May 17, 2017
Structural Engineering Firms Play Vital Roles in Housing Programs and Beyond
Image 1: Communities Can Develop with Help from Structural Engineering Firms
As the Pelican City has had its share of trials over the past decade, its government and its people have continued to be steadfast. Continuous efforts are being taken by all parties from both the public and private sectors to rebuild the city and to make it great once more. People are educated and empowered to move forward and be strong in the face of disaster. Through all these efforts, structural engineering firms have shown their unwavering commitment and dedication to service.
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Making City Streets Drivable New Orleans is no stranger to heavy rains and flash floods. These dilemmas accumulate water that seeps through roads, causing cracks and potholes that make streets virtually unpassable. In fact, a huge percentage of major arteries in the city are still graded as poor, even years after Katrina. With insufficient drainage and other sewerage issues needing immediate attention, among other concerns, the Capital Improvement Program was launched. In this 8-year collaborative effort, all infrastructure projects are estimated to amount to more than $2.4 billion. NOLA officials consulted with structural engineering companies to draw up schematics for laying down stronger and better waterlines, paving roads, repairing driveways, curbs, sidewalks and much more. These consultants were also assigned to create action plans to prevent any future flooding from happening. This includes addressing problems with leaky pipes and effectively managing the flow of stormwater to keep it away from urban areas. Helping to Build Homes In 2013, the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) announced that it will be developing more than two dozen new homes in the Florida neighborhood. It can be recalled that in the aftermath of Katrina, residents in these areas had to be relocated. It was only years later that initiatives were done to restore this part of town so it can be livable again. The project is worth an estimated $13 million, with sources from capital funds and FEMA provisions. With this, the city of New Orleans had called upon structural engineering firms to inspect the sites and facilitate the necessary planning and repairs. A bulk of the work involved demolishing poor structures, setting foundations for better units, as well as ensuring that water, gas and electrical lines are operational. Aside from those tasks, engineering consultants also worked together with HANO to fix sewerage and drainage systems and to pave broken roads leading from the city towards the Florida neighborhood. It was in February 2016 when HANO announced the completion of the project, and that the duplexes are ready to be occupied by the families who need them most. Truly, structural engineers can do more than just build or repair. They are living proof that with the right planning and the drive to improve, rising up from the ashes and looking towards the future is possible. About ILSI Engineering: Having been in operation for more than 20 years, our company has truly stood the test of time. We firmly believe in using our expertise and experience to serve the greater good of NOLA.
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Beyond repairing roads and fixing structures, we are dedicated to restoring the city and making it a better place for all. Sources: HANO to Build 51 New Units at Florida Public Housing Development, NOLA.gov About Roadwork - The City of New Orleans, RoadWork.NOLA.gov New Orleans Needs $5 Billion to Repair Crumbling Streets, More for Maintenance, NOLA.com
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