Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
�
The Engineerogram January 2010
The EngineerogramJanuary 2010 Vu 72 . 01
Capita Branch Cntra Vay Branch Fathr Rivr Branch Shasta Branch
ASCE Membership 8-9ASCE Names 2010 Outstanding CE Achievement Awards 9ASCE Outstanding Section and Branch Award Competition 5California Infrastructure Symposium & Awards Ceremony 10Calendar 5Capital Branch 5Central Valley Branch 5 Crane Safety Training 4Engineering Services 13Feather River Branch 5 Is Your Membership Information Current? 5Law and Civil Engineering 13Officer Contacts 2President’s Column 3Region 9 - Disaster Preparedness for Civil Engineers 12Sacramento Valley Champions Win International Honor 1Scholarship Spotlight 3SEI ATC Conference 2009 11Shasta Branch 5Transportation and Development Institute Brown Bag Event 7YMF 6
IN THIS ISSUE
Sacramento Valley Champions WinInternational Honors
by Martin A. Farber, P.E., D.WRE
The ASCE Awards Committee and ASCE News recently an-nounced the winners of its many prestigious awards for engineering excellence in 2009. This year, The Engineerogram is very pleased and proud to report that we have two winners from our Section in ASCE’s worldwide awards competition. The award-winners, the awards they received, and their noteworthy achievements, are featured below.
Ven Te Chow AwardThe Ven Te Chow Award is presented in recognition of a lifetime
of exceptional achievement in research, education, or practice in hydrologic engineering. The award was established in 1995 to honor the memory of Uni-versity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Civil Engineering Professor Ven Te Chow (1919-1981), recognized throughout the world for his contributions to the sci-ence of hydrology and water resources development.
The winner of the 2009 Ven Te Chow
Award is UC Davis Civil Engineering Professor M. Levant Kavvas, Ph.D., F.ASCE. In his career, Kavvas has achieved distinction in civil engineering education, in the writing, editing and publication of technical papers, and the development of hydrologic and hydro-meteorological models.
A native of Turkey, Kavvas earned his BS degree in engineering at Middle East Technical University in Ankara. He came to the USA as a Fulbright Scholar, earning his MS in Civil Engineering (Hydrology and Water Resources) at Colorado State University, and his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Hydraulics and Hydrology) at Purdue. Kavvas joined the faculty of UC Davis in 1985. Kavvas is the founder and first editor-in-chief (1995-2004) of the ASCE Journal of Hydrologic Engineering.
Construction Management Award
The Construction Management Award is presented in recogni-tion of excellence in the field of construction management in general and, more particularly, in the application of engineering econom-ics, statistics, probabil-ity theory, operations research, and related disciplines to problems of construction man-agement, estimating, cost accounting, planning, scheduling, and financing.
The winner of the 2009 Construction Management Award is Larry J. Smith, P.E., F.ASCE. In his career, Smith has achieved distinction and national recognition for his contributions in the field of construction management.
Raised in Southern Utah, Larry attended Southern Utah State College and the University of Utah where he completed Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering.He started his engineering career in 1971 with the Utah Depart-ment of Transportation. In 1974 he joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, advancing to his current position as Chief of Con-struction, Sacramento District. Larry is a Registered Engineer in the states of California and Utah. Active in both professional and community affairs, Larry is a Fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers, President of the Sacramento Section, and an ac-tive member of SAME, NSPE and CMAA. Larry is also a retired Volunteer Fire Department Captain, and is a California State Fire Marshall Certified Instructor.
Prof. M. Levant Kavvas Sacramento Section President Larry J. Smith (center) receives the Construction Management Award from ASCE President D. Wayne Klotz (right)
and Executive Director Patrick J. Natale (left). Photo by David Hathcox/ASCE.
�
January 2010 The Engineerogram
The EngineerogramP.O. Box 1492Lincoln, CA 95648-1492(916) 961-2723 (phone and fax)e-mail: [email protected] site: www.asce-sacto.org
The Engineerogram is the official publication of the Sacramento Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers and distributed to ASCE members paying local dues to the Sec-tion. It is published regularly at the beginning of the month. To contribute articles, mail, fax, or e-mail to ASCE/Sacramento Section Executive Secretary Sandy Nelson at [email protected]. Deadline for articles is on the 20th of the month prior to the issue. Advertising rates upon request. (To our contributing writers: The Engineerogram reserves the right to make revisions, correct spelling and grammatical errors, to pri-oritize information and to summarize content. Articles may be shortened as editorial requirements dictate. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to the President of the Sacramento Section. Thank you for your understanding. Editors.)
For more ASCE activities if you wish to be active in a committee, career opportunities, complete text for the legislative activities, go to the Sacramento Section web site at www.asce-sacto.org, or contact a current officer. To MAKE CHANGES OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP, go to website: www.asce.org. For MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS, please e-mail to [email protected].
LEGENDSection Voting OfficersAdditional Section StaffRegion 9 OfficersBranch Officers who are not Section Voting OfficersYMF OfficersCommittee ChairsUniversitiesConference ChairsInstitutes
OFFICER CONTACTSSection Officers at Large Capital Branch Officers Central Valley Branch Officers Feather River Branch Officers Shasta Branch Officers
President:Larry J. Smith, PE, [email protected]
President:Jennifer [email protected]
President:Jasmine [email protected]
President:Shane [email protected]
President:
President-Elect:Oscar Serrano, [email protected]
President-Elect:Thor Larsen, [email protected]
Vice-President:Tony [email protected]
Vice-President:Amie [email protected]
Secretary:Susan [email protected]
Senior Director:Melissa Woodruff(916) 548-9859 [email protected]
Vice-President:Dan Clark, [email protected]
Secretary:Kevin [email protected]
Secretary:Tammie [email protected]
Treasurer:Dale [email protected]
Junior Director:Greg Young, [email protected]
Secretary:Mark Salmon
Treasurer:Jason [email protected]
Treasurer:Radley [email protected]
Past-President:Catherine [email protected]
Secretary:Natalie E. Calderone, P.E., [email protected]
Treasurer:Richard [email protected]
Past-President:Benjamin [email protected]
Past-President, 2006-2007:Shane [email protected]
Treasurer:Jeremy J. Zorne, PE, GE, [email protected]
Past-President:David A. Wilson, P.E., [email protected]
Younger Member Forum Officers Standing Committee Chairs Universities
Past President, 2008-2009:Fareed Pittalwala, [email protected]
Institute ChairsPresident:Kevin M. Gilton, [email protected]
College Accreditation:Joan Al-Kazily, Ph.D, PE, [email protected]
California State University, Chico
YMF Board RepresentativeKimberly Schmidt [email protected]
Coasts, Oceans, Ports & Rivers InstituteZia Zafir, [email protected]
Central Valley President:Eng-Chong Voon209-234-0518 [email protected]
Disaster Preparedness:Howard Zabel, [email protected]
California State University, SacramentoDan Cloutier, [email protected]
Past President, 2005-2006; Exec. Director:Joyce Copelan, PE, [email protected]
Construction InstituteLarry J. Smith, PE, F.ASCE916-985-4308 x [email protected]
Region 9 Officers(California)
Education & Awards:Thor Larsen, [email protected]
CSU, SacramentoJoshua A. Wagner,2nd [email protected]
Executive SecretaryVivian [email protected]
Environmental & Water Resources Institute :Pal Hegedus, PE, [email protected]
Chair:Chuck [email protected]
Government Relations:Craig Copelan, PE530-908-4790,[email protected]
Univeristy of California, Davis
Engineerogram EditorVivian [email protected]
Geo-InstituteKristy O'[email protected]
Governor:Joan Al-Kazily, [email protected]
History & Heritage:Norman [email protected]
University of the Pacific
Structural Engineering InstituteJoyce Copelan, PE, [email protected]
Membership-Life Members:Ray Zelinski, [email protected]
Transportation & Development InstituteNader [email protected]
Webmaster:Nicole [email protected]
Scholarship:Eric Polson, PE916-801-6290polsonengineering@earthlink.netSustainabilityRobert [email protected] A. Farber, P.E., [email protected]
�
The Engineerogram January 2010
President's MessageBuilding and Transitioning for Tomorrow
The year 2009 will be remem-bered as the year ASCE helped in-crease public awareness in infrastruc-ture by an early release of our Report Card. These efforts highlighted the need for investing in infrastructure across our Nation. ASCE can cel-ebrate many achievements in 2009. Looking ahead to 2010 and toward
2025 I would like to continue the emphasis on four focus areas to build and transition our Section for tomorrow.
Building and Enhancing carEErs: This pasT monTh the Environ-mental & Water Resources Institute featured a program highlighting the role of Capital Public Radio in bringing issues to the community related to California’s Environment and Water Resources.
The Construction Institute is hosting “Crane Safety Training for Engineers and Supervisors.” This event will be held on January 15, 2010 at the Folsom Community Center. Tuition will be free of charge. There will be a charge for box lunches served during the mid-day session break.
The Transportation and Development Institute has scheduled a brown-bag luncheon presentation featuring Randy Iwasaki, Direc-tor of the California Department of Transportation. This free event will be held on Thursday January 28, 2010.
ASCE Region 9 has scheduled their annual Infrastructure and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday February 9, 2010. The symposium will focus on key infrastructure issues as well as opportunities to meet demands and raise report card grades in California.
Our Awards Committee (Thor Larson, Greg Zeiss, Eddie Kho and Melissa Woodruff) have scheduled the Sacramento Section Awards Dinner on February 16, 2010.
Each of these events offers opportunities for volunteer leaders to plan and complete outstanding programs for our members. In turn, members have exposure to a wide variety of topics and speakers. I encourage you to remain active in ASCE by attending all of these events.
Recognition: The Sacramento Section 2009 Outstanding Engi-neering Project Awards Dinner and the Region 9 Awards Ceremony will celebrate excellence in both Section and Region Civil Engi-neering Projects and will honor the outstanding accomplishments of individuals. Don’t forget the due date of January 6, 2010 for submitting entries for our Section Awards.
Outreaching to Young Members: Applications for the Golzè Scholarship are due January 20, 2010. The Sacramento Section Website features information about Golzè Scholarship Winners – “Where are they now?” This month we highlight the accomplish-ments of Jacqueline Steiner of CSU, Chico.
Vision: The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025 is a roadmap for overcoming challenges in educational standards and sustain-able design. We will not obtain this vision if not for our Section, Branches, Institutes, Young Member Forum and Student Chapters all working together to build and transition for tomorrow.
by Larry J. Smith, PE, F.ASCE, President
In closing I invite each of you to communicate your ideas to the Board of Directors. Please send your comments or ideas to: [email protected].
Scholarship Spotlight - Where Are They Now?
Jacqueline SteinerCSU, Chico
In Fall of 2008, Jacqueline Steiner was awarded the Alfred R. Golzè Scholarship. Aside from maintaining excellent grades, Ms. Steiner has been greatly involved in community service through student organi-zations at California State Uni-versity, Chico. Moreover, she has furthered her education by taking part in various research projects, all the while keeping
her professional career in focus.During the winters of 2007 and 2008, Ms. Steiner traveled with
a group of students to aid in the rebuilding of New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In New Orleans, she learned how to hang drywall, build a chain link fence, install trusses, sheet a roof and hang siding all with the purpose of returning displaced families to their homes. Last winter Ms. Steiner worked with a team to build storage sheds for fire victims of Northern California who lost their homes. Ms. Steiner finds great pleasure in giving her time and talents to helping people who want help. She plans to be actively involved in community service projects wherever she goes.
Academically, Ms. Steiner has excelled. She has been on the Dean’s List, a member of Tau Beta Pi, and recently received the Lieutenant Rawlins Merit Award. Ms. Steiner spent the summer of 2007 at Stanford University researching performance based earthquake engineering. She has also been working for the Applied Technology Council (ATC) on a research project that is currently developing a method of measuring building performance. To gain professional experience, Ms. Steiner spent this last summer working for a structural engineering firm in Southern California.
Ms. Steiner is currently the ASCE Vice President for the Chico’s Student Chapter where she has reorganized the EIT review to make it more efficient for future vice presidents. Her involvement with ASCE has been a great learning and networking experience. As a professional, she plans to participate with ASCE by being involved with the Younger Member Forum (YMF).
J ack i e w i l l begin her engi-neering career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fed-eral Career In-tern Program in March, 2010.
�
January 2010 The Engineerogram
Event date: Friday, January 15, 2010, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM Location: Folsom Community Center, Folsom, CAEvent Fee: $15.00. Event fee covers the cost of lunch provided.
Crane Safety Training - This 4-hour course is intended for construction engineers, supervisors, and owners, who want to learn more about crane safety on construction sites, and how to develop comprehensive crane safety plans that are both safety-program-compliant and project-specific. Covering proposed changes to the OSHA 29 CFR 1926.55 Subpart N, along with a variety of other educational and informational resources, the program will be presented by a team of trainers representing the wide spectrum of parties involved in crane safety, representing both public and private sectors. The program will also provide high-level technical background, legal and regulatory explanations; and expert guidance to deal effectively with all stakeholders on the project – owner to subcontractor - relative to crane operations.
COURSE OBJECTIVE: To raise the awareness of engineers and management about their roles, responsibilities, and influence with regard to safety on the construction worksite – especially crane safety. The ASCE/OSHA Crane Safety Training course will prepare engineers and supervisors to utilize their management and technical training to implement safety as a core objective of the construction project.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identifying the Elements of a Site Specific Crane Safety Plan (SSCSP) Understanding roles and responsibilities and relationship between contract documents and the SSCSP Explore proposed changes to OSHA regulations Become familiar with the different types of cranes and hoists Review the procedures for proper inspection and maintenance Understand the importance of ground preparations and knowing site conditions before cranes arrive on the construction site Develop an effective hazard mitigation plan for increased site safety
TOPICS COVERED:Establishing a Crane Safety and Lifting Program Mobile Cranes and Alternate Lifting Methods Preventing Crane and Lifting Accidents Regulations and Legal Aspects Rigging Awareness
52 Natoma St, Folsom, CA
�
The Engineerogram January 2010
For more information about the Capital Branch meet-ings, please contact Jennifer Wheelis at 916-616-5987, or [email protected].
Capital Branch
Central Valley Branch
Jasmine Noriega, President, Central Valley Branch
For more information about the Central Valley Branch meet-ings, please contact Jasmine Noriega at 209-406-8982, or [email protected].
The Shasta Branch is looking for members to fulfill officer and chair duties, including Scholarship Chair and Program Chair. If you are interested, or have questions, please email us at [email protected].
Shasta Branch
eather ier Branch News
If you have suggestions or recommendations for a meeting topic or location, please contact Amie McAl-lister at [email protected] or Shane Cummings at [email protected]. We are looking to increase our membership participation in our monthly meetings and regular community outreach activities, so please drop us some suggestions.
Is Your Membership Information Current?
by Fareed Pittalwala, Past-President
The Sacramento Section ASCE has recently made significant changes to the way we communicate with our membership. Many of you have already noticed the new way we distribute the Engi-neerogram by email, and the links to registration for events found in our email announcements. We have already received tremendous positive feedback about these changes. Our Institutes are also using the new email system to streamline their announcements and ensure that we are not sending out mass emails to those of you who prefer not to get them. For that reason, we need your help!
Please ensure that your membership information is up to date with ASCE’s national database, as our local system is dependant on your information being current. It’s a quick and easy fix that you can accomplish in less than five minutes by going to:http://tinyurl.com/yhl6pvd
Date(s) (Times) Event Location Information2010January
Contact Jennifer Wheelis Capital Branch Meeting, Page 5 Sofia Restaurant, 815 - 11th St (the corner of 11th and H Street).
Jennifer Wheelis, [email protected]
Contack Jasmine Noriega for info Central Valley Branch Meeting, Page 5 Marie Calendar's, 2628 W. March
Lane, StocktonJasmine Noriega, [email protected] 209-406-8982
Contact Shasta Branch for info
Contact Shane Cummings Feather River Branch Meeting, Page 5 Shane Cummings, [email protected]
Friday, 15th8:30 am to 2:00 pm Crane Safety Training Folsom Community Center,
52 Natoma St, Folsom, CAhttp://www.asce-sacto.org/Events/Crane_Safety_Training.htm
18th Sacramento Section Board Meeting TBD [email protected]
20th - 22nd ASCE Seminar: Sediment Transport Analysis Using HEC-RAS
Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento, 2540 Venture Oaks Wy http://tinyurl.com/n5bh78
Thursday, 28th T&DI Brown Bag EventSacramento Regional Transit District's auditorium, 1400 - 29th Street, midtown, Sacramento
J. Paul Guyer, [email protected]
February
Tuesday, 9th Fourth Annual California Infrastructure Symposium and Awards Ceremy
Citizen Hotel, 926 "J" Street, Sacramento
Lori Campbell, Administrator, [email protected]
Tuesday, 16th Sacramento Section Awards Dinner Hyatt Sacramento, 1209 L Street, Sacramento, CA http://tinyurl.com/ya6me5o
Conferences Section Officer Meetings Seminars YMF EventsSection Meetings Branch Meetings Outreach Events Student EventsRegion 9 Events
MASTER CALENDAR
On behalf of the ASCE Committee on Geographic Units, this year’s winners of the Outstanding Section and Branch Award competition are:
• Very Large Sections and Branches – Los Angeles Section
• Large Sections and Branches – Kansas City Section
• Medium Sections and Branches – Maine Section
• Small Sections and Branches – Buffalo Section
ASCE Outstanding Section andBranch Award Competition
�
January 2010 The Engineerogram
January 2010
UPCOMING EVENTS
* Business Meeting at Mark Thomas & Company (7300 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 203, Sacramento, CA 95826), Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 5:30 pm
* Mixer, Location to be determined, Wednesday, February 3, 2010
For more information, visit www.sacymf.org
YMF HOLIDAY PARTYOn Wednesday, December 2nd, YMF held our annual Holiday
Party at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Downtown Sacramento. The restaurant offered a quiet banquet room perfect for socializing over a wonderful dinner of salad, pasta, and ice cream for dessert. The party gave YMF members an opportunity to catch up with one another as well as to get to know some new faces. A special thank you to YMF Programs Chair Elias Karam for organizing the successful social event!
UPCOMING BUSINESS MEETINGInterested in becoming more involved with YMF? Come out to our
next event and meet your officers! The next YMF event will be the upcoming January Business meeting.
YMF SPRING 2010 PE REVIEW COURSESAre you preparing to take the Professional Engineer Exam in April? If so, the Sacramento Chapter of ASCE Younger Member Forum is offering improved review courses for the following exams:
1. Principles and Practice (General / 8-Hour)2. Engineering Surveying3. Seismic Principles
Register on our website!
Classes are scheduled to begin January 25, 2010. Register early to save money! Please visit www.sacymf.org to register online and for information on class schedules, locations, and prices.
�
The Engineerogram January 2010
BROWN-BAGRandy Iwasaki
DirectorCalifornia Department of Transportation
Randy Iwasaki, Director of the California Depart of Transportation will address a Transportation and Development Institute Brown Bag event on Thursday, January 28 during the noon hour (noon to 1:00 PM) at the Sacramento Regional Transit District’s auditorium at 1400 – 29th
Street in Midtown Sacramento. The auditorium is conveniently located near Light Rail, and there are a number of parking garages in the area. There is no cost for this event and it is open to both ASCE members and others interested in transportation issues in California.
Iwasaki manages the day-to-day operation of the Department, including an operating budget of $14 billion and almost 23,000 employees. A licensed civil engineer, Iwasaki has been with Caltrans for almost 25 years serving in a number of high profile engineering and management positions. He is responsible for California’s state transportation system, including more than 50,000 lane miles of state highways stretching from Mexico to Oregon and from the Pacific Ocean to Nevada and Arizona. During his Caltrans career, Iwasaki has spearheaded a number of transportation engineering innovations in California including the use of old tires in rubberized asphalt, the installation of LED red lights saving the state taxpayers more than $2 million a year in power costs, and conversion of the Caltrans equipment fleet to clean burning fuels.Iwasaki also serves on a number of national transportation panels. The panels include co-chairing an effort to encourage development and application of quiet pavement technologies to reduce highway noise in the United States. He is also the Technology Coordinating Committee Chair for the renewal portion of the Strategic Highway Research Program and most recently appointed the Chairman of ITS America. Iwasaki earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a Master’s in Engineering from California State University, Fresno.
American Society of Civil Engineers
TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
SACRAMENTO SECTION
IMPORTANT
Note that this Brown-Bag is not at our more usuallocation (SACOG offices). It is at the Regional Transit
District auditorium at 29th and N Streets in Midtown Sacramento.
�
January 2010 The Engineerogram
To obtain your free ASCE membership, go to:
www.asce.org/freemembership
To mark this important
achievement and to welcome
you into the civil engineering
profession, ASCE is offering
you FREE MEMBERSHIP for 2010.
After claimingyour free
membership, download this free report for
graduatingengineering
seniors.
on your upcoming graduation!ASCE Congratulates you
�
The Engineerogram January 2010
A FREE Membership FULL of Opportunities.When you upgrade from Student to Associate/Affiliate membership, your ASCE membership is free for 2010.
Job hunting? Check out ASCE Career Connectionswith online job postings, resume critique service, salary information, and more.
Need advice? ASCE Mentoring Programs help younger civil engineers gain the insight and knowledge to pursue rewarding careers.
What’s it like in the real world? ASCE Younger Member Ken Maschke, P.E., M.ASCE, chronicles his life making it as a young engineer in the blog “Bridging the Gap.”
Want to meet professionals your age? ASCE Younger Member Groups offer educational seminars, networking events, and social activities — all tailored to the unique needs of civil engineers 35 years of age or younger.
Plus, your free ASCE membership also includes:
Free Institute Membership – in your technical specialty Free subscriptions to Civil Engineering magazine and ASCE NewsDiscounts on life, disability and auto insurance programs
Start the next phase of your life as a civil engineer with all the advantages of ASCE membership.
Upgrade right now at www.asce.org/freemembership.
1801 Alexander Bell DriveReston, VA 20191-4400
Return Service Requested
Reston, Va.—The five finalists for the 2010 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) award have been announced by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Established in 1960, the OCEA program recognizes projects for their contribution to the well-being of people and communities, their resourceful-ness in planning and design challenges, and their innovative use of materials and techniques. Selected from a group of 28 entries, the 2010 finalists are:
- Arrowhead Tunnels Project – Inland Feeder Program, San Bernardino, Calif.
- Concordia University Wisconsin Lakeshore Environmental Enhancement and Education Project, Mequon, Wis.
- Sound Transit Central Link Light Rail: Section 710 Beacon Hill Station and Tunnels, Seattle, Wash.
- Sutong Bridge, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China
- Utah State Capitol Seismic Base Isolation and Restoration, Salt Lake City, Utah
The OCEA award winner will be announced on March 25, 2010 during ASCE’s annual Outstanding Projects and Leaders Awards (OPAL) Gala in Washington, D.C. Also recognized during the event will be the five OPAL Award honorees (one each for construction, design, education, government and management), the Henry L. Michel Award for Industry Advancement of Research winner and the Charles Pankow Award for Innovation winner.
Additional information on the OCEA Award program and the OPAL Awards Gala can be found at www.asce.org/opal. For in-formation on finalists or press passes to the event, please contact Leikny Johnson at (703) 295-6413 or [email protected].
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents more than 144,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America’s oldest national engineering society. For more information, visit www.asce.org.
American Society of Ciil Engineers Names 2010 Outstanding Ciil Engineering Achieement Award inalists
by Leikny Johnson, Media Contact
�0
January 2010 The Engineerogram
P.O. Box 2575 | Fair Oaks, CA 95628 | 916.965.1536 | FAX 916.965.6234 | www.region9.asce.org
REGION 9
ASCE Region 9
Announces the Fourth Annual California Infrastructure Symposium and Awards Ceremony
When the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released the Report Card for America's Infrastructure, it raised public awareness about America's crumbling infrastructure. While the Report Cards and the attention they drew were effective in building public support for infrastructure renewal, civil engineers must continue to lead the discussion on viable solutions. ASCE Region 9 is taking that lead by presenting the Fourth Annual California Infrastructure Symposium to be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, in Sacramento. The Symposium promises to focus on key infrastructure issues as well as identifying resources and opportunities to meet demands and raise report card grades in California.
Following the Symposium, you may also register for an evening to help celebrate excellence in California Civil Engineering projects and honor the outstanding accomplishments of individuals at the 2009 ASCE Region 9 Awards Ceremony.
Please mark your calendar to join us on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at the Citizen Hotel, 926 J Street, Sacramento, California for continuing education, networking, and social events you will not want to miss. Look for more information as it becomes available athttp://region9.asce.org/Region9InfrastructureSymposium2010.html
Also, please note that the ASCE Region 9 Legislative Day will be held on Wednesday, February, 10, 2010, at the California State Capital in Sacramento.
For additional information, please contact Lori Campbell, Administrator, [email protected], or by telephone at 916.965.1536.
ASCE Region 9 represents more than 18,000 ASCE members in the State of California.
February 9, 2010SAVE THE DATE
��
The Engineerogram January 2010
by Joyce Copelan, PE, MS
San Francisco was the epicenter of structural engineering activ-ity in California as the ASCE SEI ATC Conference on Improving Seismic Performance of Existing Buildings and Other Structures shook the San Francisco Bay area. The conference which was ex-tremely well attended provided an indication of the level of interest in seismic activity for those who live and work in the proximity of significant earthquake faults in California and around the world.
The conference included plenary sessions by nationally recog-nized specialists in the field and technical presentations on a broad range of issues in the area of seismic performance. The conference had a strong international attendance which is expected in California with its special relationship to nations along the Pacific Rim and around the world, the conference featured presentations about great work that is being done in improving the response of structures to
seismic concerns around the globe. A highlight of the conference was a presenta-tion provided by Mr. Kit Miyamoto of Miyamoto International which high-lighted work being done in the nation of Turkey to protect the population from the devastating effects of earthquakes. Outlining a broad program that has been funded by the World Bank the presentation illustrated the dramatic difference
committed professionals can make in raising awareness about the need to improve a community or a nations response to seismic risk, thus impacting the lives of millions who benefit from build-ings, schools or bridges that can withstand the rigors of seismic loading.
A gala dinner held at the beautiful San Francisco Ferry Build-ing allowed the opportunity to highlight significant seismic retrofit projects completed during the last decade. Awards were provided to practitioners in public and private practice in the following categories:
SEI ATC Conference 2009San rancisco, California
Bridge Retrofit-For an outstanding example of seismic ret-rofitting of an existing bridge, it should be noted that this award provided an opportunity to highlight outstanding work by engineers employed by the California Department of Transportation for their work on the seismic retrofit of the West Span of the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge which provided a scenic backdrop for this San Francisco conference.
http://dot.ca.gov/http://baybridgeinfo.org/http://tinyurl.com/yhw4m8uhttp://www.thebridgesofar.com/.
Seismic Isolation-for outstanding applications of the principles and practice of seismic isolation technology to the retrofit of exist-ing structures: 185 Berry Street, San Francisco, California Retrofit Design by Simpson Gumpertz and Heger, San Francisco
http://www.seaonc.org/pdfs/marchweb07.pdfhttp://www.aisc.org/content.aspx?id=19546http://tinyurl.com/yjohqfc.
Energy Dissipation-for outstanding applications of the principles and practice of energy dissipation technology to retrofit of existing structures: Caltrans District 4 Building, Oakland Retrofit Design by Degenkolb Engineers San Francisco and the Crosby Group, Redwood City
http://tinyurl.com/yguy6uu
Concrete Structures-for outstanding projects involving seismic retrofit of existing reinforced concrete Structures: 2850 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, California Retrofit Design by Tipping Mar and Associates
http://tinyurl.com/ylrdyns.
Steel Structures-for outstanding projects involving seismic retrofit of existing steel structures: Confidential Semi Conductor Manufacturing Building Retrofit Design by Degenkolb Engineers, San Francisco, California
http://www.degenkolb.com.
Masonry Structures-for outstanding projects involving seismic retrofit of existing masonry structures - There were two projects that received recognition in this important category: Hanna House (Frank Lloyd Wright Designer), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California Retrofit Design by Rutherford and Chekene San Fran-cisco, California
http://www.ruthchek.com/
LDS Church Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah Retrofit Design by Reaveley Engineers and Associates
http://tinyurl.com/yj2p9z8
The conference concluded with the participants sharing infor-mation, developing new friends and contacts and renewing their commitment to advancing the field of Structural Engineering within their respective communities
General Session: The SEI ATC Conference attracted people from around the world
Awards Ceremony: Lian Duan, Brian Maroney, Ofelia Alcantara, Rodney Simmons, John Fujimoto
received the Bridge Retrofit award.
��
January 2010 The Engineerogram
When disasters strike, and living in California we all know that sooner or later one will, what will you do? The disaster can be an earthquake, a fire, a flood or a man made disaster but no matter what it is, civil engi-neers will have a role in helping the public.
When the disaster strikes, you might be at work or at home and your first responsibility is to yourself, your family or your co-workers, so how can you help? We should all learn the basic first aid and CPR.
The American Red Cross or other organizations provide classes regularly, sign up for one, or better yet, set up a class to be given at your place of work, so that you and your colleagues are trained. In a large disaster, public safety officers are overwhelmed and might not be able to assist you as fast as they usually can. Knowing basic first aid could save the lives of your loved ones or a colleague. Make sure to have a disaster plan, for your work and for your family. Identify an out of the area call number that you and your family, or your employees can call to check in. As an engineer, you should also think about a disaster plan for your company or your work. After disasters are over, you need to be able to get back to business after things get back to normal, so make sure you have a backup plan. Practice a disaster drill annually, at home and at work. Another disaster preparedness action to take is to participate in a Community Emergency Response Team, CERT training. CERT is a Citizen Corps program focused on disaster preparedness and teaching basic disaster response skills. These volunteer teams are utilized to provide emergency support when disasters overwhelm the conventional emergency services. Check with your city to find out if they are offering a CERT class.
Once the initial impact of a disaster is over, a civil engineer’s role becomes more important. The State of California has a State Assessment Program, SAP, which ASCE is a member of and plays a critical role in post disasters. The Safety Assessment Program utilizes volunteers and mutual aid resources to provide professional engineers, architects and certified building inspectors to assist local governments in safety evaluation of their built environment in an aftermath of a disaster. These Evaluators assist local government in identifying if structures are safe or unsafe to be occupied. The program is managed by the California Emergency Management Agency, CAL EMA, with cooperation from professional organizations such as ASCE, California Building Officials (CALBO), American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Construc-
egion 9Disaster Preparedness for Ciil Engineers
by Ziad Y. Mazboudi, PE, ASCE Region 9 Disaster Preparedness Chair
tion Inspectors Association (ACIA), and the Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC). SAP produces two resources, SAP Evaluators, described above, and SAP Coordinators, which are local government representatives that coordinate the program. Cal EMA issues registration ID cards to all SAP Evaluators that have successfully completed the program requirements. ASCE has cur-rently 21 trainers throughout the State who can provide training to our members to become evaluators. As the new chair of the disaster preparedness committee, one of my goals is to have a minimum of 2 trainers per branch and to have regular training for our members to become Evaluators, Coordinators and trainers, so when a disaster strikes, we will be ready to assist our communities. My other goal is to have a disaster preparedness committee in every section and branch, to be chaired or co-chaired by the local trainers, who would be the local champions to get more of our members involved and trained. Over the next couple of months, I will be contacting all the sections and branches to get the ball rolling.
May is California disaster preparedness month, and I hope that we all plan on raising the awareness on the matters I described above and plan statewide training, so we have volunteers in every section and branch in California. For more information on the CalEMA training, visit www.oes.ca.gov or watch for update from your section or branch.
Ziad Y. Mazboudi, PE
1300 Ethan Way, Suite 300 Sacramento, CA 95825 | Tel: 916.921.9033 | Fax: 916.921.9044
ALTA/ACSM - Land Surveys
Route Location Surveys
Photogrammetry - Orthophotos
Geodetic - Control Surveys
High-Defi nition Surveys (HDS)
Topographic Basemapping
Right of Way Engineering
Forensic Mapping - Exhibits
408485_CBC.indd 1 11/13/08 9:24:33 AM
��
The Engineerogram January 2010
Engineering Serices
W A T E R W A S T E W A T E R S T O R M W A T E R
Visit our website for more information on services or career opportunities:
www.westyost.com
Let us show you how...
It’s TechnicalWe Get It
We givetechnical personnel
room to grow.
High quality. Great solutions.Dynamic teams. Everyone benefits
when they work with talented staff. We value technical experts and it shows.
by Eugene L. Bass, Esq.
(Liability for Structural Inspections at the Scene of a Declared Emergency)
Engineers, by nature, are the types that will tend to offer advise in emergencies where their expertise is sought. This can backfire, however, where the advise proves to be incorrect, or worse yet, where it can be demonstrated to have been negligently rendered. There are circumstances, however, where an engineer may be called upon to provide emergency inspection services and where immunity for negligence may apply.
Emergencies do not offer the luxury of investigation of facts that would otherwise be conducted in normal situations. There are statutes in California, however, that provide immunity for negligent advise given in the inspection of some structures under limited emergency circumstances. An engineer who voluntarily, without compensation or expectation of compensation, provides structural inspection services at the scene of a declared national, state, or local emergency at the request of a public official, public safety officer, or city or county building inspector acting in an official capacity shall not be liable in negligence for any personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage caused by the engineer’s good faith but negligent inspection of a structure used for human habitation or owned by a public entity for structural integrity or nonstructural elements affecting life and safety. The immunity provided only applies for an inspection that occurs within 30 days of the declared emergency. It is important
to note, however, that there is no immunity for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
The statute provides that an engineer means a person registered as a professional engineer. A public safety officer essentially includes peace officers, and public officials include state or local elected officers.
Although immunity from negligence is available for structural inspections provided under certain defined emergency circumstances and when requested by certain defined public officials, an engi-neer should always seek to limit advise to areas with the scope of knowledge and experience that represents a non-negligent standard of care.
The author’s discussion of legal ramifications of the particularcase(s) are provided only for educational purposes andshould not be relied on as legal advice. If you have a specificlegal problem, please consult with your attorney.
The Law and Ciil Engineering
