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Piedroba was recently contracted by the Odebrecht USA - Central Florida Equipment joint venture to provide geotechnical consultancy services on the Fort Lauderdale Airport runway extension project. The extension of the southern runway, Runway 9R-27L, is necessary in order to accommodate larger commercial jet aircraft.
The consultancy work requested to be performed by Piedroba is mainly geared towards expanding and elevating Runway 9R-27L to an overall length of 8,000 ft and width of 150 ft, with an engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) at both runway ends, constructing a new full-length parallel taxiway 75 ft wide just north of Runway 9R-27L, and constructing connecting cross-field taxiways from the new full-length parallel taxiway to the existing taxiways and north runway. About Odebrecht USA Odebrecht entered the North American market in 1990–a natural step for a company with a global vision. Since then, Odebrecht USA has delivered vital infrastructure projects for federal, state and local governments, as well as important private developers. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Odebrecht USA also has offices in Louisiana and Texas. Diverse in site, scale and purpose, Odebrecht’s projects in the United States reflect a range of construction services for ports, airports, mass transit, rail, general building, bridges, highways, and environmental projects such as dams, levees, and floodwalls. In addition to engineering and construction expertise, the Odebrecht team has proven its skills in program management, procurement and construction, construction management, project finance and development, and design-build.
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Piedroba has been invited to present Dr. Luis Prieto-Portar's paper on cuttability and abrasivity in rock dredging at the World Dredging Congress (WODCON) in Brussels, June 3-7, 2013. Dr. Prieto-Portars' paper proposes the use of “cuttability” from the mining industry to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of different cutter-head forces upon rock strata. The Cuttability Index is a function of the strength and the geometry of the cutter-head basket and the placement of its teeth, in addition to the physical properties of the rock.
Numerical examples are given of the use of the equations of cuttability and productivity of dredging in rock. This paper also pursues the applicability of “abrasivity” in rock dredging to predict the wear of buckets or cutter-head teeth. Data is presented of how the Cerchar Abrasivity Index (CAI) use in the mining and tunneling industries has developed a large database to predict tooth wear in different rock strata. Finally, data and examples are presented on tests performed on limestone and sandstone strata in PortMiami in view of its deep dredging in 2013-2014. About the World Dredging Congress (WODCON) World Dredging Congresses (WODCONs) are organised once every three years by WODA, the World Organisation of Dredging Associations. First organised in 1967 in New York and held throughout the world since, this series of congresses has become the unique most important event for dredging professionals worldwide. WODCONs, the only worldwide events dedicated exclusively to dredging and maritime construction, provide a unique platform for researchers and practitioners from industry, academia and governments to meet and debate dredging. WODCON XX will showcase some 120 technical papers over three days covering all aspects of dredging and maritime construction. All WODCON XX papers will be peer reviewed and provide up to date, relevant and high quality information. The Congress will also feature a technical exhibition and technical visits. These technical programme elements will ensure a complete learning process, while various social events will allow participants to meet fellow professionals from all over the world in a friendly and inspiring atmosphere. Piedroba contracted to teach in-house version of Dredging Fundamentals at Savannah District2/7/2013 Piedroba was contacted early November by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (The Corps) to teach Dredging Fundamentals at the Savannah District. The Savannah District placed this specific request to prepare and train its staff for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP). During the week long session the students learned fundamental dredging theory and practice through lectures, field trips, group discussions and examinations. The team of instructors from Piedroba teamed up with The Corps Coastal Navigation Manger Jeffrey McKee and Corps Safety Manger Thomas Verna to teach topics such as: ‘Overview of Corps Dredging Program, Design of Corps Navigation Projects’, Types of Dredges in the United States Dredging Market, Hydraulic and Mechanical Dredging, Dredging Safety, Environmental Dredging, Corps Scheduling and Estimating, and Corps Contact Administration.
With an estimated total project cost at roughly $650 million, SHEP is one of the largest harbor deepening projects in the last couple decades in the United States (US). SHEP consists of both a significant dredging and heavy environmental mitigation component. The dredging component itself will have a pipeline and hopper dredging component, making SHEP a diverse and challenging project to be constructed. About the United States Army Corps of Engineers: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (The Corps) has approximately 34,000 dedicated Civilians and Soldiers delivering engineering services to customers in more than 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability as a guiding principle, the disciplined Corps team is working diligently to strengthen our Nation’s security by building and maintaining America’s infrastructure and providing military facilities where our service members train, work and live. The Corps is also researching and developing technology for our war fighters while protecting America’s interests abroad by using our engineering expertise to promote stability and improve quality of life. The Corps energizes the economy by dredging America’s waterways to support the movement of critical commodities and providing recreation opportunities at campgrounds, lakes and marinas. And by devising hurricane and storm damage reduction infrastructure, reducing risks from disasters. The men and women of the Corps are protecting and restoring the Nation’s environment including critical efforts in the Everglades, the Louisiana coast, and along many of our Nation’s major waterways. The Corps is also cleaning sites contaminated with hazardous, toxic or radioactive waste and material in an effort to sustain the environment. Piedroba is pleased to announce that Dr. Prieto-Portar received the best 'Technical Paper Award' at the Weda 32d and Texas A&M 43rd Annual Dredging Seminar in San Antonia, Texas.
The 32nd annual WEDA conference which took place June 10th through 13th in San Antonio, Texas saw Piedroba's Dr. Luis Prieto-Portar deliver both papers on Cerchar Abrasivity testing and Risk Hazard Management. Themed "The Nuts and Bolts of Dredging" this conference serves as a forum for professionals from different industries, and with different background to share their knowledge of the dredging and marine construction industry. The award winning paper on Cerchar Abrasivity attracted the interest of WEDA's technical staff, due to its innovative approach in improving data for rock dredging work. About WEDA WEDA is a Member of The World Organization of Dredging Associations (WODA). The WEDA region covers North, Central and South America. The Central Dredging Association (CEDA) covers most of Europe, Africa, and the Mid and Near East. The Eastern Dredging Association (EADA) covers the Far East and Pacific region. The three organizations constitute WODA with equal representation. The goals and objectives are common for each of the three organizations; however operations to attain these are independently carried out. Piedroba along with the help of Jeffrey McKee and Thomas Verna, of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), successfully administered the Fundamentals of Dredging course in New Orleans, Louisiana. Students representing all of the Corps' districts attended the course.
During the week long session the students learned fundamental dredging theory and practice through lectures, field trips, group discussions and examinations. Piedroba’s instructors will team up with The Corps Coastal Navigation Manger Jeffrey McKee and Corps Safety Manger Thomas Verna to teach topics such as: ‘Overview of Corps Dredging Program, Design of Corps Navigation Projects’, Types of Dredges in the United States Dredging Market, Hydraulic and Mechanical Dredging, Dredging Safety, Environmental Dredging, Corps Scheduling and Estimating, and Corps Contact Administration. In addition to the lectures series students enjoyed field trips to companies such as DSC (Dredging Supply Company) and Reserve Louisiana Manufacturing Yard as well as seeing the Port of New Orleans Dredge. About the United States Army Corps of Engineers: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (The Corps) has approximately 34,000 dedicated Civilians and Soldiers delivering engineering services to customers in more than 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability as a guiding principle, the disciplined Corps team is working diligently to strengthen our Nation’s security by building and maintaining America’s infrastructure and providing military facilities where our service members train, work and live. The Corps is also researching and developing technology for our war fighters while protecting America’s interests abroad by using our engineering expertise to promote stability and improve quality of life. The Corps energizes the economy by dredging America’s waterways to support the movement of critical commodities and providing recreation opportunities at campgrounds, lakes and marinas. And by devising hurricane and storm damage reduction infrastructure, reducing risks from disasters. The men and women of the Corps are protecting and restoring the Nation’s environment including critical efforts in the Everglades, the Louisiana coast, and along many of our Nation’s major waterways. The Corps is also cleaning sites contaminated with hazardous, toxic or radioactive waste and material in an effort to sustain the environment. Piedroba today announced its 2012 class schedule of the Dredging Fundamental Course to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (The Corps). Luis Prieto-Portar, PhD, PE, Piedroba’s Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Jelle H.L. Prins, M.S. and Pablo Prieto y Munoz, PhD, PE will lead the team through classes in New Orleans, LA and Seattle, WA.
During each week long session that included a field trip, the students learned fundamental dredging theory and practice through lectures, field trips, group discussions and examinations. Piedroba’s instructors will team up with The Corps Coastal Navigation Manger Jeffrey McKee and Corps safety Manger Thomas Verna to teach topics such as: ‘Overview of Corps Dredging Program, Design of Corps Navigation Projects’, Types of Dredges in the United States Dredging Market, Hydraulic and Mechanical Dredging, Dredging Safety, Environmental Dredging, Corps Scheduling and Estimating, and Corps Contact Administration. The New Orleans session will be held from April 16-20 at the The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Southern Regional Research Center New Orleans at 1100 Robert E. Lee Blvd.,New Orleans, Louisiana, LA 70124. The Seattle session will take place from June 18-22 at the General Services Administration (GSA), Jackson Federal Building at the Seattle Metro Service Center, 915 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98174. About the United States Army Corps of Engineers: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (The Corps) has approximately 34,000 dedicated Civilians and Soldiers delivering engineering services to customers in more than 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability as a guiding principle, the disciplined Corps team is working diligently to strengthen our Nation’s security by building and maintaining America’s infrastructure and providing military facilities where our service members train, work and live. The Corps is also researching and developing technology for our war fighters while protecting America’s interests abroad by using our engineering expertise to promote stability and improve quality of life. The Corps energizes the economy by dredging America’s waterways to support the movement of critical commodities and providing recreation opportunities at campgrounds, lakes and marinas. And by devising hurricane and storm damage reduction infrastructure, reducing risks from disasters. The men and women of the Corps are protecting and restoring the Nation’s environment including critical efforts in the Everglades, the Louisiana coast, and along many of our Nation’s major waterways. The Corps is also cleaning sites contaminated with hazardous, toxic or radioactive waste and material in an effort to sustain the environment. On December 7th and 8th Piedroba was invited by the Jacksonville District, United States Army Corps of Engineers (The Corps) to teach a two day course. Subject matters of the lectures included harbor dredging, seepage through levees, dewatering of cofferdams, environmental dewatering, expanding dredge material management area’s (DMMA’s), rock testing methods, blasting versus cutting power, and the principles of construction contracts.
A symposium discussing the potential for improvement regarding writing plans and specification with the goal to minimize change orders was being held during the Thursday afternoon session. Jelle H.L. Prins led the panel that also included Piedroba’s Dr. Luis Prieto-Portar and Luis Prieto y Munoz. The group of participants primarily included Corps engineers and geologists. Dr. Luis Prieto-Portar, who taught the majority of the classes, enjoyed the detailed questioning from the Corps attendees: ‘The Corps has a responsibility in maintaining our infrastructure, and to be able to come in and assist them with their work is a tremendous honor. The participants deal with real life practical issues on their projects and it’s great to see their passion and drive to getting things done; we certainly look forward to coming back here and offer our assistance where we are needed. About the United States Army Corps of Engineers: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (The Corps) has approximately 34,000 dedicated Civilians and Soldiers delivering engineering services to customers in more than 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability as a guiding principle, the disciplined Corps team is working diligently to strengthen our Nation’s security by building and maintaining America’s infrastructure and providing military facilities where our service members train, work and live. The Corps is also researching and developing technology for our war fighters while protecting America’s interests abroad by using our engineering expertise to promote stability and improve quality of life. The Corps energizes the economy by dredging America’s waterways to support the movement of critical commodities and providing recreation opportunities at campgrounds, lakes and marinas. And by devising hurricane and storm damage reduction infrastructure, reducing risks from disasters. Our men and women are protecting and restoring the Nation’s environment including critical efforts in the Everglades, the Louisiana coast, and along many of our Nation’s major waterways. The Corps is also cleaning sites contaminated with hazardous, toxic or radioactive waste and material in an effort to sustain the environment. Piedroba today announced it has successfully completed the first year of teaching the Dredging Fundamental Course to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (The Corps). Luis Prieto-Portar, PhD, PE, Piedroba’s Principal and Chief Executive Officer and Pablo Prieto y Munoz, PhD, PE, Piedroba’s Executive Vice-President led the team through classes in Virginia Beach, VA. and New Orleans, LA.
During each week long session that included a field trip, the students learned fundamental dredging theory and practice through lectures, field trips, group discussions and examinations. Dr. Prieto-Portar highlighted the outstanding cooperation of the Army Corps instructors: ‘It was a true pleasure to work with instructors like Thomas Verna and Jeffrey McKee. Their knowledgeable and experienced contribution played a major role in obtaining great reviews from the participants’. Piedroba’s assistant Instructor Pablo Prieto y Munoz enjoyed the interaction with the students, who represented different Army Corps Districts from across the country: ‘The diversity and specialized knowledge of each of the participants encouraged interaction between students and instructors‘. The course covered basic information on how the Corps’ dredging projects are designed, built and maintained. Other subject matters included: hydraulic dredges, mechanical dredges, bathymetric surveying, sediment characterization, contaminated sediment management, cost analysis and scheduling. About the Corps: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (The Corps) has approximately 34,000 dedicated Civilians and Soldiers delivering engineering services to customers in more than 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability as a guiding principle, the disciplined Corps team is working diligently to strengthen our Nation’s security by building and maintaining America’s infrastructure and providing military facilities where our service members train, work and live. The Corps is also researching and developing technology for our war fighters while protecting America’s interests abroad by using our engineering expertise to promote stability and improve quality of life. The Corps energizes the economy by dredging America’s waterways to support the movement of critical commodities and providing recreation opportunities at campgrounds, lakes and marinas. And by devising hurricane and storm damage reduction infrastructure, reducing risks from disasters. Our men and women are protecting and restoring the Nation’s environment including critical efforts in the Everglades, the Louisiana coast, and along many of our Nation’s major waterways. The Corps is also cleaning sites contaminated with hazardous, toxic or radioactive waste and material in an effort to sustain the environment. Dr. Luis Prieto-Portar, PhD, PE, Piedroba’s CEO, will attend the Sixth International Conference on Remediation of Contaminated sediments. Dr. Prieto-Portar will be discussing emerging technologies and their application to clean surface waters during the course of maintenance dredging of Florida waterways. During the conference, Dr. Prieto-Portar and co-author Luis Prieto y Munoz, will present and discuss their technical paper: ‘Sand Recovery for Beach Renourishment from Waterway Cleansing: The Holmes Beach Canals’.
The maintenance of over 11,000 miles of rivers and waterways in Florida normally involves the dual tasks of dredging and disposal of the removed sediments. These sensitive environments merit adding a third task: cleansing the surface water and removal of contaminant solids. These solids include the recovery of clean sands, removal of heavy metals, rubbish and other contaminants. New techniques are converting dredging into a bioremediation strategy. A case study of some of these new techniques is presented through the dredging of eight canals of the city of Holmes Beach in Manatee County during the summer of 2009. Although not required by the city, the contractor included the third task of cleansing the surface water and extracting solids from the dredged 6,890 yd3 via a total cleansing system. The system consists of a portable three-stage cleaning process, that cyclones and sieves the influent. Each stage separates increasing finer solids down to particles 37 microns in size. Ninety-five percent of the solids were clean quartz sand, useful for local fills. The effluent was practically clean, with turbidities commonly 25 NTU below baseline. In the few sections that yielded higher turbidities, the effluent was directed to containers where the solids were recovered through flocculants. The paper discusses the use of a compact swinging-ladder dredge, GPS-based software to optimize the dredged profile, solids recovery systems and the flocculation of fines. To view a digital copy of the paper ‘Sand Recovery for Beach Renourishment from Waterway Cleansing: The Holmes Beach Canals’, please click on the link below:Sand Recovery for Beach Renourishment from Waterway Cleansing: The Holmes Beach Canals About the Sixth Batelle Conference on Remediation of Contaminated Sediments: The Sixth Sediments Conference, held in New Orleans in February 2011, was the largest to date, attended by approximately 1,100 scientists, engineers, regulators, remediation site owners, and other environmental professionals, representing universities, government agencies, consultants, and R&D and service firms from around the world. The technical program was made up of one panel discussion and 48 specialized sessions, encompassing 430 platform and poster presentations. The program was organized into the following five thematic tracks: Sediment Processes and Modeling Characterization, Assessment, and Monitoring Sediment Remediation and Remediation Processes Remedy Performance and Challenges Management and Policy This conference series focuses on hazardous contaminants that find their way to the sediments of rivers, lakes, bays, and harbors, where they present significant risk to economic development and the health of aquatic environments worldwide. To maintain the economic and biological viability of these environments, it is necessary to manage complex series of actions that affect a wide range of environmental, economic, and social issues. Each conference addresses the challenges of combining basic research, new characterization and assessment methodologies, innovative engineering, and good management practices to address the concerns of all stakeholders. The January/February 2011 issue of the International Dredging Review magazine included a prominent article covering the Holmes Beach Dredging Project. The industry leading magazine approached Piedroba after learning about their innovative application of rapid dewatering systems on dredging projects.
Editor Judith Powers asked the authors, Luis Prieto-Portar, PhD, PE and Luis Prieto y Munoz, MA to provide the reader insight as to which sediment characterization tests were conducted by Piedroba before the project commenced. Other topic areas of the article included: project characteristics, slurry processing equipment set up, the advantages of solid removal systems and turbidity requirements and measurements. To view a digital copy of the IDR issue covering the article on pages 18-19, please click on the link below: IDR Magazine Article About IDR: IDR is a bi-monthly trade magazine that serves dredging operators and related marine and material handling businesses in North America and around the World.The goal is to provide a high quality platform for communication between dredging companies, customers and venders within the worldwide dredging and related industries. The target audience includes all types of dredge owners/operators, customers and potential customers of the dredging industry including but not limited to government agencies such as the U.S. Corps of Engineers, public ports and harbors, private businesses such as terminals and marinas, aggregate mining companies, environmental and land reclamation interests, hydrographic surveyors, and vendors to the dredging industry. IDR is published by The Waterways Journal, Inc. The Waterways Journal Weekly, continuously published since 1887, proudly serves the inland river transportation community. The Waterways Journal, Inc. also publishes the Inland River Guide, Inland River Record, Quimby’s Cruising Guide and Heartland Boating Magazine. |
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