Making the World a Better Place

It’s the time of year again where children, parents, and teachers are engulfed in Back to School. This time of year is reserved for that special feeling of entering a new classroom, opening new school supplies, and having that “ready to learn” feeling. But at SSM we believe that learning and education are tools that not only transcend this time of year, but also transcend the school-aged years.

After all, Nelson Mandela wasn’t wrong when he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” It’s the powerful weapon our team uses everyday.

It is our refined expertise and knowledge that prove the value in learning that we hold. It is our determination to finding solutions for even the most difficult challenges and our passion for finding answers for all unanswered questions. These are what give us the confidence to say we make the world a better place.

It’s our willingness and our enthusiasm to step up to a challenge, our commitment to asking the right questions, and our zeal for learning about each and every client’s needs. These are the arsenal with which we change the world.

Back to school is a special time. It reminds us of why we do the things that we do. Our work touches everyday life; from the water you drink, to the air you breathe, to the buildings and communities where you live, work and play.

We believe in making the world a better place today and for future generations by helping clients plan, design, build, operate, and protect their infrastructure, assets, and resources. We believe in constantly growing, in constantly learning so that we can continue to make the world a better place. Why? Because we believe in giving future generations the opportunity to change the world.

Focus on the Campus

SSM answers the multi-faceted needs of educational campuses with a single source for engineering and consulting services. We understand what institutions of learning need, and we deliver cost-effective, sustainable services. Investigating mold and indoor air quality issues. Engineering new building systems. Renovating old structures for new life. We collaborate with the school's facility team to balance the needs of the administrators, faculty, and students, and guide the team toward the project goals with responsible fiscal and environmental stewardship. The specifics vary, but one course is always part of the program: ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students and staff to learn, live, and work.

EXPERTISE

• Site Engineering and Infrastructure

• Stormwater Management

• Architectural Engineering

• Structural Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Construction Phase Services

• Survey, Data Capture

• Geographic Information Systems

• Indoor Environmental Quality

• Regulatory Compliance

• Water Planning, Engineering, Design

• Wastewater Planning, Engineering, Design

• Energy and Sustainability Services

• Financial and Grant Assistance

Lincoln University | Student Union and Services Building | SSM provided structural engineering and construction phase services for an approximately 15,000 square foot addition to the Student Union and Services Building at Lincoln University. The project also included significant upgrades to the existing building area. The existing two story concrete framed building was expanded on three sides by the addition of a two story steel framed structure. The existing structure was analyzed and reinforced as required for new loads, including new rooftop mechanical equipment. The structural design included design of foundations, ground floor slab, retaining walls, elevated floor slabs, steel framing, and roof deck.

Mansfield University | Alumni Hall Third Floor Lecture Hall | Study and preliminary design for the conversion of a 2400 square foot lecture hall into third separate functional spaces by the installation of moveable partitions. HVAC and Electrical Systems needed to be reconfigured to function as three individual zones. SSM performed a survey existing HVAC and Electrical Systems, determined how to modify these system to support the new Architectural layout for the space, and estimated the cost of construction for the renovations. SSM also evaluated the existing structure to determine if it could support the proposed moveable partitions.

Marymount University | Berg Hall and Rowley Hall HVAC Upgrade | Berg Hall and Rowley Hall are both dormitory buildings located at Marymount University in Arlington, VA. The existing dorm rooms in each building were served by fan coil units supplied by a two-pipe heating and cooling system. The scope of the project was to replace the existing fan coil units, greater than 270 individual units, and upgrade the existing two-pipe system to a four-pipe system in each building.  Work in Berg Hall also included replacement of the existing air-cooled chiller with two new 35-ton water-cooled heat recovery chillers, and the addition of a dry cooler. The existing boilers were also replaced with a new 600 MBH boiler, and new pumps were provided for the heating system as well as the cooling system.  SSM performed a detailed field survey of each building. The existing fan coil units were located in extremely tight spaces above the ceiling. Converting the system from a two-pipe system to a four-pipe system required detailed coordination with existing architecture and other utilities. SSM conducted the field survey over the Winter break while students were not on campus, and then quickly completed the design to meet the aggressive permit submission deadline.

Teaching Future Leaders | Philadelphia School District | Energy Audit Education | SSM’s Energy and Sustainability Services division delivered energy engineering into the hands of more than 250 Philadelphia School District students. This experiential learning was provided first as a standalone curriculum and later within an ESCO project team. Our team has delivered this program in multiple schools in the Philadelphia School District.

The curriculum begins with teacher engagement and input, familiarizing students to the ESCO work happening in their school. Then, it progresses to a student tour of the building’s Mechanical Room. Students measured energy use (light levels, carbon dioxide levels, temperature, humidity and more). These were measured by the students using a variety of meters and data collection devices that are tools used in the daily work of the Mechanical Engineers who conduct the program.

Back in the classroom they use the data to calculate an energy use baseline, identify potential improvements and calculate the associated energy savings with those improvements. The program culminates in student presentations to teachers, principals, and district administrators. From start to finish the students grow STEM knowledge, math, writing, and science skills as well as team building, communications, and public speaking. Plus- it’s a great first step in learning about energy use and consumption and ways we can do a better job of making the world a great place today and for generations to come.  

 Upper Merion Area School District |  Performed asbestos survey and assessment and delivered AHERA Management Plans. Conduct 6-month asbestos surveillance inspections. Prepared specifications, reviewed submittals and plans, conducted air monitoring and contractor oversight.

Westtown School | Steam System Study | Evaluate existing central steam  plant and develop one or more alternate scenarios for providing heat to the campus.

Wyomissing Area School District | HVAC, plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems design for an Elementary Center project involving the addition of 12 new classrooms, a new gymnasium, a new administration wing, and renovations to the existing school

Supporting School Leaders

PATRICK McCOY, PE, LEED AP, CSDP provides an overview of engineering fields.

This month we excitedly welcomed educators to SSM for the Inside Berks Business program. Together we enjoyed a day of all things STEM/STEAM. We're so proud to be a part of supporting teachers in fostering STEM-based learning and future careers.

Thank you to Berks Business Education Coalition (BBEC) and Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) for jointly sponsoring this summer program.

SAM ZOOK, PLS describes applications of math in surveying and data capture.