or lose their orientation, making them easy prey for predators. “Our results can help, for example, to develop fish-compatible turbines, to adapt power plant operations during periods of fish migration and to improve weir design for safe fish passage" explains Ismail Albayrak, senior scientist and project manager at VAW. A new guidance system for fish VAW researchers also conducted extensive hydraulic testing with fish guidance racks in the laboratory to better understand the behaviour of local fish species in turbulent currents. They then used the results to develop an innovative protection and guidance system for downstream migrating fish called the curved-bar rack bypass system (CBR-BS). The core of the CBR-BS is a vertical bar rack with specially shaped bars; these create strong local eddies that steer fish away from the bar
rack and towards a bypass. In this way, the CBR-BS is able to guide a variety of fish species of different sizes safely past the turbine. The bypass system is also designed so that the plant's operations are only slightly affected. “FIThydro” was officially completed at the end of 2020 and an online final international conference will take place on 17-18 March, How- ever, the researchers stress that there is still a lack of tried and tested solutions for fish protection and guidance in Europe, in particular at large hydropower plants. It's clear to Boes and Albayrak that they must continue with their research. “The next logical step is a pilot and dem- onstration hydropower plant, where we want to test a CBR-BS under real conditions,” says the professor of hydraulic engineering.
4 Trends In Sustainable Site Design By Mike Makris, P.E.
Sustainable site design is a hot topic in the AEC industry. As Civil Engineers, Landscape Architects, and Planners, we are challenged to integrate conservation into site design, preserving the natural features of the land. We must also think about ways to improve design to pro- mote a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. Many Architects are embracing the WELL Building Standard (WELL) to address issues of human health and wellness. The importance of incorporating lifestyle into design does not stop at the walls of a building. Skilled site design- ers excel at creating an engaged outdoor environment that meets the needs of the project users. BHC is committed to sustainability and here are four integrated site planning trends to consider for your next project. 1. Parking Layout Parking lots take up a great deal of space and play a big role in site design. Site designers can integrate several sustainable design ele- ments into these spaces and ensure site designs meet the needs of the customer. Sustainable design options for parking lots include shared parking agreements, designated electric vehicle parking spaces, and integrated green space. Shared parking is a creative way to add green initiative’s into site design. Shared parking benefits include: • Allow for more green space and less heat-island effect • Promote alternative mobility and ride share options
• Offset the cost of maintenance • Better stormwater management
As automakers begin to shift production from traditional fuel burn- ing vehicles to fully electric trucks and cars, the demand for electric vehicle charging stations will increase all over the United States. Incorporating electric vehicle (EV) charging stations into your site design, or even a redesign to an existing property, is a good way to go green. EV charging stations are necessary to attract and accommodate EV owners who commute for work, school, shopping or dining. More EVs = less greenhouse gases from fuel vehicles = better public health and a better environment. 2. Green Space You don’t need a green thumb to go green. Maximizing green space into your site design is easy to do and even easier to maintain.
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April 2021
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