“Old” Surveying Techniques Achieve Modern Results
Washington, DC (February 26, 2007) – Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc., of Detroit, Mich., is a finalist in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ 41st annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition for providing survey services for the construction of the East Side Water Main between the City of Toledo and Perrysburg Township in Ohio.
ACEC is the Washington-D.C.-based engineering industry association representing the business and political interests for owners and principals of approximately 5,500 independent engineering companies throughout the United States.
Spalding DeDecker performed construction layout services for 1,600 feet of 96-inch diameter tunnel beneath the Maumee River. To minimize the potential for error, the project team used a 1960s-era piece of mining surveying equipment called a gyrocompass. The direction of the tunnel measured from true north was first measured precisely on the ground surface with the gyrocompass and a theodolite survey instrument.
The orientation process was then repeated in the shaft to determine the actual bearing of the survey baseline, and set a line for the drilling machine to follow. By helping expedite construction of the East Side Water Main, area residents are assured of having safe, reliable service well into the future.
Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc., has served public- and private-sector clients with a variety of civil engineering and surveying services since 1954. The firm’s project portfolio includes facilities, roads, bridges, land development, drainage systems, water and wastewater systems, and underground utilities.
The project is among 180 engineering projects from across the nation and the world that are being recognized by ACEC as preeminent engineering achievements for 2006. Judging for the prestigious Engineering Excellence Awards – known industry-wide as the “Academy Awards” of engineering – took place in February by a distinguished panel of engineers and architects, along with representatives from government, media, and academia. Criteria for awards include uniqueness and originality, technical, social and economic value, complexity, and success of the projects in meeting goals.
Winners of 24 specific engineering categories, including the “Grand Conceptor Award” for the best overall engineering achievement, will be announced at the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala, to be held Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at The Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C.
About ACEC
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of America’s engineering industry, representing nearly 5,500 independent engineering companies throughout the United States engaged in the development of America’s transportation, environmental, industrial, and other infrastructure. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional organizations.