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A Modern Touch
Written by Staff Writer
We have retrofitted the upper level of a concrete parking garage with post tension cable rails in lieu of masonry flower block walls. You can see that the parking level looks more clean and neat with the new rails. Also rain water drains off the parking deck much faster with the open 
cable design. The new rails are more safe as they are designed to resist vehicle impact per the Building Code, which was important to the Owner because on two separate occasions cars have crashed through the old block walls (when the gas was pressed and not the brake) and fell two stories to the ground below.
Not just another pretty face
Written by Staff Writer
During these challenging economic times, we understand how fortunate we are to say “our company is growing!” Thanks to the hard work of our employees and the unfailing support of our clients, we have added to our remarkable team.
Ryan Lauenroth is our very first intern to become a permanent part of ETC. He graduated from University of Maryland in civil engineering and will sit for his EIT exam next month . We are so glad Ryan enjoyed his internship and has decided to become part of the team. We just couldn’t let this one go!
There’s no stopping this lady! Alicia Walker recently graduated from 
University of Maryland, accepted a position with ETC, passed the EIT exam and is planning a wedding for next month. She is definitely proving herself as a multi-tasker and we’re glad to have her as part of our group!
What a find in Alex Goldberg! With over 10 year of construction experience, he has become a valuable part of our team…so much, that both offices are trying to keep him! If we could just find a way to have him in two places at one time! I have a feeling you’ll be seeing a lot of Alex!
The energizer bunny’s got nothin’ on this guy! Lukas Salo graduated from Portland State University, got married, took a job with ETC, moved across country, bought a car, found a place to live and is relocating his wife (all within 3 months). I sure hope he negotiated some vacation time! He’s an engineer that just keeps going..and going…
Caulk? Maybe Not!
Written by Staff Writer
Applying caulk to stop leaks is not always a good thing. 
Sometimes it makes matters worse by trapping water in the building façade instead of letting it drain. Here are a few areas where NOT to caulk:
*Along window or door head lintels on brick facades – leads to advanced corrosion of the steel support and either rotated/deflected steel or cracked bricks.
*Soffit (ceiling) of elevated concrete slabs (i.e. balconies, parking garage slabs) – traps water in the concrete and accelerates corrosion of the embedded steel and deterioration of the concrete
*Over/covering window weep holes – prevents windows from draining properly
Shea What?
Written by Staff Writer
I’m not sure who is more fortunate, McShea Management or Mrs. Connie Patterson-Norris? I guess we’ll call it a tie and congratulate them both!
We were so pleased to hear Mrs. Patterson-Norris joined the team of McShea Management. We have had the pleasure of working with Connie from almost the inception of ETC. Our professional relationship has spanned companies such as Holladay Corporation, Pollinger Shannon and Luchs and now McShea Management. We wish her much success in her new position as Chief Operating Officer.
From what I can gather from this photo, maybe Connie has expanded her portfolio to Hawaii. If that’s the case, I sure hope there’s a building in need of our services. Aloha McShea Managment!
Screw It!
Written by Staff Writer
Parts of Alexandria, Virginia are known to have shrink/swell (marine) clay 
soils. Placing a building on these unstable soils can result in differential building settlement as the moisture content of the soils varies during seasons of drought and rain. Over time settlement conditions can result in unsafe conditions and impending structural failures. We just completed a large foundation underpinning project, which restored the structural stability of several buildings by using helical piers. Helical piers are large “screws” that are threaded into the ground, in our case up to 80-feet deep, to a layer of good soil and are used to support the building foundation. (The attached photo shows cracked foundation)
3-Day for a Cure
Written by Staff Writer
It is a pleasure working for so many of our clients and Steve Wright is no exception. Not only have we gotten to know Steve over the years, but also his lovely wife, Sandy. They are truly a couple that enjoy life!
Each year Sandy trains for and promotes the 3-day for a Cure, 60 mile walk. We, along with many others, offer our support with a donation. If you would 
like to join the cause, go to www.the3day.org, click on the donation box and enter the name: Lori Cole (Sandy’s teammate). Team “Moody Boobs” will be walking in DC on Oct 8-10. If you’re unable to show your support with a donation, then PLEASE come out and cheer on these courageous women. We can only hope this is the last walk for Sandy and her team. Maybe….just maybe… this will be the year for the CURE!! Until then, walk-on MOODY BOOBS!
Ballard Designs
Written by Staff Writer
ETC is pleased to announce the addition of Christopher Ballard, AIA to the position of Registered Architect. Chris is the latest to join ETC’s senior consulting team, where he will act as our lead design architect.
Before joining ETC, Chris was with A. Kent Ballard & Associates where he acted as a Project Architect designing for commercial, residential and government facilities. He is a graduate of Texas 
A&M University and is currently registered in the State of Maryland, as well as Texas.
We look foward to combining Chris’s vast knowledge of design and planning with our expertise in civil and structural engineering. This winning combination can only mean “success” for our clients when tackling those large (or small) restoration projects.
Please help us welcome Chris to our company. We’re confident he’ll fit right in with our great clients. Send him a request: cballard@etc-web.com He’ll be happy to help you out!
One guess (based on the photos) where Chris enjoys spending his free time!
Did Someone Say “Snow”?
Written by Staff Writer
It might not seem like it when temperatures remain warm, but you should already have your snow removal plan in effect for the upcoming winter. If not, you should arrange with a service provider to be on standby for your community when needs arise. Many landscaping companies, paving contractors and others whose primary work is weighted toward warmer weather, offer snow removal as a sideline.
A meeting with the contractor in advance is strongly recommended to develop a general strategy. It’s especially important to identify critical elements that should never be covered by removal operations (such as fire hydrants, mailboxes, etc.). Items that can be damaged by plows (such as speed bumps) should also be marked on a map or otherwise located. If possible, specific areas should be designated where snow can be pushed and/or stockpiled.
If the contractor will be using chemical deicers, they should be identified ahead of time. Effectiveness varies widely among available materials, as does the potential for damage to concrete, landscaping and other site items. There’s no perfect product for every application, but those with the highest levels of ice suppression (such as calcium chloride) provide the best results for a given quantity and are well suited for sidewalks. Sodium chloride (salt) is commonly used for pavement, but it is harmful to concrete. Nitrates and other fertilizer type deicers are also harmful to concrete elements and of limited effectiveness.
Empty Nest
Written by Staff Writer
It’s hard to believe the little boy that use to run around our office is off to college! Kirk Parsons, our Vice President and his wife Paula, sent their son off to the University of Maryland. We can only hope Trey decides to major in engineering. We would love to have a “Little Kirk” (based on the picture…I think we’ll select a different nick name) to add to our team! Trey – we wish you lots of fun and success in the years to come. Hope to see you working at your dad’s desk again soon!
PS. What a great lookin’ family