With the changing seasons comes changes in our methods of engineering. What does it mean for p+d when the trees start to bloom, the ground becomes a bit softer, and the air becomes a bit warmer?
The construction projects that we manage and oversee are largely affected by these changing weather conditions. Specifically in the spring and summertime, the increase of rainfall and moisture in the air can force us as consultants to alter the materials we had originally planned on using in some of our projects. Materials such as “wood, hot melt adhesives and paints” are very susceptible to warming temperatures and moisture in the air as they tend to become less adhesive to particular surfaces. Heat can also cause certain materials to expand, “lead[ing] to misaligned joins during construction.” Winter inevitably brings issues as well—when contractors are met with a frozen ground, it becomes quite difficult for them to conduct key construction tasks such as excavation. Another issue unique to winter-weather conditions is the potential freezing of concrete, which can become “weak, brittle and even flaky” during the pouring process.
Changing weather conditions are so important for engineering and construction firms to consider that the National Center for Atmospheric Research, based in Boulder, CO, created “a prototype web tool, Climate-i Construction […] that applies seasonal outlook data to construction risks.” This invaluable tool tracks weather patterns months in advance to help engineers and construction workers to determine potential weather-related issues that might impact significant construction activities such as pouring concrete or operating a crane. This month specifically, our projects may be impacted by muddier conditions and increased temperatures that may alter our chosen materials.
For us in the water and wastewater industry, we must also contend with changing temperatures and the effects this climate shift might have on the water that exists within the plants where we complete our work. Increased temperatures inevitably alter water chemistry, sometimes causing “higher electrical conductivity” in groundwater, a source from which some water treatment plants receive their supply. High conductivity means that the water contains a large amount of “mineral salts of elements like sodium, calcium and magnesium” and is thus “related to high TDS (total dissolved solids).” For p+d, this means our water treatment designs must place a heavier focus on reducing TDS during the treatment process. While developing designs for septic systems, we also must take in to consideration the best weather conditions under which to perform perc tests, which “measures the rate at which water is absorbed (percolates through) the soil.” The drier the soil, the more easily it will absorb moisture, leading to much better results. During winter and spring when the ground is typically saturated with either snow or rainfall, the perc test is less likely to be effective.
Many wastewater treatment plants have seasonal disinfection limits, meaning the wastewater effluent is not required to be disinfected during late fall, winter and early spring due to reduced microbial action brought on by low temperatures. Operators are now getting their disinfection systems in order for disinfection in the late spring, summer and early fall. WWTP operators also look forward to warmer weather because of the increased microbial action in the wastewater, making it easier to comply with ammonia, TKN and denitrification requirements.
Changes in temperature bring special challenges to our industry that we are always eager to anticipate and address. This season in particular always keeps us on our toes and allows us to use our problem-solving skills to constantly adjust to these changing conditions. We hope you all have a wonderful spring!