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December 4, 2008

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News for and about the civil engineering community

Industry News

Severe earthquake could cause $80B in losses in central U.S.
A new report found that a severe earthquake could have a devastating impact on the central U.S. region. Losses from a 7.7-magnitude earthquake could amount to as much as $80 billion, according to the study conducted by the Mid-America Earthquake Center and the Institute for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management. A severe earthquake could also damage transportation routes, as well as natural-gas and oil pipelines. Southeast Missourian (Cape Girardeau)/Daily Dunklin Democrat (12/3)

University of Wisconsin to study feasibility of intermodal terminal
The University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, received a $55,000 grant that will allow students and staff to study the feasibility of an intermodal terminal at the Port of Green Bay. The terminal would move metal containers by ship, truck and rail. "The amount of freight it could bring into the seaway is just huge compared to what we're getting presently and then it would have to be distributed from here," said Don McCartney, senior lecturer in marketing and business administration. Green Bay Press-Gazette (Wis.) (12/3)

Energy company to build power plant at Rhode Island landfill
Energy firm Ridgewood Renewable Power LLC plans to build a modern gas-to-electric power plant at Rhode Island's Central Landfill. The $80 million plant will convert the natural gas produced by the decomposing garbage into energy. The new facility will more than double the company's on-site generating capacity from 20 megawatts to 47.6 megawatts. Providence Business News (R.I.) (12/3)

Other News

European Union wants to build Caspian Sea gas line
Google/The Associated Press (12/3)

V8i SOFTWARE PORTFOLIO FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROFESSIONALS
V8i delivers the most comprehensive suite of software products ever assembled in a single release. Core capabilities include: intuitive design modeling, interactive dynamic views, intrinsic geo-coordination, and incredible project performance. Learn more about Bentley's latest software portfolio!

Technology and Trends

New technology could capture water's energy, researchers say
University of Michigan researchers say innovative mechanical devices could capture the energy created when water flows past a cylindrical object, and then convert it into electricity. The invention could turn water power into a larger source of renewable energy. "Anywhere we have currents, we can use it," said Michael Bernitsas, marine engineering professor. "If we make it work, and I believe it will, it's going to be a major development." MIT Technology Review (12/2008)

Device creates water from air's moisture
The WaterMill is an electricity-powered machine which makes potable water by drawing moisture from the air. The device costs about $1,300, but is scalable down to $300, which could make it cost-effective for places like Africa where drinking water can be contaminated. The WaterMill is far less costly than desalination plants, but does use a lot of power. CNN (12/4)

Buildings & Structures

Canadian developer says third tower will be green
Canadian developer Ivanhoe Cambridge hopes its $170-million tower at its Burnaby MetroTower Complex in metro Vancouver will obtain the highest commercial green rating. Meeting the green standard will add $1.5 million to the cost of the 25-story building, but will cut energy costs for the LEED Platinum pre-certified core and shell commercial structure. Journal of Commerce (Canada) (12/3)

Other News

New World Trade Center building design features sky gardens
DVice.com (12/3)

Sustainability

Column: Civil engineers continue to debate sustainable development
Sustainable development goals continue to create controversy within the field of civil engineering, according to engineer Cathy Bazan-Arias. The American Society of Civil Engineers' Committee on Professional Conduct case studies can help decide best approaches to dilemmas. "Some folks opine that adding the adjective 'sustainable' to a project lowers the probability of the work being conducted," she writes. CENews.com (12/2)

Management Practices

Open, honest information can dispel fear, anxiety
Jamie and Maren Showkeir, authors of "Authentic Conversations: Moving From Manipulation to Truth and Commitment," talk to The Salt Lake Tribune about the climate of anxiety and fear that has become pervasive in workplace culture, how managers typically try to control information and dealing with emotions through clear communication. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) (12/1)

Policy Update

First offshore wind farm in U.S. waits for federal approval
Cape Wind may become the first offshore wind farm in the U.S., if the project receives final approval from the Bush administration. Cape Wind submitted a proposal to build 130 wind turbines in Nantucket Sound, but must lease the waters from the federal government. The turbines are expected to provide Massachusetts with 170 megawatts of power per year. The state still needs to give its final approval. The Boston Globe (tiered subscription model) (12/2)

Other News

Massachusetts plan includes $3B to overhaul more than 250 deficient state bridges
MetroWest Daily News (Framingham, Mass.) (12/4) The Republican (Springfield, Mass.) (12/4)

Critical Infrastructure

Utah gears up for $11B of proposed infrastructure stimulus
President-elect Barack Obama's stimulus plan could jump-start $11 billion in road construction for Utah if it passes Congress. The Utah Department of Transportation shelved several projects totaling $3.9 billion last month that were complete with environmental planning and permits. The federal plan would give priority to state infrastructure projects ready to build. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) (12/4)

News from ASCE

Become a Founding 500 AAWRE Diplomate
The American Academy of Water Resources Engineers is now accepting applications for the Diplomate, Water Resources Engineer certification. The Academy continues to grow with 450 water-resources engineers having qualified for the D.WRE credential worldwide. Join your colleagues and peers who have earned the D.WRE designation and be a founding diplomate engineer of AAWRE. The D.WRE program's mission is to improve the practice, elevate standards and advance the profession of water-resources engineering by certifying engineers with specialized knowledge in water resources, recognizing the ethical practice of water-resources engineering at the expert level, encouraging continued professional development for engineers and supporting water-resources policies important to the public health. All new diplomates will be awarded their certificate of achievement during AAWRE's special Fifth Anniversary Induction Ceremony on May 19, 2009, at the 2009 EWRI World Environmental & Water Resources Congress in Kansas City, Mo. Learn more. Visit the 2009 EWRI Congress site.

Workshop to explore design of cold-formed steel structures
Here's a chance to understand behavior and design principles for cold-formed steel members and connections. These principles aren't taught in school. They apply to many aspects of cold-formed steel design, including tension member, columns, beams, and bolted, welded and screw connections. The workshop will be offered Dec. 18 to 19 in Las Vegas. Learn more and register.