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Author Archives: Alison

  1. Types of Structural Loads

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    Types of Structural Loads
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    A load is a force that can cause stress and leads to deformation and acceleration. When a structure or component of a structure is subject to loads, it may become stressed or displaced. There are several structural load types, each of which requires unique considerations when designing and constructing a building or structure.

    What Are Structural Loads Used For?

    Structural loads are forces that a structure must resist. Understanding the different types of structural loads is critical to constructing buildings or structures, as the building materials and foundation construction depend on the type of load the structure will encounter.

    Structural loads and their effects are an essential factor since they can cause stress, deformation, and structural movement over time. A well-designed structure can effectively endure loads long-term.

    Types of Structural Loads

    Structural engineers account for several structural load types. Loads can be applied laterally or vertically and may come from environmental factors or materials included in the construction. The different types of structural loads include:

    • Dead. Dead loads refer to the weight of the structure, including the beams, floor, walls, insulation, roofing, immovable fixtures, partitions, foundation materials, and more. This type of load is permanent and essentially static. The dead loads due to non-structural elements, such as cladding and finishes, have been referred to as superimposed dead loads, but are still considered dead loads.
    • Live. Live loads are forces that people, furniture, and other non-fixed elements apply to the structure. Live loads can include objects and people in motion or with the potential for motion. They can be difficult to predict because they change over time. Live loads also include the surcharge load on the soil or pavement outside the structure against the foundation walls. 
    • Wind. This type of load is called an environmental load. Wind load depends on geographical location along with the weight and height of the building or structure. Since wind is applied either toward or away from a structure, it can create suction forces that can result in damage over time. Wind loads become an increasing concern as the height of the structure increases.
    • Rain. This type of live load is called an environmental load. Rain load depends on the type of roof. Flat roofs use a primary and secondary drainage system (if primary drains are blocked), whereas sloped roofs use free drainage. The use of rain load also depends on if the rainwater can accumulate on any portion of a roof.
    • Snow. This type of load is called an environmental load. Snow loads have a notable impact on the structure and materials of the roof and insulation of a building. The load depends on the location and the amount of average snowfall. Snow drifting from adjacent roofs of varying heights can also be a factor. Engineers consider roof shape to mitigate the effects of snow load.
    • Seismic. This type of live load is called an environmental load. Seismic loads are lateral loads caused by vibrations of the earth and earthquakes. The frequency of earthquakes in a geographic location is a primary factor when considering seismic loads.

    Structural Engineering, Design & Construction Management Services from EDC Management

    Understanding structural loads is critical to building sound structures. By considering the different loads a building or structure may be exposed to during the design phase, you can ensure that your project will last for a longer period of time. 

    EDC Management Corp. offers clients over 30 years of expertise and a small but skilled team to deliver quality construction management services. We assist commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients in methodically planning buildings, considering critical factors like power, infrastructure, and structural elements. Our construction management consultants, engineers, and designers can deliver customizable and scalable solutions for your next project. 

    View our services for more details. You can also contact us to learn more about our capabilities or request a quote today.

  2. What Is Construction Project Management?

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    What Is Construction Project Management

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    Expertly conducted project management is an essential component of every successful construction job. Construction project management involves a team of experts who define a project’s predetermined objectives and proceed to monitor their achievement. Project cost, time, scope, safety, and quality are all critical factors in construction work, and choosing the right project management team facilitates the best outcome in all of these areas. 

    At EDC Management Corp., we deliver optimal outcomes for our clients no matter the complexity of the project. Our construction project management services are comprehensive, encompassing end-to-end project tasks from bidding to working with architects and engineers. That is the EDC Management difference: full service. An assigned construction manager is available to provide hands-on support for the client and ensure seamless communication amongst contractors, project owners, and subcontractors from start to finish. Our skilled team of designers, consultants, and engineers has management expertise in a diverse range of construction jobs. With more than 130 years of combined experience, we are confident that EDC Management can exceed your expectations for project functionality, safety, scope, budget, and quality.

    Construction Project Management 

    Construction project management is the coordination of a construction job’s material and employee resources from the ideation stage (coming up with innovative solutions by challenging the norm) until completion. This mission-oriented management system takes every facet of a project into account, such as budget supervision, scheduling, project safety, material procurement, and risk assessment, with the ultimate objective of finishing on time and under budget. 

    It consists of several stages, with each aspect of a project’s development handled by experienced experts.

    Stages of Construction Projects

    Due to the lengthy and complex nature of construction projects, a significant amount of advanced planning is necessary. The project management team needs to carefully arrange details and contingency plans to mitigate any delays or setbacks that might occur. Construction project management provides support and guidance throughout every stage of the project. 

    The lifecycle of a construction project can be broken down into five stages:

    •     Planning and development. This is the initial stage of a construction project when team members share ideas (part of the ideation stage). Managers determine project feasibility and a time frame for each stage of the project. The planning and development phase is also when key performance metrics are determined, as well as how they will be overseen throughout the project’s lifespan. Detailed and careful planning is crucial to the success of any project.
    •     Design. After the project’s objectives have been set, the next step is drafting designs. This process incorporates everything from first sketches to highly detailed CAD drawings. A project’s design must meet all time frame and cost requirements and then receive final approval before work can proceed. 
    •     Preconstruction. The preconstruction planning phase of a project involves several critical tasks, such as contingency planning, resource allocation, task distribution, and more. During this phase, managers set project timelines and everyone involved in the project receives a specific role and information on how they will perform it and what it should cost.
    •     Procurement. After the preconstruction phase, material and service sourcing, purchasing, and transportation are the next steps. Procurement involves careful planning in order to source required materials from the best place at the best time. There are positives and negatives to every procurement solution that need to be carefully considered in relation to the project’s budget, timeline, and other goals. For example, sourcing materials locally might be faster but more costly. On the other hand, less expensive materials from a more distant source are at risk of shipping delays. Each project demands a highly individualized procurement solution. 
    •     Construction. After the finalization of procurement plans and resource allocation, the actual construction portion of a project can begin. The ample amount of previous organization and careful contingency planning will have laid the foundation for smooth processes. During the construction job, if any new circumstances arise, project managers will adapt and create effective solutions as needed. 

    Keys to a Successful Construction Management Project

    The most successful construction management plan involves several essential processes:

    •     Thorough ideation and research. During the planning and development portion of a project, data-driven research and analysis are vital. The best project management teams can deliver feasibility reports, financial breakdowns and budgeting, and more to ensure a proposed project will deliver in ROI. 
    •     Defining and designing the project. After project managers set a job’s parameters, they can then arrange the finer details. This is when management teams update and deliver accurate budgets and realistic timelines, outline needed resources, and develop key performance indicators. 
    •     Deciding on roles. Determining the role everyone involved in the construction project will perform is crucial to preventing redundancies and delays. 
    •     Finalizing and enacting construction plans. Before work on a project begins, good project managers will meet with stakeholders to review the plans together one last time for final questions to avoid any misunderstandings. After this step, project managers will continue to closely monitor the job to ensure efficient completion of all points on the construction plan.

    Benefits and Advantages of Construction Project Management Services 

    There are many advantages to choosing a professional construction project management service. Enlisting a high-quality management team provides you with access to highly skilled processes that facilitate thorough planning as well as coordination and control of a project from its inception to completion. 

    The earlier in a project that a business hires a professional construction manager, the greater the benefits will be. For example, most of the cost savings opportunities come up during the planning and preconstruction phases of a project’s development. Professional construction managers are able to balance the competing needs of scope, schedule, and cost. Choosing the right construction management services is essential for having as easy and seamless an experience as possible. 

    When deciding on the right management service for your project: 

    •     Examine what services they offer
    •     Determine their experience level 
    •     Review their company philosophy 

    At EDC Management, we oversee all stages of a project’s lifecycle and strive to offer a full array of services at each stage. We are committed to building relationships with our clients by providing knowledgeable, trustworthy consulting assistance to include:

    •     Scope development. A project’s scope encompasses expenses, timeline, and all work required to complete the job. EDC Management will work with the project owner to design an individualized scope plan to best meet all job milestones within budget and schedule limitations.
    •     Design applications. EDC Management’s computer-aided design (CAD) software allows us to produce 2D and 3D graphics for structural and mechanical engineering designs, modifications, and more.
    •     Budget and schedule control. Utilizing detailed schematics, we provide cost estimates based on our experience in procurement, construction, and financials. We also pinpoint possible problem areas in scheduling, planning ahead to circumvent delays.
    •     Permit and license acquisitions. To closely manage the legal aspects of a project, our consultant team will take care of researching and applying for all permits and licenses throughout a job’s lifecycle.
    •     Bid development. Our project managers generate a clear request-for-proposal (RFP) package to optimize your ability to receive qualified bids from quality contractors.
    •     Cost tracking. Once a budget is set, our consultants continue to monitor expenditures and spending transparency to account for a job’s financials from beginning to end.
    •     Contractor & subcontractor coordination. To give you confidence that any subcontracted work is meeting quality and safety standards, we take it upon ourselves to closely review all materials and machinery a subcontractor uses, any costs incurred, and of course the work itself.
    •     Site inspections. Part of our job as project managers is to complete routine inspections of job sites. We are your eyes and ears on-site and will report to you with status updates.
    •     Documentation control. Our project managers can help lead you through all of a job’s documentation and paperwork needs, ensuring that everything is kept up to date and properly filed and recorded.

    Construction Project Management Services from EDC Management 

    EDC Management’s highly experienced team of engineers, designers, and project management consultants deliver comprehensive and personable project management solutions that are customizable to the unique needs of each project. For more information on these capabilities, check out our management service page. If you have questions about how our construction project management team can meet your needs, contact us today. When you are ready to get started on a solution, request a quote.

  3. The Importance of CAD Services in the Construction Industry

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    Computer-aided design (CAD) software creates precise drawings of either two or three-dimensional models using X, Y, and Z coordinates. In the construction industry, CAD software streamlines the design, engineering, and construction process. 

    EDC Management Corp. provides hands-on construction management services to customers in commercial, agricultural, and industrial sectors. Our designers and engineers use advanced CAD software to create graphical representations of structural designs. This blog post will discuss how CAD is used in construction and architecture applications, as well as the benefits of using this software. 

    Overview of CAD in Construction and Architecture 

    Architects, engineers, and construction managers utilize CAD to develop highly accurate designs in place of manual drafting. All CAD software use horizontal, vertical, and depth coordinates to create highly precise 2D or 3D designs that visualize construction plans. Construction CAD optimizes the design process and enables modifications, and any company that uses the technology will have a significant advantage over others that do not.

    How Do Engineers and Construction Managers Use CAD?

    Computer-aided tools have become indispensable to engineers and architects in their creation of precision illustrations. In switching from paper to CAD software, construction managers can conduct detailed analyses, identify flaws, and take accurate measurements that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. CAD software also simplifies blueprints, provides consistent measurements, and enables quick and easy adjustments. 

    Engineers and construction managers also use CAD to project structural, electrical, plumbing, and sanitary diagrams. To determine a building’s final look, CAD software can produce images of a building’s finished appearance.

    Advantages of CAD in Construction

    The Importance of CAD Services in the Construction Industry

    Here are the main advantages to using CAD in construction. 

    Avoid Costly Mistakes

    Because of its detail and accuracy, CAD software prevents costly mistakes. It makes the entire production process more efficient, saving production costs and streamlining productivity. Many CAD programs come with clash or interference detection to analyze whether the elements of a design will work together, long before the design goes to engineering.

    Superior Visualization

    Prior to CAD technology, hand-drawn designs limited visualization. They could be unclear or illegible, and they were also subject to human error. Computerization solves these issues because CAD programs are standardized and organized.

    Higher-Quality Design

    CAD allows teams to make frequent edits to a design, controlling the quality of the final product. The software can test and solve problems more efficiently to produce a better end result.

    Computer Accessibility

    Paper-and-pen designs must be passed around physically and are easily lost. CAD designs allow team members to collaborate remotely or in person on the same file, view edit history, and share with other departments.

    Reuse and Change Designs

    CAD files enable future projects to reuse the same designs. Users can easily change and save new elements without having to redraw the entire illustration.

    CAD Services at EDC Management

    CAD software is vital for construction and architectural projects. It allows construction managers to visualize every detail of a project and anticipate problems in advance, facilitating a smoother overall process. At EDC Management, we provide extensive structural and mechanical engineering design services for our clients. We use CAD technology to create functional 2D or 3D design models for every stage of your engineering process. 

    Our CAD department performs on-site fieldwork to make models that are as accurate and comprehensive as possible. We provide new structural designs, existing design modifications, specialty designs, consultations, and more. Contact us to learn more about our services, or get started on your next CAD project by requesting a quote.

  4. How to Effectively Run Construction Management for a Project

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    How to Effectively Run Construction Management for a Project

    With more than 130 years of combined experience, the designers, engineers, and project management consultants at EDC Management Corp. offer customized solutions for our clients in construction project management. Based in Wisconsin since 2013, we’ve managed and offered support on a wide range of building projects to ensure all quality and safety standards are met while handling logistics and keeping the project on schedule and within budget.

    Keys to Success for Running an Effective Construction Management plan for a Project

    Keys to Success for Running an Effective Construction Management plan for a Project

    A construction project has a lot of moving parts that must be coordinated to ensure the building is completed correctly and on time. The construction management process includes three key elements:

    • Automating Project Management Tasks: Automation is key to productivity. It eliminates the need for a skilled manager or employee to spend time on tedious, time-consuming tasks. Using advanced software and technology, it’s easier than ever to automatically send reports to employees and stakeholders, for example, enabling project managers to streamline the day and make better use of everyone’s time.

    • Nailing Project Delivery Timelines: This starts by outlining clear roles and responsibilities to ensure employees know their scope. Mapping timelines and listing roles with Gantt charts help managers stay organized, enhance productivity, and improve their management skills. It’s key to staying on task and adhering to deadlines.

    • Create a Flow of Communication: There are so many people involved in a construction project, from stakeholders and managers to workers and suppliers, and everyone needs to be on the same page. Establishing a clear, open line of communication makes the entire process go more smoothly, reduces errors, and reduces frantic phone calls and emails as someone tries to find the right person to help them solve a problem. 

    Step-by-Step Construction Project Management Plans

    Step-by-Step Construction Project Management Plans

    Even though every project is different, the same process for managing it applies to all of them. This is how to manage a construction project step-by-step:

    Create a Plan

    It all starts here. After meeting with the client to understand their goals and expectations, the construction project manager has to determine how to take the project from concept to completion. Consider the time frame you’ll need to allow for each step of the building process, how to allocate the budget, worker safety protocols and procedures, a quality control process, and administrative tasks like contracts and insurance.

    Determine Roles

    Clearly outline each role in the project, and ensure the person hired to complete the role understands his or her scope. This prevents employees from stepping on each other’s toes as the building progresses. Identify specific points in the project that may require approval before moving to the next step, and determine who is responsible for giving that approval. 

    Host a Kickoff Meeting

    This is your chance to bring all the major players together before work begins. Discuss the plan and expectations, assign additional tasks, and open up the floor to questions and discussion to ensure everyone is on the same page. 

    Build in Flexibility

    Expect the unexpected. Weather delays, supply delays, miscommunications, new demands from a client, sick employees, and more can quickly derail your construction plan. Have a process in place for dealing with these disruptions to ensure you can get back on track. 

    Conduct a Final Review

    Revisit all the work you’ve done so far. Double-check that your framework for this project is solid, and make adjustments as necessary.

    Begin Construction

    Offer leadership, support, and guidance as the team executes the plan you carefully designed. Be ready to delegate tasks as the need arises and track metrics to ensure the team will meet the predetermined performance goals. 

    Finish Up

    When the building is finished, you’ll need to meet with the team, stakeholders, and clients to discuss the project, including both successes and setbacks. Take what you learn and apply it to the next project. 

    Construction/Project Management Services at EDC Management Corp.

    Construction/Project Management Services at EDC Management Corp.

    EDC Management Corp. has taken this approach to construction project management for years, and we’ve perfected our systems to ensure your project is managed seamlessly from start to finish. We handle end-to-end communication and take hands-on action to ensure our clients are completely satisfied. Contact us to learn more about construction project management and our other services, or request a quote for your project.  

  5. The Structural & Mechanical Engineering Design Process

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    Structural & Mechanical Engineering design is the process of creating a solution based on a project brief provided by the client and preparing instructions to construct the solution. During this process, the design contractor must account for factors such as aesthetics, climate, regulations, and budget. These teams will generally include an architect and several engineers.

    Typically, the building design process has three steps:

    •     Schematic Design
    •     Design Development
    •     Construction Documentation

    During schematic design, the team will begin workshopping concepts, determining feasible solutions, and taking the first steps to bring the client’s vision to life. Design development will then refine the ideas that the team landed on in the schematic design phase, finalizing the plans to the client’s specifications.

    Once everyone is satisfied, the design team will begin the construction documentation step, consolidating all the designs and technical specifications in order for the construction process to begin. At this point, the team may also seek out any necessary permits for the project to proceed.

    Having a detailed building structure design is highly beneficial to construction management. In addition to allowing the general contractors to more easily secure the required permits, the design allows for better planning, more accurate cost predictions, and more open communication.

     

    Structural & Mechanical Engineering Design Advantages & Benefits

    When it comes to structural & mechanical engineering design, there are two different processes used most often: Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build.

    The Design-Build process usually hires a single individual or party, the design/builder, to conduct both the design and construction phases under a single contract. The actual design & construction of the project-at-hand may be performed by the individual/party itself or subcontracted to other companies. The design-build process requires intense levels of cooperation between the design & construction practices.

    For the Design-Bid-Build process (which is the most common process in the construction industry), a design company create the plans for a building and then has a construction company bid for the build contract. Design is much more cohesive and streamlined, and the design team consults directly with the project owner to create a satisfactory building design. The owner will then bring this design to several general contractors for bidding and will select the bidder that best suits the project’s budget and creative vision. The chosen bidder will construct the design.

    There is a multitude of advantages to this method of construction design. Some of the most significant benefits include:

    •     Straightforward process
    •     Affordability
    •     Greater client control
    •     Predictability
    •     Beginner friendliness

     

    Straightforward Process

    Due to the fact that this structural & engineering design delivery method involves very little collaboration between the design team and construction management, it is significantly easier to keep track of design changes throughout the beginning of the process. Having a clear design before construction begins drastically simplifies the process and reduces the chances of unforeseen difficulties.
     

    Affordability

    Since the project owner is able to choose the bidder that best suits their needs, it is much easier to stay within the desired budget. Rather than accumulating unexpected costs throughout the construction process, customers who have a clear design in advance can expect significantly more accurate price estimates. This is due to the fact that the general contractor can examine the building structure design before taking on the project and will have a good sense of the costs involved.
     

    Greater Client Control

    Structural & mechanical engineering design enables the owner to be a much more active participant in the design process, working collaboratively with the experienced design team in order to turn their vision into a reality. Since construction will not begin until after the design is complete, this also ensures that the owner will be able to have full confidence in the design before spending money to hire general contractors. 
     

    Predictability

    Structural Mechanical Engineering Design
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    The design-bid-build delivery method is very linear, with little to no overlap between each step. This means that from design through to completion, this process is easy to predict. Having a detailed building construction plan enables construction management to provide accurate timelines and cost estimates and create realistic schedules.

    This, in turn, makes it much easier for the owner to plan and budget, and creates a more efficient process that is less stressful for everyone involved. As this construction design delivery method is one of the most common, almost all general contractors will be very familiar with the process, which will help construction proceed efficiently. 
     

    Beginner Friendliness

    Due to its linear, predictable nature, this type of construction design is ideal for clients with little background in construction or design. Regardless of design expertise, all clients will benefit from a close, collaborative relationship with an experienced design contractor.

     

    How to Select a Mechanical & Structural Engineering Design Contractor

    Creating an optimal design is a complex process that requires the design contractors to account for a range of factors, from owner specifications to construction limitations and local climate. Choosing the right design team is vital for a successful and satisfying project. There are a number of steps a client can take to ensure they are hiring the best team for their needs.
     

     Confirm their Design Capabilities

    It’s a good idea to peruse the website and portfolio of your potential companies and ensure they have the design capabilities you’re looking for. This likely includes:

    • New Structural Designs
    • Existing Structural Design Modifications
    • Specialty Designs
    • Mechanical Engineering Designs
    • 2D and 3D CAD Services

     

    Check References

    A good design contractor will have a history of happy customers. Due to the personal nature of construction design, it is vital for the customer and design contractor to have compatible goals and visions. When choosing which design team to work with, a customer should look for a team with a history of communicating openly and working collaboratively with clients throughout the design process.
     

    Seek Out Designers with Creative Portfolios

    While a design contractor may be friendly and professional, it is also important not to overlook the value of creativity. If the design team’s portfolio is filled with projects that all look the same, this may indicate an unwillingness to work collaboratively and adapt to each customer’s unique needs. Instead, customers should seek out designers with diverse portfolios.
     

    Consider the Project Scope and Budget

    The ideal construction design contractor will be confident working within the desired specifications and budget. Before selecting a designer, be sure to discuss the project’s scope to ensure that they can fulfill these needs.

     

    Structural & Mechanical Engineering Design Services at EDC Management Corp.

    With over 130 collective years of engineering and design experience, our team of experts is dedicated to building strong client relationships and providing sustainable, progressive designs to our customers. To work with us on your next construction design project, contact us, or request a quote today.