I often ask audiences if they’ve read the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Code of Standard Practice. As I do so, I picture the oil-filter commercial Fram used to run, with one mechanic who changes oil and another who rebuilds engines. “You…
The Village at Westfield Topanga: Strict Runoff Regulations Require Creative Solution
In 1964, the first enclosed shopping mall in California opened its doors. Located in Canoga Park, a neighborhood in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley,…
Future Forward Interview: Advancing Construction Monitoring
Mani Golparvar-Fard is assistant professor of Civil Engineering and Computer Science as well as the director of the Real-time and Automated Monitoring…
Change Leader Interview: Pursuing P3 Partnerships
Skanska is a global construction and development company with a long history of public-private partnerships (P3) to design, build and operate large infrastructure projects. The company is working on the I-4 Ultimate Project in Orlando, Fla., which currently…
Change Leader: Pursuing P3 Partnerships
Skanska is a global construction and development company with a long history of public-private partnerships (P3) to design, build and operate large infrastructure projects. The company is working on the I-4 Ultimate Project in Orlando, Fla., which currently…
Future Forward: Advancing Construction Monitoring
Mani Golparvar-Fard is associate professor of Civil Engineering and Computer Science as well as the director of the Real-time and Automated Monitoring and Control (RAAMAC) lab at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His award-winning work in the area…
Final Thoughts: Looking Backwards and Forwards
With 45 years in civil engineering behind me, I have the experience (or at least the tenure) to look back and reflect—as long as my memory doesn’t fail me. But I want to start by looking back even further than I can remember. Lasting Structures My wife…
Code Update: New Los Angeles Seismic Ordinance Will Save Lives … and a City
As a structural engineer working with governments and communities worldwide as they struggle to face earthquake disasters, I’ve repeatedly seen tragedies unfold after catastrophic earthquakes. Most often, these cities were not ready. From the loss of historic…
Executive Corner: Is the End Near for Traditional Management/Ownership Structures?
There’s no doubt about it; attitudes regarding ownership, particularly among younger generations, are changing. Why own a car when, with the touch of your iPhone, you can summon an Uber or Lyft driver to take you where you want to go? Why own a house or…
Engineer Spotlight: Small Changes for Women: Big Improvements for the Engineering Profession
In the last few years, there’s been much discussion of “Women in (fill in the blank).” Why are these topics so important? And what can be improved for women in engineering to better the profession? Much debate focuses on how women’s careers may be…
