For the past 10 months, Aquaterra Engineering, LLC has been performing Crosshole Sonic Logging (CSL) evaluation for the US Army Corps of Engineers Chickamauga Lock Replacement project – Construction of Cofferdam Contract. The Chickamauga Lock Replacement is an estimated $500 million dollar project to construct a new lock system with the Chickamauga dam on the Tennessee River chain. Replacement of the lock is necessary due to alkali-silica reactivity, a.k.a. “concrete growth”. The existing lock is predicted to become nonfunctional within the next few years. Construction of the cofferdam for future lock construction consists of a series of aggregate filled cells and concrete segments, which will become part of the new lock. To support shear loads from future excavations, the segment portions of the cofferdam are supported by a total of seventy-two 6 foot diameter drilled shafts.

To determine the structural integrity of the shafts with the rebar cage, CSL evaluations are used to detect voids, defects, and poor quality concrete. CSL is a non-destruction testing (NDT) technique that utilizes ultrasonic impulse transmitter and a hydrophone receiver lowered into water filled access tubes placed during concrete placement. (CSL also may be performed through core holes made after concrete curing.) Time for the ultrasonic pulse to travel from the transmitter to the hydrophone (known at first arrival time FAT) and distortion in the signal (energy) is measured and used to determine the locations of anomalies within the concrete. Increases in signal arrival time and/or decreases in the signal waveform are typical indicators of anomalies.

Unique to the Chickamauga Lock project is dual 4’-4” channels embedded within drilled shafts to resist shear loading. Until this project little was known about the effects of large flat steel member embeds on CSL testing. Technique shafts for the project were tested at multiple days to establish how quickly after concrete placement could CSL evaluation be performed in relation to concrete strength and time after placement. During evaluation of the technique shafts, Aquaterra noticed poor signals in the upper portions of the shaft after 3 days and increasing in depth at 5,7, and 14 days after placement. This phenomenon continued with multiple shafts and was only associated with tube pairings resulting in CSL signals crossing the steel channels. After close examination of the logs for each day of CSL evaluation, Aquaterra concluded that the poor and erratic signals were due to loss of acoustic coupling between the steel channels and the concrete. This condition is referred to as debonding and has historically occurred between access tubes and concrete, particularly in PVC access tubes. Steel access tubes generally have not been subject to debonding until beyond 45 days or if ever. Debonding of access tubes has generally been associated differences in thermal coefficients of materials during the curing process of the concrete. Debonding of the steel access tubes have not been observed at the Chickamauga Lock project, while debonding has been observed in nearly every shaft tested. The observations made likely indicate additional factors, along with coefficient of thermal expansion, as having effects on debonding. These factors likely include shape of the steel embed and surface area of steel.

On additional notes, Aquaterra will be beginning a very large geo-instrumentation program on the Chickamauga Lock Cofferdam. There will be more to come later.

We are pleased to announce that Steve Greaber, P.E., has been named Branch Manager of the Baton Rouge office. Stephen rejoined Aquaterra in 2007 and had previously been with Aquaterra for eight years during the 1990s. His 19 years of experience includes a diverse background in geotechnical engineering, materials testing, environmental, and civil design disciplines. He has managed geotechnical and environmental practices in a variety of geographic regions including Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Steve has been filling the role of Geotechnical Division Manager, and in that capacity taken on a managerial and leadership role in the office.

Steve possesses a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso. He brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to the Aquaterra team, and is eager to assist in the continuing growth of the company. Please help us congratulate Steve on his promotion.

Aquaterra Engineering, LLC has been providing engineering services to the Southeast United States since 1961. Today we combine and enhance our earth science and engineering disciplines to provide a comprehensive property development consulting solution. We are engineers, geologists, scientists, and technicians trained and skilled in the earth science disciplines. Our combination of disciplines creates a comprehensive resource to meet the challenges of site property development, site mitigation, and facility construction. Aquaterra Engineering is the company for your comprehensive Siteworks services.

Aquaterra is pleased to announce that Chris Sams, E.I., has joined the team of professionals serving our clients in our Woodstock office. Mr. Sams has over six years of experience in civil site design in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. His experience will help Aquaterra continue to provide excellent engineering services to this area. Chris recently spoke of his new company by saying, “I’m proud to have the opportunity to help Aquaterra grow as a leader in earth sciences and engineering. I also look forward to helping our clients overcome their challenges by providing solutions with the best quality and value”.

Chris received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2002. After graduating he has worked hard to continue to educate himself through his daily work efforts with colleagues and clients. He has designed single family and multi-family residential, commercial, retail, and office developments. Chris has had the opportunity to work on developments involving over one million square feet of mixed-use to individual residential lots.

Chris was raised in Newborn and Covington, GA. Currently residing in Sandy Springs, GA, he enjoys traveling and keeping up with current events. Chris loves playing all types of sports and he considers himself a fan of many different sporting events as well.

Chris may be reached via telephone at (770) 924-9799, or email at csams@aquaterraeng.com. Please join us in welcoming Chris to the team.

Aquaterra Engineering, LLC has been selected to provide essential geotechnical information needed for design of the proposed I-12 widening from Baton Rouge to Walker, Louisiana. Those that commute on this leg of the interstate each day know well that congested traffic lanes and horrific accidents are an unfortunate and all too frequent occurrence. Governor Bobby Jindal began pushing for a solution to this situation shortly after his inauguration last January.

Aquaterra has been performing geotechnical, environmental, and dam safety projects for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) for many years Aquaterra currently holds a general services geotechnical contract with DOTD, and the Baton Rouge office is uniquely located at the west end of the project alignment. According to Aquaterra President, Victor Donald, “That combination of recognized experience and geographic location was sufficient reason to award the firm with this very important and high-profile project.” The pavement soil survey began this past June with 61 soil borings utilizing direct push technology. Laboratory testing is underway and the preliminary format for data presentation has been approved by DOTD. The deep foundation boring portion of the project has been expanded from 4 borings to approximately 28 borings, again because of the efficiency Aquaterra brings to a project of this magnitude.

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Aquaterra is pleased to announce that Chris Reynolds, P.G. has joined our team of professionals in our Chattanooga office. Mr. Reynolds is excited to add over nine years of experience as a consultant on a variety of construction inspection, environmental, and geotechnical projects to the current abilities that Aquaterra possesses. His experiences include managing and executing services on projects for federal, municipal, commercial, industrial, and private clients in North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Ohio.

Mr. Reynolds received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee in 1994. After achieving his degree he has honed his skills by performing construction quality assurance services on numerous landfill projects throughout the Southeastern United States. “We plan to utilize Mr. Reynolds’ client relations, project management, and technical skills in our geotechnical and construction quality assurance groups for the Chattanooga office” states Mr. Jeffrey Breedlove, P.E., East Region Vice President for Aquaterra. Mr. Reynolds has also performed services on various remedial action, environmental assessment and UST closure projects.

Mr. Reynolds is a Registered Professional Geologist and maintains his OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations 40 hour training and current 8-hour refresher and a Radiation Worker I & Worker II certification. Mr. Reynolds is also a NICET Certified Engineering Technician.

Please join us in welcoming Chris to the Aquaterra team.

Richard M. Simon recently attended the Global Retail Real Estate Convention (RECon) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event was hosted by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Over 50,000 professionals met from May 18 – 21 to educate themselves and others about the different retail real estate possibilities around the globe. Of the 50,000 participants, over half were developers, retailers, financiers, and designers. Mr. Simon met with numerous participants and was able to make contacts with multiple developers, retailers, and other industry professionals. Coming back even more educated than before, Mr. Simon believes RECon was extremely beneficial for Aquaterra and all of the participants involved.

Mr. Simon is Principal and Regional Vice President of Aquaterra Engineering, LLC, a Geotechnical and Environmental consulting firm. Mr. Simon has a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of New Orleans. Mr. Simon has over 17 years of experience and has successfully lead Aquaterra’s West Region for four years.

Victor R. Donald, P.E. will be presenting the program “Get the Most from Your Geotechnical Engineer” this month, at the Tri-state Engineering Society Meeting in Point Clear, Alabama. The annual meeting takes place June 1-4, 2008 at the Grand Hotel Point Clear Resort and is sponsored by the Engineering Societies of Alabama, Louisiana, & Mississippi. You may attend Mr. Donald’s presentation from 9 to 10 AM on Monday, June 2, 2008.

This presentation reviews the role that the geotechnical engineer should play in the site characterization, design, bidding and construction phases of a typical project. Suggestions are provided for alternative means of communication during the various phases of the project, making maximum utility of current-day, internet based communication tools.

Victor R. Donald, P.E. is President of Aquaterra Engineering, LLC, a Geotechnical and Environmental consulting firm with 7 offices, and over 140 staff members throughout the Southeast United States. Mr. Donald utilizes his 30 years of professional consulting experience, focused throughout the Southeastern United States, to provide a unique perspective to the subject matter. He will be sharing the benefit of his experience in his presentation

Aquaterra will also be hosting a booth at the conference. Be sure to stop by for more information about Aquaterra Engineering and the presentation given by Mr. Donald. Please contact Lisa Smith via email (lisasmith@aquaterraeng.com) or phone (225.344.6052) if you have any questions. We hope to see you there.

Aquaterra is excited to announce our attendance, exhibition, and speaking arrangements at the Southern States SWANA conference starting on May 19, 2008. Ms. Jessica Rury, MS will be representing Aquaterra by presenting on “Waste Acceptance Criteria”.

“Federal, state and local regulations for solid waste landfills include specific components for landfill construction, maintenance, monitoring systems, and operations. A key component of efficient and effective operations includes Waste Acceptance Criteria. The development of facility specific Waste Acceptance Criteria allows for the continued safe and compliant storage and disposal of solid waste, in addition to protection of the environment, personnel and the public. Waste Acceptance Criteria are used to determine the suitability of certain waste streams for a landfill. The Waste Characterization process (waste profiling), completed by any combination of sampling and process knowledge, has allowed for a better understanding of the waste processes. The concept of Waste Acceptance Criteria has minimized impacts from landfills with a greater control over solid waste disposal.”

Conference info can be found here. If you’re planning to be at the conference, look us up.

Victor R. Donald, P.E., President of Aquaterra Engineering, LLC, will be presenting the program “Municipal Solid Waste Landfills - Past, Present and Future” at the ASCE Georgia Section Lunch, on June 6, 2008, at the Holiday Inn Select in Norcross, GA.

This presentation provides a comprehensive history of the disposal of garbage, and how legislation designed to protect the environment, as well as the general public, has brought about the use of Solid Waste Landfills. He discusses the true civil engineering innovation of landfill design, and an example of how government regulation created such an effect. Mr. Donald will address trends that have been noted over the years during this process, that are serving to change the initial thinking about municipal solid waste development.

Victor R. Donald, P.E. is President of Aquaterra Engineering, LLC, a Geotechnical and Environmental consulting firm with 7 offices, and over 120 staff members throughout the Southeast United States. Mr. Donald utilizes his 28 years of professional consulting experience, focused mainly in Mississippi and Louisiana. He manifests his observations with Aquaterra’s offices in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee to provide a unique perspective to the subject matter. He will be sharing the benefit of his experience in his presentation. We hope to see you there.

Victor R. Donald, P.E., President of Aquaterra Engineering, LLC, will be presenting the program “20 Years of CQA - What Have We Learned?” at the 2008 Georgia-Alabama SWANA Spring Conference, to be held April 6th through 9th, in Callaway Gardens, GA.

This presentation reviews the inception of RCRA Subtitle D in relation to Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.  Mr. Donald will take advantage of “20-20″ hindsight to consider the applicability of CQA plans to today’s landfill cell construction projects.  Mr. Donald will address how many aspects of CQA Plans from permit documents need to be revisited to ensure that the cell construction is documented as the permit requires.  Other issues that may impact some of the key aspects of CQA documentation will also be discussed.  The presentation will review the various aspects of landfill cell construction from a fundamental perspective.

Victor R. Donald, P.E. is President of Aquaterra Engineering, LLC, a Geotechnical and Environmental consulting firm with 7 offices, and over 120 staff members throughout the Southeast United States.  Mr. Donald utilizes his 28 years of professional consulting experience, focused mainly in Mississippi and Louisiana.  He manifests his observations with Aquaterra’s offices in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee to provide a unique perspective to the subject matter.  He will be sharing the benefit of his experience in his presentation.  We hope to see you there.