INNOVATION November-December 2017

F E A T U R E

owner. My expertise is in municipal engineering, which made up only a very small portion of the construction contract. As the contract administrator on this project, a large part of my time was spent responding to questions about things for which I am not an expert, and this necessitated relaying questions and responses to various engineers for input related to their discipline and scope of design. Many times, a question would overlap the scope of design for more than one consulting firm and require coordinating a response from several engineers. As an intermediate-level engineer, input from senior engineers is a very important part of my continuing development. In the case of these initial contract negotiations, the City hired an experienced senior engineer to assist with the process. I had the privilege of working alongside this individual, and learned a great deal about contract administration and negotiation as a result. JULIE GUBBINS, P.ENG ., SENIOR ENGINEER , COWI NORTH AMERICA PROJECT ROLE: ENGINEER OF RECORD, PROJECT MANAGER The geometry definition for the design was one of the biggest challenges for me. For this structure, correct cable lengths were critical to achieving both the desired structure behaviour and load paths, and in determining final structure geometry. A key design goal was that the bridge could be easily built, so we decided to cut the main span main cables and all vertical hangers to length, with no capability for length adjustment when installed. Length adjustability was provided for back stays at the ground anchorage, a location that was easily accessible during construction. Very detailed and careful modeling and analysis was required during design to ensure the lengths of the cables and hangers were correctly defined. This project confirmed the importance of early discussions and brainstorming sessions, and with the right people involved both within and outside of COWI. Given the social significance of the project for the City of Trail, aesthetics was a top priority from day one, but so was cost. Often, satisfying aesthetic requirements can come with a big price tag, so coming up with a design that also met constructability was vital. This balance of needs was hammered out early, and led to the single tower modern look, achievable by using lightweight composite deck material. In the end, the project felt like a real success, which is so rewarding.

NEDIM ALCA, P.ENG., VICE PRESIDENT, COWI NORTH AMERICA ROLE: PROJECT DIRECTOR The biggest challenge—and also the biggest achievement—was balancing the project’s needs and budget. I worked with the City (of Trail) on the messaging to encourage public support and help with the bigger picture vision. It was satisfying to turn a need into a landmark. My greatest discovery was the importance of not being fazed by setbacks, but rather to continue pursuing solutions. This relates to helping the City bring back the project after the bids came in and there were budget issues. I learned that speaking up for what I believe in with people of vision produces results. I was pleased to connect with Mayor Mike Martin and the City’s Chief Administrative Officer, David Perehudoff, at a personal level; we shared the same passion for improving the City and refused to allow this opportunity to pass. WARREN PROULX ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN, CITY OF TRAIL PROJECT ROLE: PROJECT MANAGER Due to the number of persons involved in the project, it was a challenge to coordinate the daily activities of the contractors, subcontractors, various engineers, and government authorities, and to keep a pulse on the project to be confident that construction was moving forward in the right direction at all times. Because of the complexity of the project, it was important to recall details and decisions that took place through preliminary design and construction so that the best decisions were made for the project. The installation of the high line was the most impressive aspect of the bridge. We spent countless hours discussing how the bridge would be built as this would dictate cost and what permits were needed. The team considered all options to erect the bridge. Design and installation of the high line and basket was a steep learning experience. I personally learned so many aspects of design and the best practices for this project. I have never experienced such a design and it was so humbling to be a part of this. NATHAN LEE, P.ENG., CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR, TRUE CONSULTING PROJECT ROLE: CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR The biggest challenge for me was all the parties involved during construction: the contractor, eight design consulting firms, and the

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