About this Event
In the first part of the event, attendees will see the popsicle stick bridge entries and witness how they fair against testing loads. In the second part of the event, we will be joined by presenters from WSP and PCL, who will talk about the 9th Ave Bridge project. See event details below!
Date: March 2, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM MST
Location: Schulich School of Engineering, first floor social stairs (Arium), 622 Collegiate Pl NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4V8
Schedule: *
5:00pm – 6:30pm Introduction & Testing
6:30pm – 7:30pm 9th Ave Bridge Presentation and Q&A
7:30pm – 8:00pm Announcement of Winners & Networking
*Schedule may be subject to change based on the Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition
Cost:
Students - Competition Participants: Free
Students: $10
CSCE Members: $20
Non-Members: $25
Description:
Situated at the natural boundary between downtown Calgary (East Village) and Inglewood-Ramsay, the 9th Avenue Bridge crossing the Elbow River is a vital link between these communities. The crossing is of great historical significance, with a riveted camelback through-truss serving in place since 1909. By 2017, the original 1909 historical camelback truss had reached the end of its practical service life and required in situ replacement without disrupting traffic flow to more than 20,000 vehicles and bus routes that travel along 9th Avenue daily.
There were many significant engineering and construction challenges that impacted this project from the preliminary design stage to construction close out. This project was a success due to the relationships built by and between WSP and PCL with the client, and other parties. This allowed for decisions to be made efficiently on site as conditions changed that were effective and had minimal impacts on cost and schedule. We will showcase the various design and construction challenged and how the consultant, contractor, and client worked together to solves issues effectively and efficiently.
Additional information and photos can be found at the City of Calgary website: 9 Avenue S.E. Bridge replacement project (calgary.ca)
Speakers:
WSP
Francis Weston: Francis is an engineering business and project management professional with over 13 years of experience in infrastructure project planning and delivery. Presently at WSP, Francis specializes in the strategic commercial and risk management of major highway, bridge, tunnelling, and transit projects across Canada. He is proud to call Alberta home and holds both an M.Eng and an MBA from the University of Calgary.
Hossein Azimi: Hossein is a Lead Bridge Engineer with more than 14 years of professional engineering experience and 7 years of applied research experience. He holds a Ph.D. in the area of bridge engineering, authored a book in bridge analysis/dynamics along with several bridge-related technical publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences and has won several awards. Hossein has been leading major City of Calgary projects since 2016 and Alberta Transportation since 2020. He started leading the construction activities in decommissioning Glenmore Tr over an abandoned railway, to leading full project engineering scope from feasibility study to preliminary engineering, detailed design, and construction in 80th Ave NE / Stoney Tr Flyover. He designed some aspects of 9th Ave Bridge Replacement project and was the technical lead during construction.
Sarah Faithful: Sarah is an engineer in training working with WSP as a bridge designer. She has 5 years experience in construction supervision, project administration, and bridge and culvert design and assessment. Sarah was heavily involved in the 9th Avenue Bridge Replacement project as the onsite supervisor during construction. Sarah holds a B.SC. and a B.A. from the University of Calgary.
PCL
Anthony Smith: Anthony is a Project Manager for 14 years of experience in construction, 9 of which have been at PCL. Major projects he has managed include the following:
City of Calgary - LRT Platform Extensions (39th Ave and Banff Trail)
City of Calgary – Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant – Electrical Distribution Centre
City of Calgary – Stoney Transit Facility
City of Calgary – 9th Ave Bridge
City of Calgary – Bridge Rehabilitation Projects (Centre Street, Reconciliation and Hextall)
City of Calgary - Greenline Utility Relocation Program”
Jaden Riggins: Jaden is an engineer-in-training who has been working for PCL for 3 years. He graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His current role is Project Coordinator, and his major projects include the following:
CGFC – Glycol Buffer Tank
City of Calgary – 9th Avenue Bridge
City of Calgary – 5th Street Underpass and Lift Station
City of Calgary – Woodlands Sanitary Lift Station
City of Calgary – CN Highfield Green Line Enabling Works
City of Calgary – 210 Avenue Pump Station
Town of Cochrane – James Walker Trail Bridge
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
622 Collegiate Pl NW, 622 Collegiate Place Northwest, Calgary, Canada
CAD 0.00 to CAD 25.00