Martinez Couch & Associates, LLC

Sometimes we civil engineers just want to help. Please give us adequate time to explain! LOL

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio was a Roman author, architect, and civil and military engineer during the 1st century BC. Vitruvius conceived the idea that all buildings should have three attributes: "strength", "utility" and "beauty". Read the Wikipedia article to learn more. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitruvius

Watch this video by the YouTube Channel "DTTV - History Answers" as it features some beautiful ancient stonework. It makes one wonder how these civilizations were able to craft such beautiful structures. They must have been Civil Engineers and Architects! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ua4naVLILk

Natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis can negatively impact our infrastructure. However, these disasters also have a positive effect as well, because as humans we evolve and design our buildings and roadways to withstand the forces of nature and we are constantly learning from them as engineers. Check out this cool infographic by Norwich University about "How Have Earthquakes Shaped Civil Engineering". https://online.norwich.edu/academic-programs/resources/how-have-earthquakes-shaped-civil-engineering

What happens mathematically and scientifically when water runs through pipes? A great question answered within an article by Interesting Engineering! There is so much more beneath the surface of what you see! https://interestingengineering.com/the-complex-physics-of-how-water-flows-through-pipes

Did you know the Kariba Dam in Zimbabwe is one of the largest Dam Structures in the World? Check out the article link by Editorial Water Technology for the other top 9. https://www.water-technology.net/features/feature-ten-largest-dams-in-the-world-reservoirs/ #:~:text=Kariba%20Dam%2C%20Zimbabwe,area%20of%205%2C580km2.

Did you know that Land Surveying is one of the World's oldest professions? It dates back to Egypt in 3000 B.C.! Image: Cyclopedia - historical surveying instruments

MCA worked with the CTDEEP to complete a Survey of the proposed HQ area for the Black Rock State Park owned by the State of Connecticut. The area surveyed was approximately 32 acres within the park. The purpose of the survey was to survey, map, and monument portions of CTDEEP property to initiate the planning and design of the construction of a new Western District Headquarters at Black Rock State Park. https://www.martinezcouch.com/

Happy Earth Day 2021. Do your part by picking up any litter you see. Let's do our best to keep our beautiful home clean!

Project Update: MCA was Engaged by the City of Danbury, CT to design the streetscape infrastructure improvements for nine (9) street segments with a total curb length of 25,000 LF and a total sidewalk area of 147,000 SF in the Downtown area. This project is intended to revitalize the urban core of Danbury in the Central Business District. The project includes new and existing sidewalks, curb line adjustments, pavement restoration in varying lengths and widths and pavement treatments at key intersections. The landscaping design included removal and installation of street trees, identification of tree well options, ornamental lighting, street furniture, receptacles, planter replacements. The design incorporated full ADA accessibility compliance improvements with PROWAG. https://www.martinezcouch.com/

Here is another female engineer and Pioneer, introducing Elsie Eaves! Elsie was the first woman to be a full member of the American Society of Civil Engineers in In 1927. Elsie also joined the Engineering and News-Record (ENR) as an assistant manager for market surveys. Read the full article by EngineerGirl https://www.engineergirl.org/125315/Elsie-Eves.

Check out this fun trending article on Interesting Engineering. Engineers combined the two largest industries as one by turning a Jet Engine Into a BBQ grill. https://interestingengineering.com/delta-techs-transform-boeing-757-engine-into-an-epic-bbq-grill

Here is a great motivational quote by American Baptist minister and American rights leader, Benjamin Mays. We hope it helps you start your week tomorrow!

MCA is a multidisciplinary firm that provides civil engineering, land and construction surveying, water and wastewater engineering, GIS and asset management and construction phase services to public and private clients. We operate in numerous markets including, but not limited to, municipal, state, federal, utility, education, commercial, residential, energy and transportation. Give us a call! https://www.martinezcouch.com/

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge with a glass walkway that soars 4,000 feet above the valley below. Check out their website to learn more and if you're brave enough, maybe plan a visit! https://grandcanyonwest.com/explore/west-rim/skywalk-eagle-point/

Read this article by "Hub" an online newsletter from Johns Hopkins University This article is interesting because it discusses the idea of utilizing Autonomous vehicle steel which is durable and resilient, to engineer and build civil infrastructure. https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/09/30/automotive-steel-for-construction/

MCA provided surveying and engineering services for the improvements to Ellsworth School. The project consisted of 20,000 feet of additions and 50,000 feet of renovations to the existing facility. The design expanded the use and combined separate buildings to integrate the functionality. In addition, soft play areas were incorporated. https://www.martinezcouch.com/

This is how the "Ever Given" was freed according to this engineering meme!

Check out and read our April 2021 MCA E-Newsletter, where we feature our latest Blog "MCA Helps Connecticut Recover from The Devastation of Superstorm Sandy" as well as our projects. Subscribe today to get the latest news from MCA! https://mailchi.mp/41496a50cca5/mca-april-2021-newsletter

Elaine Spencer of LTS Lockley in Australia, was interviewed by A Life Without Limits | Surveying Task Force Inc. on what it means for her to be a Surveyor. Read the interview and for any female wanting to join the Land Surveying industry, we hope this article inspires you. https://www.alifewithoutlimits.com.au/graduate-female-surveyor/ Photo by A Life Without Limits | Surveying Task Force Inc.

Watch this cool video by "Be Amazed" of some giant engineering machines building the largest infrastructures. Now this is some serious engineering. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYd4Oa7DoE0

No, waffle slabs are not for breakfast, but are actually concrete slabs made of reinforced concrete with concrete ribs running in two directions on its underside. Typically waffle slabs are best utilized for non-reactive sites, slightly reactive clay sites and some moderately reactive clay sites.

MCA worked with Friar Associates for the development of construction documents for site improvements at Windham High School in Willimantic, CT. The design included the redevelopment of existing internal driveways and parking lots with separate drop-off/pick-up loops, improved ADA accessibility and a fire access road. MCA also designed improvements to recreational areas including the running track, ball fields and hardscape areas. https://www.martinezcouch.com/

Herbert Hoover, the 31st U.S. President quoted that Engineering is a great profession and we couldn't agree more.

The giant container ship the "Ever Given" that has been stuck in the Suez Canal for over a week, has finally been freed. Check out the article from Interesting Engineering to learn more. https://interestingengineering.com/the-ship-blocking-the-suez-canal-has-been-freed

MCA assisted with field investigations for a pilot study of pipe evaluation using the SL-RAT evaluation equipment. MCA's field crews performed field investigations to identify and fix errors in the City’s sewer mapping that would adversely impact the hydraulic model. This included manhole inspections and survey to determine sewer connectivity and identify overflows and flow splits. https://www.martinezcouch.com/

Warmest thoughts to you and your family on this holiday. Happy Easter!

MCA utilized GPS survey equipment to locate and photograph all primary electrical system features including manholes, transformers, etc., and used available mapping and surface evidence to determine the probable routing of underground electrical circuits at the Naval Station in Mayport, FL. MCA mobilized a crew to collect over 700 electrical features and document connectivity. https://www.martinezcouch.com/

Have a blessed and happy Good Friday!

Happy April Fools Day!

MCA provided a topographic and planimetric survey of 4 bridges on I-95 in Pawtucket, RI. The survey included a full structure survey at each site and a 500 LF in stretch of highway on both the northbound and southbound sides of each bridge. MCA located all utilities carried by the bridges, the roadways below and within the proposed staging areas for a proposed slide. https://www.martinezcouch.com/

This video by Interesting Engineering may make you question the future and how technology and humans will interact during work with one another. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpEOzN2svCc

The Gotthard Base Tunnel is the world's longest railway and deepest traffic tunnel through the Alps of Europe. Read the article by Wikipedia to learn more. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotthard_Base_Tunnel

Do you love beautiful maps? Here are many within the The Library of Congress collection "Mapping the National Parks". The one shared is a topographic map of Acadia National Park and vicinity, Hancock County, Maine. https://www.loc.gov/collections/national-parks-maps/about-this-collection/

When the nighttime rolls around, is this true for you?