Neighborhood revitalization
Municipalities have many projects in need of infrastructure funding. Some investments can return in several different ways. Check out what infrastructure can help support neighborhood revitalization.
07
Aug
Blog
31
Jul
Flexible Iron? Ductile Iron vs. Cast Iron
All iron alloys poured in a foundry are cast iron. However, ductile is a relative newcomer…one that is surprisingly flexible.
24
Jul
Trench Drains
Trench drain seems simple: it’s a grate on a hardscape surface with a gutter beneath to capture water runoff. Yet there’s a lot to consider, including flow, debris, aesthetics, and load. Check out our post on choosing and installing the right trench for water management.
17
Jul
Extra Tough Flex Posts for Dedicated Bike Lanes
European cities use durable but sturdy flex posts as bike lane delineators to avoid the constant need to replace thin plastic bollards. Learn more about the type of flex post that stands up to heavy traffic and keeps cyclists safe.
10
Jul
Park and Ride Design in the Age of Ride-Share
Planning safe and accessible lots, from bike storage lockers to ride-share stalls
25
Jun
Globalization of Production
Read our interview with Brian Done, a foundryman for 46 years, on the business of general manufacturing—and what has been lost in an era that has seen the globalization of production.
13
Jun
Confronting Rising Stormwater – Bioswale Design
As rates of flooding increase, cities must adapt their water management. Some of the best ideas come from nature. Urban forests, raingardens, and bioswales are designed to filter water and return it to the water table.
10
Jun
Tactile Paving: Attention vs. Guiding Patterns
Tactile paving is a system of textured indicators on the ground’s surface that can be felt underfoot or by cane. Tactile paving with an attention pattern has a series of truncated domes forming a grid pattern. A guiding pattern has a series of rounded narrow bars or lines.
03
Jun
Celebrating World Bicycle Day
How cycling can help address inequality and lead to better outcomes
29
May
Stages of Rust
When oxidation occurs, the metal’s surface forms a scale that darkens to a patina. The alloy in question will determine if the corrosion is invasive or not. In cast iron, rust—a ferrous oxide—can form a thin, protective layer against pitting.
10
May
Business Success: Saved through Innovation
In the 1990s, most foundries were local, doing custom castings. Globalization created challenges for all but a few. Read the business success story of a family foundry that had to innovate to save the company.
07
May
Preventing Bicycle Accidents
Maximizing social benefits through risk management
24
Apr
Maintaining your Stainless Steel
Yes, stainless steel can rust. From red rusted scratches to an all over speckle, corrosion can dull stainless’ silver shine. To prevent corrosion from blemishing your outdoor stainless steel, check out our guide to stainless steel maintenance.
10
Apr
Bollard Installation Tricks: Uneven Surfaces
Bolting or anchoring bollards to uneven ground requires a little preplanning, but sloping surfaces do not prevent their installation. With strategies like grinding, shimming, and grouting, bollards can be securely installed on uneven ground.
03
Apr
West Coast Contemporary: Portland and Seattle Bollards
West Coast Contemporary architecture comes out of postwar modernist ideas. The current vernacular has simple forms to highlight the environment’s beauty. Small details matter. See how Seattle bollards vs. Portland bollards each capture their city’s style.
27
Mar
The Anatomy of a Bollard Crash
A car hitting a bollard may seem like a simple thing to model, but any real-world impact scenario creates a complex system for engineers to evaluate. Learn how impact forces affect a bollard and its surrounding environment in a vehicle crash.
19
Mar
12 Outstanding Accounts for Cycling News
Twitter accounts for active transportation fans
12
Mar
Polyurethane Plastic: from Adhesives to Yoga Pants
Learn about polyurethane plastic’s properties, uses, and production. How is polyurethane recycled at the end of the product life cycle?
06
Mar
Downtown Vancouver Bollards
Vancouver is The City of Glass, with a sleek modernist style. We take a walking tour, noting downtown Vancouver bollards, and document how these small posts enhance the city’s West Coast contemporary style while guiding and protecting vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic.
27
Feb
The History of Universal Design
Universal design seeks to create a better quality of life for everyone, regardless of their abilities, through thoughtful construction of the built environment. See how accessibility helped designers reconsider how we engage with cities.