INNOVATION September-October 2016

Guidelines will Improve BC Dam Safety New guidelines published by APEGBC set out clear standards of practice for professionals working on site characterisation for dams in BC. By emphasising that site characterisation is fundamental to the safe construction and ongoing safe operation of dams in the province, the APEGBC Professional Practice Guidelines – Site Characterisation for Dam Foundations in BC will improve professional practice by BC’s engineers and geoscientists. The guidelines were developed in response to a recommendation made in the Independent Expert Engineering Panel report, which was issued following the breach of the Mt. Polley tailings pond in 2014. “APEGBC is committed to maintaining the highest level of public safety through the continued improvement of professional practice standards,” says APEGBC CEO and Registrar Ann English, P.Eng. “These guidelines play a significant role in this mission, and are just one way APEGBC is working to reduce the possibility of similar incidents happening again.” The guidelines apply to all dams in British Columbia and to site characterisation for dam foundations during development We’re Advancing Innovation ’s Project Pictorial Schedule The deadline for submissions to Innovation ’s annual Project Highlights Pictorial showcase is January 20, 2017. Innovation invites BC’s professional engineers and geoscientists to submit photographs of recent work for consideration for the magazine’s popular pictorial highlights showcase, to be published in May/June 2017. Members and companies may submit photographs of projects undertaken in 2016, within or outside BC, employing APEGBC members. We encourage submissions relating to all engineering and geoscience disciplines being applied in projects that have not recently featured in the magazine. Find information at apeg.bc.ca/Project-Highlights-Pictorial. 26 J ULY/AUGUST 2016 innovation

phases—from concept through design, construction, design updates, and closure. The document also clarifies the responsibilities of professionals carrying out dam site characterisation work. Many BC professional engineers and geoscientists were involved in developing the guidelines, contributing expertise from other industries and organisations, including the Canadian Dam Association and the Mining Association of BC. As the regulatory body responsible for engineering and geoscience in BC, APEGBC and its members are committed to upholding and protecting the safety and interests of the public and environment. The association produces guidelines and education resources to help engineers and geoscientists practice to high professional and ethical standards, which include the practice guidelines for legislated dam safety reviews in BC, created in 2013 and updated in 2014. The APEGBC Professional Practice Guidelines – Site Characterisation for Dam Foundations in BC are available at apeg.bc.ca/guidelines.

2015 ❖ 2016 Project Highlights

The 2015 ❖ 2016Project Highlights showcase recent engineering and geoscience work byAPEGBCmembers, in BC and elsewhere. Innovation thanks thosewho submitted project photographs and descriptions for consideration.

AudainArtMuseumStandsAbove theFloods TheAudainArtMuseumhousesan impressive collection ofBC art.Because the56,000-square-footbuilding sitsona forested site within theFitzsimmonsCreek floodway inWhistler,BC, thearchitecturaldesign couldnotproceed until thedebris floodhazard riskwas determined tobeacceptable. KerrWoodLeidalAssociateswas retained toassess thedebris floodhazard and riskand todesign flood-proofingmeasures for the site. Thebuilding isdesigned towithstand a1-in-2,500-yeardebris floodevent,and is elevatedone storeyabovegroundona seriesofpiers, withonlyabout10percentof the footprint touching theground.Debris floodswouldpass under themuseum, therebyprotecting the building, itsprecious collection,and visitors. Consultants:KerrWoodLeidalAssociatesLtd. (floodprotection);ThurberEngineeringLtd. (geohazard review); EquilibriumConsulting (structural);CreusEngineeringLtd. (civil);SprattEmanuelEngineeringLtd. (buildingenvelope); IntegralGroup (mechanical/electrical/LEED);LMDGBuildingCodeConsultantsLtd. (building code)

TomamuCloudwalk ImmersesVisitors inaSeaofClouds HoshinoResorts is a Japanese-based international operator of ryokan (Japanese inns). In 2014,HoshinoResortswas looking for a companion enhancement to their successfulUnkaiTerrace property.The structure they envisionedwould provide visitors with the opportunity to experience an open-airwalkway and immerse themselves in the spectacular cloud phenomenon known affectionately in Japan as unkai —the sea of clouds. ISLEngineering and LandServices joinedMacdonald& LawrenceTimberFraming to design anAlaskan yellow-cedar structure that invokes the vision and aesthetic of touching the clouds—theTomamuCloudwalk.The efficient and cost-effective design alignswith the sustainable ideals of the client,was built towithstand highwind, snow, and earthquake conditions, and creates an architectural piece that blends organically into the landscape. APEGBCmembers,CascadeEngineeringGroup:RobinZirnhelt,P.Eng.;RyzukGeotechnical:ShaneMoore,P.Geo.

R endeRing ,C ouRtesy of P atkau a RChiteCts

innovation

JULY/AUGUST 2016

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Professional Practice Online Seminar Available Applicants for professional registration

BC. Video interviews, case studies, knowledge tests, and activities address current issues and provide insight into legislation that affects all practicing members. The seminar gives participants opportunities to explore how the material covered applies to their own areas of practice. Compatible with any browser, the seminar is accessible via desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile—anytime and from anywhere.

Successful completion of the seminar is mandatory for all new applicants to APEGBC. The online seminar is one of the six qualifying requirements that must be completed before professional registration or license can be granted. APEGBC professional members may access the seminar on a voluntary basis.

with APEGBC can now access the association’s Professional Engineering and Geoscience Practice in BC online seminar to fulfill the Law and Ethics requirement for registration. Replacing APEGBC’s former in- person/DVD Law and Ethics course, the online seminar comprises 10 modules that provide an overview of the legal and ethical issues that affect both engineers and geoscientists in

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