Leveraging the SJ14 Pipeline Emergency Repair and the 118th Street Master Pump Station Rehabilitation, this presentation will examine how Petticoat-Schmitt successfully delivered projects under emergency conditions. Key focus areas will include maintaining operational functionality while executing critical repairs, managing scope creep under tight timelines, and ensuring public safety throughout the process. The session will offer insights into how public works professionals can prepare for and manage emergencies, from planning and resource allocation to effective communication strategies.  

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

T13-A Applying the Early Intervention Asset Management Theory to Save Public Works Departments Time & Money

RoadAI is Software-as-a-Service solution for automated road defect detection and asset inventory analysis. It combines user-friendly AI software, high-quality video data, and fully automated cloud-based analysis to accurately assess pavement conditions up to 4x faster and at half the cost of a manual road survey. The technology also detects traffic signs and line marking conditions which makes this an all-in-one solution to maintain and manage your entire road network inventory. This solution was built around the Early Intervention Asset Management theory; early detection of defects enables implementation of lower cost maintenance procedures. RoadAI allows you to survey roads continuously rather than once per year to catch defects earlier in the deterioration cycle and to apply lower cost maintenance strategies. RoadAI solves the issue of Public Works departments not having a pulse on their road network while having the data to produce more efficient and proactive road maintenance practices and decisions. Today, we see road condition assessments are done manually by taking notes of every defect with a pen and paper. It takes numerous weeks to survey all the roads in their network, but RoadAI can cut that down to a couple of days. Some departments only survey their roads every 2-5 years usually through an expensive offering from a third party, which leads to expensive road maintenance treatments because they’re catching defects at the end of the lifecycle. With RoadAI you can survey your network annually and multiple times throughout the year, i.e., before and after construction to ensure the PCI scores have improved, and after a bad storm to assess damage. RoadAI enables Public Works departments to promote sustainability, safety, accessibility in their road asset management practices by using an affordable solution. Sustainability/Safety/Accessibility: RoadAI takes multiple vehicles off the network (survey vehicles, machinery heavy vehicles) and instead use street sweepers, maintenance vehicles that are already out on the network to record video of your road network through a smartphone. RoadAI takes away the manual process of writing down while driving and stop getting out and stopping your vehicle which can sometimes be unsafe, especially on busy roads. How we differentiate from most of the AI solutions out in the market is allowing Public Works departments access to the data immediately which enables them to make road maintenance decisions quicker. Affordability: RoadAI makes it affordable by aligning our pricing model around center-line miles. For any organization under 200 center-line miles, it is a bulk price of $9,500 per year with 250 hours of recording per year, and as you increase the center-line miles the cost per mile decreases and your recording license of hours increases. 

T13-B Thinking Outside the Circle: Novel Use of Non-Circular Pipe for Dallas' Large Shallow Interceptor Sewers

The use of atypical non-circular geometry pipe enabled the Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) to overcome the challenges and constraints associated with creating a new larger capacity bypass pipeline through the City of Dallas Glendale Park (Park). In response to a pipe failure in Park, DWU was confronted with having to expeditiously construct an approximately 2,800 linear foot (LF) bypass alignment to its 54-inch diameter Five Mile Creek Interceptor sewer (Interceptor). Future capacity needs equated to a 72-inch diameter pipeline at the same slope. A traditional circular pipe design approach could not be applied as approximately 41% of the chosen alignment path for a 72-inch diameter pipe would provide less than 1-foot of cover and in one location the pipe would be above grade. Subsequent analysis of potentially splitting the flow into two smaller parallel circular or typical non-circular pipes was not able to identify a combination of parallel configurations that would meet the flow capacity requirements. The result was the novel and innovative use of parallel 39.4 inch high by 63-inch wide semi-elliptical GFRP pipe and bifurcation wyes through that area to achieve the project goals. The project was a true collaboration between the owner, engineer, pipeline manufacturer and contractor. This collaboration was key to the pipeline project being successfully constructed and placed into operation in September 2023. With this project being the first direct-bury gravity wastewater pipeline construction project in Texas, the project team laid the groundwork for DWU and other owners to think outside the box, or in this case think outside the circle, and apply this approach to similar large diameter wastewater pipeline projects.  With this ASCE/UESI 2024 Pipeline of the Year project as a case study, this presentation will examine the novel sewer design and construction of direct-bury non-circular pipe geometries. Utility owners will learn key factors to consider when selecting non-circular pipe geometries, including the benefits, challenges, and limitations. The presenters will also discuss the production aspects and construction handling, and quality control methods used for the first direct-bury application of U.S. manufactured non-circular GFRP pipe and bifurcation wyes in new wastewater pipeline construction in Texas.

T14 From Consultant to Public Works Leader: Lessons Learned for Project Success 

This panel brings together current and former public works leaders who began their careers as consultants. They will share valuable insights on how their consulting backgrounds equipped them with unique perspectives that drive successful project delivery in the public sector. Attendees will gain practical advice on leveraging cross-sector experience to enhance public works initiatives. Jen Newman will serve as moderator and work with the panelists to develop questions. She will then moderate the panel and engage the audience. This will be a great panel for anyone serving in public works, and especially for young professionals. 

T15 Empowering the Next Generation: Involvement and Leadership Opportunities for Young Professionals in Public Works

T16 Two Hurricanes, One Legacy: How Public Works Directors Turned Up the Heat on Recovery

In this insightful and dynamic panel discussion, Public Works Directors from Helene and Milton impacted regions will share their experiences leading recovery efforts through two major hurricanes that struck within a two-week span. With cities and counties left reeling from intense winds, heavy flooding, and massive amounts of debris, public works teams quickly became the bedrock of recovery, coordinating emergency response, deploying crews, and tackling critical infrastructure challenges under extreme conditions. This session offers a firsthand account from those who led these efforts, highlighting both the triumphs and trials in navigating high-stakes situations. Panelists will provide valuable takeaways from their experiences, discussing what strategies helped restore critical services most effectively. From streamlined communication techniques to fostering cross-departmental collaboration, they’ll cover what proved essential in managing the multi-layered recovery processes. Panelists will also reflect on lessons learned from the obstacles they encountered, offering insights into what might be avoided or refined in future disaster responses. A key focus will be on preparing public works teams for the extreme demands of back-to-back hurricanes. Panelists will share approaches for training and building resilience within teams, including strategies for managing fatigue, addressing safety concerns, and lifting morale as employees work extended hours under challenging conditions. They will emphasize the importance of mental resilience, flexible teamwork, and sustaining a supportive work environment that encourages employee well-being throughout prolonged recovery periods. An essential topic will include the lasting impacts these hurricanes have had on roadway conditions following debris removal. Panelists will discuss how the heavy equipment used in debris clearance, combined with flood and storm damage, has created significant wear and tear on roadways, necessitating additional repair and reevaluation of maintenance strategies. They will share insights into what’s now known about the toll hurricane recovery can take on infrastructure and explore preventive measures to mitigate these effects in future events. Panelists will also examine the broader legacies these storms have left on their agencies, from evolving emergency protocols to fostering innovative leadership practices. These major hurricanes have reshaped public works’ approach to disaster preparedness, driving agencies to implement improvements in both immediate response and long-term resilience planning. Finally, the panel will highlight the support from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Florida Chapter and private vendors, whose contributions—whether in essential supplies, volunteer manpower, or morale-boosting support—had a profound effect on frontline workers. Attendees will hear how acts of kindness and much-needed resources played a vital role in rejuvenating teams and enhancing recovery efforts. Through open dialogue and real-world insights, this session aims to equip public works professionals, city planners, and emergency managers with tools, lessons, and inspiration to strengthen community resilience and build a lasting legacy of preparedness.  

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

8:00 am - 9:00 am

W1-A Using Airborne Thermal Imagery to Inspect Bridge Deck pavement for Delamination and Debonding

Recent advancements in thermal infrared imagery have enabled the inspection of bridge decks by mounting thermal sensors on vehicles driven along each bridge lane. While this method offers slight reductions in time and labor compared to traditional non-destructive testing tools, such as chain dragging, it remains inefficient and underdeveloped. In collaboration with the Departments of Transportation of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Oregon, the NV5 team has developed an innovative approach to bridge inspection. This method involves mounting thermal infrared and true color imagery cameras on a fixed-wing aircraft, which was used to survey over 200 bridges. The airborne survey demonstrated high efficiency and versatility. On average, data collection for 30-40 bridges per day was achieved without traffic control or on-site personnel. The processing and analysis of the data were completed within 90 days post-acquisition. The results were delivered in accurate geospatial file formats and detailed reports, allowing for easy integration with existing geographic information systems (GIS), and facilitating multi-year change tracking and workload planning. This presentation will detail the main findings, metrics, and the potential of the airborne solution to enhance data collection efficiency, processing, and reporting. 

W1-B Extending the life cycle of large diameter pipe and manholes with geopolymer technology 

From an asset management perspective, conventional dig and replace has become a very expensive option for rehabilitating aging infrastructure, or in many cases is not an option at all. Over the last 50 years the use of trenchless technologies has provided a means of extending the life of storm and sanitary pipes. In the last decade, the use of spray applied geopolymer mortar to build a new pipe inside the old pipe has become the method and material of choice for rehabilitating large diameter pipes and structures in Civil infrastructure.Geopolymer mortar is specifically designed as a structural and corrosion-resistant solution for large diameter pipes, manholes and other structures. Unlike traditional cementitious mortars, spray-applied geopolymer liners create a new structural pipe within the old pipe greatly contributing to the resiliency of existing underground infrastructure. This process has a low environmental impact and is fast to install. Geopolymer mortar improves performance and strength and in most cases is the low-cost solution compared to traditional trenchless rehab alternatives. Geopolymers include a significant percentage of post-industrial waste and have been shown to provide more than 75% greater reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from raw material production and more than 50% carbon reduction in the installation process. Geopolymer mortars provide superior physical properties compared to traditional cement mortars. The chemistry prevents cold joints between layers and can be applied monolithically to any shape pipe or underground conduit, including right angles and curves. This high-strength, ultra-low porosity material produced from natural mineral polymers and industrial waste streams makes it the preferred choice of designers seeking safe, sustainable, and affordable green solutions. Geopolymers improve resiliency and extend performance of aging sanitary and stormwater systems. This presentation explains material properties and performance and takes attendees through the process of engineering pipe rehabilitation via real-life examples with in-depth case studies.   

W2-A An Introduction to APWA's Education & Training Committee and its support of Florida's Branches

APWA Florida Chapter's Education & Training Committee is dedicated to serving the members of our illustrious organization in a variety of areas within professional development.  The Committee has elected to work on two projects to assist our 11 branches.  These projects include 1) the development of a training provider resource geared to help our members find training providers available statewide and 2) a speakers' bureau to assist our branches and members find a speaker for their many meetings. The Committee intends to introduce these two products during this presentation and will answer any questions. 

W2-B "Workforce Development: Effective Training for Public Works."

What is pedagogy, exactly? It is often defined as the art, science, or profession of teaching. Public Works Education is often provided by individuals that are not professional educators. This leads to far-from-perfect education.  Our employees are often more hands-on learners.  This presentation intends to discuss the needs of our employees in the area of professional development as well as to provide a brief discussion of educational pedagogies and to provide a number of tools to improve your staff. 

W3 Laying the Foundation: The Role of Planning Work in Operational Success

W4-A Micromobility - First and Last Mile Solution

9:15 am - 10:15 am 

This interactive presentation aims to communicate the following objectives:  

1. Understanding Barriers: Recognizing why women struggle to enter or remain in leadership.

 2. Strategies for Development: How to actively support women’s career growth.

3. Retention Strategies: Fostering an environment where women leaders can thrive.

W13-A Remote monitoring of mosquitos in Charlotte County improves mosquito control surveillance activities and reduces costs

W14 Building Legacies Through Action: Overcoming Challenges in Public Works

Public Works professionals experience a myriad of challenges daily - each of which threatens our ability to effectively serve our communities. This interactive presentation will explore several common challenges experienced by public works agencies across the country and solutions that have been successfully utilized! There will also be opportunities to share your success stories and challenges - and connect with others in the presentation!

Topics include creating a positive culture, attracting candidates and hiring the right people, implementing new initiatives such as technology upgrades, enhanced project planning, and policy updates.

W15 Paradigm Shift: How DPD can help agencies leave a legacy of project data

This presentation will seek to offer attendees guidance and knowledge when considering decisions around the adoption of technology within different parts of the Digital Project Delivery lifecycle from Bid, through Design and Construction, and into Asset Management. We'll seek to demonstrate the advantages to using digital means for different phases of projects, what the impacts to cost are, what the long-term legacy concerns are around data, data governance, and data security, and what a digital legacy of data means for leveraging in the future when it's time to maintain or replace infrastructure. We'll also discuss the role that BIM plays in the picture along with Model As A Legal Deliverable (MALD) and what the future of Digital Twins represents in terms of harnessing that data for use in the out-years beyond a projects completion. Finally, we'll seek to provide context around current applications of a full digital workflow, what advantages are being seen, what savings have been realized, and what pitfalls users can be aware of during the early stages of implementation of new technology within the different parts of the cycle.  

W16 Natural Gas: 101 and Navigating Design and Relocations

Natural gas is critical to Florida’s infrastructure and it’s important to be able to recognize gas infrastructure in order to promote safety. This presentation will provide an overview of natural gas fundamentals, encompassing the process of gas transportation into the state of Florida, the various applications of natural gas within the region, as well as how to identify natural gas infrastructure. Additionally, it will delve into best practices for encountering natural gas during the design and construction phases.