Infrastructure Insights: Engineering Explained

How can communities turn overwhelming amounts of data into clear, actionable insights? In this episode, B&N data scientist Bryan O'Reilly, joins us to explore how data services, GIS and predictive analytics are revolutionizing infrastructure planning. From breaking down data silos to building real-time dashboards and using machine learning to predict infrastructure needs, our guests discuss the biggest challenges communities face—and the solutions that are helping them make smarter, data-driven decisions.

EP 25: Unlocking the Power of Data Services

From aging pipes to growing populations, how can communities ensure that every drop of water is delivered efficiently and safely? And what role does technology play in solving this invisible but essential challenge? On this episode, we dive into the world of water distribution modeling and its role in ensuring efficient and reliable water delivery. We’re joined by Christie Ruffner to discuss how this process helps utilities manage demands, optimize network performance and prepare for future growth.

EP 26: Managing Demand & Growth: The Role of Water Distribution Modeling

Cyber, natural disasters and other security threats are a growing concern for public water systems. With the second round of Risk & Resilience Assessments (RRAs) due by end of 2026 it’s important for public water systems to plan to protect the communities and the systems. In this episode, we’ll discuss the most pressing cybersecurity threats, how they have evolved since the first round of RRAs in 2020/2021 and best practices for protecting water systems from cyberattacks. Contact Kevin at kevin.campanella@burgessniple.com to get started on the next round of RRAs, attend an incident action checklist workshop and learn more about the next round of assessments.

EP 27: Securing Water Systems with Risk & Resilience Assessments

Imagine you're driving home after a long day at work. As you approach an intersection, you notice a bright yellow signal border that immediately catches your attention, prompting you to slow down. Without even realizing it, you've just interacted with a “Proven Safety Countermeasure”—one of 28 strategies that the Federal Highway Administration has identified to reduce crashes and save lives. But why aren’t these simple solutions implemented everywhere? 
On this episode of Infrastructure Insights, we’ll dive into that answer with B&N’s Kendra Schenk and Megan Valentine to discuss what communities and engineers are doing to proactively improve safety for everyone.  
As mentioned in the episode, you can read Kendra and Megan’s synthesis report here https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/28855/implementation-of-federal-highway-administration-proven-safety-countermeasures

EP 28: Designing Safer Roads: Implementing FHWA’s Proven Safety Countermeasures

On this episode of Infrastructure Insights: Engineering Explained, we explore the value of building commissioning and retro-commissioning to improve facility performance, energy efficiency and mechanical system reliability. B&N mechanical engineer and commissioning leader Jack Sharp-Stevenson shares real-world insights from both fieldwork and design roles, offering strategies for new construction projects, facility retrofits and municipal building upgrades. Learn how a well-executed commissioning process helps owners reduce long-term maintenance costs, meet sustainability goals and ensure buildings operate as intended from day one. 

Ep 29: Beyond the Checklist: What Building Commissioning Really Delivers

When we talk about growing communities, we often think about roads, bridges and major infrastructure projects. But there’s a powerful, sometimes overlooked driver of economic growth: active transportation—things like trails, bikeways, sidewalks and complete streets. Investing in these systems not only moves people more safely and sustainably—it helps attract businesses, revitalize downtowns and build stronger, healthier communities. B&N’s Amy Rosepiler and Deserae Dinger join us on this episode as we dig into why Active Transportation (AT) is becoming a key pillar of economic growth and why communities that act now stand to benefit the most. To learn more about B&N’s Walk in My World event mentioned in this episode, click this link https://youtu.be/8RQBBhNGdZs?si=SsLrfuxiz2KNpD7o.

EP 30: Why Active Transportation Matters: Connecting Communities

Infrastructure Insights features casual conversations (and some geeking out) about the infrastructure supporting the world around us. Our innovative problem solvers are engineers, geologists and environmental scientists who are passionate about creating a better tomorrow. On Infrastructure Insights, we will share stories, best practices, and trends that span the world and range from complex technical topics to the latest developments in technology applications. Get ready to geek out with us.

EP 26: Managing Demand & Growth: The Role of Water Distribution Modeling

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