Engineering Florida Summer 2024

No Limits

Florida has been a proving ground for new technology since the first Space Race. Today, a record number of rocket launches continue to light up the Cape Canaveral sky, while elsewhere in the state new technology is pushing transportation, design and engineering into new frontiers.

Photo: Sean Cannon

A Letter from the Editor

Welcome to Engineering Florida’s Technology issue, where we explore the latest developments at the intersection of engineering and technology in our vibrant state. Florida has long been a hub of innovation and engineering excellence, and this issue highlights the groundbreaking projects and forward-thinking initiatives shaping our future.

Our cover story takes you to the heart of Florida's Space Coast, where some of the most ambitious and exciting engineering projects are unfolding. We delve into the intricacies of these projects, showcasing the hard work and dedication of engineers and innovators who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In "Establishing a 3D Workflow," we examine the transformative power of 3D technologies in engineering. From design to implementation, 3D workflows are revolutionizing how engineers approach complex problems, enhancing precision, efficiency and collaboration across various sectors.

Infrastructure is a critical aspect of our state's development, and in "How Florida Infrastructure is Preparing for Autonomous Vehicles," we investigate the preparations underway to accommodate this emerging technology. Autonomous vehicles promise to revolutionize transportation, and Florida is at the forefront of creating a supportive infrastructure to ensure a seamless transition.

In our Market Spotlight, we’ll take a look at the Tampa Bay Smart Cities Alliance, a partnership between the City of Tampa, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 7 Office and the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research. The Alliance is moving toward the creation of a regional data platform, exploring mobility as a service and reimagining regional infrastructure.

Lastly, we highlight the efforts of the FDOT in our article on the Advanced Air Mobility Working Group. This initiative explores the future of air mobility, including integrating electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into our transportation networks. The working group's findings and recommendations are paving the way for a new era of transportation in Florida.

As always, we strive to keep you informed about the latest trends, innovations and achievements in the engineering sector. We hope this issue inspires you and provides valuable insights into the remarkable work being done in our state.

Stacey Butler Director of Marketing & Communications Florida Engineering Society (FES), ACEC Florida

Editor-in-Chief Stacey Butler

Managing Editor Joe VanHoose

Layout Editor Claire Jordan

Creative Direction

Hannah Groseclose

Contributors

Thomas Ehlers

Lindsey Ranayhossaini

Johnathan McGinty

Lauren Heighton

Ad Director

Meghan Shiner

Editorial Board

Katie Batill-Bigler, CPSM Patel, Greene & Associates | SMPS

Stacey Butler, Director of Marketing & Communications FES | ACEC Florida

John Constantinide, PE Director and Regional Chair, ASHRAE Region XII

David Cowan, Jr, PE, ENV SP Chen Moore and Associates | FES

Kelly Cranford, PE, ENV SP KEITH | FES Past President

Charles W. Davis, Jr, Ph.D. Associate Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | FES

Allen Douglas, Executive Director FES | ACEC Florida

Sunserea Gates, PE VHB | ASHE

Carmelo Giglio, PE, SI United Professional Engineering | FSEA

Andy Lauzier, PE HDR | ACEC Florida

Scott Martin, PE, LEED AP, DBIA Walter P. Moore | ACEC Florida Past President

Jennifer Nix McGerald, CPSM RS&H | ACEC Florida

Edie Ousley, President Yellow Finch Strategies

Cherie Pinsky, Chief Operating Officer FES | ACEC Florida

Adam Schildmeier, PE WGI | FES

Ann Schiola, CPSM CIP-II RS&H | ACEC Florida

Meghan Shiner, Communications Coordinator FES | ACEC Florida

Jignesh Vyas, PE Parsons Corporation | ASCE

Calendar of Events

JUNE JULY

FSEA

South Florida Summer Summit

DANIA BEACH

ASHRAE

ASHRAE Central Florida Presents “Celebrating Women in the Industry” ORLANDO

ACEC FLORIDA

ACEC Florida FDOTConnect Virtual Training Lab | Roadway Design 3D Modeling

SMPS

SMPS South Florida Discover Mix And Mingle Happy Hour FORT LAUDERDALE

SMPS

SMPS Central Florida Presents “Risk Mitigation Strategies And Post Loss Considerations” ORLANDO 11 11 13 11 12

SMPS

SMPS Central Florida Summer Social

ASCE FLORIDA

ASCE Florida Section Annual Conference

BONITA SPRINGS

SMPS

SPMS Tampa Bay Board Meeting

FES|ACEC FLORIDA FES and ACEC Florida Board Meetings

MIAMI

FES|ACEC FLORIDA 2024 FES | ACEC Florida Annual Conference AVENTURA

AUGUST

FBPE

FBPE Board Meetings KISSIMMEE

SMPS

SMPS Tampa Bay Board Meeting

Do PFAS and PFOA Change the World of Due Diligence?

PNick Albergo, P.E., DEE, D. WRE, F. ASCE, F. EWRI

Nick Albergo is a Senior Advisor with a GHD and a faculty member in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida. He was one of several authors of the first ASTM E1527 Standard on Due Diligence in 1993, the former ASTM E50.02 Subcommittee Vice Chair on Real Estate and Management, and a contributor to every revision of the Standard since its inception.

er- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of highly inert and heat-resistant manufactured chemicals known for their water and grease-resistant properties. PFAS have been widely used in the food packaging and manufacturing industries since the 1940s, including non-stick cookware, waterproofing and firefighting foam.

Recent evidence has led to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposing the listing of nine PFAs, along with their salts and their structural isomers, as hazardous constituents subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This list includes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), which the EPA has now designated as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).1

DOES THIS CHANGE HOW A PHASE I ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT IS PERFORMED?

The answer is no.

In summary, a recognized environmental condition occurs when there is a CERCLA release (or likely release) of any of the 800+ hazardous substances or petroleum products to the environment on the subject property. Since 1993, when the EPA issued guidance on the use of authority under section 104(a), the agency has taken the position that the phrase “release into the environment” (CERCLA §101(22)) refers to the location of the release itself and does not address the location of the hazard (i.e., contamination) that the release poses.2

Compliance with the ASTM International Standard Practice means that PFOA and PFOS should only be considered in those instances wherein a source has been identified on the subject property or adjoining properties or comment/opinion is requested by the person requesting the report. This could

include, for example, a manufacturing facility with evidence of these compounds or a current or former area where use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) may have been applied to address flammable liquid.

Still, the mere presence of such facilities (i.e., the source of PFOS/PFOA) is not enough. Rather, there must be compelling lines of evidence of a release from the source to the subject property. This applies to RCRA and CERCLA.

The EPA’s April 19 PFAS Enforcement Discretion and Settlement Policy Under CERCLA memorandum makes clear that the agency will focus on holding entities responsible that “significantly contributed to the release of PFAS into the environment.” These include parties that manufactured PFAS or used PFAS in the manufacturing process, federal facilities and other industrial parties (i.e., source locations) rather than commercial parcels that have received PFOS/PFOA through diffuse means such as atmospheric deposition.

The federal government and most states do not have maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) other than that for community drinking water systems (4 parts per trillion), and that’s for only six PFAS compounds of the more than 6 million unique compounds in this group. Otherwise, at this point, there is only cleanup guidance – at least in Florida. And again, the April 19 EPA memo states that the EPA does not intend to pursue entities where “equitable factors do not support seeking response actions or costs under CERCLA.”

If they are not seeking costs here, they are certainly not seeking costs from a commercial property in Howey-in-theHills with no defined source.

Currently, efforts are directing that if EPA does not finalize its standards for PFAS in drinking water, groundwater and soil by Jan. 1, 2025, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) must adopt statewide cleanup target levels (CTLs) using the risk-based corrective action criteria in existing law.3

To aid in the assessment and remediation of PFAS contamination in Florida, FDEP has derived provisional groundwater CTLs. Persons responsible for site rehabilitation also have the option to propose alternative CTLs for PFOA and/or PFOS. Currently, the provisional CTLs for groundwater is 70 ng/L (ppt) for total PFOA and PFOS. For soil, the CTLs are 1.3 mg/kg (residential) and 25 mg/kg (commercial/industrial).

HOW WILL THE FDEP LIKELY REGULATE DIFFUSE ANTHROPOGENIC POLLUTION IN THE FORM OF PFOS/PFOA?

The implications of third-party liability – and liability for cleanup – have caused consternation among responsible parties and their legislative representatives in Florida, even more so since there are currently no extant technologies that will remediate a PFAS source or plume to the FDEP’s CTL if it were to become law.

Current remedial responses consist of filtering PFAS from groundwater prior to human consumption (ex-situ) or the installation of filtering technologies designed to hinder the advancement of a PFAS plume (in-situ). Still, no chemical or biological technology is currently available in situ that will break down these compounds into their elemental components.

Consider the 2024 regular legislative session. Bills CS/ SB 1692 (Brodeur) and HB 1665 (Gossett-Seidman) were submitted to establish a PFAS and 1,4-dioxane pretreatment initiative within the FDEP for the purpose of coordinating wastewater facility industrial pretreatment programs. These bills would require wastewater facilities with an industrial pretreatment program to complete and provide to FDEP with just an inventory of industrial users to identify probable sources of PFAS or dioxane by July 2025.

These bills failed, which signals that establishing PFAS Law in any form is several years away as we wrestle with the ramifications. Even once such a law is established, it remains uncertain whether commercial properties with no history of a PFOS/PFOA source (or migration from a source) will be compelled to clean up such contaminants.

WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE PARTIES CONCERNED ABOUT PFOS/PFOA?

Following a Phase I site assessment and should a party seek additional assessment, such efforts would be based on a conceptual model or representation of hypothesized current site conditions, which focus on the likely distribution of target analytes that might have resulted from a known or likely source. Unless there is some compelling reason for the investigation (i.e., a nearby source), there would be no need to seek out PFOS/PFOA.

Considering benzo(a)pyrenes (BaPs) and benzo(a) pyrene-equivalents (BaP eqs), it is clear that the FDEP’s appetite and extent to which they are willing to seek enforcement have limits. It is not unusual to encounter BaP, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and hazardous substance on many commercial properties. After all, it has both petrogenic (relating to the origin or formation of rocks) and pyrogenic (relating to byproducts of combustion and predominantly emitted to the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels) origins.

Skilled professionals can distinguish the difference through the analysis of the distribution of PAHs and the parent versus the alkylated PAH distributions. When such analysis confirms a pyrogenic release not attributed to the discharge of petroleum products, the FDEP has been satisfied issuing a Site Rehabilitation Completion Order releasing the Party (or parties) from any further obligation to conduct site rehabilitation at the facility.

In the interim and in instances where comprehensive site assessment activities have not occurred but where there is no obvious indication of a source or release to the subject property, parties to a real estate transaction may consider obtaining a comfort letter from the FDEP. The EPA maintains a “comfort/status letter policy” that provides recommendations and model letters for EPA Regions to use when responding to parties interested in reusing and/or redeveloping contaminated, potentially contaminated, and formerly contaminated property.4

1 www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-09-06/pdf/2022-18657.pdf

2 Memorandum from Henry L. Longest, II, OSWER Directive 9360.3-12 (Aug. 12)., 1993

3 376.91 - Statewide cleanup of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

4 Superfund Memorandum of Agreement Between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, December 2, 1999

A NEW ORBIT: Florida’s Space Coast Booming

By Thomas Ehlers, Staff Writer

Photos by Sean Cannon

There’s a new space race growing across Florida’s Space Coast. It doesn’t involve world superpowers or Cold War rivalries, but instead public and private entities searching for the perfect places to explore spaceflight and the forefront of technology.

The Sunshine State has been synonymous with space flight since the late 1950s when the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was formed, but Florida’s Space Coast has seen a rebirth of opportunity and investment in the past several years. In 2023, the area hosted a record 72 launches – accounting for approximately 70% of launches across the country – and sent 1,400 payloads totaling 2 million pounds into orbit.

Space Florida, Florida’s aerospace and spaceport development authority formed in 2006, has played a vital role in these launches. President and CEO Robert Long joined the organization last year after a decorated military career including 23 years in the U.S. Air Force and 3 in the Space Force. He noted that while the industry is finally where it thought it would be 20 years ago, the energy is here.

“We’ve consistently increased year-over-year for the last five or six years,” Long said. “I think it really highlights the demand signal, the tempo by which space transportation is growing in terms of activity in general.”

“We’ve consistently increased... I think it really highlights the demand signal, the tempo by which space transportation is growing..."

— ROBERT LONG President and CEO Space Florida

SUPPORTING THE SKIES

Several technological enhancements have contributed to the rapid rise of rocket work, Long said, most notably the advent of reusable boosters – these provide more costeffective solutions to travel – and smaller satellites. These satellites utilize technologies that have driven computers and cell phones smaller and more capable.

But for companies, it’s often the benefits of Florida that drive them to do this work in the state.

Florida Power and Light (FPL) holds several strategic partnerships with entities across the Space Coast, forging cost-effective solutions for utilities.

“Power is a critical component for aerospace companies, especially those doing manufacturing and processing work,” said FPL Lead Economic Development Project Manager Katie Hogan. “FPL and PoweringFlorida have been working alongside our partners for decades to capitalize on the growth of the industry and bring more job opportunities to Florida. There is no sign of the commercial space industry slowing, and FPL and PoweringFlorida are well-positioned to support that development.”

In 2023, FPL supported a number of projects for a variety of companies, including Blue Origin, OneWeb Satellites, and Kuiper Satellites. It provides services including an Economic Development Rider program that provides discounts on service demand for up to five years, as well as a Commercial Industrial Service Rider to new, large energy users.

“It really starts with trying to find an ideal fit, both for the company and the communities FPL serves,” Hogan said. “Factors like workforce availability, energy costs and infrastructure access are all critical to companies looking for their next location, so the PoweringFlorida team works with our economic development partners to make the most compelling case for those companies.”

Additionally, Space Florida offers a toolkit to interested companies that aid with everything from equipment financing to infrastructure funding.

“We look at our role as investors, maybe not in the traditional sense in terms of actually investing capital, but investing in companies that show great potential for growth in terms of technology,” Long said. “We’re looking at the entire spectrum – we want to work at the university level, early phase research into science and technology so that we are building that into a pipeline to try and grow that foundational research base.”

A BUSY 2024

2024 marks a historic year of many “firsts” for the Space Coast.

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) completed a launch of its Vulcan VC2S rocket, marking the first certification mission from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission delivered a lunar lander into orbit more than 220,000 miles from Earth and a payload into deep space.

Boeing is set to launch the first flight with a commercial crew when its Starliner lifts off in June. The crew will leave Space Launch Complex 41 on a weeklong mission.

The Sierra Space Dream Chaser is set to launch later in the year as the only commercial runway capable space plane. The revolutionary winged vehicle can hold more than 6 tons of pressurized and unpressurized cargo while limiting forces to 1.5 g-forces on reentry. This NASA-backed project aims to provide cargo delivery, return and disposal service for the International Space Station.

Finally, the first stage of Blue Origin’s reusable New Glenn, a large rocket for larger payloads, is designed to complete a minimum of 25 flights. The rocket utilizes powerful and efficient American-made engines to complete flights for civil, national security and commercial partners.

“A lot of those have been in development for a while,” Long said. “I think this year, if those are all successful, it will be a really a milestone year.”

It follows a successful year in 2023 when Amazon announced an investment of $120 million towards its Project Kuiper. The funds are being used to construct a satellite processing facility at Space Florida’s Launch and Landing Facility (LLF).

Projected to finish in 2025, the facility upgrades will add more than 100,000 square feet of payload processing and support facilities for Project Kuiper’s network of low-orbit satellites that aim to provide fast, affordable broadband access to unserved and underserved communities.

Additionally, the state completed several other infrastructure projects during the last calendar year. Project Constitution saw the completion of $75 million in improvements and upgrades to the Spacecraft Integration Facility, while Project Poseidon completed $201 million worth of projects for facility upgrades and a replacement of equipment at a ship-repair facility. Project Upgrade II saw $12.4 million in support to CAE, a civil aviation, defense and security company, and its expansion and new training center.

These projects are only part of the state and nation’s growing space portfolio – an industry with tremendous upside.

“When you look at the aerospace market, it’s an area that I think the U.S. at large has been a leader for some time,” Long said. “It makes sense to continue to push on that leadership, both on the space side and the broader aerospace and aviation side, as well as the associated technologies that come with that.”

A NEW INDUSTRY FOR A GROWING ONE

Companies aren’t the only entities reaping the benefits of a growing Space Coast. The municipalities across the area are enjoying a financial return.

“The interesting thing is we’re seeing (revenues) increase,” Long said. “The likelihood of larger projects coming to fruition more often in the coming years, we could see about a billion dollars per year of economic impact come into the state from some of those.”

While industry along the Space Coast grows, so do related ones. Tourist Development Tax revenues have grown more than 60% due to efforts by the Space Coast Office of Tourism, the addition of several cruise ships to Port Canaveral – making it the second busiest cruise port in the world – and more frequent air service to Melbourne International Airport, all of which stem from launch growth.

In 2023, Cape Canaveral hosted a record 72 launches –accounting for approximately 70% of launches across the country –and sent 1,400 payloads totaling 2 million pounds into orbit.

Artemis I was the first in a series of increasingly complex NASA missions that will enable human exploration at the Moon and future missions to Mars. Photo courtesy of the Space Coast Office of Tourism.

“The crewed launches drive incremental tourists, as well as an overall interest in the public to come visit Kennedy Space Center.”

— PETER CRANIS Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director

“A significant increase in the number of launches has also contributed to the awareness of the area with the traveling consumer, and the desire to see a launch continues to make people’s bucket list,” Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis said. “The crewed launches drive incremental tourists, as well as an overall interest in the public to come visit Kennedy Space Center.”

As a result, area hotel inventories have grown by 1,500 rooms since 2019 and are poised to grow by another 12 properties and 1,400 rooms by the end of 2025. Similarly, the average daily rate of these rooms has risen from the low $100s to more than $160, reflective of the strength the industry has with consumers. Additionally, USA Today included the Space Coast in its Top 10 Best Summer Travel Destinations.

Long projects that the industry will see an increase in life science projects, competition with projects that hold market value and space transportation over the next decade. Initially, Space Florida projected 110 launches will happen this calendar year, and while that number might finish closer to 100, it’s up to the organization to sustain recent momentum.

“The number one challenge we have from a Space Florida perspective is just keeping up with the demand signal of companies wanting to come to the state to grow,” Long said.

“That’s a great problem to have for us, but we’re going to keep scaling to meet that demand. When you look ahead and think about what comes next, it’s an exciting time to be a part of this business.”

"The desire to see a launch continues to make people’s bucket list,”

— PETER CRANIS Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director

ACEC

Florida

AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES of Florida

ACEC Annual Presentation Synopsis

During the ACEC Annual Convention & Legislative Summit in May, BST Global Chief Executive Officer Javier A. Baldor gave a compelling presentation about how artificial intelligence and big data are changing the face of the AEC industry.

In the presentation, “How AI + Big Data Will Transform the AEC Industry,” Javier explained that BST Global brought together 14 senior technology visionaries from the world’s preeminent architecture, engineering and environmental consultancies in April 2024 to share how they’re preparing for an AI-powered and data-driven future.

BST Global’s AI Summit was an industry-first event that focused on all things AI for the AEC industry. The event featured speakers from AECOM, Arup, AtkinsRéalis, Gannett Fleming, GHD Digital, HDR, HNTB, Jensen Hughes, Kimley-Horn, Parsons, Populous, Ramboll, Stantec and Terracon.

During his ACEC Annual presentation, Javier reflected on vthe AI Summit and shared industry insights that aligned with three key themes:

1.

EMBRACE GEN AI

Javier shared that while our industry is massive – estimated to be valued at $17.5

trillion by 2030 – compared to other industries, it’s not very productive and is among the last to digitize.

However, the power of technology will keep growing exponentially, and generative AI models have the potential to radically change our industry. The AEC industry is changing from one where data is a byproduct to one where data is central to the business model.

Javier also presented real generative AI use cases from AECOM, AtkinsRéalis, GHD Digital and HNTB. Additionally, he shared that McKinsey & Company estimated that Gen AI alone is going to add $4.4 trillion to the global economy annually and that Gen AI has the potential to automate up to 50% of work tasks between the years of 2030–2060.

BECOME DATA-DRIVEN

2.

BST Global interviewed hundreds of project managers and team members from the world’s leading consultancies and learned they were managing their projects mostly in Microsoft Excel because their current business systems were clunky, confusing, cumbersome and convoluted. These systems were also plagued with disjointed historical data that only offered rearview project visibility.

Javier shared that there is a better way, one that empowers your data by embracing big data solutions and having the right data architecture as the foundation for your AI capabilities. He encouraged the audience to start by unifying disparate structured and unstructured data sources in a “data lake house” and securing it in the cloud. Finally, he noted that firms can realize the prize of making their data smart by leveraging AI and machine learning to deliver predictive insights.

3.

INVEST IN MACHINE LEARNING

AI can shift us from a “sense and respond” capability to a “predict and preempt”

capability, showcasing some examples from Stantec. Javier said that data is fundamentally the biggest hurdle, the biggest challenge and biggest opportunity for the AEC industry. There has to be a data strategy in play. But, by empowering data with machine learning, firms can predict, detect and optimize their project portfolios.

Javier discussed the machine learning models used by BST Insights, which examine revenue leakage using Net Labor Multiplier as a leading indicator. The model is able to predict a project’s course using data signals, allowing the project manager to course-correct and change the project’s trajectory before it is too late.

In closing, Javier invited the audience to consider what kind of business they’re in. The future

of the AEC industry requires us to stop thinking of data as a byproduct and become a datacentric business instead. It is time to think differently.

To learn more about BST Global’s 2024 AI Summit, please visit bstglobal.com/aisummit-2024 / for event videos and downloadable session presentations. BST Global also launched an AEC-focused podcast, The Trailblazers, during the AI Summit with all speakers participating. You can listen to the released episodes at bstglobal. com/podcast.

Interested in attending BST Global’s 2025 AI Summit? Visit bstglobal.com/aisummit2025/ to sign up for registration alerts. Lastly, if you’d like to hear Javier speak in the future, visit BST Global’s events hub to see where he will be next!

Javier Baldor is Chief Executive Officer and a Principal Shareholder of BST Global. Javier leads a global team of professionals responsible for the market introduction of BST Global’s business software products and cloud solutions. Javier is also instrumental in crafting and implementing the company’s business strategy, overall vision and mission with the BST Global leadership team.

A Long and Winding Road FLORIDA FORGES AHEAD

TO IMPLEMENT CONNECTED AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY

By Todd Rohack, Southeast Communications Lead for Jacobs and Lindsey Ranayhossaini, Staff Writer

In 2021, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) published a policy principles document that included recommendations calling for safety verification of automated driving systems to ensure the safe operations of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs). AASHTO concluded that CAV technology has the potential to improve safety, equity and sustainability.

But preparations to integrate CAVs into Florida’s transportation infrastructure began much earlier, as the state legislature declared its intent to “encourage the safe development, testing, and operation of motor vehicles with autonomous technology on the public roads of the state” in 2012 with House Bill 1207.

“That evolved to being landmark legislation,” said Beth Kigel, vice president of intelligent transportation and emerging mobility solutions for HNTB and chair of Autonomous Florida.

Since then, a flurry of state legislation has established further provisions to allow vehicles to operate in autonomous mode, including 2019 legislation that made Florida one of the first states to define an automated system as a vehicle operator with House Bill 311.

Coupled with state legislation aimed at attracting new industries to Florida and a climate conducive to vehicle testing, these policies have led to an explosion of growth in statewide projects and initiatives aimed

at expanding access to transportation and increasing safe transit through CAVs.

In fact, Project Link, an undisclosed entity, is pursuing a $100 million capital investment project to establish a manufacturing facility for electronic autonomous vehicles in Jacksonville. Project Link’s strategic plan includes the creation of a 450,000-square-foot manufacturing space that will initially employ 145 workers and expand to more than 200 workers.

“Given our favorable and thoughtful regulatory environment, the collaboration across sectors, and community engagement, I am bullish on Florida continuing to be a leader in mobility innovation,” Kigel said.

INFRASTRUCTURE ADAPTATIONS

In 2023, the Florida Legislature paved the way for adaptations to prepare the state’s infrastructure for CAVs when it set a requirement for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to grade roadways based on their ability to support driving systems that utilize CAV technologies.

“FDOT is currently developing the criteria and standards, which can be used to grade roadways for supporting CAV operations on them,” said Trey Tillander, executive director of transportation technology for the FDOT.

Necessary adaptations to existing infrastructure to accommodate CAVs include improving signage and pavement markings, implementing standard sixinch-wide traffic striping, and improving minimum performance requirements of the striping in all weather conditions. FDOT began implementing these changes several years ago, Tillander said, as they also benefit human drivers.

“Florida is one of the only states to have all of their limited-access or their interstate facilities fully covered by ITS deployments. What that does is to allow for communication to occur.”

— Craig Toth, vice president and practice consultant for HNTB

To allow CAVs to connect and exchange important information, FDOT is pursuing enhancements to the digital infrastructure system that supports the state’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) network. The department is investing in a Vehicle-to-Everything Data Exchange Platform to house data from sources throughout the state.

“It's actually a very complex ecosystem, because you have the FDOT-managed network, but then you have local agencies that operate their roadways as well,” said Craig Toth, vice president and practice consultant for HNTB. “Florida is one of the only states to have all of their limited-access or their interstate facilities fully covered by ITS deployments. What that does is to allow for communication to occur.”

Toth, who serves as project manager for HNTB’s various digital infrastructure solutions projects, said Florida also has robust regional transportation management centers (TMCs). The TMCs in each FDOT geographic district are interconnected, and this connectivity allows data to be centrally managed and shared.

Enhancements to the digital infrastructure system that supports the state’s ITS network are also necessary to accommodate CAVs, Tillander said. These include fiber optic cable connectivity along all freeway corridors, upgrading environmental sensor stations to detect smoke and fog, and enhancing traffic signal controllers to accept additional inputs for the detection of freight, transit and vulnerable road users to improve operations and broadcast signal status via connected systems.

“It really provides an opportunity to update existing systems – primarily traffic signal controllers – so that they're more adaptable and they have interconnectivity,” Toth said. “It really is a multimodal solution, but it requires some updating to existing legacy systems.”

THE SUNTRAX FACILITY

Though test sites and mobility innovation initiatives abound throughout Florida, the state’s SunTrax facility, opened in June 2023, is the newest development in Florida’s push to become an emerging hub for transportation innovation and safety. Developed by Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (part of FDOT), the facility in Auburndale is designed for the research, development and testing of emerging transportation technologies in safe and controlled environments.

SunTrax’s 200-acre infield facility was designed by Jacobs and its teaming partners Bentley Architects + Engineers, Salas O’Brien, and Ramski and Company. Surrounding the infield is a 2.25-mile oval track that allows highwayspeed, multi-lane testing of passenger vehicles as well as semi-truck testing for tolling operations, truck platooning and emerging technologies in the fleet vehicle industries.

“Facilities have been around for decades to test conventional vehicles and human drivers,” said Scott Carter, the project manager with Jacobs who led design and development of the infield at SunTrax. “But with SunTrax, we had to design for a customer who doesn’t yet exist—the eventual operator of the facility. That meant that it had to be modular, re-configurable and above all, flexible for future technologies.”

Users of the facility’s test sectors can employ standard tests like wet track testing to test vehicular safety and driver (and soon computer) control on slick surfaces, icy roads or worn-out pavement. SunTrax also features several CAV-inspired test sectors, including an environment that features a signalized boulevard equipped with interconnected controllers, full pedestrian features and a grid of city streets.

The Suntrax infield has three primary functional areas: the administrative and operations building campus, internationally recognized and standardized test sectors, and test sectors specifically designed to address CAV functionalities. Photos courtesy of Jacobs.

The Suntrax building campus includes the arrival and conference building, the iconic ‘front door’ to SunTrax. Its sleek exterior and three-dimensionally curved structure is inspired by the automotive and technology industries that SunTrax is designed to serve. Photos courtesy of Jacobs.

The boulevard in SunTrax can be outfitted with shipping containers stacked up to six high with removable facades to simulate building materials like glass, metal and brick. This urban canyon can be reconfigured with different faux building heights and materials to test the sensory capabilities of CAV radar communications and other sensors.

SunTrax’s geometry track tests the ability of drivers and CAV technology to deal with blind hilltops, valleys and intersections where approaches can’t be seen. While typical roadway slopes in Florida vary up to 4% or 6%, the geometry track includes hills up to 28% in grade. It was specifically designed to answer the question: What does a CAV’s artificial intelligence decide to do when sensory inputs are incomplete? For example, when it can’t see over the hill or around a corner?

to certain areas of the state, and initiating outreach programs and collaborations with desirable mobility industry partners.

“This unique 475-acre facility brings a new era of advanced transportation and technology testing,” Tillander said. “Florida has industry, facilities, infrastructure owners and researchers working in tandem to make CAV testing and implementation in Florida second to none.”

FLORIDA 2030

Kigel cited the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Florida 2030 Blueprint, a comprehensive plan that maps out six key areas of targeted growth within the state by 2030, as a driving force behind Florida’s adoption of CAV technologies.

Some of the goals outlined in the blueprint include connecting all population economic centers to markets and achieving access to public and private mobility services for every Florida resident, as well as Florida reaching rankings within the top five states for manufacturing, and top three states for tech jobs and venture capital investments.

Autonomous Florida, another Florida Chamber of Commerce initiative, works to make Florida “the mobility innovation capital of the world” by recruiting mobility industry partners to the state, tracking the inventory of the state’s existing mobility innovation projects, advocating for policy that supports mobility innovation development, defining centers of excellence to attract industry partners

“Our goal is to contribute to the overarching goals of the Florida 2030 Blueprint, and given the innovations and the regulatory environment in the state, we’re poised to do that,” Kigel said.

The work to bring Florida to the forefront of mobility innovation revolves around two primary goals: transportation safety and access.

The National Safety Council reported 46,027 traffic deaths in the United States in 2022, and Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 3,320 traffic deaths in Florida in 2022. On top of this, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that approximately 94% of motor vehicle crashes are caused by driver error.

Advocates for CAVs contend that information sharing between vehicles, roadside pedestrians and other modes will make the roadways safer for all travelers. Known as vehicle-to-everything, or V2X technology, it connects all elements that affect or can be affected by a vehicle.

“When a motorist gets in a vehicle to drive, there is an expectation to arrive safely; however, driver behavior continues to be a significant factor,” Tillander said. “The FDOT CAV program is working to create an environment where we can significantly reduce or eliminate crashes on Florida’s roadways by providing the infrastructure to allow more data to be shared so faster, more informed decisions can be made.”

And many new vehicles are already equipped with autonomous technologies like lane assist, automated braking and adaptive cruise control to compensate for distracted driving or other sources of human error.

“There are different levels of technology,” Toth said. “It's very well implemented in current cars. [CAV technology] is something that continues to evolve and adapt as new technology, better processing and best practices come online.”

TRANSPORTATION ACCESS

The Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Florida Prosperity Project, an initiative with the objective of cutting childhood poverty in half by 2030, cites insufficient transportation options as one of the 10 root causes of poverty. By preparing the state to adopt CAV technology and ultimately expand access to transportation options like autonomous shuttles, CAV advocates hope to connect more people with jobs and help to establish their independence.

“When it comes to AV options, I often mention the ability to allow those who have been dependent on others to be more independent to get where they need to go in a safe and efficient manner,” Kigel said.

“This is something, for example, that creates opportunity for Florida’s aging population, as well as for working families struggling to get their children to school and other activities.”

In recent years, there have been deployments of autonomous shuttles in the United States, including programs in Altamonte Springs, Jacksonville, Lake Nona, Orlando and Port St. Lucie. These programs are powered by Beep, an Orlando-based company that promises to “deliver the next generation of autonomous, shared mobility solutions through its software and services.”

Autonomous shuttle deployments can serve “the last mile” to help individuals reach public transit options using shuttle services from

Suntrax's noise, vibration and hardness test sector contains a series of pavement surfaces developed to internationally recognized standards and used to certify vehicles for fitness on public roadways. Photos courtesy of Jacobs.

their homes, Toth said. These smaller fleets can provide connectivity and build out a transportation network that wouldn’t be possible with traditional options like buses.

However, there have been some bumps in the road with autonomous shuttle deployments. In Oct. 2023, the California DMV suspended the use of autonomous vehicles operated by Cruise after a San Francisco pedestrian was struck and critically injured by a Cruise robotaxi. Prior to the incident, there had been many other cases of near-collisions, traffic disruptions and driving errors made by Cruise vehicles operating in San Francisco.

Though autonomous vehicles promise more transportation options and access, they must prove to be a dependable, safe transportation source to become widely adopted.

“At the end of the day, for some people to utilize a public service, the experience has to be a very good experience,” Kigel said.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Even with the challenges presented by CAV technology, there remains a wide variety of ways that autonomous vehicles can be incorporated into the transportation framework of the future. Whether that be through autonomous shuttles and air taxis or delivery services like drones or autonomous freight trucks, companies are continuing to find ways to innovate in this space.

“Autonomous trucks are already sharing the road with traditional vehicles with a driver,” Kigel said.

“The good news is that no one has really noticed but for announcements related to the successes. At some point, this will increase and we will also see more connected and autonomous vehicles on our roadways – ride hail or personally owned – sharing the roadway with those that prefer to drive their own vehicles.

“We will certainly have a more autonomous and connected world by 2030, but it will be very much integrated with human drivers on the roadways.”

Helping transportation clients move forward.

At Jacobs, we’re going beyond the typical solution of building our way out of gridlock and congestion by putting our curious minds to work to create a smarter, more connected world. We’re facing a new generation of challenges and opportunities in moving people, goods and services. And at Jacobs, we’re pushing the limits of what’s possible. We tackle the world’s toughest challenges.

ASCE

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS

FLORIDA SECTION

2024 ASCE Florida Section Annual Conference

Kathleen Ruvarac, PE

2023-2024 President, ASCE Florida Section

The Florida Section’s main event each year is the Annual Conference, taking place this year from July 10–12 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs. This year’s theme is Resilience: The Road to Recovery, which will highlight the region’s response to Hurricane Ian.

The Florida Section Annual Conference brings 75-plus technical and professional development sessions in 7 tracks of engineering: structural, geotechnical, environmental and water resources, transportation, utilities, sustainability, and professional development. In addition to professional and technical development, the state-required two-hour Laws/Rules & Ethics course will be offered as well as a new session on the Advanced Florida Building Code.

The conference also offers exhibitor space to showcase new and innovative products and hosts the annual recognitions awards ceremony. The conference offers something for everyone, including our growing number of student members who can find more info on learning opportunities and scholarships.

The conference will kick off on Wednesday, July 10, with a technical tour of the Sanibel Causeway emergency and permanent repairs presented by FDOT D1 staff. The Welcome Reception will be held at the hotel at 6:30 p.m. and provide an awesome time to unwind, reconnect with friends and colleagues and meet new ones!

Our installation luncheon will be held on Friday, July 12, and feature our keynote speaker, Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. Guthrie will provide an overview of Southwest Florida’s recovery. ASCE President Marsia Geldert-Murphy, PE, F. ASCE, will join us and install our new officers on the board of directors.

Visit www.asceflconference.org or scan the QR Code for more information.

CITIES OF THE FUTURE

Another amazing initiative that ASCE is championing and presenting is the Cities of the Future IMAX film featuring five young ASCE members working to solve the world’s most pressing challenges with inspiring solutions. The film also follows a team of middle school students as they compete in the Future City Competition and uses jaw-dropping CGI and the immersive size and sound of the IMAX experience to allow audiences to “step into the future.” Science centers and museums around the world have already booked the film.

Check out the movie trailer at this link: www:youtu.be/ XVyID8bYK9I

To date there are two opportunities to view the IMAX film in Florida with more planned.

Tallahassee – Challenger Learning Center www.challengertlh.com/cities/

Fort Lauderdale – Museum of Discovery and Science www.mods.org/coming-soon/

2024 SOUTHE ST STUDENT SYMPOSIUM

The 2024 ASCE Southeast Student Symposium was held at the University of Central Florida from March 21-23, and proved to be an exhilarating event for civil engineering students from 19 universities in Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico. With over 1,000 students, volunteers and judges in attendance, the symposium hosted by the ASCE Florida Section included a variety of competitions that tested students' engineering skills and creativity.

Competitions included the Concrete Canoe races, where teams showcased their innovative designs and paddling

prowess, and the Steel Bridge competition that challenged participants to construct and demonstrate the durability of their meticulously crafted bridges. The Sustainable Solutions competition stood out as students presented projects aimed at revitalizing urban waterfronts, promoting sustainable development.

The event was generously supported by 38 sponsors ensuring its success and providing valuable networking opportunities for the students. Beyond competitions, the symposium featured a career fair and an awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the participants. This year's symposium not only highlighted the technical abilities and ingenuity of the future generation of civil engineers but also underscored the importance of networking and collaborative problem-solving in the AEC industry.

ASCE 2024 NATIONAL CONVENTION

ASCE’s National Convention will be held in Tampa Oct. 6-9. We have many Florida projects that will be presented throughout the conference and showcased at the OPAL Awards Gala. For more information, visit convention.asce.org

2025 U PDATE ON FLORIDA’S INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT CARD

The Florida Section is preparing the 2025 Update on Florida’s Infrastructure Report Card for its release next year. The 2021 Florida report card looked at 14 types of infrastructure as compared with the 17 national categories.

The Florida report card received a grade of C, compared to the national grade of C-. A grade of “C” means the state’s infrastructure is in mediocre to good condition.

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Florida high marks for the condition of its ports and bridges, but the report card warns of risks from aging levees and dams, with grades of D+ and D- respectively. Its highest grade, a B+, was in solid waste management, notably for innovations in the conversion of waste to energy (WTE) and construction of renewable energy facilities in the state. The 2021 report card can be accessed here: www.infrastructurereportcard. org/state-item/florida

BRIDGING THE GAP

ASCE released “Bridging the Gap,” the update to its 2021 economic study, “Failure to Act,” on May 13. ASCE’s 2021 “Failure to Act” study found that sub-par infrastructure costs American families $3,300 annually over 10 years.

The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and 2022 Inflation Reduction Act were positive steps forward, reducing that household burden to $2,700.

In 2026, if Congress continues to act with funding levels from those laws, American families will save $700 more per year from 2024-2043.

Here is a link to the report: www.bridgingthegap. infrastructurereportcard.org

Evolving Digital Delivery:

WHY SWITCH TO THE MODEL OF RECORD?

By Andrew Poszich, PE

Where are you and your colleagues on the journey to digital transformation?

Never before have we been tasked with creating, managing and interpreting the sheer magnitude of generated data. Our industry, among others, has seen a massive influx of new ways of storing information, evolving from paper plans to PDFs, electronic transmittals, and now digital delivery and beyond.

Digital delivery workflows expedite delivery times and design efficiencies early in the project lifecycle. The true potential comes to light when that same data is being used (and certified) through construction. Leveraging the same model data provides insight into reducing potential conflicts in the field before they happen, improves the understanding of design intent, and leads to a

safer, more efficient construction and inspection process.

Inherent in all digital delivery workflows, real-time quality control allows you to oversee the design progression in a way that may not have been feasible in the past. Automated tools such as clash detection make it much easier for the project to progress and see where the issues may lie. As the project evolves, you can comment, advise, and even pivot if something isn't meeting the desired outcome.

With a fully matured digital workflow, you're not losing information or redoing work as you hand off data through different stages of the project lifecycle. Minimizing restarts each time you go from one major project milestone to the next can save significant time – and cost. You are

ultimately working towards a future where you can keep information continuous and constantly evolving throughout the asset's lifecycle.

USING 3D DESIGN DATA

Delivering projects in 3D provides a lot of usable data and benefits. One of my favorite benefits of using a 3D model is that it saves me time and understanding regardless of which phase I’m being brought into a project. I'm not piecing together different items, plan sheets or ideas; instead, I can see every component as it is and how they will interact.

Another underleveraged tool I’ve seen is the use of reality mesh data to enhance traditional survey deliverables. A reality mesh is a great tool that brings in that elevated level of information about your existing conditions and embraces the understanding of working in a 3D world.

Most importantly, the 3D model eliminates any misinterpretation. You're working in a geospatially accurate 3D space with a single source of truth to push your designs and projects forward. With that comes an increased emphasis on inner interdisciplinary coordination.

Since you're relying on that single source of truth for the model information, you start seeing the benefit of this passive quality control environment where you're inadvertently looking over the shoulders of your neighbors (other disciplines) in the 3D model, able to see changes in real time. While this does not replace a formal QC process, it greatly enhances coordination as you develop the design.

3D Visualization isn't something new; it's been around for years. But now you have an integrated model that is part of your design process that can quickly be brought forward for public involvement or stakeholder

meetings. You can zoom into those areas they care about and even drop down to show the street view and walk through the project.

It's essential not to get overwhelmed with the data, and it's also necessary to be aware that not every project is the same. For instance, in the transportation sector, how you manage the 3D design on an intersection project could be very different from that for a 10-mile new alignment.

MOVING TOWARDS A MODEL OF RECORD

Using models as legal documents (MALD) is a vision of digital delivery that is being leveraged by many agencies and firms across the country. Having the 3D model serve as the contract document solves a key piece of the information lifecycle puzzle. Even if projects currently provide a model as part of the contract package, it often can’t be used for the actual construction beyond field validation if it's not contractually binding.

Something easily overlooked is whether state legislation allows for this type of project delivery - this is something to research if you’re looking to implement it at the state agency level.

In Florida, digital delivery is the standard method of electronically transmitting contact documents to FDOT. Digital files specifically created for automated machine guidance (AMG) and inspection are being signed and sealed in addition to contract plans.

Starting your digital delivery journey without using a full 3D model is OK. Consider starting by

sharing alignments and Land XML files, as this will get partners around you used to working with these tried and tested file types. Land XML has been around for years and is used by contractors and inspectors, as it works with several operating platforms in the field.

Try to be agnostic with the programs that provide your data, as you don't want to be locked into a specific platform as tools and technologies change. Keep your policy focused on the information you have and not necessarily the platform it was produced with.

As you incorporate digital delivery workflows in your agency, it's important to continue engaging with our industry. Recognize that you are in the spotlight if you're near the front of the pack, signing, sealing, and leading these pilot projects. Other states and agencies are looking to you for guidance and advice, whether they're directly contacting you or not.

We encourage you to attend technical conferences, mingle with people doing the work, and focus on sharing the information you discover. Communication is key to digital delivery. You can never over-communicate. BIM provides an excellent common language we can all readily converse in and understand once those connections are established.

These are conversations we all need to have with each other as we move our industry toward digital delivery. The results will be more collaboration, improved quality control, and better projects for everyone.

The tools you'll need to get started with digital delivery are readily available, making it simple to start leveraging them to develop your digital review workflows. As you jump in, remember that you don't have to rush. Here are a few things to consider:

1. The horizon, as defined by digital delivery, is broad, so prioritize things that matter most to your firm or agency.

2. Begin with readily available deliverables to your group so you can start leveraging and seeking those benefits and values sooner.

3. Consider interagency partnerships

and partnering with consultants, contractors, inspectors, and other stakeholders. Get feedback, see what people are using, and start incorporating what is critical and beneficial for you.

4. Integrate those deliverables into the plan delivery process.

5. Most importantly, communicate the rollout, explaining not only what you're doing, but why you're doing it and the steps you're taking.

Remember, this is a commitment to a process, so take it one step at a time. And remember that partnership is critical through all this, as we're all in this process together.

Andrew Poszich, PE has been with RS&H since 2014 and serves as the Design Integration Lead for the Transportation Market after spending many years in the highway design group. He brings an in-depth understanding of transportation design and overall three-dimensional workflow as it relates to core engineering principles and interdisciplinary collaboration. He can be reached at andrew.poszich@rsandh.com.

As employee owners, we’re driven to care. We work hard every day to create a more connected future where everyone can thrive We don’t just get it done – we get it done right

Start your exceptional journey today. Full-service A/E/C solutions at rsandh.com.

ASHRAE

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING, RERIGERATION, AND AIR-CONDITIONING ENGINEERS

ASHRAE Pushing the Technology Envelope

John Contstantinide, PE

Spotlight Sponsored by:

ASHRAE Region XII Director and Regional Chair

Technology is the lifeblood of ASHRAE, and its role in the built environment to focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability makes the organization well-poised to address present and future issues of our industry. Stemming from its roots of focusing on heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, ASHRAE’s use of technology has evolved to meet today’s industry in terms of access, quality and relevance of content, and applicability.

ASHRAE TECHNOLOGY PORTAL

The ASHRAE Technology Portal, accessible at www.ashrae.org/technologyportal, is the central location for all digitally accessible resources ASHRAE offers its members. ASHRAE members gain value through technical resources that provide relevant information for all types of built environment professionals, including building owners, engineers, architects, contractors and technicians.

Among the resources available on the portal is Handbook Online, which provides all four volumes of the ASHRAE Handbook on a subscription service. The ASHRAE Handbooks are the staple literature of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineers for decades and have evolved to include considerations of building systems beyond mechanical systems.

Also on the Technology Portal are other subscription services of value to built environment professionals and researchers, including the Duct Fitting Database, Weather Data Viewer, and Datacom Encyclopedia. As ASHRAE technical committees develop more web-based and webaccessible technologies, these additional subscription services will be added to the Portal.

ASHRAE BUILDING ENERGY QUOTIENT

In addition to the ASHRAE Technology Portal, ASHRAE offers the Building Energy Quotient (Building EQ) program, a web-based platform accessible at www.ashrae.org/buildingeq. Building EQ benchmarks a building’s energy performance and assists with a Level 1 Energy Audit.

The benchmarking compares the subject building against buildings of the same type in the same climate zone, as used in ASHRAE Standard 90.1 for new construction and renovation projects and ASHRAE Standard 100 for existing buildings. In the portal’s In Operation feature, The Level 1 Energy Audit, completed in compliance with ASHRAE Standard 211, evaluates energy performance through a site visit and energy conservation measure assessment.

Level 1 Energy Audits have documentation requirements that Building EQ can assist with, saving energy auditors and engineers time and money. The portal is designed to help professionals with providing information, including

utility energy consumption, completing all the items required in a Level 1 Energy Audit, and conducting indoor environmental quality surveys.

With the information provided, Building EQ provides energy and carbon performance scores for the building, which are based on energy use intensities calculated through the 2003 Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) from the U.S. Department of Energy, the same survey used by ASHRAE Standard 90.1. After a project is submitted, professionals can order products compliant with ASHRAE Standard 211 for submission to municipalities, building owners and other stakeholders, saving hours to document energy audits and providing project scoping information to prospective design consultants.

Building EQ also assists professionals with projecting the energy consumption and carbon footprint of buildings to be constructed or renovated. This As Designed feature takes information from energy models compliant with ASHRAE Standard 90.1, Appendix G to calculate projected building energy use intensities and conducts the same comparison with buildings of the same type in the same climate zone as is done with buildings in operation.

Taking this one step further, building owners can have a building evaluated prior to construction or renovation with the As Designed feature and one year after completion of construction with operational data with the In Operation feature. This evaluation can compare whether a building is performing as it is designed and addresses gaps that can be overcome with continuous maintenance and commissioning.

TECHNOLOGY EMPOWERING INDUSTRY

ASHRAE always seeks ways to empower the built environment industry to achieve its vision of a “healthy and sustainable built environment for all.” Whether through its Technology Portal, the Building EQ platform, free resources available at www.ashrae.org/technicalresources/free-resources, or subscription resources that can be found on the ASHRAE website (www.ashrae.org), our Society is ready to increase capability in an industry always challenged to do more with less.

The OnSyte Distributed Sewer Network

Real Solutions to Florida Pollution

Market Spotlight

Working Smarter

TAMPA AREA ALLIANCE BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURE

By Thomas Ehlers, Staff Writer

Sometimes rejection is the best motivator.

The Tampa Bay Smart Cities Alliance (TBSCA) wouldn’t be here without it.

The joint partnership between the City of Tampa, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)’s District 7 Office and the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) was established in 2017, but its impact has grown beyond the city limits through the years. Its inception came after the City of Tampa applied for federal grant funding but wasn’t selected.

Instead of throwing in the towel, this trifecta got busy.

“The effort of putting together that proposal was really a great benefit because we looked at ourselves and said, ‘Hey, we’re collaborating and learning from each other, let's continue this,’’' said CUTR senior research associate Sara Hendricks. “Independent of the grant opportunities, let’s formalize our collaboration and become an alliance.”

The alliance held an initial meeting and invited around 40 individuals from 25 regional stakeholders, including public and private associations, chambers of commerce and community organizations. After initial discussions, alliance members settled on three major goals:

the creation of a regional data platform, exploring mobility as a service and reimagining regional infrastructure.

“It’s an agreement that provides that we will work together to research, develop, deploy and evaluate technologies and use analysis-based solutions to address problems facing growing communities,” Hendricks said.

“In our case, it’s the growing Tampa Bay region. It has its share of challenges and growing pains, but also a great deal of economic opportunity that we want to harness and make sure our technologies are keeping pace with.”

Collaboration is the key to the Alliance’s success, and it focuses on projects utilizing scalable technology that is customer-focused, user-friendly and cost-effective. In

addition to its research capabilities, CUTR can tap into the pipeline of USF students who wish to work in these fields, giving the students valuable experience and partners the ability to utilize motivated young talent. An interdisciplinary body, CUTR partners with different schools and programs across campus to deliver the expertise for the projects it undertakes.

The Alliance recently completed its data platform, marking a major milestone for the group. The platform stores large and “big” data sets on a wide array of topics, including a work-zone data exchange specific to construction zones. This technology is open to a variety of stakeholders, including FDOT District 7’s Alice Price.

Market Spotlight

TAMPA AREA ALLIANCE BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURE

“It’s a one-stop source for information that not only serves as a repository for our internal folks, but also for our external (partners),” Price said. “We’re trying to figure out how to not put limitations on it but continue to use those data sources in order to better predict and analyze safety issues instead of just reacting to them.”

In December 2022, the City of Tampa launched a mobility pilot study for its multi-modal transit mobile application hosted by Moovit. The application helps users plan their travel by combining all local mobility and micro mobility avenues, including electric scooters and bikes as well as public transit, which includes buses, light rail and trains. Today, the app serves residents across the area, enhancing accessibility to all.

“It gives the ability to plan for your travel, pay for your travel and access a ticket where all multimodal services are integrated,” Hendricks said. “It’s a one stop-shop, and it provides all of this information – some of it in real time – in regard to planning a trip.”

PUTTING TOGETHER PROJECTS

While some partnerships have rigid rules, the TBSCA allows members to flex their bandwidth and capabilities based on their needs and interests.

“The beauty of the alliance is that there is not really any formal commitment,” Hendricks said. “It’s just a loose framework to allow us all to work together.”

That sense of collaboration has manifested itself in a number of completed projects, including two major roadway initiatives.

One such initiative studied enhancements to cybersecurity in public transportation, and it used CUTR researchers to complete a literature review and survey in addition to their analysis. Dr. Pei-Sung Lin worked on the project, which focused on existing infrastructure and the future of connected and autonomous vehicles that will use technology to communicate and navigate themselves.

The study looked into possible attacks on infrastructure, the vulnerabilities of technology, and how individuals or groups could use technology to their advantage. It studied several facets of public transportation, including traffic light cabinets, wireless fare technologies, connectivity systems, wi-fi enabled devices and more.

The Alliance was able to offer feedback to device manufacturers that several municipalities use to ensure their products were physically secure and digitally sound.

“A lot of local agencies, they are the front lines of traffic control operations, so a lot of times they may or may not have the resources,” Lin said, noting the possibilities TBSCA creates to the public at-large. “They call on the state or much bigger agencies or manufacturers to ensure things are safe. Awareness of cybersecurity for their traffic control system is a continuing effort and will be a positive for everybody.”

The Tampa Bay Smart Cities Alliance is a partnership between the City of Tampa, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)’s District 7 Office and the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR). Photo courtesy of TBS

The City of Tampa’s makeup creates a unique position for tractor-trailer traffic, as the area features an international airport, seaport, a number of strategic state and interstate highways and important railways. The alliance’s truck route signage program helped ease traffic concerns that arise from this elevated truck traffic.

The area saw an increased number of trucks missing turns or traveling into spaces they weren’t allowed, which led to traffic jams when these trucks would have to make U-turns or attempt to correct their mistakes. The study pinpointed the hotspots of these moving violations, which led to the development a system of signs that

While many projects have a more transportation-centered focus, the Alliance hopes to expand into healthcare, education, economic development and other realms that smart technologies can support. Photo courtesy of TBSCA.

gave directions in an adequate amount of time for trucks to find appropriate lanes, reduce violations and prevent resulting congestion.

“The two violations happen when people go where they are not supposed to go for two reasons,” Lin said. “One, they are trying to get a shortcut, or the second reason is they truly just don’t know. When you have all of this clear signage, there is no reason to violate.”

After implementation, the project saw a 56% decrease in violations at 10 legs of road at 8 intersections.

While many projects have a more transportationcentered focus, the Alliance hopes to expand into healthcare, education, economic development and other realms that smart technologies can support.

Today, the alliance holds quarterly training workshops for stakeholders and members along with regular meetings. It undergoes pilot projects, and its members are interested in a variety of other conversations, including alternative fuels, electric vehicles and resiliency. It’s also paved the way for positive change in partners.

“I think for FDOT, it’s been a transition from being reactive to proactive and really thinking about our roadways and our facilities differently,” Price said.

While the TBSCA is only part of Hendrick’s role at CUTR, it has bolstered her understanding of the power of partnerships.

“Collaboration and engagements and partnerships are very challenging,” Hendricks said. “It takes a lot of work, and it takes more time to do it and do it right. It takes a lot to engage the public. But if you take the time and effort to do it, do it right and do it consistently well, you are so far ahead. That’s a key takeaway.”

FLORIDA FOCUSED ON FUTURE OF

Advanced Air Mobility

By Joe VanHoose, Managing Editor

In November, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared Purdue, Mayor of Tampa Jane Castor, and Florida and U.S. congressional leaders convened at Tampa International Airport for a test flight like no one in the state had seen before.

They witnessed the first-ever flight test of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at an operational, international airport in the U.S., and the first eVTOL test in Florida. The flight test campaign consisted of aircraft downwash and outwash testing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and performance testing in local environmental conditions.

Seeing the piloted eVTOL in the air was proof of concept for FDOT and other state leaders who have opened the state up to the advanced air mobility (AAM) market, specifically around eVTOL aircraft that may one day soon serve as flying taxis, delivery vehicles and personal flying cars.

But this wasn’t a video clip or a 3D rendering; the Volocopter 2X was flying in front of all to see.

“What’s so interesting is if you haven’t seen it with your own eyes, it’s almost like seeing is believing,” said Kim Holland, FDOT’s

assistant secretary for strategic development. “It was so interesting because when it was in flight, it was quiet – more quiet than a helicopter.”

eVTOL is a new category of electric aircraft that focuses on short- to medium-range flights, transporting people and goods within or connecting to an urban environment. New manufacturers like Volocopter are aiming to start commercial services with a certified and shared air taxi service in the heart of cities around the world. Most of the eVTOL aircraft emerging in the AAM market are piloted – pilots must be certified on each new aircraft.

The Doroni H1-X eVTOL, photos courtesy of Doroni Aerospace.

The interior of the Doroni H1-X features two seats. In the future, the craft could be used for personal transportation. Photos courtesy of Doroni Aerospace.

At some point in the future, these vehicles could carry two to eight passengers and may not require a pilot in the craft at all, flying as if they were giant drones.

“What we’re seeing with the aircrafts is that each one is unique,” Holland said. “You’ll see wings or rotors, different takeoffs and landings – some land like a helicopter and have no wheels for taxiing like a plane would.”

Many of these emerging manufacturers are testing their aircraft in Florida. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is set to serve as the hub for Lilium’s planned eVTOL air services in central Florida. In a February announcement, the European manufacturer said that operators of its six-passenger Lilium Jet will be able to use a new vertiport at MCO as a hub for flights across the state. Some companies like Doroni Aerospace have made their headquarters here.

Not every AAM vehicle is going to enter the market carrying passengers.

“Everyone imagines an Uber in the sky, but some manufacturers are entering the market to carry cargo or medical supplies – one manufacturer is looking at how they can support on the healthcare side with organ transplants,” Holland said. “Most of these vehicles are set up for shorter, regional applications. We see some

applications to support some type of emergency response, whether search and rescue or firefighting, as well as rural applications like spraying and managing crops.”

INVESTING IN AAM INNOVATION

FDOT started its AAM planning in 2021 with a working group with several industry partners. Agency officials listened as those partners have provided recommendations on how AAM aircraft could be implemented into Florida’s transportation system.

Earlier this year, that working group was cascaded into an advisory committee, headed by Holland, with two focus areas: engagement and education.

“We are updating our land use and guidelines handbook, and the (committee) is working on tabletop exercises,” Holland said. “In our most recent engagement together, we had the aircraft manufacturers at the table with the person managing those flights, the FAA, airports and city officials.

“We’re working through questions like, if you are onsite, where will they land, how will they charge, and how do you get passengers into the vehicles. The tabletop exercises are making sure we have safe implementation of AAM into the state.”

FDOT sees a lot of upside for supporting the innovation and emerging technologies around AAM, and for good reason. With a population boom in the last few years and 135 million annual visitors, Florida’s infrastructure will need to meet the growing demand.

In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative. As part of the initiative, FDOT identified a selection of critical needs on stateowned roadways, as well as previously approved projects with broad community support that only lacked funding to begin construction.

In all, $4 billion from the General Revenue Surplus has been dedicated to Moving Florida Forward to advance construction on these projects around the state that will address congestion, improve safety, ensure the resiliency of the transportation network, and enhance Florida’s supply chain and economic growth.

“We have monumental, historial investments in our infrastructure right now through Moving Florida Forward, but as people continue to move, we have to look broadly at how we solve congestion,” Holland said. “This is another really great option we are going to be introducing into the transportation network. We can’t rely on just building ourselves out in roadway capacity; we’ve got to provide all kinds of options.”

KEEPING UP WITH AAM DEVELOPMENT

There are still several steps ahead to see fully scaled eVTOL aircraft flying people around Florida, including proven safe and efficient aircraft, economic feasibility, advanced air traffic control, low noise, scaled manufacturing and maintenance, and physical infrastructure.

Florida’s AAM policy is meant to support the existing and future updates of the Florida Aviation Systems Plan by providing policy recommendations for the emerging AAM industry as it develops. For AAM to be successful, Florida’s new vertiports must be compatible with the surrounding land uses, provide for interconnectivity, and be safe and secure.

In October, Florida Secretary of Transportation Jared Perdue, an advocate for the development of a statewide system for eVTOL aircraft, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation pushing for more FAA progress with AAM.

“Unfortunately, Florida faces one roadblock to begin putting our plans into motion: the continued delay of your (FAA),” Perdue wrote. “As our global competitors continue to prioritize the enhancement of their air transportation systems and surpass the United States in the use of AAM, I implore you to act with a heightened sense of urgency on the finalization of these guidelines. For a country with an established record of leading in the aerospace sector, your Agency’s lack of initiative seeks to damage it and is detrimental to the growth of an industry that can truly revolutionize our nation’s transportation options.”

The FAA plans to release a performance based Vertiport Design Advisory Circular in 2025 to address infrastructure to accommodate the variety of aircraft and operations that fall under the AAM umbrella.

Existing FAA regulations on the development of new takeoff and landing facilities also apply to AAM infrastructure. These regulations, according to the FAA, ensure the federal agency has the information needed to evaluate the safety of a proposed takeoff and landing

facility, its surrounding area, and any impacts to the existing National Airspace System.

In Florida, progress continues with other federal agencies as well. NASA has partnered with other government agencies, industry and academia to conduct AAM research to benefit a future transportation system where air taxi and drone flights are routine. In Miami, NASA and the Airborne International Response Team (AIRT), which provides airborne capabilities for complex emergencies and major disasters, are developing a safety management system to enable highly-automated AAM-focused aviation for emergency response.

In Orlando, NASA is working with city and state governments to brainstorm the ways that air taxis and drones, and the infrastructure for this new transportation system, could be integrated into city planning. The agency

is also working with the University of Central Florida to improve the safety of drones through data-driven predictive analytics. At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, researchers are examining existing mishap data collected from the NASA Human Contribution to Safety (HC2S) test bed to identify realistic, actionable methods to promote better response to disturbances in flight.

AAM TECH TESTING IN FLORIDA

“We want (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturers to feel very welcome in Florida,” Holland said. “We’ve got an incredibly business-friendly economy. What’s interesting is that with these aircrafts, you won’t be able to build them overseas and fly them here. We would welcome them to bring their businesses to Florida.”

For Doroni Aerospace, Florida’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating a regulatory framework that supports the development of AAM technologies played a big role in bringing the company to Florida, Doroni CEO Doron Merdinger said. There were some other benefits Florida has that makes it an ideal HQ for these kinds of operations.

“The climate in Florida allows for year-round testing, which is crucial for maintaining our development schedule without significant weather disruptions,” Merdinger said.

The first test flight of an eVTOL in Florida, the Volocopter 2X, at Tampa International Airport was attended by several state, local and federal officials.

“Florida's existing aviation infrastructure and urban centers also provide an ideal environment for both testing and future deployment of our H1-X eVTOL.”

Doroni is one of the AAM startups that have already achieved a few milestones, including securing FAA certification for its prototype in 2023. The company is now focused on completing the market-ready H1-X by the end of 2024.

The H1-X currently claims a top speed of 120 mph, a 60-mile range, 500-pound payload and a flight time of 40 minutes on a 25-minute charge. The carbon fiber airframe holds two seats surrounded by a 270-degree window for a panoramic view. Ducted fans and tandem wings provide both vertical and horizontal propolson. The vehicle takes off vertically, aided by semi-autonomous navigation, and Doroni suggests the craft will be able to land smoothly anywhere from building rooftops to home driveways.

By the end of the summer, Doroni hopes to finalize its preliminary testing phases, including safety assessments, flight performance evaluations and system integrations.

“Moving into the fourth quarter of 2024, we will start extended flight tests focusing on urban environment integration, noise impact studies, and real-world scenario simulations,” Merdinger said. “In 2025, our efforts will shift towards product manufacturing and scaling production, with the goal of starting deliveries at the beginning of 2026."

If that doesn’t seem far away, FDOT shares a similar timeline for seeing eVTOL aircraft in the Florida skies. Testing continues to ramp up, with the possibility of fullscale use in two years, if not sooner, Holland said.

“There are basically four big buckets the (FAA) is responsible for: certifications of aircrafts and pilots, finalizing vertiport standards, and integrating everything into our (air traffic control) system,” Holland said.

“If you think about pillars of responsibility, the FAA has a pillar, the state has a pillar, and local governments have a pillar. What we are working on is getting our local governments and state ready, so that once the (FAA) is through, we are excited to get going.”

The same goes for AAM companies, which are also trying to get blessings from all three pillars.

"Achieving full regulatory certification is a primary focus for us, and we are working closely with the FAA and other authorities to ensure we meet all safety and operational standards,” Merdinger said. “Infrastructure integration is another critical area, and we are collaborating with local and state governments to develop vertiports and charging stations essential for eVTOL operations.”

Of course, getting FAA approvals and cooperation with local governments is just one hurdle the AAM industry needs to clear. The other is convincing the public to give these vehicles a try. Awareness of and trust in this technology will have to be built, Merdinger said,

“Continuous technological advancements are necessary to enhance the safety, efficiency, and user experience of our aircraft,” he added. “We are excited about the potential of our H1-X eVTOL aircraft and remain committed to making advanced air mobility a reality in Florida and beyond.”

FES

FLORIDA ENGINEERING SOCIETY

How is Technology Changing the Engineering Profession?

David Cowan, Jr. Senior Engineer, CMA

David Cowan, Jr., P.E., ENV SP, is a senior engineer at CMA in the West Palm Beach office. David has over 10 years of experience and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering with a water resource focus. David serves as a state director for FES, District Director for TBP, and on the Urban Drainage Standards Committee for EWRI.

SURVEYING OVER TIME AND ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGY

Surveying has been part of civil engineering for a long time. It has traditionally involved manual tasks like cutting brush, pulling chains, and leveling, which were labor-intensive and time-consuming.

The advent of total stations and software like AutoCAD revolutionized these processes, making data collection faster and more precise and significantly reducing human error. GPS-RTK (Global Positioning Systems with Real-Time Kinematic positioning) further enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of data collection, allowing for centimeter-level precision.

This technological evolution has continued with the integration of drones equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) processing, which create high-resolution point clouds for detailed topographic surveys. These advancements have dramatically reduced the time and cost compared to traditional methods. However, they also introduce challenges in quality control, as professionals must now manage vast data sets and rely increasingly on AI for data processing.

The ability to gather mega-datasets quickly necessitates a new level of scrutiny and validation to ensure data integrity and accuracy, prompting engineers to adapt their quality assurance processes continually.

AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING AND ADVANCEMENTS

The automotive industry has undergone significant transformation since the Model T, which was produced through individual methods and revolutionized personal transportation. Ford's introduction of the assembly line marked a considerable shift, increasing efficiency and production volume while reducing costs.

By the mid-20th century, almost all Ford models, such as the Mustang, were produced using assembly lines, which relied heavily on human labor. In recent decades, modern vehicles have benefited from extensive robotic automation in manufacturing. The assembly line has enhanced precision, reduced labor costs, and minimized workplace injuries, although it has also reduced the number of jobs required to produce a vehicle.

The automotive industry faces the dual challenges of transitioning to electric vehicles, such as the Ford Lightning, and developing autonomous vehicles. Electric vehicles represent a significant shift towards sustainability, driven by regulatory pressures and consumer demand. Autonomous vehicles, meanwhile, pose complex technological and ethical questions about the role of machines in making critical driving decisions. As sensors and computer systems become more sophisticated, the industry must address how comfortable society is with technology taking control in life-and-death situations on the road.

DATA MANAGEMENT AND ANALYSIS

Engineers have historically relied on hand calculations and simple tools like slide rules for analysis, which were labor-intensive and prone to human error. The advent of computers brought punch cards and early programming, which began to automate these processes. The development of spreadsheets like Excel and more advanced math software has significantly streamlined data management, allowing for more complex analyses and simulations with greater accuracy.

Today, engineers use sophisticated modeling tools that can handle vast amounts of data and perform intricate calculations quickly. However, the principle of "garbage in, garbage out" remains critical, emphasizing the need for thorough data verification to ensure the accuracy of computational results.

Professional judgment is essential in reviewing computer-based outputs, as even the most advanced software can produce erroneous results if fed with incorrect or incomplete data. Engineers must balance the efficiency and power of these tools with a rigorous approach to data quality and validation.

HIGH-VOLUME OF WORK AND QUALITY CONTROL

As industries handle increasingly large datasets and produce more deliverables, maintaining quality control becomes a significant challenge. High-volume production requires rigorous standards and regular inspections to ensure product quality.

AI-generated analysis offers powerful tools for real-time monitoring and defect identification, enabling quicker responses to quality issues. However, the reliance on technology for quality control also necessitates robust systems for validating findings and managing anomalies.

Human oversight remains essential to ensure consistent product quality, as professionals must interpret computer generated data and make final judgments on the acceptability of products. Integrating technology in quality control processes can enhance efficiency but requires continuous improvement and adaptation of quality assurance protocols.

BUSINESS OF ENGINEERING AND SOFT SKILLS

Engineering is inherently technical, but it also demands strong business acumen and soft skills. Modern engineers need to be proficient not only in technical aspects but also in communication, networking, and empathy. These non-technical skills, often called emotional intelligence skills, are crucial for professional growth and effective collaboration.

The shift to remote work and virtual meetings, facilitated by platforms like MS Teams and Zoom, has become increasingly common, creating efficiencies and enabling flexible work arrangements. However, this shift also presents challenges in mentoring and leadership development, which are vital for nurturing the next generation of engineers.

Face-to-face interactions provide spontaneous learning and mentorship opportunities that are harder to replicate in virtual environments. As the workplace continues to evolve, it is crucial to find ways to develop these skills and ensure that young engineers receive the guidance they need to succeed.

EDUCATION

Deep learning and problem-solving skills are essential in engineering education. Collaborative projects and teamwork foster an environment where students learn to work effectively with others. Strong communication skills are also prioritized to ensure future engineers can convey complex ideas clearly in both written and verbal forms.

Schools and universities must foster an environment where students learn to work effectively with others. Some of the best learning occurs in collaborative settings, such as lab work or group projects, where students can engage with their peers and tackle problems together. This collaborative approach enhances learning outcomes and prepares students for the collaborative nature of professional engineering practice.

As we use technology to solve problems in engineering, developing intuition about the correct answer becomes more important, requiring meaningful experiences to draw from, for informed judgments.

If you are looking for an opportunity to be part of a community that is collectively working on fostering the engineering practice, consider joining the Florida Engineering Society and being part of one of our committees:

• Education Committee

• Interest Groups Committee

• Society Development Committee

• Commission on Legislative & Government Relations

Each committee has several subcommittees, such as the Education Committee with the K-12 Subcommittee, MATHCOUNTS Subcommittee, Scholarship Subcommittee, Student Professional Development Subcommittee.

For more information, check out: fleng.org/membership/committee-opportunities.

FSEA

FLORIDA STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION

Creating a Foundation for AI in the Structural Engineering Profession

Brian Petruzzi, PE

Emily Guglielmo, SE, PE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the structural engineering profession. However, several obstacles must be addressed before AI can be fully integrated into practice. These challenges include a lack of vision or roadmap for AI's impact on the industry, slow adoption of new technology, concerns about accuracy, risk, data privacy and ethics, and the need for education and innovation.

The National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) Foundation launched an Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISE) grant to lead the profession in embracing AI to revolutionize and empower structural engineers to be leaders in responsibly shaping the future of the built environment.

CHALLENGES FACING THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING PROFESSION

While AI is already being used in many structural engineering applications, there is no vision or roadmap that articulates the potential disruptions, impacts and opportunities that AI will have on the profession. Consequently, very few structural engineering firms understand or embrace the AI movement. According to Goldman Sachs, architecture and engineering is in the top three industries with the greatest potential for transformation.

This is due to AI, given the potential monetary gain and relative ease of training AI models given the codified

This article was reprinted from the April 2024 issue of Structure magazine with permission from its publisher. For more information, visit www.structuremag.org

Christopher Cerino, PE

nature of the profession. How will structural engineers continue to provide value to building owners after AI is widely adopted in the industry? Does our profession’s product change with this new technology? Developing a vision for our industry is difficult when we don’t fully understand the technology but is necessary to define our future.

To address these challenges, the NCSEA Foundation has selected AI as the topic for its inaugural Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISE) Grant. The 2023-2024 ISE grant program aims to:

• Provide Education: Provide structural engineers with information on the latest developments in AI as it relates to the profession and outline future areas of study surrounding this topic.

• Foster Innovation: Encourage structural engineers to explore, develop and implement innovative AI solutions that enhance the efficiency, accuracy and longevity of structural engineering practices

• Promote Collaboration: Foster collaboration between structural engineers, AI experts and other industry partners by encouraging the exchange of ideas and expertise to drive progress in the field.

• Address Industry Challenges: Address key challenges faced by the structural engineering industry through the application of AI technologies, including ethical and legal areas.

ROADMAP DEVELOPMENT

To kick-off roadmapping efforts, members of the NCSEA Foundation Board of Directors, the AI Grant Team, and AI Advisory Board traveled to San Francisco in February for a two-day roadmapping session facilitated by .orgSource, an organization dedicated to supporting growth and innovation for industry associations and nonprofit organizations. The team spent this time thinking big and challenging the status quo.

While discussions took place on current trends, challenges and opportunities, much of the time was spent focusing on a desired future state of the profession and how advancements in technology will help us achieve this vision.

The AI roadmap for the structural engineering profession will be communicated out to the broader structural engineering community through future STRUCTURE magazine articles, webinars, social-media posts and extensive content at the NCSEA Summit in Las Vegas in November. We hope the AI roadmap will define future short-term and long-term areas of study, topics for direct consumption and education in future funded programs or initiatives.

What are the main barriers to the wider adoption of AI in structural engineering, and how can these be addressed? How can we foster a culture of innovation and continual learning in the field to keep pace with AI advancements? And most importantly, what roles do structural engineering organizations and firms play in promoting AI integration in the field? These are the big questions the AI Grant Team is working to answer.

DAVID VS. GOLIATH

When discussing the risk, impact and opportunities associated with AI, it’s often perceived that larger firms with more resources are better positioned than small to mid-sized firms. This perception has been created by larger firms being on the bleeding edge of developing AI tools over the past 10-20 years. Subsequent presentations, magazine articles, and social-media posts reinforce this narrative; however it’s only half of the story.

It’s important to think about the opportunities with AI in two categories: (1) AI tool development and (2) AI tool consumption.

AI tool development refers to the creation of new AI technologies and applications. This process can involve a significant investment in research and development, as well as access to resources such as data, personnel and infrastructure. AI tool development for the structural engineering profession includes initiatives such as creating machine learning algorithms to better solve structural engineering problems, training algorithms on large datasets in order to enable them to make predictions or take actions based on new inputs, and integrating appropriate algorithms and models into existing third

party tools (Revit, ETABS, etc). Most structural engineers and structural engineering firms will not be involved in developing these tools, but they will need to understand how AI tools will impact their business and to decide how to consume them.

AI tool consumption refers to the use of existing AI technologies and applications within an organization. This may involve integrating AI tools into existing workflows or processes or using AI-powered services provided by third parties. AI tool consumption can provide organizations with a range of benefits, including increased efficiency, improved accuracy and enhanced productivity. Effectively implementing and using AI tools does not require extensive resources, making small firms better positioned to adopt AI tools than large firms in many ways.

• Agility: Small firms are often more agile and able to quickly adapt to new technologies and implement them into their workflows.

• Flexibility: Small firms may be more flexible in terms of the types of projects they take on and the resources they devote to them. This can allow them to experiment with new AI technologies and applications without having to make a significant investment upfront.

• Lower Overhead Costs: Small firms typically have lower overhead costs than large firms, which can make it easier for them to invest in new technologies such as AI.

• Ability to Specialize: Small firms may be able to specialize in specific areas of AI, which can give them a competitive advantage over larger firms that may need to implement AI into workflows that support a more diverse set of services.

While large firms have more resources, the larger scale of operations and wider range of processes and workflows makes it significantly more challenging to implement change. As one large firm executive admitted, they have more tools available than they have deployed because they haven’t figured out how to successfully deploy the tools at scale. It’s not a technical problem—it’s a cultural problem. Changing the culture of a large, successful engineering firm is not easy.

CONCLUSION

It is critical that our profession considers what products and services we provide as we absorb these new technologies into the profession. While they clearly can provide efficiency, accuracy and productivity for our firms, how can they also help us add value, strengthen our relationships and spend more time with our clients?

How can we make room for these technologies in our business plans and operating models? We suspect it will be a smaller firm that is able to answer these questions and truly disrupt the industry. However, NCSEA hopes our inaugural ISE grant will support all firms—big and small— as they start on their journey.

EDUCATION UPDATE:

A New Era of Innovation:

THE IGNITE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

By Lauren Heighton, Staff Writer

Universities in Florida are investing in engineering students by providing enrichment opportunities to explore. This new era of innovation is well-represented by the Engineering Innovation Institute (EII) at the University of Florida, which focuses on developing student creativity and entrepreneurship.

The Ignite Program, an offshoot of the EII, is a catalyst for innovation for student entrepreneurs. The studentrun program includes classes, mentorship and alumni events that encourage students to pursue new ideas and provide resources to launch.

Grace Winkler, a master’s in mechanical engineering student at UF, serves as the director of Ignite. Just last September, the program began in its current form with general body members and weekly events for students. Winkler and the team from the EII developed the programming aiming to enhance the experiences of students.

“We realized that we needed more students taking a more active role in this community of innovation – not just engineering students, but students across campus,” said Winkler.

THE MAKEUP OF IGNITE

Bringing the student-led organization to life may have been a recent success, but Ignite has already spread rapidly. Student coordinators are responsible for planning and maintaining their respective programs, and general body members are encouraged to participate across the board.

Ignite is comprised of resources like the Spark Studio center for mentorship and the L3 Harris Speaker Series, which brings in alumni and industry leaders

to share their successes. Additionally, the Immersion Program connects students with entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial programs to provide hands-on experiences.

The relatively new program is already bringing passion projects to life. One student brought their idea of producing 3D filament from recycled plastic, and Ignite connected them with a key source.

“We were able to connect them with this environmental park where they can have almost an unlimited supply of plastics that they can help take that off of their hands, and also try to come up with the solution for their startup company,” said Winkler.

IGNITE GOES WORLDWIDE

To finish her master’s degree, Winkler will travel to Berlin, Germany this summer to study abroad at Florida Innovation and Architecture University through her program.

Tommy Duque, a rising junior at UF, participated in the Berlin study abroad program on its inaugural trip last summer. Students had experiential learning opportunities as they spoke to entrepreneurs and visited incubators in the city. At the same time, they completed a project that spanned an engineering innovation class and entrepreneurship class.

“It's really cool because you're able to carry your project from the innovation class, which is all about ideation and different methods of getting through problems,” Duque said. “And you're able to take your business idea and then actually run with it in the entrepreneurship class.”

BACK HOME IN FLORIDA`

Duque is an innovation mentor in Ignite, with his main task being a mentor and resource for other students. He acts as a teaching assistant for courses in the program and hosts office hours for students to bring their ideas, whether fully fleshed out or just beginning, and make progress towards innovation.

“Students are able to come in with their projects on any level, so it could be a student coming in saying, ‘I want to be an entrepreneur, I don't have any ideas,’ and you can brainstorm with them or you have someone come in who's like, ‘Look, this is my prototype,’” he said.

From new pickleball paddle technologies to user-friendly apps that help with communicating using AI, there is a wide variety of projects that enter Spark Studio.

PROGRAM SUCCESS

Students at UF are at the beginning of their journeys as engineers and entrepreneurs, but the success stories of graduates are already rolling in.

Alan Hamlett and Matt Bellman, both past engineering students, are one of these success stories. They created a therapeutic exercise system, Myolyn. This technology can be used at home and in clinics, making functional movement possible for those with muscle weakness or paralysis.

The alumni and creators of Myolyn returned to UF this year to share their innovation with Ignite members as part of the end-of-year celebration.

“They point-blank said that they would not have gone through this past decade of entrepreneurship and helping people across the country that experience these kinds of conditions without the help of our director and the classes and the mentorship that they received from our programming,” said Winkler.

The impact of that innovation is just one of the many emerging from the EII, and further inventions will echo the transformative experiences Ignite offers.

“(EII is) not focused on making every student an entrepreneur,” Duque said.“It's focused on trying to instill that entrepreneurial spirit within students so that they go on to whatever career they may be in and provide valuable insight to their company, no matter their role.

“Providing that innovation and that drive that I feel like isn't taught in the regular engineering classroom is going above and beyond.”

Ignite is comprised of resources like the Spark Studio center for mentorship and the L3 Harris Speaker Series, which brings in alumni and industry leaders to share their successes.

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AEC.AI™ event in Los Angeles, May 23-24, 2024

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Out & About

ACEC's Annual Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington, DC

Buckley Williams, Melissa McKinley, Coriann Salas, Kimberlee DeBosier, Nick Charnas

Florida Congressman Michael Waltz with Greg Heaton, Ryan Cunningham, Nick Charnas, Shahin Hekmat, Jose Acosta and Buckley Williams

Shahin Hekmat, Florida Congressman Aaron Bean, Carlos Penin

Shahin Hekmat, Jose Acosta, Florida Congressman Carlos Gimenez, Carlos Penin, Melissa McKinley

Coriann Salas, Kimberlee DeBosier, Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Melissa McKinley, Nick Charnas, Buckley Williams

Ryan Cunningham, Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz, Melissa McKinley, Kimberlee DeBosier

Carlos Penin, Florida Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar, Shahin Hekmat

Shahin Hekmat, Florida Congressman Dan Webster, Carlos Penin

FES Miami Chapter Annual Gala and Awards Banquet

FES Chapter Leadership Training

FES Miami Chapter Annual Student Development and Scholarship Golf Tournament

Ben Jiang 2024 National MATHCOUNTS Winner

Ben Jiang 2024 National MATHCOUNTS Champion with Coach Jessica Merrick Ben Jiang and Coach Jessica Merrick

2024 Florida MATHCOUNTS team winners

FES Miami chapter MATHCOUNTS competition

Advertise With Us

Are you looking to get your company in front of industry professionals, firm leaders, government officials, business leaders and potential clients from every part of Florida? If you are doing business anywhere in the engineering or consulting space in the Sunshine State, this is exactly the valuable audience you want to reach.

US POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

Title of Publication................................................................................................... Engineering Florida

Publication No.................................................................................................................................277-720

Date of Filing ....................................................................................................................................... 2022

Frequency of Issue......................................................................................................................Quarterly No. of Issues Published Annually............................................................................................................4

Publisher ..............................................................................................................................Allen Douglas

Editor.......................................................................................................................................Stacey Butler

Owner ..........................................................................................................Florida Engineering Society

Engineering Florida, ISSN 0015-4032, is published quarterly as the official publication of the Florida Engineering Society. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. FES members receive Engineering Florida as part of their membership benefits. Editorial matter, change of address, and correspondence regarding advertising should be mailed to: FES, P.O. Box 750, Tallahassee, FL 32302 or email fes@fleng.org.

Mailing Address of Office of Publication, General Business Office, Publisher: Allen Douglas, Owner:

Florida Engineering Society, P.O. Box 750, Tallahassee, FL 32302-0750

The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during preceding 12 months.

Editorial Calendar

ISSUE 2.3 (FALL ‘24)

Connecting Communities

• Cover Story: How Engineers Are Giving Back to Their Communities

• Connective Features:

— Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP) in Florida — Brightline Rail

DEADLINES

Content Deadline: Aug. 23

Ads & Art Deadline: Sept. 6

Print Deadline: Sept. 20

ISSUE 2.4 (WINTER ‘24)

Projects & People of the Year

• Cover Story: Top Projects of the Year

• Connective Features: — People of the Year

— Young Professionals of the Year — Industry Roundtable

DEADLINES

Content Deadline: Nov. 8

Ads & Art Deadline: Nov. 22

Print Deadline: Dec. 6

For questions or more information, please contact Engineering Florida Managing Editor: Joe VanHoose at joe@trestlecollective.com. To access the media kit, scan the qr code or visit fleng.org/wp-content/ uploads/2024/05/2024-Media-Kit_5-9-24.pdf

BREAKING THROUGH THE

CLUTTER