What’s New
Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E. is pleased to have represented both the Rockland Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers and the Lower Hudson Valley Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers at the February 23rd Engineers’ Week event at the Palisades Mall in West Nyack, NY.
Recent Projects
- Consulted regarding the cause of a sewer main back-up in Rockland County, NY
- Evaluation of a door closing mechanism which caused a door/gate to slam closed on and sever a portion of the finger of a woman on the Upper West Side of New York City
- Retained to design a structural support system for medical equipment in Harlem
Study Finds Modern Homes Burn Faster Than They Did 30 Years Ago
On February 2, 2011, ABC News reported “In a study conducted last summer by the Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) Fire Protection Engineering department, researchers set fire to a fully furnished 12-foot by 16-foot room to see how long it would take to achieve flashover, or the point at which all combustible material in a space catches fire.” The researchers found that homes actually burn faster today than they did 30 years ago, in part because of “the extra belongings that we cram into our homes and the synthetic materials our things are made of.” Firefighters also warn that “the cheaper, energy-efficient materials used to build our homes can make firefighting even more dangerous,” and said they have “had to modify their tactics and training” in response. “Fire researchers warn that it’s critical to maintain working smoke alarms and even consider installing residential sprinkler systems”.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to consult with builders, building owners, property managers, and property purchasers regarding fire safety code requirements and fire safety improvements for their buildings. We are closely monitoring the current discussions and code developments which call for the installation of residential sprinkler systems, and we are able to provide our clientele with the latest information regarding such matters. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients.
Officials seek deal to save New York’s Tappan Zee Bridge
On February 15, 2011, The Wall Street Journal reported that in 1955, New York’s Tappan Zee Bridge cost the modern-dollar equivalent of just $640 million to build — but it’s evolved into a multibillion-dollar headache for the current generation of city planners. The bridge is growing functionally obsolete, and officials say they may have to strike a deal with the private sector to raise funds for either expensive repair work or a full-scale replacement. “Unless things change very favorably rather quickly, it’s unlikely that either the federal or state government will be able to finance the changes they’re talking about,” notes one local lawmaker.
Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E. is planning a panel discussion on the topic of Public-Private Partnership options for the Tappan Zee Bridge for members of the Lower Hudson Valley Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers, as well as other interested engineers and members of the community at large. Please contact our office for additional information regarding this topic and/or the upcoming panel discussion.