Firm Description: Braun Intertec

The Science You Build On: Braun Intertec is an industry-leading engineering, environmental consulting, and testing firm. With a rigorous focus on technical excellence, the firm provides the scientific foundation necessary for high-stakes infrastructure projects like wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF).
100% Employee-Owned (ESOP): Operating as an ESOP company, Braun Intertec aligns the interests of its technical staff with the success of their clients. This ownership structure drives a higher level of personal accountability in field observations and laboratory accuracy, as every technician is a stakeholder in the firm's reputation.
Specialized Utility Expertise: The firm possesses deep experience in municipal utility infrastructure. Their understanding of the unique chemical and structural stresses placed on wastewater facilities allows them to provide targeted testing that addresses long-term durability and regulatory compliance.
Geotechnical and Materials Synergy: By integrating geotechnical engineering with construction materials testing (CMT), Braun Intertec ensures that subsurface soil conditions are seamlessly accounted for in the structural testing of slabs, foundations, and masonry walls.
National Footprint, Local Precision: While maintaining a significant presence across the United States, Braun Intertec provides localized expertise for Upper Midwest municipalities like the City of Otsego. Their field teams are equipped to handle the specific environmental and geological variables of the region.
Accreditation and Standards Compliance: All testing protocols adhere to the highest industry benchmarks, including ASTM International and the American Concrete Institute (ACI). Their labs are regularly audited to ensure that every compressive strength test and soil density reading meets defensible scientific standards.
Multidisciplinary Problem Solving: Beyond standard testing, Braun Intertec offers forensics, environmental site assessments, and specialty structural inspections. This breadth of service allows them to identify and remediate potential construction deficiencies before they become costly operational failures for the municipality.

Scope of Services

Structural Steel Observations: A critical component of the Phase 1 improvements involves structural steel for the facility's framework. An ICC-certified Structural Steel Technician will perform visual inspections of connections, verifying bolt tensioning and weld quality (approx. 45 hours allocated).
Masonry Observations and Testing: Testing will be conducted on masonry walls for the ADM and PTB units. This includes field observations during grout placement and the casting of grout specimens for compressive strength testing per ASTM C 1019.
Concrete Slab-on-Grade Verification: The scope covers extensive slab work across multiple facility units (FSB, PTB, BB). Technicians will observe placement and verify that the slab-on-grade meets design specifications for thickness and reinforcement.
Structural Slab & Beams (SBT/MTB): Specialized structural slabs and beams for the SBT and MTB units require intensive monitoring. This includes checking reinforcement and verifying the structural integrity of the "Sump Encasement Foundations" specifically for the MTB unit.
Concrete Topping and Stoops: Field inspections will extend to concrete toppings in the FSB and SBT areas, as well as the installation of exterior stoops. These elements are vital for facility access and secondary containment structures.
Masonry Unit Testing: Beyond field observations, individual masonry blocks will undergo compressive strength testing (Activity 1.4) to confirm they meet the specified load-bearing requirements before being integrated into structural walls.
Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk Testing: Site civil improvements, including curbing and pedestrian walkways, are included in the quality control plan. This ensures the peripheral infrastructure of the WWTF matches the durability of the primary structures.
Generator Pad Structural Support: Verification of the generator pad foundation is a high-priority item. The technician will confirm the pad's structural slab and reinforcement can support the vibration and dead load of the facility's backup power systems.
Slab-on-Deck Observations: For the FSB unit, slab-on-deck placement will be monitored to ensure proper bonding and reinforcement placement, which is critical for the composite action of the floor system.
Reporting and Documentation: All field activities, from trip charges to hourly technician time, are documented in detailed reports. These documents provide the City of Otsego with a permanent record of construction compliance for the West WWTF Improvements.

Technical Standard: ASTM C 1019

This standard covers the sampling and testing of grout used in masonry construction. It is essential for determining the compressive strength of grout, ensuring it properly bonds with the masonry units to create a unified structural system.

Technical Evaluation Criteria

Masonry Grout Strength: Compressive strength must meet or exceed design specifications as validated by ASTM C 1019 specimen testing.

Structural Steel Integrity: Visual and physical verification of bolted and welded connections by an ICC-certified technician.

Slab Compliance: Verification of grade, thickness, and reinforcement placement for all structural and on-grade slabs.

Glossary of Terms

ICC

International Code Council. Provides the certification standards for structural steel and masonry inspectors.

WWTF

Wastewater Treatment Facility. A complex system of structures designed to remove contaminants from municipal sewage.

FSB / PTB / SBT

Unit designations within the Otsego facility project, representing specific structural zones like the Final Settling Basin or Pump Tank Building.

BRAUN INTERTEC

Ref: QTB158028

Otsego West WWTF Phase 1