I am designing a foundation for a PEMB addition. The plan is to construct a stand alone metal building right next to an existing metal building. The building manufacture does not want to construct a lean-to because he doesn't have any information on the existing building. So their plan has a...
I am working on a project to reduce odor for a sewer system. In the sewer system there are two lift stations with large storage volume and low flows. Have any of you ever filled in a portion of the wetwell with concrete blocks or concrete to get the pumps to cycle more often and keep the...
I have heard that the small company I work for is being bought by a larger firm and that all engineers are going to be asked to sign a non-compete agreement. I am not sure if I want to work for this company so I am looking elsewhere. If there is an agreement currently being drafted, how...
I am currenty working on a project for a City (City A), to run a force main to an existing industrial park. The project consist of a lift station and and about 9,000 ft of force main, that will run from the industrial park to the sewer plant. This project will also pick up a lift station at...
I am thinking about making the switch to the public sector. The town I live in will have some turnover in employess due to retirement. Is it ok for me to go talk to the city about future employment? They do not have any engineers on staff but I see them needing one when their current Director...
I keep hearing there is a shortage of land surveyors and that the average age of a licensed surveyor is around 60. Has anyone thought about working to get licensed? I could sit for the LSIT or whatever it is called now, but it would be hard for me to get the required 4 years experience to sit...
I have about 12.5 years experience working for private consultants. I feel like I am maxed out and I would like to do something different. I have been looking at a lot of job postings for utilities, municipalities and universities. The particular jobs I have been interested in would be...
What is the maximum flow from a force main that you would allow to empty into a 6' deep manhole with 8" gravity discharge line? I typically design so that the 8" gravity line will run full. Does anyone allow for a surcharge in the manhole?
I do all the surveying on all my projects which usually consists of sewer profiles, topos and stake outs. My question is should I consider looking into getting licensed. The main reason I am thinking of doing this is because the average age of surveyors is 56 years old and I think they may be...
I have worked for two small firms the last 10 years and I am thinking about making a switch (switching because I am not happy with pay). I am looking to go out on my own sometime in the next 5 years and I was wanting to know where I would get the best experience. Small firm or large firm?
A friend of mine who is a civil engineer just started a new job where he works from home. Is this common in engineering? He does water/wastewater design. I ask because I am looking for a new job and would like to work from home 1 or 2 days of week due to the commute. Thanks for any input.
What is the best type of grating to use at a wastewater treatment plant? I have always specified aluminum. The Owner is wanting stainless steel and has even mentioned some type of plastic coated steel.
I work (I have been there for about 1.5 years)for a small company and last year I got a really good evaluation but only a 1.8% raise. He said he had a bad year so I didn't think much of it. But since then me and another engineer have started quizzing him about the future. He made the comment...
I have a story and a half house with a walkout basement. Looking at the back of the house I have french doors with windows on each side (located in the center of the house) on the main level and on the basement level with the main level doors directly over the basement doors. The house is 60'...
Is it ok to install an elliptical pipe with the longer dimension in the vertical position? The city needs to replace an existing 18" drain tile but there is no room for a wider pipe. 18" x 27" elliptical pipe will work.
I am designing a foundation for a single story brick home and I am needing help with the loads and geotech information. First of all what should the dead load be for a single story brick home? Also, a geotech guy came out to do an inspection and all he did was stick a rod in the ground and...
I work for a small private firm in a small town. I am worried about the work load and future at this company. The town I live in has mentioned in the past that they would eventually need to hire a city engineer. Should I go to the Mayor and let her know that I am interested if a position ever...
