2014 ACEC-BC AWARDS · ACEC-BC AWARDS FOR ENGINEERING ... The team completed a sustainability design ... front-end isotope separator. Extensive design work was carried out

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


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



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



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.

www.wspgroup.com/canada

WE WERE GENIVARWE ARE NOW WSP A home-grown Canadian multinational, we have expanded our global reach and now have broader depth to draw upon. World recognized expertise leveraged locally.

30COUNTRIES

5CONTINENTS

300+

OFFICES

15,000EMPLOYEES

BUILDINGS

ENERGY

ENVIRONMENT

INDUSTRIAL

MINING

MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE

OIL & GAS

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

TRANSPORTATION

Vancouver604-736-5421 Victoria250-384-5510

finalists 2013: Recently recognized by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, January 2014, for Excellence in:design & contract preparation, roadsHighway 99 at 16th Avenue Interchangeconstruction management & supervision servicesBessborough Road 212

construction management services / legal surveying /geomatics / land development / municipal services / project services /landscape architecture, parks, sports and recreation facilities /northern bc services / transportation engineering /sustainable engineering and design / leed certified professionals

“One of the biggest challenges Binnie had with this project was the aggressive schedule; so a lot of their design was done at a breakneck speed…” - bc ministry of transportation and infrastructure

Build with Binnie.binnie.com 604 420 1721

5



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.

Tetra Tech’s scientists and engineers are developing sustainable solutions for the world’s most complex projects. With more than 4,000 employees

in Canada and 14,000 total employees worldwide, we have grown to become one of North America’s largest engineering firms—and that’s just

the beginning. From water and transportation projects, to renewable energy and mining services, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions in consulting,

engineering, program management, construction, and technical services worldwide. www.tetratech.com

CLEAR SOLUTIONS FOR WATER, INFRASTRUCTURE, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

6



AWARD OF MERIT

Bow River Pedestrian Bridge and Utility Crossing


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.


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



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.


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



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


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



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


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



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


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



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

Media

Documents

2014 ACEC-BC AWARDS · ACEC-BC AWARDS FOR ENGINEERING ... The team completed a sustainability design ... front-end isotope separator. Extensive design work was carried out