As we all know from Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy,” and we could all use a little extra happiness right now. In an effort to boost our endorphins and stay connected with one another during quarantine, Sain Associates sponsored the April Activity Challenge. In this challenge, twenty participants selected how…
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Before the recent COVID-19 lock-down, our projects seemed to be moving at rocket speed, with tight timelines for construction to meet opening dates. The priorities revolved around expediting and obtaining all the required permits as quickly as possible. However, sometimes it can help to step back, take a deep breath, and look at the bigger…
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The United States Public Land Survey was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785 to plat property for sale and settling. In 1807, Major Thomas Freeman, Deputy U.S. Surveyor, established a marker on Alabama’s state line and began surveying south toward the middle of the state. The line, known as the Huntsville Meridian, is the…
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The beginning of spring signals the start of road construction’s busy season. Road construction crews will begin popping up around the state to repair streets, roads, highways, and bridges. Although work zones play a critical role in providing a safe area for workers, they can be a major cause of congestion. In some instances, many…
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As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the nation, schools have turned to online learning as a means to finish the 2020 school year. Many school systems have adapted to this new normal, but what about Alabama’s rural communities that do not have the broadband infrastructure to support the demand? The Alabama State Legislature defines “broadband”…
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Whether you are an engineer, contractor, or property owner, you play an essential role in keeping people safe with every dig. Safe digging begins with calling Alabama 811. Alabama 811 is dedicated to preventing damage to Alabama’s underground utilities and promoting public safety. The organization functions as a communication system, connecting member utility companies with…
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ACEC Tennessee is a member organization of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), a national federation whose mission is to strengthen the business environment for its member firms through government advocacy, political action, and business education. ACEC Tennessee is comprised of more than 110 engineering companies with chapters in East Tennessee, Chattanooga, Nashville, and…
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Engineers and planners face a variety of challenges when planning and designing new roadways. Although many of these challenges apply to the widening and expansion of existing roads, certain obstacles are unique to roadways along new alignments. When planning for roadway design projects, it’s helpful to have a general understanding of potential barriers so delays,…
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Designs for Hope is making great strides in providing sustainable electricity, clean water, and other innovative solutions to Christian disciple makers in developing countries. The Alabama-based nonprofit uses engineering as a missional ministry to serve communities in Uganda, Kenya, Sri Lanka, India, and Nicaragua. Sain has supported Designs for Hope’s mission over the past several years,…
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The Greater Birmingham Regional Planning Commission hosted the Federal Highway Administration’s Designing Streets for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Workshop on February 20th and 21st. I had the opportunity to attend as a representative of Sain Associates, along with other consultants and individuals from local municipalities and organizations. The two-day workshop was centered on bicycle and…
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