Campus Fire Station Design, Canandaigua VA Medical Center Encorus Group is proud to have contributed to the renovation of the fire station serving the Canandaigua, NY VA Medical Center campus.…
Seven Years in the Making - Encorus Nears Completion of WIPP Ventilation Fans Project At Encorus Group, we are proud to be a key contributor to the development of the Safety-Significant…
In January of 2024, Encorus Group merged with Sienna Environmental Technologies. With this merger, the Regulated Building Materials (RBM) division was formed at Encorus, integrating Sienna’s expertise within Encorus Group.…
Welcome to Engineers Week at Encorus Group. As we celebrate the contributions of engineers across the nation, we also look at future possibilities within the field. In honor of this…
Please join us in welcoming the Sienna Environmental Technologies team to Encorus! They will be providing the same services and excellent service you know them for as the new Encorus…
Are you interested in a creative or technical field, or a blend of both? Engineering and architecture both provide essential design services and building expertise to the construction industry. While…
Sienna Environmental Technologies Merges With Encorus Group
Encorus Group is excited to announce that we have merged with Sienna Environmental Technologies as of January 2024. With this merger comes a new division, Regulated Building Materials, integrating Sienna's expertise…
Elevating Engineering and Architecture: The Transformative Role of Drone Technologies
In the dynamic realms of engineering and architecture, innovation is the key to progress. Among the latest tools transforming these industries, drones have emerged as a game-changer. This post delves…
What is a Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID)?
There are a number of different types of engineering drawings, a P&ID being one of them. A P&ID, or piping and instrumentation diagram, is a schematic illustration of piping and…
Matterport Camera: What is it and Why do we Use it?
The Matterport Pro2 camera is a professional-grade 3D scanner that transforms real spaces into accurate 3D models. The camera, paired with its software, produces high quality 3D representations of a…
Encorus Group has been working as a sub-consultant to Mott-MacDonald for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) at the DL&W terminal station. The metro station, originally built in 1917, served…
Hydrometer analysis testing is one of the services offered by Encorus’ civil testing group. This procedure measures the particle-size distribution of fine-grained soils to ensure the integrity of subject materials.…
What is drafting? Drafting, also known as technical drawing, is the creation of accurate representations of objects, systems, or building structures for technical, architectural, or engineering purposes. These skilled professionals…
Senior mechanical engineer, Ben Hrycik, PE, has been a part of our team since 2009. Ben earned his PE license in 2015 and currently works on a variety of mechanical…
What Does Encorus Test and Inspect on a Construction Site, and why?
The Importance of Construction Site Testing and Inspection Testing and inspecting are essential activities at a construction site to ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of the construction project. These…
Project Spotlight: Hamburg, NY Water Tower Structural Inspection
Encorus Group recently had the opportunity to travel to the top of a water tower in order to inspect it. Click here to learn more about the inspection: https://youtu.be/AwGcZtF4_9Y?si=UE4w912tNqZPb1CI
What does sustainability mean? Sustainability consists of meeting the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations, while ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care, and…
What is Commissioning? Encorus Group offers construction and commissioning services with a wide range of support. Commissioning is the process of ensuring that all of the operational components of a…
Join us in welcoming structural engineer, Dylan Corbin, EIT to the Encorus team. Dylan is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He…
Fire Protection Engineers: What do they do and how do you become one?
What do fire protection engineers do? Fire protection engineering helps to prevent fires, and keeps buildings and their occupants safer in the event that a fire does occur. Similar to…
Drafter Kyle Lewandowski joined the Encorus Group team a year ago this month. Let's get to know him a little better! How did you get started in your career? After…
Join us in welcoming senior civil engineer, Kevin Winkler, to the Encorus team. Kevin is a NYS licensed PE and a graduate of the University at Buffalo. Kevin comes to…
Encorus Group Staff Spotlight: Dana Pezzimenti, PE
Dana Pezzimenti, PE has been with the Encorus team for over 20 years as a Principal Mechanical Engineer. We asked him some questions to get to know him a little…
Encorus Group Staff Spotlight: Thomas Gilmartin, PE
Tom Gilmartin, Encorus Group's Director of Engineering Design Services, has worked at locations across the world. We talked with him about his favorite project.
Janet Faulhaber, RA, has joined Encorus Group as Architectural Lead! Janet comes to us with 30+ years of experience in architecture and project management. Welcome, Janet!
SWPPP is the acronym for "Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan", and it is a document required by some environmental regulatory agencies for certain construction and industrial activities. Stormwater pollution prevention refers…
Joe Lowry, PE, joined the Encorus team twenty years ago this month. He has worn many hats over the years, first as an AutoCAD drafter, then as a mechanical engineer,…
Structural assessment is the process used to determine the adequacy, structural integrity and soundness of structures and their components, in order to evaluate whether a structure’s current and future use…
A current debate we follow in the professional safety community is the concept of situational awareness. Some safety professionals say that it is essential to focus and pay attention to…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Ronald Lynch as he begins his new role as Senior NDE Inspector. He comes to Encorus with over 25 years of experience in the…
Project Highlight – Williamsville North High School Time Capsule Location
In the spring of 2019, Encorus Group was contacted with a unique request. We were asked to assist in finding a time capsule, which was concealed in the cornerstone at…
Mike O’Neill and Kevin Opp will be at the DOE Small Business Forum & Expo located at the New Orleans Marriott, New Orleans, Louisiana, July 11 – 12, 2023! They…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Finn Gilmartin to the Design Group as he starts his role as Drafting Intern. Finn will begin his senior year at Hamburg High School…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Daniel Langer to the Design Team as an Associate Civil Engineer. Danel is a recent graduate of SUNY Polytechnical Institute in Utica, NY. He…
What Is A Sieve Analysis? Sieve analysis, or gradation testing, is a method used to determine the particle size distribution of granular materials, such as crushed rock, sand, clay, granite,…
An arc flash is the rapid release of energy produced from an unintended fault (short circuit) in an electrical system. Huge currents form during an electrical arc fault and can…
Case Summary: A doctor’s office purchased a Chinese-manufactured machine to make N95 masks with bands to go around the head. The unit was designed so that the operator could switch…
Jon Wardner, EIT joined the Encorus team one year ago this month as an Associate Structural Engineer. We asked him some questions to get to know him a little better.…
Thermographic testing refers to the non-destructive examination of parts, materials, or systems using the imaging of the temperature fields at an object's surface. This testing method was adopted by the…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Ian Sarata to the Design Group as he starts his role as Drafting Intern. Ian is a recent graduate of Orchard Park High School…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Sydney Steward as she begins her role as Associate Process Engineer. Sydney was a process engineer intern at Encorus last summer, as well as…
Please join us in welcoming Noelle Lindke to Encorus Group in her role as Drafter I. Noelle has two years of experience in drafting and has an associate's degree from…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Evan Jennings as he begins his new role as Engineering Technician. Evan has a bachelor's degree in anthropology from UB and has previously worked…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Derek Walter to the Design Team as an Associate Electrical Engineer. Derek is a recent graduate of Alfred State College. He holds an associate's…
Wheel of Certifications – National Board Inspector Certification
Encorus Group is an Authorized Inspection Agency in accordance with the provisions of NB-369, Accreditation of Authorized Inspection Agencies (AIA). What does that mean? Most federal, state, and local office…
We would like to welcome Cooper Zak to Encorus Group as he begins his role as a summer Electrical Engineer Intern. In the fall, Cooper will begin his senior year…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Sierra Danieu as a summer Structural Engineer Intern. Sierra is currently attending RIT and is working towards her bachelor's degree in civil engineering. Welcome…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Joe Ingwersen as he begins his new role as Engineering Technician. Joe comes to Encorus with previous experience in landscaping and is currently attending…
Jackie Paddock joined Encorus Group one year ago this month as our office assistant. We caught up with Jackie and got to know her a little better. How did you…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Addison Craig as he begins his new role as Engineering Technician. Addison has recently moved to the Buffalo area and comes to Encorus with…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Rick Lange to the Design Team as an Associate Electrical Engineer. Rick has 10+ years of experience in the electrical field and has an…
Project Highlight – Six Flags Darien Lake NDE Inspections
First opened in 1954 as a campground, and then expanded into a theme park between 1979 and 1981, Six Flags Darien Lake is a 1,200 acre amusement park and resort,…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Steven Giallanza who will be joining the Design Group as a summer intern in the Structural Department. Steven is currently attending Rochester Institute of…
Process engineering is the understanding and application of the basic principles and laws of nature that allow humans to convert raw materials and energy into products that are useful to…
This spring, Encorus Group’s electrical department was separated into two distinct, yet intertwined, groups: electrical and controls. As a growing company, we are always examining the best ways to serve…
Congratulations to electrical engineer Kevin Kuzius, EIT on earning his Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification! You can read more about what the EIT certification means here: EIT vs PE: What’s the Difference?-…
Wheel of Certifications – Project Management Professional
This week, we spun the Wheel of Certifications and landed on “Project Management Professional." We will take a look at what a Project Management Professional is and why are they…
Kevin Donner joined Encorus Group five years ago this month as a Senior NDE Inspector. We caught up with Kevin and got to know him a little better. How did…
The VAMC Bronx, also referred to as the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, has a history dating back to the Revolutionary War. Being the highest point in New York…
Project Highlight – WIPP Site SSCVS Fan Design and Procurement
We are always thrilled when one of our long-term projects starts moving toward the finish line! In May 2017, Encorus Group was retained to procure six gigantic fans for the…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Tyler Matecki as he begins his new role as Engineering Technician. Tyler comes to Encorus with 5+ years of experience in the construction field.…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Anthony Travis as he begins his new role as Senior NDE Inspector. Anthony comes to Encorus with over 25 years of experience in the…
How it Works: Density Testing Using a Nuclear Density Gauge
Nuclear density testing is a method used in road or construction projects, wind or solar power generation construction sites, residential and commercial construction sites, mining operations, agricultural and forestry settings,…
Wheel of Certifications: Certified Welding Inspector
This month, we spun the Wheel of Certifications and landed on "Certified Welding Inspector"! We will take a look at what a Certified Welding Inspector is and why are they…
Five years ago this month, Lindse Runge joined the Encorus team and is now a QA Engineer. We took the opportunity to get to know her a little better. How…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Brett Warren to our MI Group as a Mechanical Integrity Inspector. Brett is a recent graduate of Buffalo State College and has a bachelor's…
Stop by and talk to Mike O’Neill and Kevin Opp at the WM Symposia 2023 Trade Show located at the Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix AZ, February 26 - March 2,…
Project Highlight – SUNY Fredonia Carnahan-Jackson Center – Floor Structural Study
Founded in 1826, the State University of New York at Fredonia, known for its strong academic programs, attractive architecture and grounds, and rich campus life, is located about an hour…
Case Study: Waste Water Treatment Plant Ground-Fault Failure
Case Summary: A wastewater treatment plant experienced a power failure after working hours. This resulted in shutoff of the plant’s influent pumps, which lift the wastewater from the incoming stream…
Mike O'Neill and Kevin Opp will be at the PowerGen International Destination 2050 Trade Show in Orlando, FL February 21 – 23, 2023! They will be located in Booth #2135.…
Encorus Group’s Electrical Department Diverges To Form Controls Department
The beginning of 2023 has already brought change and growth to Encorus Group! After nearly three years of working closely with our clients on a myriad of project types, our…
Did you know that it wasn't until after the 1980s that fire barriers and fire walls became a standard requirement for the International Building Code (IBC)? Fire barriers and fire…
Encorus Staff Takes a Field Trip to Early Bird Childcare
On January 11, several Encorus team members joined the Pre-K class at Early Bird Childcare in Springville, NY. Their goal was to help the 3 and 4 year olds learn…
This week, we spun the Wheel of Certifications and landed on "Professional Engineer"! Join us to take a look at the differences between a professional engineer and an engineer-in-training. Stay…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Evan Hutter to the Design Team as an Associate Electrical Engineer. Evan is a recent graduate of the University at Buffalo and has a…
Encorus Group welcomed Teddy Dauphinee to our team as a senior designer. He has an associates degree in drafting from Alfred State College and more than twenty years of experience. …
Encorus Group Staff Spotlight: Matthew Stoffel, PE
Structural engineer Matt Stoffel joined the Encorus team a year ago this week. We wanted to get to know him better. How did you get started in your career? I…
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides care for our nation's Veterans, making it an integral part of the United States healthcare system. The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, located…
Radiographic testing: What is it and why is it important?
Industrial radiography is a non-destructive testing method (also referred to as non-destructive examination or NDE) where many different components can be examined to determine surface and subsurface flaws, without damage…
We recently asked our engineers, project managers, technicians, and inspectors what their most interesting project was this year. Steve Rakvica, Project Management Office Lead, said: "Our engineering and design staff…
Encorus Group has worked with the WIPP site in Carlsbad, NM to provide vital ventilation systems to underground areas, as well as significant safety systems.
Simply put, a nuclear density gauge is a tool used to test the density of a compacted material. Most often utilized in highway or road construction projects, you will also…
In 1961, the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) was established with the intention of creating a recognized certification for engineering technicians and technologists. Following a merger of…
Matt Stoffel Earns Professional Engineering License
Congratulations to Encorus Group's newest licensed Professional Engineer, Matt Stoffel! Matt is a structural engineer and joined Encorus earlier this year.
A pressure vessel is a tank or vessel that holds liquid, vapor, or gas at a pressure which is substantially different from the surrounding pressure, generally speaking. Compressed gas cylinders,…
Encorus Group welcomed Lindsey Jakubczak as a drafter recently. She has an Associates Degree in Architectural Technology, and two years of drafting experience. Welcome to the team, Lindsey!
Encorus Group welcomes Rachel Gibson to the business development group as a marketing coordinator. She brings AEC industry and document control experience to her role here. Welcome to the team,…
Erie County Medical Center Plumbing and Sprinkler System Evaluations
Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) is one of the primary hospitals providing state-of-the-art care to the eight counties of the Western New York region. The main ECMC campus includes 573…
Visiting Bent’s Opera House is like taking a trip back 150 years into history. Today, the property serves as a boutique hotel, luxury event space, and lavish farm-to-table restaurant. Flashback…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Kyle Lewandowski to our design team, as he begins his role as Drafter I. Kyle earned an Associates Degree in Architecture Technology and an…
Kevin Gentile knew growing up that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. His father is his biggest life and career influence and a big reason why he could…
The Department of Veterans Affairs is a branch of the federal government that provides lifelong healthcare and benefits to our military veterans. The VA serves its veterans at over 170…
Nick Lavanture has always had an inclination towards engineering. As a kid, he spent his free time building and tinkering with anything he could get his hands on. Nick grew…
One of the most important responsibilities that engineers have is to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Throughout the past few decades, and as a result of…
Anthony Czapla always enjoyed tinkering with things and exploring how stuff works. Starting at a young age, mechanical toys and devices were a primary interest of his. This interest influenced…
Stony Brook University, a SUNY college with a student enrollment of over 26,000 located on Long Island, had a system in place to ensure that the cogeneration facility providing both…
Sydney Steward spent the summer with us at Encorus as a Process Engineer Intern. Sydney contributed to two large projects during her time here. The main projects she worked on…
Jonathan Surdej has spent the summer with Encorus as an electrical engineer intern. Jonathan worked on multiple projects at many different locations including the Canandaigua and Bath VA Medical Centers,…
Encorus NDE Supervisor Mike Harris was born and raised in Ransomville, NY. From a young age, Mike was always around garages, and began to surround himself with race cars. He…
Steam traps are used in steam transport systems that transfer heat through large buildings. Boiling water is used to create the steam, which is then transferred from the boiler to…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Josh Shavalier to our Civil Materials Testing and NDE team, as he begins his role as Junior NDE Inspector. Welcome to the team, Josh!
Encorus Group would like to welcome Jeff Wittmeyer to our Civil Materials Testing and NDE team, as he begins his role as Engineering Technician. Welcome to the team, Jeff!
Associate Process Engineer Chris Martin grew up in Windham, NY, a small town in the Catskill Mountain region. His parents taught him that working hard and always putting in your…
Encorus Group is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
Small businesses can be categorized based on their ownership status. These categories include Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). Encorus…
Last November, a delivery truck crashed into the side of the China King restaurant in Gowanda, NY, causing extensive damage to the building. Along with the structural damage, the vehicle…
Encorus is pleased to announce that Catherine Wire has been promoted to Drafter II, as she has been increasing her knowledge of the role of drafting and how it fits…
Encorus is pleased to announce that Cheyenne Ricley has been promoted to Drafter II, as she has been increasing her knowledge of the role of drafting and how it fits…
As this summer progresses, there is a good chance you’ve sat down in some type of bleacher or grandstand for a sporting event, concert or some other occasion. If you’ve…
Buffalo Outer Harbor Access and Activation Civic Improvement Project Park Design
As part of the project team tasked with designing a park area at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor, Encorus was able to help improve the area’s infrastructure. Formerly an industrial area with…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Jerry Ciambor to our NDE team, as he begins his role as Senior NDE Inspector. Jerry comes to Encorus with over five years of…
During the design phase of a structure, there are certain loading conditions that engineers need to take into consideration. One of those loading conditions is seismic load, which is a…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Jon Wardner, E.I.T. to our design team, as he begins his role as Associate Structural Engineer. Jon is a graduate of the University at…
Safety is one of the most important factors that engineers must consider when providing designs for any type of facility. One of the biggest safety hazards to prepare for is…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Sydney Steward to our design team, as she begins her role as Process Engineer Intern. Sydney is currently attending the University at Buffalo where…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Jonathan Surdej to our design team, as he begins his role as Electrical Engineer Intern. Jonathan is currently attending the University at Buffalo where…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Anthony Czapla to our design team, as he begins his role as Associate Electrical Engineer. Anthony is a graduate of Buffalo State College and…
One of the services provided by Encorus Group is electrical arc flash analysis, which is a safety precaution used to prevent explosions in industrial settings which utilize high electrical voltage.…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Allen Smith to our mechanical integrity team, as he begins his role as mechanical integrity inspector intern. Allen is going into his senior year…
Tim Diamond grew up just south of Buffalo in the Town of Evans. He enjoyed being outdoors, camping and playing sports as a kid. He has always been an outgoing…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Jackie Paddock to our admin team, as she begins her role as Office Assistant. Jackie comes to Encorus with over 20 years experience in…
Olympic Regional Development Authority Modernization
Encorus is continuing its design services for the modernization of several structures owned by the Olympic Regional Development Authority in Lake Placid, NY. Construction is currently underway at the Olympic…
Evaluating a roof and designing its replacement are complicated processes, as each project presents different challenges. Both architectural and structural engineering considerations are necessary in the design. Encorus Senior Architect…
Eric Gallion was always interested in building and tinkering with stuff as a kid. Whether it was machines, cars, or anything mechanical, Eric was drawn to it. Early on in…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Kevin Gentile to our Civil Materials Testing team, as he begins his role as Engineering Technician. Kevin comes to Encorus with over five years…
In a climate like Western New York’s, where winters can be harsh, a system to deice planes is essential to travel and commerce. Encorus Group assisted in a project to…
Drafting, also known as technical drawing, is the creation of accurate representations of objects, systems, or building structures for technical, architectural, or engineering purposes. Someone who is skilled in drafting…
Cheyenne Ricley credits both her brother and her father for being the biggest influences in her career choices. Her dad was a mechanic, and Cheyenne loved working in the garage…
Ford Gum & Machine Co., Inc. is a leader in the manufacture and distribution of chewing gum, gumballs, gumball machine banks, assorted confections and health-related products. Their manufacturing facility is…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Nick Lavanture to our design team, as he begins his role as Associate Mechanical Engineer. Nick is a graduate of the University at Buffalo…
AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) is the international leader in setting technical standards for all phases of highway system development. AASHTO represents all fifty states, Washington…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Mike Harris to our NDE team, as he begins his role as Supervisor of NDE. Mike comes to Encorus with 25 years of experience…
Encorus Group Staff Spotlight: Mike Wittenberg, PE
Growing up, Mike Wittenberg had a lot of career influences, none bigger than his family. His father worked in technical sales and his grandfather was an electrician. Mike learned a…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Alex Zeman to our NDE team, as he begins his role as Senior NDE Inspector. Alex comes to Encorus with over 5 years of…
Fire protection engineering is a design necessity - it is relevant to almost any building design, since it helps to prevent fire and keep buildings safe in the event that…
James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center Fire Pump Replacement Design
For the protection of your facility against fire damage, fire sprinklers that work efficiently are vital. A properly functioning fire pump is a very important component of an effective sprinkler…
Mike O’Neill loves interacting with people and creating that personal client relationship that is hard to find at some companies. Mike finds joy in communicating with customers and giving that…
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you know how important the ski lift is to the operation of the slopes. In order to ensure the safety of those using and…
Growing up, math and science were not among Ross Trainor’s favorite subjects in school. As he continued his education, he eventually began to enjoy and understand these subjects through hard…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Robert Dunlap to our Mechanical Integrity Group, as he begins his role as Project Manager. Welcome to the team, Robert!
Ground penetrating radar is a geophysical locating method that uses radio waves to capture images below the surface of the ground in a minimally invasive way. GPR is vital because…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Matthew Stoffel, E.I.T. to our design team, as he begins his role as Senior Structural Engineer in the Springville office. Matthew is a graduate…
Mechanical engineering applies concepts from physics, engineering, and materials science for the design, production, operation, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It combines creativity, knowledge and analytical tools to complete the…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Chris Martin to our design team, as he begins his role as Associate Process Engineer in our West Seneca office. Chris is a graduate…
Brian Kader graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s Degree in broadcast journalism, and a concentration in psychology. He never had any intentions of entering the engineering field but the…
The Butler VA Healthcare Center has history dating back to the 1930s. In 1937, the Pennsylvania Department of Health chose Butler as the site for a 500-bed sanitarium to treat…
In 2020, Jakob Grant graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, and a concentration in Structural Engineering. He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in…
The Buffalo VA Medical Center was constructed in the late 1940s. Some of the facility’s dietary refrigeration equipment had been renovated in 1990; some systems had remained largely unchanged since…
Architecture can be found on both the interior and exterior of every building or structure, and is an important part of modern infrastructure. The facets of an architect’s role are…
Growing up in a construction family, Jerry Sullivan learned early on in his life there was more to construction than the large cranes and earthmoving equipment he played on as…
Magnetic Particle NDT is a process included in the range of nondestructive testing services that Encorus offers. This method is commonly used to test ferrous metal objects for “surface or…
This month, Encorus welcomed back Marketing Coordinator Sarah Doud from maternity leave! Sarah and her husband welcomed a baby boy in June and have enjoyed spending time with their new…
Old Falls Street in downtown Niagara Falls has been the focus of redevelopment efforts to reconnect the City of Niagara Falls to the Falls itself. This effort was to improve…
Most pressure vessels are designed to include safety features. Smaller vessels are often created with a “yield before break” design, which allows them to bend or flex before any crack…
Steven Rakvica began his career after graduating from Clarkson University as a Mechanical Engineer. He was first employed to design and provide field engineering for boilers and combustion systems used…
Lead Mechanical Engineer, Evan Krug, PE discusses Encorus Group's involvement with the redesign and rehabilitation of Buffalo's Outer Harbor. Encorus Group partnered with TWMLA Landscape Architects on this project.
Process engineering is the discipline responsible for designing, implementing and optimizing the processes that turn raw materials into an end product. Determining the energy, chemicals and equipment needed in facilities,…
We are proud to announce that Encorus Group's President, Joseph Lowry III, PE is the recipient of a 2021 Buffalo Business First 40 Under 40 Award. A graduate of the…
CUBRC is a research, development, and testing company with headquarters in Cheektowaga, NY. The firm wanted to build a new 120 square foot structure, with 20 foot high walls. Due…
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) uses radar pulses to determine if there are objects located under the surface. It can be used on dirt, stone, concrete, wood, and other materials. An…
Heather Stevens was introduced to map reading, lettering and computers very early on in her life. This was largely influenced from her father, who ran his own design business out…
Encorus Group has been a part of the First Buffalo Marina Capital Improvements project in multiple capacities. In 2017, as part a team headed up Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects,…
Concrete is one of the most common materials used in construction, and is the building block for the foundations of various structures around the world. These structures could be as…
As a child, Kevin Kuzius always had a passion for science and mathematics with a desire to learn how things work. Helped along by influence from his family and friends,…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Jeff Kuchta to our Design Team, as he begins his role as Drafting Lead. Jeff comes to Encorus with 20 plus years of experience…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Sandy Queeno to the team as she begins filling the Office Assistant role! She will be helping out around the Springville office. Welcome aboard,…
In a climate like Western New York’s, where winters can be harsh, a system to deice planes is essential to travel and commerce. Used deicing solution is an environmental hazard,…
Many people are familiar with the common types of engineering: civil, electrical, mechanical, environmental, structural, and so on. But one discipline that might not be so widely known is forensic…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Valerie Brittin to our Project Management Office and Design team, as she begins her role as Project Engineer. Valerie is a graduate of Binghamton…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Chris Conklin to our Civil Materials Testing Group, as he begins his role as Senior NDE Inspector. Chris will be working out of the…
As a subconsultant to Mott MacDonald, Encorus provided commissioning services as described within the Energy Conservation Code, Section C408, for the new station. The former station was demolished in order…
We are always happy to see news about our projects! Encorus Group provided long-lead procurement for six 1,000 HP fans that are part of the Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System…
Drafting, also known as technical drawing, is the creation of accurate representations of objects, systems, or building structures for technical, architectural, or engineering purposes. Someone who is skilled in drafting…
Encorus Group recently assisted the Department of Veterans Affairs in replacing the existing roof system at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. The campus has a total of 38 roof surfaces…
Congratulations are in order for John Allan, who is retiring after 50 years as a fire protection specialist. John began his fire protection career in the US Air Force, and…
Building automation has evolved over the past thirty years. At first, building automation usually consisted of motion sensors, light timers, dawn/dusk detectors for exterior lights, and programmable thermostats for HVAC.…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Ben Morakis to our Civil Materials Testing Group, as he begins his role as Engineering Technician. Ben will be working out of our Buffalo…
When Ben Hrycik was a kid, any toy that was put together with screws or bolts was taken apart and put back together again repeatedly. When he got a little…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Ross Trainor to our design team, as he begins his role as Process Lead! Ross is a graduate of the University at Buffalo and…
As part of our People & Projects series, PMO Lead Steve Rakvica explains the role of our new Project Management Office. Encorus Group's new Project Management Office - YouTube
Encorus Group would like to welcome Kyle Niemiec to our design team as an Associate Electrical Engineer. Kyle is a graduate of West Virginia University and has a Bachelor's Degree…
SUNY Binghamton Science II Tower Plumbing Renovation
The scope of this project included the continuation of plumbing systems design from the third floor and above for the gut renovation of the 10 story Science II Tower at…
Shannon has been in the engineering field for 18 years and working at Encorus Group for 6 years. She started off as a Drafter and worked her way to Designer,…
This project’s goal was to provide a design solution for a complete multi-phased renovation of Sturges & Fraser Halls on the SUNY Geneseo campus. The scope of work includes interior…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Jakob Grant to our design team as an Associate Structural Engineer. Jakob is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has a Bachelor's Degree…
As part of our People & Projects series, Electrical Engineer Jonathan Fabian, EIT discusses Encorus's involvement in the design of the Cataract Commons project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4qfRaNg_SI
When Ben Genco was a kid, he always wanted to build things, and he loved watching construction trucks, so once he got long division down, he was basically off to…
Encorus Group would like to welcome Joe Ramuchak to our Mechanical Integrity Group as MI Inspector. Joe will be working with our clients in the Pennsylvania area. His certifications include…
The purpose of this project was to extend the NFTA-Metro light rail line by 6.5 miles. The previous rail line, which was completed in 1986, ran approximately 6.4 miles along…
Encorus is pleased to announce that Melissa White has been promoted to Designer, as she has been increasing her role and knowledge in the drafting group, and has become the…
Encorus is excited to announce that Doug Acquard will step up his role in the Drafting Group, taking on the role of Drafting Lead. In this role, he will be…
Encorus is happy to announce that Shannon Vrenna has been promoted to Project Scheduler. Shannon will now be working as the other half of the Project Management Office with Steve…
Encorus’s Mechanical Integrity Group offers Fitness for Service evaluations to clients that have in-service equipment that needs to be examined. A Fitness for Service, or FFS, evaluation is a standard…
Daniel Sarata has been a structural engineer with Encorus for twelve years, and is currently the firm’s structural engineer lead. He has worked on a wide range of projects, including…
Earth Day is a day that inspires trash pickups, water ways cleanups, and increased visibility of environmental causes. It falls on April 22, every year. It is an inspiring day…
Written by Senior Electrical and Controls Engineer Geoff Chadwick. Sustainability is a broad term, but when it comes to manufacturing it can get even more complicated. New technology may be…
Encorus would like to welcome Dennis Ulmer to the Design Group as an Associate Mechanical Engineer. Dennis graduated from RIT with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Welcome to Encorus,…
Encorus would like to welcome Allison Lippert to the Design Team as an Associate Architect. She is a graduate of Alfred State College, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in…
Fire Suppression Systems When someone hears the term “fire suppression system”, they might automatically think of a sprinkler system that sprays water from the ceiling when it detects fire. In…
Tom Gilmartin has loved math and science as long as he’s been able to think. He has never been a "theoretical" scientist though; rather, he is a tinkerer. This led…
Encorus was tasked with providing architectural and engineering designs for an upgrade to the existing fire department building at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center. The objective of this project was…
NICET stands for National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, and is a division of NSPE, the National Society of Professional Engineers. This institution was put into place to enforce…
Mary Padasak has been an Environmental Engineer at Encorus Group since 2009. She works on stormwater design and permitting, bulk storage permitting, SEQR, and most recently, geotechnical assistance including Phase…
Written by Senior Electrical and Controls Engineer Geoff Chadwick For manufacturers, the word “automation” invokes varied emotions depending on who you ask. Organizations such as the ISA and CSIA offer…
Olympic Regional Development Authority Lake Placid Olympic Center Modernization
Encorus was contracted by prime consultant Cannon Design to provide design services for the modernization of several structures owned by ORDA at Lake Placid, NY, including the arena where the…
As far back as Geoff Chadwick can remember, he was always taking things apart and putting them back together. When things broke and he was told they couldn’t afford a…
As part of our new People & Projects series, Lead Structural Engineer Dan Sarata, PE discusses the challenges involved in the CUBRC Vacuum Sphere Relocation project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs3nf2oPjyk
Encorus Group’s Mechanical Integrity Group offers steam trap and insulation surveys to increase the energy efficiency of buildings. Steam traps are used in steam transport systems that transfer heat through…
Andy Wiedemann, PE is a Fire Protection Engineer at Encorus Group. He started as a Mechanical Engineer, and in recent years has transitioned to take on the related role of…
Encorus would like to welcome Kevin Kuzius to the Design Team as an Associate Electrical Engineer. He is a graduate of University of Central Florida where he earned his Bachelor's…
Buffalo Outer Harbor Access and Activation Civic Improvement Project Park Design
Encorus provided mechanical and electrical engineering support for the design of a park area at the Buffalo Outer Harbor that includes a waterfront area, nature trails, a plaza, event lawn,…
Electrical arc flash analysis is a service provided by Encorus’s electrical engineering department. Arc flash analysis is a safety precaution used to prevent explosions in industrial settings which utilize high…
One of the most important responsibilities that engineers have is to provide for the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Throughout history, especially in the case of fires, the…
CUBRC’s Aeroscience team has completed a major milestone in the development of its newest capability. Over last weekend, the team moved the large (65’ diameter) vacuum sphere a few hundred…
Why Manufacturing Automation Needs the Human Touch
Many manufacturers are looking to automation as a way to compete with other parts of the world with lower labor costs and less stringent regulations. And while automation is part…
The “Next Normal” – Sensors, Joysticks, and Humans
In a previous post, we looked at what happens if you need to operate your plant with fewer people in the workplace, and in another, we considered how manufacturing can…
Offering Work-from-Home Flexibility to Plant-Floor Workers Many employees feel squeezed between a need to earn a living, and the need to keep themselves and their families safe. The answer for…
Is the "Dark Factory" the Future of Manufacturing? - Part 1 By Tom Gilmartin, PE Recently many employers have had to limit the number of people on their premises. Some…
Operational data is cheap, but management time is not By Tom Gilmartin, PE In a previous article, we talked about “data fog” – the vast cloud of data emitted by…
Break through data fog to get the operational insights you need By Thomas Gilmartin, P.E. Imagine driving on a dark, pre-dawn morning – and the fog is so thick you…
Whether it’s in our homes, workplaces, or schools, air filters are key components to keeping unwanted (and most of the time invisible) particles out of the air. The MERV (minimum…
The Understated Importance of Concrete Anchors Concrete anchors are an essential design component for fastening structural items to reinforced concrete or masonry. Anchors are used to attach steel members to…
Whether required by code or desired by a building owner, the HVAC commissioning process is an important tool used to verify that building systems are designed, specified, and constructed to…
When someone hears the term “fire suppression system”, they might automatically think of a sprinkler system that sprays water from the ceiling when it detects fire. In reality, there are…
Encorus would like to welcome Catherine Wire to our Design Group as a Drafter! Catherine is a graduate of Niagara Community College with an Associate's Degree in Computer Aided Drafting…
The widespread transmission of COVID-19 across the world has rapidly increased the demand for and importance of specialized ventilation in hospital rooms. Thankfully, there have been modernizations that make patient…
Encorus would like to welcome Ben Genco to our Design Group as an Associate Structural Engineer! Ben is an EIT and has been working as a Structural Engineer for approximately…
Did you know that Encorus has a mobile dark room that is used when our technicians need to read x-rays after performing radiographic testing? Kevin Donner is pictured reviewing x-ray…
Did you know that our NDE Inspectors perform testing on equipment that is located outside, as well as indoor equipment? This means that they are subject to working in a…
This image shows Encorus’s Pete Gentile performing video borescope testing at a food processing facility. Video borescope testing is a form of visual inspection (VT), that is conducted when the…
Encorus’s Technician Chad Schwartz is performing SNT TC1a Level II Liquid Dye Penetrant Testing on an aluminum rotor wheel for Dimar Manufacturing. Liquid Dye Penetrant Testing is used to detect…
Encorus offers a variety of NDE services, including Thermography Testing. Officially adopted by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing in 1992, this method is one of the quicker and more…
Fun Fact Friday: Differences Between Popular Methods of NDT
Non-destructive testing (NDT), also known as non-destructive examination (NDE), is an extremely useful tool for completing inspections without damaging the equipment being inspected. The purpose of these tests is to…
Did you know that multiple different NDE testing methods may be needed to detect flaws on a single piece of equipment? Taking the steps to perform these tests ensures that all…
Encorus would like to welcome George Reinhardt, RA as Senior Architect! George brings over 40 years of experience in the architectural field. Welcome to the Team, George!
Fun Fact Friday: Magnetic Flux Leakage – A Polarizing Topic
Magnetic Flux Leakage testing is another form of non-destructive examination that is offered by Encorus. This testing process is used to determine if and where there is any pitting or…
Ultrasonic Shearwave Testing (UT), also referred to as Ultrasonic Thickness Testing, is another type of non-destructive examination. This procedure is similar to the type of medical ultrasound testing that is…
Encorus Group is happy to announce that Tom Weisbeck, CSP, is joining our team as Safety Manager! Tom brings over 20 years of experience in the risk management and safety…
Magnetic Particle Testing is another process included in the range of nondestructive testing services that Encorus offers. This method is commonly used to test metal objects for defects due to…
This week’s Fun Fact Friday will focus on Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT) and Examination, one of the Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) inspection services that Encorus Group offers. LPT is used to…
Encorus would like to welcome Kim Miller to our Civil Testing Group! She will be joining the team as an Engineering Technician. Kim recently completed her education at University at…
Nondestructive examination encompasses many specialized testing areas, including liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, visual and radiographic testing. Trained inspectors performing these tests are able to identify flaws in materials that…
This week’s Fun Fact Friday will be a Thoughtful Tidbit Thursday due to the holiday this weekend. We are shifting focus from Mechanical Integrity to our NDE Group! NDE stands…
Encorus employees have been busy in the field so far this construction season, working on projects at Hohl, the Marketplace at 201 Ellicott Street, Coyer Field at Buffalo State College,…
Most people think of medical x-rays when they hear the term radiography. Industrial radiography is much the same thing, except that it is used to examine pipes, structures, and other…
Encorus Group is happy to welcome Adam Cislo! Adam will be working with the Civil Testing Group as an Engineering Technician. Adam is currently attending RIT working towards attaining a…
Encorus is excited to welcome Evan Tucker! Evan will be joining the MI Group as a Mechanical Integrity Inspector. As a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford,…
Encorus would like to welcome Matt Becker! Matt will be joining our Civil Testing Group as an Engineering Technician. He is currently attending University at Buffalo in pursuit of his…
Encorus would like to welcome Geoff Chadwick! Geoff will be joining the Engineering Design Group as Senior Electrical and Controls Engineer. He brings over 20 years of experience in electrical engineering,…
Encorus would like to welcome Bryan Hann, PG as its new Environmental Services Manager! Bryan is a Registered Professional Geologist and brings over 25 years of experience in hydrogeologic, geologic,…
Encorus Group would like to extend a warm welcome to Mike Wittenberg, PE! Mike is joining the team as a Senior Electrical Engineer in the Engineering Design Group. He has…
Encorus Group welcomes Bob Burke to our Engineering Design group as an Electrical Designer. Bob brings over 20 years of drafting experience to Encorus. He will be providing his expertise…
Last week we talked about Process Safety Management, which is the overall approach to following accepted standards and managing hazards. On the Hierarchy of Controls, this would be a part…
Fun Fact Friday: OSHA Process Safety Management Compliance
Process Safety Management is an approach to following standards and managing the hazards associated with the chemical, petroleum, and manufacturing industries.
Fun Fact Friday: Mechanical Integrity Certifications
Last week we talked about why having a mechanical integrity program in place can be beneficial, versus simply complying with the required inspection guidelines. This week, we will look at…
Fun Fact Friday: Why Should Your Business Have a Mechanical Integrity Program?
Having a mechanical integrity program in place for your business means that potential problems can be approached proactively, offering a number of benefits to your business.
Some industries are heavily regulated. This might seem like a burden to businesses, but it was disasters like the Bhopal, India plant gas leak and Love Canal in Niagara Falls,…
The next series of Fun Fact Friday posts will be an aggregate of knowledge about aggregates! What makes aggregates so important? Well, as an important component of concrete, their quality…
Encorus has a new website, and some of our female employees were recently interviewed by News 4 Reporter Kelsey Anderson about the challenges faced by women in STEM careers.
How to Determine the Temperature of Freshly Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete and Why it is Important
In the civil materials testing industry, there are several testing methods that can be applied at construction sites. This article will focus on the testing method that is used to…
How Cold Weather Impacts the Structural Integrity of Concrete
As a Western New York-based firm, we are no strangers to cold weather. The temperature has a daily impact on our lives, from what clothes we wear to how long…
Why Concrete Testing is Essential for New Construction Projects
Concrete is one of the most common materials that is used in construction as the building blocks for the foundations of various structures around the world. These structures could be…
How Civil Materials Testing Maximizes Construction Schedules and Budgets
New construction developments are often considered to be high stake projects that require adherence to strict budgets and timelines over the course of the construction period. This creates a necessity…
Atterberg Limits Testing is just one of the testing methods that Encorus’s Civil Testing Group uses to determine properties of soil. According to ASTM International, Atterberg Testing Limits are six…
One of the lesser known services that Encorus Group offers is control systems engineering design. This discipline is relatively broad, so Senior Electrical Engineer Tom Gilmartin elaborates on when control…
Many people are familiar with the common types of engineering: civil, electrical, mechanical, environmental, structural, and so on. But one discipline that might not be so widely known is forensic…
During the design phase of a structure, there are certain loading conditions that engineers need to take into consideration. One of those loading conditions is seismic load, which is a…
Encorus’s Structural Engineering department provides more than just structural designs. One of our many capabilities is shipping container evaluations. Our shipping container evaluations have been requested by both manufacturers and…
Fun Fact Friday: Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Testing
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing is a method of measuring the strength of loose soil that has not been disturbed, or compacted materials under existing field conditions. This is an…
One of the several environmental services that Encorus offers is a NEPA review. NEPA is a very important component in the environmental engineering field, but many non-environmental engineers may not…
This week’s Fun Fact Friday will focus on Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT) and Examination, one of the Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) inspection services that Encorus Group offers. LPT is used to…
Fun Fact Friday: Life Safety Code Evaluations and Assessments
We hear the term “life safety” often in the architectural and engineering world, but what does it mean to everyday people? Life safety is all about protecting yourself and others…
Fun Fact Friday: Computed Radiography vs Traditional Radiography
Radiography is one of the several methods of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) offered by the skilled technicians at Encorus. There are two different methods of conducting a radiography test: computed radiography…
Fun Fact Friday: What Are API Certifications and Why Are They Important?
The American Petroleum Institute, or API for short, is a national trade association which represents all facets of the natural gas and oil industry. By providing standards, recommendations, and certifications,…
Fun Fact Friday: Non-Destructive Testing Methods for Steel Pipes
Non-destructive testing (NDT), also known as non-destructive examination (NDE), is an extremely useful tool for completing inspections without damaging the equipment being inspected. The purpose of these tests is to…
Fun Fact Friday: Qualifications and Importance of Certified Welding Inspectors
A certified welding inspector must have a combination of qualifying education and work experience, with documentation to support. According to the American Welding Society, to become a Certified Welding Inspector…
A Fitness for Service, or FFS, evaluation is a standard evaluation used by the oil, gas, and chemical processing industries to determine the condition of in-service equipment. The standard defines…
Fun Fact Friday: The Importance of Professional Guidance Through the Environmental Permitting Process
Many levels of government have their own sets of environmental regulations and permit requirements applicable to business owners, land developers, and more. On a federal level, the United States Environmental…
Encorus would like to welcome our new Office Assistant, Ashley Slisz! Ashley has over five years of office experience, and when she is not at work, she enjoys spending time…
Fun Fact Friday: The Importance of Floor Flatness and Levelness Testing
Floor Flatness and Floor Levelness can be critical to the safety of people and equipment, especially in areas with high foot and equipment traffic. Imagine walking on a rough, uneven…
Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are procedures which have been developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) to evaluate environmental issues at a…
A pressure vessel is a specially designed container that holds liquids, vapors, or gases at substantially high pressures. These vessels are often used in the petroleum refining and chemical processing…
Fun Fact Friday: ASME NQA-1 Quality Assurance Program
Encorus is proud to offer guaranteed reliability through our established American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Nuclear Quality Assurance Program (NQA-1). Lindse Runge, one of Encorus’s Quality Assurance Technicians, gives…
Please join us in welcoming Sindy Tang to Encorus's Design Group! Sindy recently graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from University at Buffalo, and will be joining Encorus…
Fun Fact Friday: The Importance of Risk-Based Inspections
Inspections are a key part of any commercial facility, and an important part of maintenance for many personal properties as well. It’s important to ensure that equipment, safety measures, and…
Encorus is in Leeds! Massachusetts, that is. Employees traveled to the Northampton VA Medical Center in Leeds, MA to assess the condition of masonry, exterior walls, and roofs. The objective…
“Smart Fire Detection Systems” Article Published in American City & County Magazine
American City and County magazine recently published an article by Encorus Group's John Allan which discusses the importance of automatic fire detection and suppression systems for the protection of municipal…
The concepts of structural engineering can be observed in many things that people commonly deal with on a daily basis, including buildings, bridges, and other structures, but did you know…
Join us in welcoming Radomir Pupovac to Encorus Group! Radomir is a recent graduate of State University of New York College at Buffalo where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in…
Encorus Group is pleased to welcome Christian Meara! Christian will be joining the Structural Team beginning Tuesday, June 18th in the Springville Office. He is a recent graduate of Lawrence…
Fun Fact Friday: National Lightning Safety Awareness Week
This week, June 23 – 29 is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week. According to the Lightning Safety Council, “National Lightning Safety Awareness Week was started in 2001 to call attention…
Firewalls and fire barriers are both designed to prevent a fire from spreading, but these often-confused structures are actually quite different. Ideally, firewalls and fire barriers are used together to…
Encorus would like to extend a warm welcome to our 2019 summer intern group! We will be hosting four interns in our Springville and Buffalo offices. Noah Wichlacz is a…
Professionals in a wide range of industries turn to computer-aided engineering to assist with product design, development, and testing. Its ability to help resolve a number of engineering problems—including the…
Fun Fact Friday: Differentiating Electrical Engineering Terms
One of the core engineering design services that Encorus offers is electrical engineering. Director of Engineering Design Tom Gilmartin shares some information about different electrical engineering terms and what they…
Fun Fact Friday: Cost Estimating for Hazardous Materials
Encorus Group offers cost estimating services for projects, and one of the most important construction costs to consider is hazardous materials identification. This may come as a surprise, but there…
Congratulations to Encorus Group's 2019 Corporate Challenge team! Front: Mary Padasak, Tom Gilmartin Standing: Joe Lowry, Dough Acquard, Brian Tomczyk, Jack Wolff, Dan Sullivan, Ben Hrycik, Jeff Scott, Jen Gugino
NBIC: National Board Inspector Certification Do you know if your pressure vessel is in compliance with Pennsylvania boiler and unfired pressure vessel law? If not, Encorus's Mechanical Integrity Group can…
Encorus is pleased to welcome Jack Wolff back to Encorus Group. Jack worked with our Civil Testing Group last summer as an engineering technician, and now joins our Design Group…
With summer (hopefully) on its way, you may start thinking about the air temperature in your home or office. We’re lucky to have the technology to regulate the temperature and…
Safety is one of the most important factors that engineers must consider when providing designs for any type of facility. One of the biggest safety hazards to prepare for is…
If you’re a sports fan, you’ve probably spent a lot of time in the bleachers. If you’ve attended a concert or event at our local Erie County Fairgrounds, you likely…
The Advantages of Finite Element Analysis in Mechanical Engineering
Finite element analysis is a systematic approach that breaks down a mechanical product or component into a number of discrete pieces calculating the response of a complex shape.
One of the lesser known services that Encorus Group offers is control systems engineering design. This discipline is relatively broad, so Senior Electrical Engineer Tom Gilmartin elaborates on when control…
Fun Fact Friday: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering: Disciplines that Intertwine to Improve Society Two of the several services offered by Encorus Group are civil and environmental engineering. Environmental engineer Mary Padasak gives some…
Operational Benefits From Mechanical Integrity Inspections
Mechanical integrity inspections may be a legal or regulatory requirement, but they can also help gain higher efficiency and help with financial planning
One of the many services offered by Encorus Group’s Civil Materials Testing & Inspection Group is EIFS inspections. According to ASTM international, EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, are…
One of the services provided by Encorus’s Engineering Design Group is electrical arc flash analysis. Electrical arc flash analyses are a safety precaution used to prevent explosions in industrial settings…
When building any type of structure, it is important to make sure that the materials you are using are structurally sound to guarantee the integrity and longevity of the structure.…
Encorus Group offers several interconnected disciplines that lead to the assembly of functional buildings and other structures. Our firm not only offers engineering disciplines, but can provide architectural services as…
Encorus and Director of Engineering Design Tom Gilmartin, PE, PMP, LEED AP, had the opportunity to be featured on WKBW Channel 7 Eyewitness News for Global Day of the…
Atterberg Limits Testing is just one of the testing methods that Encorus’s Civil Testing Group uses to determine properties of soil. According to ASTM International, Atterberg Testing Limits are six…
One of the in-house design services offered by Encorus Group is fire protection engineering. This discipline is relevant to almost any building design since it helps to prevent fire and…
For this week’s Fun Fact Friday, we will focus on one of the more technical aspects of engineering: drafting. Encorus Drafter Doug Acquard gave us some information about what drafting…
Fun Fact Friday: Photo Edition Did you know that wind turbines can be 300 to 400 feet tall and weigh up to about 350 tons? Encorus has had hands-on experience…
One of the environmental engineering services that Encorus Group offer is the creation of an SPCC Plan. Environmental Engineer Mary Padasak gave us some insight into what exactly SPCC Plans…
Fun Fact Friday: Meet the Fresh Faces of Encorus Group
Encorus has experienced an increase in growth, especially in the number of our employees. Most recently, Encorus has brought on John Bard as Electrical and Controls Project Manager, Gerald (Jerry)…
Encorus Group’s wide variety of in-house design services includes mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineering is a discipline that applies concepts from physics, engineering, and materials science for the design, production, operation,…
As we move on to a new month, it happens to be an engineer’s favorite time of the year. February is Engineering Month! This month, we take the opportunity to…
Encorus is pleased to announce the addition of Heather Stevens to the drafting department. Heather has 20 years of drafting experience, with the last ten of that in civil and…
Andy Simon is a Mechanical Integrity Project Manager with Encorus. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University at Buffalo and five years of mechanical integrity experience. He…
Safety Precautions to Take While Visiting a Construction Site
Encorus Group staff often visits the job sites where concepts are brought to reality. These visits are part of the materials testing and inspection services that Encorus offers. Our Civil…
Did you hear the news? Encorus Group now offers radiographic testing, sometimes called industrial radiography. This week's Fun Fact Friday talks about what radiographic testing is and what advantages it…
Encorus Group is pleased to announce the addition of Cheyenne Ricley to our drafting department. Cheyenne is a graduate of Alfred State SUNY College of Technology and has 7 years…
Talk to Sheila Ransbottom, PE, and Kevin Opp at the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association Winter Conference and Trade Show in Saratoga Springs January 22 - 24!
Engineer vs Professional Engineer: What’s the Difference?
In the engineering field, there are three levels of status that an engineer can obtain: Engineer, Engineer-In-Training (EIT), and licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Engineer Upon graduating from an accredited engineering…
Encorus is happy to announce the addition of Electrical and Controls Project Manager John Bard to our team. He has 25 years of experience in the electrical controls field. Welcome, John!
Nick Zwara is a Mechanical Integrity Project Manager with a background in API pressure vessel, process piping, and storage tank inspections. His certifications include API 510 - Pressure Vessel Inspector,…
Small businesses can be categorized based on their ownership. Classifications include Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), 8(a), HubZone, and others. …
How to work with a concrete testing laboratory for quality control and meeting ASTM concrete standards
How to work with a third-party materials testing firm to meet ASTM concrete standards including how to find the right firm, determine if it is qualified, and get good results…
As a full-service professional engineering firm, Encorus Group offers services across several different engineering disciplines. But did you know that Encorus also offers architectural services? Architecture is the perfect complement…
Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water: What You Can Do
The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) and New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (NYS EFC) are taking a step to help municipalities by offering grants to help…
During the design phase of a structure, there are certain loading conditions that engineers need to take into consideration. One of those loading conditions is seismic load, which is a…
This Fun Fact Friday article will describe the procedure for hydrometer analysis of soils. This procedure measures the particle-size distribution of fine-grained soils and is one of the services offered…
The Shocking World of Electrical Engineering Electrical engineering is one of the several engineering disciplines that Encorus Group offers. We have licensed Professional Engineers and junior staff members with a…
Fun Fact Friday: Underground Storage Tank Closures
Underground Storage Tank Closures One of the services that Encorus Group provides through our Environmental Services Team is monitoring underground storage tank (UST) closure procedures. When a storage tank located…
Greg Moritz is an Encorus Mechanical Integrity Project Manager. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering from the University at Buffalo and 15 years of experience in the inspection…
Encorus Group: Engineering Detectives We are going to shift gears a bit for this week’s article and take a look at Encorus’s Design Group. Many people are familiar with…
Encorus is pleased to announce the addition of Gerald P. Sullivan, PE, to our Team. Jerry is a Senior Structural Engineer with over 30 years of experience in construction and…
Pasquale (Pat) Camillo is a Mechanical Integrity Project Manager for Encorus. He started his career as a drafter before moving into the mechanical integrity field, and now has a background…
Encorus Group Featured in DOE EM Update Newsletter
Encorus Group's work on the Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System (SSCVS) at the Department of Energy's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) was featured in the most recent DOE EM newsletter. …
Keith Taylor is Encorus Group’s Director of Mechanical Integrity Services. He has a degree in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University and over two decades of mechanical integrity experience. Keith has…
Congratulations to Leila Hollis of the US Army Corps of Engineers! She was the winner of the Echo Show giveaway from the Encorus booth at the SAME 2018 Federal Small…
Fun Facts About a Dry Subject: Determining Optimal Moisture Content in Soil
DID YOU KNOW? #funfactfriday Fun Facts About a Dry Subject: Determining Optimal Moisture Content in Soil The Fun Fact Friday post for this week will concentrate on one of the…
Stop by the National Veterans Small Business Engagement at Booth 938 to talk to Kevin Opp and Mike O'Neill about engineering, testing, and inspection services! Did you know that Encorus…
Here at Encorus, we enjoy our lunches and a little friendly competition too. Our 6th Annual Encorus Soup & Chili Cookoff was held last week. Out of six recipes presented…
Fun Fact Friday: Floor Flatness / Levelness Testing
Floor Flatness / Levelness Testing One service that Encorus’s Civil Testing Group Civil Materials Testing provides is the measurement of floor flatness and levelness. Floor flatness, known as FF, measures…
Geophysical Surveying The Fun Fact Friday post for this week will take a look at Geophysical Surveying. Geophysical Surveying falls under the category of mechanical integrity. Geophysical Surveying allows for…
The rack system was recently installed for the new ASRS building at HP Hood's facility in Batavia, NY. Encorus employee Aaron Witherell was on site inspecting the racks for cleanliness…
Fun Fact Friday: 10 Tips for Fire Protection Awareness
Fire Protection Awareness Month Happy Friday! October is Fire Protection Awareness Month, so this week’s Fun Fact Friday post will provide some information on what kind of precautions you can…
Be sure to stop by booth 514 at the Western New York Facilities Management Expo on October 17! Join us at the Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center and talk to Mike…
Encorus Group is proud to be honored with a Buffalo Business First Fast Track Award, designating the firm as one of Western New York's fastest growing companies. Encorus made the…
Encorus Group now offers ground penetrating radar (GPR) services! GPR is a non-destructive method that uses radar pulses to identify items buried in soil, concrete, or ice. It can be…
Encorus Group is proud to be recognized as a Fast Track Company by Buffalo Business First for the third consecutive year. This award recognizes local companies that have shown growth…
Encorus Group Senior NDE Inspector Kevin Donner was recently in Amherst, NY performing steel tubing inspections for the screen wall at the new Car Max location.
Kevin Donner has joined Encorus Group’s Civil / NDE Department as a Senior NDE Inspector. He has over 30 years of experience in construction projects all over Western New York. …
Encorus is proud to announce that its President, Joe Lowry, is a 2018 graduate of the University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Core Program. The ten-month program gives entrepreneurs…
Encorus Group is pleased to announce that Lindse Runge has joined the firm's Quality Assurance Department as a QA Technician. Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Lindse previously worked for CB&I in their…
Cody VanDuser has joined the Encorus Civil Testing Department as an engineering technician. In his free time, Cody loves camping and other outdoor activities, as well as rooting for the Tampa…
Although we changed our name on August 1, 2017, from RJR Engineering to Encorus Group™. It was finally approved by the New York State Department of State and the Department…
Encorus employees participated in Green Your Commute Day 2018 on May 18. This is a day to promote and celebrate sustainable modes of transportation. We had walkers, bikers, carpoolers, and…
DOE Moving Forward With Key WIPP Infrastructure Upgrade
Encorus Group is proud to be a key contributor to this major infrastructure project at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. We are designing, procuring and overseeing the installation of six…
Construction Testing Continues at Arkwright Wind Farm
Encorus employee Evan Kolber is shown conducting the dynamic cone penetrometer test. This test was performed on the subgrade for the new roadways at the Arkwright Summit Wind Farm. Encorus…
Encorus Inspects Concrete at New Mercy Flight Facility
Encorus recently inspected the concrete sidewalks at the new EMS Mercy Flight Facility in Batavia, NY. This inspection was part of the finishing touches on the project.
Encorus technician Chad Schwartz was recently at the site of the future Emerling Dodge dealership in Springville, NY. He performed Windsor Probe Testing on the mezzanine deck of the new…
Encorus Group has been working at the Arkwright Wind Farm site in Chautauqua County since July of 2017, providing services including bearing grade approval, concrete field testing, rebar inspection, in-place density testing,…
Work Continues on Darien Lake’s New Tantrum Coaster
Encorus crews continue to be on-site performing concrete inspection services as Darien Lake's new Tantrum coaster gets closer to completion. Recently, concrete foundations were being dug and then filled…
SSCVS Fan Project at Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)
Encorus won the contract to supply the fans for the Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System (SSCVS) project at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. We will supply six 1,000HP fans which will…
Encorus Group's Lou Schwab and Chad Schwartz were onsite today at Darien Lake providing caisson inspections for the new Tantrum Roller Coaster... according to Darien Lake's website..."Tantrum riders will embark…
Encorus Group provides structural engineering services for a wide range of clients such as government agencies, industrial facilities, commercial buildings, as well as property insurance companies. Click here to learn…
Springville Awards Encorus Group the Entreprenurial Spirit Award
Thank you to the Springville Area Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the Encorus Group with the 2018 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award at their Annual Awards Event.
What's New at the Encorus Group? RJR is now the Encorus Group! By Kevin Opp, Director of Marketing & Business Development Original Post Date: June 15, 2017 In January of this year,…
Get the latest news and information from one of the fastest-growing firms in Western New York!
We’re Now in Rochester!
Encorus Group is growing, and we’re excited to announce the opening of our new office at 164 Newbury St, Rochester, NY. With this expansion, we can better serve our clients and enhance our civil materials testing and NDE inspection services, bringing our trusted expertise closer to you.