As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to have a global impact on our daily lives, ETC is closely monitoring this constantly developing situation. For many of our clients, the engineering services we provide are essential to making sure their facilities are safe for others. We will continue to implement whatever is needed so projects and construction may continue during this trying time.
The safety and well-being of our team and clients are foremost in our minds, therefore we have implemented the following considerations:
Our employees are working from home whenever possible
Our staff has suspended all upcoming travel plans that are not absolutely necessary
Where possible, we are scheduling all meetings (progress, pre-bid, pre-construction, etc.) as teleconference meetings
All employees are practicing appropriate safeguards (social distancing, frequent hand washing, etc.)
We continue to maintain a clean workspace for our team.
We’re committed to being a valued partner, offering the support you need during this crisis and once it is over. Thank you for your continued trust.
Today, a nonprofit association originally incorporated in 1983 as the Roof consultants Institute (RCI), officially becomes the International Institute of Building Enclosures Consultants. (IIBEC; pronounced eye-bec) This refreshed brand has been designed to accurately represent the services and value of the organization, and in turn, that of its members.
They did it again! EV-Air-Tight is the winner of the 2nd Annual ETC Canine Invitational.
Since the only prize is a plastic trophy and bragging rights (all proceeds go to CCI) we’re giving EV-Air_Tight a big shout-out for their outstanding golfing abilities, as well as, their big, generous hearts for donating to such a worthy cause.
Well done gentleman. Hope you will be back next year to defend your title.
Honorable mention to our golfing friends & contributors: Culbertson, CP&R, CWI, CWS, East Coast, Exterior Medics, Function & NVM – Enjoyed the day
For more information on CCI, please visit: www.cci.org
It is too early to tell what might have failed and caused this bridge to collapse and it will probably be many months before the investigation is complete. The bridge was designed to consist of post-tensioned concrete segments supported by steel cables. It was to have been built in two sections and only the first section was in place when the collapse occurred. The first section of the bridge had only been in place for five days before it fell, so it is not likely a case of being grossly under-designed or inadequate concrete strength. One report indicated that the post-tension tendons had loosened and were being retightened when it fell.
Institutional and government projects like this have many levels of design review and material testing involved to help ensure public safety and that the 100-year design life is achieved. This bridge was far from complete as there was a central support pier (pylon) for the steel cables that still needed to be installed. This pier and the cables would have provided additional support to the failed section of the bridge. Partially constructed structures can be very dangerous.
This catastrophic failure reminds us of the inherent hazards of all construction work, not just those involved with demolishing and rehabilitating portions of existing structures. Our prayers go out to all those involved in this tragedy.
The ETC team will be attending the Washington Metro Chapter of CAI Conference & Expo on Saturday March 10th. We would be so pleased if you stopped by to say hello.
Our team of experts will be there to answer any questions you may have about upcoming projects and/or building concerns. It’s a great time to gather some FREE advice! Show details can be found on our website.
All property managers, owners and board members that visits our booth will have the chance to win a Yeti cooler! Hope YOU are the winner!!
Before any rope descent system (i.e., window washing boatswain chair) is used on a building, OSHA now requires that each anchor be identified, tested, certified, and maintained so it is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds in any direction.
Did all your anchors pass the test?
The OSHA set November 20, 2017 deadline for physical load testing of these anchors has passed. (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(iii)).
Did you make the deadline?
We loaded anchors of many different configurations and found that not all anchors passed this stringent test. If you have any anchors that have not been subjected to this testing in the last 10 years, they must be load tested and certified by a qualified person before they are used. This regulation also seems to apply to new anchors that were installed after the November 20 deadline and not just older anchors.
Don’t postpone your scheduled winter or spring window washing work, get your anchors tested soon. Call us @ 410-312-4761 or 703-450-622o | mindy@etc-web.com
Perhaps the nicest looking parking lot in the county just opened at our client’s apartment community. We helped add about 90 sorely needed parking spaces to solve a parking crisis at an early 1960’s vintage property. An old swimming pool had to be removed to make way for the new lot, which is complete with extensive landscaping, new LED lights, and storm water retention facilities.
ETC has been selected as the architectural and engineering firm to design a NEW, 85 room, Home 2 Suites hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. ETC’s lead architect, Shabbir Kazmi and Chief Structural Engineer, Chris Carlson will be heading the team from design to completion.
Hilton is a beacon of innovation, quality, and success in the hospitality industry and ETC is pleased to be included as a small part of the team.
This past weekend, ETC participated in our first annual DogFest Walk’n Roll for Canine Companions. Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Canine Companions is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs, and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. The result is a life full of increased independence and loving companionship.
ETC is proud to announce we exceeded our fund raising goal with contributions of $2,820.00 With 17 walkers and support from the entire company, we were able to have tail-waggin good time while enhancing the lives of others. We look forward to continuing our fund raising efforts for Canine Companions throughout the year. Be sure to watch our blog!
If you would like to find out more information about Canine Companions for Independence or to simply make a donation, please visit: