Blog
Architect Salary and Job Opportunities by the Numbers
We look at the numbers that demonstrate the growth and opportunity in the architectural field. Check out architect salary by state and region and see where the jobs are.
Buying Commercial Trench Drain for Warehouses
In warehouses, trench drains help with smooth operation and risk management. See how to calculate the width, length, flow capacity, and load rating needed for commercial trench drain.
Pathway Illuminance: Hard-Wired vs. Solar Bollard Light Fixtures
Choosing between hard-wired vs. solar light bollards? Read about the pros and cons of each approach to outdoor lighting—installed to enhance the safety, security, and look of your site at night.
Planned Obsolescence (Picking Your Pocket)…vs. Sustainability
Planned obsolescence has become part of the life cycle of many products. The practices of traditional and industrial manufacturers can help move economies back toward sustainability. Take a look at how simple industrial wheels serve as a model for robust manufacturing.
Architectural Bollards
Architectural bollards define perimeters and guide traffic while ornamenting their surroundings. In addition to being an attractive site furnishing, they can provide lighting, security, safety, traffic guidance, wayfinding, and more.
How to select the best trees for sidewalks and tree grates
Street trees increase greenspace, provide clean air and shade, and maintain ecological balance. Street trees meant for sidewalks and tree grates should meet the city’s design goals and not interfere with infrastructure and utilities. Check out the top 10 deep-rooted trees for urban landscaping.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Park and Ride Design in the Age of Ride-Share
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.
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.
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.
Celebrating World Bicycle Day
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.
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.
Preventing Bicycle Accidents
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.