ISSUE #1 • 2018

FEATURED ARTICLES:New President’s Message | 3 Dispatch & Truck Management | 4 Resilient Stormwater Management | 9

For the tenth consecutive year, Associated Engineering has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, retaining Platinum Club status. The Best Managed Companies program recognizes Canadian-owned and managed companies that demonstrate a positive commitment to people, company culture, innovation, sustained performance, and strong financial results. An independent panel of judges recognized Associated Engineering’s continued focus on client service and quality products that has helped the company maintain a leadership position in a competitive consulting industry.

This past year, we remained strongly focused on our core market areas, infrastructure, transportation, water, buildings, energy, environmental science, and asset management, with a particular emphasis on climate change adaptation and mitigation. We take pride in our long-standing relationships with partners and clients, working together to deliver sustainable solutions in the communities we serve. Awards and recognition received from industry organizations for projects and individual staff members demonstrate our

technical excellence and innovation. With moves to larger offices in Vancouver, Fort McMurray, and in the Niagara region, and new offices in Kamloops and Grande Prairie, we continue to grow and expand across Canada.

“We are proud to be recognized as a Best Managed Company for the tenth consecutive year. This award speaks to the great team we have at Associated Engineering and our staff’s commitment to our clients and the company,” says Kerry Rudd, CEO.

Associated Engineering celebrates tenth consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies

Victoria office celebrates Best Managed Companies Award

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IN THIS ISSUE1 Associated Engineering celebrates tenth

consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies

2 Associated Engineering honoured with Consulting Engineers of Alberta awards

Keswick Water Treatment Plant Upgrades project wins 2017 OPWA Award

3 Message from Martin Jobke, President

NOR-EX joins Associated Engineering

Staff support IPCC Cities & Climate Change Science Conference

4 Infrastructure Capacity Building Seminar focuses on infrastucture resilience

Dispatch and Traffic Management System provides robust tool for Ice Road Truckers

5 Burrard Bridge and Pacific Street upgrades address safety and capacity

6 Paul Pinder strives to build successful team focussed on client service and building better communities

7 Effective delivery of back-up power upgrades improves water and sewer infrastructure services in Northern Saskatchewan

8 New pipeline provides Fort McMurray’s south service area with a robust and resilient water supply network

9 Creating a resilient and sustainable stormwater management solution for Sunnyside community

10 Building Communities

11 Employee News

12 Upgrades to Highway 401/403/410 interchange in Ontario enhance functionality

AE Today is published for employees and friends of the Associated Engineering group of companies.

Visit our web site at www.ae.ca for past issues of AE Today and for office contact information.

If you would prefer to receive AE Today via email, please email aetoday@ae.ca.

Associated Engineering honoured with Consulting Engineers of Alberta awards

The Consulting Engineers of Alberta hosted their 22nd Annual Showcase Awards Gala to recognize excellence in consulting engineering in Alberta. Project awards were given out for Excellence and Merit in fifteen different categories. Congratulations to the teams on The City of Calgary Northwest Inner-City Drainage Study-Sunnyside Review (above) and the Southwest Water Supply Line in Fort McMurray (below), both of which received Awards of Excellence in their respective categories of Studies and Project Management.

Keswick Water Treatment Plant Upgrades project wins 2017 OPWA Award

(L-R): Elia Edwards (Associated), Tim Machuletz (York Region), Richard Walker (York Region), Ryan Thoren (Associated), Nick Colarusso (York Region), Patrick Heron (York Region), Aaron Wood (York Region), and Afshin Naseri (York Region)

The Keswick Water Treatment Plant Upgrades project has won the Ontario Public Works Association Project of the Year, in the Environmental ($2-$10 million) category. The Regional Municipality of York retained Associated Engineering to provide preliminary and detailed design, contract administration, and site inspection services for this project. The project was a high priority to restore the plant’s rated capacity, introduce treatment and energy efficiencies, and add service life to the 16.2 million litres per day water treatment plant. Congratulations to the project team, including Elia Edwards, Ryan Thoren, David Holyer, Paul Shi, Dusan Fil, Anna Comerton, Laurence Shepard, and Melissa Reichert.

(L-R): David Nagy (CEA President & Associated), Andrew Rushworth (Associated), Brad Larson (City of Calgary), Nadeer Lalji (Associated), Pablo Lopez (City of Calgary), and Ken Pilip (CEA CEO)

L-R: Dave Nagy (CEA President), Andrew Rushworth, xxx, Nadeer Lalji, xxx, xxx

(L-R): David Nagy (CEA President & Associated), Harjeet Panesar (Thurber), Owen Mierke and Carlie Pittman (Associated), and Ken Pilip (CEA CEO)

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NOR-EX joins Associated Engineering, bringing expertise in ice engineering and disaster recovery

We are pleased to announce that NOR•EX Engineering has joined the Associated Engineering group of companies. NOR•EX specializes in disaster planning and recovery, ice engineering, and ice safety.

Kerry Rudd, CEO of Associated Engineering tells us, “With Dana Woodworth, Al Fitzgerald, and the team from NOR•EX Engineering, we now have significant expertise in ice engineering and disaster planning and recovery that

complements our capabilities in engineering, planning, and environmental science.”

“We specifically chose to merge with Associated Engineering, because we share similar goals and values,” says Dana Woodworth, Vice President & General Manager of NOR•EX Engineering. “Associated Engineering is passionate about building better communities that are sustainable and resilient, and which support economic growth.”

Together, we will continue to provide services to help communities and businesses to build and maintain critical infrastructure, and improve resiliency in the face of a changing climate.

In March, the City of Edmonton hosted the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Cities & Climate Change Science Conference. For the conference, Associated Engineering staff organized a session on ‘Low Carbon, Sustainable Cities of the Future’, as well as a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities to achieve this vision. Panel members included representatives from the cities of Edmonton, Vancouver, and Calgary.

Thanks to (l-r) Ruben Arellano (District Energy Specialist), Jeremy Fyke (Climate Specialist), Dean Shiskowski (Vice President, Water Resource Recovery), Bryan Petzold (Vice President, Transportation Planning & Traffic Engineering), and

Mark Porter (National Practice Leader, Building Services) for their assistance in organizing the sessions.

Staff support IPCC Cities & Climate Change Science Conference in Edmonton

Message from incoming President, Martin Jobke, P.Eng.My 30 years with Associated Engineering has been personally and professionally rewarding, largely influenced and shaped by the people that I have worked with and been mentored by. In my new role as President, one of my goals is to share this experience with both staff and clients.

Over the years, Associated’s focus on client service has introduced me to many individuals across Canada, and provided the opportunity to participate in projects around the world. As President, I will leverage this experience to provide staff and clients with insights on how we will consider and prepare for the risks and opportunities that will emerge as we are tasked with infrastructure renewal, and as the global community combats climate change and moves to a lower carbon future. Accelerated adoption of low carbon technology,

such as electric vehicles, net zero buildings, and renewable energy has and will continue to provide new and exciting project opportunities.

Associated Engineering has been a carbon neutral company since 2009. We will remain strong advocates for policies that support the transition to a low-carbon economy, while also maintaining economic competitiveness.

I look forward to working with the Associated team to bring our clients the skills and resources that will help shape our ever-changing world.

L-R: Dave Nagy (CEA President), Andrew Rushworth, xxx, Nadeer Lalji, xxx, xxx

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Every year the North’s mining industry constructs what is arguably the world’s longest heavy haul ice road, which stretches 400 kilometres into Canada’s northern tundra. This region has no other highway service, and for 10 months of the year, the region is accessible only by air.

Made famous by the series Ice Road Truckers, the road is only open for approximately 8-10 weeks. The winter road is the lifeline for mine re-supply, and supplies various exploration properties, so moving goods in and out efficiently is a priority. The road is managed by the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road Joint Venture Management Committee (TCWR JVMC), comprised of Dominion Diamond Corp., Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. and De Beers Canada.

Associated Environmental Consultants’, Information Management team was selected to develop a web-based dispatch system that manages shipments and traffic between 12 destinations along the winter road. Our new subsidary, NOR•EX Engineering, has supported the road for the past six

years, providing services in ice engineering, quality assurance, optimization strategies, environmental management, and ice safety.

Dashboards provide real-time statistics and status updates to users

Across the 12 destinations, shipments are sent or received in convoys of four trucks every 20 minutes. In good weather conditions, upwards of 500 shipments move along the road at a time. An intuitive dashboard allows each destination to access real-time updates of their incoming shipments, while organizing and managing outgoing shipments.

Dashboards provide an interactive overview of the scheduling and status of the road. A popular feature amongst users is a road map summarizing a count of all shipments between or at destinations and the direction they are travelling. Users can click on the counts, and view, sort or filter the shipments as needed. Dashboard tiles are also available, providing more detailed progress, helping the JVMC to make informed decisions on convoy sizing, dispatch scheduling, and help manage traffic during weather delays.

As the ice road season draws to a close, over 8000 loads and 300,000 tonnes have travelled the road, meeting the targets, and successfully concluding the first season using the dispatch system.

Dispatch and Traffic Management System provides robust tool for Ice Road Truckers

Infrastructure Capacity Building Seminar focuses on infrastucture resilience

Senior Infrastructure Specialist, Herb Kuehne delivers keynote address

Almost 100 staff gathered in Edmonton to take part in our Infrastructure Resilience Capacity Building Seminar. Staff shared knowledge and experience on infrastructure resilience and managing project risks. Organized by Chris Skowronski, Senior Vice President of Infrastructure, presentations included innovative planning and design approaches, climate change adaptation, construction, and project risk management related to water and wastewater systems, tunnelling, transportation, asset management, and land development. In his keynote address, Herb Kuehne, Senior Infrastructure Specialist, advised staff to work with clients to develop resilient strategies to plan for risks and vulnerabilities, considering design and construction requirements.

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New intersection of Burrard and Pacific Streets with Burrard Bridge in distance. Photo credit: City of Vancouver

Originally opened in 1932, the Burrard Bridge serves as a gateway to Downtown Vancouver over False Creek, and is a major transportation corridor. Recognizing that the historic bridge required significant rehabilitation and retrofit to address its deteriorating condition, as well as functional needs, the City of Vancouver retained Associated Engineering as the prime consultant for the bridge upgrades. In addition, the City wished to improve capacity and safety at the Pacific Street and Burrard Street intersection.

Understanding the need to respect the bridge’s iconic Art Deco style, the team adopted a heritage conservation approach, with input from an integrated team, including a heritage consultant and architect. The design incorporates modern functional improvements, such as lighting and means prevention fencing, that respect the heritage characteristics of the bridge, and achieve modern standards on this 85-year-old structure.

Upgrades to the Pacific Street Intersection include trenchless construction of a new stormwater main, and improved safety, cycle access, and streetlighting. Manager of Urban Infrastructure, Chris Cheng tells us, “Particular attention was given to protecting the existing Lawson Cypress tree.”

Design of bridge lighting and safety fencing respects iconic, Art Deco-style of structure

The team developed constructible designs and thoughtful traffic management plans for the busy urban environment. Project Manager, Shane Cook tells us, “Over the intense 18-month construction period, we worked closely with the local community and businesses to mitigate delays and reduce inconveniences. Traffic was maintained throughout construction.”

The Burrard Bridge and Burrard Street and Pacific Street intersection were reopened on October 21, 2017 - upgraded to modern standards with enhanced safety and capacity elements for pedestrians, cyclists, transit and motorists.

The restored heritage features have received public accolades, and exemplify best practices in sustainable infrastructure design and rehabilitation. The thoughtful integrated design approach resulted in an improved transportation corridor that connects and unites the community for future generations.

Burrard Bridge and Pacific Street upgrades address safety and capacity, while considering heritage and sustainability issues

Upgrade includes new lighting and means prevention fencing

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Paul, GM of Saskatchewan/Manitoba operations, & wife, Cindy

Paul Pinder of our Saskatoon office grew up in the family business. He was exposed to retail sales and customer service at a very young age, in the drug stores that the family owned and operated.

Paul’s first exposure to engineering was through a friend’s dad who, Paul tells us, “...could build and fix anything.” Paul became fascinated with this “foreign” skill. After high school, the appeal of building drew Paul into construction.

After working for a time, Paul returned to school to get a diploma in Building Construction Engineering Technology. With his diploma, Paul returned to work in construction. One cold fall afternoon, while framing concrete grade beams, an individual drove up to the project, got out of his vehicle with a clipboard and a hard hat, inspected the rebar, and got back in his car and drove away. Paul asked the grizzled old carpenter that he was working with who the individual was. The carpenter said, “That is the “$#@!&*” engineer,” to which Paul replied, “I think I want to be a “$#@!&*” engineer!”

Paul graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in civil engineering. After graduation, Paul worked for the Department of Highways in a variety of positions, including Construction Resident, Design Resident, Construction Engineer, Design Engineer, and Preservation Engineer.

His career highlight during this period was the upgrade of a northern road near Jan Lake. The project required the road to be upgraded to current standards which eventually meant relocation of the road. The unique terrain made the project interesting. The area around Jan Lake transitions from traditional till to Canadian Shield bedrock. The new

road threaded through lakes, muskeg, and around rock outcrops. For someone who had only designed roads through prairies, this was an exciting challenge. The new location was established from airphotos, lines were cut on the proposed alignment, and after a final walk through the wilderness on a one metre wide cut line, the design was completed. The project included rock blasts, muskeg padding, and curves around many small lakes.

After 19 years with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, Paul was approach by Jason Horner, who was then Associated Engineering’s Transportation Manager in Saskatoon. Paul was looking for something different, and Jason convinced him Associated would be a good fit.

Moving to the consulting industry took Paul back to his roots--working in a business with clients and stakeholders, providing customer service, marketing and selling, and all the areas of engineering that he wanted to work in. Although Paul had never been formally in business, he realized how much he learned about business from his dad, through the family’s drug stores. Paul says, “I always saw my dad working and getting to know his fellow workers and customers, and I admired and idolized him for that. I get great pleasure in working with people, and getting to know our clients.”

Paul joined the company as a project manager, and took on roles of increasing responsibility, including Manager of the Transportation group in Saskatoon. In 2016, Paul was appointed General Manager of our Saskatchewan and Manitoba operations, when Bert Munro retired. Paul reflects, “My current position is much more like running a business.” He cites three cornerstones for building a strong business: building a successful team, providing great customer service, and delivering solutions that build better communities.

In his free time, Paul and his wife, Cindy, like to travel, visit wineries, enjoy the outdoors, entertain, and spend time with family. Their favourite activities include golfing and kayaking at Waskesiu Lake. In 2001, Paul built three kayaks, much like his childhood role model.

Paul Pinder strives to build successful team focussed on client service and building better communities

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Effective delivery of back-up power upgrades improves water and sewer infrastructure services in Northern Saskatchewan

La Ronge Sewage Treatment Plant with walk-in generator

Most Canadians take their drinking water for granted, but for many residents in northern Saskatchewan, reliable, safe drinking water is a major issue. Such is the situation in the Town of La Ronge and the Northern Village of Air Ronge. Frequent power outages in these communities disrupt and jeopardize water and wastewater services. During a power disruption, government regulations require water utilities to shut down the water supply and issue a boil water advisory.

In 2014, the Town of La Ronge and Northern Village of Air Ronge retained Associated Engineering to lead the design and construction of upgrades that would allow them to keep their water supply and treatment systems running and the tap water flowing during power outages. The project encompassed 21 separate facilities – 18 sewage pump stations, two water pump stations, and a sewage treatment plant. Each facility had its own unique issues and operational history. The project demanded complex coordination and innovative solutions to stay within a strict budget.

Project Manager, Doug Thomson, tells us, “There was no ‘one size fits all’ solution. Because of the large number and different types of facilities, we identified dozens of potential solutions. We evaluated various types and sizes for electrical generators, and considered options for required mechanical, electrical, and building structure upgrades. We considered alternatives such as adding an external generator or adding a generator within an existing building. For eight of the most critical locations, the selected approach was an entirely new

and expanded building to accommodate the equipment.”

One of the sites also required raising the building and surrounding components by one metre to avoid the risk of flooding during high-water levels in the Montreal River. Ultimately, each selected approach was based on cost, criticality, age or condition, and desired level of service.

The upgrades at La Ronge protect both the treated water supply and the environment, by helping

to allay contamination concerns during power outages. Overall, the upgrades will more effectively deliver water to the community, and eliminate the need for the community to bring in bottled water.

Upgrades provide La Ronge and Air Ronge with secure water and sewer services.

Effective planning during design resulted in completion of upgrades without impacting operation of the facilities. Doug advises, “Now when the power goes out, the water stays on.”

This project received the 2017 Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Saskatchewan Brian Eckel Award of Merit in the Municipal Infrastructure and Water Resources category.

Raising pump station helps to alleviate flooding issues

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New pipeline provides Fort McMurray’s south service area with a robust and resilient water supply network

Threading the pipeline through a residential neighbourhood

Water supply to the southern area of the City of Fort McMurray in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo relied on a single watermain across Highway 63 over the Athabasca River. In 2013, this watermain experienced a break. As a result, the Municipality had to truck water to the area, and depended on the capacity of a local reservoir to supply water to residents of the area until the watermain could be repaired.

Subsequently, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo decided to upgrade the water supply to Fort McMurray’s south service area by providing an alternate water supply, reducing the risk to the southern area in the event of a future watermain failure. The new watermain would also expand the water supply system to meet the area’s increasing water demands.

Associated Engineering had completed the Water Master Plan for the Regional Municipality. The plan outlined the concept for expanding the water supply to the southern area of Fort McMurray, and demonstrated its effectiveness in meeting long-term needs. Based on this work, the Regional Municipality retained Associated Engineering to complete design and oversee construction of Phase 1 of the Southwest Water Supply Line.

Project Manager, Owen Mierke, tells us, “Despite the challenge of a long, large diameter pipe crossing the Athabasca River through varying terrain, we developed a cost effective and sustainable design using directional drilling technology.” The water supply line consists of approximately 2000 metres of 750 millimetre diameter watermain, 1400 metres of which was constructed using horizontal directional drilling.

The project team collaborated with the Regional Municipality, geotechnical specialists, drilling contractors, residents, regulatory agencies, the contractor, and multiple stakeholders to develop an innovative design that addressed the complex geotechnical and environmental issues. Using a trenchless technology, horizontal directional drilling, minimized impact on the environment, residential neighbourhoods, and the public. We implemented a robust project management plan to help address the project’s many challenges. Risk management, a collaborative project delivery approach, contractor prequalification, proactive communication, and extensive stakeholder engagement with the residents and municipal stakeholders contributed to public acceptance and the success of the project.

Proactive and open stakeholder engagement contributed to the project’s success

The Southwest Water Supply Line provides the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the City of Fort McMurray with additional water capacity, supporting growth and reducing risks associated with a single water supply line. The new water supply line also provides additional water supply for firefighting, supporting the existing water supply, which was challenged to support the firefighting and recovery needs of the community during the 2016 wildfire.

Owen says, “This project demonstrates the benefits of collaboration to develop creative infrastructure solutions.”

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Sunnyside community in Calgary, north of the Bow River

Located at the bottom of an escarpment near downtown Calgary, the community of Sunnyside has suffered a number of floods over the years due to its location in a floodplain below high levels of the Bow River. A berm, constructed with stormwater outfalls running through it, protects the community from flooding. These outfalls have gates which are closed in anticipation of high water levels in the Bow River. However, even with this protection, Sunnyside is vulnerable to four flooding mechanisms:

1. Heavy rainfalls could exceed the capacity of the stormwater system pipes

2. Rainfall could occur when the outfall gates are closed in anticipation of a high water event in the Bow River

3. Groundwater flooding could occur when high water in the Bow River raises the groundwater table

4. Overland flooding could occur when the Bow River overtops the berm

In 2013, Sunnyside was subjected to significant flooding twice over the span of two weeks. The first event was in June when the Bow River overtopped the Sunnyside berms. Two weeks later, a rainfall event occurred while several of the stormwater gates were closed to protect the community from river backup.

Following these events, the City of Calgary retained Associated Engineering to conduct a drainage study of the Sunnyside

area. The City wished to analyze the Sunnyside area for flooding due to rainfall runoff and propose improvements to mitigate flood risks.

The City had not previously established a stormwater level of service target for floodplain communities. To assist the City in doing so, Associated Engineering reviewed historical occurrences of concurrent high river level and high rainfall events. Using our analysis, the City selected a dual level of service--one when the outfall gates are open and another when the stormwater outfall gates are closed.

Dual level of service approach reduces risks

Associated Engineering proposed upgrades that provided resilience against multiple flooding mechanisms to reduce the overall flood risk to the community. Using two levels of service and developing multi-purpose solutions were beneficial to the community as the improvements became a higher priority on the City’s investment plan due to their high benefit-to-cost ratio.

Several of the recommended projects are already in the design and construction phases, including: a new stormwater pump station that will protect against stormwater and groundwater flooding, improvements to an existing stormwater pump station to do the same, and a pressurized trunk sewer to convey stormwater from the upper plateau directly to the river, rather than through Sunnyside. This work has been partially supported with funding from the Provincial and Federal governments.

The Sunnyside study received the 2018 Consulting Engineers of Alberta Award of Excellence, in the Studies, Software & Special Services category.

Key staff involved in the study included Nadeer Lalji, Andrew Rushworth, Andrew Wiens, Karen Prezelj and Corinne Arkell, as well as many others involved in the design and construction phases.

Creating a resilient and sustainable stormwater management solution for City of Calgary’s Sunnyside community

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Movember 2017 campaign raises $17,770Seven offices and 89 staff participated in the annual Movember campaign for men’s health. Our combined individual fundraising and corporate contribution totalled $17,770! Thanks to all the Mo-Bros, Mo-Sistas, and Mo-supporters. Special thanks to team captains Andrew Rushworth, Kyle Barth, David Sorenson, Mitch Lejeune, Michael Blain, Scott Barbacki, and Shane Cook (Chair).

Teeing off for Water For People Charity in Calgary

Congratulations to Andy Barr and Shane Thompson of our Calgary office and their teammates who finished third among 25 teams at the inaugural Water for People Golf Tournament last fall. Thanks to staff who served as volunteers, including Anne Bridgman on the organizing committee.

Helping build communities in Niagara FallsAndrea LaPlante, Alison Young, and Lindsay Mooradian-Sulkowski from our Niagara-on-the Lake office joined the Falls View Hose Brigade Wives Auxillary at a Habitat for Humanity Women Build event in Niagara Falls. Women Build promotes the involvement of women in the construction of Habitat homes, and teaches participants a range of construction skills.

Regina teams raise $1,625 for YMCA Strong Kids ProgramStaff from our Regina office put their hearts, lungs, and legs on the line to raise money for the Regina YMCA’s Strong Kids Program. Strong Kids provides the recreational, learning, and life-enhancing experiences that build strong kids, families, and communities. Thanks to participants Nicole DeBond, Chris Reese, Jaylyn Obrigewitsch, Stan Torgunrud, Collin Halliwell, Ellen McLaughlin, Andy McKenzie, Daryl Brown, Monique Kealey, and Jacob Froh.

Nancy Inglis rocks as organizer for 2018 Brier

L-R: Scott Comfort (Curling Canada), Shannon England, Teresa Drew, and Nancy Inglis (Chairs of Hosting Committee)

Congratulations to Nancy Inglis from our Regina office for her efforts organizing the 2018 Tim Horton’s Brier in Regina, held March 3-11. As Vice-Chair of the Host Committee responsible for Special Events and Volunteers, Nancy led over 600 volunteers responsible for organizing the ceremonies, Game Day, and banquets and rallies. Special events included fundraising for junior curling, future stars mentoring with Brier players, and opening ceremonies honouring former Saskatchewan winners from over 70 years. Nancy has been an active volunteer in the Regina curling community since 1991, and was a successful competitive curler. She won a silver medal in 2007 at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

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Employee News

Richard Walters, M.Eng., P.Eng. has joined our Edmonton office as Manager, Buildings Structural. He has 24 years of structural engineering and project management experience in the commercial, institutional, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.

Melanie Failler, B.Sc., P.Biol has joined our Saskatoon office as an Environmental Team Lead. She has 15 years of environmental regulatory compliance experience related to transportation and infrastructure in Saskatchewan. This includes regulatory permit applications for bridges, highways, rail lines and pipelines.

Shane Cook, M.A.Sc., PMP, P.Eng. has been appointed Division Manager, Transportation, in Vancouver. Shane is a Senior Structural Engineer with 18 years of experience in structural and seismic design. His expertise includes the assessment, retrofit, and rehabilitation of bridge structures.

Katrin Habel, Dr. sc. techn., P.Eng. has been appointed Manager, Bridge Rehabilitation, in Vancouver. Katrin is a Senior Bridge Engineer with over 15 years of experience in design, evaluation, and rehabilitation of structures, including steel and concrete bridges, retaining walls, and culverts.

Robert Martinez, MBA, P.Eng. has joined our Vancouver office as Specialist, High Performance Buildings. He is a Mechanical Engineer with 30 years of experience. He specializes in building thermal systems design and energy auditing, and brings extensive experience from Norway.

As of January 1st, our St. Catharines office is now located at: Suite 300 - 500 Glendale Avenue East, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.

At our recent Capacity Building Seminar on Infrastructure Resilience, we had the honour of having four of our recent Presidents in attendance: (l to r Alistair Black, Martin Jobke (current President), Kerry Rudd (current CEO), and Vince Borch.

Nancy Inglis, P.Eng. PMP has been appointed as Branch Manager of our Regina office. Nancy is a Civil Engineer with over 20 years of experience, including civil and transportation projects, in the public and private sectors. Previously, Nancy was Division Manager, Transportation in Regina.

(L-R): Josh Hubert, Tina Keochanh, Caelin Markarian, Rey Rimando, and Stuart Ainslie in new Niagara-on-the-Lake office

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The interchange carries over 400,000 vehicles per day

The Highway 401/403/410 interchange in Mississauga, Ontario is one of the two busiest interchanges in North America, carrying well over 400,000 vehicles a day. Recognizing the need to upgrade the 35 year old interchange, in 2017, the Ministry of Transportation Ontario retained Associated Engineering to undertake the rehabilitation of eight structures at the interchange. The project included structural rehabilitation consisting of barrier wall upgrades, bearing seat replacements, concrete repairs, modular joint replacement, ITS (intelligent transportation system) upgrades, LED underpass lighting, pavement upgrades, lidar surveying, and complex traffic management.

The structures located at the Highway 401/403/410 interchange consist primarily of voided slab structures, including the Highway 401 Eastbound-410 Northbound ramp, a ten-span, 555 metre, post-tensioned, slab bridge.

A 3D mobile lidar survey was undertaken to capture the site conditions, supplemented by total station survey. Pavement engineering included over 140 pavement boreholes in support of temporary traffic detouring on shoulders.

The electrical component of the project included AGI32 analysis of the existing underpass structures to support conversion of the existing HPS (high pressure sodium) lighting to LED lighting. In addition to this, Associated’s ITS team designed additional loops, including a Non-Intrusive Traffic Sensor.

Project Manager, Mark Torrie tells us, “The challenges we faced were driven by the structural configuration of the post-tensioned voided slab structures, supported by single

post piers. Construction staging analysis was undertaken, accounting for all live and construction loads, including removal of barrier walls. We found that, during the removal of the barrier walls, several of the structures would uplift from some of the bearings. To counteract this uplift, we incorporated ballast loads into the construction staging.” In addition to the uplift potential, the bearing replacements included as part of this contract required time-dependent finite element modelling to account for the additional vertical forces from the post-tensioning in the jacking design.

The project also included replacing the modular joints on Highway 401 Eastbound-410 Northbound. With a length of 555 metres, modular joints were required to accommodate the thermal expansion and rotations at the joint.

Finite element modelling confirmed loads and design of bearing replacements

The project was tendered in two contracts in early 2018; construction of the $20 million project will commence in the summer. Construction of the works on the eastbound structures are anticipated for completion in the fall of 2019. The westbound structures are estimated to be completed in the fall of 2021. Mark advises, “We completed the project on time, in just nine months, and under budget. Kudos go to the project team.” Key team members include Josh Hubert, Tina Keochanh, Vincent Lam, Tracey Kucheravy, Jordan Frost, Yasser Al-Anany, Christian Concolino, Kerri Hildebrandt, Andrea LaPlante, Dan MacDonald-Lockhart, Caelin Markarian, Josh Trim, Farzad Nikfar, and Rey Rimando.

Upgrades to Highway 401/403/410 interchange in Ontario will enhance functionality and extend service life