GoodVision

WSB partners with GoodVision to advance traffic safety and mobility

August 8, 2024
WSB is investing in the future of traffic control technology.

Minneapolis, Minn – WSB, a forward-thinking design and consulting firm, announced today
their partnership with European company GoodVision. This partnership is more than two teams joining together, rather, it signifies the join t effort of advancing the traffic industry.

WSB and GoodVision have been cooperating since 2021 in the traffic modeling domain.

WSB’s use of technology in their services has made the firm a leader in the Architecture,
Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Over the next three years, WSB will invest in
GoodVision as well as traffic analytics project efforts, support and education. In turn,
GoodVision will focus on enhancing these solutions, implementations and support. This
partnership propels the industry forward even more.

“A partnership between WSB and GoodVision aims at creating a powerful technology and
implementer collaboration in North America,” said Daniel Stofan, GoodVision CEO. “Both
companies are heavily investing in the improvement of the traffic industry and aim to excel by
implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to address current traffic analytics needs with
local traffic expertise and support.”

This partnership is leading the traffic industry, implementing AI to address current needs in the
areas of traffic analysis, transportation safety and active traffic management. Deliverables
include turnkey traffic solutions to support clients, ITS solutions, preventing congestion and
increased safety. WSB’s staff of subject matter experts can use the data and insights provided
by these solutions to create a tailored consulting service for each client. This joint effort is
shaping the future of traffic monitoring and analytics.

“Not only does this innovative technology progress the industry, but it also creates safer and
more efficient communities,” said Gordon McPhee, Vice President of Digital Solutions. “Using
AI, this service provides instant detection of roadway incidents with automated responses. This
increases overall safety and builds a safer community.”

Additionally, this service improves productivity and cost savings through real time automation.
By implementing this system, clients reduce the heavy workload for their staff and create a
more efficient work environment.

WSB and GoodVision are committed to serving communities around the world. This partnership and technology-driven service make that possible. Together, WSB and GoodVision will provide clients with the opportunity to implement traffic monitoring and data analytics into their practices, furthering the advancement of the industry and building safer communities.

WSB

WSB Awarded Special Achievement in GIS

August 2, 2024

WSB was recently awarded Special Achievement in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) at the 2024 Esri User Conference. This award is given to users around the world recognizing outstanding work with GIS technology. WSB was recognized for its work as a consultant supporting renewable energy organizations with implementing Esri GIS technology.

Esri is the global market leader in GIS software, location intelligence and mapping. The firm is honored to have received this prestigious award.

gis awarded wsb
geotechnical soils

The Crucial Role of Geotechnical Engineers in Infrastructure Development

July 29, 2024
By David J. Gordinier, P.E., Geotechnical Department Manager, WSB

In the complex landscape of infrastructure development, the role of a geotechnical engineer is often pivotal yet understated. For municipalities, counties, and private developers, understanding the ground on which they build is not just a precaution—it’s a necessity. Geotechnical engineering is the key that unlocks the potential of any site, ensuring that the envisioned projects are not only feasible but also sustainable and cost-effective.

Understanding the Foundation: The Geotechnical Guide

Before any concrete is poured or any beam is erected, a thorough understanding of the site’s soil is crucial. A geotechnical engineer provides this insight through detailed soil studies, which are the first step in transforming an area from a plot of land to a developed property. These studies allow developers to understand what they can build and how they can build it, aligning their ambitions with the practical realities of the soil beneath.

The Value of Geotechnical Reports

A comprehensive geotechnical report is more than just a routine check—it’s a fundamental part of due diligence. It assesses various soil characteristics such as density, composition, and stability, which can vary significantly from one site to another. This report can reveal critical issues such as soft or expansive soils, or deeper Geologic risks including Karst and subsidence. Such insights are crucial not only in deciding whether to purchase a property but also in planning the development to avoid costly errors and delays to the project.

Why Choose WSB?

Choosing WSB for geotechnical engineering means opting for a partner who prioritizes your project’s timelines and budget. Our detailed attention to these aspects has earned us a loyal client base. WSB boasts a diverse portfolio, rich in a variety of projects, allowing us to quickly devise solutions tailored to the specific geological challenges of your site.

We believe in clear communication, translating complex geotechnical data into easy-to-understand terms, and maintaining constant contact with our clients. From delivering detailed reports to conducting follow-up calls, we ensure that you are well-informed at every step.

Building with Confidence

Incorporating a geotechnical engineer into your development team is not just about adhering to standards—it’s about building with confidence. With WSB, you gain a partner who provides the expertise to navigate the complexities of soil challenges, ensuring that your infrastructure projects are built on solid ground. The guidance from an experienced and knowledgeable geotechnical engineer can also make the difference in success during construction including assisting the contractor with cost effective solutions when or if they arise.

David is a geotechnical department manager in the southeast region. He has experience managing estimating costs for geotechnical, and construction materials projects, and geotechnical engineering design for transportation, commercial, industrial and residential projects. He had led his team through managing construction and resolving issues encountered throughout the project process.

[email protected] | 804.366.0703

survey experience

WSB strengthens survey team leadership in Colorado

July 23, 2024
The firm welcomes Michael Kervin to survey division as a strategic hire.

Denver, Colo. – Design and consulting firm WSB today announced Michael Kervin has joined as director of survey operations. Based out of the Denver office, Kervin oversees survey operations in the Colorado region.

Michael Kervin

Kervin has 33 years of industry experience, making him an asset to WSB. His strong background in survey and engineering, general land development and transportation projects will support the firm as it continues to expand.

“I’m excited to put my experience and expertise to use at WSB,” said Kervin. “I admire the empowerment the firm has given to their staff to strive for greatness. I already have strong connections with the majority of the survey team, and I’m eager to collaborate on projects.”

In this role, Kervin will foster growth in the Colorado survey market. He manages the survey division and coordinates with the transportation and land development teams. He will support WSB by integrating the survey division with design teams, ensuring the firm can provide the best services for existing and future clients.

“Michael’s experience, contacts and knowledge are all reasons he was the perfect candidate for this position,” said Brad Oswald, director of survey. “He and his team have done remarkable work in land development and commercial construction staking. His leadership and support will help produce growth within our firm.”

The firm is establishing itself as a national brand, and continued growth in the survey division will strengthen this expansion. WSB has recently acquired two firms, nearly doubling in size in the last year. Expanded leadership teams across all regions will support this growth.

Pond sediment removal

Assessing the effectiveness of pond sediment removal

July 15, 2024
By Jake Newhall, Director of Water Resources, WSB and Bill Alms, Project Manager in Water Resources, WSB

WSB is Leading a New Study that Will Assess the Effectiveness of Pond Sediment Removal for Phosphorus Management in Stormwater Ponds.

Stormwater ponds are an effective way to treat and control stormwater runoff. However, recent studies have indicated that there may be an increasing threat of phosphorus being released from stormwater ponds that can increase pollutant loading to lakes, streams, and wetlands. To address this concern, WSB, the University of Minnesota and six Minnesota communities have come together to perform a study funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation Local Road Research Board. This study will provide practical data that will help communities across Minnesota manage their stormwater ponds and ultimately improve water quality.

With that in mind, here is what communities and their residents can expect.

What Does The Study Entail?

Six Minnesota communities – Maple Grove, Plymouth, Prior Lake, Savage, Burnsville and Woodbury – will each provide one stormwater pond project to be used as the basis of the study. During the summer of 2024, researchers will visit each pond, take sediment samples and run analysis to determine how much phosphorus is in the basin and how much phosphorus release potentially exists. Then, in the winter of 2024, each pond will undergo a pond dredging project that removes sediment buildup. Following the dredging projects, new samples will be taken during the summer of 2025 to analyze and determine whether current maintenance processes for stormwater ponds can address phosphorus release concerns.

Why Is The Study Needed?

Minnesota has over thirty thousand stormwater retention ponds that treat and control stormwater runoff, but also risk discharging pollutants that impact water quality. Additionally, stormwater ponds are used across the country, meaning that if current dredging practices are not working as intended, the data gathered by this study will directly impact stormwater management regionally and nationally. Primarily, this study will provide much needed data to make new recommendations on how to tackle and prioritize maintenance to maximize pollutant removal.

Phosphorus is particularly detrimental to water quality as it causes the growth of algae in lakes and rivers. Algae blooms not only lower water quality, but also reduce oxygen in the water and are toxic to people and wildlife alike, with studies attributing algae blooms as a potential cause for detrimental health conditions.

What Is WSB Doing To Help?

WSB’s team of experts understand how to manage and improve water resources. WSB is innovating, looking at the science and developing cutting edge tools and techniques to help communities better manage stormwater runoff and water quality. As the study commences and the final data sets are made available in 2025, the work of our talented team will provide the information necessary for communities in Minnesota and across the country improve their programs and to protect their water and their residents.

Jake has more than 18 years of engineering experience and has managed and designed many types of water resources projects, including modeling, planning, design, maintenance programs, and construction. He has worked with numerous watershed municipalities, counties and state agencies.

[email protected] | 612.990.3576

Jake Newhall

Bill is a project manager in WSB’s Water Resources Group with over 10 years of experience serving clients with their water resources engineering needs. Bill’s experience includes planning, design, and construction management for a wide range of water resource projects including water quality treatment BMPS and erosion stabilization.

[email protected] | 952.388.4188

Bill Alms
Zweig Marketing Award

WSB honored with Zweig marketing excellence

July 12, 2024

The Zweig Group is the leading research, publishing and advisory services resource for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Each year, the organization offers an awards program that specifically recognizes outstanding work within the AEC industry throughout North America.

WSB was recently honored with five awards from the Zweig Group for 2024 Marketing Excellence. Entries are judged by a team of marketing professionals and evaluated based upon overall creativity, messaging, results achieved by the campaign, and level of design.

1st Place in Brochure Design | Digital Lifecycle Brochure

WSB is a forward-thinking firm, and we value our innovative approach with advanced project delivery. The firm uses technology to remain a leader in the industry, and this is reflected in our marketing efforts.

Recently, WSB created an improved digital sales tool about the Digital Lifecycle. Our efforts to design an interactive presentation that uniquely caters to each audience was recognized by the Zweig Group and received first place in Brochure Design.

2nd Place in Brochure Design | New Firm Overview

The WSB 2024 firm overview brochure is designed as a presentation folder that accommodates division collateral, one-pagers and additional marketing materials.

It also includes a cutout for holding a business card. This innovative folder can serve as a standalone piece or a leave behind. We received second place from the Zweig Group for this timeless and contemporary brochure presentation.

2nd Place in Internal Newsletters | 2023 Year in Review

Since 2009, WSB has published our annual Year In Review. This publication recaps the previous year and is distributed at our firm’s annual celebration. The goal is simple – to tell the story of WSB to our staff. In recent years, we have grown significantly both in staff size and geography. The stories of how we are building what is next in infrastructure across the country are important for our staff to hear.

The Year in Review helps us reconnect to our mission and reminds us of what we work together towards. It received second place in Internal Newsletters.

2nd Place in External Newsletters | Nov/Dec 2023 Newsletter

Twice a year, WSB publishes an external newsletter. For over 10 years, WSB has mailed a newsletter highlighting projects, innovations, techniques, and news. We feel there is still value in a well-done printed piece. Issuing a newsletter helps us tell our WSB story in a broader way than digital marketing.

This newsletter focused on the work we have done across the country and our growth as a firm. It received second place from the Zweig Group for External Newsletters.

3rd Place in Advertising | MSHSL State Tournaments Advertising

We know that the future is what we make of it, and we value the bright minds of the next generation. This is why we chose to advertise in environments where the next great engineers are as a Minnesota State High School Sponsor.

00:15-second commercials ran during the live web-streaming of the 2024 Girls’ & Boys’ State Hockey and Basketball, as well as rotational courtside signage during the basketball tournaments. We received third place in Advertising.

To read more about the awards and view a full list of winners, please visit Marketing Excellence Award (zweiggroup.com)

transportation

WSB strengthens leadership in Florida with hiring of new vice president 

July 10, 2024

Jacksonville, FL. – WSB, the fast-growing design and consulting firm, today announced the strategic hiring of Rob Mizell. Mizell has joined WSB as vice president of transportation and will support the firm while establishing its national presence and growing the transportation division in Florida.

Mizell has over 30 years of industry experience in both the private and public sector in northeast and central Florida. His background makes him well equipped to lead the division to new heights in Florida.

Rob Mizell

“Rob has an impressive reputation, and his experience and leadership in the industry speaks for itself,” said Jon Chiglo, chief operating officer. “Our mindsets and values aligned regarding advancing technology in the industry and introducing clients to our innovative approaches. He’s a fantastic fit for our firm, and with his leadership we will see growth in our transportation services.”

Based in the firm’s Jacksonville office, Mizell will oversee the transportation division in Florida. Rob will build staff and client relationships throughout the state, continue to advance infrastructure by introducing southeast clients to technology strategies and provide support for overall growth. His background and knowledge will help position WSB as a powerhouse firm in the area.

“I was initially drawn to WSB because of its aggressive growth strategy,” said Mizell. “I am extremely impressed with the colleagues I have met and the advanced strategies the firm applies to its projects. WSB has a wide variety of services and innovative techniques to better support communities and clients. I am eager to further develop our footprint in Florida and establish WSB as a go-to firm.”

WSB joined the southeast market in February 2024 through the acquisition of AE Engineering Inc., a high-growth transportation infrastructure engineering firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. WSB has nearly doubled staff in the last year and provides services across the United States.

geotechnical surveying

Geotechnical Survey: Three Issues it Can Mitigate in Your Project

June 7, 2024

By Richard Zamora, PE, Director of Geotechnical Services, and Zack Munstermann, PE, Geotechnical Engineer, WSB

A geotechnical survey is a necessity for any construction project to gain an in-depth understanding of underlying soil conditions in order to mitigate costly issues that, if not properly addressed, could damage foundations, walls, pavements and utilities. A good geotechnical survey provides the necessary information like soil strength, depth to bedrock, groundwater levels or slope stability. Knowing what to look for and what to address will improve a project’s design, construction efforts and operations over time. With that in mind, here are a few of the top issues a good geotechnical survey can help to identify and mitigate in your project.

Depth to Bedrock and Related Costs

A geotechnical survey is necessary to understand subsurface conditions and how they will impact a project’s earthwork, structural stability, and costs. Depth to bedrock can heavily influence cost and foundational stability. For instance, if a structure is not designed and built with consideration to bedrock depth, excavation costs could increase and the foundations and walls may experience damage over time requiring future repair work. Shallow depth bedrock is often a benefit for stability and lower project costs. On the other hand, deep layers of bedrock could cause foundational stability issues and will require far more excavation, or a redesign of the foundation leading to higher project costs. What is present in the ground beneath a construction project will dictate potential long-lasting issues that require attention like recurring damages and sinking foundations.

Clay Swelling and Chemical Treatments

Swelling clay, if not properly treated, will drastically increase the risk of structural damage and the need for costly repairs over time. Clay acts like a sponge that cyclically absorbs water and swells before drying and shrinking. After clay soil is properly evaluated through a geotechnical survey and testing, the soil needs to be treated. A survey identifies how much the clay could potentially swell or shrink over time, in order to right-size the treatment plan and not waste valuable resources on excessive excavation, or other costly mitigation measures. One common solution is a moisture treatment, where moisture is mixed into the clay during mass excavation and forced to swell; then, the pre-swelled soil under the foundation is replaced. This ensures swelling does not affect the building.

Chemical treatments are another way to stabilize clay. For shallower structures and pavements, lime and cement can be used and requires less excavation. However, the potential for chemical treatments is also dependent on the presence of sulfates. Sulfates in the soil will react negatively to lime or concrete and worsen the subgrade support. The geotechnical survey will not only help determine whether clay swelling is a problem, but also what treatment is feasible to limit risk and costs.

Presence and Impacts of Groundwater

In addition to soil conditions, a geotechnical survey will identify the potentially detrimental threat of groundwater. Understanding where groundwater is present in the site strata is important, particularly for those structures that have a basement or subsurface utilities. A geotechnical survey can determine groundwater depth at various locations within a construction site. Groundwater can complicate excavations, increase the lateral pressures applied to structures and foundations causing deterioration, and can destroy underground utilities. Proper identification presents the opportunity to develop a subsurface drainage system, or other mitigation alternatives, to keep below-grade utilities, structures, or retaining walls safe. Without a geotechnical survey, the threat posed by groundwater may go unnoticed or be underestimated until it is too late.

How WSB Can Help

At WSB, our Geotechnical team has decades of experience working on projects across the U.S. WSB is prepared to adapt to the needs of local municipalities and to local geology no matter where in the country a project may be. With a highly trained team of experts, clients can expect prepared solutions that mitigate risk and ensure a project’s success.

Richard has over 32 years of experience in the transportation industry of which over 24 years were with the Colorado Department of Transportation. He held various positions throughout his time with the CDOT and a majority of his roles related to pavement and materials including state pavement design and pavement management engineer. In his time at CDOT he implemented pavement design standards, materials quality assurance specifications, and managed the region’s pavement management program.

[email protected] | 719.266.3900

Zack has over 17 years of experience in the Geotechnical profession across multiple states and various levels. Prior to joining WSB, Zack was a project manager and staff engineer coordinating with his team to conduct subsurface explorations, laboratory testing, and preparing geotechnical reports with recommendations for a vast array of projects.

[email protected] | 719.266.3900

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