I agree Oops409. I want more information from an independent source not associated with green energy or fossil fuel industries.
At face value, I don't know how one can say that it is safe when a field of solar panels gets smashed by hail storms. A cursory review shows that solar panels can...
I don't have all the information, but it appears to me and others I've talked to that this is simply a money grab and could be considered an attack on our local industry. The state's lawyers even alluded to the fact that they couldn't get money from RIDOT employees, so they're chasing anyone who...
From what I’ve been told, the contract increased the risk/liability for the Design-Build team. A major sticking point was the required two-year schedule for substantial completion, with fines for going past that date. I’m guessing the two years had to do with the gubernatorial election and were...
I'm right there with you. WYDOT should have done more to investigate what was going on, and luckily, the mudslide closed the pass, avoiding a true tragedy.
I do think it's fair to compare man-made highway mountain passes with each other, especially when talking about the required maintenance...
I don't think we have enough information to say if the temporary repair is adequate. Do we have borings, lab testing, and the geometry of the temporary slope? A "factor of safety" of 1.2 for a slope analyzed in a 2D limit equilibrium analysis could actually be an FOS of 1.01, 1.2, or 1.5 in real...
I try to avoid watching that guy's videos. He plays Monday morning quarterback analysis. He picks on people for misspeaking in a public setting. Still, he then continues with his video, spouting half-baked ideas and himself misspeaking when he can edit the video/statements. My recommendation for...
It's a mountain pass. Of course, the ground will become saturated during the spring melt, which is typically when most of the landslides in the mountains occur.
It sounds like it was relatively stable for a long time. So, if it wasn't water and some change in the slope's geometry from years of...
It may be a belt and suspenders approach. Rebuild the road safely, then install some ground improvement elements or compaction grouting. It’s difficult to do the ground improvement first when you have a tall scarp hanging over your head.
Contractors and engineers are already balking at pursuing the bridge replacement due to the current spotlight and scrutiny. Now the lawmakers think it's a good idea to increase the risk to take on the job. This will only cost the taxpayers more for the increased risk and insurance premiums.
RI lawmakers are trying to change the rules of the game. From our local ACEC chapter:
“Yesterday House Bill 8318, An Act Relating to courts and civil procedure - procedure generally -- Causes of Action was introduced by two House Representatives Dawson and Boylan both from the East Bay. The...
$35k to heat all of the 12,664 miles of roadway? Come on. That doesn’t pass the straight-face test and looks like an output from ChatGPT.
First, we would have to heat the roads more than just when it snows. It often rains in the day and freezes at night.
Good luck keeping them operational...
I brought in the available lidar data into CAD last week. Here is a screenshot of the contours referenced to NAVD88 (US FEET). There's a deep depression just northwest of the bridge pier that I'm assuming is part of that utility channel cutting SW to NE.
To me, it appears the answer is no. With insurance claim estimates in the $2-4B range and the cost of a new bridge being around $600M, you have all the reason to build a protection system to stop or deflect a ship from demolishing the bridge.
The RIDOT Director states the bridge needs to be torn down and replaced. Their preliminary schedule indicates the replacement bridge will be open for traffic sometime between the spring and fall of 2026. Estimated costs between $200-$300M for demo and construction. The budget seems around right...
