Category: Urban Systems

Trailer-Mounted Generators

Trailer-Mounted Generators

Trailer-Mounted Generators

01/16/26

“How can we move generators with trailers?”

Large generators are a necessity for portable and emergency large-scale power. However, transporting these behemoths is a difficult task. One way people have accomplished this is through Trailer-Mounted Generators. Trailer-mounted generators are easily attached to a trailer for transport. Trailer-mounted generators are useful for construction sites, emergency response, remote-location infrastructure, and outdoor events.

Mean High Water Mark

Mean High Water Mark

Mean High Water Mark

01/15/26

“What’s the legal and scientific boundary for a water body?”

Water bodies will expand and contract over land, whether it’s a small river or a massive tidal bay. The point delineating the high tide mark from the land has massive geological and ecological implications, given the difference in water saturation. The Mean High Water Mark is the average high tide mark over a long period of time. The mean high water mark often delineates the legal and scientific boundary for a water body, making it very important to quantify.

Wall Collection Devices (Air Pollution)

Wall Collection Devices (Air Pollution)

Wall Collection Devices (Air Pollution)

01/14/26

“How can we remove particulate matter by sticking it on a wall?”

Particulate matter emissions are harmful to nearby communities. Consequently, people use technology to remove as much particulate matter as possible before emitting. One set of technologies sticks particulate matter on walls to form conglomerations, which can be removed later. TheseWall Collection Devices can work by forcing particles to drop from gravity, hit a wall due to sudden direction changes, or move due to electrostatic attraction. These wall collection devices help the health of countless towns around the world.

Image credit: https://www.graco.com/

Compost Filter Socks

Compost Filter Socks

Compost Filter Socks

01/13/26

“How can we use a mesh tube filled with compost to clean water runoff?”

                Stormwater runoff with sediment can harm nearby water bodies and create erosion. So what if we were to take a mesh tube, fill it with compost, and encircle it around an area of interest? Every time water passes through the tube, compost will slow the runoff down and naturally filter the water. These Compost Filter Socks are typically placed along slope contours, near storm drain inlets, and downslope of physically disturbed areas. Compost filter socks are a great tool for stormwater runoff control, erosion prevention, and environmental safety.

Image credit: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/

Sloped Green Roofs

Sloped Green Roofs

Sloped Green Roofs

01/09/26

“What are the advantages and disadvantages of sloping a green roof?”

Green roofs integrate stormwater management, biodiversity, building insulation, and aesthetic design all into one package. We can also pitch these green roofs at a slight angle to make Sloped Green Roofs. Sloped green roofs reduce ponding and may improve aesthetic appearance, but are also structurally and hydrologically more complicated. Stormwater runs off more from sloped green roofs, meaning roof plants may have to rely on other sources of water. 

Soil Slope Toe

Soil Slope Toe

Soil Slope Toe

01/06/26

“What defines the base of a soil slope?”

Construction sites often have sloping soil mounds. The bottom section with a gentle slope that meets the ground is known as the Soil Slope Toe. The soil slope toe is important because it often experiences the highest stress and is where erosion concentrates.

Minimum Vertical Separation From Water Table

Minimum Vertical Separation From Water Table

Minimum Vertical Separation From Water Table

01/05/26

“Why do some engineering systems require a minimum vertical separation from the water table?”

Engineering systems may store water beneath the surface, such as septic systems for wastewater or infiltration systems for stormwater. However, these systems can cause catastrophic damage if they’re built too close to the water table. Septic systems can leach wastewater and contaminate groundwater supplies, while water infiltration can raise the water table and lead to flooding. Consequentially, government regulations may require a Minimum Vertical Separation From Water Table to ensure public safety. For example, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection mandates that stormwater infiltration practices in Brooklyn and Queens are at least 4 feet above the groundwater table.

Image credit: https://michigansaves.org/

Builders Pavement Plans

Builders Pavement Plans

Builders Pavement Plans

01/04/25

“What regulations do you have to follow if you install or alter curbs, sidewalks, or roadways in NYC?”

Different municipalities have different regulations for different construction activities. In NYC, people who install or alter curbs, sidewalks, or roadways are required to submit a Builders Pavement Plan, or BPP. The builders pavement plan documents what actions the construction operator is taking to install/alter their right-of-way infrastructure and how they will follow regulations. The NYC Department of Buildings reviews BPP applications and analyzes how they comply with city construction codes and NYC Department of Transportation rules, regulations, and standards. BPPs help ensure NYC’s urban planning stays strong and that city residents are offered a safe environment.

Common Plan of Development

Common Plan of Development

Common Plan of Development

01/03/26

“How can we build a large project in multiple distinct phases?”

Large construction projects often need to comply with stringent size-based regulations. Developers might subvert this by breaking up a large project into multiple sub-projects. To prevent this, U.S. governmental regulatory authorities will define projects with the same owner/developer completed in the same larger development plan as part of a Common Plan of Development. Permits will use the acreage of the total common plan of development to ensure construction operators meet planning requirements, such as stormwater pollution prevention plans.