ReEngineering the Engineer: Times Change: Don’t Be the Cranky Old Neighbor
My wife and I moved into our current home about two years after we were married and, coincidentally, just as we found out she was pregnant with our first of two daughters. It was located at the end of a street outside Charlotte in a neighborhood of 25 homes. We were the “new kids on the block” then. Almost all the families living here had already done their time; their kids were grown, and they were enjoying their “golden years.” There was an active homeowners’ association. Although the commu...
From the Editor: Be Proud To Be a Civil Engineer
Through the years of writing this column, I’ve mentioned a few times the feeling an engineer may have (at least I have) of creating a project that has a lasting impact on society. I have asked you, the readers, to send some examples of projects you were proud to be part of. Some responses included work on the Brooklyn Bridge, rehabilitation of historic structures and designing amazing bridges over major waterways—all great projects I would’ve loved to work on. Humble Bragging Early in my c...
Executive Corner: 2021 End of Summer Executive Outlook
As the disruption of the COVID-19 virus continues to factor into everyday decisions, A/E leaders across the country continue to take on the challenges of running their firms. We recently connected with two more CEOs to glean insights as to what they’re facing today. We asked how they’re handling office-reopening efforts, which client and business opportunities are emerging, and how the pandemic is shaping them as leaders. Gido: Tell us about FGM Architects and your capabilities and markets....
Thoughts From Engineers: Climate Report Issues Bleak Predictions
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the “Sixth Assessment Report” on the quantifiable science behind climate change on Aug. 7, 2021. Sponsored by the United Nations (UN), the report (found at bit.ly/3l4L4jQ) represents the collective effort of more than 200 climate scientists from around the globe who have used advanced analytical tools and complex models to develop the most-current assessment along with future projections. Since the report’s initial publication in 1...
Infrastructure Outlook: EPD: Green Goals with HSS
There’s a growing push for the building industry to reduce embodied carbon and greenhouse-gas emissions to slow global-warming effects. This is evident in the passing of the Buy Clean California Act (BCCA) requiring any projects entering contracts with the state of California use construction materials that fall under maximum embodied carbon thresholds. Those who don’t work in California may have breathed a sigh of relief, but this legislation has gained momentum in other states and potentially...
Transportation Troubleshooting: America Uses 50-Year-Old Guidelines To Inspect Bridges in 21st Century
Every government experiences a “feel good” moment upon announcing infrastructure spending plans. President Joe Biden’s proposed infrastructure budget, like previous infrastructure plans, includes significant funding for “transportation infrastructure” such as bridges. True enough, statistics point to an increasingly grave situation concerning the U.S. bridge network. The 2021 Bridge Condition Report produced by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) states that acco...
ReEngineering the Engineer: Longing for the Good Ol’ Days of Engineering
I was recently talking with a friend of mine in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) side of the industry. Several years ago, they acquired a small structural component to their office in a merger with another firm, and he was surprised by the quantity of software this little contingent needed on a regular basis. The MEP team really only used two software: something for BIM and something for their HVAC analysis. The structural folks had BIM software but also a slew of other software: so...
Sustainable Infrastructure: Informed Path To Net Zero: From Building Design to Operation
Greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions are agreed to be the culprit that shifts global weather patterns, threatens climate systems and endangers human health. Long-term effects of GHGs only can be reversed by global proactive actions focused on emission reduction. The Paris Climate Agreement is one such solution, wherein 200 countries worldwide signed an initiative to keep rising temperatures below 1.5°C. Net zero is the first goal to reduce and reverse climate change. The definition of net zero vari...
From The Editor: Climate Change Now Is ‘The Issue’
My October 2020 column was titled “Engineers Need to Lead the Way on Climate Change Mitigation,” and I tried to make the point that our profession has a responsibility to maintain an environment that’s best for the world, and we need to do more than just sit back and watch. I also noted that many areas were reporting improved climate conditions due to the fact that more people were staying home because of the pandemic, and there was hope we could continue some of that progress. This morning,...
Executive Corner: 2021 Mid-Year Executive Outlook
As the disruption and severity of the global pandemic continues to fade, A/E leaders across the country are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities left in its wake. I recently connected with several CEOs from coast to coast for our annual Mid-Year Outlook to glean insights as to what they’re facing today. I asked how they’re handling office-reopening efforts, which client and business opportunities are emerging, how the pandemic shaped them as leaders, and what their plans are for the...
Video: Crashes Drop Measurably After Rural Road Safety Improvement Project on US 521 in Lancaster County
AdventHealth Weaverville Hospital
June Issue 2026
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