Using Dynamic Pile Testing To Evaluate Quality and Verify Capacity of Driven Piles

1998 ◽  
Vol 1633 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-119
Author(s):  
Phillip A. Walton ◽  
Stephen L. Borg

Pile testing using a pile driving analyzer is a nondestructive method of evaluating the support capacity provided by the soil to a pile. The New York State Department of Transportation’s (NYSDOT) approach to incorporating this testing procedure into a project is discussed from design into construction. Specification and contractural responsibilities are addressed, as are typical applications of the test method. By judiciously using dynamic pile testing, NYSDOT is able to cost-effectively link the design process to construction. Informed decisions are possible regarding the field performance of driven piles with respect to pile-soil support capacity, hammer operation, driving stress, damage to piles during driving, and verification of assumptions made for wave equation analysis of piles.

Author(s):  
Gary McVoy ◽  
Mark Sengenberger ◽  
Elizabeth Novak

Public-works agencies have an obligation to enhance the environment as opportunities arise. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has developed an environmental initiative to make an affirmative contribution to the environment, using the department’s organizational strengths. The environmental initiative is a paradigm shift applicable to all departments of transportation (DOTs). Conventional reactive regulatory compliance can reduce unnecessary environmental damage and sometimes gain grudging regulatory agency cooperation; however, it is not a positive, satisfying way of doing the people’s work. Through proactive steps, NYSDOT has become an important part of the state’s environmental solution (often at little or no additional cost) and has changed its working relationships with environmental agencies and groups. As these agencies and groups have become partners, instead of adversaries, permit-approval times have improved, mitigation costs have declined, morale has improved, and cost-effective environmental benefits are being realized. Procedures are outlined to apply the engineering capabilities of a DOT to the environmental-stewardship responsibilities shared by all governmental organizations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (03) ◽  
pp. e281-e287
Author(s):  
Sangeeta Kumaraswami ◽  
Tana S. Pradhan ◽  
Sorana Vrabie-Wolf ◽  
Sadaf Lodhi ◽  
Geetha P. Rajendran ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To describe our experiences in preparing our obstetric unit in Westchester County, New York, during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease of 2019) pandemic. We focus on describing our timeline, continuously evolving actions, observations, and challenges. Methods With guidance from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), our institutional epidemiologist, and key multidisciplinary faculty members, we evaluated emerging national data as well as expert opinions to identify issues and challenges to create action plans. Results We created and modified policies for our patients presenting for obstetrical care on the labor and delivery unit to accommodate their unique needs during this pandemic. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many unique challenges. Balancing communication, risks of infection to providers, patient autonomy and rights, and resources for testing and personal protective equipment were among the valuable lessons learnt. We have shared our experiences and described our observations and challenges in Westchester County, New York.


1982 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Lamanna

This article emerges from a larger study of preventive approaches for Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD) prepared for the New York State Department of Education. The author contends that in addition to clearly identifiable Fetal Alcohol Syndrome children, there is a continuum of impairment to the offspring of drinking mothers that is dose related and produces serious behavioral/learning deficits. The continuum includes young people of normal intelligence who perform below expected levels and find school adjustment difficult. School and community agencies need to conduct studies to determine the nature and extent of impairment and the kind of interventive and preventive action that should be instituted. To that end, this article gives information on the background and nature of ARBD and some suggestions to guide development of programs.


Author(s):  
John Bullough ◽  
Mark S. Rea

Backscattered light reflected from falling snow, rain, and fog impairs visibility and can hinder performance of snowplow operators. New York State Department of Transportation snowplow operators cite backscattered glare as an important problem, and many drivers use their own “solutions” to counteract it. A literature review yielded two important conclusions: backscattered light from a lamp in fog and falling snow is reduced, and visibility is improved ( a) as the lamp is moved away from the operator’s line of sight and ( b) with a narrow-beam lamp. Field tests of lighting configurations during inclement weather were conducted to determine the effects of beam type and displacement from the operator’s line of sight on visibility, glare, and satisfaction. On the basis of these data and the literature, a simple mathematical model was developed that predicts the forward-visibility ratings of snowplow operators. This model can be used to guide specifiers in selecting light sources and mounting locations for snowplow operations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Tatyiana Gordon

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York City Office of Environmental Remediation (OER) manage and coordinate brownfield cleanup programs. These are intended to promote environmental restoration and redevelopment of underutilized or abandoned properties that have been affected by the presence or discharges of oil or hazardous substances. This paper seeks to determine whether these programs have achieved the goals and objectives sought by decision makers and if the cost of those achievements in terms of public money subsidies and forgone tax revenue have been commensurate with the realized benefits.The DEC brownfield program offers financial incentives, such as tax credits, as well as regulatory benefits (limited liability protections) to promote alternatives to greenfield development. OER efforts are New York City centric with incentives divided into three sectors: procedural, legal, and financial with a major goal of reducing remedial (cleanup) timeframes. To evaluate the effectiveness of the New York City Brownfield program changes in property values over time were evaluated. The five New York City counties experiencing the two highest percent increases in property values also claimed the highest brownfield credits. Queens and Brooklyn received most brownfield credits during this period but also experienced the most redevelopment. These and other data illustrate a return on the brownfield investment (ROBI) credit of about one to six; or one dollar in brownfield credit stimulating six dollars in project spending. New York City counties’ ROBI is consistent with all other New York State County ROBI’s: roughly six dollars in redevelopment activity being stimulated by one dollar in brownfield credit. The roughly $6 ROBI presented here is similar to ROI’s for other public services such as disease prevention and incarceration intervention.


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