UNR Renovators | Civil Engineering Capstone

About UNR Renovators

UNR Renovators is a civil engineering capstone team from the University of Nevada, Reno. Our team brings together expertise in structural design, hydrology, transportation engineering, geotechnical analysis, and construction management to deliver practical, community-focused infrastructure solutions.

As part of the CEE 426/427 Capstone Design sequence, we work on real-world engineering challenges under the guidance of professional mentors and faculty advisors. Our approach combines rigorous technical analysis with a commitment to safety, sustainability, and constructability.

4 Team Members

5 Engineering Disciplines

2026 Graduating Class

Meet the Team

Four civil engineering students bringing diverse skills and experience to infrastructure design.

Current Project

Rock Boulevard Rehabilitation

A comprehensive drainage and roadway reconstruction project addressing chronic flooding, traffic safety, and infrastructure reliability along Rock Boulevard in Sparks, Nevada.

$1.65M Estimated Cost

Sparks, NV Location

Spring 2026 Completion

City of Sparks Client

View Project Details

Purpose & Need

The Problem

Rock Boulevard in Sparks, Nevada is a critical north–south transportation corridor connecting industrial, commercial, and residential areas near the Interstate 80 interchange. The segment between Hymer Avenue and Victorian Avenue passes beneath a Union Pacific Railroad bridge where the roadway profile creates a low point that is highly susceptible to stormwater ponding and roadway flooding.

During heavy rain events, this underpass frequently experiences closures, unsafe driving conditions, and traffic congestion. Two documented flooding events in July and August 2025 resulted in complete closure of the underpass, requiring emergency response and traffic rerouting.

Existing Conditions

Undersized Drainage: Existing pump capacity of ~10–12 cfs vs. required capacity of ~108 cfs
Traffic Safety: 9 serious crashes documented over 5 years along the corridor
Constrained Geometry: Tight turning radii, limited lane widths, and substandard features near Crane Way and I-80 ramps
Economic Disruption: Flood closures cost the City of Sparks time, money, and operational efficiency

Project Vicinity Map - Rock Boulevard near I-80 interchange, Sparks, NV

Project vicinity — Rock Boulevard near the I-80 interchange, Sparks, NV

Scope of Design

Three design alternatives were analyzed. Alternative 1: Drainage and Road Reconstruction was selected as the preferred solution based on a weighted decision matrix evaluating flood mitigation, traffic safety, cost, technical feasibility, environmental impact, and service life.

Selected

Alternative 1: Drainage & Road Reconstruction

~$1.65M

Regrading + runoff interception
New vertical retaining wall
Green infrastructure (permeable landscaping with shrubs and rock)
Slotted drains across roadway
Precast pump station replacement
Drainage system upgrades
Most feasible within existing right-of-way

Weighted Score: 4.5 / 5

Alternative 2: Railroad Tunnel

~$9.3M

Lower UPRR by 20–25 ft
Raise Rock Blvd
1,250 ft approaches at 2% grade
High disruption & UPRR coordination

Weighted Score: 3.6 / 5

Alternative 3: Underground Detention Basin

~$4.8M

Storage ~2.37M gallons
Controlled 20 cfs outflow
Multiple-tank system
Deep excavation increases risk

Weighted Score: 4.03 / 5

Design Scope by Discipline

Hydraulic & Hydrologic Analysis

Stormwater runoff evaluation, drainage system capacity analysis, precast pump station selection, slotted drain design, and green infrastructure sizing using NOAA Atlas 14 and Rational Method.

Structural Design

20-ft cast-in-place reinforced concrete cantilever retaining wall replacing the existing angled wall, enabling roadway widening and improved drainage control.

Transportation Design

Roadway regrading, WB-67 turning analysis, lane configuration improvements, green infrastructure integration, and traffic signal modernization.

Geotechnical Evaluation

Subsurface soil analysis, pavement section design, foundation requirements, and evaluation of alluvial deposits for construction suitability.

Design Criteria

Structural

Wall Type	Cast-in-place cantilever
Wall Height	20 ft
Concrete Strength (f'c)	4,000 psi
Reinforcing Steel (fy)	60 ksi
Soil Unit Weight	120 pcf
Bearing Pressure	3,000 psf
Sliding FS	≥ 1.5
Overturning FS	≥ 2.0

ACI 318 • NDOT Structural Specs • AASHTO LRFD

Hydrology & Drainage

Design Storm (Primary)	25-Year Event
Rainfall Intensity (25-yr)	2.86 in/hr
Peak Runoff (Q25)	42.77 cfs
Runoff Coefficient	0.91
Method	Rational Method
Conveyance	Manning's Equation

NDOT Drainage Manual • FHWA HEC-22 • NOAA Atlas 14

Transportation

Design Vehicle	WB-67 (AASHTO)
Posted Speed	30 mph
Lane Width	12 ft
Stopping Sight Distance	≥ 200 ft
Lateral Clearance	1.75 ft each side

AASHTO Green Book • MUTCD • NDOT Standards

Engineering Concepts & Skills Applied

Structural Engineering

Rankine Active Earth Pressure Theory for lateral loading analysis. Cantilever retaining wall design including stability checks for sliding, overturning, and bearing capacity. Reinforced concrete design per ACI 318 with shear key and drainage provisions.

Water Resources & Hydrology

Rational Method for peak runoff estimation. Manning's Equation for storm drain capacity. Precast pump station selection and performance evaluation. Slotted drain sizing for roadway runoff interception. Water Quality Volume (WQv) compliance verification. Multi-event storm analysis (25, 50, and 100-year).

Transportation Engineering

Stopping Sight Distance verification per AASHTO Green Book. WB-67 design vehicle turning analysis. Lane configuration and intersection geometry optimization. Traffic signal modernization. Green infrastructure integration along widened roadway.

Geotechnical Engineering

Soil classification using USCS and AASHTO systems. Web Soil Survey data interpretation. Foundation design for retaining wall systems. Evaluation of alluvial deposits for construction suitability and groundwater considerations.

Environmental & Sustainability

Stormwater quality treatment and erosion control. Green infrastructure design using permeable landscaping with native shrubs and rock for infiltration and runoff reduction. Best Management Practices for construction. Sustainability evaluation across economic, social, and environmental metrics.

Project Management & Cost Analysis

Multi-alternative feasibility comparison using weighted decision matrix. Engineer's cost estimation with itemized quantities. Project scheduling with Gantt chart milestones for Innovation Day presentation.

Construction Details

Key specifications from the 7-sheet engineering drawing set (C000–C401) for the Rock Boulevard rehabilitation.

Retaining Wall (C400)

Wall Types	Type 1A, Type 1B/1C, Type 2
Reinforcement	No. 5 @ 18″ top & bottom
Clear Cover	2″ typical
Batter	1:12
Min. Cover	4″ min at base
Key Bar & Shear Key	No. 5 equally spaced

Curb, Gutter & Sidewalk (C401)

P.C.C. Strength	4,000 psi min (28 day)
Aggregate Base	4″ min, 95% relative compaction
Sidewalk Joint Spacing	Every 5 ft — weakened plane joints
Curb & Gutter Joints	Every 10 ft, back/top/face of curb
Standard Details	City of Sparks S-103, S-109

Roadway & Site (C002/C003)

Existing Pavement	4″ AC on 8″ aggregate base
Asphalt Spec	PG64-28NV, 2″–4″ lifts
Storm Drain Pipe	Class III RCP, watertight joints
Proposed Width	32 ft roadway + 12 ft lane + 6 ft sidewalk
Key Improvements	New pump station, retaining wall, slotted drains, rock & shrubbery

Community Impact

The Rock Boulevard Rehabilitation Project directly addresses the safety, mobility, and economic needs of the Sparks community. By resolving recurring flooding and improving roadway infrastructure, this project delivers meaningful benefits to the people and businesses that depend on this corridor every day.

2

Major Flooding Events

Documented in July and August 2025, each requiring emergency response and full road closure.

9

Serious Injuries (5 Years)

Crash history highlights the need for improved geometry, turning radii, and signage.

~10x

Capacity Deficit

Existing pump capacity (~10–12 cfs) vs. required capacity (~108 cfs) during storm events.

Key Benefits to the Community

Reduced Flood Risk: Upgraded drainage, slotted drains, green infrastructure, and a new precast pump station prevent underpass flooding
Safer Roads: Wider lanes, improved turning radii, modern traffic signals, and better signage reduce crash risk
Reliable Access: Eliminating flood closures ensures consistent access for commuters, freight, and emergency vehicles
Green Features: Permeable landscaping areas with shrubs and rock improve stormwater infiltration and roadside aesthetics
Economic Resilience: Reliable infrastructure supports local businesses, industry, and the regional freight network
Long-Term Sustainability: Green infrastructure and stormwater BMPs improve environmental performance

Design Visuals

Engineering drawings, renderings, and design schematics illustrating the proposed Rock Boulevard improvements.

Rendered visualization of completed Rock Boulevard Rehabilitation showing new retaining wall, rock and shrubbery landscaping, slotted drains, and UPRR underpass

Project Rendering — Completed Rock Boulevard looking south toward UPRR underpass

C000 - Cover Sheet with Vicinity Map and Project Information

C000 — Cover Sheet & Vicinity Map

Project Vicinity Map

C002 — Existing Site Plan

C003 — Proposed Site Plan

C400 - Typical Retaining Wall Details showing Type 1A, Type 1B/1C, and Type 2 cross sections

C400 — Retaining Wall Details (Type 1A, 1B/1C, Type 2)

C401 - Typical Curb and Gutter Details with Sidewalk Detail S-103 and P.C.C. Curb & Gutter S-109

C401 — Curb & Gutter Details (S-103, S-109)

Project Video

Prepared for the University of Nevada, Reno College of Engineering.