Engineered Solutions: Transcending Time - Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Provides Solution to Combat Corrosion on Bridges Old and New
Sponsored by: The world is a very different place today than it was in 1966—a time of space exploration, computers the size of an entire room, and color TVs being a new phenomenon. In addition to these scientific and technological advancements, there was an important infrastructure innovation in the United States: the first hot-dip galvanized bridge was built. The 420-foot Stearns Bayou Bridge in Grand Haven, Mich., opened on Aug. 31, 1966, replacing the old, one-lane wooden structur...
New Tricks Result in Treat for I-95 Commuters: Collaboration Key to Early Project Completion
On Halloween, Oct. 31, 2017, commuters who use the heavily congested I-95/395 highway in Virginia received a special treat: a new 2-mile-long reversible express lane that would significantly ease congestion on the heavily travelled interstate. Although they surely appreciated reduced slowdowns, more-navigable merges and lane changes, and ultimately a shorter commute, most were unaware of the coordinated teamwork that took place behind the scenes to make the treat a reality. Project Genesis a...
Future Forward: Creating a ‘New Power Landscape’
This page profiles innovative and impactful applied research in civil and structural engineering to spur continuing thought and dialog to create a better industry. These profiles are based on interviews, and the opinions and statements are those of the subject and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by this publication. Jason Abiecunas is associate vice president, responsible for distributed energy resources services at Black & Veatch. Evolving Energy Systems “For students getting...
Future Forward Full Interview: Creating a ‘New Power Landscape’
This page profiles innovative and impactful applied research and development in civil and structural engineering to spur continuing thought and dialog to create a better industry. These profiles are based on interviews, and the opinions and statements are those of the subject and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by this publication. Jason Abiecunas is associate vice president and director of distributed energy resources at Black & Veatch. V1 Media: Please provide a brief backgrou...
Final Thoughts: Project Management Often About ‘Common Sense’
I begin this column knowing I may offend some people in project management, because my contention is that project management of engineering projects isn’t that complicated. Project management relies on common sense we all use every day in our lives (with some additional paperwork). Managing a project can be simple and requires sound practical judgement. I think about when I was much younger and was preparing to build a model car. A step-by-step process might look like the following: • Decide w...
ReEngineering the Engineer: Patience Is a Virtue
My dad passed away about a year and a half ago. Being the oldest of three children, it was my task to help put together the eulogy for the service. I knew I wouldn’t be the one reading it (those types of potentially emotional talks are not in my repertoire), but I wanted to capture some of the things our family remembered about him. I ended up soliciting the grandkids (and my two siblings), asking them what one thing they remembered most about their grandfather. Fortunately, there was plenty of...
Infrastructure Digitization: Two Industry Analysts Discuss Recent Tech Efforts from Autodesk and Bentley
Three Trends Defining Industrialized Construction By Drew Buechley On the main stage of Autodesk University 2017 in Las Vegas, Jim Lynch, vice president of the Autodesk Building Products Group, highlighted Autodesk’s increased focus on the industrialization of construction. It was clear that a convergence of manufacturing and construction processes was happening. In the next few years, this convergence will radically change the way we design buildings, build components, as...
Optimal Surroundings: Engineering Is Critical to Optimize a Fabric Building for Your Application
Rigid-frame engineering allows for precise building dimensions to be calculated and applied based on the equipment being housed. By Jeff Williams and Scott Jones Nobody enjoys being forced into a decision. We usually like to consider our options, and the best option of all (of course) is getting something exactly the way we like it. Eating at a restaurant is a perfect example. Although most menus will have a wide selection of great entrée choices, many of us may prefer t...
Staying on Track: CSX Leads a Reline for Timber-Beam Bridges in Georgia
CSX Corp., together with its subsidiaries based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the nation’s leading transportation suppliers. For nearly 190 years, CSX has played a critical role in economic expansion and industrial development across the eastern United States and into parts of Canada. With more than 2,700 miles of rail track and more than 2 million carloads handled in the state of Georgia alone, CSX maintains a busy schedule transporting loads along those lines as well as maintaining and ins...
Legal Issues: When (and How) Should a Mediator Evaluate a Case?
Construction is a rewarding business, but it’s also challenging and risky. Most larger projects involve dozens of companies, complex design and construction issues, compressed schedules, and tight budgets. So despite efforts to avoid them, it’s not surprising that construction has its share of legal claims and disputes that can distract management and staff, destroy business relationships, and damage the bottom line. Mediation can help resolve construction and other business disputes quickly an...
Stormwater Interview with Robert Page, P.E., Vice President, HNTB
Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail Expansion
February Issue 2026
