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Younger Member Forum
Embry-Riddle
Student Chapter
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Greetings East Central Branch!
This month is an exciting one for our
Student Members as
 they look forward to not only competing in the
Southeast Student Conference but
hosting it as well at the
University of Central Florida! After months of preparation, students from
29 universities across the southeast region will put their engineering skills to the test as they compete in competitions including
Concrete Canoe, GeoWall Challenge, Concrete/Steel Golf, Concrete Cornhole and
Sustainable Solutions.
The ASCE Southeast Student Conference will be held at UCF on March 12th to 14th and I highly encourage those who can to come out and cheer on our local UCF and Embry-Riddle Student Chapter members! Please use the following link to find out more:
Finally, a big shout out to the committee members,
Catherine Felter, Madeline Batey, Vince Stippler, Dayna Duffy, Thomas Anzelone and
Mary Sullivan who coordinated this huge event as well the volunteers and judges! You guys rock!
Have a great March!
Sincerely,
Craig Ballock, P.E., M. ASCE
ACSE East Central Branch President
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Annual Branch Award Nominations
Know a fellow ECB'er that is consistently going above and beyond, or an impressive project everyone needs to know about? Great! Because ECB is currently accepting nominations for the annual branch awards as listed below.
- Engineer of the Year Award
- Young Engineer of the Year Award
- Government Engineer of the Year Award
- Project of the Year Award
All nominations need to be received by
April 17th, 2020.
Please submit your nominations via the Constant Contact survey linked below. After April 17th, ECB's official nominations will be selected, and the formal application process will be initiated with the selected nominees.
Sincerely,
Steve Sommerfeldt, P.E.
Awards & Scholarship Committee Chair
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First Church of Christ, Scientist
By Rocio Rodriguez
History & Heritage Committee Chair
The former First Church of Christ, Scientist building is located at 24 North Rosalind Avenue, across from Lake Eola, in Orlando, Florida.
The church was designed by architect George Foote Dunham, and the construction of the building was completed in 1928. Since then, the building has not been altered significantly. The east (main) entrance facade is located on Rosalind Street. The facade has a shallow Roman portico (see Figure 1). The columns support only a wall cornice above. "The structure rests on a wedge-shaped stylobate to accommodate it to the gently sloping building site".
In the tympanum of the pediment above the cornice, there is a lunette. There are square casement windows in the mezzanine level. These fill the wall bays, forming a continuous band across the facade.
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| Figure 1 - Facade of former First Church of Christ, Scientist [1] |
There are three entrance doors with pediments in the east (main) facade. The center door has a triangular pediment, while the side doors have segmental pediments.
The wall cornice, pedestals, and open-bed pediments are repeated on the north and south elevations. In each of the north and south tympanums, however, there is a bull's-eye instead of a lunette. The wall cornice terminates at the inner edges of the antae. In the intervening wall surface is a triparted window with round arches of equal height and width. Slender columns with twisted patterns, separate the windows. Beneath the windows, on both elevations, is a balcony supported by brackets. Beneath these are square casement windows (Figure 2).
On the interior, "the sanctuary reflects the Greek Cross plan of the exterior". The floor space of the sanctuary is rectangular, but the ceiling is vaulted (Figure 3).
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| Figure 3 - Sanctuary ceiling is vaulted |
The ceiling consists of a central vault and four short arms. "The vault at the center of the crossing is not a true dome but a coved vault, whose four curved surfaces rise to the top". At the bottom of the vault arms, semicircular vaults form. Three of these are of the same length, but the one extending west-over the speaker's platform-is shorter. The vaulting system is supported visually by a series of classical entablatures which rest on paneled pilasters.
The main seating areas for the congregation form an elliptical space around the speaker's platform. Both sides of this amphitheater embrace the two main stairwells which connect the sanctuary on the mezzanine with the foyer on the ground floor. To the rear or east side of the sanctuary, beneath the lunette, is a low balcony with additional seats. Access to the balcony is gained by stairways at either side of it (see figure 4).
None of the present liturgical furniture, icons, or pictorial representations are original features.
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| Figure 4 - Balcony on the back of the sanctuary |
Historic Context
A Christian Science congregation was first established in Orlando in the year 1917. They had no building for the services of the congregation at that time. In 1925, the congregation commissioned the architect, George Foote Dunham (1876-1949) to design a building for their use. Dunham, himself a Christian Scientist, was born in Burlington, Iowa, and had studied architecture at the Armour Institute (now Illinois Institute of Technology) from which he graduated in 1908.
The style of the church is basically Neo-classical Revival. The style had its greatest impact on American architecture from the late 1890's to about 1920.
The large size of the structure is due to the large congregation that existed in Orlando in the 1920's. There were four hundred members when construction on the church began. One half of the cost was provided by the local congregation, and the remainder of the sum was donated by the mother church in Boston.
The building was bought later by
St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. This historic
church building that was added to the
National Register of Historic Places on June 3, 1980.
References:
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The Engineer's Week Committee would like to thank everyone who supported our local community and volunteered for a total of
245 hours during February. These efforts included supporting programs such as
Odyssey of the Mind,
First Robotics,
Junior Achievement, and
SECME. Also, the ASCE table at the
Orlando Science Center on February 22
nd was a success. Michael Olka and Khanh Olka, provided hands-on learning about the water and wastewater processes to over 100 children and parents.
The committee would like to recognize the following individuals for their efforts supporting STEM outreach here in central Florida:
- Donna Friis
- Anna Long
- Juan Gonzalez
- Prasad Chittaluru
- Melissa Burns
These individuals were the top 5 volunteers, by hours of service during the month of February. Please thank them for the time and efforts encouraging and supporting the next generation of engineers.
Sincerely,
Michael Olka, P.E.
E-Week Chair
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G-I March Technical Luncheon
Micropile foundations for a bridge widening on the Palmetto Expressway
CFX
4974 Orl Tower Rd
Orlando, FL 32807
"The presentation will cover the installation of micropile foundations for a bridge widening on the Palmetto Expressway in Medley, FL. The work consisted of the design and installation two sacrificial verification tests and sixty-four production micropiles for the support of a crash-wall along a railroad right-of-way. Additionally, the work included the design and installation of temporary shoring to provide access for the required equipment. I will discuss the all aspects of the project from the design of the piles, soil and groundwater concerns, and development of the installation plan, the verification testing, and actual installation. I will describe the required equipment and tooling, issues, and lessons learned working under the Expressway around the railroad."
Presenter Bio
Mr. Dimino is the Vice President for ASAP Specialty Foundations, which is a design-build contractor specializing in the construction of excavation support systems, soil stabilizations and retaining walls supported by soil nails, tiebacks, micropiles, tied-back elements and soil mixing. Steve runs ASAP Specialty, where he sells, designs and manages projects throughout Florida, the southeastern and gulf coast seaboards and the Caribbean. He is a registered professional engineer with over 25 years' experience in commercial and civil construction. Prior to starting ASAP Specialty Foundations, Mr. Dimino was a Branch Manager at a nationwide geotechnical construction company; a consultant engineer for a water resources engineering company; and a project manager for a General Contractor in Atlanta, GA.
Contact
Gene Williford, P.E.
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Geotechnical Lecture Series
East Central Florida Section
A Perspective on Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls Pushing the Limits
or Pulling Us Down
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2020
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: TBD
Presenter
Dr. Robert C. Bachus, P.E., D.GE
Geosyntec Consultants
Kennesaw, Georgia
Abstract
Many will argue that fill walls, particularly mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, represent a boom to the U.S. geotechnical practice and are a testament to the valuable and innovative contributions by geotechnical practitioners. Many examples can be cited to demonstrate the profession's ability to push the limits in terms of wall height and creative applications. These success stories notwithstanding, there have been several reported MSE wall failures that should give the profession pause for concern. There are indications today that the profession's lack of attention and focus has started to reverse the impressive trends of innovative practice. These failures should remind us that we have to remain ever mindful of the basic tenants of good geotechnical engineering practice and that we cannot afford to lose sight of important geotechnical considerations and perspective regarding the design and construction of MSE walls and slopes. This presentation strives to once again highlight important lessons regarding the design and construction of MSE walls from both big and small projects. It will also include specific recommendations to halt this disturbing trend before it has potentially severe consequences.
Presenter Bio
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Dr. Robert C. Bachus, P.E., D.GE |
Dr. Bachus is a civil engineer with more than 40 years of experience, with an expertise in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. He started his professional career as a member of the faculty at the Georgia Institute of Technology where he taught for 11 years before joining Geosyntec Consultants in 1990, where he is a Senior Principal. The firm specializes in geotechnical, environmental, and
water
resource engineering, with >1,200 employees in its 75 offices in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. His research and project activities cover a wide range of topics, including dams and levees, landslide assessment, landfill design and performance, soil/rock properties, geosynthetics, and forensic engineering. He has worked extensively on the properties and beneficial use of coal combustion residuals (CCRs) and geotechnical data management and visualization. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at Georgia Tech and Chairman of the Transportation Research Board's Standing Committee on Soil and Rock Properties.
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Transportation & Development Institute
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TD&I March Technical Luncheon
Alternative Intersection Analysis
Speaker
Jack Freeman, PE, PTOE, RSPI
Date
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Time
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
(Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.)
Location
CFX Headquarters
4974 ORL Tower Road, Orlando, FL 32807
Cost
$20.00 per person
Please make checks payable to ASCE Transportation
(bring checks day of event)
After an enjoyable lunch by Olive Garden, hear this presentation which will review various alternatives for configuration of intersections, including roundabouts, as well as other new and innovative intersection types.
Contact
Michelle Guard at MGuard@drmp.com
407-362-1335 for questions
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Structural Engineering Institute
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Finfrock Facility Tour
SEI has arranged a tour of the Finfrock facility in Apopka. The tour has a limit of
20 people, lunch will be provided. Attendees will need to wear
site appropriate PPE (personal protection equipment) such as boots and long pants. Due to parking limitations, carpooling to the facility is encouraged.
Date
Friday, March 20th
Time
11:45 - 2:00pm
Location
Finfrock facility
2400 Apopka Boulevard
Apopka, FL 32703
Cost
Free of charge
Contact
Michael Olka, P.E.
molka@omengineer.com
Register now |
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Mentorship Program
Where do you see yourself 5, 10, 15 years from today? Our first ever
ASCE YMF & Branch mentorship program had launched on
February 1st. We had over
30 candidates between Mentors & Mentees. The event will run for 8 months along with a graduation ceremony between the mentees & mentors. Thank you for helping us make this program a huge success!
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Our YMF group volunteered at the
Disney Wine & Dine Princess Marathon from 3.00 AM to 9.00 AM!! Serving over 1000+ thirsty runners with water and Gatorade at the drink stations. Did you know volunteering at our Disney Community Service event gets you a free Disney pass?
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Our YMF group did a joint Social with the Florida Water and Environmental Association (FWEA) at Harry Buffalo, followed by watching the NBA Game (Orlando Magic vs Atlanta Hawks). Check out our Instagram page for a sneak peek video of our networking events! Big shoutout to the 104 people who came last month :)
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Our ASCE Section Leaders, Craig Ballock - Branch President, Sarah Martin - Region 5 Governor, Jignesh Vyas - President-Elect, Melissa Burns - Vice President, and Pearltry Suen did an amazing panel at UCF on Engineering-week. Together, they inspired us to what it means to become an engineer. They tackle various myths regarding things students expect after graduation such as "Do I have to know everything after I graduate? , Is everything going downhill from here?"
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Past Events
1. CFL County Science Fairs, Contact Juan Gonzalez P.E.
- Seminole Saturday, February 1, 2020, at the Seminole Towne Center Mall.
- Orange County Science Fair, February 13, 2020 Trinity Preparatory School on February 13, 2020. The address is 5700 Trinity Prep Ln, Winter Park, FL 32792
2. Education Meeting at DRMP February 6th, 2020
3. FIRST LEGO League Regional Championship 2/8/2020 at Lake Brantley High, Altamonte Springs
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4. Odyssey of the Mind Magic Center Region - Looking for volunteers, Contact Anna Long Esq.
- Judges Training Saturday, February 8, 2020, 8 am - 4 pm Toho High School, 3675 Boggy Creek Rd., Kissimmee
- Regional Tournament- Saturday, February 22, 2020 Toho HS
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Picture from Problem 4 holding 280 pounds as a balsa wood tower
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5. SECME Regional Balsa Bridge Competition, February 15, 2020 at UCF
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| Pictures from UCF Structure Lab of Elementary, Middle, and High School Bridges |
6. MATHCOUNTS Ben Pernezny, PE, FES Saturday, February 29, 2020
7. Engineers' Week February 16-22, 2020
8. Education Meeting at Dean Mead, at 12:00 PM on March 5th, 2020
Current Events
1. ASCE Southeast Student Conference, March 12-14, 2020
2. Math Counts
State Competition
Friday, March 20, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
3. STEM Day
Center for Initiatives in STEM
(iSTEM) STEM Day
Center for Initiatives in STEM
(iSTEM) Friday, March 27, 2020 at the University of Central Florida
Future Events
1. Education Meeting at Dean Mead, at 12:00 PM on April 2
nd, 2020
Thinking of volunteering or wanting to know how to get more involved please attend an education meeting we have wonderful spread for lunch.
- Email Juan Gonzalez if interested at JGonzalez@Drmp.com.
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| Lunch served at Education Committee Meeting |
2. Odyssey of the Mind Magic Center Region - Looking for volunteers, Contact Anna Long Esq.
- State Tournament- Saturday, April 4, 2020 OCCC South Concourse
3. Renaissance School STREAMing Knight, Wednesday, April 8, 2020.
4. Mineola Charter School STEAMing, Saturday, April 18, 2020.
5. Mt. Dora Earth Day, Saturday, April 18, 2020.
6. Engineering Encounters @ UCF, Saturday, May 2, 2020
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On February 10th, we had a great GBM with
FDOT and
awk. Our members got to participate in a live survey from FDOT that will be used in future FDOT decisions.
On February 16th-22nd, for E-week we held our traditional breakfast by the bridge, however, this year our underclassman representative, Hannah Waddell, took things a step farther and added pancakes to our breakfast stand. Our members were out there everyday selling pancakes to raise funds for the club. On Wednesday, we built spaghetti structures with the elementary school kids who came to UCF for the event.
On February 18th, ASCE-UCF hosted an amazing panel discussion with our passionate group of panelists. Our members got to ask questions and receive immediate feedback from established professionals in the industry, most of whom are ASCE members!
A special thanks to all our panelists, without them none of what we do would be possible!
On February 27th, we demolded and colored our canoe. More than 20 members came out to our workshop to work on their conference competitions and to help with the canoe.
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Environmental & Water Resources Institute
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Founded in 1995, KPM Franklin's corporate headquarters are located in Kissimmee, Florida, with a second office in Orlando near the International Airport.
We specialize in providing high-quality civil engineering and surveying services, throughout the State of Florida. As part of an aggressive growth focus, we have integrated Transportation, Planning, Program Management, Government Relations and Landscape Architecture services.
Our client base is diversified, consisting of residential, commercial, hospitality, tourism, entertainment, and institutional owners and developers in the private sector; and in the municipal sector, local-state-federal governments, school boards, regulatory agencies and special districts.
Like our client base, we have a diverse staff of over 60 employees that includes engineers, planners, surveyors, technicians, managers, public relations personnel, business specialists and other specialists of various kinds.
Our vision is to maintain a broad based professional civil services firm, offering challenging opportunities to create value through innovative design for our clients.
We are focused on providing our employees a rewarding and stable work environment, allowing balance between professional and personal life. We believe in a culture that encourages education and the professional growth of our employees. KPM Franklin's bottom-up management approach allows all team members to participate in every step of a project from conception to completion.
KPM Franklin is committed to providing career advancement opportunities, and employee ownership opportunities. Hence, we are continuously in pursuit of a culture comprised of highly motivated, self-driven and innovative individuals.
What Do We Offer Our Full-Time Employees:
- Meaningful, challenging work with a focus on learning and career growth
- Opportunity to grow with us
- Excellent competitive salary
- Health benefits (100% paid by the company)
- Long and short-term disability & Life insurance policy (100% paid by the company)
- Excellent PTO package with paid holidays
- SIMPLE IRA with a company match
- Excellent continuing education benefits
KPM Franklin is an equal opportunity employer.
Project Engineer
We are seeking a full-time Project Engineer to join our Kissimmee, Florida office. The candidate's initial role is to perform and be responsible for the project cycle including design, development and project completion.
Qualifications and Education:
- Bachelor's in Civil Engineering
- Should have minimum 2-5 years of experience in land development, utilities and storm water design and permitting
- Proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Florida professional engineer license a plus
- Self-motivated
- Positive attitude
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Desire to improve professional skills
Senior Project Manager
We are seeking a full-time Senior Engineer/Project Manager to join one of our Orlando and Kissimmee Florida area offices. The candidate should have technical and management experience dealing with teams on a variety of projects including production coordination, planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and financial management.
Qualifications and Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
- Florida professional engineer license
- Minimum of 6+ years of experience (Land Development with site civil and/or Drainage Design experience, Utilities, Transportation)
- Proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or MicroStation
- Management of project team & client relationships including contract administration, production, and project coordination.
- Hard working, detail oriented, and technically sound with engineering principles & practices.
- Permitting experience with local, state and federal agencies and governmental entities
- Proficient in both verbal and written communications
Senior Engineering Practice Builder
We are seeking a full-time Senior Engineer/Practice Builder to join our Central Florida practice. The candidate should have technical and management experience dealing with teams on a variety of projects including production coordination, planning, directing, business and staff development, and financial management. This person will actively participate in the growth of our firm in the Central Florida area as well as provide leadership & management to our team of engineers and designers. We offer a strongly competitive compensation and equity participation package.
Qualifications and Education:
- Bachelor's in Civil Engineering.
- Florida professional engineer license required.
- Minimum of 10+ years of experience (General Civil Engineering, Municipal and/or Land Development, Construction Services (CEI)).
- Experience in management of project team & client relationships including contract procurement, administration, and production coordination.
- Florida Permitting experience a plus with local, state and federal agencies and governmental entities
- Proficient in both verbal and written communications
- Must assist in mentoring and training staff
CAD Technician/Designer
We are seeking a full-time Project Engineer to join our Kissimmee, Florida office.
Qualifications and Education:
- High School or Equivalent
- Minimum of 3 years of Civil Engineering drafting
- Design and Drafting Commercial and Residential Plans using AutoCAD CIVIL 3D
- Work with Project Managers and Project Engineers to understand scope of work and Project Responsibilities.
- Complete Drawing/Project Responsibilities within scope, budget and schedule; Review Drawings for accuracy.
- Organize/Maintain all revisions of project drawings, files and related information in a well-organized manner.
- High Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D 2017 required
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Sincerely, |
| Khanh Olka, E.I. Communications Chair East Central Branch Florida Section asce-ecb@outlook.com |
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