Final Thoughts: Bridges: Overcoming Gaps Literally and Metaphorically
The main theme of this issue of Informed Infrastructure is “bridges,” which allow people to cross rivers that used to be barriers. They provide a way to span a gap or valley rather than travel long distances around them. Bridges allow different modes of transportation to operate in the same space; connect areas previously separated; and offer opportunities for innovation in design and construction. These structures—often taken for granted—also can be admired simply for their beautiful shape or f...
From the Editor: Variety and the Growth of Community
Infrastructure Week (May 15-19; infrastructureweek.org) was recently held in Washington, D.C., and several other cities across the United States. Infrastructure Week was founded and is led by a bipartisan Steering Committee that includes leading business groups, think tanks, unions and professional organizations. The week-long series of events hopes to raise national awareness of the need to invest in U.S. infrastructure, and it kicked off at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with panel discussions a...
Executive Corner: It’s Critical to Understand Why a Project Is Valuable
Effective architecture and engineering (A/E) firm leadership starts with the understanding that we’re in the business of delivering projects, and these projects are managed and delivered by people. To effectively run the business, leaders need clear and reliable data on their people and projects. For this installment of “Executive Corner,” Russ Ryan, principal at Rusk O’Brien Gido + Partners (email: [email protected]) interviews JJ Brantingham, co-founder at Planifi, project performance and...
Structural Solutions: Nuggets of Wisdom for Engineers Young and Old, Part 1
If you haven’t been to the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) NASCC Steel Conference, you really need to go. It’s not just about the PDHs; there’s an awful lot to learn. The day-to-day “busy-ness” of running a company takes me out of the loop sometimes (well, most of the time), but it’s important to stay on top of what’s going on in the steel world, particularly because many of our projects are steel. AISC and the steel conference have historically been advocates for educating yo...
From the Editor: Infrastructure Report Card Again Near Failing
Like for many students across the country, my kids’ school semester ended earlier this year. They each worked hard, doing their homework, studying for quizzes and tests, and preparing for finals. Also, like most kids, they would rather be spending their time doing almost anything else instead of school work. All You Have to Fear Is … Setting aside attendance mandates from parents and state authorities, why do most kids go to school and try to get good grades? Before they’re mature enough t...
Infrastructure Outlook: User Beware: Energy Code Not Always a Helpful ‘How To’
The cornerstone of sustainable design is simple: don’t waste energy, water or gas. Do the most with the least. In fact, this is the mantra for all businesses that compete in capital markets where continually stretching dollars is a must. Energy conservation is certainly a principled pursuit and worthy cause. It’s imperative we do all we can to minimize consumption of nonrenewable resources. However, there are times when conservation costs more than it’s worth. The Energy Code of Choice...
Code Update: Guidance for Structural Fire Engineering Making Its Debut
The International Code Council (ICC) approved—as expected—the updated structural building-design standard, written by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), for inclusion in the 2018 edition of the ICC’s model International Building Code. ICC’s validation committee certified “ASCE/SEI 7-16: Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures,” and ICC’s board of directors confirmed it in January 2017, says Mike Pfeiffer,...
Future Forward: When In Doubt, Damp It Out
This page profiles innovative and impactful applied research in civil and structural engineering. Douglas P. Taylor is president of Taylor Devices, which manufactures seismic dampers that protect structures during events such as earthquakes and high winds. He is inventor or co-inventor of 34 patents in the fields of energy management, hydraulics and shock isolation. In 2015, NASA and the Space Foundation inducted him into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. Organization Taylor De...
Change Leader: 3D Modeling Delivers Widespread Benefits
Kevin Schlereth is a senior design application specialist at HNTB, an architecture, engineering, planning and construction services firm founded more than 100 years ago. A registered professional engineer, he works with subject-matter experts who specialize in civil engineering software and digital scenarios, providing project development, training and support services. He has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Ohio University. Change HNTB is an infrastructure solutions firm ser...
Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Women in Engineering: Moving from Ground Zero
I have more years of experience than any woman engineer who I have worked with. Let that sink in … This wording is true, because when I started my career in 1971, there were no women engineers in the workforce at the Indiana Department of Transportation. And I have never been fortunate enough to come across any of the “pioneers” of women in civil engineering since I started working. I mention this only to say that during my working career, although the number of women in engineering has greatly...
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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