Engineering ABCs: What is G.P.S.?

Walter HopkinOur Blog

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is one of the most important technological advancements of the modern era. Whether you’re using it to navigate through traffic on your smartphone, or relying on it for precise land surveys, GPS technology plays a central role in our daily lives. But how exactly does it work, and how do engineers and surveyors apply it …

How do Engineers Identify the Seasonal High-Water Table Outside of the Wet Season?

Walter HopkinOur Blog

The Seasonal High-Water Table (SHWT) is the highest elevation in which groundwater rises to during the wet season. As Civil Engineers, we must ensure that our systems are installed above this seasonal high-water table. This ensures that sufficient recharge can be provided, and it protects our designs from structural damage throughout the year. But how do civil engineers determine where the …

Engineering ABCs: What is P.V.C.?

Walter HopkinOur Blog

As civil engineers, we select piping materials for a wide range of applications and designs. The specific pipe material that is selected can significantly impact the cost, efficiency, and longevity of a project. Among the many options available, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes stand out for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and their ability to resist corrosion over time. Because of these properties, …

WJH Engineering Performs Due Diligence for Over 1,500 New Units in Q2

Walter HopkinOur Blog

WJH Engineering is currently providing Due Diligence / Feasibility Services for over 1,500 residential units throughout the state of New Jersey. These services help to identify potential risks associated with a project, and they aid developers in making informed financial decisions before investing in properties. When performing due diligence on a project site, we typically begin by looking at the …

Engineering ABCs: What is D.I.P.?

Walter HopkinOur Blog

If you’ve spent enough time in this industry, you’ve surely seen the acronym “D.I.P.” before. D.I.P. stands for ductile iron pipe, and it is often used for potable water transmission and distribution. D.I.P. is made of ductile cast iron, which undergoes a unique treatment process that gives it remarkable properties. Unlike traditional cast iron, ductile iron can withstand significant bending …

New Jersey’s Affordable Housing Legislation

Walter HopkinOur Blog

On March 20th, 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed new affordable housing legislation into law. This new legislation provides a formal framework and timeline for municipalities to determine their affordable housing obligations (i.e., the number of units required), and it imposes strict deadlines for municipalities to act on these obligations. Also, this new legislation prohibits wealthy towns from paying their way …

Understanding the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse: The Impact of the Cargo Ship Collision

Walter HopkinOur Blog

On March 26th, The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed within seconds of being struck by a cargo ship leaving the city’s port. This collapse sent shockwaves throughout both the local community and the engineering world. Such unprecedented incidents raise questions about the efficacy of modern engineering techniques, and the vulnerability of the world’s ageing infrastructure. Why the …

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

Walter HopkinOur Blog

Most of our clients (contractors, builders, and commercial site owners/operators) are required to file and maintain a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). A SWPPP is a site-specific document consisting of plans and a written report addressing the sources of stormwater pollution present at a construction site. This stormwater pollution can come in the form of sediment runoff, fallen leaves and …

Do April Showers Bring May Flowers?

Walter HopkinUncategorized

Once April 1st comes around, many people know that it’s time to take their rain boots, umbrellas, and ponchos out of storage for the spring. The age-old saying “April showers bring May flowers” has been around for longer than you think. In fact, the phase originates from a short poem written by a man named Thomas Tussler, way back in …

The Impact of De-icing on Porous Pavement

Walter HopkinUncategorized

Porous bituminous pavement is a type of paved surface that has a higher percentage of voids than typical pavement. These voids allow water to pass through the surface easily, reaching the groundwater table beneath. Porous pavement is becoming increasingly useful to land developers, as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) classifies it as a form of “Green Infrastructure,” …