Elevating Construction Quality with Technology and Process Innovation

With experience leading quality acceptance programs on billion-dollar infrastructure projects like the TxDOT and FlatironDragados New Harbor Bridge, Barry Burks, P.E., is shaping how advanced technology integrates into quality workflows — helping clients reduce risk and accelerate inspection and testing while maintaining rigorous quality standards.

Tell us about your role at Atlas and how it connects to shaping solutions for transportation infrastructure.����

As the Independent Quality Manager, my role begins with developing project-specific Quality Acceptance procedures within the Construction Quality Management Plan. These procedures establish how acceptance inspection and testing will be performed across a project’s construction lifecycle.

By embedding technology — such as digital inspection forms and automated error checking — directly into those processes, we create efficiencies that save time and money while maintaining the quality standards clients expect. That integration becomes especially important on large, complex transportation projects where schedule pressure is high and consistency across various types of work is critical.

Looking back, what pivotal experience most shaped your career in quality management?��

Working with Dr. Garold Oberlender during my master’s program at Oklahoma State University was transformative. He taught me how reducing the duration of repetitive critical path activities can dramatically impact an entire project’s construction timeline.

That insight has driven my focus for the past thirty years: finding the smartest applications of technology to reduce the duration and cost of hold point activities by speeding up inspection and materials testing. It’s about identifying bottlenecks that slow everything down and systematically eliminate them through better tools and processes.

You’ll be speaking at the ��on Independent Quality Management (IQM). Why is IQM especially critical on P3 and progressive design-build projects?

On P3 and other alternative delivery projects, the risk profile is fundamentally different. Design and construction are happening in parallel, commercial implications are significant and decisions often need to be made quickly with imperfect information.

IQM provides a stabilizing influence in that environment. By operating independently from production pressure, IQM helps make sure speed does not come at the expense of long-term performance or durability. It builds confidence that acceptance decisions are grounded in objective, standardized evaluation — which is critical for owners, lenders and private partners.

On large P3 and progressive design-build projects, how does IQM help reduce risk for owners and private partners?

IQM plays a central role in risk mitigation by providing objective, third-party oversight for inspection, testing and acceptance. On alternative delivery projects, technical decisions often carry immediate schedule and financial consequences.

IQM makes sure those decisions are transparent, defensible and aligned with the owner’s standards and not just the ever-present short-term production goals. That independence helps make sure the investment is protected, not just during construction, but for decades after the project is delivered.

The Harbor Bridge Project involved fabrication of steel and precast concrete across numerous facilities. How does IQM help maintain consistency and aid in the management of complexity at that scale? ��

The complexity of the fabrication processes on projects like Harbor Bridge can magnify small disconnects. With fabrication occurring at more than a dozen locations across the country, loss of consistency is one of the biggest risks.

IQM provides a single, standardized framework for inspection, testing and acceptance — regardless of where the work is performed. Acting independently from the production teams, our quality staff serves as the connective tissue between fabrication, field construction and the project stakeholders.

A structured and consistent set of documents and reporting allowed us to identify trends early, resolve issues proactively and keep the acceptance process moving without surprises. On megaprojects, IQM isn’t about slowing production — it’s about helping the Design-Builder identify quality issues before they impact schedule and then working with them to identify the cause and support them in their development of corrective solutions.

How does technology improve transparency and decision-making for owners on large transportation projects?

Technology provides owners with near-real-time visibility into inspection results, test data and acceptance status of all types of work across the project. Digital inspection platforms eliminate information silos and reduce the risk of missed inspection hold points or undocumented decisions.

For projects with multiple sub-contractors and numerous fabrication locations, that transparency supports faster, more confident decision-making while preserving data integrity. All the stakeholders benefit from knowing the status of the acceptance of the work, where schedules may be at risk and what actions are being implemented to mitigate the problems.

What is the biggest challenge and opportunity you see in automation and technology adoption?

The biggest hurdles are economic justification and early implementation. Adopting new technologies often requires upfront investments in equipment, software and training that may take time to show returns.

The key is to present stakeholders with a clear, early picture of both the costs and the long-term benefits. When people understand the full value proposition, the likelihood of acceptance and successful implementation is improved. You need to build the business case alongside the technical case.

When clients roll out new technologies in QA/QC, how do you help make sure the processes deliver results?

Technology is only as good as the people using it and the processes supporting it. We focus on comprehensive training of staff at rollout and reinforce the importance of consistent processes with Pre-Activity meetings before each new work type begins.

Embedding the use of technology into daily workflows — and making certain teams understand why consistency matters — is what turns new tools into time savers.

Can you share a project that highlights how Atlas delivers quality through both process and innovation?

The Harbor Bridge project is a great example. At more than 3,200 feet long and 538 feet tall, it’s the longest concrete segmental cable-stayed bridge in North America. Coordinating quality testing and inspection plans across more than 15 fabrication facilities presented unique challenges.

We equipped our inspectors with tablets and digital inspection forms, allowing real-time reporting and automated error checking in the field. These efficiencies reduced documentation time, improved consistency and helped expedite the acceptance process.

What motivates you in your work every day?��

For me, it’s seeing a well-thought-through procedure put into action in the field or lab and knowing it will lead to more timely acceptance of the work. That’s when preparation pays off and I know that we are doing our part to keep the project moving forward without unnecessary delays.

Every day, we’re contributing to infrastructure projects that our families and communities will rely on for decades. Knowing that our quality processes contribute to safer, more durable bridges, roads and facilities drives me.

Outside of work, where do you find inspiration?��

I enjoy reading journal articles and watching videos and documentaries about emerging technologies across various fields of science and engineering. Seeing how others achieve success through innovation in their work motivates me to explore new approaches in mine.

Innovation comes from connecting ideas across disciplines and applying them in new contexts. Whether its materials science, automation or data analytics, there’s always something that can be adapted to improve construction quality processes.

Connecting in the Field: Meet Barry at the TDOT–ACEC Partnering Conference

This May, Barry Burks will share insights on the critical role of Independent Quality Management (IQM) in delivering large, complex transportation programs at the .

Drawing on his experience supporting the $1.2 billion TxDOT US 81 New Harbor Bridge project, Barry will highlight how independent quality acceptance contributes to more transparent decision-making, stronger collaboration and long-term project performance on P3 and alternative delivery projects. In this role, Atlas served as the Independent Quality Firm, providing construction inspection, materials testing and day-to-day oversight of quality acceptance in alignment with TxDOT’s Quality Acceptance Program.

His session will explore how disciplined quality processes, supported by experienced teams and modern tools, help navigate the complexity of megaprojects — reinforcing consistency, reducing risk and supporting safe, durable infrastructure.

Atlas’ Francis Mouafong, P.E., MBA is a Senior Project Manager at Atlas and currently works as a Construction Quality Assurance Manager on Georgia’s I-285/I-20 East Interchange project. He shares why he loves working as an engineer — and how transportation systems play a vital role in connecting people and strengthening communities.

Engineers play a critical role in helping communities flourish by creating systems that connect people. Nowhere is that impact more visible than in transportation. Thoughtfully designed and well-executed roads, bridges, transit systems, trails and corridors form the backbone of thriving communities — shaping daily lives, economic opportunity and long-term resilience.

For Francis Mouafong, engineering has always been about more than just building roads or verifying specifications on paper. He views his work as a form of stewardship — a commitment to advancing infrastructure that serves people well and stands the test of time. For more than three decades, Francis has contributed to high-impact transportation projects — spending the past 20 years working throughout Georgia on efforts such as:

• I‑285/I‑20 East Interchange project, a major mobility improvement project being done for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) that involves reconstructing the I-285/I-20 East Interchange ramps with more direct alignments, constructing new lanes, adding auxiliary lanes, replacing bridges and constructing new noise barriers.
• Harbins Road Interchange project, an interchange project that involved bridges, box culvert extensions, retaining walls, ramps, storm drainage, grading, graded aggregate base (GAB) placement, asphalt paving, concrete flatwork, traffic signal installation and more.
• I-75/I-575 Northwest Corridor project, a transformative design-build regional mobility initiative that consisted of building 30 miles of reversible toll lanes and the construction of bridges and walls.
• Gwinnett County SPLOST Road Program, a program that is designed to support the county’s growing population and address its infrastructure needs.

Together, these projects not only improve travel efficiency but they are also enhancing safety, reducing congestion and supporting economic vitality for millions of commuters across the region.

Safeguarding Quality on One of Georgia’s Busiest Interchanges

In his current role on the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project — one of the most complex transportation upgrades in the state — Francis helps guide construction quality across a highly coordinated, fast-paced environment. Once complete, the project will significantly improve traffic flow and safety at what has long been considered one of metro Atlanta’s most congested bottlenecks.

Construction Quality Assurance on a project of this scale requires constant field engagement and disciplined oversight. Francis supports alignment between design intent and field execution, adherence to safety and performance standards and early identification of issues that could affect long-term durability or public access. His role focuses on translating plans and specifications into built infrastructure that performs as intended for the traveling public.

A Commitment to Growth, Learning and Leadership

With more than 33 years of roadway and bridge construction experience, Francis brings a leadership philosophy shaped by experience and adaptability. One lesson guides every project: similar challenges rarely have identical solutions. Effective engineering requires context-driven judgment and responsiveness to site-specific conditions.

That mindset also defines how Francis leads and mentors others. Grateful for the guidance he received early in his career, he places high value on supporting the next generation of engineers. To him, leadership is not about titles — it is about integrity, ownership and a commitment to the communities served.

Through his technical expertise and principled approach to leadership, Francis’ work helps bridge critical gaps:

• Between design and construction.
• Between immediate needs and long-term resilience.
• Between infrastructure systems and the people who rely on them.

By aligning design intent with real-world execution, he helps close the distance between vision and impact — reinforcing the idea that infrastructure is not only about concrete and steel, but about lived experience. ��

Connecting in the Field: Meet Francis at the TDOT-ACEC Partnering Conference

This May, Francis Mouafong will share real-world insights from one of Georgia’s most complex transportation projects at the , taking place May 11-13.

Francis will discuss his work on the $685 million GDOT I-285/I-20 East Interchange Project, focusing on the practical realities of supporting Independent Quality Firm (IQF) services on large-scale, multi-partner transportation programs. Attendees will gain perspective on maintaining independent construction quality assurance, coordinating across stakeholder teams and aligning plans, specifications and field conditions as construction progresses.

His session will highlight how strong collaboration and disciplined quality management contribute to safe, durable infrastructure — lessons that continue to shape transportation projects across the region.

The Foresthill Bridge T‑1 Steel Inspection and Repair Project has earned a National Recognition Award in the , one of the engineering profession’s most prestigious national honors.

Led by Atlas in partnership with Placer County, the project was selected for national recognition following its Honor Award win at the , advancing it to competition at the national level.

The National Recognition Award distinguishes projects that demonstrate exceptional engineering merit, innovation and public value on a national stage.

“This national recognition from ACEC affirms the caliber of work Atlas delivers every day,” said Tom Price, Atlas Infrastructure President. “The Foresthill Bridge project demanded technical excellence and an unwavering commitment to public safety — and our team rose to that challenge. The bridge itself has long held personal meaning for me; I remember walking across it with my great grandfather when it first opened. We’re proud of the dedication our engineers and inspectors brought to this work and honored to partner with Placer County on a project that improves local safety while helping shape national guidance for managing critical infrastructure.”

Engineering excellence at California’s tallest bridge

The Foresthill Bridge, California’s tallest bridge, rises more than 730 feet above the American River canyon and spans 2,428 feet, carrying more than 50,000 vehicles daily between Auburn and Foresthill. Built in 1973 using T‑1 steel, the bridge became part of a federally funded initiative to examine fracture‑critical welds in legacy steel structures nationwide.

Atlas was selected to perform comprehensive non‑destructive ultrasonic testing of 288 fracture‑critical steel welds, a complex undertaking that required inspectors to work at heights exceeding 700 feet while maintaining continuous traffic flow.

Safety-driven results with national impact

Testing revealed a significantly higher‑than‑anticipated defect rate, prompting Atlas to adapt inspection protocols in real time. The team completed 44 targeted weld repairs to American Welding Society (AWS) standards, accelerating safety improvements while maintaining zero safety incidents despite challenging weather and site conditions.

Beyond improving safety for Placer County residents, findings from the Foresthill Bridge project are informing Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance for evaluating T‑1 steel bridges across the country, contributing to a broader shift toward proactive infrastructure maintenance.

National recognition in Washington, D.C.

Atlas and Placer County were honored at the ACEC 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards Gala on May 5, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C., where National Recognition Award winners were celebrated alongside the nation’s top engineering achievements.

Engineering for Impact: Leadership, Innovation and the Future of Infrastructure

Atlas’ Sector Lead & Director of Operations – New York & New Jersey, Angel Cambero, P.E., MSI shares how his parents inspired him to become an engineer and how he finds meaning in serving his community through his engineering profession.

For me, engineering has always been more than a profession—it’s a legacy. Growing up with two civil-engineer parents, I learned early how ideas on paper become real structures that shape people’s daily lives. That exposure gave me a deep respect for the discipline and ultimately guided me toward a career where creativity, logic and community impact intersect.

Today, in my role leading operations across the New York and New Jersey regions at Atlas, I still approach challenges the way I did as a young engineer: with curiosity, precision and a commitment to quality. While my focus now spans strategy, financial performance and team leadership, the engineer in me remains central. A technical mindset enables better decisions, supports our project teams and ensures that quality isn’t a goal—it’s a standard.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve led is our work at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal. This project is part of a multi‑billion-dollar investment in renewable energy and represents exactly where the industry is headed. Our team oversaw the special inspections and materials testing across a 73‑acre offshore wind hub, ensuring structural integrity and safety for infrastructure that will power New York’s clean energy future. It was a reminder that engineering isn’t just about building structures; it’s about building progress.

Technology is accelerating that progress at an unprecedented pace. Tasks that once required days of manual calculations can now be completed in minutes from a mobile device. Digital reporting, real‑time data tools and advanced testing equipment are transforming how we deliver projects, enabling greater accuracy and faster, more informed decision‑making. As these tools evolve, engineers will spend less time processing information and more time interpreting it—shaping outcomes instead of reacting to them.

Yet despite the rapid pace of innovation, the fundamentals remain unchanged. Field experience, humility and collaboration continue to define exceptional engineers. My advice to aspiring engineers is simple: stay curious, ask questions and embrace every opportunity to learn. The field will teach you as much as the classroom ever will, and each role—no matter how small—gives you a new lens through which to understand the built world.

At Atlas, engineers play a vital role in ensuring public safety and the resilience of our infrastructure. Whether through inspections, materials testing or technical guidance, our work directly affects the communities we serve. That responsibility is both grounding and motivating. It reminds us that engineering will always matter, no matter how much technology evolves.

A century ago, the challenges were different, but the mission was the same: build safely, wisely and for the future. This Engineers Week, I’m proud of the work Atlas is doing to help transform the future and enable our communities to flourish and thrive. As we look ahead, I’m excited to help shape what the next century of engineering will look like—and to support the next generation of engineers who will carry that mission forward.

Atlas is recognized for partnering with Placer County and Caltrans to deliver solutions for complex infrastructure projects across California.

DENVER, Colo., Feb. 19, 2026 — Atlas Technical Consultants (Atlas), a leading infrastructure and environmental solutions provider, received the Honor Award at the from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of California for its work on Placer County’s Foresthill Bridge.

In addition, Atlas’ work on California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Reporting Improvements Project and its Skid Testing Modernization Project also received recognition, with the first earning a Merit Award and the second earning a Commendation Award.

The three projects were among 62 engineering and land surveying efforts in California recognized for excellence, and the Foresthill Bridge project will now compete at a national level.

“The Engineering Excellence Awards recognize projects that stand out for quality and the complexity of the finished project. Our clients, Placer County and Caltrans, are taking on some of the most complex and innovative infrastructure challenges, like inspecting and repairing California’s tallest bridge or using the latest technology to improve roadway safety, to help their communities flourish and thrive,” said Jacque Hinman, Atlas CEO. “Quality is at the core of everything we do at Atlas, and we are honored to accept these awards alongside our clients, which are truly a testament to and celebration of engineering excellence in California and beyond.”

A panel of judges with a broad range of environmental and technical expertise selected this year’s top engineering achievements using criteria such as uniqueness, originality and complexity, as well as technical, economic and social value. The projects Atlas led or supported receiving awards are:

Foresthill Bridge – Placer County

Atlas was contracted by Placer County to conduct safety testing of 288 fracture-critical steel welds on the Foresthill Bridge, California’s tallest bridge, as part of a federally funded initiative examining T-1 steel structures nationwide. The testing uncovered defects at nearly four times the expected rate.����

The 2,428-foot structure carries more than 50,000 vehicles daily across the American River. Atlas performed inspections at heights exceeding 700 feet using custom scaffolding and specialized equipment while maintaining continuous traffic flow.����

Results showed 37 percent of welds contained defects, compared with the anticipated 10 percent rate. Atlas adapted testing procedures in real time and completed 44 repairs to American Welding Society standards. The project was finished without safety incidents despite challenging weather and working conditions.����

The findings are informing Federal Highway Administration guidance for evaluating T-1 steel structures across the country. For Placer County residents, the work provides continued safe passage on a critical transportation link connecting Sierra Nevada communities. The inspection protocols developed contribute to a national shift toward proactive infrastructure maintenance, preventing costly emergency repairs or disruptions.����

EPD Reporting Improvements Project — Caltrans

Atlas was contracted by Caltrans to deliver a new, mission-critical application to collect, validate and report contractor-submitted environmental data in support of the Buy Clean California Act. The system establishes a modern, centralized platform to support consistent EPD data intake, verification and compliance tracking, replacing previously fragmented and manual processes. ����

The EPD tool gives Caltrans a more efficient and user-friendly portal for data submission and equips Caltrans Materials Engineering and Testing personnel with improved tools for data validation, verification and compliance report generation. By streamlining workflows and introducing dynamic reporting and export capabilities, the system transforms complex environmental impact data into accessible, accurate and actionable intelligence.

To achieve these outcomes, Atlas designed and implemented an intuitive submission workflow, prioritized usability and developed advanced reporting and export functionality. The EPD tool allows Caltrans to generate comprehensive, professionally formatted compliance reports, significantly improving transparency, efficiency and regulatory oversight.

Skid Testing Modernization Project — Caltrans

Atlas, in partnership with GritForce Inc. (GritForce), was contracted by Caltrans to evaluate and implement Continuous Friction Measurement Equipment (CFME) technology as a replacement for the California Portable Skid Tester (CA-PST), which has been in use since the 1950s.��

As the technical experts of record, Atlas and GritForce led a four-phase evaluation of CFME across laboratory and field conditions. Testing demonstrated a correlation coefficient greater than 0.8 with CA-PST results, outperforming the historical 0.69 benchmark achieved by earlier locked-wheel trailer methods. These findings provided the basis for updating California Test Method 342 to formally authorize the use of CFME statewide.����

The CFME implementation represents the first validated alternative to CA-PST technology in California, using advanced sensor technology that enables continuous friction measurement at walking speeds on concrete and bridge deck surfaces.

The technology allows both Caltrans staff and contractors to perform independent friction testing for the first time, reducing coordination requirements and accelerating project delivery. Independent testing capabilities enhance roadway maintenance practices and support safer travel across California’s transportation system for nearly 39 million residents.����

Award recipients will be honored at the annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala being held during ACEC California’s Annual Conference, Feb. 18–19, 2026.

About Atlas Technical Consultants:

Atlas provides professional testing, inspection, engineering,��consulting��and quality management services from more than 100 locations nationwide. With a talent base of 3,300 and $650 million in revenue, we deliver infrastructure and environmental solutions to public- and��private-sector��clients. To learn more about Atlas, visit ��and follow us on��,����and��.

Media Contacts:

Lori Irvine
Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications
lori.irvine@oneatlas.com

Carolyn King
Director of Communications
carolyn.king@oneatlas.com

Corpus Christi, Texas’, new Harbor Bridge is a visible symbol of engineering and regional progress. Behind its towering pylons and sweeping span is the coordination of teams working across time zones, facilities and disciplines. As the Independent Quality Firm (IQF), Atlas helped align those moving parts, ensuring each component met project specifications and supported long-term performance.

A Complex Build with High Stakes��

At more than 3,200 feet long and rising 538 feet above water, the new Harbor Bridge is now the tallest structure south of San Antonio, Texas, and the longest concrete segmental cable-stayed bridge in North America. Designed with expanded navigational clearance, the bridge opens the channel to accommodate larger ships and modern maritime traffic, strengthening the Port of Corpus Christi and reinforcing the region’s role in global trade.

Delivering a structure of this scope required coordination across more than 15 fabrication facilities in the U.S. and abroad. Each facility site operates under its own conditions, schedules and documentation processes. That’s where Atlas stepped in as the IQF, coordinating across teams and facilities to ensure all aspects of construction met project standards and moved the work forward.

Independent Quality, Coordinated at Scale��

Atlas collaborated with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and design-build contractor FlatironDragados to manage and monitor quality assurance from fabrication to final inspection.

Custom Inspection and Testing Plans (ITPs) were developed for components produced outside of TxDOT’s standard approval process, including precast bridge segments, stay cable anchors, epoxy-coated strands, high-load bearings and modular expansion joints. Each plan supported documentation, traceability and compliance with project requirements.

Our team performed audits, inspections and testing at each fabrication site before materials ever reached the job site. By applying a consistent approach across locations, Atlas helped streamline coordination, minimize rework and give both TxDOT and the contractor confidence that every part was ready to perform as designed, regardless of where it was made.

Trusted to the End — and Beyond��

With the new bridge now open to traffic, Atlas continues to support Phase II activities, including preparations for demolition of the original truss bridge and reconstruction of adjacent roadway segments.

At every phase, our work reflects a commitment to delivering dependable quality that strengthens infrastructure and supports the communities that rely on it. For Atlas, success lives in the trust we earn, the standards we uphold and the future we help shape.

Discover how Atlas brings quality to life in infrastructure projects nationwide.

SAN ANTONIO, February 28, 2024 — Atlas Technical Consultants Inc. (Atlas), a leading infrastructure and environmental solutions provider, has been awarded a $31.7-million, independent Quality Assurance (QA) services contract by Lone Star Constructors NEX, a joint venture between Fluor and Austin Bridge & Road, the primary design-build constructor for phase 1 of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) South Project.

“Our task is to see that this phase of the I-35 NEX South Project progresses in accordance with industry regulations and specifications,” Atlas CEO Jacque Hinman said. “We are honored to be part of the effort to improve one of Texas’s most essential highway networks and are ready to assist this exceptional project team in delivering infrastructure that improves safety and mobility and serves regional traffic.”

As the Professional Services Quality Assurance Firm (PSQAF), Atlas will institute and manage a quality assurance (QA) program to ensure that all procured services comply with federal and state standards; the scope also includes reviewing work submittals and audits. As the Independent Quality Firm (IQF), Atlas will run the QA program for the construction work, performing independent QA material testing, inspection, and audits.

With a projected April 2028 completion date and estimated construction value of $700 million, this I-35 NEX South Project encompasses 4.2 miles of toll-free enhancements along the I-35 corridor spanning from I-410 South to I-410 North. The project is funded through TxDOT’s 2023 Unified Transportation Program, a comprehensive 10-year plan guiding the development of six design-build projects within each two-year fiscal period.

The project’s incorporation of three additional elevated lanes in both directions is expected to address an increase in traffic growth on I-35 and reduce travel time.

About Atlas Technical Consultants

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Atlas is a leading provider of Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions. We partner with our clients to improve performance and extend the lifecycle of built and natural infrastructure assets stressed by climate, health, and economic impacts. With 3,500+ employees nationwide, Atlas brings deep technical expertise to public- and private-sector clients, integrating services across four primary disciplines: Environmental (ENV); Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC); Engineering & Design (E&D); and Program Management/Construction Management, and Quality Management (PCQM). To learn more about Atlas innovations for transportation, commercial, water, government, education, and industrial markets, visit��.

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