Frank Civil Consulting
Since the inception of Frank Civil Consulting in 2005, Michael Frank has assisted Developers and Owners on various Retail, Commercial, and residential developments. His scope of work has included engineering selection, feasibility analysis, constructability review of plans, value engineering, liaison with municipalities and public utilities, project preliminary budgeting, composing instructions to bidders and contract language, construction management interviews and selections, construction trade spreadsheets and selections, construct working budget and final project schedule and development strategies, act as owners liaison throughout performance of work, review, evaluate and construct plan for pavement maintenance and remediation.
Mr. Frank’s personal experience in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, the State of Arizona, and the Southwest dates back to 1977. He has an extensive knowledge of the working conditions, municipalities, and public utilities associated with Civil Development.
Oil and Water Don't Mix!
A community’s roads, parking lots, and driveways are one of their most expensive assets. Asphalt pavement has an anticipated life expectancy of 25 to 27 years. The actual duration of the pavement surface is directly related to how well it is designed (in terms of release of storm water and traffic load design), constructed (installed per design specifications), and maintained (ongoing maintenance). Assuming that the first two components were completed correctly, the ongoing maintenance will play an exclusive role in the overall life.
The Summer Rains Can Wreak Havoc On Your Communities!
Residing in Arizona for over 45 years, we are used to this time of year where the state receives increased moisture and humidity from the southeast and the Gulf of Mexico. This weather pattern is called "Monsoon" which is Spanish for "season". It's that "season" again and the state can expect to receive increased amounts of rain (especially in the late afternoon and early evening) as a result. That is why addressing drainage issues within your community is so critical to the life of your pavement.
Since we are in a dryer climate, it is easy to often overlook the consequences that are created due to poor drainage in common and paved areas within your communities. Rarely do we see the ponding water or damage that result from rain events. Especially during this time of year, these problems come to light and sometimes in a dramatic way. Not only is standing water a nuisance to your residents, it is a major source of structural failure to your paved surfaces.
Water can and does percolate beneath asphalt. It penetrates between concrete and pavement. It can also be a major source of environmental issues like mosquitoes. Unfortunately, these items are generally ignored until it's too late and the damage has been done. Proper drainage off of pavement surfaces coupled with an ongoing maintenance plan will extend the life of your pavement for years. However, should the drainage concerns be overlooked, even with maintenance, your pavement life will suffer. Don't overlook the key signs of drainage problems within your community. They include staining of the pavement surface, silt and debris built up in spillways or catch basins, clogged drywells, clogged roof drains, landscape overtaking drainage release points within the community, and more.
Addressing and maintaining these areas will keep your "season" bright and your asphalt problems to a minimum. We encourage you to contact us to complete an onsite drainage inspection of your properties. The minor amount invested in this research could save your community substantially during "monsoon" time and throughout the year.