Category: Firm News

G2 Consulting Group is experiencing robust activity in its core cellular tower services as a result of this summer’s Federal Communications Commission actions to facilitate the faster deployment of 5G networks nationwide.

Stating that “next generation networks are critical to expanding economic opportunities and supporting public health and safety in American communities,” the FCC directed that “state or local government shall approve within 60 days any request for modification of an existing structure that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of that structure.”

G2 Consulting supports the FCC action to help the industry meet booming demand for mobile data at greater speeds and bandwidth. The firm is working with its telecomm clients to assess new and existing cellular towers to ensure they meet all local, state and federal regulations required to achieve the accelerated rollout.

“Although the industry agrees that 5G is the future, it won’t immediately replace other networks or their small cell and distributed antennae system counterparts,” said  Anthony Poisson, P.E., from G2’s Chicago office.  “Adding or replacing tower technologies and building new small cell sites requires careful due diligence, an area where G2 Consulting is uniquely qualified to help.”

Poisson suggests the following as due diligence best practice:

1.) Ground conditions: Understanding the geotechnical and geoenvironmental conditions on-site is critical for cellular towers. Not only do you have to ensure the tower foundation structure is stable, operators also have to understand if adding or subtracting weight will impact its posture.  Meanwhile, the National Environmental Policy Act has strict rules in place to govern cell tower ecological impact that need to be followed.

2.) Regulatory environment: Although the FCC governs much of cellular tower regulation, the myriad of other local, state, federal and tribal authorities laws are equally important. G2 is certified in 35 states for cellular tower projects and can help clients understand the complex web of regulations.

3.) Macro towers: Some carriers are upgrading existing towers with 5G capabilities, effectively integrating new infrastructure into the current network. It’s important to note that these existing cell towers may also continue transmitting 4G signals and contain other hardware for respective service areas.  Integrating the new tech requires careful coordination.

4.) Small cell: In addition to towers, 5G coverage will require carriers to add at least 250,000 new small cell sites nationwide. However, though these small cell technologies perform similar functions, they’re not your typical cell tower. While most current cell towers are large, freestanding structures, the small cell “towers” required by 5G are much smaller devices that can be mounted on existing infrastructure like traffic lights, lampposts, rooftops or other appropriate spot in urban spaces where licensing and construction issues are particularly difficult.

5.) Securing older equipment: With all the talk of new technologies, it’s easy to forget that many towers have been around for 25 years or more.  Further, most of the tower equipment is located at or near the tower’s highest point.  This “pressure at the top” cause structural stress over time. Tower companies need to shore up these older sites both to bring them into current code and to ensure they can safely accommodate the new equipment.

“5G has been in the works for years, however the COVID pandemic has underscored the need to improve communications infrastructure.  The challenge now is to ensure a smooth, safe and efficient roll-out, which are areas where G2 can help,” Poisson said.

G2 Consulting Group is proud to announce the promotion of Jennifer M. Casey, P.E. from Senior Project Engineer to her new position as Project Manager. Jen joined G2’s geotechnical engineering team as a Staff Engineer in January 2000 after completing her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at Lawrence Technical University. She continued her education while working at G2 and ultimately earned her master’s in Civil Engineering, also at Lawrence Tech. Later, Jen was promoted to a Project Engineer and subsequently to her most recent position as a Senior Project Engineer

During her time at G2, Jen has consistently demonstrated her engineering acumen through her efforts on more than 1,000 projects where she provided geotechnical engineering and quality control services. Her more recent projects include geotechnical investigations for the FCA paint shop additions at the Mack Avenue Plant and Warren Truck Assembly Plant, geotechnical designs for numerous MDOT bridge projects, and mass concrete temperature modeling and monitoring for the GLWA Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant raw sludge clarifiers.

In her new role, Jen will be reviewing geotechnical reports, training staff, overseeing projects at the highest-level of management, and serving as the main point of contact with many valued G2 clients. We are incredibly excited for Jen and know that she is going to knock it out of the park. Congratulations, Jen!

Mark Stapleton P.E., project manager at G2 Consulting Group, will speak at the 2020 MDOT-ACEC Partnering Workshop on a panel discussion titled “Improve your design of Temporary Earth Retention Systems (TERS) & Bring your A-GAME to Subsurface Exploration.”

The annual MDOT-ACEC event typically attracts 600+ attendees from the Michigan Department of Transportation as well as other public and private entities actively involved in building and maintaining the state’s infrastructure. The event will be held Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Lansing Center.

Stapleton brings his more than 30 years of geotechnical engineering experience to the conversation which will introduce  MDOT’s new manual for design of cofferdams, sheet pile walls and soldier pile walls. Stapleton’s comments are geared toward the highly technical audience and will include explanation of the manual’s key points as well as practical advice and industry best practices to meet the new criteria.  Joining Mark on stage are  MDOT representatives Dick Endres and Ryan Snook and Dr. Stan Vitton, a civil and environmental engineering professor from Michigan Tech University.

“As with any technical manual, the devil is in the details,” said Stapleton. “Through this panel, my colleagues and I hope to clearly communicate the most important aspects of the manual while offering practical suggestions for real-world implementations.”

For more information on the MDOT-ACEC Partnering Workshop, please visit https://web.acecmi.org/events/2020-MDOTACEC-Partnering-Workshop-Reception-154/details.

Mark Stapleton P.E., project manager at G2 Consulting Group, has been named as an associate to the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association’s (MITA) board of directors for a two-year term.

In this role, Stapleton will offer his 30+ years of geotechnical engineering insights to the MITA board and its 500 member companies. MITA is Michigan’s premier statewide construction trade association representing construction disciplines such as road and bridge, sewer and water, utility, railroad, excavation and specialty construction throughout the state.

“I’m honored to be joining the MITA board at such a critical juncture for Michigan’s infrastructure,” said Stapleton. “MITA’s board includes individuals from a wide array of public and private entities, men and women who have the collective expertise and dedication to help Michigan renovate and enhance its infrastructure in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.”

Stapleton joined G2 Consulting Group in 2001. His work at G2 includes geotechnical and geo-engineering projects including complex earth retention systems, deep foundations and drilled piers, harbors and waterways, storm water and sewer, and all manner of road and bridge projects. Earlier in his career, Stapleton was with the United States Army Corps of Engineers where he was involved in a number of major civil works projects and helped develop a comprehensive Soo Locks analysis called “Connecting Channels.”

Justify isn’t the only Triple Crown winner of 2018. G2 Consulting Group won its own Triple Crown in May when for the third year it was named one of the Top 100 “Hot Firms” nationally in the architecture, engineering and construction services industry. The award is based on G2’s year over year revenue growth measured in both dollar and percentage change.

“Business growth fuels job creation and builds communities,” said Chad Clinehens, CEO of Zweig Group, the leading industry research, publishing and consulting group that presents the award. “That’s why it’s important to celebrate these companies’ success.”

G2 Consulting is a nationally recognized leader and one of the fastest growing firms in geotechnical, environmental and construction services. The company works in more than 30 states on projects including highway, road and bridge construction, port and harbors, schools, stadiums, telecomm, health care, renewable energy and more. G2 has reported double digit growth in each of the past six years.

“Our ‘Smart. Results. Fast.’ promise has resonated with our clients and our ability to consistently deliver on the promise has brought us repeat and new business,” says Mark Smolinski, G2 principal. “With this new recognition and the construction surge the country is experiencing we’re in an ideal spot to continue the growth. One of our biggest challenges now is to find the right qualified professionals to join our team and help us keep the momentum going, but that’s a good problem to have.”

As wireless data traffic has increased exponentially in the past few years, telecommunication companies are under enormous pressure to provide quality services to their customers wherever they may be and whenever they may be there.

Easier said than done.

Telecom facilities, including small cell, distributed antenna systems (DAS) and traditional towers, are springing up everywhere. And the next generation of 5G telecommunications will bring infrastructure even closer to the end user, making site selection even more crucial. Finding these favorable locations and environments requires special know-how and skills. Enter G2 Consulting Group, a Troy-based geotechnical, geoenvironmental and construction services firm steeped in the telecom industry.

G2 has been an active and trusted player in the telecom construction business for years, helping America to stay connected and telecom providers to stay on time and on budget with their time-sensitive projects.

G2 has conducted thousands of geotechnical investigations, environmental site assessments, and National Environmental Policy Act regulatory reviews for telecom sites ranging from cornfields to mountain tops and from historically and culturally sensitive areas to dense urban environments across the country. As technology demands increase, so do the demands on existing towers and G2 has proven to be a valuable partner for structural engineers by providing foundation mapping and soil analysis to allow optimization of a tower’s capacity.

“Over the past couple decades, we’ve become leaders in this field,” says G2 principal Mark Smolinski, P.E. , “and with the constant demand for better, broader communication receptivity, backed by the strong partnerships we’ve built, G2 expects this area of our business to continue to grow.”

Having worked on over 20,000 telecom projects in 35 U.S. states and Canada for all major carriers, G2 has a deep understanding of complex compliance issues and helps its clients meet all levels of regulations. At the same time, G2 reviews site information to determine qualifications for any exceptions under the most recent FCC guidelines. All project data is then inventoried in a comprehensive database for quick and complete client reporting.

“Telecom projects are highly specialized and require a full understanding of the geo-technical and geoenvironmental conditions at and near the proposed site,” says Smolinski. “We’ve built our relationships and expertise in this sector over the past twenty years, so it’s become a significant part of our business.”

G2 Consulting Group, a nationally recognized Troy, MI-based geotechnical, environmental and construction engineering services firm, is part of the construction team that earned two separate industry awards for the Downtown Fenton Streetscape and Road Reconstruction project.

Downtown Fenton retains much of its historical charm while offering modern shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences. The City was looking to improve portions of its streetscape and hired Champagne & Marx as general contractor and OHM Advisors as project engineer. G2 Consulting managed all aspects of geotechnical exploration during the design phase of the project and provided quality assurance materials testing during project construction. Eastlund Concrete Construction performed the site concrete work and Modern Concrete provided the concrete materials.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) SE Michigan branch named the project its “James F. Bliskey, P.E. Quality of Life Project of the Year” winner at its annual meeting. Also, the Michigan
Concrete Association recognized the team in its “Municipal Flatwork” category with an award during its annual meeting, as well.

In both cases the significant enhancements to the downtown area, including work on the water mains, sanitary and storm sewer, roadway pavement and sidewalks, now fully ADA compliant, were noted as exceptional. As a result, there is an improved quality of life for residents and visitors to Fenton. It’s hoped that the improvements will encourage more development in adjacent neighborhoods.

“At G2 Consulting Group, our mantra is Smart. Results. Fast.,” said Jim Berry, Project Manager. “These two awards are a nice tribute to the collaborative nature of the project and our ability to help the City of Fenton continue to enhance its vibrant downtown area.”

Berry noted that G2 Consulting has been involved in several urban redevelopment projects for local municipal clients including the cities of Birmingham, Auburn Hills and Southfield.

Congratulations to Magna Seating of America, Inc. and Cunningham-Limp on the recent opening of Magna’s new headquarters in Novi, MI.

G2 Consulting Group was proud to perform the geotechnical investigation and provide special inspections/materials testing for the new $48 million, 180,000 square foot, three-story facility which will consolidate activities into a single facility to house engineering, research and development, and sales and marketing teams.

As with all Cunningham-Limp projects, I was impressed with the speed and short turn around time to deliver the new headquarters. Cunningham-Limp’s design build services and collaborative approach allows their design subconsultants to work seamlessly with them during the construction process to deliver an outstanding project.

The video below shows the construction process from dirt to delivery.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has named G2 Consulting Group, a nationally recognized Troy-based geotechnical, environmental and construction services firm, as one of its pre-approved engineering teams through a two-year “as-needed” indefinite services contract for state-wide projects.

“Year in and year out, MDOT tackles many of the largest and most complex engineering projects imaginable,” said Mark Smolinski, one of the G2 Consulting principals.  “So, we take our opportunities to work alongside MDOT very seriously and believe that earning our second consecutive state-wide contract is a reflection of the results we deliver.”

G2’s recent efforts with MDOT include the M-20 replacement bridge over the Tittabawassee River in Midland. “The M-20 bridge carries a heavy load of daily traffic over a river and a former rail line converted into a nature trail.  In order to maintain traffic as long as possible, numerous foundation types were evaluated that would allow partial construction of foundations before traffic closures were required. G2’s role relates to understanding those geotechnical and environmental factors in support of the bridge construction plan,” said Dave Wanlass, G2’s project manager.

In the recent past, G2 has partnered with MDOT on many notable projects including; I-75/University interchange, I-94/I-69 interchange in St. Claire County, I-94/Cadillac bridge and the I-96 Reconstruction to name just a few.

Road reconstruction and infrastructure improvements continue to be a top priority for Michigan state officials.  In addition to providing a more efficient and safer transportation network, the state sees economic opportunities in growing Michigan’s role as a logistics center.

“We have the know-how and capability to bring added value to road design and construction,” said Smolinski.  “With all the infrastructure work being done in Michigan these days, our goal is always to deliver on our promise of Smart. Results. Fast.  This new contract will hopefully bring even more opportunities to do just that.”

G2 is licensed to work in over 35 states and has completed thousands of public and private projects, including commercial, industrial, transportation, telecommunications and civil infrastructure developments over its two decades in business.

Chicagoland has provided its telecommunication clients regulatory compliance services for over 15 years. Over the past several years, G2 Consulting has seen increased opportunities in the small cell sector of the telecommunications market as carriers attempt to keep up with the need for increased network capacity brought on by consumers’ ever-increasing demand for data on their mobile devices.

This is a dynamic area of the telecommunications business given that the deployment of small cell networks is a relatively recent development and we do anticipate carriers devoting more of their resources to expanding their small cell networks going forward. Further, the regulatory framework (National Environmental Policy Act) in place for years to address new cell tower development must also be applied to the small cells and it isn’t always a perfect fit. To that end, we have seen the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) working to streamline the regulatory process to fit the generally lower-impact of small cells with respect to NEPA concerns. G2 is currently working with our clients and awaiting interpretations from the carrier’s legal and regulatory departments to address the most recent attempts to streamline the regulatory process offered for small cell facilities as put forth by the FCC in August.

READ:   Wireless Telecommunications Bureau  Announces Execution of First Amendment to the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement for the Collocation of Wireless Antennas

G2 always stays in front of new developments in the small cell sector. To that end, we are looking forward to attending the upcoming Above Ground Level conference in Chicago on October 4^th.  We hope to hear thoughts from the speakers as to where this sector is headed, as well as, their perceptions with respect to the recent regulatory changes and how the industry may incorporate these changes. G2 is always interested in bringing back information we can provide to our clients so they can make well-informed decisions on their projects.

READ: Above Ground Media Group Conference – Chicago IL

For the second year in a row, Troy (MI)-based G2 Consulting Group has been named one of the Top 100 “Hot Firms” in the architecture, engineering and construction services industry based on the percentage and actual dollars of revenue growth over a three year period.

G2 Consulting, a national leader in geotechnical, environmental and construction services, created business growth of 31, 20 and 50 percent respectively from 2012 to 2014 and added 21 percent growth in 2015 to earn its second straight award. The company completed more than 2,500 projects in 2015 and added 40 employees swelling its ranks to 76 employees in its Troy, Chicago and Ann Arbor offices.

While G2’s headquarters is in Michigan, and much of its work is completed in the state and throughout the metropolitan Detroit area, the company worked in more than 30 states on projects including highway, road and bridge construction, schools, stadiums, telecomm, healthcare, commercial buildings, renewable energy projects and more. Of note, in 2015, G2 earned the Outstanding Civil Engineering Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers Michigan section for its role in the massive $150 million I-96 reconstruction project.

“If you know what you’re doing and consistently deliver quality work on time and on budget to your customers, it’s a great time to be in the construction business,” said G2 principal Mark Smolinski. “Those are obviously big ‘ifs’ but with our 22 years of experience in the business we know how to deliver on our promise of ‘Smart. Results. Fast.’ and that delivery has earned a lot of repeat and referral business that enabled us to win the Zweig Hot Firm award again.”

Zweig is a leading research, publishing and consulting group for the architecture, engineering and planning industry. The Hot Firms award measures company results out of an industry of 100,000 companies.

“Being in the top 100 of 100,000 peer firms is an exciting mark for G2,” says Smolinski. “Doing it two years in a row is twice as good. Now we’re looking for the Triple Crown!”

Congratulations to HARMAN and Cunningham-Limp on the recent opening of HARMAN’s new North American Automotive Headquarters in Novi, MI.

The 188,000-square-foot building, which opened in January 2016, will accommodate 1,000 employees focusing on engineering and development of advanced technology solutions for the connected car, automotive audio, and cloud services.  HARMAN supplies advanced infotainment and audio products to the world’s automakers.  It has a workforce of approximately 16,600 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

As with all Cunningham-Limp projects, I was impressed with the speed and short turn around time to deliver the new HARMAN Headquarters. Cunningham-Limp’s design build services and collaborative approach allows their design subconsultants to work seamlessly with them during the construction process to deliver an outstanding project.