Experienced, Proven & Accurate for Timely Solutions

Professional engineering design is the iterative and interactive process of creating precise, strategic solutions for a project according to its budget, resources and timeline. Its phases often include:

• Research
• Preliminary design
• Concept generation
• Detailed design
• Feasibility studies
• Construction
• Design requirements
• Evaluation

Through the Helix engineering design process, you make informed decisions and shape project resources to achieve your stated objective. Your results are led by innovative experience and based on science, mathematics and influencing ambient factors.

Our engineering design services for public utilities, commercial builders, real estate law firms and large engineering firms throughout Illinois and the Midwest include:

• Utility Drafting & Design
• FTTx Design
• High-Level Design
• Fiber Circuit Design
• Feasibility Studies
• Electrical Drafting
• Aerial Make-Ready Engineering

Utility Drafting & Design

Helix Engineering utility drafting and design develops accurate drawings and plans for communicating specifications and requirements to project stakeholders. With vast industry background and knowledge involving turnkey projects, we have managed design through construction, forming an experiential arc that becomes pivotal in the early design phase.

High-Level Design

Also referred to as preliminary design and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), high-level design aims to bridge any gaps between the concept and detailed design, particularly when the concept does not yet lend itself to complete evaluation. Helix Engineering’s vast knowledge of the roadblocks and long lead-time items to design around from the start save time and maintain progress in your project’s initial stages.

Feasibility Studies

Feasibility studies determine whether your project can proceed into the detailed design phase and support further decision-making. If the concept is achievable, they further focus on how it can be completed within cost constraints. Feasibility studies also close in on the targeted outcome by identifying optimal approach methods and alternatives and narrowing the project scope. Because of our experience and relationships, we also know the crucial questions to ask and the right people to contact for exact verification of feasibility.

Aerial Make-Ready Engineering

Helix aerial make-ready engineering prepares utility poles to efficiently receive new fiber attachments when service is being expanded to a new area. Because the process can be costly, we apply our advanced technology and precision with calculations to determine the most efficient routes and specify space and height distances that ensure performance and safety. Our timely and accurate deliverables are always prepared to surpass expectations.

FTTx Design

With the rapid rise in demand for web-connectivity speed, fiber to the “x” (FTTx) systems stand at the vanguard of the networking industry. They are central to the next-generation access that has been defining the progress and growth of broadband infrastructure. Helix Engineering specializes in FTTx design for constructing fiber networks that are cost-effective for both system construction and management. We also remain current with the newest available system architectures from a wide range of manufacturers.

Fiber Circuit Design

Fiber optics meet the demand for conveying higher bandwidths at greater speeds over longer distances. To achieve this, fiber circuits provide paths for electrons to travel with information in beams of light through cables of plastic or glass that transmit the signals without losing strength or integrity. Achieving increasing capacity requires adaptive fiber circuit design. Helix Engineering fiber circuit design uses custom-made tools to create front-end documentation that improves project efficiency.

Electrical Drafting

Helix Engineering electrical drafting establishes the detailed drawings, diagrams and schematics that accurately represent electrical components and systems. A vital visual tool for project stakeholders, these renderings ensure the efficient and safe operation of electrical systems while complying with your industry’s regulations and standards. Our teamwork, technology, strong professional relationships and experience with diverse project variables combine to efficiently complete your project.

Engineering Design: The Power of Current-Day Programs

Today’s engineering design offers powerful technology for representing an engineer’s most precise, informed and strategic ideas and solutions. Helix Engineering engineers reinforce their experience, knowledge and skill with state-of-the-art software such as:

• AutoCAD® – a CAD drafting application for efficiently creating and editing designs and digital images in both 2D and 3D. By eliminating the need for manual design, it frees engineering to focus on ideation and automation of the execution process.
• MicroStation® – a CAD drafting application for creating 2D and 3D vector-graphics objects and elements, including building information (BIM) features. It is the CAD drafting software for infrastructure design that brings a project vision to life.
• IKE Office – a cloud-based software platform for measuring and managing utility poles with precision and ease. It is often used for field-data collection, quality control and integration with various systems and formats.
• TED/CEGIS – a combination of two software applications for power-distribution engineering and design, such as for field surveys, distribution-system designs and managing assets. (TED: Transmission Engineering Design; CEGIS: ComEd Geographic Information System)
• Alden One® – a utility software and business automation platform that connects utility-asset owners, attachers and engineering and construction firms to streamline processes and allow communication inside and outside of an organization. The automation saves time and adds control and clarity to joint-use asset management.

Engineering Design: The Helix Client-Service Model

Helix Engineering achieves consistent results for varying project factors by approaching each objective with a thorough procedural profile.

1. Define the Problem
   What is the problem that needs to be solved? Whom will the solution serve, and why is it important?
2. Establish Criteria & Constraints
   Establish the project requirements as well as any variables that may constrain or challenge the work.
3. Brainstorm Possible Solutions
   Develop solution concepts and establish the greatest possibilities based on the project criteria and challenges.
4. Select the Approach
   Once the concept options have been assessed, determine which approach will best meet the requirements.
5. Develop the Design Proposal
   Prepare the project proposal for the client’s review and approval.
6. Define & Delegate Assignments
   With the proposal approved, coordinate the point people and specialists for project execution.
7. Coordinate & Monitor Progress
   Ensure that construction correlates with design specifications through project-team meetings and correspondence. This includes verification of project compliance, costs and safety.
8. Project Completion & Beyond
   Finish the project according to the iterative process and continue communicating about the results. Maintain open channels for adjustments based on new or changing factors.

Engineering Design for Project Success & Precision: Contact Helix Today

With our knowledge, experience and technology behind you, you gain the ideas, data and guidance you need for making sound decisions and use of project resources. Contact us at (815) 714-9776 to further discuss how you can save back-office time, money and effort with Helix engineering design on your team.