Design-Bid-Build Process Preserves Community Infrastructure, Landmarks
Design-bid-build is a process used to plan and implement contracted projects. This traditional process is widely used in the construction and engineering industries. The process name explains each of the three steps involved: An architecture or engineering firm creates a design, then submits a project bid which includes timeline and budget details. If the client […]
What is the Difference Between a Levee and a Dam?
We are all familiar with the terms, but what is the difference between a levee and a dam? Over 70 percent of the planet is water. How we manage this essential resource is accomplished with many types of infrastructure. Civil engineers use levees and dams to manage water resources. Levees A levee is a structure […]
Invention and Regulatory Permits Increase Safety
In an ever-changing industry, safety is assured by adhering to the requirements outlined in regulatory permits. By identifying potential risks and how to mitigate them, firms create new solutions and processes and contribute to industry standards for permitting. The innovation and invention required to develop permitting processes ensures the proper application of safety standards for […]
OEI Attends SAME Federal Small Business Conference
Representatives of OEI will attend the SAME Federal Small Business Conference being held this week. We look forward to participating as well as presenting. On Thursday, November 18, 2021, OEI founder Jim O’Brien will present in a session focused on how AEC strategies and protocols have changed due to the global pandemic. Post-Pandemic: Adjust Your […]
Civil Engineering History and the Baltimore Beltway
More than 44 years ago the Francis Scott Key Bridge was officially completed and became an engineering marvel. This famous bridge was the finishing touch to a nearly 20-year project to build Maryland Interstate 695, also called the Baltimore Beltway. Construction on the Francis Scott Key Bridge began in 1972, was then completed, and opened […]
Effects of COVID on the Civil Engineering Industry
We are now more than one year into the coronavirus pandemic, and engineers are feeling the effects on their industry and their ability to work. Understanding How Engineers Had to Cope Civil engineers provide essential services to municipalities by building and maintaining infrastructure. During pandemic lockdowns and constantly shifting health and safety recommendations, civil engineering […]
ASCE Texas Section Infrastructure Report Card
Every four years the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) evaluates the infrastructure of Texas. Their findings are shared in a report card format using letter grades to show the condition and performance of various pieces of infrastructure and environmental design projects. The state receives a grade for each type and an overall “GPA.” The […]
Drinkable Water
Did you know that only about one percent of the earth’s water is drinkable? The government sets standards of water quality that need to be met to determine if water is safe to drink. Drinkable water also called potable water is not just for consumption. It is also used for preparing food, irrigation, and cleaning. […]
Doris Miller VA Medical Center
OEI is proud to be working with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) on the Doris Miller VA Medical Center in Waco, TX. After consulting with the needs of this medical center we look forward to applying our architectural and engineering know-how to consolidate outpatient services. The Doris Miller VA Medical Center provides […]
5 Core Foundations
O’Brien Engineering, Inc. (OEI) is committed to five core foundations that define our reputation and our future. We strive as individuals and a united OEI company to embody these foundations. This ensures we provide high-quality and consistent services for our clients. Ownership We achieve success by being accountable for everything we say and do. OEI […]