OBSERVER. Published by the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers

Transcription

1 THE VOICE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE ENGINEERING THE OBSERVER MARCH 2014 Published by the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT By: Jason J. Beaudet, PE NHSPE President With daylight savings time beginning and temperatures somewhat on the rise, we can all begin to feel that spring is approaching. Spring typically brings about a change to try to get outside and increase our activity levels. There are many ways to increase your activity, but the one I would like to discuss is that of student involvement. Over the years of my service through NHSPE, there is one issue that never (Continued on Page 3) INSIDE A Word From the President 1,3 Engineer s Week Banquet 1,2, UNH Alumni Conference 1 MATHCOUNTS Competition NHSPE January Meeting 5 EOY & YOEY Pictures 7 Engineer s Week Banquet Pictures 4 8 Engineer s Week Annual Banquet Engineers across the State of New Hampshire gathered and celebrated the 63 rd Annual Engineers Week, not coincidently with the week of George Washington s birthday, dubbed our nation s first engineer. What better way to honor our profession and the man who inspired invention and progress. For the second year in a row, the event was held at SERESC in Bedford. The day began with an afternoon of continuing education sessions, followed by the engineering trade show and reception, presentation of the engineering award winners, a tasty dinner, and closure by the keynote speaker. The event was attended by over 200 engineers, students and faculty from UNH, NHTI, Daniel Webster College and guests. Seven New Join us on May 1st for the 3rd UNH Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Conference at the UNH, Durham campus. Presentations will be held in the Memorial Union Building and parking in C-Lot. The Conference will be a forum for alumni of the Civil Engineering Department to return to UNH and share with students and faculty their experiences, including professional project work, research, and/or other notable career achievements since leaving UNH. The Conference will also provide a collegial forum for alumni to hear from and interact with both students and faculty. UNH Alumni Conference Hampshire Chapter engineering societies (ACEC, ASME, ASCE, IEEE, SENH, NSPE and NHITE) and over 40 engineering firms and exhibitors sponsored the festivities to make it a successful event. Needless to say, without all of the corporate support within our engineering community, this banquet would be extremely difficult to pull off; thank you. The continuing education sessions were energized. The first presentation was by Dr. Xie Yuanchang, who presented an Automated System for Rail Transit Infrastructure Inspection. Dr. Xie is an Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UMass Lowell. Dr. Xie s introduced research for a system that integrates GPR, 3D la- (Continued on Page 2) The Conference will include formal presentations, as well as less formal panel discussions, with topics across the breadth of civil and environmental engineering. Social activities including an evening cruise on Portsmouth Harbor on the evening of April 30 and tours of the newly opened Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth on May 1 are also planned. The event will conclude with an evening banquet at the Sheraton hotel also located in Portsmouth, NH. The keynote speaker at the evening banquet will be Peter Athans. Submitted by Anthony D. Coviello, PE, SE

2 2 Engineer s Week Banquet (Continued from Page 1) ser, GIS, and GPS to automatically collect and georeference surface and subsurface rail data to benefit the industry, and ultimately save time and expense. Prof. Ed Hajduk, P.E., from the Department. of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UMass Lowell discussed non-destructive testing of deep foundations to confirm both foundation integrity and capacity. Ed had a lot of case studies to bring it all home. The final presentation was a tag team event by Vicki Quiram, P.E. from the NHDES and Tony Puntin, P.E. of the Louis Berger Group. They discussed the Envision rating system as a tool that assists in the planning and design of civil infrastructure projects by allowing qualitative and quantitative evaluation a projects sustainability. After the educational sessions, it was time to greet our exhibitors, dig into the appetizers, imbibe a few favorite beverages, and mingle with friends and associates. The exhibitor and social portion of the banquet is always a favorite, and unfortunately it usually ends too soon in order to allow for relaxing time around the dinner tables. Welcoming words and emcee duties were provided by Larry Dwyer, P.E., of NHSPE. Consistent with the past 49 years, we recognized not only the past engineering award winners in the audience but two more New Hampshire engineers among our profession. This year the Young Engineer of the Year for 2014 was awarded to Josif Bicja, P.E. The Engineer of Year for 2014 was awarded to Ben Pratt, P.E. The winners were selected by a panel of their peers nominated by their professional society affiliation. The past award winners were called to action to congratulate, welcome and present the awards to Josif and Ben. Both recipients were recognized for their contributions to their profession and community achievements. Well done, Josif and Ben. Also, again recognized this year was the 2013 New Hampshire Mathcounts champion, Ria Das along with her father, Souripriya Das. Ria is an 8 th grade student from Nashua when she also won in Congratulations Ria. The evening was capped with a lively presentation by John Laurence Busch, of New Canaan, CT. John is a noted author and historian with a passion for maritime achievements. He told the story of Capt Rogers and the first steamship (John would be pleased I emphasized ship ) crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. Before he told the story, he set the stage for the period of time and the fears people had about crossing such open waters under steam power. Many of us bought his book upon leaving. Well done and thank you, John. The planning process begins again for next year s event. We welcome your ideas and specifically thoughts about who the next keynote speaker could be, as well as potential educational session presenters. We also need people like you to call any of the NHSPE Board Members and offer your organizational skills and help continue to make this annual event a memorable one. Thanks again to all those who attended, our exhibitors, and sponsors of E- Week Submitted by Larry Dwyer, PE THE OBSERVER The Observer is published quarterly by the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers for its members. Its purpose is to inform members of NHSPE activities and related topics. Address all correspondence to the Editor: Theodore Setas, P.E. c/o Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. Two Executive Drive Bedford, NH (603) Phone Ted.setas@Jacobs.com

3 3 Word from President (Continued from Page 1) falls from the monthly agendas or the articles within the NSPE magazine. There is always a need for us as engineers to engage with students, of all levels and interact with them. Student interaction among engineers is essential to fostering students who are thinking of entering the engineering field. These young individuals need to be able to ask questions, be given firsthand experience, and understand the roles engineers play in the world. Being able to make real life connections with engineers helps students understand the importance engineers play in everyday life and the roles engineers play in their local communities. The next crucial step is how to make the connection with students. Some may be of the notion that this is a difficult or time consuming process. The truth is that it is what you want to make it. There are numerous opportunities to become involved, with involvement from elementary school to the university level, and the time commitments that go along with them range. Those choosing to become involved with students should determine the audience they wish to engage with and time commitment they are comfortable with, and then find an avenue to pursue it. Identifying what you are comfortable with and committed to will ensure it is successful and enjoyable for all. From there, you can look for an opportunity that fits your availability and desires. This may involve joining an already established program, contacting a local school, college, or university with what you would like to do, or informing colleagues and associates that you are looking for an opportunity to become engaged with students. It is essential that you make your desires and availability know in order to foster a connection. I have had various opportunities to connect with students. For years, I have been involved as an e- mentor in a local high school program that pairs students with engineers over a semester and has the students ask various questions of their mentors via , in a casual and inviting environment. I have invited Cub Scouts to my office to help them achieve the engineering requirement of their curriculum. Some of my interaction with students has been less formal and consisted simply of engaging them in conversation at the E-Week banquet, talking with them about their current studies, areas of concentration, and what they intend to pursue after graduation. Involvement with students can be a very rewarding experience. It can be as simple as a five minute talk in front of a group of third graders, or as involved as running an extracurricular engineering program at your local high school. The point is that the right opportunities are out there for all of us, and we should be looking for them and embracing the chance to engage with our future engineers.

4 PAGE 4 4 Mathcounts Competition Plymouth, MA A team of mathletes is ready to represent the state in the national MathCounts competition this May, after taking top honors over the weekend at a math state final. MathCounts is a national mathematics competition for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students. In New Hampshire, it is sponsored by the New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers and the New Hampshire Teachers of Mathematics. The state is divided into six regions. The students first compete at their local schools and then at the regional level. The three winning teams from each region, together with topscoring individuals not on those teams, then compete at the state level to determine four individual winners to represent New Hampshire at the national competition in Orlando, FL on May 9. At the state meet, students compete in three written tests. The 12 topscoring competitors move on to the Countdown Round, where questions are projected on a screen and the students have a maximum of 45 seconds to answer them. The individual winners who will make up the NH state team heading to Orlando are: First place Anusha Murali, Shaker Road School Second place Kunaal Sundara, Academy for Science and Design Third place Tarang Saluja, Nashua Catholic Regional Jr. H.S. Fourth place Evan Chandra, Oyster River Middle School On the team side, Shaker Road School placed first, the Academy for Science and Design finished second, and the Fairgrounds Middle School placed third. The winners of the countdown round were Tarang Saluja, Nashua Catholic Regional Jr. H.S. in first; Evan Chandra of Oyster River Middle School second; with Anusha Murali of Shaker Road School and Owen Long of the Academy for Science and Design placing as runner-ups.

5 PAGE 5 5 NHSPE January Meeting Nothern Pass The January NHSPE meeting was well attended by over 50 people at Fratello s Restaurant in Manchester. Brian Bosse, P.E. of Northeast Utilities presented many interesting points surrounding this significant energy project. The project proposes to deliver 1,200 megawatts of hydroelectric power from Quebec, Canada to New Hampshire and New England. This is to be accomplished by constructing a new DC transmission line from the Canadian border to Franklin, NH where the power will be converted to AC. From there, the energy will be carried via an AC transmission line to an existing substation in Deerfield, NH. Mr. Bosse noted that the proposed route would utilize approx. 147 miles of existing rights-of-way and approx. 32 miles of new rights-of-way. Some of the route will be underground (approx. 8 miles). Mr. Bosse outlined several benefits of the project, which include improving fuel diversity by reducing the region s reliance on natural gas, increase electric reliability, providing a renewable resource such as hydroelectric in lieu of fossil fuel based resources. Additional economic benefits include jobs, lower energy costs and increased tax base for local communities, A discussion on the design of transmission towers was provided. Mr. Bosse discussed several different tower configurations and their physical features. Much of the proposed corridor utilizes the existing transmission corridor in use today. Brian described how NPT would maintain service of the existing transmission line while constructing the new transmission line, which is not an easy task. Mr. Bosse also discussed specific design issues related to the operation DC line and converter station and a summary of the permitting requirements for the project. Thanks again to Brian for providing the engineers in attendance with an engineer s perspective on this intriguing project. Submitted by Chuck Gregory, P.E., Treasurer, NHSPE

6 PAGE 6 6 The Environmental and Water Resources Institute Hydraulic Fracturing and Shale Gas The Environmental and Water Resources Institute welcomes Dr. Paul Fennelly, Senior Vice President of AECOM. Join them for a technical presentation on the history of hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling, and an update on the Marcellus Shale Gas Formation. Date: Thursday, March 27, 2014 Place: Puritan Backroom Suite C 245 Hooksett Road Manchester, NH Schedule: 5:30-6:30 Social Hour (with cash bar) 6:30-7:00 Dinner 7:00-7:30 Presentations & Questions 7:30-8:00 Networking Tickets: $30 Members $35 Non-Members Dinner: Chicken Tenders or Stuffed Sheels Served with greek salad and rice RSVP: With dinner choice by Tuesday, March 25 via to Martha.mitchell@gza.com Please make check payable to ASCE-NH and mail to: GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Attn: Martha Mitchell 380 Harvey Road Manchester, NH 03104

7 PAGE 7 7 Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year. From L-R: Jeff Santacruz (NHITE), Darren Benoit (ASCE-NH), Rich Ruel (NH-ASHRAE, John Trottier (NHPWA), Joisi Bicja (YEOY), Gov. Hassan, Benjamin Pratt (EOY), Josh Lund, (SENH), Jason Beaudet (NHSPE), Alex Koutroubas (ACEC-NH) Josif Bicja (YEOY), Gov. Hassan, Benjamin Pratt (EOY)

8 PAGE 8 8 Engineer s Week Banquet Prof. Xie presenting in one of three technical sessions, on automated inspection methods for rail transit Master of Ceremonies Larry Dwyer. Introduction of John Laurence Busch, the Keynote Speaker Young Engineer of the Year presentation to Josif Bicja by past year YEOY award winners

9 9 PRESIDENT Jason J. Beaudet, PE (603) PAST-PRESIDENT Theodore T. Setas, PE (603) PRESIDENT-ELECT Dirk Grotenhuis, PE, LEED-AP (603) VICE-PRESIDENT Vacant SECRETARY/MEMBERSHIP Corey Dietrich, EIT (617) TREASURER Charles L. Gregory, PE (603) Board of Directors STATE DELEGATE TO NSPE HOUSE OF DELEGATES Roch D. Larochelle, PE (617) STATE DIRECTOR Gregg Comstock, PE (603) STATE DIRECTOR Lawrence J. Dwyer, PE (603) STATE DIRECTOR Raymond L. Barrett, Jr, PhD, PE (603) STATE DIRECTOR Julie Whitmore, PE (603) MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE TEACHER AWARDS CHAIR Matthew J. Low, PE (603) NH MATHCOUNTS DIRECTOR Ben Pratt, PE (603) QBS REPRESENTATIVE William A. Straub, PE (603) STUDENT OUTREACH Vacant ENGINEER S WEEK CHAIR Lawrence J. Dwyer, PE (603) ljdwyer@terracon.com JOINT SOCIETIES CHAIR Vacant SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR Vacant NSPE Website NHSPE Website NSPE Member Services or