AnyWay Solutions improves safety and efficiency for engineering projects with UP42

AnyWay Solutions improves safety and efficiency for engineering projects with UP42

To plan for climate-resilient transportation solutions in remote and hard-to-reach areas, AnyWay Solutions turned to the UP42 platform.

Challenge

Most of AnyWay’s work is located in remote areas that are highly vulnerable to climate change, and which usually have very little pre-existing data. In some cases, project sites aren’t accessible by road, and in other cases, political unrest prevents them from getting a team on the ground.

Climate-resilient designs and solutions need to take into consideration multiple factors, all of which depend upon the ability to collect actionable data. The geographic challenges associated with remote areas in developing nations demand unique data acquisition methods and technologies. AnyWay needed a safe method to gather data that was accurate enough to prepare climate-resilient engineering outputs and recommendations for their clients that would take into account local environmental, social, and economic conditions.

Earth observation (EO) imagery was the obvious choice. First, they used free data from Google Earth and government sources. But this data was often very low resolution, and acquisition could be tedious and time-consuming. AnyWay turned to commercial EO data to solve these problems. But here, AnyWay faced another challenge: how to integrate complex data in different formats from a range of providers into their project methodologies and workflows. On top of that, AnyWay had to contend with varying pricing packages, contracts, and terms of use.


Solution

AnyWay initiated a search for a platform to access EO tools in a manner that would allow AnyWay to collect data and develop solutions for its clients in developing nations. It was through this search that AnyWay connected with UP42. Their platform, data offerings, and team proved a natural fit. The UP42 platform hosts data from 45+ of the world’s leading providers, from satellite and aerial to elevation and radar data. AnyWay used UP42’s browser-based console to inspect their desired areas in a map view and draw their AOIs (Areas of Interest). AnyWay could then see if archive imagery existed of their AOIs, or if they’d need to task a provider to capture new imagery.

From there, AnyWay could choose their provider based on the type of data and resolution needed, edit parameters such as acceptable levels of cloud cover, and see a price estimate before placing their order.

All data delivered through UP42 is transformed into standardized cloud-native file formats, which removes the complexity of working with different types of data. And files are easy to search, tag, sort, and filter thanks to UP42’s data management capabilities.

"The fact that we can tap into so many products from various vendors allows us to have access to the best fit-for-purpose data for our projects and clients. And the ability to easily navigate all these options is also very cost efficient. UP42’s centralized approach has enabled us to gain access to many more possibilities.”

Result

UP42 allowed AnyWay to easily collect and analyze EO data from a wide range of providers in order to generate actionable plans for their clients in a fast and cost-efficient way, supporting communities and economic growth in even the most remote areas of developing nations.

As an example, a more manual route alignment optimization project in a remote area would normally take years to complete, whereas access to up-to-date high resolution data allowed for completion in a matter of months.

AnyWay Solutions is excited about continuing to work with UP42, and plans to make use of the UP42 ArcGIS Pro Add-in so that they can use data from UP42 directly in ArcGIS Pro.

“The UP42 support team is fantastic in helping us to optimize our deliverables. They’ve been enthusiastic, supportive, and positive." -Keren Moshkoviz, Director of Strategic Planning at AnyWay Solutions

Meet Neil Dale

Meet Neil Dale - A passionate and pragmatic engineer and road designer

Neil Dale is a Design Engineer at AnyWay Solutions. Known for his rational thinking and practical approaches to problem-solving, Neil is leading the design team to maximize impacts and minimize risks on projects. During his 11 years at AnyWay, Neil has gone from implementing solutions of pavement rehabilitation through stabilization, working in the field, conducting both quality control and training of local workforce, contractors, operators and engineers, to leading the development of design capabilities of AnyWay and designing larger projects.

As someone who naturally enjoys travel and working in different countries, the career he has found with AnyWay is a perfect match for him. While recalling one of his proudest moments at AnyWay, Neil remembered how he was driving along a road he had previously worked on ten years ago. The portion of the road that he had diligently spent his time on, as part of the AnyWay team, was still in great shape, while other nearby roads, not designed and upgraded by the AnyWay team, had noticeably deteriorated. The roads where Neil has left his stamp are a reflection of his conscientious nature.

Looking forward, Neil wants to tackle new challenges related to transport infrastructure in developing nations. He hopes to see reliable data sources available in those countries so that projects can be more efficient and help improve resiliency against climate events.  

When not at work, Neil can be found at his home in Capetown, South Africa, enjoying fishing, diving, and hunting. He is passionate about nature conservation and describes himself as an open book, transparent, and telling it like it is. 

Neil Joined AnyWay solutions as a young engineer straight from the Stellenbosch University and has developed both personally and professionally to be an exceptional team member that will continue to lead on with AnyWay for many years to come.

 

Meet Dereje Tesfu – A Diligent Site Engineer

Meet Dereje Tesfu - A Diligent Site Engineer​

Dereje Tesfu is a Project Coordinator on the AnyWay team. In his role, he is responsible for supervision, coordination, and quality control of transport infrastructure projects which AnyWay has designed. He diligently oversees that the constructed projects meet the design specifications and clients’ vision. His career started in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where he worked as a Project Manager for the Addis Ababa  City Roads Authority (AACRA). It is through his work with AACRA  that he got to supervise projects that AnyWay designed and implemented its stabilization technology and technique for the upgrade of roads within the city. The connection with the AnyWay team and personnel has led to his joining AnyWay in 2014. Since then, he has amassed 17 completed projects under his belt in different continents across the world.

Above everything else, what Dereje enjoys most about his job is overcoming the day-to-day challenges. Every day on site is different – from the vendors and contractors you are working with to the geographic or weather conditions. His favourite part about his job is seeing a project through and the satisfaction he gets when the project is completed and he can see the difference that’s been made in the community.  Not only does he value the impacts that his projects have on the communities but personally, he enjoys participating in community outreach programs on behalf of AnyWay.

Dereje values each team member that he encounters and believes that that each individual person  contributes to the overall team success. He enjoys getting to know his colleagues from different cultures and backgrounds and learn what they are about. He believes it is through positive intentions, respect and an open mind where you can really learn from each other and get to know the unique talents and special contributions that each team member brings.

Even with a successful career, the accomplishments Dereje has outside of his work are his proudest. He is a husband and father to three children. At home, you can catch Dereje spending time with his family or relaxing reading a good book. In the future, he aspires to continue to learn as engineering technologies advance. He also aspires to grow personally by continuing to build on his communication skills, learn from others and share the knowledge he has.

Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways releases a report on a trial technology that progresses climate change action for transport infrastructure 

Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways releases a report on a trial technology that progresses climate change action for transport infrastructure

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Philippines is taking significant strides to enhance the climate resiliency of the nation’s transport infrastructure. In a landmark initiative, the DPWH has partnered with renowned global companies to research and implement advanced technologies aimed at fortifying road pavements against extreme weather conditions.  

Pioneering Technology Supporting Climate Resilient Transport Infrastructure

In a recently released interim report, the first small-scale pilot trial of AnyWay Solutions Soil Stabilizer was evaluated in base course materials.  The DPWH, in collaboration with the Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS), presented the findings of this in-depth study on the use of the stabilization technology, developed by AnyWay Solutions. The program aims to strengthen road pavement layers, making them more resilient to climatic events.

Pilot Study Confirms the Potential to Enhance Road Durability with ANSS

The research, which spanned over two years, marks the first phase of a comprehensive two-phase study. The initial small-scale pilot trial focused on assessing the performance of ANSS as a soil stabilizer for road base course materials. According to the DPWH and BRS report, the trial demonstrated satisfactory results, showcasing the technology’s potential to enhance the durability and strength of road pavements.

The pioneering research is a testament to the commitment of the Philippines to integrate innovative solutions to bolster infrastructure’s resilience against the impacts of climate change. The successful implementation of ANSS in road systems has the potential to set a new benchmark for climate resiliency in transport infrastructure projects.

“The application of the ANSS in base course materials is simple and easy without any new equipment investment using the production and construction process, which conforms to the existing DPWH regulation and system,” stated the Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways interim report.  

The DPWH/BRS report highlighted that the application of ANSS is straightforward and does not require new equipment investments during production and construction. This compatibility with existing DPWH regulations and systems is a significant advantage, facilitating seamless integration into current practices. Furthermore, the simplicity and ease of application align with the department’s goal of adopting efficient and cost-effective solutions.

Second Phase Trials to Verify the Technology Meets Current and Future Needs

To ensure the technology’s robustness under varying local environmental and traffic conditions, the DPWH has planned a second small-scale pilot trial. This follow-up trial is essential to verify the initial findings and achieve a technically conclusive evaluation.

Continuing to the second phase of testing is crucial to understanding how ANSS performs under real-world conditions. By rigorously evaluating this technology, informed decisions can be made that will ultimately benefit the entire country, ensuring our infrastructure is resilient, sustainable, and capable of withstanding future climatic challenges.

Focusing on Climate Resiliency for the Future of the Philippines

The DPWH’s proactive approach to researching and implementing cutting-edge technologies like ANSS underscores its dedication to building a more resilient transport infrastructure. As climate change continues to pose significant threats, innovative measures are vital in safeguarding the nation’s roadways and ensuring the safety and connectivity of communities.

The collaboration with AnyWay Solutions is just one of many initiatives the DPWH is pursuing to enhance infrastructure resilience. By leveraging global expertise and advanced technologies, the Philippines is positioning itself as a leader in climate-resilient infrastructure development.

The DPWH and BRS will move forward with the second phase of their research and determine the future direction for adopting ANSS and similar technologies. The successful implementation of these innovations holds the potential to transform the country’s transport infrastructure, making it more robust and resilient in the face of a changing climate.

Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways releases a report on a trial technology that progresses climate change action for transport infrastructure

AnyWay and De La Salle University kick-off partnership with slope stability analysis and design workshop 

AnyWay and De La Salle University kick-off partnership with slope stability analysis and design workshop

The Philippines faces significant climate risks, including frequent typhoons, rising sea levels, and extreme weather patterns, making climate resiliency crucial for safeguarding communities and infrastructure. With its unique geographic location, the country is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which threatens livelihoods and economic stability. Strengthening climate resilience is not only about building stronger infrastructure but also about educating the next generation of engineers and leaders to develop sustainable solutions. By prioritizing climate education and capacity building, we can empower local communities to gain the knowledge and tools needed to effectively mitigate risks and adapt to an ever-changing environment.
Capacity building plays a pivotal role in driving change. This initiative isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about empowering local talent to address pressing challenges head-on. By integrating climate resilience into our projects, we’re not only advancing towards a more sustainable future but also contributing to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals.
 
Knowledge Sharing to Empower the Next Generation 

Earlier this year, AnyWay and De La Salle University (DLSU) – Gokonwei College of Engineering partnered to exchange knowledge and collaborate on climate-adaptive transportation infrastructure over the next five years. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was signed, aims to establish knowledge exchange and collaboration programs on climate-resilient transportation infrastructure that benefit both parties over the next five years. The MOA provides a framework for us to collectively understand, collaborate, and discuss specific programs to:  

  • Identify opportunities for the exchange of faculty and research staff  
  • Identify other areas of possible research interest and collaboration  
  • Make faculty and students aware of the educational resources offered 

Realizing the benefits of the partnership 

As part of implementing the program associated with the MOA, AnyWay led a workshop for the engineering students at DLSU  on slope stability, analysis, and design provided by AnyWay’s Director of engineering Solutions, Alex Campbell. The workshop was facilitated virtually from Canada to students at DLSU Gokongwei College of Engineering.  

The course emphasized the importance of understanding and analyzing slope stability to prevent landslides and ensure infrastructure safety, particularly regarding changing climate events in the region. AnyWay shared experience and lessons learned in implementing pavement engineering and climate resiliency for other projects. The workshop participants discussed the impact of changing climate on infrastructure and the need for engineers to adapt and come up with solutions. The workshop also covered slope stability and infrastructure design options and slope stabilization techniques including risk assessment, management options, and protection measures. The program will continue throughout the school year to enhance the students’ knowledge on various aspects of climate resiliency for transport infrastructure, including pavement design, pavement rehabilitation, low-volume roads engineering and rehabilitation and upgrading of road pavement structures through implementing techniques and technologies of soil stabilization to develop graduate research projects. A mentorship program will also be established to continue research into these topics.  

Knowledge sharing to enable resiliency for the next generation 

By building local capabilities and introducing cutting-edge technologies to the next wave of engineers, this partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in crafting a sustainable transportation network for the Philippines that will serve future generations well. Such partnerships are instrumental in transferring knowledge and expertise to those who will continue to develop and maintain the nation’s transportation infrastructure, while also fostering research and the adoption of innovative technologies to climate resilience.  

More information on AnyWay and De La Salle University’s partnership can be found here.

DLSU Workshop Article

Meet Solomon Nigusie – An energetic Project Coordinator

Meet Solomon Nigussie - 
An energetic project coordinator

Solomon Nigusie is a Project Coordinator at AnyWay Solutions. In his position he supervises, trains and coordinates all aspects on the rehabilitation and upgrading projects AnyWay is involved in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and elsewhere.Back in 2008, while working as a young Project Manager at the Addis Ababa City Roads Authority (AACRA) in Ethiopia, he was assigned to work on the same projects AnyWay was involved in with AACRA. There, he learned about AnyWay from the perspective of the client. Working closely with the team in Ethiopia created the opportunity for Solomon to join the company, and with the blessing of his bosses at AACRA, Solomon joined the AnyWay team in 2011. His first project at AnyWay, the Enga Highway, was in the Highlands of  Papua New Guinea. From there, the projects in the region took off and the team now has hundreds of kilometres of roads under their belt, with Solomon eager to introduce new team members to the area he’s grown so familiar with over the years.  
Being someone who enjoys a challenge, he brings problem solving to the job and believes it is most important to be open and transparent in communication when working together with colleagues and contractors. He prides himself on being fair and respectful to contractors he supervises as well as to colleague engineers no matter size or origin.   

Reflecting on one of his favourite memories with AnyWay over the past 13 years, Solomon says he will never forget the day that  AnyWay donated medical equipment to the Enga provincial government. “That was the day AnyWay proved that we are not only a partner to the Department of Works, but a true part of the community,” he says.  
Solomon is passionate about self-improvement. He enjoys learning new things and improving the skills he has. He is a very social person who is happiest when spending time with friends and family and thrives having people around him. It is important to him to share both good and bad times with others and believes meeting new people, especially from different backgrounds and cultures, expands your knowledge and life experiences.  

In the near future, Solomon plans to dive deeper into climate change’s affects and how his work can support communities to become more resilient. As climate change forces the transport infrastructure industry to explore new ways of working, he is ready to learn, and proactively adopt new approaches to design and implementation. He is enthusiastic about AnyWay’s connected and trusting team to help chart a course and embark together on this challenge.

CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE

CARIBBEAN CLIMATE RESILIENCY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE - Roundtable 3

Solutions to management of pavement assets in the Caribbean

Once again, the Caribbean Climate Resiliency Roundtable webinar, where like-minded professionals and transport officials involved in the Caribbean communities collaborated on climate resiliency issues and solutions and shared and learned diverse knowledge for the region’s benefit.

Representatives from various island countries provided insights into current solutions for others to learn from. Participants appreciated that there are similarities across the Caribbean and that there is room for greater collaboration.

There is no replacement for knowledge share and experience, which the panellists well demonstrated: Dr. Lior Asaf, Water Resources Consulting, Konsta Mikael Sirvio SirWay Ltd., Asset Management for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Laurence Bridgmohan BSc, MSc (UWI), REng (BOETT), MAPETT, PMP Beyond Engineering Limited, moderated by Zeevik Halber, CEO at AnyWay Solutions and hosted by Magid Elabyad, IRF Senior Vice President.

Key discussion topics:

Each speaker will presented their topic and key issues regarding pavement assets and resiliency needs.

  • What are the challenges related to road asset management
  • What areas are vulnerable to climate risks, including hurricanes and flash flooding causing landslides and rockfalls?
  • Where is there room for improvement or areas for regional collaboration?
The Caribbean Climate Resiliency Community of Practice Round Table Series was created to engage with the Caribbean Region as a platform to help prosper knowledge sharing and create resilient pavement infrastructure. 
 
If you missed the event, you can now watch it on demand: CLICK HERE

BRINGING TOGETHER INDUSTRY LEADERS IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES TO DISCUSS CLIMATE-RESILIENT TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

ANYWAY SOLUTIONS BRINGS TOGETHER INDUSTRY LEADERS IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES TO DISCUSS CLIMATE-RESILIENT TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

In response to the urgent need for climate action in the Philippines, AnyWay Solutions Ltd. (AnyWay) held a full-day symposium to discuss climate-resilient transport infrastructure challenges and solutions.

The Symposium was held on Tuesday, April 17th, at the prestigious Mind Museum, where 180 delegates from government, policymakers, engineers, and contractors gathered to listen to and participate in a discussion on addressing the Philippines’ transport needs. Knowledge was exchanged on current practices and practical solutions to help strengthen infrastructure and the overall economy (i.e. technology solutions, including satellite technology and the role of AI) and opportunities to integrate climate-resilient solutions into transport infrastructure projects.

Esteemed guest speakers such as Secretary Borje from the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Prof. Mikail Chester from Arizona State University (ASU), Prof. Michelle Rubido Palumbarit- UN CIFAL (UNITAR), and Department of Works and Highways (DPWH), Secretary Bonoan by Assistant Secretary Constante Llanes, to name a few, graced the stage. Everyone was aligned with common goals to share knowledge and encourage action for a better climate-resilient future that supports progression towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The event was moderated by Philippines News Anchor Mai Rodriguez, and the speakers were rounded out by multiple AnyWay Solutions subject matter experts. Alex Campbell, Director of Engineering Solutions, and Zeevik Halber, AnyWays CEO, introduced a holistic approach to climate-resilient transport solutions, including transport design, pavement engineering, asset management, satellite technologies and the future of AI in transport infrastructure engineering.

With transportation networks serving as vital lifelines for communities, the symposium achieved its goal of raising awareness and mobilizing resources to bolster the resilience of these essential systems and protect the economies by reducing disruption to industries and people’s livelihoods. Delegates left with a renewed sense of responsibility and increased knowledge to address the critical issue of climate change and its impact on transportation systems across vulnerable regions of the Philippines.

“We are at a critical juncture in addressing the impacts of climate change on transport infrastructure,” said Zeevik Halber, CEO at AnyWay Solutions. By bringing together leaders from all these groups to a one-day symposium, AnyWay demonstrated its holistic approach to climate resiliency beyond mere engineering. Policy making, sharing advanced technologies and techniques, capacity building, and broader awareness are all necessary elements critical to creating climate resiliency. Together, we can make a difference!”

About AnyWay Solutions
AnyWay, has been at the forefront of providing climate-resilient solutions to the global transport infrastructure industry for over two decades. As specialists in climate resiliency for transportation infrastructure, we take a holistic approach to providing engineering designs and solutions for our clients, offering services, technologies and techniques beyond conventional engineering. Our commitment to quality in the highly specialized transportation infrastructure sector is what sets us apart. Our solutions help our clients build infrastructure resilient to climate events, allowing communities to adapt and respond to changes – infrastructure that withstands climate impacts and is known for quality and durability. AnyWay is a member of the Canadian Metrontario Group of Companies, founded in 1946.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Keren Moshkoviz
Director of Strategic Planning 
AnyWay Solutions
kmoshkoviz@anywaysolutions.com

T: +972.3.647.3506
C: +972.54.818.2398

Introducing AnyWay’s PathWay

Introducing AnyWay’s PathWay – A Low Carbon Emission Concrete Solution

Concrete, the second most widely used material on Earth after water, has a significant environmental impact. The production of Portland cement, a key component of concrete, is responsible for about 8% of global carbon emissions. In the face of the urgent challenge, achieving carbon neutrality, or net-zero carbon emissions, has become a crucial goal in the global fight against climate change.

With a global commitment to reducing GHGs and the pressure on the cement and traditional concrete industry to reduce carbon emissions, a roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 has been established. To achieve this goal, the industry looks at the complete value chain of concrete production. This includes the need to produce low-carbon concrete mixes, optimize designs for the lowest life cycle emissions, increase the use of alternative fuels, use renewable energy in cement production, and introduce new cement mixes.

AnyWay Solutions is thrilled to announce a new patent for our product PathWay, a low-carbon emission mix optimization approach concrete designed for rigid walkways and paths with a cumulative impact on embodied carbon that is significant.

Unlike previous approaches to reducing concrete’s carbon emissions, primarily focused on reducing Portland cement within the mix, our patented invention takes an entirely different route. We’ve not only changed the ingredients in the mix, aggregates, and binder but also reduced elements of its application process, further contributing to the overall reduction of its carbon footprint. This unique approach sets PathWay apart, offering a substantially reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete, making it a sustainable choice for construction projects.

“As a company, we continuously look at ways to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a comprehensive approach to enhancing climate resiliency for transport infrastructure, including developing unique patented technologies and solutions. PathWay is our way of reducing carbon emissions globally and significantly contributing to the climate action goal (SDG 13). We’ve developed a solution for rigid walkways that significantly reduces carbon emissions and minimizes the environmental impact of construction. By utilizing recycled materials and eliminating the need for certain traditional construction components, we’re making a positive difference for the environment.” Zeevik Halber, AnyWay CEO.

Greenhouse gas emissions will continue to increase without critical steps to shift economies towards carbon neutrality. Anyway Solutions is expanding its climate action in the transport infrastructure industry to positively impact our world through our unique approach and materials.

CARIBBEAN CLIMATE RESILIENCY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE – Roundtable 2

CARIBBEAN CLIMATE RESILIENCY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE - Roundtable 2

Real Problems, Real Solutions for Climate Resilient Transport Infrastructure

the Caribbean Climate Resiliency Roundtable webinar, where like-minded professionals and transport officials involved in the Caribbean communities collaborate on climate resiliency issues and solutions and share and learn with a robust group with diverse knowledge for the region’s benefit.

Building off what we heard at the 2023 Caribbean Congress in the Bahamas and continuing our initial discussions in November to advance implementing solutions and policies for the greater region. In our second roundtable, representatives from various island countries will provide insights into current solutions for others to learn from. Participants can appreciate that there are similarities across the Caribbean and that there is room for greater collaboration across the region.

Key discussion goals:
Each speaker presented their island/project’s key issues regarding vulnerability, risks and resiliency needs.

  • What gaps do they have in approaching climate resiliency (e.g. data, buy-in, funding, capacity, etc.)
  • What are some of the solutions they are considering or have applied?
  • Where is there room for improvement or areas for regional collaboration?

There is no replacement for knowledge share and experience, and that was well demonstrated by the panellists: Keeshan Ramkissoon, Associate Director – Civil Engineer, Beston (Trinidad & Tobago)Shinella Johnson, Manager, Engineering Design, Ministry of Public Works (Guyana), Gordon Keller, Geotechnical Engineer, moderated by Alex Campbell, Director of Engineering Solutions at AnyWay Solutions and hosted by Magid Elabyad, IRF Senior Vice President.

The Caribbean Climate Resiliency Community of Practice Round Table Series was created to engage with the Caribbean Region as a platform to help prosper knowledge sharing and create resilient pavement infrastructure. 

Join us quarterly! The next event will be June 2024

For more than two decades, AnyWay has been a global expert in providing climate-resilient solutions to the global transport infrastructure industry. AnyWay is a member of the Canadian Metrontario Group of Companies, with over 75 years of business experience. Its total commitment to quality is what has fueled AnyWay’s success.