McKinney Civil Engineering

Best Management Practices for Water Pollution (BMPs) 

Best management practices (BMPs) for water pollution are methods or techniques used to reduce pollution entering rivers, lakes, and groundwater. They are commonly applied in construction, agriculture, and urban development to control runoff, erosion, and contaminants. Examples include retention ponds, silt fences, vegetated buffers, and proper waste management practices (Wikipedia). 

Elastomeric Bridge Bearings and Modern Infrastructure

According to Wikipedia, an elastomeric bridge bearing is a flexible component placed between a bridge’s superstructure and substructure that supports heavy loads while allowing controlled movement caused by temperature changes, traffic loads, ground settlement, and other forces. These bearings are typically made of rubber or similar elastomeric materials and help reduce stress on bridge structures […]

Seasonal Water Table in Pond Design

According to Wikipedia, the water table is the upper level of soil saturated with groundwater, and it can rise or fall throughout the year due to seasonal conditions. In detention and retention pond design, engineers evaluate the seasonal water table to help determine pond depth, drainage performance, and soil stability. Understanding groundwater conditions helps improve stormwater […]

Breather Switch

A Breather switch is a special gap placed in railway tracks to allow the rails to expand and contract when temperatures change. It helps prevent the tracks from bending or warping during very hot weather. Breather switches also make train movement smoother and reduce noise and vibration on the tracks (Wikipedia).

Improving Mobility Along US 380

As growth continues in McKinney, infrastructure along the US 380 corridor is being upgraded to support increased demand. According to the City of McKinney and the Texas Department of Transportation, ongoing efforts include roadway improvements and utility relocations to accommodate future expansion and enhance overall mobility. These projects involve coordinating water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure with planned roadway […]

Protecting Public Health: Wastewater System Improvements in McKinney

As McKinney continues to grow, maintaining a reliable wastewater system remains essential. According to the City of McKinney 2025 to 2026 Capital Improvement Program, the City is investing in wastewater main upgrades and sewer rehabilitation to improve system reliability and long term capacity. These projects help reduce overflows, address aging infrastructure, and protect public health and the […]

Revitalizing the Chestnut Water Tank

According to Community Impact (June 2025) and McKinney City Council records, the City of McKinney has approved the restoration of the historic Chestnut Elevated Water Storage Tank. Built in 1953 and retired from service in 2003, the landmark will undergo structural repairs, repainting, lighting upgrades, and site improvements, preserving a key piece of McKinney’s history while enhancing downtown […]

Automation and Robotics in Construction

According to Wikipedia, construction robots are a specialized type of industrial robot used directly on building and infrastructure sites to automate manual, repetitive, or physically demanding tasks such as excavating, lifting heavy objects, tying rebar, installing drywall, and monitoring progress. These robots help reduce physical strain on workers, improve productivity, and enhance safety by taking on dangerous […]

Channel Lining and Erosion Control for Open Drainage Paths

According to the City of McKinney erosion control criteria, open drainage channels often require lining or stabilization to prevent soil loss and downstream sedimentation. Proper design extends channel life and protects water quality.