Demo and renovation analysis wins engineering award

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) has honored several firms for engineering and surveying excellence as part of its 50th annual Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards ceremony.

The ACEC/M Awards Program, which occurred in late February in Dearborn, Michigan, recognizes “outstanding efforts of professional design firms to solve clients’ needs through exceptional projects, and offers the opportunity to showcase the year’s best engineering and surveying achievements,” according to the organization.

The program presented this year’s engineering Eminent Conceptor Award to NTH Consultants Ltd., Detroit, for the structural analysis of Cobo Arena prior to its demolition and reconstruction. During the $279 million redevelopment of Cobo Arena, NTH Consultants retained the shell-like geometry of the original structure while performing detailed analyses for each stage of demolition and reconstruction, and working with contractors to safely sequence the work. The methodology eliminated the need for an estimated $1 million in internal temporary bracing.

“This program serves as the final celebration of Engineers Week,” says Ron Brenke, executive director of ACEC/M. “The projects engineered by private sector firms have a profound effect on the quality of life for all Michigan residents. Their efforts result in quality roads and bridges, safe drinking water and a clean environment for people to live, work and play.”

Among the four other project honorees was Bergmann Associates for the Rapid/Amtrak Passenger Station relocation project in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A Surveying Honorable Conceptor Award was presented to Fleis & VandenBrink for the Osceola Inn demolition project that took place in Reed City, Michigan.

ACEC/M consists of nearly 100 firms from throughout the state that are engaged in engineering, architectural and surveying work.