What is A/E Engineering?
A/E stands for architecture and engineering. Many projects require coordination across different disciplines. A/E engineering can include aspects of architecture, MEP engineering, structural engineering, and other specialties. For example, an architectural engineer will focus on the design of a building and a MEP engineer will plan the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing aspects of the building. […]
What is MEP Design?
A subspecialty of OEI’s engineering and architecture design team is MEP design. What is MEP design? MEP design is made up of three elements that work together to make buildings usable and comfortable spaces for us to live and work. Mechanical The M in MEP design stands for mechanical. This is everything in the building […]
Trinity River Bridge Project
The Trinity Railway Express is a single-track railway between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. Part of this railway includes the historic Trinity River Bridge. Originally built in 1903, this bridge did not meet current standards and transportation demands. The Trinity Railway Express is shared by commuter and freight trains. Freight loads require specific movement and […]
2021 Outlook for AE Design
We have all been impacted in some way by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Like every industry, the business of engineering continues to face many challenges. In a recent article from the online magazine Consulting Specifying Engineer, engineering leaders discuss the impact of 2020 on industry and what that impact means for 2021. Pandemic Setbacks – […]
Regulatory Agency Coordination
Coordination with regulatory agencies is an integral part of our projects. Each agency serves a different purpose. O’Brien Engineering helps our clients work with these agencies to achieve a goal that is both economical and in line with industry standards. Why Do We Need Regulatory Agencies? Regulatory agencies set and enforce codes and standards across […]
Hydraulic Jumps
A hydraulic jump happens when fluid levels become deeper and change the speed of the fluid. This change in speed creates a stationary wave. Hydraulic jumps happen naturally in rivers where water is forced to travel around boulders or when an incoming tide meets the outgoing water of a river. They can also be created […]
Expansive Service Offering
Since first opening our doors in 1987, O’Brien Engineering Inc. (OEI) has grown to be more than just a Texas engineering firm. We now provide a wide range of design and design support services to meet the needs of our nationwide clients. Architectural/Engineering Design The diverse team at OEI works together on all aspects of […]
O’Brien Engineering Independent Technical Reviews & Peer Reviews
Independent Technical Reviews and External Peer Reviews are a service provided by O’Brien Engineering, Inc (OEI). A review is when an independent expert gives an unbiased evaluation of a project. This evaluation helps ensure the project meets industry standards. An external reviewer should have extensive experience in the discipline of the project. He or she […]
FAST Act Update
The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act was signed into law in December 2015. The FAST Act provided long-term funding for surface transportation infrastructure planning and investment from 2016 to 2020. According to the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Fast Act funds were authorized to be used for: Highway and motor vehicle […]
OEI: Certified Floodplain Manager
According to FEMA, “Floodplain management is a community-based effort to prevent or reduce the risk of flooding, resulting in a more resilient community.” Civil engineers with a floodplain manager certification are your best choice when it comes to floodplains and water resource management. Many clients hire an engineering firm to create solutions for water resource […]