding
area from flood, but it is also a city park space
with an educational component.
In modern infrastructure design, any multi-
function asset becomes a multidisciplinary
project, and the pump station team included
landscape and building architects in addition
to mechanical, electrical, structural, environ-
mental, civil, and geotechnical engineers.
Bernard Avenue
Consultant: Focus Corporation
Kelowna’s historic main street, Bernard Av-
enue, has a wide selection of restaurants,
stores, and services visited daily.
With necessary upgrades to the street’s
utility infrastructure approaching, the City
decided to replace the existing utility infra-
structure and revitalize the streetscape to cre-
ate a vibrant commercial district welcoming
to people of all ages and abilities. However,
they faced the challenge of completing this
project while minimizing the impact upon the
businesses that support and define Kelowna’s
downtown.
Focus was responsible for project manage-
ment and the core civil engineering functions
related to the utility infrastructure and street
design. In coordination with stakeholders,
sub-consultants and contractors, construc-
tion began on Bernard Avenue from storefront
to storefront; replacing utility infrastructure
and roadway; creating a large, beautiful and
accessible public space; keeping the street
useable and safe and the businesses open
throughout the entire complex project. As
a result, Kelowna’s residents and visitors will
enjoy a higher quality of life.
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5
2014 ACEC-BC’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
TRANSPORTATION & BRIDGES
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S AWARD AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project – Onshore Works
Consultant: H5M, a Joint Venture of Hatch Mott MacDonald and MMM Group
The $2.5-billion, 37 km Port Mann/Highway
1 Improvement Project is a major element
of the Province of British Columbia’s Gateway
Program. Hatch Mott MacDonald (HMM) and
MMM Group’s H5M joint venture designed
the Project’s $1.5-billion onshore works over
an aggressive, five-year, fast-track design and
construction period. As the principal design
consultants for the onshore works, HMM and
MMM Group led the overall design effort with
the support of 13 consultants.
H5M met and overcame a series of com-
plex project challenges, from highly variable
soils and strict environmental obligations, to
preparing designs within a highly constrained
and heavily utilized corridor. The team imple-
mented a number of technical “firsts” for a
project of this magnitude, such as developing
the majority of the highway design using 3D
modelling and Building Information Manage-
ment (BIM) methodologies.
By successfully completing this massive
design effort, the H5M team enabled the
Province and contractor to meet Toll Com-
mencement by December 2012.
AWARD OF MERIT
Milton-Madison Bridge Replacement Project
Consultant: Buckland & Taylor
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and
the Indiana Department of Transportation
decided it was time to replace the 1929 built
Milton-Madison Bridge.
Buckland & Taylor performed both the de-
sign and the construction engineering for the
main spans. In addition to coming up with
efficient designs for the new structure, the
challenge for the bid design team, which in-
cluded Walsh Construction Ltd., and Burgess
& Niple, Inc., was finding an innovative solu-
tion that eliminated the need for a long bridge
closure and reduced construction risk associ-
ated with schedule.
The team developed a solution so the exist-
ing bridge remained open to traffic during
the pier rehabilitation, while the new bridge
superstructure was constructed alongside
on temporary piers. In 2014, the bridge will
be closed for a few days and the entire new
superstructure slid into final position.
The Milton-Madison Bridge Project is truly
unique with the distinction of being the long-
est truss slide in North American history.
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6
2014 ACEC-BC’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
AWARD OF MERIT
Bow River Pedestrian Bridge and Utility Crossing
Consultant: Fast + Epp
The Town of Banff was careful about the
form this footbridge would take, how-
ever, driving the agenda was a more pressing
concern that existing sanitary pipes installed
below the river at this location some fifty
years earlier could fail, spilling raw sewage
into the pristine Bow River. So the bridge also
needed to carry new pipes, creating an im-
portant dual use for the new crossing.
The final design features an 80m clear span,
which for a timber bridge is one of the long-
est of its kind. This, with a relatively slender
4m width, creates the primary design chal-
lenge for the bridge: its dynamic behaviour.
Not uncommon with long span footbridges,
the primary vertical and lateral frequencies
fall directly in the range of susceptibility to
pedestrian excitation. To sufficiently damp
the response, several damping systems were
investigated, with the final system comprising
of two custom-designed tuned mass dampers
suspended visually with cables beneath the
bridge.
Highway 2 – Tupper Four-Lane Upgrade
Consultant: R.F. Binnie & Associates
The Highway No. 2 Tupper 4 Lane Up-
grade Project is a 5.9 kilometre highway
improvement project in northeastern British
Columbia, southeast of Dawson Creek. The
project objectives are two-fold: improve driv-
ing conditions in the busy corridor and reduce
wildlife collisions.
The existing two-lane roadway will be
widened to a four-lane cross section with
a 2.6-metre median. Included in the works
is the construction of two new four-lane
bridges to replace existing culverts. A third
two-lane bridge is currently being widened to
four lanes, and soil stabilization panels have
been installed at all three bridge locations.
One of the bridges at Four Mile Creek will
provide a wildlife underpass under the high-
way, connecting to a trail beginning behind
an 800-metre segment of wildlife exclusion
fencing.
R.F. Binnie and Associates Ltd. led the
project design team which included several
sub-consultants. The design drawings and
recommendations by the sub-consultants
were then incorporated into Binnie’s design
drawings and tender documents.
TRANSPORTATION & BRIDGES
South Fraser Perimeter Road
Consultant: Buckland & Taylor
The South Fraser Perimeter Road Project
(SFPR) consists of a 40 km four-lane
highway which extends Highway 17 from
the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal in Delta to
Highway 15 in Surrey and connects to all five
crossings of the Fraser River.
Buckland & Taylor provided the design and
construction engineering for fifteen highway
bridges and one pedestrian overpass along
the SFPR. For each structure, local environ-
mental and physical constraints resulted in the
development of specific solutions to provide a
structural design and construction sequence
that are financially economical while adding
value to the overall project.
The bridge structures designed by Buckland
& Taylor are durable, sustainable and add
value to the overall SFPR Project. Individually,
each structure plays a role in the continuity of
this new expressway. Combined, these sixteen
structures are a major component of the SFPR
Project and contribute to the Canadian econ-
omy by moving goods and people efficiently
and safely.
Glacier Skywalk – Foundation Support and Slope Stabilization
Consultant: Thurber Engineering Ltd.
The Glacier Skywalk Project is located in
Jasper National Park in the Sunwapta Val-
ley about 6.5 km northwest of the Columbia
Icefields Visitor Centre on Highway 93.
The Project includes a receiving area, an in-
terpretive cliff edge walkway and a 36 m can-
tilevered glass floored observation platform
almost 300 m above the Sunwapta Valley.
The cantilevered structure results in sig-
nificant compression and tension founda-
tion loads which combined with the desire
to integrate the structure into the natural
bedrock presented significant challenges for
geotechnical foundation support and slope
stabilization.
Rock coring, bedrock mapping and labora-
tory testing were completed to characterize
the bedrock. Fractured, steeply dipping lime-
stone was present. Micropiles, tension an-
chors and rock bolts were designed to resist
foundation loads and address slope stability.
The cliff edge walkway was designed to can-
tilever where rock slope stability issues were
present. The remote location of the project
along with tight Parks Canada environmental
constraints required consideration of con-
struction sequencing.
7
2014 ACEC-BC’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
Highway 97 Four Laning and Realignment – Winfield to Oyama
Consultant: Urban Systems Ltd.
Urban Systems was engaged by the Ministry
of Transportation and Infrastructure to
oversee the Highway 97 re-alignment from
preliminary design to completion. The original
6 km section spanning Oyama to Lake Coun-
try was unreliable with traffic volume along
this route exceeding the levels previously rec-
ommended for expansion.
Expansion to four lanes was strongly recom-
mended, but impractical along the current
route without significant impact to Wood
Lake. An alternate route with concrete bar-
riers and heavy transport climbing lanes was
designed and constructed along a straighter
path further away from the lake. The terrain
through this area provided physical chal-
lenges in terms of design and construction,
and ongoing negotiations with landowners
and various governing bodies added another
dimension of complexity. There were also
numerous environmental concerns to be ad-
dressed, including the protection and reloca-
tion of native plant and wildlife species, and
the design of stormwater drainage systems to
protect the lake from road run-off.
Westshore Berth 1 Emergency Repairs
Consultant: WorleyParsons Canada
Westshore Terminals is the largest coal
export terminal in North America and
features two deep water loading berths.
In 2012 a ship impacted the 400 m long
trestle which connects Berth 1 with the ter-
minal, severing it and preventing access and
coal transfer. In response to Westshore’s
request for assistance, WorleyParsons im-
mediately mobilized to assess the damage
and quickly develop a prioritized action plan.
WorleyParsons’ dedicated inspection team,
which included specialized engineer-divers,
performed the critical damage assessment.
An integrated project team comprised of
Westshore, WorleyParsons, and Fraser River
Pile and Dredge used ingenuity and experi-
ence to develop a repair structure which was
a modified design of the original structure.
Procurement of suitable materials in a timely
fashion presented a significant logistical chal-
lenge that was overcome using innovative
engineering to develop a project solution
that returned Berth 1 to operation less than 2
months from the date of the incident.
TRANSPORTATION & BRIDGES
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Ruskin Dam – Right Abutment Seepage Control Upgrade
Consultant: Golder Construction Inc.
The Ruskin Dam Right Abutment Seepage
Control Upgrade was undertaken to ad-
dress seepage issues and seismic performance
on the dam’s right abutment and comprised
installation of an innovative seepage cut-off
system.
As main contractor Golder Construction Inc.
took on the challenging installation of a unique
flexible membrane connecting the cut-off Wall
with the concrete dam. It involved construc-
tion of a slot connecting the new seepage
cut-off wall with the existing concrete dam,
and development and installation of a custom
designed flexible mastic asphalt membrane,
combining high flexibility with low permeability.
Overcoming dam safety and schedule con-
straints, as well as highly variable ground con-
ditions, the work was completed on schedule
and within budget, with no reportable health
and safety or environmental incidents, meeting
BC Hydro’s objectives and milestone comple-
tion date.
ENERGY & INDUSTRY
We build lasting relationships with clients and their communities.Brian Johnson had this figured out in 1982 when he joined Stantec. (He also knew to avoid the piano tie fad).
Congratulations, Brian, on receiving ACEC-BC’s Meritorious Achievement Award!
Design with community in mindstantec.com
Brian Johnson, P.Eng.past Vice President, British Columbia
8
2014 ACEC-BC’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
ENERGY & INDUSTRY
AWARD OF MERIT
Inuvik LNG for Community Electricity – Power for the People
Consultant: Associated Engineering
The Far North places considerable hard-
ship on its people. Projects must address
unique and compounding challenges such
as extreme weather, variable daylight hours,
remoteness from materials and labour, and
high costs. When the nearby natural gas well
ran dry, Inuvik temporarily switched to diesel
to fuel its electrical generators. Associated
Engineering led a team that looked at lique-
fied natural gas (LNG) for producing electri-
city, due to its lower cost and environmental
benefits. The team designed and provided
construction services for new LNG storage
and vapourization equipment.
Innovations included a unique containment
system using local materials; low temperature
equipment with appropriate weather protec-
tion; and foundation slabs to preserve the
permafrost layer. Using a waste heat source
from the plant to vapourize the LNG eliminat-
ed the need for large ambient air vapourizers,
thereby reducing equipment costs and con-
tainment area size and simplifying equipment
procurement and construction.
Cape Scott Wind Farm
Consultant: AMEC Black & McDonald, a Joint Venture of AMEC Americas Limited and Black & McDonald
The 99 MW Cape Scott Wind Farm is situ-
ated on 350 hectares (864 acres) of land
outside Cape Scott National Park, 40 km west
of Port Hardy, British Columbia, on the boggy
terrain of the northeast coast of Vancouver
Island. The project was developed by GDF
SUEZ Canada Inc, in partnership with Mitsui &
Co Ltd, and Fiera Axium Infrastructure Can-
ada, LP.
The $300 million development is pow-
ered by 55 Vestas V100 wind turbines, each
producing 1.8 MW and connected to BC
Hydro’s Port Hardy substation through a 44
km 138 kV transmission line. The wind farm
is located on Crown land that is the ancestral
home of First Nations communities.
The joint venture of AMEC Black & McDon-
ald was engaged to implement the engineer-
ing, procurement and construction of the
project, including civil works, foundations,
transmission line, collector facilities and erec-
tion of turbines.
Mount Milligan Waste and Water Management Facility
Consultant: Knight Piésold Ltd.
Mt. Milligan is a large copper-gold mine
development located in North Central
British Columbia owned and operated by
Thompson Creek Metals. In July 2013, the
mine’s Waste and Water Management Facil-
ity was commissioned to support mining
operations.
As one of two mines permitted in British
Columbia in the past 15 years, it was impera-
tive that all key components met or exceeded
their design objectives. The Mt. Milligan de-
sign is now regarded as the benchmark for
mine waste and water management facilities
in British Columbia.
Key design features of the facility included
seepage control measures that incorporated
low permeability glacial till materials that are
naturally present within the impoundment
area. This natural glacial till liner was supple-
mented with specially constructed compact
soil liner materials to further enhance the nat-
ural confining conditions. Low permeability
embankment core zone materials were then
keyed into the glacial till liner.
Mount Pleasant Substation
Consultant: WSP Canada Inc.
The Mount Pleasant Substation (MPT) is the
only publicly visible portion of BC Hydro’s
Vancouver City Centre Transmission Project
and an integral part of the most significant
investment in Central Vancouver’s electrical
system in 30 years.
The 400 MVA Mount Pleasant Substation
accommodates complex electrical equip-
ment and operational requirements and is
designed to post-disaster structural standards
to ensure the substation continues to oper-
ate after a major earthquake. Located in a
residential neighbourhood, this substation
not only provides reliable power, but also
satisfies complicated urban design issues,
providing an aesthetically pleasing building
and addressing sustainability through public
consultation and integrated design processes.
Through a stepped-massing design, creative
use of materials, dedicated green space and
public art, the building fits into the urban
fabric of its location and is the first substation
on record constructed to meet LEED Silver
requirements.
A team of 50 people including WSP Structur-
al, Mechanical, Electrical and Project Manage-
ment personnel, PBK Architects and BC Hydro
Engineering, worked together to produce the
solution.
Grand Cote Mineral Sands Project – Rail and Port
Consultant: Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc.
Ausenco provided engineering, procure-
ment and construction management
(EPCM) services for the rail and terminal
infrastructure for TiZir’s Grande Côte Mineral
Sands Project in Senegal, West Africa. The
project will be one of the largest producers
of zircon and ilmenite in the world with pro-
duction estimated at 85,000 t/y of zircon and
575,000 t/y of ilmenite.
The scope included design and construction
of 22 km of new track, including earthworks
connecting the client’s new mine site load
out to existing track infrastructure, and port
track infrastructure. Port material handling
and storage facilities for 90,000 tonnes of
bulk product were also part of the project
along with a container facility and ship loading
facilities.
This work was completed in-country using
a team of 12 expatriates and 14 local engin-
eers and administration staff, supported by
Ausenco’s Vancouver-based engineering and
procurement team, in conjuction with support
services provided by the client.
Neptune Bulk Terminals Capacity Optimization
Consultant: CWA Engineers Inc.
Located on the North Shore, Neptune Bulk
Terminals Canada Ltd. has been handling
Canadian goods and building communities
for over 40 years. In response to increased
demand for steelmaking coal worldwide, the
project objective was to increase throughput
while reducing impact to the environment and
the community.
CWA Engineers Inc. designed and refur-
bished structures to maximize efficiency
and minimize wastage, including a new yard
conveyor, transfer point, transfer tower, berm,
surge bin roof structure, rail concrete blocks
and spill trays.
The improved terminal features noise con-
trol, automated wash down systems, clean-up
surfaces, modernized conveyor transfers,
as well as improved safety features, all while
increasing the capacity of the terminal from
5.5 mtpa to 12 mtpa. State-of-the-art dustless
transfer technology incorporating discrete
element modeling techniques were utilized to
produce a soft handling of the material. This
technology, coupled with improved dust con-
trol systems, minimized dust formation.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2014 ACEC-BC Awards for Engineering Excellence.
McElhanney is proud to have been involved in two projects in this year’s competition and to support infrastructure development in BC.
Peerless Road Recycling DepotPrime Consultant
Municipal & Civil Infrastructure
Port Mann / Highway 1 Improvement ProjectDetours and Traffic Management
Transportation & Bridges
www.McElhanney.comEngineering | Surveying | Mapping | Planning | Environmental
9
2014 ACEC-BC’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
SOFT ENGINEERING
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Heat Seeking Sewer Model
Consultant: Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd.
A significant amount of renewable heat
flows through Metro Vancouver’s sanitary
sewers each day as warm sewage. Because of
increasing interest in recovering sewage heat
for space heating and cooling, Metro Van-
couver retained Kerr Wood Leidal Associates
to examine the viability and implications of
implementing sewage heat recovery projects.
The question was: How much heat can you
safely recover without endangering sewage
treatment processes, both now and in the fu-
ture? To answer this question, KWL developed
the Heat Seeking Sewer Model. The Model
calculates the sewage flow rate and associ-
ated sewage temperature at nodes within
the sanitary sewer network. The sewage heat
capacity throughout the system is calculated
by tracking the flows and temperatures of
each sewage component separately. Until the
Model was developed, no model existed that
could calculate these discrete changes for
a large sewage network with multiple sew-
age heat recovery projects, and no model
could provide a GIS interface and mapping
capabilities.
AWARD OF MERIT
Modelling of Potential Tsunami Inundation Limits and Run-Up
Consultant: AECOM
The Capital Regional District (CRD), on
Vancouver Island and located near to the
Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ), recognized
a need to better understand tsunami risk in
the region.
AECOM undertook intensive preparatory
work to develop a seamless topographic and
bathymetric Digital Elevation Model drawn
from multiple data sources of varying accur-
acy, age and reliability.
With our partner, Dr. K. F. Cheung, AECOM
analyzed a magnitude 9.0 CSZ megathrust
earthquake using a state-of-the-art non-
hydrostatic computer model, NEOWAVE to
determine tsunami impacts from inundation
and run-up. The model was used to analyze
a series of five nested grids, varying from
the North Pacific Ocean down to Victoria
Harbour, with the smallest grid providing the
greatest detail of analysis and results.
The results provided CRD with valuable tools
to assist in development of emergency prep-
aration, planning, evacuation and awareness
programs, and communicate warning signs to
the public and stakeholders.
Trans Mountain Expansion Project
Consultant: Ausenco Engineering Canada Inc.
Trans Mountain is proposing to expand its
pipeline system from Alberta to British
Columbia, which involves doubling the pipe-
line itself as well as adding additional storage
and terminal facilities. The expansion project
would increase deliveries to 890,000 barrels
per day by 2017.
Trans Mountain engaged Ausenco to
validate the operating capacity, storage
requirements and shipping constraints. To
accomplish these requirements, Ausenco
developed a sophisticated discrete-event
simulation model of the entire system from
the originating tank farm in Edmonton to the
receiving refineries and export terminal on the
west coast.
The model development and analysis has al-
lowed the system to be evaluated holistically.
The complexity of the system includes
interactions between batching philosophies,
intermediate buffer storage locations, pipeline
batches and shipping variability.
Ausenco has delivered a sophisticated mod-
eling tool capable of validating the expected
system performance and gathering detailed
data to support risk-based infrastructure
decisions.
Find out more at www.knightpiesold.com
ENVIRONMENTALENGINEERING &
solutions
10
2014 ACEC-BC’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
John Matthews Ravine Restoration Project
Consultant: Associated Engineering
John Matthews Creek experienced several
large-scale erosion events within the past
five years, the most significant occurring be-
tween 2010 and 2012.
Public safety concerns and habitat issues re-
lated to creek erosion led to the City engaging
Associated Engineering to fast-track a design
for the restoration of the ravine and construc-
tion through the 2012 fisheries window.
Objectives included promoting and imple-
menting sustainable practices and meeting
or exceeding Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s
policy of “No Net Loss” of fish habitat, while
ensuring a long-term solution to stabilize the
ravine.
The team encountered challenges such
as stabilizing the upper slopes of the ravine,
replicating predevelopment stream form and
function, arresting the transport and deposit
of sediment downstream, constructing the
work in an environmentally-sensitive manner,
and completing the design and construction
prior to the onset of the fall and winter rains.
This was all completed within the budget
and scheduling constraints, while addressing
important regulatory requirements.
CONCEPT App
Consultant: Fast + Epp
Stemming from clients’ desire to assess
project feasibility before putting pencil to
paper, structural engineers at Fast + Epp have
developed CONCEPT – a free iPhone app that
allows architects and engineers to calculate
member depths and browse project photos
for structural expressions.
Created in collaboration with app develop-
ers at Burnkit, the project was conceived
by the firm’s internal ideas division, a group
tasked with applying structural engineering
concepts in other fields of endevour.
CONCEPT’s depth calculator uses typical
span-to-depth ratios for common steel, con-
crete, and wood members. The user simply
indicates if the information they’re inputting
is a roof or floor, with the internal calculator
determining an approximate depth. Additional
information is provided to qualify the load as-
sumptions and tributary areas. The app also
enables designers to visualize the aesthetic
value of architecturally exposed structural
systems by offering a library of images of vari-
ous built structural forms.
Reliability Based Asset Preservation for Neptune Terminals
Consultant: Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech was retained by the Vancouver
Fraser Port Authority to develop a data
collection specification, conduct a condi-
tion assessment and risk and reliability based
life cycle cost analysis for the Neptune sheet
pile bulkhead wall. The condition assessment
of the 906 m long wall and its components
investigated the extent of scour, corrosion de-
terioration of the steel sheet pile, steel chan-
nel walers, steel tie rods, concrete cope beam,
and cathodic protection system.
Structural analysis segments were de-
veloped based on the as-constructed
configuration of the wall, and areas with
relatively homogeneous deterioration rates.
The current and projected future probability
of unacceptable performance was calculated
for each segment based on the structural
analysis and Monte Carlo simulation of input
parameters.
The life-cycle cost analysis results, tempered
with engineering judgment were used to de-
velop a recommended program which includ-
ed improving the cathodic protection system,
remediating scour, staged waler replacement
and sheet pile reinforcement.
NATURAL RESOURCE & HABITATSOFT ENGINEERING
Canada + 800 [email protected]
Creating sustainable project solutions isn’t easy and doesn’t happen overnight. Knowing how to successfully deal with environmental, social, and technical demands comes from experience. Since 1960, Golder has developed sustainable solutions for clients around the world. From concept to closure, trust Golder to integrate practical consulting, design, and construction concepts to address stakeholder expectations and help you embrace sustainability in your project.
Engineering Earth’s Development, Preserving Earth’s Integrity.
NEED SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS?JUST ASK GOLDER.
11
2014 ACEC-BC’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTINGENGINEERING COMPANIESBRITISH COLUMBIA
AWARD OF MERIT
Surrey Bend Habitat Enhancement Project
Consultant: exp Services Inc.
The project involved the construction of
2.2 km of tidal channels to provide 20,000
square metres of tidal slough habitat and
60,000 square metres of riparian habitat in a
predominately peat bog area. 1.5 km of trail
embankments at 1.4 to 1.9m above original
grade were constructed to provide a high
quality viewing experience and maintain ac-
cess during high flood levels of the Fraser
River freshet.
The consultant team put forward the case
for embankments constructed of peat, nor-
mally a waste product requiring disposal. By
re-using the excavated peat, some 40,000
cubic metres of imported sand and gravel ma-
terials were saved, including associated truck-
ing costs and carbon emissions.
exp Services Inc. provided geotechnical
services. Issues included the design of peat
embankments, channel sideslopes, slope
stability, long-term settlements of the em-
bankments, construction access on very poor
ground, compressed schedule (Fisheries win-
dow), regular flooding of the area, risk assess-
ment of variable soil conditions, and multiple
stakeholders.
Whittacker Slough Flood Box Upgrade
Consultant: R.F. Binnie & Associates
In 2012, the District of Squamish retained Bin-
nie to provide engineering services for the
upgrade of a flap gate and corrugated steel
discharge pipe (CSP) in a section of the Squa-
mish dike at Whittaker Slough, adjacent to the
Squamish River.
An engineering consultant had recom-
mended that the existing flap gate be replaced
with a new flood restriction structure and
the aging CSP pipe be removed and replaced
using the open cut method. However, this was
not the preferred option for the Squamish-
based diking authority.
The Binnie solution involved installing a
new self-regulating flap gate, surrounded by
a concrete flood box. For the CSP pipe Bin-
nie decided on sliplining – installing a new
pipe inside the existing aged CSP in order to
extend its service life without having to dig it
up. As a result, construction costs were mini-
mized, disruption to the dike and its integrity
lessened, and harm to the surrounding ripar-
ian zone was reduced.
Aeneas (Charlie) Dam Redevelopment Project
Consultant: Klohn Crippen Berger
The Aeneas Lake dam is located at the
south end of the former natural Aeneas
(Charlie) Lake on the Penticton Indian Band’s
IR # 1 lands. The original dam was built in the
early 1900s with the spillway constructed in
1915.
This project involved the demolition and
the reconstruction of a new irrigation dam,
spillway, gate and low level outlet. Klohn Crip-
pen Berger reviewed the previous designs
for the dam and recommended changes to
ensure that a safe and sustainable design was
implemented. The design was challenging
because it had to address liquefaction, seep-
age, and the presence of a large amount of
organic silt and peat under the foundation of
the new dam. KCB’s recommended changes
improved the operation and safety of the
dam and reduced its environmental footprint.
Construction plans utilized local materials
wherever possible and provided employment
opportunities for the local community.
Klohn Crippen Berger completed the project
ahead of schedule, providing a safe and sus-
tainable solution.
Jericho Beach Habitat Restoration – Return to Nature
Consultant: Moffatt & Nichol
Moffatt & Nichol and its subconsultants
Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architects
and Raincoast Applied Ecology were retained
by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recrea-
tion to provide preliminary and detailed de-
sign, regulatory application, and tender and
construction period services for the removal
of the Jericho marginal wharf and subsequent
shoreline and park landscaping. The 160-me-
ter-long, 40-meter-wide wharf was originally
constructed during the 1940’s to serve the
needs of Royal Canadian Air Force amphib-
ious aircraft operations.
Demolition of the wharf included removing
more than 700 individual creosote-treated
timber piles and more than 2,300 tonnes of
reinforced concrete. Where practical, the
removed timber, steel and concrete materi-
als were carefully separated and recycled or
reused.
The shoreline is now restored and includes
a revitalized intertidal beach and restored
backshore vegetation. The project was com-
pleted in the spring of 2013 and instantly al-
lowed people to reconnect with the natural
shoreline.
B&B Contracting Group
BC Road Builders
Buckland & Taylor Ltd.
Houle Electric
The Langley Concrete Group
McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd.
MMM Group
Moff att & Nichol
Special thanks to all the sponsors of the
2014 ACEC-BC Awardsfor Engineering Excellence
Patron
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
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