Recent advances in concrete reinforcement technology have led to the availability of high strength (as high as 100 ksi) and large diameter (as large as 3.5 inch diameter) reinforcing bars for concrete structures. These bars are available with thread-like deformation patterns that permit the use of complimentary connection and anchoring hardware, and facilitate prefabrication of large reinforcing cages. …
Yearly Archives : 2014
The move toward structural licensure is well underway in the state of Florida. The Florida Structural Engineers Association (FSEA) will be proposing legislation to the Florida Senate and House of Representatives in 2015 to establish the SE license.
Many articles have appeared in various publications making the case for structural licensure. …
eSPAN140 Facilitates Speedy Concept-to-Completion
In late 2013, Iowa’s Buchanan County engineers teamed with academia and industry to launch the V65 Jesup South Bridge Demonstration Project with the goal of illustrating the advantages of the eSPAN140 short span steel bridge design tool to accelerate steel bridge design and construction. …
The New NY Bridge Project
The Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing (or “New NY Bridge”) is perhaps the largest and most challenging bridge project currently under construction in the US. The project includes two parallel, 3.1 mile-long bridges crossing the Hudson River between Rockland and Westchester Counties, approximately 25 miles north of New York City. …
Oct, 2014
Michael D. LaViolette, P.E.
Feature
Malaysia is a country which became independent from the British is 1957 and has been developing its economy and infrastructure ever since. Malaysia is the 3rd largest economy in Southeast Asia and 29th worldwide based upon exports of natural and agricultural resources and petroleum. It has a large manufacturing sector; however, one of the economic goals is to increase tourism. …
Oct, 2014
Peter Davis
Feature
Erecting a Long Single Span Curved Steel Girder Bridge
In 2009, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority began work on a 35 mile widening from Exit 8A to Exit 6 consisting of extending the dualization of the roadway for car and truck lanes. The finished roadway will consist of six (6) lanes in each direction. Five (5) interchanges were reconstructed and/or reconfigured, along with the replacement or widening of all bridges along the route. …
Oct, 2014
Michael H. Marks, P.E.
Feature
Wood frame construction utilizing traditional and engineered wood products is the predominant method of building homes and apartments in the United States. Increasingly, wood framing is also being used in commercial and industrial buildings due to its economy and architectural flexibility. Wood frame buildings are economical to build in a wide range of climate zones. …
The Devil is in the Details
The Design-Build concept is gaining increased acceptance, and there’s no doubt it’s a seductive option to a cost-conscious building owner. Who wouldn’t want to shave off the direct cost of professional design fees? After all, a building’s a building, isn’t it, and it’ll come with a warranty, won’t it? Hey, the contractor promised to deliver a total package and understands my needs. …
What makes a bridge (or any other structure) sustainable? The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) defines sustainability as, “A set of environmental, economic and social conditions in which all of society has the capacity and opportunity to maintain and improve its quality of life indefinitely without degrading the quantity, quality or availability of natural, economic, and social resources.” …
Challenges and Opportunities
There are many benefits to a diverse workforce of structural engineers. The representation of multiple perspectives and experiences in the workplace has shown to enhance innovation, creativity, knowledge, and productivity (NAS 2006). Even so, less than 15% of civil engineers are women and less than 20% are nonwhite. …