INNOVATION September-October 2015

As the official publication of Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, Innovation is circulated to almost 34,000 BC-registered professional engineers and geoscientists, other professionals, industry and government representatives, educational institutions and the general public. The magazine is published six times each year on a bi-monthly basis.

Labour Market Survey Results •● Protecting BC’s Water● • Methods to Assess Infrastructure Vulnerability

JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND GEOSCIENTISTS OF BC

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Use of Drones Innovates Practice 2015 President’s Awards Recipients Wearable Technologies Advance in BC PM40065271

®

CGIS has a commitment to understanding the application and ensuring that our customers always get the right valve. We take the time to really understand where the valves are

being installed and what it needs to do, well before a dollar is spent.

CGIS has experience working with The World's Best Valves controls, and automation, since 1980. See how the right valve can improve your operational reliability by visiting www.cgis.ca ®

content s

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2 015 [ volume 19 number 5)

fea tures 16

Eyes in the Sky: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Natural Resources Sector Matt Sakals, P.Geo. Gadgets and Fabrics Go High Tech: Vancouver Projects Advance the Promise of Wearable Technologies Robin J. Miller Adapting Infrastructure to Extreme Weather and Changing Climate: The Role and Engagement of the Engineering Profession in Canada Guy Felio, P.Eng., and David Lapp, P.Eng., Engineers Canada

20

26

31

New Legislation Ensures British Columbia’s Water Remains Healthy and Secure Julie-Ann Ishikawa, P.Geo., Mike Wei, P.Eng., and Ian Graeme, RFP

news

4

President’s Viewpoint: Professional Self-regulation and Social Contract

6

Association Notes: APEGBC and Partners Release Labour Market Information Project Results; Report’s BC Data Balance Broader Context; Milestone Achievement for the APEGBC–ASTTBC Joint Board; Submit a Motion for the Annual General Meeting; 2014/2015 Annual Report Available; New Government Appointee Joins Council; APEGBC 2015 Annual Conference and AGM; Update Your Information and Renew Your Membership; Korean Delegates Visit APEGBC; APEG Foundation Helps the Next Generation of Professionals

ON THE COVER: University of British Columbia engineers seek to create smart stretchable e-fabrics. Story, page 20. PHOTO: WENDY D

34

2015 President’s Awards Recipients depar tment s

6 Letters 19 OQM Certification 34 Membership 36 APEGBC Professional Development 42 Professional Services 47 Datebook

26

On September 24–25, 2010, a once-in-200-year storm deposited 200 mm of rain in central BC. It washed away or flooded many kilometres of Highway 20, west of Williams Lake, inundated the village of Hagensborg, and isolated communities. PHOTO: BC MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE.

3

S E P T EMB E R /OC T OB E R 2 0 1 5

i n n ova t i o n

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 VOLUME 19 NUMBER 5

v iewpoint

This is my last viewpoint article as president. I’ve been reflecting on my time in office, as well as my time overall as an APEGBC volunteer. Over the past two years, I have travelled extensively throughout BC. As vice president, I’ve met members in APEGBC’s branches; as president, I’ve been part of significant consultation efforts on two important issues. Throughout that experience, I’ve been exposed to the diverse views of individual members and heard their thoughts on what the association is doing, and what they feel its priorities should be. From these interactions, it is clear that geoscientists and engineers take great pride in their professions and their commitment to professional excellence, integrity, and ethical conduct. Members also generally see that there is value in the role of an engineering and geoscience regulator in maintaining the high standards of admission and practice that are so important to us all. What I’ve also seen, however, is that some of our members experience a disconnect between that personal belief in high standards of ethical, technical, and professional conduct and a willingness to support its practical delivery. I see this most clearly when someone tells me or one of the association’s other volunteers that they pay an annual membership and receive nothing in return, other than perhaps Innovation . To me, this is a view from a perspective of personal interest—looking at what the individual receives, rather than how we as an association of professionals and members of society benefit from our social contract with the people of BC. As geoscientists and engineers, we have been given the privilege to exercise self-regulation over our professions so long as we maintain the public’s trust that we are doing so in their interest. We do this, as an association of professionals, by demonstrating we are continuously evolving and enforcing our standards and maintaining our competence by staying up to date with the latest developments in science, safety, and practice. When we are fulfilling this responsibility, everyone benefits. Certainly there is a cost, and I appreciate that geoscientists and engineers want and expect value and responsible management from the association. But beyond what an individual feels they derive personally from the price of their annual membership, it is fair to consider how much, on top of that, we as members have also benefitted from the thousands of volunteer hours in reviewing and developing professional practice standards, evaluating over 2,000 applications annually, mentoring new members, and engaging and advising policy makers. On top of this, volunteers and staff work tirelessly to provide many tangible benefits available to members: professional courses, networking opportunities, career and public outreach, affinity-program offerings, and more. APEGBC is a member-driven organization that acts in the public interest. It is important to remember that regulation doesn’t just happen when you put a coin into the slot: we are each of us responsible for holding up our end of the bargain on the self-regulation of our professions.

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC Canada V5C 6N2 Tel: 604.430.8035 Fax: 604.430.8085 Email: apeginfo@apeg.bc.ca Internet: apeg.bc.ca Toll free: 1.888.430.8035 2014/2015 COUNCIL, APEGBC P resident J.J. Clague, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.) V ice P resident M.C. Wrinch, P.Eng., FEC I mmediate P ast P resident M.B. Bapty, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.) COUNCILLORS C.J. Andrewes, P.Eng.; C.D. Anglin, P.Geo. D.E. Campbell, P.Eng.; A. Fernandes, CIM, FCSI D.I. Harvey, P.Eng.,Struct.Eng., FEC; H. Hawson, P.Eng., FEC D.M. Howes, P.Eng., FEC; H.G. Kelly, P.Eng. K. Laloge, CA; T. Mitha, LLB ASSOCIATION STAFF A.J. English, P.Eng. C hief E xecutive O fficer A nd R egistrar T.M.Y. Chong, P.Eng. C hief R egulatory O fficer A nd D eputy R egistrar J.Y. Sinclair C hief O perating O fficer M.L. Archibald D irector , C ommunications A nd S takeholder E ngagement J. Cho, CGA D irector , F inance A nd A dministration D. Gamble D irector , I nformation S ystems P.R. Mitchell, P.Eng. D irector , P rofessional P ractice , S tandards A nd D evelopment D. Olychick D irector , M ember S ervices G.M. Pichler, P.Eng. D irector , R egistration E. Swartz, LLB D irector , L egislation , E thics A nd C ompliance V. Lai, CGA A ssociate D irector , F inance A nd A dministration J.J.G. Larocque P.Eng., LLB, CD A ssociate D irector , P rofessional P ractice M.A. Rigolo P.Eng., A ssociate D irector , E ngineering A dmissions M onique K eiran , M anaging E ditor C.L. Park, P.Eng.; R.P. Stewart, P.Eng. K.V. Tarnai-Lokhorst, P.Eng.; S.Wynn

Professional Self-regulation and Social Contract

Dr. John Clague, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon.) President

EDITORIAL BOARD K.C. Chan, P.Eng., CPA; S. Chiu, P.Eng.; D.E. Falkins, Eng.L.; T. George, P.Eng.; R. Gupta, P.Eng. ; C.L. Hall, P.Geo.;

S.K. Hayes, P.Eng.; M.A. Klippenstein, P.Eng.; I. Kokan, P.Eng.; B. Thomson, P.Geo., FEC (Hon.); M.J. Zieleman, EIT

president@ apeg.bc.ca

Advertising material should reach the publication by the 5th of the preceding month (e.g., January 5 for the Jan/Feb issue). Advertising Contact: Gillian Cobban Tel: 604.929.6733 Email: advertising@apeg.bc.ca

Design/Production: Fusion FX Design & Marketing Inc Printed in Canada by Mitchell Press Ltd on recycled paper

Subscription rates per issue $4.50; six issues yearly $25.00. Annual subscriptions of Association members are apportioned from membership dues in the amount of $15 per member (rates do not include tax). Innovation is published six times a year by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. As the official publication of the association, Innovation is circulated to members of the engineering and geoscience professions, architects, contractors and industrial executives. The views expressed in any article contained herein do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Council or membership of this association. Submission Guidelines: Innovation encourages unsolicited articles and photos. By submitting material to Innovation , you grant Innovation a royalty-free, worldwide license to publish the material in Innovation magazine; and you warrant that you have the authority to grant such rights and have obtained waivers of all associated moral rights. Innovation reserves the right to edit the material for length, clarity and conformity with our editorial guidelines (apeg.bc.ca/innovation-editorial) and is under no obligation to publish any or all submissions or any portion thereof including credits. All material is copyright. Please contact the Managing Editor for reprint permission.

ISSN 1206-3622 Publications Mail Agreement No 40065271. Registration No 09799.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Innovation, Suite 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC V5C 6N2.

US Postmaster: Innovation (ISSN 1206-3622) is published bimonthly for $25.00 per year by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, c/o US Agent-Transborder Mail, 4708 Caldwell Rd E, Edgewood, WA 98372-9221. Periodicals postage paid at Puyallup, WA, and at additional mailing offices, US PO #007-927. POSTMASTER send address changes (covers only) to Innovation, c/o Transborder Mail, PO Box 6016, Federal Way, WA 98063-6016.

4

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

Smart. Choice.

For 38 years, Nilex’s engineered, technically advanced geosynthetic materials have provided customers with choices and alternatives to conventional construction methods for less money. Smart, environmentally conscious solutions used in road building, Mechanically Stabilized Earth walls for grade changes, erosion and sediment control, water management and containment.

Nilex. Smart. Choice.

nilex.com

l et ter s

Letters to the editor containing your views on topics of interest are encouraged. Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily endorsed by APEGBC. Letters should be 300 words or less and can be emailed to mkeiran@apeg.bc.ca.

Knowledge and Collaboration Needed In his editorial to the last edition of Innovation , the association’s president brings up important topics that will keep engineers busy for the coming decades. He rightly mentions that the world’s population is still increasing. It is, however, important to also mention that our population is anticipated to stabilize at around 11 billion by the end of this century, as is being shown in presentations of U.N. advisor Hans Rosling, for example. Without this qualifier, talk of population growth seems unnecessarily alarmist, even though it is clear that we also need to prepare for the increase if it pans out at some higher level. My other observation is that there is not enough talk in Canada about the circular economy. The editorial correctly identifies the careful exploration of less accessible mining resources but fails to call for “urban mining”; that is, the recovery of metals from electronics scrap currently being pursued by companies such as US Rare Earths Inc. Biomimicry should also be mentioned as a strategy for better designs that are more efficient and have increased longevity. The liveable and sustainable cities goal mentioned in the editorial seems of particular importance; engineers increasingly need to be informed about other fields of expertise, working with urbanists and architects to create the cities of the future (congratulations to the City of Vancouver on being a leader in this field). As engineers, we need to consider on-going professional education that helps us understand the issues of other

professions in order to enable us to think outside the box, forming teams that can master these challenges.

Martin Tampier, P.Eng. (Laval, QC) Vote “No” to Mandatory CPD

I’m writing this as a semi-retired practitioner unequivocally opposed to APEGBC’s proposed compulsory professional development (CPD) bylaw. By now, many members have already voted, and the October 2 voting deadline may already have passed. If this issue of Innovation reaches you before then, those of you who haven’t yet voted should vote the bylaw down. Here’s why: • As Item 6 on the back of the P.Eng./P.Geo. wallet card states, members already have a duty to “keep informed in order to maintain [their] competence.” CPD is therefore redundant. • CPD won’t significantly improve professional standards. Our profession’s self-policing and peer reviews already weed out incompetency and oversights. The profession’s impressive CPD-free track record to date speaks for itself. • CPD won’t improve our public recognition or status. Invisibility and anonymity are intrinsic to much of our work, but we’re already well respected. The general public couldn’t care less about our internal professional requirements. • Who really benefits from CPD? I submit it’s mostly the APEGBC’s bureaucracy and the folks who put on all those $$$ and mostly irrelevant CPD courses. It’s sure not our

clients or the public who won’t see any discernible cognitive improvements • CPD compliance will incur significant costs that members, clients and the general public will ultimately pay. Those costs will also reduce our profession’s competitiveness. • CPD discriminates against part- time practitioners. Many fellow superannuated members I know work part-time and are very much in demand. Part-time practice comes with part-time income however, and the cost of CPD compliance becomes disproportionately higher. Part timers can’t book 20 automatic CPD points simply by showing up at the office. Consider the foregoing and, if you can still vote on the bylaw, please dispassionately analyze whether or not CPD is really necessary, then vote accordingly. J.P. (Phil) Chubb, P. Eng. (North Vancouver, BC)

6

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

as soc ia t i on notes

APEGBC and Partners Release Labour Market Information Project Results Need for Engineers, Geoscientists, Technologists and Technicians Expected to Grow APEGBC, the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia, and the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia recently partnered with the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table to create detailed and validated information on anticipated future labour needs, trends, and gaps. The Engineers, Geoscientists, Technologists and Technicians Labour Market Information project produced a 10-year regional outlook for 31 occupations across five regions of BC. Detailed reports exist for each occupation, as well as for 10 industries and 5 regions, and provide targeted information for employers and practitioners. The project’s results indicate both a growing demand for and a limited supply of trained engineers, geoscientists, technologists and technicians over the next decade. Analysis of three economic investment scenarios uncovers similar tight labour- market trends, with labour shortages anticipated in several key occupations in BC’s north and southeast regions, and some prolonged shortages in the north. The challenges employers face today in finding workers are expected to increase through 2019, as the economy expands alongside the ongoing retirement of the baby-boom generation. Over the next decade, 11,555 job openings for new, additional engineers, geoscientists, technologists, and technicians jobs (200 geoscientists; 6,260 engineers—an 18% increase in engineering jobs over a decade) are forecast, with most growth occurring in 2015–2019. With 25% of today’s workers expected to retire within the decade, retirements could increase that number to 31,150 job openings (780 geoscientists; 15,600 engineers). Over the forecast period, BC will become more reliant on workers who are new either to the workforce or to the country. More than half (52%) of the new supply of engineers, geoscientists, technologists and technicians will be new entrants, and slightly more than 40% of labour-force needs will need to be filled by workers from other countries. Recruitment from other occupations or out of province is expected to provide less than 10% of new BC workers. Visit www.lmionline.ca/ett to view the project results or download the reports. Report’s BC Data Balance Broader Context The Engineers, Geoscientists, Technologists and Technicians Labour Market Information project predicts growing demand for APEGBC professionals in a number of BC regions in coming years. These findings provide finer, BC-focused detail than the results of other, external labour forecasts. The 2015 Engineers Canada Labour Market Study provides supply and demand projections for 14 engineering occupations across Canada. The report states that demand for engineers will increase in the next decade as professionals of the baby-boomer generation retire. It also predicts increasing professional mobility between regions within Canada, as engineers follow the market for their skills and knowledge. The report is available at: engineerscanada.ca/sites/default/files/ Labour-Market-2015-e.pdf Another report, by U.S.-based youth-advocacy group Young Invincibles, lists six engineering- and geoscience-related occupations among the best jobs recommended for today’s young adults. The report, The Best Jobs for Millenials , highlights careers that provide young adults with economic security. It predicts high demand and good wages for biomedical engineers, computer and information research scientist, nuclear engineers, petroleum engineers, software developers and programmers, and geological and petroleum technicians. Download the report from: younginvincibles.org/bestmillennialjobs1

Milestone Achievement for the APEGBC–ASTTBC Joint Board APEGBC and ASTTBC have a Joint Board that reports to each association’s council and whose purpose is primarily “ to pursue activities that are common to both Associations through effective collaboration, holding paramount the protection of the public, where both Associations contribute to the Engineering Team and value each member’s contributions to problem solving and innovation in accordance with their competenci es.” Both associations support an environment where all members of the engineering and geoscience team contribute to the primary goal of upholding the public interest, and do so within the scope of responsibility appropriate to their level of education/ experience/competency and in compliance with legislation. Recently the Joint Board met and reached a milestone achievement. Through the hard work of dedicated members from both associations, a new Electrical Practice Guide for Technologists has been developed. Once approved by each association’s council, this guide will be posted on the ASTTBC website and will serve to guide technologists with best practices for electrical technology applications. The preparation of the guide is an important first step and will serve as a template for future practice guides in other discipline areas. The Joint Board is also exploring ASTTBC’s proposed P.Tech. designation. More information about the new designation will be provided as it develops.

7

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

as soc ia t i on notes

Submit a Motion for the Annual General Meeting During APEGBC’s 2015 AGM on Saturday, October 17, members can bring forward motions for consideration by Council. Registered professional members (P.Eng.; P.Geo.) and licensees (Eng.L.; Geo.L.) may propose motions. APEGBC encourages members and licensees who wish to submit motions for consideration to do so in advance, by October 13. Advanced submission allows the association to address procedural issues with the proposed motions’ movers prior to the presentation at the AGM. Members and licensees may also submit motions from the floor at the AGM. All motions must be received prior to the deadline approved by the assembly (usually 10:00 a.m. on the day of the AGM). The AGM takes place Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the Delta Grand Okanagan, in Kelowna. It includes opportunities for members to ask questions of Council about reported business and proposed motions. For information on the correct format for motions and how to submit them for review, visit apeg.bc.ca/agm 2014/2015 Annual Report Available Interested in how APEGBC has performed this past year? Download the association’s 2014/2015 annual report from: apeg.bc.ca/ Resources/News-and-Publications/Annual- Reports. The report reviews APEGBC’s work on key issues and topics of concern to members and the public during the last year, and explores the impact the association’s 29,000-plus members have on communities in BC and beyond. The annual report also presents: • Reports from President Dr. John Clague, P.Geo., FGC, and CEO and Registrar Ann English, P.Eng., • Council actions on motions passed at last year’s annual general meeting, • The organization’s audited financial statements, and • Information on how APEGBC has progressed in meeting the goals, outcomes and objectives set out in its 2014–2017 strategic plan. Print copies of the report may be requested by contacting the APEGBC office at 604.430.8035, toll-free at 1.888.430.8035, or at apeginfo@apeg.bc.ca

New Government Appointee Joins Council Appointed by BC’s Lieutenant Governor, lay councillors

bring value to APEGBC through their diverse experience and professional backgrounds outside of engineering and geoscience, acting in the public interest, and supporting governance best practices. APEGBC’s Council comprises four government appointees in addition to 13 elected councillors. Professional Agrologist John Turner of Fort St. John joins APEGBC Council as a government appointee this fall. Mr. Turner recently retired from Spectra Energy, where he served as Manager, Government Relations, with a focus on building relationships with federal, provincial, regional, and local governments across western Canada. Prior to joining the company, he held several senior positions with the province of British Columbia. He brings with him significant experience in energy, land use and natural resources management and stakeholder relations. Mr. Turner holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture from McGill University and a professional designation from the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists. He has served on the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, as Chair of the University of Northern British Columbia’s board of governors, Chair and Governor of the BC Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the United Way of Northern British Columbia, and is the founding Chair of the Northern Opportunities Initiative. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Ken Laloge , CPA, CA, has been reappointed for a second term as lay councillor. Mr. Laloge is a tax and consulting partner at Crowe MacKay LLP and is a chartered professional accountant and chartered accountant, based in Kelowna. Dr. Sheila Wynn steps down from her role this fall, having completed two terms on Council as a government appointee. APEGBC Council benefited from Dr. Wynn’s insightful contributions to its deliberations, drawing on her experience in the roles as deputy minister with the BC Ministry of Energy and Mines, Environmental Assessment Office, Ministry of Community Services, Ministry of Social Services and Ministry of Women’s Equality, and as former Chair of the Oil and Gas Commission Board of BC. During her time with APEGBC, Dr. Wynn participated on the Audit, Nominating, Executive, Registration and Governance committees, as well as on the Women in Engineering and Geoscience Task Force. APEGBC thanks Dr. Wynn sincerely for her service to BC’s engineering and geoscience professions.

John Turner

Ken Laloge, CPA, CA

Dr. Sheila Wynn

8

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

Korean Delegates Visit APEGBC Members of the Korean Professional Engineers Association recently visited APEGBC to discuss common interests and concerns, as well as registration and licensing practices and regulatory requirements in South Korea and Canada. The Korean association seeks to establish a mutual recognition agreement with Engineers Canada as part of the Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreement. This is their second visit with APEGBC. through the APEGBC online member portal, at apeg.bc.ca/For-Members/Member-Portal. The online portal also allows members to indicate which communications they wish to receive from APEGBC in the coming year, and how they’d prefer to receive them. Update Your Information and Renew Your Membership APEGBC reminds members to update their practice declaration and contact information before mid-October. Beginning in October, APEGBC sends the annual membership renewal package to the most current email or mailing address on file. The practice declaration information provided by members and licensees identifies their industry of practice and fields of expertise. It is used in the online member directory on the APEGBC website and assists the private and public sector in connecting with members and licensees when seeking engineering and geoscience services. The information also helps APEGBC identify and meet member needs by practice area and expertise. This year, APEGBC is emailing the membership renewal notice and information to members, as part of the association’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact. Members who have requested a paper copy will receive an additional copy of the renewal notice by mail. Members can update their information

APEGBC 2015 Annual Conference and AGM Build Your Value in a Competitive World APEGBC presents the 2015 Annual Conference and AGM, October 15–17, in Kelowna, BC. With 45 sessions, case studies and workshops in 10 subject streams, as well as technical tours and a suite of networking events, this year’s conference helps delegates build their knowledge and skills to become even more valuable in the global work environment. Other conference highlights include: • Parks Canada Senior Underwater Archaeologist Ryan Harris shares his experience leading the remote-sensing survey operations of the search for the lost ships of the 1845 Franklin Expedition. • Leadership consultant Stephen Shedletzky provides guidance on how leaders and their people accomplish remarkable things. • UBC Okanagan Campus opens its world-class facilities of School of Engineering for technical, guided tours. • Award-winning adventurer, writer, and photographer Bruce Kirby shares tips for maximizing productivity and performance. • The Okanagan Wine Experience Tour allows you to network with colleagues while you visit three celebrated Kelowna-area wineries. • The 2015 President’s Awards Gala recognizes APEGBC members who have made outstanding contributions to professional, technical and community service. Where: Delta Grand Okanagan Resort and Conference Centre, Kelowna, BC When: October 15–17, 2015 Join us for this year’s conference and build your value. For more information and

to register, visit apeg.bc.ca/ac2015. 96th Annual General Meeting

Shown, from left, APEGBC Chief Regulatory Officer and Deputy Registrar Tony Chong and CEO and Registrar Ann English, KPEA International Cooperation Committee Chair Kim Kyung-Sik and President Ikjun Um, APEGBC Director of Registration Gillian Pichler, and KPEA International Cooperation Committee Manager Jaekeun Sim.

APEGBC’s 96 th Annual General Meeting starts at 8:30 a.m., October 17, on the final day of the Annual Conference. Members may attend the AGM at no cost. Those unable to attend in person can register to attend remotely via webcast. Webcast availability depends on the number of participants who register to attend remotely, so register early, at apeg.bc.ca/ac2015, to ensure access.

9

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

f ea t u r e s as soc ia t i on notes

APEG Foundation Helps the Next Generation of Professionals

Fifty-three engineering and geoscience students enrolled at BC post‐secondary institutions received scholarships and bursaries, totaling almost $80,000, from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Foundation last school year. The foundation, which is a registered charity, promotes education in engineering and geoscience. APEGBC members and corporations make the scholarships possible through their donations, including to two new awards named for exceptional individuals who made a difference to APEGBC and the practice of engineering and geoscience in BC: · The Sheri Plewes Scholarship for Women in Engineering The foundation established this scholarship this year. It is awarded to a woman in full‐time undergraduate engineering studies. · The Frank Baumann Bursary The foundation created this award in 2013/2014 to be granted to a BC student studying geotechnical engineering or geoscience. For information and application forms for foundation scholarships and bursaries, visit apeg.bc.ca/students/scholarships/.

This year, Rita Dubman received a BC Hydro–APEGBC 4th-year Scholarship in Engineering and Geoscience.

$1,500 each, these scholarships are awarded to deserving students with high academic standing and excellent community and professional involvement. Applicants must also write a statement on energy conservation or sustainability. Number of scholarships awarded: 15 Application deadline : 5:00 p.m., October 16, 2015. APEGBC Student Member Scholarships The APEG Foundation offers $1,000 scholarships to Student Members of APEGBC. The scholarships recognize undergraduate engineering and geoscience students who demonstrate exemplary professionalism and help advance the professions. Eligible students include those who contribute to publications that educate readers on the professions, organise extracurricular activities related to engineering or geoscience, or participate in a professional student organization. Number of scholarships awarded each year: varies Application deadline: 5:00 p.m., October 30, 2015. Post-Secondary Entrance Scholarships Several $2,500 scholarships are available to British Columbia high school graduates entering engineering and earth science programs at the University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia Institute of Technology, or the University of

Northern British Columbia. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic standing, extracurricular activities, financial need, and student statements. Number of scholarships awarded each year: varies Application deadline: June 2016 Post-Secondary Entrance Transfer Scholarships British Columbia high school graduates entering engineering transfer programs at British Columbia colleges or university colleges may apply for $1,000 APEGBC Post- Secondary Entrance Transfer scholarships. Eligibility criteria include academic standing, participation in extracurricular activities, financial need, and student statements. Number of scholarships awarded each year: varies students attending local universities. The scholarships range in value and are awarded based on a combination of factors, including academic standing, financial need, and extracurricular activities. Number of scholarships awarded each year : varies Application deadlines vary . Visit apeg.bc.ca/For-Students/Scholarships/ APEGBC-Undergraduate-Scholarships for more information. Application deadline: June 2016 APEGBC Branch Scholarships Several APEGBC branches offer scholarships to undergraduate engineering and geoscience

Sheri Plewes Scholarship for Women The Sheri Plewes Scholarship, valued at $2,000, is awarded each fall to a woman who is pursuing full-time undergraduate engineering studies in an accredited engineering program at a BC university. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic standing, interpersonal skills and social awareness, and leadership potential as demonstrated by cooperation and participation with her peers and involvement in extracurricular or community activities. Number of scholarships awarded each year: one Application deadline: 5:00 p.m., September 30, 2015. Frank Baumann Bursary The Foundation offers the $1,500 Frank Baumann Bursary to a deserving third- or fourth-year BC student who is enrolled in an engineering or geoscience program and is pursuing studies in the area of geohazards. Eligibility criteria include academic standing, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and a student statement. Number of scholarships awarded each year: one Application deadline: 5:00 p.m., September 30, 2015. BC Hydro/APEGBC 4 th -year Student Scholarships Engineering and geoscience students in their fourth year of studies can apply for the BC Hydro/APEGBC Scholarships. Valued at

10

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

AYEAR can CHANGE EVERYTHING

UBC’S MASTER OF ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP This one-year degree program combines intensive technical training with a focus on enhancing individual leadership ability. If you want to excel in your career, broaden your technical perspectives and gain new business skills—apply now.

Degree Programs Offered Include: Advanced Materials Manufacturing · Clean Energy Engineering · Dependable Software Systems · Green Bio-Products · Integrated Water Management · Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering · Urban Systems

APPLY—IT’S QUICK and EASY 604.827.4136 Mon—Fri 8:30 am—4:30 pm Pacific Time or mel.ubc.ca

what if you didn’t show up for work tomorrow?

Yes

Did you die?

No

Win the lottery?

Did you have Term Life Insurance from the Engineers Canada- sponsored program?

Yes

No

Yes

No

Let’s talk retirement planning.

Just not feeling it?

Did you have any group benefits from your employer?

Good thinking. Term Life typically offers the most coverage for the least cost.

Weekends aren’t long enough.

Yes, I think so.

Not that I’m aware of.

Okay, but don’t burn your bridges.

Did you at least have mortgage insurance?

Will that pay for your family’s needs: debts, mortgage, children’s education, etc., etc.?

Yes, I think so.

Never got around to it.

Uhhh… let me check my pocket calculator.

I never actually read that document.

Don’t panic. Thiswas all just a bad dream. Just visit our website to learnmore about the exclusive TermLife plan.

Well, that’s a relief but in your next life, you may want to consider that Term Life is a more efficient way of covering a mortgage.

We have a handy one online

Usually, they only cover 1-2 times your annual income. We offer coverage up to $1.5 million.

so you can see just how valuable you are to your family.

See why over 80,000 of your peers have chosen the Engineers Canada-sponsored Term Life Insurance Plan.

1-877-598-2273 | manulife.com/apegbc

Underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. Manulife and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company

pres i den t ’s award s 2015 President’s Awards Recipients Our annual President’s Awards recognize excellence in professional, technical and community service by APEGBC members. On Friday, October 16, at the President’s Awards Gala, APEGBC will honour seven recipients for their contributions to the engineering and geoscience professions and communities in BC.

C.J. Westerman Memorial Award Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., FGC

R.A. McLachlan Memorial Award Dr. Duncan Wyllie, P.Eng. A renowned expert in rock engineering, Duncan Wyllie has dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to the study and practice of rock mechanics, with the objectives of developing innovative ideas and sharing his work with the professional community. As a co-founder of Wyllie & Norrish Rock Engineers, Duncan has worked as a consultant to Canadian Pacific Railway since 1975, providing services and guidance for their Rock Slope Stabilization Program, an integral element to improving the safety of train operations. He also introduced his slope management system to U.S. highway projects, which was the precursor to the Rockfall Hazard Rating System in use today. His technical expertise is in demand both in BC and overseas. He has worked on the Sea-to-Sky Highway Improvement Project, and on assignments in New Zealand and India. Sharing his expertise with others, he has authored and co-authored a number of widely read postgraduate-level textbooks that have been translated into Korean and Turkish. An active member of the engineering profession, Duncan has volunteered with the Tunneling Association of Canada and the U.S. Transportation Board. For his exceptional leadership in developing practical and effective ways to improve safety and performance in the profession, APEGBC is proud to present Duncan Wyllie with its highest engineering honour, the R.A. McLachlan Memorial Award. As the President of Kirkham Geosystems, Garth Kirkham has built an impressive career that spans four decades, with specialized experience in supplying high-technology services and related products to the mining, oil and gas, geotechnical and environmental industries. Dedicated to improving the profession and public safety, Garth has been an influential advocate of best practices and improved guidelines in the exploration and mining communities through the support of industry-wide standards such as the NI 43-101. In 2010, he was awarded the Canadian Institute of Mining’s J.C. Sproule Memorial Plaque in recognition of his longstanding dedication to the development and practical use of 3D geological and geostatistical modeling for northern mining projects. Garth has tirelessly served his profession through volunteer roles with APEGBC, the Geological Association of Canada, the Canadian Federation of Earth Scientists, Geoscientists Canada, and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), where he currently serves as President. Providing leadership to the future geoscience community, Garth has been a national Distinguished Lecturer for CIM and guest lecturer at UBC, SFU and BCIT. For his significant technical achievements in geoscience and for his exemplary service to his profession and community, APEGBC is pleased to present Garth Kirkham with its highest award for a geoscientist, the C.J. Westerman Memorial Award.

13

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

p r e s i den t ’ s awa r d s

Meritorious Achievement Award Dr. Dan Moore, P.Geo. A geography and forest resource management professor at UBC, Dan Moore is a leading expert on glacial and forest hydrology, including streamside management. A valued and trusted adviser to governments and utilities, Dan has had a direct impact on efforts to manage water resources for the purpose of hydroelectric power generation. His extraordinary work on glacial change has factored into the treaty discussions with the U.S. regarding climate impact on the Columbia River Basin. An outstanding mentor to his undergraduate and graduate students, Dan is passing on knowledge to the next generation of geoscientists. He also gives back to the profession through his service to both Canadian and international hydrological and geophysical professional societies; most notably, the Canadian Water Resources Association. A community-minded individual, Dan volunteers on the Burns Bog Scientific Advisory Panel. For his outstanding efforts in advancing hydrological practice in British Columbia, APEGBC is proud to present Dan Moore with its Meritorious Achievement Award.

Meritorious Achievement Award Meiric Preece, P.Eng. Meiric Preece has had an impact on nearly every major rapid transit project in the Lower Mainland, including the Canada Line that connects the SkyTrain to the Vancouver International Airport and Richmond. A specialist in guideway design, Meiric is currently the technical director for the design–build contractor for the Evergreen Line, which will extend SkyTrain service to downtown Coquitlam and Port Moody, and will improve transportation for residents and visitors. A champion of continual improvement, Meiric optimizes designs to deliver value to the owner and the public. This work has resulted in many award-winning projects, including the Millennium Line, in Metro Vancouver, and the Tsable River Bridge, near Courtenay, BC. Taking pride in inspiring his peers and the next generation of engineers, Meiric shares his knowledge through presentations to engineering organizations, and through student lectures at UBC and BCIT. For his significant contributions to shaping light rail rapid transit and enhancing the livability of Metro Vancouver, Meiric Preece is a most deserving recipient of an APEGBC Meritorious Achievement Award.

D.C. Lambert Professional Service Award Ken Putt, P.Eng., FEC, FGC

An innovative engineering executive with a career of notable achievements, Ken Putt retired to Victoria, where he continues to serve the profession with distinction. As a director of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, he serves on the Finance and Audit Committee and the Fellowship Nomination and Selection Committee. Through his work with the Canada Foundation for Innovation, National Centres of Excellence, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council selection committee, he helped allocate funds for university research and grant proposals that aid in the development of ground-breaking technologies, such as smart grids. A past president of the Engineering Institute of Canada, the Canadian Society for Engineering Management and the Canadian Society of Senior Engineers, Ken has received several fellowships for his longstanding service. A well-rounded volunteer, Ken gave back to his community through the Mount Matheson Conservation Society, which worked to protect local watershed and drinking water for future generations. For his invaluable service to the profession, its academic and research institutions and its learned societies, Ken Putt is a noteworthy recipient of the D.C. Lambert Professional Service Award.

14

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

Teaching Award of Excellence Dr. Perry Adebar, P.Eng. Perry Adebar has been devoted to structural engineering education throughout his 25 years at UBC, where he has taught courses that combine concepts of advanced structural mechanics with practical design issues. As a professor of civil engineering, Dr. Adebar has provided mentorship to more than 30 research graduate students who are now employed as structural engineers in BC and around the world. He has received a Best Professor Award numerous times from UBC civil engineering students, and was presented with a UBC Killam Teaching Prize in 2013, in part for his ability to establish a strong correlation between theory and engineering practice. Perry is well known in the BC structural engineering community for his inspiring technical seminars that deal with recent research results that have directly influenced the Canadian building code. While serving as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science from 1999 to 2008, Perry helped establish the UBC Okanagan School of Engineering, and led Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board accreditation of all UBC engineering programs. For his dedication to teaching effectiveness, service to students, and contributions to education and outreach, APEGBC is pleased to present Perry Adebar with the Teaching Award for Excellence in Engineering Education.

Young Professional Award Selena Wilson, P.Eng.

Selena Wilson is a talented and ambitious transportation engineer with McElhanney Consulting Services. An exceptional project manager, Selena recently worked as the highway design lead and civil coordinator for the Port Mann/Highway 1 Improvement Project. Recently promoted to branch manager of McElhanney’s Prince Rupert office, in just two years, she has grown her staff from two to 14 employees who offer engineering, survey, materials testing, and environmental services. For her dedication to the profession, Selena received ACEC-BC’s Young Professional Award, and the ACEC Allen D. Williams Scholarship. Despite a demanding workload, she maintains a high profile in her volunteer and professional service efforts. In addition to her involvement with APEGBC’s Northern Branch, Selena participates in Young Professionals’ Groups provincially, nationally and internationally. In 2012, she was appointed to a two-year term as Chair of the Young Professionals Forum Steering Committee of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers. For her inspirational leadership and contributions to the consulting engineering industry, APEGBC is honoured to present Selena Wilson with the Young Professional Award.

15

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

f ea t ures

EYES IN THE SKY Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Natural Resources Sector

Dr. Matt Sakals, P.Geo.

Drones are everywhere. They are being used more and more in personal and business applications to capture data otherwise unavailable or too costly or dangerous to collect. Despite many negative news reports of inappropriate and dangerous use of drones—including two incidents this past summer, in which drones interfered with crews fighting wildfires in southern BC—use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offers extraordinary opportunities to engineers and geoscientists. The devices’ improved capabilities and user- friendliness encourage their application in many areas of the natural resources sector, in particular.

The uses of UAVs are diverse, therefore so are UAV systems and the types of products produced. The key to the successful use of UAVs is in understanding the capabilities and limitations relevant to a particular application and also the regulatory framework under which operations must be carried out. The following overview is provided to assist engineering and geoscience professionals in applying and innovating their practice with this powerful technology.

16

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

Left: The author and a flight assistant retrieve a UAV after a surveying mission.

Regulations The most noteworthy limitations for operations in Canada are the Canadian Aviation Regulations . Operating a UAV for commercial purposes requires complying with a UAV Exemption or attaining a Special Flight Operations Certificate. Members of APEGBC who use UAVs have a professional obligation to adhere to the regulations. The following requirements, which summarize the rules at a conceptual level, pertain to all basic UAV operations (recreational or non-recreational) and support the primary objective of causing no harm or loss to entities outside of the operation: 1. Maintain visual line of sight to the UAV at all times. The aircraft and the surrounding airspace must be observed constantly with unaided vision. Relying on onboard cameras is insufficient. 2. Keep flight operations below 90 m above local ground. 3. Avoid restricted airspace. Flights are prohibited in restricted airspace, such as around airports or forest fires. 4. Keep safety paramount. Flights must not endanger people, animals, buildings, vehicles, or any other entity not involved in the flight operation. Canadian legislation allows for the expansion of UAV capabilities as those capabilities are developed and proven. Complete regulations can be found online (www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/standards/ standards-4179). Equipment Unmanned aircraft systems are typically consist of three elements: 1. An aircraft, including frame and battery; 2. A method for remotely controlling the aircraft, and; 3. A payload—usually a camera. Aircraft come in various configurations, with the most common being rotary-wing— for example, quadcopters—and fixed-wing craft. Generally, survey operations larger than 25 ha (>0.5 x 0.5 km), with a clear take-off

Above: This UAV-generated orthomosaic of the Tahltan River rockslide provided information about how the slide obstructed salmon migration. The image was constructed from 25 individual photographs. Below: A three-dimensional model of a bridge site on a floodplain.

17

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

f ea t ures

The intake of the Dasque Hydroelectric Project, as photographed by an unmanned aerial vehicle

and landing area about 30 x 150 m in size, are better served by the more efficient fixed-wing aircraft. On the other hand, rotary wings provide greater maneuverability and flexibility with payloads. New products that blend the two styles into a flexible and efficient airframe are being developed. Aircraft type, flying weight, and battery capac- ity determine a UAV’s working time. Operators can expect flight times for rotary-wing UAVs to range from 10 to 15 minutes, and for fixed-wing craft to last about 45 minutes. With many UAVs capable of airspeeds of about 50 km/h, they can complete a substantial amount of work in a single flight. While many applications require only a well-composed aerial oblique photograph that may be collected in less than one minute, other operations require careful planning to capture all of the required data in mul- tiple flights. Complex or multiple-flight operations may require multiple battery packs, as over-discharg- ing batteries can result in a UAV failing mid-flight, the aircraft landing badly and being damaged or destroyed, and collected data being jeopardized. In many applications, operators seek to photo- graph or video terrain or structures. In these cases, the UAV’s airframe serves as a platform for a camera payload. The desired product quality determines which camera sensor is selected for use. In turn, the mass of the sensor determines the airframe and required battery capacity. Many UAVs—including

expensive ones—are designed to carry an action sports camera. These cameras suit many needs, but their small sensor size and low-resolution capabili- ties present drawbacks for more advanced photo- graph processing. Large, heavy, high-quality cameras require the upscaling of many of the UAV system’s components, which increases complexity and cost. New operators may wish to consider starting with basic equipment. As they become familiar with the capabilities and limitations of their UAV systems and with piloting, they will gain a better sense of the scope of their operational needs and the possibilities their existing equipment presents, and what upgrades would best meet their project requirements. Piloting Piloting a UAV is a fairly simple task, because of the technology of on-board flight controllers. Of the more than 40 training flights I have supervised, only a few have returned with a ‘hard’ landing. The skill required for piloting rests in being able to position and smoothly move the aircraft to produce quality images. Practicing in a safe envi- ronment is the best way to become a proficient and safe pilot. Beyond the auto-leveling and position-holding features of most consumer UAVs, some flight controllers allow for semi-autonomous flights. Operators program a flight path into a laptop or mobile device, then send the information to the

18

S E P T E M B E R /OC TO B E R 2 015

i n n o v a t i o n

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker