The American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina recently honored the design and construction efforts for the U.S. 21 bridge replacement over the Catawba River in Rock Hill.

KCI, which acquired Triplett-King & Associates, accepted an engineering excellence award for the 1,000-foot-long concrete beam bridge.

“Replacing the U.S. 21 bridge posed unique technical challenges that allowed us to capitalize on cost saving opportunities,” said Eric Burgess, the engineer of record.

“Through strong partnering relationships, we successfully implemented a new construction methodology, incorporated aesthetic considerations, saved taxpayer dollars, and improved traffic capacity to benefit the entire region,” Burgess said.

The bridge project used an innovative girder lifting frame developed to eliminate the need for barge-mounted cranes in the shallow waterway. Engineers said it was the first time this construction methodology was used in the southeast, and the first time nationally on a bridge of this size.

The new methods, along with $1.5 million cost savings associated with moving the bridge to a new upstream alignment, extensive public involvement, and aesthetic treatments, make the U.S. 21 bridge a hallmark project in the state and throughout the region, engineers said.

KCI is an engineering, consulting and construction firm. With revenues of approximately $117 million in 2011, KCI is ranked 96 on the Engineering News-Record's list of the top 500 engineering firms in the country.

Business News

•  Kenny Brazzell and Julie Lumpkin have joined the staff of Carolinas Insurance & Investment Group of Rock Hill.

Brazzell has worked for the Kenny has spent the last nine years with the Farm Bureau in Rock Hill for nine years. Lumpkin writing medical, life, long-term care and property & casualty policies. Lumpkin joined our staff to assist with all personal and commercial insurances to include homes, autos, recreational vehicles and watercraft.

“I am confident that Kenny and Julie will be valuable members of our current staff at Carolinas Insurance & Investment Group” said A. Watts Huckabee Sr., president and owner of the company. .

Brazzell can be reached by calling 803-980-2479 or email kenny@cignetwork.com. Lumpkin can be reached by calling 803-980-2451 or email julie@cignetwork.com

•  Dr. Alexander J. Culp and Dr. Charles W. Culp have joined Dr. William L. Culp, Jr. in his dentistry practice. in Rock Hill. Drs. Alex and Charlie Culp received their dental degrees in 2011 from the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Dental Medicine in Charleston, S. C. Professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Both are licensed to practice in North and South Carolina.

The newly renovated dental office on Ebenezer Road was a medical office originally built in the 1970s. Southern Builders was the general contractor in the office renovations. The new facility boasts approximately 5,000 sq ft and has the potential for 11 treatment rooms. For information or to schedule an appointment, please call 803-324-2921.

Calendar

TUESDAY –Carroll Financial Associates and Winthrop University’s College of Business Administration will host the 2013 Market Outlook at 6:30 p.m. at the Whitton Auditorium at Vivian M. Carroll Hall. Larry Carroll, president and CEO of Carroll Financial Associates, will discuss current market trends and forecasts. The event will begin with a reception in the Macfeat House at 5:30 p.m.,

THURSDAY – the Elrod Pope Law Firm will hold a Business After Hours session for the Clover and Lake Wylie Chambers of Commerce from 5:3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 4034 Charlotte Highway.