ASCE has honored George R. Ruchti Jr., M.ASCE, with the 2020 Stephen D. Bechtel Pipeline Engineering Award for his many contributions in the field of pipe material engineering, research and evaluation, and pipeline engineering and construction, and for his work on national committees and organizations.
Along with a lifetime of service, one of Ruchti’s most valuable contributions to the pipelines industry has been his unique ability to educate owners, engineers and contractors on the pipeline design and installation process in a manner that everyone could understand – success through simplicity. This approach created major pipeline projects that could be implemented in the field with minimal complications. Through this focus on collaboration among all stakeholders early in the process, Ruchti has delivered superior pipeline design work and helped to facilitate manufacturing and construction on many high-profile projects.
His willingness and dedication – and taking the time necessary to ensure success throughout all aspects of the project – are what built his impeccable reputation in the industry.
As a steward for the profession, Ruchti has many accomplishments across a full spectrum of the industry, including pipeline enhancements that were patented in the 1970s and are still utilized today. He blazed a trail for the adoption of the use of steel pipelines, leading to installation of hundreds of miles along the East Coast. His influence was extensive and included design, manufacturing, installation and long-term protection.
Besides authoring and presenting many technical papers, Ruchti has volunteered thousands of hours on numerous committees, and served five years on the ASCE Pipelines Executive Committee, chairing it in 2004. He was the co-chair at the 1999 ASCE Pipeline Conference in Denver along with being on the Steering Committee for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 ASCE Pipeline Conferences. His outstanding performance within the industry has been highlighted with the receipt of multiple industry awards through the years.
The Stephen D. Bechtel Pipeline Engineering Award recognizes outstanding achievements by a member of ASCE who, through research, planning, design or construction, has advanced the art, science and technology of pipeline engineering.
