In the face of unrelenting demand and ongoing backlog, Richard J. Driscoll, Consulting Engineer (RJDCE) took on fewer new projects in 2024 than in the recent past. However, new projects this year have typically been slightly greater in scope than has been typical for the past few years. In addition, more new projects have been started for existing clients than ever before. Assessments of in-service structures remained the largest proportion of projects in 2024, which ranged in scope from consulting on a real estate transaction to structural analysis of the change in load under the existing building code for a multi-family conversion. Underpinning and excavation support-related projects made up the next largest category, building on the momentum in the foundation and geostructural service lines from the past two years. Finally, structural design for additions, alterations and new construction represented the third largest project type.
Miscellaneous
With a larger proportion of new projects requiring design-related services, RJDCE invested in new software in 2024. The practice’s drafting software was upgraded to ease drawing preparation. In addition, a subscription to web-based structural component design software was started, complementing the structural analysis and wood structure design software already in service. Improvement of the design process to meet future needs is an ongoing project at RJDCE.
This year, RJDCE was able to involve three Tufts University students in recent projects through the Jumbos4Jumbos program. The program matches students with alumni for short-duration projects. The students involved were able to obtain practical experience assisting with drafting and calculation preparation for real construction projects.
With the surging popularity of the Bluesky social media platform this year, RJDCE established a presence there and started posting last month. As the audience develops, this platform will likely be used more often. You can follow RJDCE on Bluesky @rjdriscollcengr.bsky.social.
Conferences
In November, RJDCE was represented at two professional society conferences. The 30th-anniversary Summit for the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The summit included technical sessions on a variety of developing topics, including emerging applications for artificial intelligence in structural engineering. In addition, new snow load requirements incorporated in the 2024 International Building Code were presented. The new snow load maps represent the first update since 1995. In addition to using more recent data, the new snow loads are based on risk-targeted strength-level events developed by Monte Carlo simulations and result in slightly higher design loads. However, the load increase is substantial for some low-lying areas where the snow hazard is dominated by rare large storms rather than an accumulation of snow from multiple storms, as is typical in the mountains.
The Geo-Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers hosted Geo-Structures 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the first such conference in several years. Geo-Structures featured sessions on the effect of local geology on excavation support design in the Pittsburgh area, geosynthetic-reinforced soil retaining walls and bridge abutments, and developments in estimating deformations of excavation support systems.
Coming Up
2025 is shaping up to be another busy year. In addition, RJDCE will be celebrating its 10th year as a practice in February. Be sure to subscribe to RJDCE’s newsletter to learn more.
Season’s Greetings
RJDCE wishes you a healthy, safe, and happy holiday season, and a peaceful and prosperous new year. RJDCE has made year-end contributions to various organizations doing good work, including the Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, the American Red Cross, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the Granite State News Collaborative, Granite (NH) United Way, and the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics. You can find nonprofit organizations to support at Charity Navigator.