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American technology and know-how are well-respected in many industries throughout the world. However, in the area of electric vehicles, Europe has the reputation for being a front runner in the implementation of these advanced technologies that can improve overall fleet performance and save money while meeting tighter environmental standards than those in the US. It is common in many cities across Europe to see a switch to electric municipal work trucks. In the near future, such technologies will make an impact in North America as well, presenting an opportunity to ease our implementation by learning from the mistakes and the wins that our counterparts made when adopting this technology. Electric vehicles are not simply about lower emissions and reducing environmental impact. Rather, the change can provide many benefits to a city from reducing costs and noise pollution to extending the workable hours for their fleet. The presentation relies heavily on the practical experience of the Swiss city of Thun, outlining their switch to an electric sweeper. Toward the end of the session, presenters will also discuss new technologies on the horizon for fleet managers.
Read MoreDespite less miles being logged in 2020 than years past, roadway fatalities are higher than they have ever been on a per million miles per fatality rate. The statistics are speeding, clear-distracted driving, and other high-risk behavior that need to be managed. Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence (MV+AI) can see, identify, and categorize objects and behaviors that contribute to high risk driving. The goal is to prevent injuries and fatalities before they become a reality, and MV+AI can help achieve that. Technology not only helps fleets run more efficiently, but also more safely. Join this meeting to learn how Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence (MV+AI) can help manage drivers and protect the community you serve. Industry experts will speak to the power of MV+AI and why the technology is vital to maintaining a safe fleet.
Read MoreSeeking to develop new and useful applications for virtual reality in conjunction with public education and engagement, TranSystems designed and created an interactive driving simulator using commercially available hardware and software. Leveraging technology from the video game industry, the simulator uses a virtual reality head mounted display and realistic controls to create the illusion of driving a vehicle through proposed infrastructure designs, allowing DOTs and stakeholders to experience and interact with roadways, interchanges, and bridges, reviewing a design’s operation and aesthetics from the driver’s seat. This presentation covers the tools, processes, and lessons learned in bringing this technology to life.
Read MoreThis presentation covers the highs and lows and stops and starts of a real-world flood mitigation project in Lincoln, Nebraska. This project, while extremely beneficial and cost effective, hit seemingly every major roadblock possible. With perseverance, strong local leadership, and a little bit of luck, the project was recently constructed. This presentation outlines the project’s path through deficiency identification, alternative development, identification of funding, public involvement/education, final design, property acquisition, and ultimately, construction. This flood mitigation project addresses significant flooding that caused structural damage to dozens of commercial and industrial properties. The session reviews the project development during preliminary drainage analysis (2010), detailed analysis, project development and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application (2013), final design and updated 2-D Hydraulic modeling and right-of-way acquisition (2016-2017) and construction (2017-2020). Throughout the life of the project, many potentially project-ending road blocks were encountered such as: lack of funding in 2013 when original FEMA grant application was submitted, a highly politicized project, a challenging project site with limited room for construction, private property encroachment on city easements, private property access, truncated design schedule for complicated project, USACE permitting challenges, private/public utility and street conflicts, and a FEMA funding delay due to hurricanes in 2017. This presentation traces the successes and setbacks of this particular flood mitigation project, and demonstrates the value in persevering through challenges. The total project is currently estimated at $5.35 million and provides an estimated benefit of $10.8 million for a Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.99.
Read MoreDo you aspire to be a leader in your organization or professional association? Then this interactive learning opportunity is for you! You will meet dedicated professionals who have held leadership positions in their agencies or companies and who have served as leaders at both the chapter and national levels of APWA. They’ll involve you in discussions about setting your own personal leadership goals and offer insight into the challenges and rewards that lie ahead for you.
Read MorePublic agencies typically target their program messages to audiences over the age of 18. However, the ultimate owners and beneficiaries of our planned eco-friendly water reuse programs are our youth. The investment we make in educating our children is an investment that pays untold dividends. Two water reuse programs, the East County Advanced Water Purification program in east San Diego County, and the Pure Water Oceanside program in north San Diego County refined their public outreach programs with this “Next Gen” approach in mind. Reusing water through advanced water purification methods and utilizing advanced technology for water treatment is a natural for kids – who inherently ‘get’ why this type of project is needed. Eco-anxiety and the fear of environmental catastrophe is spurring our youth to take on environmental issues. Demonstrating to them that steps are being taken in their communities to help solve environmental challenges is vital. These children, from elementary school into the teen years, may not vote or pay water bills now, but they will soon enough. Moreover, they will reap the benefits of the water reuse programs being planned and built today. Since 2014, more than 7,000 people have toured the East County Advanced Water Purification demonstration facility, including children ranging in age from 7 to 18 years-old. Quantitative survey results from the tour program show pre-tour participants have a poor/fair understanding of the program, while after completing the tour, the acceptance rating soared to a 98% excellent/good program understanding. Pure Water Oceanside hosted a family-friendly festival called the ‘World of Water’ where guests of all ages learned about advanced water purification though hands-on demonstrations, activities and tours. In addition, both programs have continued to adapt and modernize to engage their target audience, of all ages, during the COVID-19 restrictions for in-person outreach and education.
Read MoreWhat is asset management and why does it matter? How does an asset management program get started and maintained over time? In this Jam Session, there are no stupid questions and all ideas are on the table as we discuss making the most of your assets and prioritizing capital spending.
Read MoreEmergencies do not choose what community to effect, but small cities and rural communities can choose to be prepared, and public works will play a role. The role of public…
Read MoreA brief overview of modern management styles vs. the former command and control structure. How a proper plan, training and implementation can bring the change that a snow and ice control manager desires. Shared experiences good and bad of the change process and its effect on the working and supervisory group.
Read MorePlain salt brine is the most commonly used liquid deicer, but agencies often use a variety of more complex brine blends to seek enhanced performance. Field experience is always the ultimate arbiter of effectiveness of any deicer, but it can usually only judge on a coarse, qualitative basis. Laboratory studies permit a more precise understanding of deicer performance properties and can provide valuable supporting information about the effectiveness expected from deicing chemicals. Thus, this presentation will focus on what we are learning about the fundamental performance properties of enhanced brine blends under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Topics will include: how do common brine enhancers affect ice melting capacity and rate? Low temperature performance? Pre-wet performance? What is the optimum brine concentration? What causes some brine blends to turn into “mayonnaise” and how do we avoid it? Under what circumstances are enhanced brine blends likely to be most useful?
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