Expertise
What is Discrete Element Method? Discrete element method (DEM) modeling is a numerical method used to simulate the behavior of individual discrete particles over time. It uses established physics models (gravity, force, rolling resistance) to provide flow analysis of bulk granular materials, like whole grains or byproducts. DEM is used to predict material flow, test design […]
City of Galesburg, IL, to receive $25 million for new grain export facility. Plymouth, Minn. (March 24, 2025) – Following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) announcement of its Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) – formerly known as RAISE – grant recipients for 2025, VAA is excited to share its success in […]
VAA’s expertise helps clients secure an over $38 million grant award. Pymouth, Minn. (November 21, 2024) – The Maritime Administration announced Friday the recipients of the Port Infrastructure Development Program, or PIDP, grant funds for 2024. In partnership with the Village of Hennepin, VAA is excited to share its success in securing the largest […]
In September, VAA broke ground on the True Friends Camp Courage new recreation center in Maple Lake, the facility set for opening in Spring 2026. VAA will provide the architectural, structural, and civil engineering for the project, working alongside project partners McGough Construction and 45 North Group. Having outgrown the function and size of their […]
Maritime Administration announced Friday the recipients of Port Infrastructure Development Program, or PIDP, grant funds. In partnership with the Port of Milwaukee and The DeLong Co, Inc., VAA is excited to share its success in securing 1 of only 2 PIDP grants awarded to the Great Lakes area. The award will be utilized to provide […]
Did you know how imperative fire sprinklers are in preventing damage to building structures, as well as preventing death and injury? Buildings with sprinklers installed actually experience 90 percent less property damage, reduce loss of life by 89 percent and prevent firefighter injury by 60 percent. And, even more interesting, typically just 1 sprinkler is […]
The International Building Code, or IBC for short, can be difficult to navigate even for those well-versed in it. In a presentation shared in May, Beck kicks off the discussion about the IBC by detailing how who has jurisdiction plays a vital role in what part of the IBC is followed. From city to county, […]
It has been said the best view comes after the hardest climb. But why not enjoy the views on the way up? On the highest hill in Mazatlán, Mexico, sits an observatory that could previously only be accessed via a difficult climb up steep and rugged terrain. Hill Hiker designed an inclined elevator system that […]
For a nation subject to annual hurricanes and earthquakes, the question should be asked, how do buildings stand up under the strain of a natural disaster? While two very different approaches are taken to building designs to allow for either extreme wind speeds or high seismic (earthquake) events, the common thread is lateral forces. Acting […]
Safety and performance of concrete silos, particularly older silos, are often a concern to owners and operators of heavy industrial processing facilities. Blowout of silo walls and / or partial collapse of concrete silos are not uncommon. This article summarizes factors that contribute to concrete silo failure and defines methods to avoid instances that may […]