NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS PGAV DESTINATIONS!
Congratulations to PGAV Destinations on the feature at blooloop.com! EDM is proud to have been on their design team for Hersheypark. To read the article, click here. Blooloop is the leading online resource for professionals working in the visitor attractions sector, highlighting the latest news and trends across the industry worldwide. posted February 2021
SWEET STRUCTURAL SUCCESS!
Hersheypark Reopens with Chocolatetown
Hersheypark has reopened with the introduction of Chocolatetown! EDM was the Structural Engineer-of-Record for this major assignment, supporting Lead Architect, St. Louis-based PGAV Destinations. The expansion's multiple upgrades and new attractions include:
Entry Village offers an exciting first impression to the Park, with a new guest entry, updated security and bag check; new lockers, restrooms and outfitters; ticketing offices; shade structures for buses and trams; food and beverage counter service; character show stage, and character corner. Out-of-the-Park services such as restrooms, foodservice, and wheelchair and stroller rentals were newly constructed.
Candymonium is the Park's sensational new coaster. EDM provided foundation design for this 4,600 LF ride, as well as all structural engineering for its 3-level station; 5,000 SF covered queue area; 3-level, 1,900 SF maintenance building; lockers, and ancillary attractions.
Restaurant and Retail Spaces include a 20,000 SF, 2-level full-service restaurant and lounge area, and a 6,000 SF, 2-level flagship retail store.
Click here for a quick ride to Chocolatetown's site!
posted July 2020
EDM STRUCTURAL DESIGN: TWO OF THE BEST IN 2020 ROLLER COASTERS
The extreme in manmade monster rides, two of EDM's projects have been named to the top 13 roller coasters opening in 2020 by Screamscape, the ultimate guide to theme parks.
Emperor, the first floorless dive machine coaster at SeaWorld San Diego is also the tallest coaster at the Park. It reaches 153 feet high before dropping 90 degrees straight down into high-speed twirling featuring three inversion elements that take riders through complex loops. Check out this Emperor video!
Candymonium, aptly named for chocolate-themed Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, will have three trains, each themed to zigzag to a different Hershey candy: Hershey Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and Twizzlers. Candymonium, 210 feet tall, will be the anchor attraction at the Park's new Chocolatetown, which will also host the Park's new main entrance. Take a virtual ride on Candymonium!
EDM is the Structural Engineer-of-Record for these projects, supporting St. Louis-based PGAV Destinations, Lead Architect for both rides.
posted January 2020
ELECTRIC EEL WINS ENR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 2019 PROJECT OF THE YEAR
SeaWorld San Diego's Electric Eel won 2019 Best Project of the Year, Sports/Entertainment from ENR California. EDM provided foundation and associated structural engineering services for the Premier Rides coaster, with PGAV Destinations as lead designer.
ENR California received more than 100 entries for this year's competition that includes two divisions: Northern California and Southern California, which includes Hawaii.
After a series of loops and twists, the attraction pulls riders up an 150-ft-high ascent where they have an upside-down view of Mission Bay, then rocks them forward and backward as they speed through the coaster’s station house. The ride reaches a top speed of 62 mph; now the fastest and tallest roller coaster in San Diego.
In addition to the roller coaster, the project included a 450-SF educational exhibit located at its base that contains a live eel habitat, a 1,130-SF ride station, an 830-SF maintenance area and 100-SF of locker space.
The project team, charged with building the coaster in the middle of a busy theme park, worked on a fast-track schedule.
To meet strict seismic and static settlement criteria, EDM's engineers designed a ground-improvement solution that utilized cement deep-soil mixing (CDSM). Crews installed more than 200 6-ft-dia columns down to 40 ft depths. The interlocking cement columns formed a barrier around the foundation’s perimeter to support the 11,000-SF mat foundation slab. posted December 2019
EDM SPONSORS SAME SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE POST SUMMER STEM CAMP
EDM was a sponsor of the SAME Scott Air Force Base Post Summer STEM Camp. Our involvement included hosting a group of 10 STEM Campers, from all over the US, for a two-hour visit to EDM’s St Louis office.
The STEM Campers were provided an overview of EDM, including our engineering design services and project management services, as well as example projects. Based on the number of great questions asked, members of this STEM group have bright futures in engineering and related fields. posted August 2018
EDM RECEIVES ACEC/MO DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
EDM received a Distinguished Service Award plaque at ACEC/MO’s Awards Banquet in February 2018. Len Madalon, at left, accepted the award on behalf of EDM. The award was given in recognition of EDM’s 45 years of service of the highest standard to clients, the public and the engineering profession. posted March 2018