Many people still think of the three R's when it comes to education. We think E, G and C. Environmental, Geotechnical and Construction Materials. SME has been providing these services to educational clients for 42 years. The educational landscape has changed — scarce resources, wireless network capabilities, instructional flexibility, sustainability, environmentally friendly design — but our commitment to safe, clean, well-built sites and schools has not.

For many schools and universities, improving the learning experience and integrating new technology means making better use of what they have. SME works with administrators, architects, contractors, and construction managers to optimize land use, buildings and infrastructure.

Specialized services include environmental site assessments, geotechnical evaluations and foundation recommendations, construction materials services, hazardous materials assessments and remediation, pavement and roofing management programs, independent facility condition audits and property assessments, indoor air quality consulting, buildings and athletic field bleacher studies, and renovation/rehabilitation improvement recommendations.

SME has had a positive impact on learning at the University of Michigan for over 33 years. Over 250 projects with SME, from small renovations to massive new construction on the university's medical campus, continue to build on U of M's amaiz'in legacy.

Thousands of K-12 schools have also benefited from SME know-how. Saline Public Schools' new high school, Harvest Elementary School and Campus Parkway Drive are part of a master site improvement encompassing over 250 acres. As part of our geotechnical work, we identified soft organic soil deposits on the master site plan, helping the design team develop a better building layout for current and future planned facilities. Pavement engineering, environmental consulting, and materials observation and testing during construction are three more ways we're making the grade for Saline.

Access to new technologies and new ways for teaching and learning doesn't happen in a vacuum. SME takes responsibility for balancing the interests of educators, students and the community. After all, we really are all in this together. When Johnny masters the three R's, everyone benefits.

For more information contact an SME office near you.
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Click here for a list of representative projects.





© Copyright 2004 Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc.