Each April, students at Stevens Institute of Technology participate in the Innovation Expo, the school’s annual showcase of research, critical planning and creative problem solving. Teams of graduating seniors compete in both Project Planning and Elevator Pitch events in which they are tasked with designing and promoting applications for actual jobs. This year, Railroad Construction Co. partnered with Stevens to sponsor a senior design project, collaborating with a student team to develop plans for our recently completed PSE&G Southern Reinforcement Overhead Transmission job.
Our student team, consisting of Brandy Americk, Liz Cubbage, Victoria Rotberg and Jeremy Vilchez, was asked to develop four different designs for helical pile foundations, concrete pile caps, steel reinforcements and anchor bolt cages and to establish a corresponding work schedule and cost estimate. All plans were to be based on the objectives and criteria of the real world job. One set of designs was then selected and refined over the course of the Fall and Spring semesters. The team presented their plans at the Expo resulting in a second place finish in the Elevator Pitch contest.
Yunus Atlas, Railroad Construction Project Manager, served as mentor to our team. His guidance proved to be an invaluable resource as he provided insight and advice based on his experiences at the PSE&G job.
On May 12, 2015 we were privileged to view the presentation first hand at our main office in Paterson, NJ giving the student team an opportunity to meet and interact with our PSE&G project team. The presentation included models, diagrams, renderings and a discussion on the process the team followed to arrive at their final design. An interesting exchange of ideas comparing theoretical concepts to practical applications closed the session.
Railroad Construction is pleased to take an active role in the education and development of aspiring engineers. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Stevens Institute for many years to come. Special thanks go to advisors Dr. Leslie Brunell and Dr. Sarath Jagupilla for their counsel and assistance with our student team and to Yunus Atlas, RCC mentor.