Chemical deicers and snowplows are commonly used in winter to eliminate hazardous ice and snow from parking decks and structures. While deicers are doing their job melting away snow and ice, some may actually be corroding the parking structure’s concrete and reinforcing steel, and some snow removal techniques may actually be doing more damage than good.

Western Specialty Contractors, experts in parking garage restoration and maintenance, offers several tips to minimize unnecessary damage to parking structures during the winter months, and keep drivers safe.

Snow removal tips

• Clearly mark expansion joints in a way that will be visible to the equipment operator when the deck is covered with snow.
• Establish a snow removal pattern so that the plow blade approaches expansion joints, control joints and tee to tee joints at an angle no greater than 75 degrees.
• Equip snowplow blades and bucket loaders with shoes or rubber guards that prevent direct contact with the deck surface.
• Do not pile snow on the deck surface. Piles of snow can exceed the rated load capacity and cause cracking in the concrete deck surface.

Deicing/salting tips

Using chemical deicers to control ice and snow buildup is common. However, these chemicals can have a negative effect on concrete and reinforcing steel and should be used sparingly. There are several different types of deicers on the market that can be used, however, only those approved by the American Concrete Institute are recommended.

• Sodium Chloride – (road salt, table salt) This is the most common used salt deicer. It has little effect on concrete, but promotes corrosion in reinforcing steel and other metals. Use of this type of deicer is NOT recommended.
• Calcium Chloride – This is a major ingredient in most commercial deicers. It has little effect on concrete, but promotes corrosion in reinforcing steel and other metals. Use of this type of deicer is NOT recommended.
• Ammonium Nitrate or Ammonium Sulfate – Use of this deicer will lead to serious concrete deterioration due to its direct chemical attack on reinforcing steel. Use of this type of deicer is NOT recommended.
• Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) – The effects of this deicer are similar to salt, but it requires more time to melt ice. It has no adverse effects on concrete or steel reinforcement. If a deicer is required, a CMA is recommended.

It is important to minimize the amount of deicing chemical applied during the first two years of the concrete being installed. During this time, the concrete has an increased permeability which can allow the deicing chemicals to migrate into the concrete more rapidly. As concrete ages and cures, it will become less permeable and chemicals will not penetrate as easily.

It is important to remember that the use of deicing chemicals in general are not recommended. The safest way to remove ice and snow is to use a plow. Sand can also be used to increase tire traction on the deck, but be sure to protect the drainage system when washing down the deck after its use.

For more information about parking garage restoration and maintenance, contact the Western Specialty Contractors branch nearest you.

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ASSP President Jim Thornton, CSP, CIH, FASSP, FAIHA, stated:

This new industry consensus standard is an important development because there is no federal regulation focused on heat stress. Employers need expert guidance on how to manage heat-related risks. They must have the tools and resources to identify and help prevent work hazards before an incident occurs.

ANSI/ASSP A10.50-2024, Heat Stress Management in Construction and Demolition Operations, offers guidance on protecting workers; explains how to acclimate workers to high heat conditions; and provides requirements for training employees and supervisors. The standard contains checklists and flowcharts designed to help companies develop clear and effective heat stress management programs that bridge the regulatory gap.

John Johnson, CSP, chair of the ANSI/ASSP A10 standards committee, pointed out:

There are tens of thousands of heat-related illnesses each year linked to construction and demolition sites, and workers have died from exposures to excessive heat. This new standard outlines industry best practices and proven solutions to protect workers who commonly do strenuous jobs in challenging conditions.

The A10.50 standard identifies engineering and administrative controls a company can implement to ensure that workers get proper rest, water breaks and shade while still meeting business needs. Recommendations such as medical monitoring and using a buddy system can reduce risks and help prevent heat-related illnesses in many work environments.

While the scope of the standard focuses on construction and demolitions, the guidance can be adapted to protect workers performing other outdoor jobs such as tree trimming, farming, road maintenance and pipeline painting.

The impacts of heat stress can range from mild symptoms such as heat rash and heat cramps to severe conditions including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 400 work-related deaths have been caused by environmental heat exposure since 2011. The standard includes a detailed emergency response plan if a worker has a severe reaction to excessive heat.

The A10.50 subcommittee that wrote the standard consisted of 30 safety and health experts from businesses, trade unions, consulting firms, universities and government agencies. The inclusive process took three years.

Voluntary consensus standards provide the latest expert guidance and fill gaps where federal standards don’t exist. Companies rely on them to drive improvement, injury prevention and sustainability. With government regulations being slow to change and often out of date, federal compliance is not sufficient to protect workers, says ASSP, which leads the development of voluntary consensus standards for the workplace.

ANSI/ASSP A10.50-2024, Heat Stress Management in Construction and Demolition Operations, is available from the ASSP Store.

Companies are encouraged to join ASSP in spreading awareness of heat-related hazards on National Heat Awareness Day on May 31 and during Extreme Heat Awareness Month in July.

See also on FMLink:

• OSHA launches first-ever national program to protect workers from indoor and outdoor heat hazards
• OSHA offers compliance assistance tools to help you identify workplace hazards before they cause injury, and guidance on keeping workers safe in summer heat
• CDC/OSHA report reveals need for heat acclimatization to prevent worker deaths

And these resources from OSHA:

• Heat: Overview: Working in Outdoor and Indoor Heat Environments
• Heat Awareness for Workers

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FAA says safety is its top priority, before, during and after flights. The new grants will help build taxiways, enhance fire-fighting and upgrade snow removal equipment and facilities at airports across the country.

Among the newly announced grants are:

Taxiway improvements

• $43 million for Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina to construct a new 6,400-foot end-around taxiway at the Runway 18C end to increase safety and reduce air traffic delays
• $617,763 for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Glen Burnie, Maryland, to rehabilitate a portion of the existing Taxiway T lighting system to extend its useful life and enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions
• $326,000 for Omak Airport in Washington to reconstruct 2,000 feet of the existing Taxiway A north pavement that has reached the end of its useful life

Aircraft rescue and fire fighting 

• $8.6 million for Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to reconstruct the existing aircraft rescue and fire-fighting building to continue housing eligible vehicles, equipment, supplies and personnel
• $1.3 million for Jamestown Regional Airport in North Dakota to rehabilitate an existing on-airport roadway to provide a path for aircraft rescue and fire-fighting trucks, airport vehicles and ground service equipment to operate without entering airfield movement areas

Snow removal equipment 

• $881,000 for Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall Airport/Ryan Field in Marshall, Minnesota, to construct a 2,470-square-foot building to store snow removal equipment
• $722,220 for Pocatello Regional Airport in Idaho to acquire a new wheel loader with ramp plow and bucket
• $497,484 for Walla Walla Regional Airport in Washington to acquire replacement snow removal equipment with plow and de-ice distributor
• $448,000 for Mora Municipal Airport in Minnesota to acquire a replacement carrier vehicle with plow and sweeper attachments
• $292,000 for Marshfield Municipal Airport – George Harlow Field in Massachusetts to acquire replacement snow removal equipment
• $113,003 for Glen Ullin Regional Airport in North Dakota to acquire a new blower attachment
• $41,951 for Big Horn County Airport in Hardin, Montana, to acquire a new truck and plow equipment

View a data visualization of the airports receiving funding. A full list of AIG grants being announced is available on the FAA website.

Today’s funding is from the Airport Infrastructure Grant program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law provides $15 billion over five years for this program. To date, nearly $9 billion in AIG funding has been made available to airports across the country.

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness by rebuilding America’s roads and bridges, upgrading and expanding public transit and rail, and modernizing the nation’s ports and airports. To date, the Administration has announced over $427 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for over 50,000 infrastructure projects across the nation and has mobilized over $640 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States.

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“You grow up thinking it’s supposed to be a man until it’s you,” Withrow says. “In every movie and TV show it’s always a guy in a suit that’s the CEO. It’s never a woman. I had to really stop the ‘prove everybody wrong’ mindset and start proving myself right. I did all the things that I was supposed to do. I did the trainings, I took all the certifications, I took the classes. I had to switch my mindset and tell myself that I was on the right path.”

There’s no hiding Withrow’s work. Her input on the field has to be able to speak for itself. If the grass is dying or something looks off, that reflects on her. She aims to make the field look pristine before and after every event that takes place at the stadium.

“I put out a good product every day,” Withrow says. “I put 100 percent in every day. I make sure this field is safe and playable for everybody who wants to come out on to it after a concert, circus or whatever they want to throw out here. Myself and my team bust our butts to make sure you never know another event took place here.”

By continuing to give it her all every day, the Greater Nevada Field was named the 2022 Professional Baseball Field of the Year by Sports Field Management Association. The SFMA Awards committee selected the field based on its quality as impacted by staffing, budget, use, monthly maintenance and visual story documenting the challenges and success throughout the course of the year.

“It’s humbling,” Withrow said while accepting the award. “Being recognized by my peers means the world to me, and this honor has been a career goal since I began working in the industry.”

Taking Chances

Withrow credits her work ethic to being a “two feet in” type of person. This mindset has helped her in her career and allowed her to take chances that other people would have hesitated at. When she was looking to go to college for sports turf grass management, she contacted the Arizona Diamondbacks on their website and asked if she could shadow the head groundskeeper for a day and they said yes.

“To have an 18-year-old girl message a professional baseball team is kind of random for most people,” Withrow says. “I knew I was curious about it and I wanted to be all in.”

Withrow was able to work with the Diamondbacks for two days and after that she knew there was no going back. Because of this experience, she has made an effort to become a mentor to young women that are looking to join the industry.

“On the off chance a young girl who’s really into facilities, sports or some sort of male-dominated industry sees someone like her can make or break that choice for her to move into that field,” Withrow says. “It’s hard to navigate just high school and then everything else that happens after that. I’m just here to help as much as I can.”

Withrow credits Nicole Sherry, head groundskeeper for the Baltimore Orioles, for being a mentor to her when she first started with the Reno Aces.

“Getting to see Nicole growing up made it an easier decision for me to take this job. If she could do it, I could do it,” Withrow says

Still, the sports world is becoming more diversified. Just this past summer, the Little League Softball World Series had its first-ever all-women grounds crew.

“There was five generations of female groundskeepers there,” Withrow says. “It’s really cool progression to actually see. You’re also building these connections with people that you’ve always wanted to talk to but have never gotten the chance. It’s also giving young girls an opportunity to meet five generations worth of groundskeepers and listen to their stories. I would’ve died for this opportunity when I was in high school.”

Going Viral

Still, recruiting more women to join the industry can be a daunting challenge. For Withrow, though, the only way to maintain progress is to keep showing up and taking on these jobs.

“When I first got my promotion to be head groundskeeper I had to do a ton of interviews because, at the time, I was the only female head groundskeeper in all of minor league baseball,” Withrow says. “People wanted to talk about it — which was great, but it stressed me out. I’m such an introvert, and I have this job because I like being behind the scenes. I know that 16-year-old me would’ve really benefited from seeing my interview on TV. The more that I do the more that young girls will see it. The internet is a big place and the algorithm you’re given can either give you a singing cat or it can give you me.”

Withrow has taken to social media to pull back the curtain on grounds management. In her popular TikToks and tweets, she can be seen painting the field, mowing the grass and even chasing an occasional bird or two off the property.

Showing off what grounds management looks like behind the scenes has helped Gen Z grasp that it’s much more than a labor-intensive job, and that there is an actual science behind it.

“People love to know what they don’t know and TikTok is the place to learn about random stuff,” Withrow says. “There’s niche parts of every job, it’s not what you stereotypically think.”

Viewers leave a wide array of comments on Withrow’s videos, but the most often one is “how do I get into this?” Last summer, Withrow was able to hire crewmembers because they found out that she was hiring through her videos.

“You’re able to show people the job and they can decide whether or not they are interested in it,” Withrow says. “But sometimes a video lands on someone who doesn’t like their major [in college] and then the wheels start spinning on how they can do something like this, too.”

For Withrow, though, grounds management and sports have proven to be more inclusive than she would have ever thought — it just took changing her own mindset to be able to see that. While she doesn’t regret working hard to prove that her existence within the industry was on purpose, she wishes she knew that the industry actually accepted her right away instead of rejecting her.

“I have yet to find a reason why women can’t be in this world,” Withrow says. “I can’t think of a single one. The only reason people don’t do it is because they are afraid. Ask the questions, put yourself out there. If this is something that you are passionate about or think you could be really good at it or put out a positive output into the world, then just try it.”

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ASHRAE Standing Standard Project Committee 90.1 Chair Don Brundage explained:

We have identified some ambiguity in the standard by offering guidance on regulating only buildings and not sites. Examples include exterior and parking lot lighting, which if not provided through the main electric panel in the building, were not within the scope of Standard 90.1 previously. Including sites also clarifies that onsite renewables could count as credits towards energy usage across the entire building project, even if located in a parking lot or other onsite location, not only with in the footprint of the building. We are continuing to improve efficiency and reduce energy use through updates to Standard 90.1, meeting the needs of the design community and keeping Standard 90.1 pertinent, as demand grows for reduced energy use and carbon emissions.

Further major additions to Standard 90.1-2022 are as follows:

• A minimum prescriptive requirement for on-site renewable energy. This change is representative of a more widely adopted shift to renewable energy;
• An optional Mechanical System Performance Path allowing HVAC system efficiency tradeoffs based on the new total system performance ratio (TSPR) metric; and
• New requirements to address the impacts of thermal bridging.

Additional highlights of Standard 90.1-2022 include:

• New energy credit requirements for a customized approach to improving energy efficiency;
• New informative guidance for using carbon emissions, site energy, or source energy as alternative performance metrics to the current energy cost metric; and
• Significant efficiency increases in IEER for commercial rooftops and a new SEER2/HSPF2 metric for <65K sized air-cooled heat pumps.

Brundage explained that efficiency increases in IEER for commercial rooftop units provide substantial cost-effective energy savings, and as a side benefit encourages variable speed operation, which helps improve dehumidification performance in humid climates. With these updates, industries and ASHRAE 90.1 have worked together to continue to improve the efficiency of the HVAC equipment and processes used in buildings.

These updates demonstrate that Standard 90.1 continues to work with industry stakeholders to drive improvements in the efficiency of HVAC equipment and processes used in buildings.

Brundage added:

The SEER2/HSPF2 metric change aligns performance measurement of products regulated by Standard 90.1 with the very similar and much larger market of single-phase <65K products, regulated as consumer products by the U.S. Department of Energy. Other than operating on 3 phase power rather than single phase power, they are essentially the same products and should be evaluated using the same performance metric.

To purchase Standard 90.1-2022, visit ASHRAE.

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Alan Williams, Media and Communications Officer, explained that the study centered around the Sustainability Hub — a pre-1970s building on the university campus, refurbished in 2019 — and compared how effectively two sections of its walls retained heat.

Despite being on the same west-facing elevation, one of those sections had been retrofitted with an exterior living or green wall façade, comprised of a flexible felt fabric sheet system with pockets allowing for soil and planting.

After five weeks of measurements, researchers found the amount of heat lost through the wall retrofitted with the living façade was 31.4% lower than that of the original structure.

They also discovered daytime temperatures within the newly covered section remained more stable than the area with exposed masonry, meaning less energy was required to heat it.

According to Williams, the study is one of the first to ascertain the thermal influence of living wall systems on existing buildings in temperate scenarios and was conducted by academics associated with the University’s Sustainable Earth Institute.

The researchers note that while the concept is relatively new, it has already been shown to bring a host of benefits, such as added biodiversity.

However, with buildings directly accounting for 17% of U.K. greenhouse gas emissions — and space heating accounting for over 60% of all energy used in buildings — these new findings could be a game-changer in helping the U.K. achieve its net-zero commitments, says the report.

Dr Matthew Fox, a researcher in sustainable architecture and the study’s lead author, pointed out:

Within England, approximately 57% all buildings were built before 1964. While regulations have changed more recently to improve the thermal performance of new constructions, it is our existing buildings that require the most energy to heat and are a significant contributor to carbon emissions. It is, therefore, essential that we begin to improve the thermal performance of these existing buildings if the UK is to reach its target of net zero carbon emission by 2050 and help to reduce the likelihood of fuel poverty from rising energy prices.

Dr Thomas Murphy, one of the study’s authors and an Industrial Research Fellow on the Low Carbon Devon project, of which this study is a part, added:

With an expanding urban population, “green infrastructure” is a potential nature-based solution which provides an opportunity to tackle climate change, air pollution and biodiversity loss, whilst facilitating low carbon economic growth. Living walls can offer improved air quality, noise reduction and elevated health and well-being. Our research suggests living walls can also provide significant energy savings to help reduce the carbon footprint of existing buildings. Further optimizing of these living wall systems, however, is now needed to help maximize the environmental benefits and reduce some of the sustainability costs.

The full study — “Fox et al., Living wall systems for improved thermal performance of existing buildings” — was published in the journal Building and Environment, DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108491.

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Regrettably, even with immediate, aggressive and globally coordinated actions to mitigate greenhouse gases, the earth will still experience some level of climate disruption over the next few decades. Like many facets of everyday life, there is a coming cost for facilities and their landscapes from climate change and extreme weather. However, you can save resources and frustration by preparing for these conditions in advance while also helping the planet. This approach includes choosing plants that are suited for a changing climate and introducing sustainable landscape techniques and practices. By planning for these changes now, you can ensure you will have an aesthetically pleasing yet sustainable and resilient landscape for years to come.

Drought-tolerant Landscapes

The Dust Bowl era of the 1930’s was an extensive period of severe drought across the U.S. that had devastating effects on agriculture and the economy. While the decades since have been more stable albeit with significant yet shorter-lived droughts, a period of intense, extensive drought may be returning to the U.S. According to a 2020 study in the journal Science, western states may be entering a period of “megadrought” in which intense droughts persist for decades or longer. The research scientists attributed about half of this phenomenon to global warming. Droughts, however, are not limited to the western U.S. There are areas in the Midwest and Northeast currently experiencing moderate to extreme drought.

For facility managers in dry or drought-stricken areas, the key to successful landscaping is water conservation, proper soil, and drought-tolerant vegetation. Such vegetation typically includes plants with fleshy stems and leathery or furry leaves. Tropical and exotic plants commonly used in landscaping, such as hibiscus or plants with large, dark leaves, consume too much water to be successful in drought prone areas. The suitability of a particular drought-tolerant plant will vary by climate region and should be confirmed with experts before planting. However, plants that may be suitable across all regions include sedums, daylily’s, coneflowers, and yarrows. In general, native plants will require less care and be more successful since they are already adapted to the existing climate.

The soil plants grow in is also critical to their survival. Well-drained soil is best for drought-tolerant plants. However, mulched soil, specifically soil with organics such as compost, grass, leaves, hay, and bark, is much more effective at holding moisture for plants that are less tolerant of dry conditions.

In drought-affected areas, water should be conserved as much as possible. Rain barrels are a cost-effective way to capture rainwater from roofs, which can then be used later for irrigation during dry periods. It is important to water plants at the soil and not the leaves in order to minimize the amount of evaporation. It is also best to irrigate in the morning and avoid evaporative losses during the peak heat of the day. Best practices for watering your landscape include using a drip irrigation system, a watering wand, or a soaker hose, when possible. If area sprinklers must be used for watering, be sure that they aren’t irrigating the sidewalks and parking lots, as well.

Landscapes can be designed to require less maintenance and little or no irrigation through xeriscaping. Techniques include planting drought-tolerant plants such as cacti and agave and using rocks and mulch. This landscaping approach has been successfully implemented in dry parts of the western U.S. and has shown a significant reduction in water consumption.

Flood-resistant Landscapes

There are three major types of flooding that could impact landscaping depending on your location, including flash flooding (also known as interior flooding), riverine flooding, and coastal flooding. As extreme precipitation events increase, and as rainfall levels rise, flash floods and river floods will become more frequent and intense in many areas. Similarly, as sea levels rise, coastal flooding will become more common. According to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) report on U.S. High Tide Flooding and Coastal Sea Levels, coastal areas in the U.S. had a median frequency of four flood days per year in 2019 (see Figure 1). This is an increase from less than one flood day per year in 1990.

Using select landscape features and techniques, you can protect your landscaping and help mitigate damaging stormwater flow. Redirecting stormwater can often be accomplished with modifications such as swales, which are depressions in a landscape. A vegetated swale, or bioswale, will slow the flow of water and give it more time to absorb into the ground. Relatedly, blue-green infrastructure combines drainage infrastructure with natural or man-made features to help control stormwater and flooding. For example, a city near a river could incorporate a low-lying recreational field to capture and slowly release stormwater runoff. These projects are often larger in scale and may require coordination with local government planners.

For buildings and other roofed structures, green roofs can slow runoff and allow time for plants to absorb a large percentage of the rainfall. In 2005, researchers at Pennsylvania State University found 3.5-4” deep sedum green roofs captured up to 80% of rainfall during rainstorms, while standard roofs captured only 24%. Down at ground level, heavy mulching of vegetation can be used to help stabilize riskier areas. Heavy mulch will require lower maintenance than lighter mulch, which can be more easily washed away and clog drains.

Rain gardens are another approach to controlling stormwater and reducing flooding on a campus. The concept involves modifying soil to allow rainfall to be absorbed more quickly. Soils with high filtration rates are optimal, and you can have your soil tested to determine its infiltration rate. Adding compost and sand will make existing soil more porous whereas high clay content will slow infiltration. The vegetation that is added to a rain garden will also help absorb moisture. The best plants to use in a rain garden are native plants because they are already adapted to regional conditions and require less maintenance (see Figure 2).

Heat-tolerant Landscapes

The ten warmest years on record have occurred since 1998. According to the NOAA 2019 Global Climate Summary, land and ocean temperature combined have increased at an average rate of 0.32°F per decade since 1981 (see Figure 3). There are several regional effects that increasing temperatures have on vegetation including unpredictable growing seasons, reduction of native plant species, and expansion of invasive species.

Temperature plays a vital role in the development of plants. Extreme heat can reduce photosynthetic capacity and impact productivity and root development. As in drought-affected climates, native plants should be the first choice with heat-affected climates since they are already acclimated to those conditions and can help to fight off invasive species. Using native species will also help maintain important pollinator connections.

In regions like the Midwest, plants commonly endure high temperatures and excess precipitation. St. John’s wort, Lilac shrubs, and green ash trees are suitable for these conditions. St. John’s Wort and green ash can be used for ground cover and shade while lilac shrubs can improve aesthetics. Lantana is native to the tropics and thrives in the sun, while marigolds and geraniums are also suitable for high heat conditions. There are many heat-resilient plant options to consider, but you should seek advice from experts, such as your local county extension office, before making any permanent changes to your landscape.

During both heat waves and droughts, it is critical to reduce water consumption throughout your landscape. A thin layer of mulch helps maintain moisture in the soil and keeps plant roots cool. Shade cloths can be used to cover plants, keeping them cool and well ventilated. If you have turf or other grasses, allowing them to grow a few inches higher than usual can shade the soil and lessen the amount of evaporation. Lastly, keeping plants away from asphalt, concrete, brick, and other heat-absorbing materials will help keep vegetation cooler and healthier.

Wind-resistant landscapes

As tropical storms and hurricanes become more intense due to climate change, their maximum sustained winds are expected to increase, potentially impacting coastal landscapes through wind-generated forces. Many plants with coastal origins are tolerant of salt spray and high winds, but other landscaped vegetation may not be well-adapted to higher wind forces. Specialized fencing, windbreak netting, and hedges can be added as temporary or permanent windbreaks to help mitigate wind effects.

Trees are common casualties of tropical storm generated winds, but root development plays a vital role in their susceptibility (see Figure 4). Conifers typically contain more compact root structure whereas deciduous trees have a more lateral root spread. In the South, where tropical weather is common, live (or evergreen) oak, magnolia, and bald cypress trees are more wind-resilient than species such as Australian Pine, elm, maple, and most oak trees, which are also common in the South.

Landscaping Solutions for Climate Change

It is important to remember every climate region has its own unique growing characteristics and will respond differently to climate disturbances. There are plants, shrubs, trees, and ground cover that may be suitable for one climate area today but not suitable for its future climate. Conserving water and planting drought-resistant vegetation will be key to sustaining a lively landscape in drought-affected areas, while incorporating vegetated features such as green roofs, bioswales, and rain gardens can help mitigate stormwater risk to your facility. While trees can be effective for shading and climate change mitigation via carbon capture, they can also create vulnerabilities in areas where extreme winds are expected, so they must be selected wisely. In most cases, native vegetation is a wise choice because it requires low maintenance and is already adapted to the climate. Contact an expert for advice before making any permanent changes to your landscape.

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Constantly exposed to the elements, plazas will eventually succumb to time and weather, requiring increasingly involved maintenance practices to keep the space safe and orderly. As the demands of upkeep become greater and the plaza appearance grows worn and dated, rehabilitation is the next step to refresh and re-envision the space through modernization and performance improvements.

Together, the design team, building owners and facility managers can place the principles of access, maintainability, and lifespan at the forefront of the design process to create an inviting, attractive and resilient plaza space. With thorough evaluation of plaza programming and caretaking practices, the team can develop a design that enhances durability and promotes longevity by addressing sustainability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance. The long-term impact of materials, accessibility, structural capacity and water management decisions will result in a plaza that is both aesthetically pleasing at installation and continues to perform with an enduring beauty for many years to come.

Upgrade Considerations

In preparation for a plaza rehabilitation project, the design team and FM should evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of the existing plaza. Considering the following initial elements creates an opportunity to plan for improvements, enrich the design and prepare for maintenance over the long term.

Historic/Landmark/Zoning Status

Determine if the plaza contributes to the historic quality of a place or context. Is the space recognized as a landmark by local, state, or national jurisdictions? Is the space considered public or private and are there zoning regulations? These conditions require sensitivity in the case of potential restrictions for material selection and reconfiguration.

Users and Operating Hours

Identify the current users of the plaza and activities within the space. Is the plaza open and used year-round? Do the use patterns change with the seasons? Are there daily operating hour restrictions? Is the plaza open to the public or is access limited?

Layout

Interpret the existing arrangement of the plaza based on the identified use and function. Does the current configuration allow for the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic? How does the plaza relate to entrances, desire paths and sightlines? Can the plaza accommodate specialized requirements, such as for electrical or audio-visual needs?

Landscape

Assess how the plaza and landscape complement each other. Are there existing landscape elements to preserve, such as mature trees? To what extent is shade and/or sunlight desirable? Is the landscape integral to diverting or filtering surface water? Are plantings drought-tolerant or native to the climate and location?

Maintenance

Establish who is responsible for maintenance of the plaza. Does dedicated staff take care of daily, weekly, or annual upkeep? How is debris and snow removal handled? Will the landscape require seasonal care and watering?

Performance, Access, and Longevity

Based on the initial evaluation, the design should also address the need to be accessible, durable both through install and maintenance, and functional over the long term. Layout and construction decisions start with vetting material selection, assessing system performance and designing for adequate drainage. Furthermore, to the greatest extent possible, and as mandated by regulations, barrier-free access to plaza areas and building entrances must be provided.

Material and System Performance

Plazas are subjected to all types of exposure and must be durable as well as maintainable. From the setting bed and base to the finished surface, the selected materials will address functional needs while also contributing to the aesthetic spatial experience.

Determining the elements of the assembly combines an understanding of existing conditions and anticipated usage. At on-grade plazas, soil composition and susceptibility to frost heave may make foundations extending to the frost line desirable to resist the movement associated with freeze-thaw cycles. Typical plaza construction includes an aggregate base, often topped with concrete or asphalt and finished with a sand, bituminous or mortar setting bed for pavers. Depending on the expected traffic types, the foundation and finish surface must be able to support the anticipated and building code-mandated loads. For plazas or terraces over occupied space, loading is an even more significant structural concern, in addition to integration with the building envelope system.

The finish surface, commonly stone, clay pavers, concrete or asphalt, is both performance-based and aesthetic. The chosen material must be slip- and skid-resistant, based on the anticipated pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic. Furthermore, the coloration and reflectivity of the paving surface will directly contribute to the heat island effect. Environmental conditions also contribute to material lifespan. Saline environments and products including residue from deicing salts, can cause accelerated degradation of materials, and may result in efflorescence or staining. Snow removal blades or materials spread to provide traction can also chip the paving surface or cause excessive wearing.

The joint size and system, including provisions for expansion and control joints, accommodates differential movement and finished surface continuity. Routine maintenance may degrade the joints, allowing pavers to easily displace. For example, sand-swept joints, while resilient and easily maintained, are less resistant to aggressive cleaning techniques such as pressure washing. In areas with pedestrian or wheeled traffic, the bonding pattern should be oriented perpendicular to movement where possible, as large joints may result in stuck wheels or heels. Interlocking patterns, such as a herringbone, can also more effectively distribute loads.

In combination, the specific paving material and joint system can create both vibrant and subtle effects. From the consistency of a manufactured paver, to the nuance of variegated and multi-textured brick, to the striking veining of natural stones, the range of scales, sizes and orientation of pavers can create an expansive set of styles to reflect the aesthetic context of the plaza.

Accessibility

Along with material and system selection challenges, the rehabilitation of existing plazas creates an opportunity for greater access, usability, and potential for new connections between areas that were previously not accessible. Starting with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, the United States Department of Justice regulates and enforces accessibility mandates. These standards are codified in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. Model building codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC) and the referenced ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, are harmonized with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and include requirements for the topics discussed in this section.

Slip resistance and stable, firm ground surfaces are necessary for safe navigation of walking surfaces. In an exterior environment, surface contaminants, such as oils and water, can reduce the frictional counterforce of a material. Sound walking surfaces also demand that floor surface openings such as gratings be limited to less than a half-inch in width and oriented with the longest edge perpendicular to the direction of travel. Smaller openings, such as a quarter inch, may be specified for “heel-proof” applications.

Site gradient will also significantly impact the design for access. The grading of plaza walking surfaces should not exceed a slope of 1:20 (5 percent) or a cross slope of 1:48 (2 percent).

In order to improve access across a site or to parking areas or building entrances, regrading is often part of plaza rehabilitation. A combination of stairs, ramps and handrails can be used to address connectivity. Based on evaluation of the existing layout, a similar or equivalent experience should be provided for users of stairs and ramps. If these assemblies are part of the means of an egress system, further study must be given to the occupancy load and associated egress capacity.

Stair, ramp and handrail design requirements are closely detailed by the 2010 ADA Standards and ICC/ANSI A117.1, as well as local building codes. The following are key considerations during the initial design phase:

Clear space must be provided at stair and ramp landings as well as doors. In addition to clear space, 60-inch diameter turning spaces are required at directional changes in the ramp or where the user would be required to turn around due to the presence of an obstacle, such as a locked door.

Stair pitch is mandated by local building codes; in commercial applications, pitch is typically a maximum of 7:11. More gradual pitches are acceptable but should be carefully considered to address user comfort. A handy rule of thumb recommends the height of two risers plus one tread depth should equal 25 inches.

Ramp slope should generally not exceed 1:12, with limited exceptions, and the clear width should not be less than 36 inches between the handrails.

Handrails on both sides of stairs and ramps are typically required by code, with minimum and maximum cross-sections for ease of use. If the rise of the stair or ramp exceeds 30 inches from the adjacent grade, guardrails will also need to be provided. Local building codes will specify structural performance and dimensional requirements.

Handrails and guardrails can vary greatly in material and design. Given their essential purpose in mobility assistance and fall protection, durability and maintainability are of utmost importance. A variety of metals, such as aluminum, bronze, stainless steel or carbon steel, are typically specified and can be finished with paint, anodized or allowed to patinate. Similar materials are also used for infill, in mesh, perforated or woven form, as well as glass.

Water Management

Drainage is a significant design concern, as unmanaged water is often the cause of maintenance problems. Water can be categorized as surface water, such as rainfall or runoff from impervious surfaces, and subsurface water, including aquifers or high-water tables. Both must be accounted for in the drainage system and addressed through design, layout and material choices.

Keeping in mind potential water sources, the existing drainage system from inlet, to catch basin, to outlet piping should be assessed. Where there are known drainage issues, video inspection may be beneficial to determine if blockages are present and if hydrojet cleaning should be recommended. Depending on the condition of the system, replacement of elements such as piping may be required.

Permeable or impermeable finish materials, jointing, setting bed and base selections will affect how water flows through or is redirected from the plaza surface. The existing system may need supplementary drains or modifications, including new surface drains, catch basins, dry wells, detention or retention ponds, as well as reconfiguration of the pitch and orientation of the finished surface. As with accessibility, the plaza gradient may require modification. Coordinating the positive flow of water to drains reduces potential areas for ponding water, which can cause staining, maintenance issues and accumulation of ice in the winter months.

All new elements must be connected to the existing storm system and comply with local regulations for stormwater management. Selected drain covers should prevent detritus from entering the system and provide easy access for cleaning and debris removal from collection baskets. Finally, planters, fountains and other unique fixed site features that could impede drainage or may require their own internal drainage must be coordinated with the overall water management design.

Site Furnishings and Amenities

In addition to the design of the ground plane, plazas often feature elements to enhance usability, interest and foster a variety of experiences. Water features and landscaping can create a cooler microclimate and add ambience. Shade elements, such as trees and awnings, provide protection from the sun during summer months.

Permanent, fixed furniture can be designed or specified from a variety of manufacturers whose offerings include metal, concrete, wood or plastic products. The selection should weigh aesthetic qualities alongside durability, including resistance to weather and vandalism, as well as available storage on site. Trash disposal should also be accounted for, with discreet receptacles provided according to a waste management plan.

Lighting and provisions for power or audio can allow for greater flexibility in plaza programming and hours of use. Illumination includes general lighting, as well as accent lighting of landscaping and/or pathways. Innovations in exterior lighting include attractive designs to minimize light pollution, improve energy efficiency and upgrade existing fixtures to long-lasting LED units.

All these features and amenities, while providing opportunities to increase the vitality and life of the plaza, require coordination with the overall design performance, particularly when addressing maintenance, accessibility, safety and water management.

Key Design Considerations

Design decisions have lasting implications around plaza care and maintenance to sustain function and usability of the rehabilitated plaza.

Snow and Ice Management

Consider adding a hydronic or electric snow melt system to simplify maintenance in the winter months. Chlorides used in snow removal, snow removal blades or blowers can quickly degrade material surfaces and impact plaza longevity. A plan for snow disposal and/or storage should also be established.

Landscaping Choices

Capacity for long-term plant care, including pruning, fertilization and supplementation should be part of the plant selection process. Access and equipment required for upkeep, such as grasses that require mowing, will be an ongoing concern. Irrigation systems demand maintenance, including cleaning and potentially, winterization.

Debris Removal

Plan for ease when performing frequent and routine tasks, from clearing drains to keeping joints free from weeds. This will reduce the time and expense of maintenance activity. For elevated plazas and terraces, fall protection measures may need to be included to permit safe access.

Maintenance of Fixtures and Finishes

Bulb replacement, repainting, furniture repair and other tasks that keep the plaza well-lit and secure are integral to function and appearance. Durable fixtures with long lifespans mean less maintenance. However, maintenance is inevitable; so, selecting fixtures that are designed for easy access and repair will make the process even more seamless.

Rehabilitation for Long-term Maintenance

Plaza upgrades are an opportunity to provide safe and convenient access for people of all ages and ability, enhance amenities and add dimension to an existing space, while simultaneously improving performance and reducing maintenance costs. Time and attention to the selection, design and installation of paving and drainage systems can have a substantial impact on the durability and maintainability of the plaza, which in turn impacts the aesthetic and functional performance of the space and its value as a building amenity. For plazas over occupied space, structural concerns are also central to the design process. With planning that considers immediate needs alongside the long-term demands of the space, a plaza project can create a desirable feature that serves as an asset not only to the building owner and occupants, but to the greater community.

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The company’s newest acquisitions are:

• Lawn Butler, a Centerville, Utah-based landscaping and snow removal company;
• Groundtek of Central Florida, an Ocoee, Florida-based landscaping company; and
• The Shepherd’s Landscaping, a Belleview, Florida-based landscaping company.

Daryl Hendricks, CEO of Outworx Group, stated:

The completion of these three acquisitions marks a significant milestone in our company’s history and will allow us to offer a more complete set of services to our valued clients. We are grateful to the Bori, Larsen and Squire families for their trust in us, and we look forward to building upon the legacies that they have created.

Spanning snow melting and removal, landscaping, industrial sweeping, paving, solid waste and catch basin cleaning, the companies of Outworx Group strive to out-work the competition to help its clients meet their mission critical goals. Focused on reliability and on the safety, appearance and efficiency of client properties, Outworx Group helps ensure smooth operations and protect its clients’ brand image.

Founded nearly 60 years ago and considered innovators in the snow removal and snow melting industry, Outworx Group provides diversified municipal and facility maintenance services for major airports, cities, municipalities, shopping malls, sports complexes, shipping terminals and commercial sites.

The post Need landscaping, grounds or snow removal services? See what this company’s expansion and rebranding can do for you appeared first on FMLink.

In addition to continuing to design, implement and manage recycling and waste programs, the company’s additional services include a host of exterior and interior needs, such as plumbing and grease trap cleaning, parking lot repairs, HVAC repair and maintenance, landscaping and more. RWS Facility Services streamlines operations with its one-call, one-team approach for 24/7 full-service sustainable facility services.

Anthony DiIenno, president and CEO of RWS, explained:

Changing our name to RWS Facility Services marks an exciting milestone for our company. Our customers were increasingly turning to us for additional services, so it made sense to offer one convenient stop for operational support and service that is responsive and adaptive to their needs. Expanding our services brings value to companies seeking to increase the sustainability and efficiency of their operations with execution that reduces cost, saves time and improves the overall environment.

The name change, effective immediately, also reflects the company’s entry into new industry verticals that resulted from RWS’ acquisition of Sustainable Solutions Group (SSG) in April.

RWS says its customers include the nation’s largest companies in food service, retail, commercial, multifamily and manufacturing, such as Lowe’s, JCPenney, Panera Bread, Giordano’s, UPS and McDonald’s.

For more information on the company’s one-stop services, visit the RWS Facility Services website. RWS is a portfolio company of Atar Capital, which acquired the business in September 2017.

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