Although it may come as a surprise to some, a few communities in the United States must work harder and invest more to secure clean drinking water every day. In a particularly bone-dry part of the country, one municipality has been working on a thorny water-supply…
From the Editor: Inspiration from Comic Books, Construction and Pencils
When I was 15 years old, I decided I wanted to be an engineer. It was 1985, and I had just read the March issue of OMNI magazine, “Special Edition:…
ReEngineering the Engineer: Don’t Overuse Boilerplate Specs and Details in Engineering Documents
In fall 2018, I was asked to go to a meeting to help one of our clients. It was a small project but rather unique: a 100-foot-long structure to support…
Final Thoughts: The Reasons for Speed Bumps on the Road and in Life
Speed bump—the new term might be speed hump or traffic-calming device. Whatever they’re called, we’ve all come across them. Most of the time, speed bumps have a specific purpose, and they’re usually effective. Speed bumps cause you to slow down and…
Infrastructure Outlook: How Location Intelligence Can Accelerate High-Speed Rail
When it comes to updating and innovating our nation’s infrastructure, the challenges involve much more than just construction. Environmental, safety, and other regulatory concerns require developers to ensure that each aspect of the project goes through…
Code Update: New Manual Simplifies Steel Deck on Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design
Although cold-formed steel (CFS) trusses and steel deck applications have been available for years, many designers continue to use either plywood deck on CFS trusses or design steel deck applications in the same way they would plywood, without taking full…
Project Management Insights: Setting Goals that Get Results
We are nearing the end of the year, and firms soon will be asking personnel to establish their goals for the new year. Although sometimes tiresome, it is an important exercise—especially for firms that are learning organizations, tie incentive compensation…
From the Editor: Who Will Build the Infrastructure We Need?
Back in 2016, both presidential candidates promised a massive spending bill to rebuild America’s aging infrastructure. In February 2018, the White House released what it referred to as a “blueprint” that would invest $250 billion in public funds, with…
Thoughts from Engineers: Initial Reactions from the Water Infrastructure Act of 2018
America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA 2018) or S. 3021 was signed into law by President Trump on Oct. 23, 2018, and outlines an ambitious course of action with respect to the nation’s navigable waterways and built water infrastructure. (To read…
Executive Corner: Passing the Torch: Succession Planning Fundamentals for A/E Firms
With a huge number of baby-boomer leaders preparing to retire, we’re witnessing the next generation of industry CEOs being promoted to lead their firms. Almost every week, we see press releases showcasing new A/E CEOs taking the reins from their predecessors—the…
