6-17-22

M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — Owners, Developers & Managers — June 17 - July 21, 2022 — 3C

www.marej.com

O wners , D evelopers & M anagers

By Alexis Herr, P.E., ECS Mid-Atlantic Cast-in-place fire suppression tank design solution prevents 1-year project delay

C onstruction and build- ing materials are in short supply since the

for automatic sprinklers and fire extinguishing systems. They are meant to provide water when fire suppression is necessary, but where pres- sure or volume is inadequate, or in places where it is the only source of water. These tanks are a seem- ingly small part of a project; however, the specified single- wall fiberglass tank, in this instance, has a lead time of about 1-year due to short- ages of raw resin materials. Many contractors need viable, engineering stamped alter- natives when these types of

situations occur. This is where ECS’ geostructural engineers can provide value to project teams facing challenges due to supply-chain issues. To combat delay times, a cast-in-place concrete tank was suggested as an alternate solution by a local contractor. ECS was engaged to provide structural engineering ser- vices to design the tank. Tra- ditionally, these types of fire suppression tanks are made of steel or pre-cast concrete. ECS took on the challenge of designing a tank to suit the client needs and resist the

traffic load. Prior to design, discussion of material limitations and con- struction methods occurred. While not typical, there are benefits to using a cast-in- place method when designing and constructing these tanks. A cast-in-place tank can eas- ily support the traffic load that goes over the top, while also allowing for the tank to be put at a higher elevation to eliminate extra plumbing. Offsetting buoyancy with a steel tank can be tricky, but the weight of a cast-in-place- tank is heavier, so it will hold

the buoyancy of the water tank more easily than steel. The result is a design solu- tion that is cost-effective and will be installed and built in significantly less time than the pre-manufactured tank initially required for the proj- ect. By collaborating with the contractor and team, ECS can help provide a creative de- sign solution that can combat supply-chain shortages and keep your project on schedule. Alexis Herr, P.E. is re- gional manager of facili- ties services for ECS Mid- Atlantic. MAREJ

pandemi c took hold, af- fecting com- panies across the industry, including contractors and develop- ers. The sup- ply disrup-

Alexis Herr

tion is causing project delays, which have been exacerbated by ongoing port congestion, pressuring sales volumes and leading to higher raw materi- als and transportation costs. With growing supply chain shortages, flexibility in design is ever increasing. As part of site improvements at a residential development in Montgomery County, Mary- land a buried fire suppression tank is planned to be installed. Fire suppression water tanks are dedicated sources of water RT Specialty announces senior management promotion HAMILTON, NJ — RT Specialty’s Environmen- tal and Construction Pro- fessional Practice (RT ECP) has announced the promotion of John Heft to executive VP of operations, Joseph Nawa to executive VP of production and Jo- seph Reynolds to senior VP of programs As executive VP of op- erations, John Heft is tasked with operational support, processes, carrier relations and training of staff. As executive VP of produc- tion, Joseph Nawa takes on the management and devel- opment of production teams, business development and client relations. As senior VP of programs, Joseph Reynolds will grow the current quoting facilities within RT ECP as well as build new programs – both exclusive and non-exclusive. “The RT ECP team has spent the past 17 years dedi- cated to helping our trading partners navigate the com- plex commercial insurance marketplace and establish- ing our presence as the in- dustry’s premier resource,” said Jeff Slivka , president, RT ECP. MAREJ

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