10th International SMSB Conference

The International Conference on Short and Medium Span Bridges (SMSB) is held in one of Canada’s great cities every four years. In it’s 10th year now, the conference provides a platform to discuss worldwide state-of-the-art forum on all aspects of short and medium space bridges.  This years theme is “Build Bridges… not Walls” and topics of discussion include planning, design, construction and management.

We are proud to be participating in this highly anticipated conference as a Gala Banquet Sponsor, and to support two of our colleagues who are delivering presentations on some very impressive topics. Our colleagues will also be present during the three day exhibition at trade show booth #24 where you can meet our engineers and have an opportunity to “Ask An Engineer” for a chance to win a brand new Echo Spot. Click here to see who will be attending the conference and arrange a time to meet personally.

Presentations and Presenters

Sustainability Considerations for the Bertrand Creek Bridge Replacement – Presented by Scott Loptson, P.Eng.
Wednesday, August 1st, 2018 @ 11:40 AM

Scott will discuss the sustainability aspects incorporated into the design process for the Bertrand Creek Bridge in British Columbia, Canada. The bridge was structurally and functionally deficient and required replacement of its timber piles. The creek posed several challenges relating to sustainability, including: two fish species at risk; limited construction window; potential flooding; hydraulic inadequacy with negative freeboard of the existing bridge; potential large settlements of the highway; seismic vulnerability of soils; and requirements to design for future climate change. Two separate design concepts were developed in an effort to satisfy the in-stream construction Fishery Timing Window and the project budget. The final design selection involved detailed consideration of several factors and a feasible construction sequence was identified for the tender process to satisfy permitting requirements. The preferred option did not have the lowest estimated construction cost.

Scott Loptson is based in Vancouver and is the Department Manager for Transportation Structures in Western Canada. For the past 22 years, his projects have spanned many aspects of Bridge Engineering, including planning and inspections; rehabilitation and life-cycle costing; detailed design; project management; and construction administration – primarily in BC and Alberta.

An Overview of the Implementation of Natural Security Strategies on Bridge Structures for Crime Prevention – Presented by Andrew Mah, P.Eng., FCP
Thursday, August 2nd, 2018 @ 16:40 PM

Did you ever think that a bridge designer had a vital role in the security of our nation’s bridges? The typical solution to addressing safety involves mechanical security strategies (such as cameras, help phones, fences, mirrors, etc.) or law enforcement. However, these security strategies come at a cost and often involve associated maintenance and operating costs. The presentation examines Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), as a security strategy for crime prevention for bridges. CPTED is a type of natural security strategy that leverages the psychological effects of certain design elements to discourage undesirable activities or behaviors while enhancing other security strategies.

Andrew Mah is a professional engineer with Morrison Hershfield specializing in project management, transportation infrastructure, and behavioral-based design. Prior to obtaining his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, Andrew served as a first responder for over 5 years. He has completed certificates in Security, Intelligence, and Counter terrorism, Advanced CPTED, and currently holds the designation of CPTED Practitioner from the Office of the Attorney General of Florida.