Engineering Inc. - May/June 2008 - 32

AC E C 2 0 0 8 EnginEEr ing ExC El l EnCE AwArds h honorAWArds Lake Brazos Labyrinth Weir, Waco, Texas Freese and Nichols, Inc.—Austin, Texas Uncertain water levels and frequent costly repairs on an outdated spillway prevented Lake Brazos from becoming an attractive waterfront destination for the city of Waco. The creative project team designed a customized 3,000-foot-long labyrinth weir containing 25 V-shaped cycles over the foundation of the 45-year-old existing spillway. This eliminated the need for spillway replacement and for the river to be diverted during construction. It reduced cost and environmental impact and assures more reliable lake levels with less maintenance. Lake Brazos can now fulfill its potential as a hub of downtown Waco’s revitalization. h First Avenue District School, Newark, N.J. Paulus, Sokolowski and Sartor—Warren, N.J. A school for pre-kindergarten to eighth-grade students features numerous innovative and sustainable design strategies for lowering operating costs, improving energy efficiency and providing a state-of-the-art learning environment. The project team’s LEED Standard design features effective north and south daylight sensors to provide artificial lighting as needed, geothermal heating and cooling systems to reduce fossil fuel dependence, roofs clad in a white single-ply membrane to reduce the “heat island” effect, and high-performance insulation and waterproofing. Hailed as a new standard in 21st century educational facilities, the school serves as a benchmark of quality and technology for schools nationwide. h Tule River Fish Return System, Sequoia National Park, Calif. Blair, Church & Flynn Consulting Engineers—Clovis, Calif. Inspired engineering now prevents fish from being trapped at a Southern California Edison hydro-electric facility—a problem that left unresolved would have shut down one of Southern California’s key sources of power. The project team’s solution included two fish ladders to divert fish around the facility, down a mountainside, and back to their natural habitat. The innovative system of pipes, ladders and channels maintains critical water flow and depth, maximizes oxygenation and fish protection, and ultimately reduces the risk of any disruption to the power plant. 32 ENGINEERING INC. MAY / JUNE 2008 h Project FROG Prototype, San Francisco, Calif. Degenkolb Engineers—San Francisco, Calif. Resourceful engineering has led to the creation of a state-of-theart modular classroom facility, providing overcrowded school systems with an economical alternative to trailers. The Flexible Response to Ongoing Growth (FROG) initiative includes stylish prototype modular buildings which can be configured to create conventional classrooms, labs, auditoriums and other specialized educational spaces. The design also features a steel truss-like structural system to meet strict seismic criteria and ensure occupant safety in the event of an earthquake. It offers the same flexible, cost-effective and deployment advantages as trailers, but with an interior layout and environment much more conducive to learning.

Engineering Inc. - May/June 2008

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