Tag Archives: planning

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Planning and Civil Engineering Projects In the Covid Era

Planning and Civil Engineering Projects In the Covid Era

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The COVID era has changed the way people live their lives. From mass quarantines to social distancing and mask-wearing, the pandemic maintains its stranglehold on normality. And while much above-ground has changed, humans still need one aspect to stay strong: underground infrastructure. Every person still relies on this infrastructure for water, power, sewer, and more. Without it, the world would plunge into uncertainty never before seen on such a mass scale. For municipalities and urban areas to thrive, the planning of civil engineering projects for underground infrastructure becomes even more integral—something that planners can’t ignore.

How Civil Engineering Firms Are Handling the COVID Pandemic

Before diving into the importance of planning and civil engineering projects in the COVID era, governments and the public should understand how these firms are handling COVID. To some degree, many firms have adopted hybrid workplaces. These workplaces split their staff so about half work from home and half work onsite during a given period. After a set amount of time, these employees switch places. Not only does this adhere to social distancing guidelines, but it also allows civil engineering companies to stay on task during the pandemic.

Why You Should Still Move Ahead With Civil Engineering Projects

Many people don’t understand the magnitude of underground infrastructure and the impact it has on daily activities. Without new construction or proper maintenance of these utilities, quality of life and staying true to COVID regulations could be an arduous or almost impossible task. Therefore, leaders and politicians should remain on schedule to maintain underground utilities and services such as:

  • Water
  • Sewer
  • Power
  • CCTV lines

And these are only just a handful of the list of actual projects that need constant attention, maintenance, and expansion. COVID may cause an interruption in above-ground services, but these can’t be ignored.

Civil Engineering Projects Integral to Weathering the COVID-Era Storm

Underground civil engineering projects are more than just digging a hole and replacing pipes. Reputable companies have skilled, experienced employees, years of knowledge, and relevant project management to keep the infrastructure running smoothly.

The reason to hire such a company is twofold: to meet the needs of an expanding population/city limits and to repair outdated infrastructure. In some cities and towns, pipes can be decades old, meaning that a full-on catastrophe is only a matter of time. That’s what makes maintenance and new projects so crucial. With new technology and equipment, these projects take only a fraction of the time compared to old-school methods. This includes new advancements such as:

  • Pipe bursting
  • Pipe reaming
  • Laser-guided horizontal boring
  • Directional drilling
  • And more

With so many options, you can fit your timeline and budgetary constraints while providing the infrastructure needed to make people’s lives easier during a global pandemic.

Although planning and civil engineering projects in the COVID era require special attention to detail, they’re still as feasible as they were in the pre-COVID age. By hiring a reputable contractor and creating and adhering to a plan, municipalities can overcome COVID with success and future plans in case history should repeat itself. Even during a global pandemic, that’s something to take solace in.

EPS Inc. dba Express Plumbing is an underground civil engineering contractor serving the entire Bay Area for multiple decades.  Rely on our experience and advanced equipment to get your project done on time and within budget.  Let’s discuss any upcoming project together, begin by contacting us for a meeting today.


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What is Heavy Construction?

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Heavy construction is a subset of the construction industry geared toward larger structures. Because of the amount of engineering and project management that goes into heavy construction, specialized equipment and highly experienced individuals are part of the successful completion of a project. In many cases, these are municipal and government projects. So how should companies and government entities plan for large-scale heavy construction? Read on to find out.

Heavy Construction Planning: The First Step of a Successful Project

Before starting any heavy construction project, planning is essential. This multistep process starts with a project initiation document or PID. This preliminary document estimates the cost of the project (budget), the necessary materials to complete the project, and how many workers are required. Without this document, construction firms cannot conduct a feasibility test of whether the project is profitable or doable.

EPS Inc. has been serving our municipal, commercial and residential clients for multiple decades. Our experience, manpower and equipment availability gives us the ability to be price when planning a heavy construction project. We are the Bay Area heavy construction company of choice for many municipality projects due to our commitment to quality and excellence.

Once the construction company drafts a PID, it moves on to more specific estimates of the resources required, as well as technical portions of the project. Using the PID, a more accurate and specific plan comes together, as well as a strategy to complete the project under these rubrics. Many times, construction software eases this complex step and crunches numbers to provide the information for a proposal or presentation.

Equipment and Manpower for Heavy Construction

Determining the equipment and manpower for a heavy construction project isn’t always easy. Volatility in economic conditions and other situations can cause variability. In this regard, estimates may change.

However, the initial step of project planning can provide a solid estimate for the amount of equipment and manpower. A formulaic approach can help determine this number, as well as past projects. The idea is that a company with more experience in municipal and large-scale construction projects is more apt to provide a concrete idea for these numbers.

In addition, heavy construction firms must make seemingly smaller decisions that have a huge impact on a project. This includes aspects such as:

  • Whether to lease, buy, or use already purchased equipment
  • What subcontractors to hire
  • Whether to hire temporary personnel to meet the demand of the project
  • Where to buy wholesale materials
  • Other logistical considerations

By determining these needs, a heavy construction project can move forward without any hiccups. In this regard, trade magazines and journals are a vital resource to limit the amount of overhead and get the best workers for the job. Experienced firms may already have a team of suppliers and workers assembled to limit the chances for sunk costs.

Beyond these vital aspects, heavy construction companies must also devote a portion of their efforts to contingency plans. Few projects of this scale will proceed without a hitch. Therefore, a contingency or emergency plan can prevent a bleeding of resources and cash flow.

By choosing a company that has the necessary manpower, machinery, and expertise to finish a heavy construction project, governmental organizations and private builders can avoid any headaches during the process. With a well-constructed building delivered on time and under budget, all parties can enjoy the result of planning and project management.

When you rely on our EPS team, you’re in good hands. From manpower to equipment availability and experience. We get the job done! Contact us with any heavy construction project you’re planning, and we’ll be glad to assist you from start to finish.


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Underground Engineering contractor

What Is Underground Engineering?

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An Underground engineering contractor and planning uses the science of repairing, replacing or installing subterranean sewer, water, telecommunications, power, and gas lines. The growing popularity of underground engineering has revolutionized the industry, offering streamlined and less invasive products than ever before.

If you’re tired of having a massive trench in your yard every time a utility goes out, underground engineering might just be the best thing to happen in years.

Going Trenchless

Going trenchless is what underground engineering is all about. Prior to the introduction of this science, utility companies had to locate the problematic area, dig out the area around the line, replace the damaged spot, and throw the soil back on top. Not only was this method an eyesore, but it was also time-consuming.

That’s what makes an underground engineering contractor a true feat of the engineering world. Using techniques such as pipe bursting, pipe reaming, micro tunneling, and horizontal directional drilling, workers can replace or install entire lengths or tracts of pipe or cables without affecting the ground above.

While homeowners appreciate not having to replant their lush, green lawns, municipalities and government entities have also joined the crusade. By doing so, they can limit damage to parks and sidewalks while also curbing the potential of traffic jams.

Why You Should Consider Underground Engineering

Keeping the areas above ground free of clutter, piles of soil, and the other eyesores of construction areas is always a bonus of underground engineering. But you have to dig deeper (no pun intended) to discover the other ways that this unique science provides benefits.

Because construction crews aren’t stuck digging 6- or 8-foot trenches and holes by hand or machine, it frees them up to complete other tasks or be sent out on other projects.

The only digging necessary is a small access pit that provides enough room to lower the underground engineering equipment into place. After that, the machine does all the work, laying downpipe or cables with ease and at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods.

Regardless of the individual, company, or government body, everyone has a budget.

Yet when old-school replacement methods go over-budget or take longer than expected, you’re the one left holding the bill. Underground engineering surreptitiously replaces your sewer, water, or gas lines minus the excessive bill. That’s something everyone can get behind.

Eps Underground Engineering Contractor bay area

EPS Engineering in the Bay Area is a full-service company, experienced and equipped to handle all your municipal, residential and commercial projects. We are involved from the planning stage to long after execution. We meticulously approach each project with proper project planning.

Choose the Right Underground Engineering Contractor

If you’ve decided to try underground engineering for your project, the next step is to contact us because we get the job done on time and under budget. Unfortunately, not all contractors and companies are created equal.

Experience and knowledge are essential when it comes to finding the ideal company for the job.

This one-two punch assures you that they know exactly what they’re doing and can circumnavigate or resolve any issues that may arise during the installation or repair of underground pipes and cables.

In addition, you should locate a contractor that has all the latest equipment to streamline the project and ensure it’s done quickly and professionally.

Thanks to underground plumbing, the issues revolving around laying pipes and cables are a thing of the past. Our entire team at EPS Inc. is eager to assist you with your next project. Let’s talk.


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How Critical is Project Planning with Civil Engineering?

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Project planning in civil engineering is crucial to any municipal sewer, plumbing, or underground technology projects.

Unfortunately, many companies and contractors may say they have the know-how to complete the project, but leave the city and the taxpayers empty-handed.

Before you pull the trigger on massive sewage or plumbing undertaking, consider a highly devised plan and a company that has the knowledge to get the job done under budget and on time.

Why Poor Project Planning Exists

Before you get into planning a successful project, it’s integral to point out why poorly planned projects fail. In most instances, municipal engineering projects fail because of a lack of understanding, unrealistic expectations, far-fetched budgets, work crews with no experience, or impatience on both sides.

By keeping these potential failures insight, you can set yourself up for projects that will succeed within the stipulations of the city budget or the expectations of local politicians.

Proper Project Planning is All About Experience

EPS Engineering in the Bay Area has been providing planning, engineering, and underground construction services to local municipalities for multiple decades.

The key to any successful job is to hire a crew or company based on knowledge and experience. Our EPS Engineering team plays a crucial role in planning because we have the “been-there, done-that” mentality. When a problem arises, we have the on-the-job experience to know exactly what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.

In the cases of municipal waste and plumbing, a highly trained individual can observe the current situation, assess what needs to be done, and give a step-by-step plan on what needs to be done.

Not only does this bring the project to fruition in less time, but it also allows you to sync your budget with the project.

The Right Equipment for Civil Engineering

Even if you find an experienced crew ready to tackle the job, a company or contractor without the latest equipment can cause problems. When sewer or plumbing lines need replacement, traffic, olfactory conditions, and general unrest among citizens can derail a project if it lasts too long. The solution is to find a company that’s invested in their business enough to use the latest in excavation and plumbing technology. Using this equipment, they can get the job completed on time at a minimal cost or disturbance to taxpayers.

At EPS Engineering, we make sure we have the most advanced equipment and utilize the advanced, strategic techniques to get the project planning and execution accurate.

The Benefits of Planning

Careful planning can help turn failure into success. The most beneficial aspect of planning is that it can identify and mitigate risks. This works on both a small and large level. Even the smallest idea such as what equipment of personnel to use can have a profound effect on the result. Working hand-in-hand with a contractor can help you find the root of the problem and prevent it from happening.

Another advantage of planning or working with a contractor before entering a plumbing or sewer project is that it can reduce the failure rate of the project.

Expectations become imminent and assumptions are laid to rest. Above all, this irons out the situation and avoids any bumps or pitfalls. Yet only the right contractor can make this happen. It’s up to you to choose the right one for the job.

While municipal projects may seem to have an infinite budget, the coffers of the local government are only so deep. The next time you want to retool or replace existing or failing sewer and plumbing systems, work with EPS Engineering and Plumbing in the Bay Area. We put our experience, equipment, and techniques to work which always leads to project success.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an upcoming project in the Bay Area, contact us to schedule a project discussion meeting.


EPS, Inc. is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for our employees and customers. Read More

Express Plumbing
307 N. Amphlett Blvd San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone: (800) 246-6425 $246 - $6425
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