GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. is the recipient of the 2012 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Hampshire (ACEC-NH) in the Building/Technology Systems category for its work on the Beech St. School sewer and drain line repair project.
The award was presented during ceremonies at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord. The luncheon event began with a presentation by New Hampshire Homeland Security director Chris Pope
The city of Manchester contacted GZA to assist in addressing sewer and drain line issues at the Beech Street School kitchen, a distribution center where meals for surrounding schools are prepared. In the spring of 2011, the city was forced to close the school kitchen due to the damaged drain and sewer lines that GZA determined was caused by settlement of soil below the structural floor slab.
Preservation of structural slab integrity was achieved by GZA through the utilization of hydro-demolition, an innovative approach that employs high pressure water jets to cut through concrete without damaging reinforcement components.
As a result of the analysis and work performed by GZA, the project was completed within 3.5 months from design to final construction completion, allowing the Beech St. School to reopen.

"GZA is pleased that by combining our diverse engineering capabilities with our construction management experience, we were able to assist the city of Manchester by developing an innovative approach to a complex building issue," said William Beloff, president and CEO of GZA. "We are pleased with the performance of our team and excited to be recognized by ACEC."
The American Council of Engineering Companies of New Hampshire (ACEC-NH) is a leading business practice and policy advocate for consulting engineering firms in New Hampshire.