The Magazine of the American Society of Civil Engineers
March/April 2021

Feature

Modern roundabouts boost traffic safety and efficiency

The modern roundabout keeps traffic moving more safely and efficiently. Studies even credit these roundabouts with reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Engineers use hydropower from Red Rock Dam to generate clean and reliable electricity

Red Rock Dam was not designed to generate hydroelectric power. But engineers overcame all challenges to adapt the facility to produce clean power.

ASCE’s 2021 report card marks the nation’s infrastructure progress

The nation’s infrastructure received an overall cumulative grade of C-, according to ASCE’s recently released 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.

Performance-based seismic design succeeds in Turkey

The design of the Başakşehir Pine and Sakura City Hospital in Istanbul, the largest base-isolated structure in the world, is the result of creative, blue-sky thinking.

One highway solved three problems outside Austin, Texas

Workers needed a faster commute to Austin, Texas. Local residents needed commuters to stay off their neighborhood roads. Engineers needed to avoid an aquifer. The solution? A higher highway.

ASCE 2020 Annual Report executive summary: Strength and resilience in the face of adversity

2020 was an eventful year for the world and for ASCE. Although there will be challenges, we are ready to equip the civil engineering leaders of tomorrow.
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Technology

Micro-hydropower project launched in Oregon

An innovative micro-hydropower system in use in Hillsboro, Oregon, will help generate clean, renewable electricity.

History Lesson

The last piece of the Interstate Highway System may have been the toughest

A segment of I-70 in Colorado completed the nation’s largest and most complex infrastructure project: the Interstate Highway System.

Fast Forward

AI-driven building facade will learn and ‘improve’ itself

A 53-story tower, dubbed Vertical Oasis, will be capable of harnessing nature through a combination of factors such as renewable energy harvesting and AI.

A Question of Ethics

Equitable and inclusive behavior are mandates in ASCE’s new code of ethics

An ASCE member tells offensive jokes about women while at a conference. How does the member's behavior stack up against ASCE's new code of ethics?

The Law

Verbal acknowledgments are not always reliable

An owner's officer thought a contractor's differing site condition claim would be recoverable. A court saw it differently.

Next Step

Young engineer recovers nicely from a pandemic layoff

By making a step-by-step plan and following it carefully, Daniel Bressler, EIT, A.M.ASCE, landed a new job in just a few weeks.

Higher Learning

Engagement and commitment are hallmarks of transportation engineering course at Oregon State University

David S. Hurwitz, Ph.D., EIT, A.M.ASCE, a professor at Oregon State University, is committed to creating an engaging online experience for students.

Wish I'd Known

There is great value in mentorship and networking

Randell H. Iwasaki, P.E., M.ASCE, had a long career in the transportation field, one that greatly benefited from the encouragement of others.

At a Glance

2021 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering: By the numbers

The 2021 ASCE New Faces of Civil Engineering boast impressive resumes and accomplishments.

7 Questions

How to prepare for – and succeed in- conversations with the media

Maribel Castillo, vice president and director of corporate communications at T.Y. Lin International, discusses interacting with the media.

President's Note

How does ASCE work?

Members and staff work together to ensure ASCE will soar to new heights.

Editor's Note

Funding and innovation are required in equal measure

ASCE's 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure highlights the need for the types of innovations civil engineers provide.