By E. Mitchell Swann, PE A hot topic in the industry today is the “Internet of Things” (IoT). The IoT is the use of “smart” devices, transmitters and systems to facilitate the real time transmission of information, control of equipment and optimized operation of systems; often including or via some Internet-based communication network. The objective
Technology
MDCSystems® Taking Off with Commercial Drones
MDC Systems® has recently entered the commercial drone industry with its drone for various inspection and engineering evaluation services. The future for the commercial drone industry looks very bright. In 2015 the U.S. commercial drone market size was an estimated $400 million, and by the year 2022 it is projected to grow to over $1 billion.
MDC Systems® Offers Engineering Inspection Services Using Drones
MDC Systems® is currently offering Facility, Façade and Area Inspection and evaluation services in conjunction with Flexright Solutions using industrial drones and will soon add a DJI Phantom 3 Advanced drone model and imaging package to the service. MDC expects to have its own personnel FAA approved for drone operations by the Summer of 2016.
Building Envelope Investigations
MDC Systems® has performed building exterior envelope investigations for over forty years on all types of residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Some of these investigations have included unique aspects of work concerning:
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
Traditional hard coat cement stucco repairs/replacements
Stone veneer failures/replacements
Shingle roof failures/replacements
Water penetration due to improperly flashed windows
Water penetration due to missing/defective sealant applications
Flashing omissions
Air and Vapor barrier failures/omissions
Defective design applications for both new and traditional materials
Water Treatment: Not Just a Third World Issue
Donald R. Keer, P.E., Esq.clean-water
MDC Systems® Consulting Engineer
In March the United Nations celebrated World Water Day 2013 by choosing Water Cooperation (supplying clean, accessible water to vulnerable communities) as its theme. With continuous pressure being put on populations to use water wisely, attorneys in the construction industry are seeing issues arise that were not present two decades ago. Water treatment is a unique industry with its own problems.
Hurricane Sandy – Another Storm, Same Recovery Challenges
by Robert C. McCue, PE
MDC Systems® Consulting EngineerhurricaneSandy
Fully two weeks after Hurricane Sandy, the recovery efforts are still frustrated by the lack of fuel and communication. There must be a better way to truly prepare for these events and to avoid the familiar storm after effects.
In my personal experience, gasoline lines (fuel shortages) and communications problems have been predictable after effects of major storms for fifty years. My first storm recovery effort was Hurricane Agnes in 1972. At the time I was a student at Penn State University (recently released from four years of active duty) and a Captain in the Pennsylvania National Guard based out of Lewistown, PA. During the storm we performed rescue and evacuation work in and around Lewistown and then food distribution and fuel delivery to local municipalities on the I – 80 corridor from Altoona to Scranton. Many roads were destroyed in Central Pennsylvania and many bridges were missing resulting in isolation for many communities.
