AZPete,
I studied at an A&M university, hence the name. However, I do practice agricultural, civil, and environmental engineering.
My clients are 50% businesses, 25% developers, and 25% homeowners. The homeowner work is all on-site wastewater management consulting.
This is my experience. I went out on my own 2 years after licensure with 6 years of experience. While working for a consulting firm after starting in industry, I feel like I looked behind the "veil." I observed that most of the consultants didn't understand what they were doing, but were...
I have evaluated a site that is a former surface mine. The owner wishes to construct a house on the "mine spoil/mine soils." The soils can accept very little effluent based on the structure, consistence, and texture. A Wisconsin Mound is not applicable.
Any Canadian engineers here to discuss...
I submitted to the Georgia board with both work under a PE and work under unlicensed engineers in industry. I had no issue with the Board at all and was not questioned or asked to submit any verification of the experience of my supervisors. As long as you have three PEs to sign off on the...
I have signed NDAs when onboarding as a vendor for companies. It was always part of a larger package like submitting my W-9, bank details, etc. I signed the NDAs before discussing any specifics of a project.
Thank you all for your replies. When I would begin work at a new firm, the first plan sets I would develop would be based off recently produced plan sets by the firm. That is how I would mimic what was expected. I would take a similar approach, with the addition of clear standards, to get a...
I am at the point where I have more work than I can do at a reasonable pace and there is more work available. I am a one man operation. When did you hire your first employee? Did you hire an engineer, draftsman, or administrative assistant first? Lessons learned?
Maximum grade is generally 15% for 8" and decreases to 4% for a 24". Hydraulic jump and restricted flow can be a concern for steep installations. You are correct that there are vertical sections in outside or inside drop manholes, but they are effectively vented and an emergency overflow is...
If it is in Flood Zone A, you may not truly be in a "flood zone." You may be able to actually survey your way out of the flood zone by proving you are above the base flood elevation, BFE.
Most States include a table in their regulations for stormwater and septic infiltration rates based on soil morphology. Where were these values likely derived? I have not found a citation for the values in the manuals I have come across over the years.
In my neck of the woods, residential contractors (and some commercial), do not see the value in engineers or architects. All they care about is getting a permit, so you are left with the dilemma of how much time you can afford to dedicate to set of plans. They often come to me with full...
I arrange my fee for a review to be practically equal to design (the time I spend is the same minus drafting). Reviewing designs involves more risk than a full design, so I expect to be compensated for that risk. I may lose jobs this way, but I do not want to be known as a stamp for hire. I...
Rostas are common in my area. One concern I have is the longevity of the rubber and the inclination to settle over time, so that clearances are not constant. However, they are effective.
I stepped away from the project after discussions with the contractor. They ultimately just wanted a stamp for permits without paying for engineering.
The paper is a great guide and I will continue to reference it. I am looking to move more into historic renovations/preservation projects...
