With nearly 20 years of experience as a structural engineer and project manager, Andrew has served as VHB’s National Structures Service Leader for just over a year. In this capacity, he leads a team of nearly 200 structures-related professionals who support transportation agencies with bridge design, engineering, inspection, rehabilitation, repair, and accelerated construction, as well as designing other structures such as parking garages, retaining walls, and transit stations. We spoke with Andrew about how he leverages his experience to cultivate creative solutions to complex structures challenges.
VHB: Andrew, you've recently completed your first year as the National Structures Service Leader at VHB. How has the transition been?
Andrew: The transition has been both exciting and challenging in the best possible way. My primary focus has been on unifying and expanding our structures team across our offices to tackle large-scale bridge projects efficiently. It's about harnessing our collective experience to deliver innovative solutions for our major transportation clients.
VHB: Could you elaborate on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with rail bridges compared to highway bridges?
Andrew: Rail bridges demand specialized knowledge and experience, which we are fortunate to have dispersed across our footprint. The primary challenge is how to minimize shutdowns to rail service. Highways offer more options for redirecting traffic during construction, whereas rail construction rarely offers opportunities for detours. When we are working in a design-build (DB) framework, that means collaborating closely with contractors to come up with innovative ways to accelerate bridge construction, so required outages happen overnight or on weekends.
VHB: You mentioned the design-build process. What benefits are associated with using this approach, as well as other alternative delivery methods?
Andrew: Design-build offers significant advantages to owners, notably in schedule savings and innovation. At VHB, we've supported nearly 100 design-build projects and excel in developing creative solutions during the pursuit phase, which is crucial for DB projects. Our team's experience allows us to adapt to this approach with creativity, completing projects with minimal disruption to commuters, particularly in complex environments like railroads.
VHB: Could you share insights on a specific project where VHB's approach has made a significant impact?
Andrew: A notable project has been the MBTA Bridge Bundle Project, where we applied accelerated techniques to replace five out of six bridges with minimal track outages. This was achieved by installing foundations behind existing abutments and using pre-cast concrete components. The successful execution over just two weekends showcased our capability to innovate and execute efficiently, reinforcing our commitment to reducing impact on communities and clients alike.
VHB: How do you envision this role moving forward, especially in terms of growing and developing the service line?
Andrew: Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to grow our structures service line by enhancing our technical capabilities and staying cutting edge with innovations such as model based design. Another key goal is to foster a Community of Practice across VHB, enabling us to operate seamlessly as a unified team. This collaborative environment encourages knowledge sharing and strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional results.
VHB: On a personal note, how do your skills and background contribute to your effectiveness in this role?
Andrew: My strong technical background allows me to communicate effectively with our teams and clients, building trust and understanding. I aim to lead through influence, respecting the diverse skills within our team. This collaborative approach is central to forming successful teams and delivering results that benefit both our clients and VHB.
VHB: Finally, how do you view VHB's team and culture?
Andrew: We have a dynamic team comprising individuals from diverse professional backgrounds. Some have been with us for their entire careers, joining VHB initially as interns or young professionals, while others enrich our team with knowledge gleaned from a broad range of career experiences. This mix brings different approaches and perspectives, which I find incredibly valuable. It's a rewarding environment that fosters innovation, particularly in complex projects where we have opportunities to devise creative solutions.
Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn or learn more about VHB’s Bridges & Structures work.
