| News for and about the civil engineering community |  |
| Industry News |  |  |
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- Corps starts $695M flood-wall project in New Orleans
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers broke ground Thursday on a $695 million project to build two miles of flood walls in New Orleans. It's the Corps' largest design-build civil works project, and will protect storm surges from flowing into the 9th Ward, as happened with Hurricane Katrina. "This is territory we must defend, and we must defend it with all of our ingenuity," said John Paul Woodley Jr., the Army's assistant secretary for civil works. The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)/The Associated Press
(12/4)     
- D.C. Metrorail extension approved by Federal Transit Administration
The Federal Transit Administration has approved the $5.2 billion Virginia extension of Metrorail to Tysons Corner and Dulles International Airport, reversing its position on the project. The extension still needs approval from the DOT and the Office of Management and Budget, but observers say the funding is now almost guaranteed. If approved, it is expected to ease traffic congestion in the area. The Washington Post
(12/4)
- Boston approves two new towers despite some objections
Officials in Boston this week approved two new high-rise buildings expected to cost $321 million. They will become the final new buildings in the city's Prudential Center. Some lawmakers and residents opposed construction because of the height of the buildings, which are 17 and 27 stories. The project will include office and retail spaces on the ground floors. The Boston Globe (free registration)
(12/5)
| Technology and Trends | | |
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- Demand for BMI soars on strong performance results
More architects, engineers and contractors are demanding Building Information Modeling, according to a McGraw-Hill Construction report. BMI's positive effect on productivity, communication and competition is driving the strong demand, according to the report. McGraw-Hill also found that 62% of BIM users plan to use the software on more than 30% of their projects in 2009. Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland, Ore.)
(12/4)
- High-performance concrete winning praise, wider use
New high-tech concrete is gaining supporters in the construction industry. It is 10 times stronger than regular concrete, and experts say its properties compare favorably to aluminum and stainless steel in some applications. They also note that the advanced concrete sets quickly, which allows it to be used in bus stations, bridges and other projects where limiting downtime is critical. TIME
(12/4)
| Sustainability | | |
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- Report touts potential of combined heat and power systems
Combined heat and power systems will help industrial, commercial and residential buildings boost energy efficiency and cut carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S., according to an Oak Ridge National Laboratory report. Combined heat and power systems simultaneously produce electricity and heat from one fuel source. The report found that increasing these system in the U.S. could create $234 billion in new investments. NYTimes.com/GigaOM
(12/3)
| Management Practices | | |
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- Use technology as an agent of change
CEOs don't know enough about their company's information systems to exploit them for execution of change and growth, says tech leadership consultant Susan Cramm. "It may seem like the tail wagging the dog, but IT capability needs to inform business strategy and not simply be treated as an after-the-fact consideration during implementation," she says. Harvard Business Review online/Having IT Your Way blog
(12/2)
| Policy Update | | |
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- New Illinois ethics law may conflict with federal laws
Illinois' new ethics law may be at odds with bidding requirements necessary to secure road money from the federal government, according to federal highway officials. Nevertheless, supporters of the reforms, which ban major campaign contributors from securing large state contracts, say follow-up legislation will address the conflicts. Chicago Tribune
(12/4)
| Critical Infrastructure | | |
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- Auditors say funding for seismic upgrades to British Columbia schools falls short
British Columbia auditors recently determined that the $1.5 billion designated to earthquake-proof 750 schools will not be sufficient. Premier Gordon Campbell said the government will continue to work on the seismic upgrade projects, but he did not commit to additional funding. Meanwhile, his administration will consider a variety of infrastructure projects that may include school upgrades in the next few months. The Canadian Press
(12/5)
| News from ASCE | | |
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Read the new issue of Civil Engineering magazine online now
ASCE members can read the full December issue of Civil Engineering magazine online now. This month's digital issue includes a cover story on the 55-story Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan. This building was envisioned as an iconic structure that would serve as a model for the design and construction of future office buildings, while achieving the highest possible rating for environmental stewardship. Read this story and the rest of the December issue of Civil Engineering magazine now!
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Renew today to be entered in ASCE's last renewal drawing
ASCE congratulates Thomas Ringelstetter, P.E., M.ASCE, for renewing early and winning the Tom-Tom One XL GPS System! ASCE members still have time to win a prize in this year's early-bird Renewal drawings. Renewing early and online helps ASCE "go green" by saving on the printing of additional renewal materials, and in turn puts dues money toward valuable Society programs. Renewing members could win a Wii Game System and Wii Fit or an Apple MacBook Air simply by renewing before Dec. 17.
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