Mr. Rajkovic received his BA in Geosciences from Franklin & Marshall College, his MBA from the University of Delaware, and he completed graduate courses in Geophysics.

A copy of the article can be found here.

www.pennlive.com

The Fourth Street collapse focused attention on the many surface depressions and holes which exist on Harrisburg Streets.  Approximately 40 such depressions and holes are covered by steel plates that have been placed on City streets until repair funds are available.  Many of these problems are the result of soil losses into broken utility lines; the water-bearing pipes in Harrisburg, as well as many other Pennsylvania communities, are typically over 50 years old, and in some cases over 100 years old.   Beyond simply repairing sinkholes after they occur, the City of Harrisburg and state legislators are interested in exploring ways to evaluate the potential for future sinkhole activity, particularly in areas where very old utility lines are still in service.

Mr. Masland spoke to the legislators about the causes of sinkholes, and the common conditions that promote their development.  In addition to naturally occurring sinkholes that result from soil  losses into cavities within underlying limestone bedrock, sinkholes can also occur when soil is washed into sewer lines or similar conduits.  Holes in broken or corroded pipes; or holes created by open joints between pipe segments; can allow enough soil to enter the pipes and be transported by the flowing water within to eventually result in a surface collapse.  The older the piping, the more susceptible it typically is to such problems, and cities with very old utility systems often experience surface collapse that are more related to aging infrastructure than to the underlying geology.  Mr. Masland also spoke to the legislators about the importance of identifying and correcting the root cause of a sinkhole during the repair process, and the importance of proper backfilling and compaction as repairs are made.

This survey and awards program identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in Pennsylvania, who are benefiting the state’s economy and its workforce.

The Top 100 list of the 2012 Best Places to Work in PA recipients can be found at:

http://bestplacestoworkinpa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=1

]]> http://armgroup.net/blog/2012/11/30/arm-receives-11-slot-in-central-penn-business-journals-best-places-to-work-in-pa-2012/feed/ 0 http://armgroup.net/blog/2012/11/16/arm-enertech-associates-aids-with-hurricane-sandy-recovery/ http://armgroup.net/blog/2012/11/16/arm-enertech-associates-aids-with-hurricane-sandy-recovery/#comments Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:44:06 +0000 armadmin http://armgroup.net/?p=1781

One of the first test trains on Sunday, Nov. 11, passing by PATH Substation #8.

When Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey and New York, the low-lying Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH) rail system was devastated by flooding unlike anything seen in its 104-year history.  This flooding of brackish sea water resulted in the disruption of four major PATH substations that supplied power to the rail system.  Three engineers from ARM EnerTech Associates (AETA) were retained to help troubleshoot problems, oversee repairs, coordinate work across the four substations, and ultimately aid in the restoration of power to the rail system.

The repairs were started as soon as the water receded from the substations.  Major equipment was underwater, including the Rectifiers that create the DC traction power for the trains, the DC Switchgear that distributes power to the tracks, the lead acid batteries that power the control systems and the protective devices and circuit breakers that keep the system operating.  To add to the difficulties, there were fuel shortages and power outages throughout the region.  AETA personnel worked extended hours, using generators powered by scarce fuel supplies, to help restore operations of the PATH rail system.

Despite the adverse work conditions, repairs proceeded quickly.  After a week of round the clock repairs, the first test trains were run between Newark, New Jersey and 33rd Street in Manhattan on Sunday November 11th.  The next morning, limited public rail service began from Newark to 33rd Street.  Although the PATH rail system repairs are still ongoing, nine stations have been reopened, and AETA personnel continue to work to help restore operations to the four remaining inoperable stations.

Hoboken Station during the height of the storm. Photo from PATH security camera, posted to the Port Authority Twitter Feed.