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Winter 2015 | Volume 86| No. 1
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage PaidAustin, Texas
PERMIT NO. 879
CECON 2015 In Review
2015 Texas Section Honors and Awards
2015-2016 ASCE Texas Section Directory
2016 Funding Open State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT)
2 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
texasce.org 3
In This IssueWinter 2015 | Volume 86 | Number 1
Calendar of Events 4
CPD Opportunities 4
President’s Message 5
Message From the Executive Director 6
Report From Region 6 7
2015 CECON in Review 8
2016 CECON Call for Topics 12
ASCE Life Members 2015 13
2015 In Memoriam 13
Student’s Center 14
Younger Members’ Corner 16
Meet Your Board Members 18
Branch News 20
Branch Officers 22
Texas Water Development Board Funding Cycle 24
Texas Section Officers Directory 26
2015 Texas Section Honors and Awards 29
Legislative News 38
What Is Continuing Education, Really? 41
Newly Licensed Engineers 42
ASCE News 44
International Boundary Marker #1 45
Business Directory 46
On the Cover: Texas Tables on Riverwalk. Brian Moran HDR Photography brianjmoran.net
TEXAS SECTION OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERSEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Crespin Guzman PEOPERATIONS MANAGER: Elizabeth R. GreenwoodCOMMUNICATIONS MANAGER: Annemarie Gasser1524 S. Interstate 35, Suite 180Austin, Texas 78704Phone: 512-472-8905E-mail: [email protected]: www.texasce.org
2015–2016 OFFICERSPRESIDENT: Audra N. Morse PhD, PEPAST PRESIDENT: Curtis B. Beitel PEPRESIDENT ELECT: Craig B. Thompson PEVP-EDUCATIONAL: Brian D. Bresler PEVP-EDUCATIONAL ELECT: Brett A. Pope PEVP-PROFESSIONAL: M. Isabel Vasquez PEVP-PROFESSIONAL ELECT: Travis N. Attanasio PEVP-TECHNICAL: Edward M. Penton PEVP-TECHNICAL ELECT: Oscar Lopez PETREASURER: Curtis R. Steger PE
DIRECTORS AT LARGESENIOR DIRECTOR AT LARGE: John A. Tyler PESECOND YEAR DIRECTOR AT LARGE: Melanie D. Gavlik PEFIRST YEAR DIRECTOR AT LARGE: Tyler P. Dube PEFIRST YEAR DIRECTOR AT LARGE: Kathryn S. Osborn EIT
SECTION DIRECTORSTravis S. Isaacson PE, Austin BranchRobert Lys Jr PE, Brazos BranchRussell R. Carter PE, Caprock BranchJohn A. Simcik PE, Central Texas BranchAnthony B. Gavlik PE, Corpus Christi BranchAnthony D. Luce PE, Dallas BranchYvonne C. Conde-Curry PE, El Paso BranchKimberly K. Cornett PE, Fort Worth BranchJoseph W. Shehan PE, High Plains BranchPaul A. Voiles PE, Houston BranchRussell W. Gibson PE, Northeast Texas BranchDora E. Marin-Robles EIT, Rio Grande Valley BranchKara J. Heasley PE, San Antonio BranchRobert C. Hickman PE, Southeast Texas BranchBrady M. Standford EIT, West Texas Branch
ASCE - Region 6Kenneth B. Morris PEDirector and Board of Governors Chair 2013-2016
Jeremy P. Stahle PEGovernor—Oklahoma Section 2013-2016
Daniel B. Hartman PE, F.ASCEGovernor—Texas Section 2014-2017
Jerry B. Paz PEGovernor—New Mexico Section 2015-2018
David F. J. Calabuig, Sr. PE Governor—Texas Section 2015–2018
Sean P. Merrell PEGovernor—Appointed (Texas Section) 2013-2016
4 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
Calendar of EventsTexas Section MeetingsExecutive Committee Meeting Austin
DiscoverE Week
Student Symposium
CECON 2016 - San Marcos
January 8, 2016
February 21 - 27, 2016
April 7 - 9, 2016
Sept. 21 - 23, 2016
Texas Civil Engineer DeadlinesSpring 2016 - Volume 85, No. 2February 24 Ad Insertion DeadlineFebruary 10 Copy Submittal DeadlineSummer 2016 - Volume 85, No. 3May 25 Ad Insertion DeadlineMay 11 Copy Submittal DeadlineFall 2016 - Volume 85, No. 4August 24 Ad Insertion DeadlineAugust 10 Copy Submittal Deadline
CPD OpportunitiesTo enhance communications between ASCE and ASCE’s Regions, Sections, and Branches, Geographic Services is pleased to advise you of the following seminars scheduled in our area:
Austin3/17/2016 Wind Loads for Buildings and
Other StructuresHouston2/11/2016 Financial Management for the
Professional Engineer3/3/2016 Industrial Buildings: Design and
Renovation5/3/2016 ASCE OTC Hall of Fame Gala6/26/2016 International Conference on
Transportation & Development 2016
Detailed descriptions of seminars are available at www.asce.org/continuing_education/Find us on Facebook Badge CMYK / .eps
@TEXASCETweets
texasce.org 5
President’s Message
Audra N. Morse PhD, PETexas Section President
Passion. An adjective once used by my colleague to describe my approach to my work and engineering education. I believe we all are passionate about something and I want you to think about your passion for civil engineering. Regardless if you graduated 1 year ago or 40 years ago, I want you to think back about why you choose to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Moreover, I want you think about what has fueled your passion to continue to work (or maybe you see it, play) in the discipline. Now please, share that passion with others. As a discipline, we have so many ways we can share our impact on society with the world. I am an engineering educator and for a recent project I questioned about half of the incoming freshman class on their thoughts and views of engineering and their major. Sadly, I found that most students did not believe engineers had an impact on society. As civil engineers, we dream, build and create society. We serve people by providing safe water to drink, protecting them from the elements and Mother Nature’s events like hurricanes and tornadoes, and designing transportation systems society uses to safely travel to and from their destinations. We are the unsung heroes of commerce; as goods cannot get to market without our roads, ports and rail systems. So please use your passion to share what we do with everyone you meet.
For the last two years, the Texas Section has supported the Get Out the Vote effort. This year, we supported Proposition 7, a constitutional amendment to authorize a stable source of transportation funding using a dedicated portion of the general sales and use tax as well as the motor vehicle sales tax. Prop 7 will not raise our taxes. It was our passion for Prop 1 that helped pass the measure last year, making Prop 7 easier to pass this year. Thus, we must share our passion with others, for only then will they see our value to society.
One place you can find others matching your passion is at CECON, THE civil engineering conference in Texas. CECON 2015 was held in San Marcos, Texas September 30 through October 2 and was a great event. The themes of the conference included water, transportation and sustainability. We had outstanding speakers such as Kathleen Jackson PE from the Texas Water Development Board, The Honorable Senator Robert Nichols, and Samantha Medlock, Deputy Director-White House Council on Environmental Quality. Sessions covered the history of civil engineering in Texas, which helps
us know who we are today. Other sessions addressed stream restoration, automated vehicles, drones and sustainability. As you can see, the conference presented the big picture challenges and opportunities facing civil engineers, while providing technical content to better help us serve society. CECON 2016 will be held in San Marcos September 21 - 23 and I want to see you all there. I cannot think of a better place to be surrounded by others as passionate about the civil engineering discipline as you.
If you are passionate about civil engineering, I would also like to encourage you to participate in STEM outreach. The VP of Education, Brian D. Bresler PE, has a passion for STEM education unmatched by anyone I know. If you have an interest in STEM education, please contact him as he is seeking partners to share his passion.
This year is an exciting year. The Texas Section is working on a new Strategic Plan, a herculean effort lead by Vikas K. Verma PE. So far, the Strategic Planning Committee, a group of volunteers passionate about civil engineering and the Texas Section, has developed a new vision and mission statement to represent who we are as the Texas Section. The vision statement, a statement of what the organization will do for the future, is “Texas civil engineers are leaders in their communities building a better quality of life across the street and around the world.” Isn’t that what we do? Civil engineers absolutely provide a better quality of life. The proposed mission statement, which is the role the organization seeks to fulfill, is “ASCE Texas Section advances our communities through the development of civil engineers as leaders who create a legacy of Service through: Technical proficiency, Educational opportunities, and Professional advocacy”. Or, as Vik likes to call it, STEP. A STEP forward for society and the profession. I know this step forward must be made with passion. So, please, take that STEP forward with ASCE Texas Section.
6 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
Crespin Guzman PEExecutive Director
Message From The Executive DirectorWe are off and running…The conclusion of this year has brought us a number of blessings and a few new challenges to be excited
about. Anyone writing articles even remotely related to transportation has to mention Proposition 7, a transportation funding constitutional amendment on the November 3 ballot. Congratulations to all and thank you for the overwhelming support on passing it! This is one giant blessing for the industry, although Prop 7 comes with challenges of making the most of it in the near future. I am sure the Texas Section will have more to say as time goes on, stay tuned for the next chapter in “Building a Better Texas” as we work together with our partner, Move Texas Forward!
Another challenge to look forward to this coming year is the continued improvement of CECON using our lessons learned from 2015. The CECON Committee has already begun their work, and they are looking for more volunteers to help out with future conferences. We expect to identify new partners and add to our growing list of sponsors. If you have some suggestions, contact Ron Reichert, LeAnne M. Napolillo PE or Kara J. Heasley PE. Congratulations CECON Committee for a job well done with 2015!
On the heels of CECON is the newly reformatted Student Symposium. Texas Tech University will host the 2016 event April 7-9 in Lubbock. This event will feature the concrete canoe and steel bridge competitions with new collateral activities for the students. The students will have opportunities to learn soft skills for their careers including resume preparation, interview etiquette and professional networking. The goal of the new competition format is to provide students with opportunities for learning beyond the canoe and steel bridge competitions. This endeavor, headed by Russell R. Carter PE and Lawrence D. Goldberg PE, is a grand undertaking. The Student Activities Committee is in search of sponsorships to fund the symposium as well as volunteers to help at the event. We need your support to make it successful, please help by volunteering your time or donating money through a sponsorship.
Yes! there is more, and it begins with a 2016 update to the Section’s 2012 Infrastructure Report Card. With the infrastructure funding mechanisms in place for water and transportation there remain a number of other categories that require attention. The Board of Direction was presented a with plan to look at the report card categories that rated the lowest in 2012 and target those items for the update. VP Professional M. Isabel Vasquez PE has already put together the IRC Committee to begin the process of developing the updated report. I am excited about integrating some new ideas into the IRC presentation.
The Section is gaining ground with respect to our ventures in collecting non-dues revenue. The initial year of sales of job postings in our online Career Center on TexASCE.org has shown a mostly steady stream of income.
The Section has also introduced digital marketing as another stream of revenue. Advertisers and sponsors will have the opportunity to purchase ads in Texas Civil Engineer (TCE) magazine, sponsor the Section’s website and monthly webinars or purchase a combined package of all three options. If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, contact our advertising coordinator, Lori Brix - [email protected], or 512-458-1191 ext. 16.
The Section continues to make significant progress with our archiving project. The hope is to create new partnership opportunities with other entities that will enhance our offerings to our members.
At the end of the day, that is what we are all about - it is all for You, the member!
Number of Job Postings Dec 2014 - November 2015
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report from region 6 Kenneth B. Morris PE, PTOERegion 6 Director
Region 6 represents three Sections (Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas), 19 Branches, and 22 Student Chapters. We are one of the largest regions in terms of populations, and we are definitely one of the most complex in terms of the number of geographic units represented.
The ASCE International Convention was held in New York City on October 11-14, 2015. The Board of Direction had a two day meeting before the conference on October 10-11, 2015. Some items considered by the board were 1) Strategic Planning 2) Regional Governance and 3) Policy revisions. The Strategic Planning session concluded the work that the Board of Direction has done over the past two years. The Infrastructure Strategic Initiative continues to be a very important element of ASCE’s Strategic Plan with the constant need to update and maintain our nation’s infrastructure. ASCE continues to revise policies that fall in line with our mission to provide value to ASCE members, advance engineering and work for the public good. Some of the policies considered were:1. Professional Licensure of Engineers2. Impact of Climate Change3. Recruitment and Retention of Qualified Engineers4. The Role of the Civil Engineer in Sustainable Development 5. Life-Cycle Cost AnalysisThese are just five of many different policies that were reviewed. The Public Policy Committee tries to review and update at least one-third of ASCE’s existing policies each year. Sustainability was discussed extensively and determined that it should remain as a top priority for our Strategic Initiatives. There was discussion on how sustainability and future infrastructure go hand in hand and should be considered separately but work together to coordinate activities that are on a common ground.
Regional Governance was discussed by the Region Directors at length. A decision was made to treat the Region Governors the same as Directors for reimbursement of travel expenses. In the future, Region Governors will submit their expenses electronically through ASCE’s reimbursement system. This will help to expedite their reimbursement. The Region Treasurer will simply handle the funds allocated for expenses other than travel. The annual budget for each Region is typically $14,000. In FY 2017, a $5000 allocation will be set aside for each Region’s expenses excluding Governor travel which will allow funds to be used for awards, scholarships, grants and other items related to the region activities.
On November 21, 2015, an International Boundary Monument was rededicated where the boundary of Texas, New Mexico and Mexico come together. The event was attended by the ASCE President Mark Woodson PE and other dignitaries in Region 6. A student paper competition was held between University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University for a $1000 award. The El Paso Branch has taken a major role in the coordination and scheduling of this event and I would like to personally thank the El Paso Branch President, Marvin H. Gomez PE, for all of the time and effort that he has put into the planning.
CECON was a fantastic event this year. There were some great sessions that were both interesting and educational. The conference had 289 attendees and had events outside the conference that were fun and entertaining. All of the people involved in the planning, the Texas Section officers, individual members and Section staff did a wonderful job putting it all together. If you weren’t able to make it this year, be sure to put it on your calendar for next year. Remember that CECON will be in San Marcos again September 21-23, 2016.
The Region 6 Board of Governors will attend the Multi-Regional Leadership Conference (MRLC) in Chicago January 15-16, 2016. The MRLC is a great opportunity for officers of a Section, Branch or Student Chapter to learn more about ASCE and the resources available to you through ASCE. It will definitely be helpful to you as an officer and to promote our civil engineering profession. We hope to have a good turnout from Region 6 and if you haven’t signed up please contact Nancy Berson ([email protected]) at ASCE Headquarters.
Region 6 Board Meeting at CECON 2015. Photo by Art Clendenin PE
8 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
2015 CECON In Review LeAnne M. Napolillo PECECON Committee Co-Chair
Civil engineers and industry experts from all across Texas gathered at the Civil Engineering Conference (CECON 2015) to discuss topics related to transportation, water resources and sustainability. CECON
is organized by the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), in partnership with the Texas Concrete Pipe Association, Texas Department of Transportation, the Society of American Military Engineers, and the Texas Water Development Board.More than 300 professionals gathered at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel, Spa and Conference Center, to discuss the challenges and solutions for maintaining and improving the state’s transportation and water infrastructure networks.
SOLUTION TO TEXAS’ TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMCECON 2015 kicked off with a welcome from City of San Marcos Mayor Daniel Gurerrero. Jack Ladd, President of Move Texas Forward, introduced the Honorable Senator Robert Nichols PE, who presented the solution to Texas’ transportation problem.
In 1960, approximately one-third of the State’s budget supported transportation. Upon completion of the interstate highway system, there has been a substantial decrease in investment in transportation – as witnessed by the 11% of the FY16-17 budget dedicated to transportation. Coupled with increases in fuel efficiency, which has eroded tax revenues, and the reduction in purchasing power due to the cost of inflation, the State Highway Fund hasn’t received enough financial support to keep up with the rapidly growing Texas economy.
With the traditional highway funding sources of vehicle registration fees and the gas tax, Sen. Robert Nichols, chairman of the Transportation Committee looked for alternate funding sources. To be sustainable, the funding source needed to be:• Predictable• Constitutionally dedicated• Transportation related• Independent of fuel source• Automatically adjustable
Senator Nichols authored Proposition 7 as a long-term solution for Texas’ Transportation problem. This amendment dedicates certain revenue so that long-
term transportation projects will have secure funding. Prop. 7 would send $2.5 billion a year in state sales tax revenue to the State Highway Fund, devoted to non-toll road projects, beginning with the 2018 fiscal year. In addition, starting with the 2020 fiscal year, a portion of vehicle sales and rental taxes would go to the State Highway Fund.
AWARDS BANQUET HONORS OUTSTANDING CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS AND LEADERSAs Master of Ceremonies, Jack Drake, of Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. and Co-Founder of Transportation Advocacy Group-Chairman, led an entertaining evening recognizing and honoring outstanding civil engineering leaders and projects.
The 2015 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Award of Merit was presented to Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority for the Manor Expressway Toll Road Phase II. The 2015 OCEA Award was presented to the City of Fort Worth and the Texas Department of Transportation for the West 7th Street Bridge.
Planned by the Texas Section Younger Members Group, the theme of the evening was “Oktoberfest,” with entertainment provided by a local German band. “In addition to a fun-filled evening, one of the highlights was the recognition of the outstanding civil engineering leaders,” said Mark Woodson PE, ASCE President-elect. The following award recipients were recognized:• John N. (Jack) Furlong PE, D.WRE - Award of
Honor• Donald E. Willhouse PE, F.ASCE, LTC, US
Army (Retired) - Award of Honor• Joe R. Zimmerman PE - Service to People Award• Lawrence D. Goldberg PE - Professional Service
Award• Henry C. Leighton PE - Professional Service
Award• Alexis A. Clark - Professional Service to Students
Award• Sean P. Merrell PE, PTOE - Professional Service
to Students Award• Michael D. Talbott PE, D.WRE - Government
Civil Engineer Award• Wm. Todd Thurber PE - John A. Focht, Jr. Citizen
Engineer Award
texasce.org 9
Sustainability, Transportation and Water Resources
Awards Ceremony at CECON 2015. All photos on this page credit Ramon Mejia
Alexis Clark sings with 3rd Generation, a German band from San Marcos. Beitel toasts ASCE President-elect Mark Woodson
OCEA winners for Fort Worth’s West Seventh Street Bridge. Attendees play “Pass the Hat.”
10 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
“CREATING TOMORROW’S INFRASTRUCTURE CHOICES TOGETHER”The Passenger Rail Panel, moderated by Brian Manning PE of MC2 Civil, included the Honorable State Representative Joe Pickett, Shaun McCabe of Texas Central Partners, Joe Black of Lone Star Rail District and Brian Buchanan of VIA Metropolitan Transit. Panelists discussed both the challenges and the opportunities associated with passenger rail systems in Texas.
The panelists also discussed behavioral changes and their impact on our choices within our transportation system. As millennials are waiting longer to earn their drivers’ licenses, they may be less interested in driving their own vehicles. Competition for our time may affect different behavior. Brian Buchanan noted that VIA is studying both the millennial generation, as well as empty nesters to forecast ridership.
“CECON also included a panel which discussed the water resource challenges we face in Texas, given our population growth.” As noted by Melinda Luna PE, panel moderator, “we do not have control over how much water we have, or how much water Mother Nature replenishes, but we do have control over how much water we use.” The panel discussed the importance of integration of the different types of water users, involvement of different levels of government, balanced with private endeavors. According to Carol Haddock PE, Senior Assistant
Director at City of Houston, “the City of Houston is estimating 100-150 years in the future, making intelligent water infrastructure choices now to adequately plan for the future. It is a challenge to accurately estimate out decades into the future - but we have to have the courage, foresight and the vision to make the necessary decisions now that will impact generations to come.”
Kathleen Jackson PE, Director of the Texas Water Development Board, presented a session entitled “Water for Texas: Water for the Future.” “Her session provided an interesting perspective of how Texas can respond to both a statewide drought and projected population growth,” said Curtis B. Beitel PE.
In a session titled “Mobility Impossible? Perhaps Not…(Getting the Public Engaged in Solution Discussions)” Tim Lomax PhD, PE, of Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) examined the cost of doing nothing new, and the conversation we should be having about funding. Ginger Goodin PE and Kevin Balke PhD, PE of TTI presented a session on “Connected and automated Automated vehicles: How will our future vehicle technologies change our transportation infrastructure?”
Technological advancements in remotely piloted aircraft vehicles – also known as drones – were discussed in an engaging panel on the use of Drones in Civil Engineering projects. Panelists discussed the use of drones in collecting data for traffic studies and documenting before and after site conditions on construction projects.
Texas CECON 2015 included innovative “Lightning Round” presentations in which speakers were given fifteen minutes to demonstrate a topic in a quick and insightful manner. Attendees voted for the best presentations.
2015 CECON In Review
Brian Manning looks on as Rep. Joe Pickett speaks about High Speed Passenger Rail. Photo: Art Clendenin PE
Drones in Civil Engineering panelists. Photo Art Clendenin PE
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Sustainability, Transportation and Water Resources
The winning presentations were: “Can Removing Steel in Jointed Pavement Reduce Liability?” by Jan Prusinski PE, “Development of North America’s Largest Skate Park” by Katherine Ostroff PE, and “Soil Swell PVR Determinations” by Mark J. Farrow PE. The winners received $50 gift cards and the opportunity to present a webinar through the Texas Section of ASCE.
The conference also included a barbecue dinner at Dick’s Classic Garage Car Museum, hosted by the Texas Concrete Pipe Association (TCPA). Attendees, guests, and families all joined in the festivities, celebrating the annual gathering of civil engineers from all across the nation. The TCPA event, an entertaining and relaxing networking dinner, was a highlight for many of the conference attendees.
CECON concluded with a tour of the Circuit of the Americas Track. Host of the Formula One United States Grand Prix, the circuit was the first in the United States to be purpose-built for Formula One. The tour included a session from Edgar Farrera about how sustainability is part of the design and operations at the track.
“A great time was had by all at CECON 2015, and we are looking forward to CECON 2016, which will be held September 21 to September 23, 2016, in San Marcos,” said Ron Reichert, CECON Conference co-chair and Region Technical Promotions Manager for Rinker Materials. “We are already recruiting some great speakers. Look for more information on our website, TexasCECON.org.”
To see the entire photo album from CECON 2015 visit ASCE Texas
Section’s Flickr page: www.flickr.com/photos/texasce/The Texas Section recognizes and thanks the following volunteers for their outstanding service and leadership in planning a successful CECON 2015:
Ronald M. Reichert Rinker MaterialsExhibition Chair & Committee Co-Chair
LeAnne M. Napolillo PEHNTBCommittee Co-Chair
Travis S. Isaacson PECardnoSponsorship Chair
Bradley L. East PECTL GroupProgram Chair
Kara J. Heasley PEJones Carter2016 Chair
Curtis B. Beitel PEHDR
Audra N. Morse PhD, PETexas Tech University
Peter E. Falletta PETerracon
Lindsay A. O’Leary PEGeosyntec
B. Andrea Cheng Ranft PEJones CarterSuzanne E. Wright PELJA Engineering
Christina L. Hickey PECity of Mesquite
Carol E. Haddock PECity of Houston
Craig B. Thompson PENaismith Engineering
Alexis A. ClarkHilti North America
Anali Martinez EITRPS Klotz Associates
Austin Helton,EITKimley-Horn
Fabian A. Herrera EITBrown & Gay Engineers
Glen R. Marshall Jr. EITKimley-Horn
Joe W. AlvarezASCE Corpus Christi Branch
Micol R. Bratten EITBEICKER
Rachel Norris PEKleinfelder
Heather Guillen PEWalter P. Moore
Student Symposium student leaders enjoy the TCPA BBQ at Dick’s Classic Garage and Car Museum in San Marcos, Texas. Photo Art Clendenin PE
12 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
2016Leadership in Infrastructure SolutionsSubmit your ideas to [email protected]
or fill out the form at www.texasce.org/page/CECON2016topics
2016 TEXAS CIVIL ENGINEERING CONFERENCECALL FORTOPICS and SPEAKERSSeptember 21-23, 2016San Marcos, TexasEmbassy Suites San Marcos Hotel, Spa and Conference Center1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, Texas, 78666
What do you think are the important topics and challenges of our profession? Let us know! CECON 2016 proposals will be accepted on the theme: Leadership in Infrastructure Solutions.
The CECON 2016 program agenda will include sessions that exemplify civil engineers and civil engineering projects as:
Master Builders Stewards of the Environment Innovators Managers of Risk Leaders in Public Policy
Submissions for CECON 2016 topics and speakers will be accepted through January 31, 2016. Submissions received after January 31, 2016 will be considered for future speaking opportunities.
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Austin BranchAtlan M. Citzler PELynn D. Eaves PEDavid R. Maidment PhD, PEJames D. Miertschin PhD, PEGlenn A. Nespeca PERonald J. Nielsen PEJohn D. Noell PEJohn A. Wooley PE
Caprock BranchJeryl D. Hart PE
Corpus Christi BranchYogesh D. Shah PEMichael D. Stridde PEVernon A. Wuensche PE
Dallas BranchSteven H. Baldauf PERichard Carson PEKenneth D. Franch PESamuel M. Frenkil PEMark G. Goode PEDennis K. Henning PEKhalil J. Hobeiche PEMarcelo P. Merino PELarry N. Patterson PEVictor N. Pavloff PEGary M. Pettit PEStephen H. Punch PEDaniel R. RaineyW. T. Witherspoon
Fort Worth BranchJohn W. Baird PEGlenn S. Breisch PEPatrick J. Buckley PEToby L. Daley PEFred H. Evans PEWilliam Harrell PEUlys Lane PEGerald A. Parche PEWilliam K. Ray PERobert Walker PE
high plains BranchTommy G. Clem PETerry P. Gardner PEMichael K. Smith PE
Houston BranchVincent P. Baglioni PERichard J. Belanger PEDavid G. Bradley PEEdward C. Clukey PhD, PEMark K. Daniels PEJatin A. Desai PEGregg M. Gibbs PENicholas A. Goodwin PEJames F. Jackson PEDavid C. Johnston PEAlbert A. Joseph PEDavid A. Knoll PEJon M. Lohmann PEStanley M. Macie PEJohn K. Mulligan PE
Robert D. Muse PERonald K. Page PEThomas E. Ramsey PEA.J. Restum PEJohn D. Rohrer PEDennis W. Seeman PEPol D. Spanos PhD, PESteven J. Spease PEDavid M. Stockard PEMark A. Thompson PEMichael F. Trznadel PEWendell R. Vines PEYogesh K. Vyas PERecep Yilmaz PE
Northeast Texas BranchJoe N. Harle PEStephen R. Richards PE
San Antonio BranchRobert D. Barber PEGary P. Baumgartel PEPatrick Fink PEStephen Horvath PEJ. David Mack PEThomas P. Pardue PEWilliam Reiffert PEMichael D. Smith PE
ASCE Life Members 2015
Ben H. WagnerCorpus ChristiClement O. WilliamsCorpus Christi/ San AntonioEugene W. PalmerDallasJohn R Ball Jr. Fort Worth
Noel J. Everard Fort WorthRoland S. JaryFort WorthJames R. (Bob) King Jr.Fort Worth
Leon James LevittFort WorthRobert L. (Bob) Nichols Fort WorthAnthony P. (Tony) WenzelFort Worth
2015 In Memoriam
ASCE Life Members are at least 65 years old, have paid dues for at least 35 years and have had ten years of continuous membership immediately preceding the attainment of Life Member. Congratulations!
14 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
Student’s Center Tyler P. Dube PEFirst Year Director at Large
Texas is home to 16 ASCE Student Chapters—one of the best places for employers to look for top aspiring civil engineers. Among their membership are some of the brightest, most enthusiastic,
and most proactive students about starting their careers. Three chapters have highlighted what they offer their membership through ASCE including information on recent and upcoming events, as well as the ways they have found to serve in their surrounding communities.
Texas A&M University J.T.L. McNewBy Matthew Giglio & Javier De La CerdaThe Texas A&M University J.T.L. McNew Student Chapter has been privileged to conduct a variety of influential speaker, networking, and volunteer events in addition to our high-achieving steel bridge and concrete canoe teams. Our chapter is proud to have a membership of approximately 1,050 members. Looking forward each year, we challenge ourselves to prepare our civil engineering majors for their careers after graduation.
Recently, we have hosted both large and small engineering firms as well as the state department of transportation at our bi-weekly speaker meetings. Speaker meetings have allowed our students to be aware of the different specialties within civil engineering and opportunities available to them. These meetings also serve as a casual way for students to network with civil engineering professionals.
In addition to speaker meetings, our ASCE student chapter has volunteered through a variety of events. We participate in Adopt-A-Street where we go into the local community and clean the streets for the assigned neighborhood. Additionally, we packaged food at the Brazos Valley Food Bank for the needy. One of our most successful programs has been Freshman Aspiring to be Civil Engineers (FACE). FACE is a mentor program where
ASCE upperclassmen provide guidance for freshman members as they transition to the Zachry Department of Civil Engineering.
We are very proud of our steel bridge and concrete canoe teams who have both made it to the national competition two years in a row. Thankfully, our department, donors, and ASCE has supported these activities. We will be traveling to Lubbock, Texas in April 2016 for the Texas Section Student Symposium. As our membership grows, we are challenged with giving the unique development opportunities that these competitions offer to the growing number of interested students. Support for our teams is encouraged.
We are excited for the future growth of our chapter and look forward to the challenges ahead. We hope to offer more site visits for our members in the near future. Our officers continually strive to improve the quality and variety of our events. ASCE has provided us and our students an unmatched opportunity for personal and professional development.
University of Texas at AustinBy Claudio M. LopezSince 1921, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at the University of Texas at Austin has been a perfect complement to and an integral part of the educational experience and career preparation for civil engineering students. ASCE student members have a greater understanding of their career interests and opportunities from the knowledge they receive at our chapter meetings from industry professionals.
Our bi-weekly meetings are the primary method to educate our member’s upcoming UT-ASCE activities. These meetings are held every other Wednesday and UT-ASCE provides a meal and a guest speaker who shares insight into real-world engineering projects and scenarios. Members are encouraged to interact with guest speakers to learn more about their companies. The
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speakers from the Fall 2015 meetings include: Hilti, Jones & Carter, Walter P. Moore, RLG Consulting Engineers, Austin Commercial, and Cude Engineers.
ASCE challenges students each year to design a concrete canoe capable of carrying up to four paddlers with new innovative designs. Each team’s final score is compiled and determined based on their performance in each of four equally-weighted categories: a technical paper, performance in the canoe races, an oral presentation, and overall canoe design. The participating members from The University of Texas at Austin’s ASCE student chapter are responsible for all aspects of the canoe design and fabrication process. These valuable experiences provide members with skills such as exceptional teamwork and advanced project management that can immediately be applied in the classroom while serving as valuable training for their future civil engineering careers.
The steel bridge team is tasked with designing and building a 20 ft. bridge under strict guidelines that change annually to encourage innovation. Bridges are judged on construction speed, weight, stiffness, economy, and efficiency to increase awareness of real-world issues such as space constraints, strength, and constructability. Team members learn basic fabrication techniques from steel cutting to welding. Over the course of the year students will also gain experience in project management methods during both the fabrication and construction stages while learning how to work as a team to resolve unexpected problems. We will be traveling to the 2016 ASCE Texas Section Student Symposium hosted by Texas Tech University on April 7-9, 2016.
There are many different ways to get involved and we are always eager to discuss our ideas with professionals
in the area. We depend on valuable corporate support to be able to participate in competitions, from buying materials for all aspects of the project to travel and accommodations at the competition itself.
The University of Texas at El PasoBy Cristobal Robles & Magdalena AnguloThe Student Chapter at The University of Texas at El Paso started strong and well motivated this Fall semester. Fall activities included canned food drives, harvest festivals, and building houses. We introduced something new this semester and we have been delighted and challenged with the opportunity to participate with the Habitat for Humanity of El Paso in the construction of a home for a family in need. The members experienced the reality of building a house starting with the finished post-stressed concrete slab. We learned how to mark the walls, partitions, doors and windows according to the plan on site. We learned to frame the walls using wood studs and how to install columns. The members enjoyed the chance to work with their hands and get dirty, which is not something that is part of the academic curriculum but is essential for a holistic civil engineering education. The Habitat for Humanity experience enabled our members to apply classroom knowledge into actual work by making calculations, reading designs, and then making it a reality. This has helped many of the members realize the importance of the coursework and not cutting corners in the design process because their work will one day be used to serve an intended purpose and all calculations must be done to perfection to avoid any tragedy.
The Chapter would like to thank Habitat for Humanity for providing us with this opportunity but especially Mr. Ignacio Alarcon for being our mentor in the process.
16 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
Younger Members’ Corner Fabian A. Herrera PEYounger Member Chair
Coming in April 2016: Texas-wide YM Camping TripAlexis A. ClarkDallas Younger Members Chair
Five youthful engineers sit down to a table at a Mexican restaurant in the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas. Having scanned the menu, you decide to just “indulge” in that enchilada plate instead of opting for the much healthier option of a taco salad – you took the stairs to the third floor today instead of the elevator, so really, you’ve earned it. The group begins to peck at blue corn tortilla chips as you politely resist the urge to reach across the table for the other type of salsa you’d much prefer over the bowl of warm tomato mush set directly in front of you. The server has taken your order, and eagerly awaiting
that gooey plate of enchiladas, you find yourself in that dreaded lull of small talk and ice-breakers before doing what you came to do: plan the upcoming year as leaders of the YM committee. The uncomfortable quiet before the storm has arrived, and it lingers as you glance at the new faces around the table. One question breaks the silence:
“What are we trying to do here?”
The inevitable question that begins to shape the path of events for fiscal year 2016. The typical questions follow. “What are our goals?” and “How can we expand our reach?” Same old, same old. The five members buzz with the promise of an exciting twelve months to follow, dreaming up events so in demand that they’ll have to turn people away for lack of space! Ideas are thrown around the table. A joint happy hour with other Dallas
texasce.org 17
engineering organizations, volunteering opportunities… and so it continues. Alas, the group has fallen into that comfortable pattern so many before have – relying on past events and adding small bits of intermittent flair in order to increase interest and attendance at the Branch level. We humans (and more particularly, engineers) are creatures of habit.
2016 is the year to break habits. Our new initiative as Dallas Branch YM leaders is to see that at least one event annually is held in conjunction with another Branch or Section outside of DFW. For too long, we’ve sat complacent in our metroplex, reaching out occasionally to TSPE or SWE, and seen little progress in comparison to the expectations set at the beginning of every October. This year, we branch out (pun intended) to our brethren across the state. What we’re trying to do here is create more opportunities for our young engineers to meet people like them from different hometowns, colleges, backgrounds, and fields of civil engineering across Texas to develop better networks, share experiences, ideas, and opportunities, and just enjoy each other’s company more often than that one night you meet up at the hotel bar at CECON.
My committee members and I have reached out to all 15 Texas Section branches in an attempt to organize a weekend gathering of all young engineers representing the great state of Texas. Right now our goal is to arrange
a camping weekend, tentatively April 22-24, at a statepark somewhere in/near Central Texas in proximity to major branches so that travel distance for the majority of attendees can be optimized. However, no official location has been selected. Because our beautiful state is the largest of the continental U.S., distance plays greatly into this choice. We will treat the final location as a centroid of the participation across all branches (i.e. if El Paso and Caprock have the highest number of participants, the rest of the State will oblige by moving the location further west to accommodate.) Austin and Central Texas are blessed with central geography, while Southeast Texas and El Paso battle for proximity. It’s just the way the cookie crumbles. Your increased involvement in planning and recruitment will land the location closer to your Branch!
The spring is a beautiful and popular time to camp in Texas, so we want to ensure we have reserved enough space for everyone who wants to be involved. If your Branch is unable to make the trek out to the final location, we encourage you to organize a similar event with your neighboring Branches.
If you have any questions or would like to be involved, please contact Alexis A. Clark at [email protected]. Looking forward to seeing y’all in spring 2016!
Branches
FORT WORTHUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS at ARLINGTON
HIGH PLAINSWEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
CAPROCKTEXAS TECHUNIVERSITY
EL PASOUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS at EL PASO
WEST TEXAS
DALLASSOUTHERN METHODISTUNIVERSITY
NORTHEAST TEXASUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS at TYLERLETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY
SOUTHEAST TEXASLAMAR UNIVERSITY
CENTRAL TEXAS
HOUSTONUNIVERSITY OF HOUSTONRICE UNIVERSITYPRAIRIE VIEW A&M
BRAZOS
SAN ANTONIOUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS at SAN ANTONIO
RIO GRANDE VALLEYUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - PAN AMERICAN
CORPUS CHRISTITEXAS A&M - KINGSVILLE
AUSTINUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS at AUSTIN
texasce.org | o�[email protected]/TEXASCE@TEXASCEtweets
TAMU
18 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
The Texas Section ASCE Board Members were asked to fill out a questionnaire so that the Section’s members might get to know them a little better on a more personal level. The series will run in each of the 4 editions of the TCE and each edition will highlight a couple of the Board Members with the goal that by the end of the year each Board Member has been introduced.
President: Audra Morse, PhD, PEAudra is the current President. She is employed by Texas Tech University, where she serves as the associate dean for undergraduate studies in the Whitacre College of Engineering, as a professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, and as the leader of the Engineering Opportunities Center.Q: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?A: My husband and family. My husband encourages me to try the opportunities that come my way and supports the family when those activities require me to travel. My boys because they love me and the grandparents for role modeling love to my husband and I when we were kids and to my kids now.Q: What book has influenced you the most?A: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. Since reading that book, I have a better understanding of how and why I approach problems/challenges the way I do. Also, I better understand others.
I have also used that information to be a better parent.Q: What teacher inspired you the most, and how or why?A: My junior social studies teacher. His class taught me how to learn. He also taught me how to aim high and be satisfied with your best. Q: What concept in civil engineering have you found especially hard to grasp? A: I was not a very visual thinker when I was in school so the structural related courses were a challenge for me. Q: What do you do to de-stress?A: I enjoy painting, which is a new hobby I use to de-stress. However, the de-stress mechanism I use every day is to walk every morning. Q: What’s your favorite type of cuisine?A: I love all food; just don’t serve me any “weird” cuts of meat. In that case, please pass the veggies.
Treasurer: Curtis Steger PECurtis is the Treasurer. He is a currently employed at Steger & Bizzell Engineering, Inc. Q: Given the choice of anyone in the world, past, present, or future, whom would you want as a dinner guest?A: Audie Murphy, America’s Most Decorated World War II Combat Soldier.Q: For what in your life do you feel most grateful? A: My family. I love my wife, children, and parents. I’ve truly been blessed!Q: What is your top love in the civil engineering profession?A: Working with and helping people. Everything a civil
Meet Your Board Members
Audra with her sons at the Stockholm City Hall in June 2015
texasce.org 19
engineer does has an effect on at least one other person and many projects affect thousands and even millions of people.Q: What do you do to de-stress? A: I love spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. I also enjoy turning wrenches. All help me “get away” from the everyday grind.Q: What sports team do you support, or what team do you love to see lose?A: I’m an Aggie, so I follow the Ags in all sports. My second favorite team is anyone that is playing TU.Q: If you could master one skill that you don’t have right now, what would it be? A: Fly fishing. I’d really like to learn fly fishing because it looks relaxing and peaceful.Q: What’s your favorite type of cuisine?A: I love BBQ. I’m a pretty good cook, so I appreciate BBQ joints that have good food.Q: Were you the former winner of any previous competitions?A: I guessed the number of hockey pucks in a plexi-glass box to win season tickets to the Austin Ice Bats back in 1997. My wife also won season tickets to Kyle field to watch the Aggies win every home game that year (oh the good ‘ole days).Q: Best piece of advice you have received: A: Take care of your team members and they will take care of you. Everyone has a strength, make sure you encourage your team members to identify their strength. Help address weaknesses and build confidence and knowledge to minimize your weakness.Q: Describe your family: A: I am blessed to have been married to my wife for 22 years. We have 2 children that are active in sports and church. My son is a 6’6” tall 17-year old senior who plays varsity basketball for East View HS in Georgetown and my daughter is a 5’11” tall 15-year old sophomore who plays volleyball and basketball for East View HS.
Assistant Treasurer: Anthony Buonodono PE, PMPAnthony is the Assistant Treasurer for the Texas Section. He is currently the Infrastructure Group Leader at MWM DesignGroup.Q: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?A: I feel most grateful for the support of my family. Without them, I would not be able to de-stress at home so I can focus on work when needed. Their support has allowed me to take chances that have allowed my career to grow and allowed me to participate in professional
organizations like TSPE and ASCE.Q: What is your top interest in the civil engineering profession?A: My top interest in the civil engineering profession is to make a difference in the community. Seeing a project benefit and improve people’s lives is what keeps me going and makes all of the long hours seem well spent.Q: What do you do to de-stress?A: I spend time with my family to de-stress. For me, there is nothing more relaxing or rejuvenating than spending a weekend with my wife and kids.Q: What’s your favorite type of cuisine?My favorite type of cuisine is Italian; especially when eaten in Italy.Q: Why did you choose to become a civil engineer? A: I chose to become an engineer in 4th grade when I realized that my interest in how and why things work fit perfectly with engineering. I chose civil engineering when I realized how much of an opportunity the
Kathryn S. Osborn EITFirst Year Director at Large
Tony and his family at Disney World in October 2015.
Continued on page 40
20 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
Branch News Melanie D. Gavlik PESecond Year Director at Large
Early fall marks an exciting time for ASCE. It’s the time of year when each Branch ushers in a new slate of officers to continue work on ASCE’s mission and each Branch offers a unique perspective on caring out that mission.
The Fort Worth Branch currently live streams and archives all its meetings, which they make available on their website. In the next few months the Fort Worth Branch will be dedicating the 7th Street Bridge which won the Texas Section Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award at CECON 2015. Keep an eye out for the next addition of the Texas Civil Engineer for an update on the dedication.
The Dallas Branch wrapped up a very successful 2014-2015. The following highlight a few of the successes from the past year:• Celebrated 90 years of ASCE in Dallas with a casino
night and fundraiser• Raised Scholarship funds at the Annual DFW Golf
Tournament• Joined the Fort Worth Branch for the annual joint
meeting where fellow civil engineer Mayor Jeff Williams was the main speaker
• Mentored students at Civil Engineering Club, Girl Scouts
• Reached out to students through Future City, MathCOUNTS competitions, Career Fairs & Days
• Volunteered at North Texas Food Bank, Perot Museum, Earth Day
• Honored Dallas members: Mark K. Boyd PhD, PE, D.WRE, Marc Sandhu PE, Jack N. Furlong PE, D.WRE Rachel R. Hayden PE, Angela L. Matthews PE, Sean P. Merrell PE, Jonathan D. Brower EIT, Alexis A. Clark for being recognized for their accomplishments at ASCE Branch, Section, and society levels
• Streamlined processes for Fundraising, Communications, Hospitality, Program committees
The Houston Branch recently completed their joint society meeting. For this meeting ASCE hosted a debate between several of the main candidates running for Mayor of Houston. The event was moderated by Ernie Mannose from Houston Public Media. Approximately 100 people attended the meeting.
The West Texas Branch is in the process of revamping and is in a transitional period. One major goal has been younger membership growth and involvement. Most
L-R: Anthony Luce (Texas Section Director), Mark Boyd (Vice President), Frank Pugsley (President-Elect), Brad Hernandez (President), Angela Matthews (Past President), Fabian Herrera (Secretary), and Jonathan Brower (Technical Director)
West Texas Branch Officer Installation
texasce.org 21
Branch News
October Joint Society Meeting: Debate between several Mayoral Candidates for the City of Houston, moderated by Ernie Mannose
of the officers are under 25 and the majority of local participation is from members under 35. The Branch is also starting a push for their Education Outreach program
in which members go to local schools and discuss what engineers do.
Austin ASCE donated 1,000 canned goods to build the “Turn the Tables on Hunger” structure (Pictured above) to the Capital Area Food Bank. The team consisted of Kacey Paul, Drew Cave, Linda Barlow, Laura Friello, and Lily Aung.
22 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
Austin BranchPresident: Jane Ellen M. Carter EITSection Director: Travis S. Isaacson PEPast President: Dave Lubitz PEPresident Elect: Stephen R. Zobal PEVice President: Glenn A. Goldstein PESecretary: Aaron Sterns PETreasurer: Joseph F. Goessling PETreasurer Elect: Bradley L. East PEHistory & Heritage Committee Contact: Melinda Luna PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Anali Martinez EITStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Ashley Sullivan EITCommunications Coordinator: Kacey C. Paul PEEnvironmental & Water Resources Institute Chapter Chair: Kimberly K. Patak PEStructural Engineering Institute Chapter Chair: John M. Holt PE
Brazos BranchPresident: Sean Ray PESection Director: Robert Lys Jr. PEPast President: Jeremy N. Peters PEVice President: Tyler W. Lewis PESecretary: Greg Lanting EITTreasurer: Joshua D. Norton PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Sean Ray PEStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Edward J. McDonald
Caprock BranchPresident: Travis S. Barnett EITSection Director: Russell R. Carter PESecretary: Gustave MichaudTreasurer: Matthew S. Laverty PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Travis S. Barnett EITStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Zachary J. GarrettStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Russell R. Carter PE
Central Texas BranchPresident: Allen B. Nash EITSection Director: John A. Simcik PEPast President: Taylor Blanchard EITVice President: Kyle A. Stanislav EITSecretary: Brian J. Geiger PETreasurer: Marsha H. PalasotaYounger Members Committee Contact: Allen B. Nash EIT
Corpus Christi BranchPresident: Joseph E. Minor PESection Director: Anthony B. Gavlik PEPast President: Michelle A. Patton PEVice President: Michael C. York EITSecretary: Stephen L Skrobarczyk EITTreasurer: Daniel E. Mazoch EITHistory & Heritage Committee Contact: W. Allan Hayes PEHistory & Heritage Committee Contact : Tom W. Stewart PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Joe W. AlvarezStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Richard T. EverettCommunications Coordinator: Jenna M. Clayton EIT
Dallas BranchPresident: Brad M. Hernandez PESection Director: Anthony D. Luce PEPast President: Angela L. Matthews PETreasurer: Frank E. Pugsley PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Alexis A. ClarkStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Edward M. Penton PEStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Mark K. Boyd PhD, PE, D.WRE
El Paso BranchPresident: Marvin H. Gomez PESection Director: Yvonne C. Conde-Curry PEPast President: Wendy M. Arredondo EITPresident Elect: Roxanna Rivera PEVice President: Luis E. HernandezSecretary: Thomas M. Vick PETreasurer: Christopher J. Nance PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Sergio R. Mendez EITStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: William S. Walker PhD, PE
Fort Worth BranchPresident: Travis N. Attanasio PESection Director: Kimberly K. Cornett PEPast President: Samantha W. Clark PEPresident Elect: Clinton Hoover PESecretary: Niraj Acharya PETreasurer: Clinton Hoover PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Jeff W. Philipp EITStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Mark Galvan EIT
Texas Section Branch Officers 2015-2016
texasce.org 23
High Plains BranchPresident: Rodolfo O. Mireles EITSection Director: Joseph W. Shehan PEPast President: Eliot L. Fisher PEVice President: Andrew Sry EITSecretary/Treasurer: Vicente Gil Jr. EITYounger Members Committee Contact: Rodolfo O. Mireles EITStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: B. Ray Tillery PEStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Rodolfo O. Mireles EIT
Houston BranchPresident: Brent Baldwin PESection Director: Paul A. Voiles PEPast President: Jason P. Ellison PEVP-Administration: Gareth J. Young PEVP-Education: Jason Miles Brock PEVP-Technical: Natalie M. WeiershausenSecretary: Luis A. Gonzalez PETreasurer: Heather Guillen PEHistory & Heritage Committee Contact: David L. Collins PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Austin C. Brauel EITStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Gregory A. Ranft PEStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Joseph M. Cibor PEStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Stephen A. Hrncir PEBranch Director: John H. Myers EITStructural Engineering Institute Chapter Chair: Fulvio Jaramillo PECoasts, Oceans, Ports Institute Chair: Richard Ruchhoeft PEEnvironmental & Water Resources Institute Chapter Chair: Andres A. Salazar
Northeast Texas BranchPresident: Owen B. Sanderson EITSection Director: Russell W. Gibson PEPast President: Arun S. Kortikere PEVice President: David D. Stanley EITSecretary/Treasurer: Kevin R. Ali PEYounger Members Committee Contact: David D. Stanley EITStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: David D. Stanley EITStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Owen B. Sanderson EIT
Rio Grande Valley BranchPresident: Lucas Castillo Jr. PESection Director: Dora E. Marin-Robles EITVice President: Jesse J. SanchezSecretary: Ethny A. Nava EITTreasurer: Carlos Ceballos Jr. PENewsletter Editor: Dora E. Marin-Robles EITYounger Members Committee Contact: Ethny A. Nava EITStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Alfonso A. Soto PEStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Robert L. Saenz PE
San Antonio BranchPresident: Curt G. Campbell PESection Director: Kara J. Heasley PEPast President: John A. Tyler PEPresident Elect: Amy M. Stone PEVice President: Deepa Thankavel EITSecretary: Christopher P Van-HeerdeTreasurer: Ryan R. Plagens PEHistory & Heritage Committee Contact: H. Douglas Steadman PEMembership Committee Contact: Luke J. Reed PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Micol R. Bratten EITYounger Members Committee Contact: Jose M. Cantu PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Derek WoodruffYounger Members Committee Contact: Diego A. GonzalezStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Manuel Diaz PhD PEStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Muhammad Musa PhD PECommunications Coordinator: John A. Tyler PEEnvironmental & Water Resources Institute Chapter Chair: Troy M. Dorman PE
Southeast Texas BranchSection Director: Robert C. Hickman PEYounger Members Committee Contact: Kathryn S. Osborn EITStudent Chapter Practitioner Advisor: Robert C. Hickman PE
West Texas BranchPresident: Jared A. Squyres PESection Director: Brady M. Stanford EITPast President: Brady M. Stanford EITSecretary: Adrian E. Frias EITTreasurer: Sergio De La RosaNewsletter Editor: Danica R. WeddleWebmaster: Kristy Fisher EITYounger Members Committee Contact: Brady M. Stanford EIT
24 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved the inaugural round of funding for water projects from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT).* We approved 30 projects (from 20 applicants) for approximately $3.8 billion; $900 million of that amount was needed this year. We estimate that the cost-effective financing from the SWIFT program will save communities more than $106 million during this first round of funding.
On December 1, 2015, the application period for the 2016 funding cycle of the SWIFT program opened. Entities will have until February 5, 2016, to submit a preliminary, two-page application.
In our first round of SWIFT program funding, communities from all areas of the state stepped up to the plate to apply for this funding. The TWDB approved projects for transmission lines, wells, land acquisition, seawater desalination, brackish groundwater treatment, canal linings, reservoirs, and metering systems. The sponsors for these projects serve 40 counties in many diverse regions across our state.
Now, we want to cast an even wider net. Our 2012 State Water Plan tells us that in the next 50 years water demand will increase by 22 percent while existing water supply will decrease by about 10 percent. This means that Texas could face a water shortage during times of drought if
T W D B opens 2016 F un di ng Cycle for SWIFT on December 1
Kathleen Jackson PEBoard Member
Texas Water Development BoardFollow Kathleen @twdb_kathleen
*The SWIFT program includes two funds, the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) and the State Water Implementation Revenue Fund for Texas (SWIRFT). Revenue bonds for the program are issued through the SWIRFT.Kathleen Jackson has served as a Board member for the Texas Water Development Board since March of 2014. She is a registered professional engineer with a diverse background representing agricultural, environmental, industrial, and wholesale-supply interests. A native of Beaumont, Jackson has three children, sixth-generation Texans, who all reside and work in Texas.
texasce.org 25
water management strategies aren’t implemented. Since Texas tends to be in drought most of the time, finding a way to design, build, and implement these strategies is a priority.
To meet our state’s growing water demand, we need water projects that will increase our existing water supply. The 2012 State Water Plan identifies hundreds of projects with a total capital cost of $53 billion. Water providers will need nearly $27 billion of that total capital cost in state financial assistance, which is why the SWIFT program was created in 2013.
The Texas Legislature and the people of Texas believed then, and still believe now, that water is critical to our future, which is why they overwhelmingly approved the creation of the SWIFT program. Investing in our state’s water infrastructure over the next 50 years will help Texas remain the most influential economic force in the nation.
With water, we attract industries, businesses, employees, tourists, families, and friends to the Lone Star State. Without water, we lose our star power and the ability to support the businesses, homes, and communities that make our state great.
As the Texas population booms, so does our need for more and more water and the responsibility we all share of making sure our existing supplies are being used as efficiently as possible. Taking advantage of the funding available from the TWDB through the SWIFT program and our other financial assistance programs will help all areas of Texas meet the demands of the future with improved water infrastructure.
Of the additional 8 million acre-feet of water estimated to be needed over the next 50 years, about one-third will come from conservation or reuse, about one-third will come from infrastructure improvements to existing water
supplies, and about one-third will come from developing new water supplies.
The rising number of water projects in Texas presents opportunities for engineers and other labor force sectors needed to complete a wide range of project work from design to construction. Texas is already home to some of the most successful and innovative water projects in the world; with financing now available, exciting projects are on the horizon (such as brackish desalination, aquifer storage and recovery, and new conservation efforts) and will require the right team to move them from paper to production.
Our hope is that every community in Texas will benefit from the state’s unprecedented water development efforts. We want leaders from all economic sectors to engage with us on the advancement taking place in water infrastructure. Civil engineers have the unique opportunity to partner in the development of affordable and sustainable water for Texas. With your help, we will be able to move forward today with impactful water projects so that our children and our children’s children will have the water they need for the future.
To apply for funding from the SWIFT program or the TWDB’s other financial assistance programs, please visit the TWDB’s financial assistance page at www.twdb.texas.gov/financial/index.asp or contact the TWDB at (512) 463-0991 or [email protected].
The Texas Water Development Board’s mission is to provide leadership, information, education, and support for planning, financial assistance, and outreach for the conservation and responsible development of water for Texas.
Photo: The new lake at Addicks Reservoir by John Chandler. Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/nQWJGn
26 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
ASCE Texas Section 2015 - 2016 DirectoryTEXAS SECTION OFFICEExecutive DirectorCrespin Guzman [email protected] Manager/SecretaryElizabeth R. [email protected] ManagerAnnemarie [email protected]
ASCE Texas Section1524 S. Interstate 35, Ste. 180Austin, TX 78704Phone: [email protected]
2014 - 2015 OFFICERSPresident Audra N. Morse PhD, PEAssociate [email protected]
Past President Curtis B. Beitel [email protected]
President Elect Craig B. Thompson PENaismith [email protected]
VP-Educational Brian D. Bresler PEFreese and [email protected]
VP-Educational Elect Brett A. Pope [email protected]
VP-Professional M. Isabel Vasquez PE Huitt-Zollars, [email protected]
VP-Professional ElectTravis N. AttanasioBannister [email protected]
VP-TechnicalEdward M. Penton PEJacobs Engineering [email protected]
VP-Technical ElectOscar Lopez PELopez Engineering Group Inc. Structural [email protected]
TreasurerCurtis R. Steger PESteger & Bizzell [email protected]
Directors At LargeSenior Director at Large John A. Tyler PEPape Dawson Engineers [email protected]
Second Year Director at Large Melanie D. Gavlik PENaismith Engineering [email protected]
First Year Director at Large Kathryn S. Osborn EITSchaumburg Polk [email protected]
First Year Director at Large Tyler P. Dube PEPape Dawson Engineers [email protected]
section directorsAustin Branch (2014-2016) Travis S. Isaacson PETBE [email protected]
Brazos Branch (2015-2017)Robert Lys Jr. PE Tricon Precast [email protected]
Caprock Branch (2015-2017)Russell R. Carter PE Carter Consulting & Engineering [email protected]
Central Texas Branch (2014-2016) John A. Simcik PEKasberg Patrick & Associates [email protected]
Corpus Christi Branch (2014-2016) Anthony B. Gavlik PEHDR Engineering [email protected]
Dallas Branch (2015-2017) Chula B. Ellepola PETerra Testing [email protected]
El Paso Branch (2015-2017) Yvonne C. Conde-Curry PEConde [email protected]
Fort Worth Branch (2015-2017) Kimberly K. Cornett [email protected]
texasce.org 27
ASCE Texas Section 2015 - 2016 DirectoryHigh Plains Branch (2014-2016)Joseph W. Shehan PEJ Shehan Engineering [email protected]
Houston Branch (2014-2016) Paul A. Voiles PEBinkley & Barfield [email protected]
Northeast Texas Branch (2014-2016)Russell W. Gibson PEETTL Engineers & Consultants [email protected]
Rio Grande Valley Branch (2015-2017)Dora E. Marin-Robles [email protected]
San Antonio Branch (2014-2016) Kara J. Heasley PEJones & Carter [email protected]
Southeast Texas Branch (2015-2017) Robert C. Hickman PE (acting)LJA Engineering [email protected]
West Texas Branch (2015-2017) Brady M. Stanford [email protected]
Region 6 Board of GovernorsDirector/Chair, 2013-2016Kenneth B. Morris PE, [email protected]
Governor, 2014-2017Daniel B. Hartman PE, F.ASCE(Texas Section)[email protected]
Governor, 2015-2018(Texas Section)David F. Calabuig Sr. [email protected]
Governor, 2014-2017 (Oklahoma Section)Jeremy P Stahle [email protected]
Governor, 2015-2018(New Mexico Section)Jerry B. Paz [email protected]
Governor, 2013-2016(Appointed, Texas Section)Sean P Merrell PE, [email protected]
2015 - 2016 Branch PresidentsAustin BranchJane Ellen M. Carter [email protected]
Brazos BranchSean Ray PECity of College [email protected]
Caprock BranchTravis S. Barnett EITParkhill, Smith, & Cooper, [email protected]
Central Texas BranchAllen B. Nash EITClark and Fuller [email protected]
Corpus Christi BranchJoseph E. Minor [email protected]
Dallas BranchBrad M. Hernandez [email protected]
El Paso BranchMarvin H. Gomez PEGRV Integrated Engineering Solutions [email protected]
Fort Worth BranchTravis N. Attanasio PEBannister [email protected]
High Plains BranchRodolfo O. Mireles EITAmarillo Testing & [email protected]
Houston BranchBrent Baldwin PEWilliams [email protected]
Northeast Texas BranchOwen B. Sanderson [email protected]
Rio Grande Valley BranchLucas Castillo Jr. [email protected]
San Antonio BranchCurt G. Campbell PEWestward Environmental [email protected]
Southeast Texas BranchRobert C. Hickman PE(Acting Section Director)LJA Engineering [email protected]
West Texas BranchJared A. Squyres PEParkhill, Smith & [email protected]
28 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
ASCE Texas Section 2015 - 2016 DirectoryInstitute Chapter & Technical Group Contacts 2015-2016Construction Institute ChapterPreston S. Parker PERaba Kistner [email protected]
Environmental & Water Resources Institute ChapterMark K. Boyd PhD, PE, D.WRELCA Environmental [email protected]
Geo-Institute ChapterSteven B. McNeme [email protected]
Structural Institute ChapterOscar Lopez PELopez Engineering Group Inc. Structural [email protected]
Transportation & Development Institute ChapterGareth J. Young PEGulf Interstate [email protected]
Forensic GroupOPEN
Trust Fund Officers 2015-2016John B. Hawley Memorial FundWalter E. Skipwith PE (2011-2017)Halff Associates [email protected]
Theodore G. Cleveland PhD, PE (2013-2019)ASCE Student Chapter - [email protected]
Mark K. Boyd PhD, PE, D.WRE (2015-2021)LCA Environmental [email protected]
J. Walter Porter Memorial FundCarol E. Haddock PE (2010-2016)City of Houston Public Works & [email protected]
Donald E. Willhouse PE (2012-2018)DEW [email protected]
Ronnie M. Lemons PE (2014-2020)Freese & Nichols [email protected]
Certified HUB-DBE-WBE-SBE 1507 South IH 35, Austin, TX (512) 328-2430 Serving Texas and Beyond Since 1987
www.horizon-esi.com
Agency CoordinationUS Army Corps of Engineers US Fish & Wildlife Service
Texas Historical Commission Texas Parks & Wildlife FEMA TxDOT TCEQ TWDB County and Municipal
Specializing in Infrastructure Projects Water/Wastewater RoadwaySchools Parks & Recreation
Oil & Gas Electric Utility Flood Control Wind Power
Waste Management
Regulatory Compliance NEPA Wetlands Archeology Endangered Species Geology TxDOT Categorical Exclusion SWPPP/Erosion Control Reservoir Permitting
texasce.org 29
2015 Texas Section honors and Awards
2015 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award
West 7th Street BridgeOWNER: City of Fort Worth, Transportation and Public Works
ENGINEER: Texas Department of Transportation
The West 7th Street Bridge in Fort Worth is believed to be the world’s first precast network arch bridge. The six 163.5-ft post-tensioned network arch spans connect downtown Fort Worth to its vibrant Cultural District. The bridge serves as an aesthetic and functional focal point for the community. Its innovative design provides dramatic flair to the Fort Worth landscape while blending gracefully into its context and landscape. Separate pathways along the bridge’s outer edges provide safer, improved mobility for pedestrians and cyclists, while the public area below offers a shady respite from the Texas sun.
The complete replacement of the aging 981’-long x 88’-wide bridge only disrupted traffic for four months. The project partners made every effort to minimize inconvenience to local residents and businesses. The project partners used multiple methods of communication to keep the public informed about the project’s progress and potential impacts to traffic throughout the construction process.
2015 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award
of Merit
Manor Expressway Toll Road Phase II
OWNER: Central Texas Regional Mobility AuthorityENGINEER: MC2 Civil Inc.
The Manor Expressway Toll Road Phase II construction project expanded a 6.2-mile section of US 290 from a four lane arterial to a 12 lane expressway in eastern Travis County. The project is intended to relieve congestion along that section of US 290E as well as provide a connection between two major highways in the area, US 183 and SH 130. Demand along US 290 has increased 78% in the past 24 years. (Source: CAMPO). The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority selected Central Texas Mobility Constructors (CTMC) Joint Venture to design and build the project. CTMC designed an innovative solution to minimize area traffic congestion while protecting the integrity of the surrounding communities and environment and stimulating local economic development.
The Manor Expressway is a uniting symbol of the local community with its steadfast focus on sustainability and the inclusion of local contractors, consultants, vendors, and suppliers throughout the entire construction process. The new six-lane expressway is a grade-separated,
View looking toward downtown Fort Worth. Photo courtesy of Liam Frederick
30 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
ASCE Texas Section Honors Presentedall-electronic toll road with three main lanes in each direction. The expressway is located between two newly constructed frontage roads, which continue to provide non-toll access to commercial and residential properties. New westbound main lanes and frontage roads were constructed in the footprint of the existing roadbed, and resulted in shifting the expanded corridor to the south. The project scope of work included the design of 32 bridges, drainage systems, and preparation of permit applications.
Within weeks of the project’s grand opening, average weekday transactions soared to nearly 47,000, although the roadway was not projected to hit 41,000 transactions until 2015 (Source: Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority). The constant mobility of this amount of vehicles reduces air pollution and the multi-use path provides a sustainable transportation option for local residents.
Award of HonorJOHN N. (JACK) FURLONG PE, D.WRE has 41 years of experience in consulting engineering and construction management. He has completed a wide range of projects including water resource projects such as: dams and reservoirs, pump stations, detention ponds, flood insurance
studies, channel improvements, subdivision plans, flood plain studies, master drainage plans, levees, and water and wastewater plans. He has designed and inspected bridges, buildings, roadways, landfills, and served as a resident engineer for a major tollway extension and provided expert testimony on past drainage and landfill permit litigation. In addition, he has completed the site civil plans for more than 120 commercial and industrial development sites and assisted surveyors, clients, and architects in processing plats, site plans, and building permits through the different regulatory entities at the city, county, state, and federal levels, such as FEMA and COE.
Mr. Furlong has been active in ASCE since he was a student at the University of Texas at Austin, where he helped chair the Model Span bridge building contest. He remains an enthusiastic supporter of ASCE and has
dedicated many hours of his time as an officer and on committees at the local, state and Society level. He served as Treasurer, Vice-President, President, and Section Director in the Austin Branch from 1985-1989. In the Dallas Branch he served as membership chair during 1998-1999, Newsletter editor from 2000-2001, and Honors Chair from 2009-2011. At the Section level he served on the 1985, 2003 and 2008 Section meetings planning committees, on the Texas Section Infrastructure Report Card committee in 2005, and he has chaired the Water Resources, Hydraulics, and Computer Practices technical groups in the past. Mr. Furlong was instrumental in kicking off the Section’s centennial celebration spearheading the collection of recorded testimonies from past Section presidents and executive secretaries/directors, and was the chief proponent of the Section’s Centennial House built in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity. He served as the Texas Section treasurer from 1988-1991 and did a presidential rotation in 2011-2014. Mr. Furlong served as a Region 6 Governor in 2006-2009 representing the Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma area. At the Society level, he has served on the Program, Public Policy and Solid Waste Technical committees.
Mr. Furlong has received the Texas Section History & Heritage Award in 2005, the Hawley Award in 2007 and the Professional Service Award in 2010. He has published over 30 papers, and taught more than 10 seminars/webinars on topics such as HEC-2, NPDES-Stormwater Permitting, Landfill Design, Dam Breach Modeling and Construction Management Issues. He was made a Diplomate in Water Resources Engineering in 2008.
Jack has been married for 41 years to Betty Lou, they have two children: Carrie Marie Little with two granddaughters – Caroline and Olivia; and son, Brian, who with his wife Lexi, provide two more grandkids –
Emma and Luke.
DONALD E. WILLHOUSE PE, F.ASCE, LTC, US ARMY (RETIRED) completed 4 years of a 5 year degree program before enlisting in the Army during the Viet Nam era. Returning to the states he was sent
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at the 2015 texas Civil Engineering Conference
Visit:TexASCE.org > Organization > Awards and Honors for a list of past recipients or n o m i n a t i o n procedures
ASCE Texas Section Honors Presentedto the University of Houston to complete his degree, and he began his association with ASCE by serving as the treasurer for the student chapter. Don has more than 40 years of experience in civil engineering, project management, command and leadership, emergency operations, conducting training and facilities management. He served in the U.S. Army for 26 years. Upon retiring from the Army, Colonel Willhouse served the State of Texas departments of Health, Mental Health and Mental Retardation, the Texas Board of Professional Engineers, and The Texas Water Development Board providing facilities management and directing the licensure of Engineers‐in‐Training and Professional Engineers. Since 2005, Don has worked in the private sector as a senior project manager for municipal and transportation projects with budgets in excess of $20M. He started his own company in 2011 to provide project/program management and facilities engineering services.
Colonel Willhouse is an active volunteer with the American Red Cross serving as an instructor in first aid/CPR/AED, wilderness first aid, and disaster services; is a commissioner and associate crew advisor with the Boy Scouts of America, and; a mentor in the Georgetown Independent School District. He is a past president of the ASCE Austin Branch and former treasurer for the Texas Section. Currently he is chair of the Section’s Infrastructure Security Committee and the Austin Branch Chair for Strategic Planning, and he is a regular contributor to the Texas Civil Engineer. Since 2013 he has been representing the Texas Section and all civil engineers on the Private Sector Advisory Council, an advisory panel established under the auspices of the Texas Department of Public safety that advises the governor on homeland security issues relevant to the private sector, guiding the strategic efforts to protect the critical infrastructure systems of Texas. Colonel Willhouse is a member of NSPE, SAME, the American Legion, the Military Order of the World Wars, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. An Eagle Scout and holder of the Silver Beaver award from the Boy Scouts, he also was awarded the FEMA Outstanding Service Award and many military service medals to include the Legion
of Merit, the Bronze Star, and 13 Air Medals. Don has received the Texas Section’s Service to People Award (2002) and John A. Focht Jr. Citizen Engineer Award (2005). He became a Fellow of ASCE in 2007 and a Life Member in 2009.
Don completed a BS, Civil Engineering at the University of Houston, a MS in Public Administration at the University of Central Texas (assets now Tarleton State University in Killeen), and a Master of Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University. In addition, he is a graduate of the Army officer candidate school, the engineer officer advanced course, command and staff college, and the Air Force’s Air War College.
In November, Don and Dottie Willhouse celebrated 42 years of marriage.
Service to People AwardJOE R. ZIMMERMAN PE is the Director of Development for Cobb Fendley & Associates, Inc., a private civil engineering consulting firm founded in 1980. He has extensive business experience, having served in senior management positions
in a number of different industries including consulting engineering, water and wastewater operations, land acquisition/land development/homebuilding as well as an international assignment in Libya. Joe is currently the 2015 Vice Chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, where he served in a similar capacity in 2000, 2001, 2013 and 2014. Mr. Zimmerman has served on the boards of the Literacy Council of Fort Bend, Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority and Beechnut Street, Inc., which is associated with Houston Baptist University.
Councilman Zimmerman is serving his fourth year on the Sugar Land City Council as the At-Large, Position 2, representative and serves on
32 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
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the Economic Development Committee, Sugar Land Development Corporation Board, 4b Board, Land-Use Advisory Committee, TIRZ 4 Board and as the COSL alternate representative to the Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Council. Prior to being elected to city council, he was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for eight years, serving six years as Chairman. He is a 2015 graduate of the Sugar Land Regional Airport Academy.Mr. Zimmerman earned his BSCE from the University of Houston and MBA from Houston Baptist University and is licensed as a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. He and his wife of 39 years, Nancy, have lived in Sugar Land since 1990 and are active members of Second Baptist Church Woodway. Their daughter, Allison, her husband Chris Wallace and granddaughter, Emmy, live in Houston.
Professional Service AwardLAWRENCE D. (LARRY) GOLDBERG PE has been active in ASCE since his involvement in the Student Chapter at Texas A&M University. After graduating in 1983 he was active in the Houston ASCE Branch until 1986 when he moved
to Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Goldberg continued his involvement in the Phoenix Branch from 1986 to 1989. In 1989 he returned to Houston, Texas and once again became active in the Houston Branch and Texas Section from 1989 to the present. Some of Larry’s ASCE activities include: Chairperson Houston Branch Water and Drainage Committee (91/92); Chairperson Texas Section Vendor Presentation Committee (91/92); Chairperson Houston Branch Continuing Education Committee (93/94); Chairperson Texas Section Water Resource Committee (94/95); Chairperson Texas Section Host Committee (95/96); President Houston Branch (00/01); Chairperson CECON 2014 Entertainment Committee, and; Vice President Elect / Vice President of Educational Activities for the Texas Section from 13/15.
Mr. Goldberg has received the following awards: John Focht Jr. Citizen Engineer Award 1994; Houston Branch Award of Honor 2011; and American Cancer Society Jr. Board President 1992/1993.
Currently Executive Vice President of Land Development for Landev Engineers, Inc., a member of the Binkley and Barfield family of companies, Larry has been married to his wife Rhoda since 2007 and they have four daughters.
Professional Service AwardHENRY C. LEIGHTON PE is a vice president for CAS consulting and Services, Inc., focusing on Construction Management and Environmental Services, and also management of the CAS San Antonio office. He is
originally from northern Illinois, with stops in California, Colorado, and Europe; and has been a resident of Austin since 2003. He joined CAS in 2009. CAS is an Austin-based civil engineering consulting firm specializing in water/wastewater, drainage, transportation, and construction services.
Mr. Leighton holds BS degrees from Southern Illinois University and the Colorado School of Mines. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and Colorado. He is a member of ASCE, ACEA and the Society of American Military Engineers. He is a recipient of the ASCE Austin Branch 2013 Civil Engineer of the Year Award, US Air Force Commendation Medal, and is a member of the US EPA 1999 Superfund Team of the Year.
His working career began in 1973, upon enlistment in the US Air Force. Upon leaving the military in 1979, Mr. Leighton worked as a mine electrician at the Henderson Mine in Empire, Colorado, and as a substation construction electrician for Xcel Energy, also in Colorado. Henry returned to school in 1983, ultimately earning his second BS degree in Civil Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.
Upon graduation he spent time with Soletanche-Bachy constructing deep cut-off walls in the Western United States. After this he began what became a 21-year career with AECOM, working all facets of the civil
ASCE Texas Section Honors Presented
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at the 2015 texas Civil Engineering Conference ASCE Texas Section Honors Presentedengineering discipline, working both side of the fence … as designer and contractor. In his time with various entities of AECOM, he had the incredible luck to participate on many marquee projects, such as the cleanup and release of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Pueblo Chemical Depot, the Rocky Flats Plant, and 4,000 individual properties under the Uranium Mill Tailings Remediation Act; as well as the $800Million Nitrogen Removal Program at the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant.
After a two-year, design-build telecommunications project in Rome, Italy, Mr. Leighton’s luck continued with an assignment to Austin, Texas to be the Construction Manager for the successful completion of the $300 Million Austin Clean Water Program. This role led to performing similar CM tasks and roles for the $70 Million South IH-35 Water/Wastewater Program, the $85 Million Jollyville Transmission Main project, the $130 Million Waller Creek Flood Mitigation Tunnel Project, and Section 12/13 of the $1.5 Billion Integrated Pipeline. Mr. Leighton and his wife, Kathy, an independent fashion consultant, have two grown children and are in the process of spoiling four grandchildren.
Professional Service To Students AwardSEAN P. MERRELL PE, PTOE, has served on many various committees and held officer positions in both the ASCE Houston and Dallas Branches including Dallas Branch President in 2012-2013. He has served the Texas
Section as Chair of the Centennial Celebration in 2013 and on the Section’s Board as the Senior Director at Large in 2009. At the Society level He has served on the ASCE Membership Committee. He is currently serving as an ASCE Region 6 Governor.
Mr. Merrell consistently seeks to interact with students including attending student chapter meetings and
events, conducting interview sessions on campus and is in frequent contact with local student chapter faculty and practitioner advisors to encourage interaction with the students and professional engineers. Sean led the efforts to post student chapter information on the ASCE Dallas Branch website and to give students half price admission to Dallas Branch meetings. He also leads the call to encourage his firm to support student chapters in their fund raising activities that benefit concrete canoe, steel bridge and other student activities.
Mr. Merrell has developed a presentation to students that focuses on teaching the soft skills not taught in college to help them develop better communication, social and networking skills. Entitled “Networking for Young Engineers” he has given this presentation to numerous ASCE and TexITE student chapters across Texas. The skills he shares in this presentation help prepare the students for their job interviews and the interactions they will encounter during the first few years of their professional careers.
Sean has also participated as a judge for many years at dozens of steel bridge and concrete canoe competitions across Texas. He focuses not only on being a judge during these competitions, but also as a mentor and motivator to the students. He encourages them to not give up, and to continue to improve in the future. Sean regularly attends Younger Member happy hours and student chapter activities and encourages student participation and interaction between civil engineer students and professional civil engineer in the industry. Mr. Merrell has worked at Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc. for 10 years and currently leads the North Texas traffic engineering practice. He previously served as the Senior Traffic Engineer with the City of Frisco, Texas. He currently serves on the Collin County Planning Board and the City of Frisco Parks and Rec Board. Sean was also recently selected to participate in Leadership Frisco.Mr. Merrell is a registered PE in Texas and a certified Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE). He is also a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS). He received his BS (2000) and ME (2001) degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University where he served as the president of the J.T.L. McNew ASCE Student Chapter. While at Texas A&M University, Sean received the Allen C. Ludwig, Jr. Outstanding Senior Civil Engineering Student Award in 2000.
Sean has been married to his beautiful and very understanding wife, Elizabeth, for 22 years and they
34 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
have two children, Sasha (10) & Declan (6). Before becoming an engineer, he served in the U.S. Army for 6 years as an OH-58 helicopter co-pilot. He was born in Buffalo, New York, but is proud to call Texas his home for 25 years.
Professional Service To Students AwardALEXIS A. CLARK is a Structural Field Engineer for Hilti North America in Fort Worth, West Texas, and Western Oklahoma. Ms. Clark works with regional structural engineers, inspectors and contractors as a fastening consultant on
large commercial projects and as a business analyst and anchoring expert for her regional sales team. With her German-speaking skills, Alexis aspires to work for Hilti in product design and marketing at their headquarters in Schaan, Liechtenstein. She graduated with her BSCE from The University of Texas at Austin in 2014, where she served as ASCE Student Chapter President among other leadership roles. The UT-Austin Student Chapter received national recognition in 2014 under her leadership. Now a resident of north Texas, she serves as the Younger Member Group Chair for the ASCE Dallas Branch organizing volunteer and social events, and initiating inter-organizational events across the Metroplex.
Ms. Clark has served the ASCE Student Chapters by working with Hilti to secure support for the UT-Austin Concrete Canoe team financially and with power tools. As a past Concrete Canoe Captain, she understands the frustrations associated with fundraising and obtaining quality equipment and materials necessary to construct a competitive final product. Her hope is that in giving back in this manner, the students are able to use their time otherwise spent on material acquisition on more worthwhile tasks such as design, analysis, project management and product finishing.
Since graduating, Ms. Clark has been serving as a judge for the Texas-Mexico Region’s steel bridge and concrete canoe student competitions and is part of the planning and logistics committee for the inaugural joint-competition to be held at Texas Tech University in April 2016. These events played a large role in her collegiate
career, and she believes in not only promoting these invaluable experiences, but donating her time and energy to ensure they continue to grow more competitive in the Texas-Mexico Region. Alexis also works with the student organization to provide insight into post-graduation opportunities through guest lectures and continued mentorship to individuals. She volunteers her time to work with K-12 students to promote understanding of, and interest in, STEM opportunities, with emphasis on recruitment of girls in engineering.
Government Civil Engineer AwardMICHAEL D. TALBOTT PE, D.WRE the Executive Director of the Harris County Flood Control District in Houston, Texas, has been with the district for 34 years. Under his direction, the District carries out its mission to devise
countywide flood damage reduction plans, implement those plans, and maintain the infrastructure. That mission is executed in the third most populated county in the United States, with a population in excess of 4.2 million, which includes the City of Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city.
The District has jurisdiction over the primary stormwater facilities in the county, which consist of about 1,500 channels, totaling nearly 2,500 miles in length, as well as more than 60 regional stormwater detention basins and a 2.5-square mile wetlands mitigation bank.
Mr. Talbott is active in a number of associations, local committees and task force groups relating to stormwater planning and environmental management. Mike was named the Houston Area Engineer of the Year for 2015. Mr. Talbott is a licensed professional engineer with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M
University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston.
John A. Focht, Jr. Citizen Engineer Award WM. TODD THURBER PE is a licensed Professional
ASCE Texas Section Honors Presented
texasce.org 35
ASCE Texas Section Honors PresentedEngineer in the State of Texas and has been a member of ASCE for almost 30 years.
Mr. Thurber is employed with the consulting engineering firm LJA Engineering, Inc. and serves as Vice President in the Transportation Division. He has been responsible for the planning and final design for over $1 billion in transportation improvements throughout the state for the Texas Department of Transportation, HCTRA, METRO, and other counties in the Houston Region.
Mr. Thurber has been described as a model citizen and accomplished engineer. He has always been extremely active in his local community of Houston and Bellaire. But he doesn’t stop there – he works with public officials and the community to set and achieve goals that benefit the community as a whole. Todd goes the extra mile in managing his projects. On each project that he is involved in, no matter the location, he seeks feedback from locals to ensure that what we design meets the needs of that local community. Todd encourages his staff through his own actions to make integrity based, sound and ethical design solutions for both the clients and the communities served by their projects. Todd demonstrates the utmost care for the communities he serves and strives to provide value added improvements for community and its residents. Todd is an active member of the ASCE’s Houston branch and encourages his fellow engineers and staff to also be active in ASCE and involved in infrastructure related causes. Todd’s contributions to the engineering community have had a major influence in building transportation projects. While Todd continues to serve as a leader in his community and at LJA Engineering, Inc., he is also shaping the way of the future by mentoring his staff and encouraging their active involvement in organizations outside of the workplace. Throughout his engineering career, Todd has been actively involved in several professional organizations as a board member and committee chair including ASCE, the Society of American Military Engineers (where he was named Young Engineer of the Year, 1999), the American Consulting Engineers Council, and the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. He has been an active supporter of both the Delta Sigma Phi and St. Thomas High School Alumni Associations. He is currently Vice President on the board of the Cape Malibu Property Owners’ Association and has also continued to be involved with the UT Ex- Students’ Association, The Longhorn Foundation and Friends of Alec. He has been an active member at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
for over 15 years.
Mr. Thurber graduated in 1986 from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While at UT he was involved with ASCE, Tau Beta Pi, and Chi Epsilon. He received his Masters’ in Business Administration from The University of Houston, specializing in finance.
Todd lives in Bellaire with his wife, Kelly. They have a daughter, Melissa, who is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in civil engineering.
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36 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
Texas Section Awards for Outstanding Civil The Honors Committee is seeking nominations of individuals who provide outstanding service to their profession and the community. The official call for nominations will go out in January 2016. Each Branch has engineers who are exceptional not only in their careers, but also in their community efforts. The Texas Section wants to recognize these individuals at the 2016 Texas Civil Engineering Conference (CECON). Consider your co-workers, colleagues or mentors, who are deserving of recognition and provide the candidate’s name to your Branch President or Branch Honors Chair.
Nominations are due by April 1, 2016 to the Texas Section office.
The following are summaries of the awards that ASCE Texas Section bestows. Additional information and lists of past recipients can be found on the Texas Section website at http://texasce.org/honors, as well as a simple form that can be completed in a matter of minutes.
AWARD OF HONORThe Award of Honor was established by the Texas Section-ASCE to be presented to a limited number of members of the Texas Section “in recognition of service to the Texas Section and outstanding professional achievement in civil engineering”. This is the most prestigious award presented by the Texas Section.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AWARDThe Texas Section Professional Service Award is conferred on a subscribing member of the Texas Section for meritorious service to the Texas Section and to one or more of the Section’s Branches upon recommendations of the Honors Committee. Section Presidents, Past Presidents, Society Officers and Past Society Officers are not eligible for the award.
HISTORY AND HERITAGE AWARDThe Texas Section History and Heritage Award is given to an individual (not necessarily a member of the Texas Section) or Branch for making special contributions to recording and/or recognizing the history and heritage of civil engineering in Texas.
Nominations should be sent to the History & Heritage Committee. Nominations endorsed or originating with the History & Heritage committee should be sent, as described in the Section Rules of Operation, to the Honors Committee with accompanying documentation on the Branch or individual’s specific contributions.
SERVICE TO PEOPLE AWARDThe Texas Section Service to People Award is made to a civil engineer (not necessarily a member of the Texas Section) who has distinguished himself or herself with special service to people. The award is intended to recognize civil engineers who bring credit to their profession through community activities that are visible to the general public.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TO STUDENTS AWARDThe Professional Service to Students Award is conferred on a subscribing member of the Texas Section for meritorious service to the Texas Section through service to one or more of the Texas/Mexico Regional Conference’s Student Chapters or Clubs. Section Presidents, Past Presidents, Society Officers and Past Society Officers are not eligible for the award.
texasce.org 37
Engineers Trent A. Perez PEHonors Committee Chair
GOVERNMENT CIVIL ENGINEER AWARDThe Texas Section Government Civil Engineer Award is conferred on a subscribing member of the Texas Section employed by a governmental organization for meritorious service to the Texas Section and to one or more of the Section’s Branches. Eligibility for this award requires that the recipient be a current subscribing member of the Texas Section-ASCE. The nominees for this award will be evaluated in the following areas: a. years in public service and involvement with elected
officials and the media b. engineering achievements in public service c. civic, humanitarian and social activities d. professional activitiese. publications, papers and presentations
JOHN A. FOCHT JR. CITIZEN ENGINEER AWARDThis Award was established to recognize John A. Focht, Jr.’s outstanding and continued dedication to the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Eligibility for this award requires that the recipient be a current subscribing member of the Texas Section-ASCE who has demonstrated during the previous calendar year “volunteer efforts that better our world such as local or national legislation, education on all levels, nonprofit volunteer organizations, community activities, and so forth”. The nominees for this award will be evaluated on the following: a. overall positive impact and overall contribution as a
result of the effort
b. number of people involved or reached by the effortc. originality of the effort or its component partsd. level of effort. No more than one award shall be awarded in any year and the presentation will be made at the annual conference.
TEXAS HISTORIC CIVIL ENGINEERING LANDMARKNational Historic Civil Engineering Landmark status is conferred by ASCE upon projects that are at least 50 years old from the time of completion, and which demonstrate a design or construction which expanded the limits of the profession. For a project that may not qualify on the national scale but is deemed significant for the region or local area as a noteworthy project, the Section may designate it to be a Texas Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. If you or your Branch has an interest in this award, please contact the History and Heritage Committee Chair, Melinda Luna PE.
The nomination process may take up to a year, and the Texas Historic Civil Engineering Landmark would be conferred at a meeting/location requested by the recipient (project owner).
38 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
M. Isabel Vasquez PEVP-Professional
REPEAL OF $200 PROFESSIONAL FEETexas Professional Engineers will have a bit more money in their pocket since House Bill 7 (HB 7) repealed the long standing $200 Professional Fee for Professional Engineers. As of September 1, 2015, licensed professional engineers will no longer have to pay the $200 Professional Fee associated with license renewals, applications for new PE licenses or reactivation of licenses in inactive status. *
PROPOSITION 7 PASSES WITH 83% OF THE VOTEOn November 3 2015, Texans approved Proposition 7 which authorizes a new, stable source of funding for transportation in Texas, dedicated to the construction and maintenance of roads. Prop 7 will dedicate a portion of the general sales and use tax, and the motor vehicle sales tax to the general highway fund. This money can be used for
construction, maintenance, and acquiring rights-of-way for public roads; or to repay the principal and interest on general obligation bonds issued by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The money cannot be used to pay for toll roads. It is estimated that $2.5 billion will be deposited to the state highway fund in 2018 and 2019, and close to $3 billion in 2020. †
CONSTRUCTION LAWPublic Projects – House Bill 20 imposed additional restrictions on the use of design-build for highway construction
under Section 223.242 of the Transportation Code.
The current statutory limitation of three design-build projects per year was extended beyond August 31, 2015 and the threshold for design-build projects was increased.‡
Indemnities – Section 271.904 of the local Government Code was amended to remove the obligation to “defend” and to limit the obligation to indemnify to those damages to the extent caused by the negligence of the architect or engineer.‡
DESALINATIONHouse Bill 30 establishes a process to designate “brackish groundwater production zones,” which arguably will be managed separately from fresh groundwater. The act aims to incentivize the development of brackish groundwater “in areas where that development would have a minimal impact on existing fresh groundwater use…” The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) must designate such zones to reduce the use of fresh groundwater. Protection of freshwater aquifers must be of paramount concern. The bill limits designation based on geology and hydrology, salinity, proximity to wastewater injection disposal wells, location in the Edwards Aquifer Authority and the state’s two subsidence districts, and locations where slightly saline groundwater is a significant source of water supply. The act amends Water Code Chapter 16.‡*Texas Board of Professional Engineers website, http://engineers.texas.gov/†Move Texas Forward website, http://movetexasforward.com/proposition-7/‡Texas Bar Journal, “The 84th Session,” September 2015, pages 646, 661
Legislative News
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ASCE Texas Section
StudentSymposium
SUPPORT THE FUTURE of Civil Engineering
ASCE Texas Section has re-engineered its Student Symposium to foster close association between engineering professionals and university students. Beginning in 2016, the Symposium combines the two student competitions, steel bridge and concrete canoe, at one event.
Students, whether they are contestants or soon-to-graduate, will have the opportunity to attend a series of soft-skill seminars to prepare them for their new careers. The students will learn how to create an excellent resume, interview for a job, plan for their future careers, and how to network. A Texas-wide career fair will give them the opportunity to put this specific learning into play at the Symposium, and employers will have access to exceptional students.
The theme for the 2016 Student Symposium is “Winning at Your Career”. The symposium is focused around soft skills that support the transition from the learning environment to the professional arena. The seminars will be on communication, self marketing, professional dress, safety, and financial savvy.
The Symposium Career Fair is an opportunity for employers to meet with students from universities from across Texas in one place. The Career Fair will allow employers to interact with the students over the course of two days. The students who are participating in ASCE are some of the brightest civil engineering minds engaged in leadership, teamwork, and professionalism.
We are seeking corporate sponsors to defray the cost of the events and to keep the Symposium affordable for the student attendees. Sponsors of this event will gain brand recognition, community engagement, networking opportunities, potential employees and the ability to show their support for the civil engineers of tomorrow. Please be a Sponsor of this one-of-a-kind event and help our students reach their full potential.
There are many opportunities to help support this fantastic event! Be a foundation Partner, sponsor the Banquet, or an Event, or participate in the Career fair.
Contact us for more information:
40 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
profession would give me to both exercise my interest in how and why things work and to make a difference in the community.Q: What is your biggest achievement? A: My biggest professional achievement is being awarded the Young Engineer of the Year Award in 2015 by the Travis Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. A close second is being installed as President of the Austin Branch of ASCE before turning 30.Q: Describe your family:A: I married my high school sweetheart, Amber, over 11 years ago and we have two bright daughters aged 4 and 7 who both love math, reading, ballet, and choir.
Second Year Director at Large: Melanie D. Gavlik PEMelanie is currently serving as a Second Year Director at Large. She is a Project Engineer at Naismith Engineering, Inc.Q: What do you do to de-stress? A: I enjoy working out and baking. Having young children makes this a little more difficult, but my kids are now at a point where I can start getting back into these things!Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the last year? A: Balance. It’s hard to balance a work life and a family but finding the balance of work, family time, and time for yourself is critical. While I have not perfected the concept it is something I am working on.
Q: Why did you choose to become a civil engineer? A: In school I gravitated toward math and science, but never really knew what I wanted to be. During my sophomore year of high school my mom suggested I talk to my Uncle, who is a contractor about what he did for a living. He took me to a job site for a new school he was working on and explained to me the different aspects of the job. While I decided being a contractor wasn’t for me the love of engineering was born. I chose civil engineering because of the many different facets of the discipline. Q: Describe your family: A: My wonderful husband, Anthony and I have been married for 7 years, and have two amazing little girls, Kaitlyn (4) and Olivia (2). Our girls make everyday a new adventure!Q: Other random or interesting thing about you that would be fun to share: A: I love to bake! Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pretty much anything sweet….it’s something that relaxes me.Hopefully this edition of “Meet Your Board Members” has allowed you to learn something new about the officers featured. Be sure to look for the next installment for an opportunity to learn about another set of board members!
Continued from page 19
Melanie, Anthony and their two girls, Kaitlyn (left) & Olivia (right) enjoying the Jazz Festival in Corpus Christi (October 2015)
texasce.org 41
What is Continuing Education, Really?
By Donald E. Willhouse PE, F.ASCE
Rule (from the TBPE Law & Rules) §137.17 Continuing Education Program is the legal requirement for licensed Professional Engineers to obtain a total of 15 Professional Development Hours (PDH) of continuing education in the year of their license prior to renewal. That requirement includes one (1) hour of ethics. It also includes guidance for counting college courses and other forms of continuing education.
Most engineers, because it’s easy, can meet the minimum requirements by attending branch luncheons with presentations and serving as an elected officer or chair of a committee and member. Membership in the ASCE alone does not count, and the serving on a committee or as an officer requires active participation for the year of at least 5 hours. Other options are attending a branch or Section short course, writing articles for the TCE, or preparing and presenting an engineering topic at a meeting. Be ethical and don’t claim credit unless you can document it.
The foregoing is the minimum to maintain a PE license. But there is more to continuing education to further your knowledge and improve your future success. You might work on a master’s degree (from experience it took me three years of night school) that furthers your expertise in your primary specialty.
I suggest that you consider courses in associated fields. I found that remote sensing and geomorphology to be a major enhancement to my work in flood control and navigation channel construction. You also might consider a course in construction management, financial management, personnel management, construction safety, and leadership (not the same as management).
When I was working on my Master of Civil Engineering, my advisor recommended I take a course in construction management, even while acknowledging my work experience. Though it seemed to me that it might not be worth it, I did take that course and found it to be well worth my time.
Continuing education, also known as professional development hours, should be more than just meeting minimum standards to maintain a professional engineer license. It should also expand you knowledge of the civil engineer profession.
42 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
Kayce C. Paul PEMembership ChairNewly Licensed Engineers
The following members have passed their PE exams and include civil, geotechnical, and structur-al specialties in 2015. Congratulations to the newly licensed engineers!
Ibrahim AdiyamanMichelle AdlongAbhishek Aggarwal
Osama AliSebastian AmorrortuJudy AndersonThomas AndersonKamila AndrzejakSulaiman ArainRolando AyalaMohammad AzarbayejaniFeifei BaiVinod BalakrishnanWade BarnesJoseph Barron
Kenton BraunLarry BrownRolf BruggerAlvoris CarrollLucas CastilloPrasanna ChebbiFeng ChenRichard ChristensenCarl CraigoChristopher DavisMatthew Dawson-MathurRaymond DevlinJuan Diaz OrtizChristopher DorangVennila DuraiTimothy EamesDennis EckerAndrea el ArculliAshley FrancisRalph GastonEric GeerlingsWassim GhannoumJoseph GillenDouglas GreenwoodJeremy GundermanLee GureckyMichael GurkaYingjian HanJohn HandMahsa HedayatiLawrence HoldorfCaleb HollingsheadMatthew Homer
texasce.org 43
Jesus IbarraMichael JensvoldRichard KaireRyan KennerlySharareh KermanshachiOlivia KerssMuhammad KhanBridget KocotAaron LamBrian LaRueChen LeeJeff LoskornShawn LukeWade LundbergMichael MaestasSaul MagallanesEnad MahmoudShahed ManzurAdolfo MatamorosJose MonarrezJustin NaylorSampson NguyenJacob NoyolaNancy NuttbrockBlaine OrthPhillip PackerAnkita PatelKetan PatelKacey PaulMariano Perez OteroWilliam PhillipsAntonio PiñaKimberly PorscheRajendra Pradhananga
Jacob PrezkutaStephen PriceLaura ProanoRobert RaffleRyan RamseyHarish RaoSangit RauniyarRyan ReynoldsAnthony RiskoAlfredo RiveraTerrence RoJose Rullan-RodriguezRicardo SalasOwen SandersonChristopher SandtAhran SongJared SquyresRoland SulzerDavid SuttonZahra TabatabaeiSatish TripathiVito TrupianoXiaoyi WangBarrett WardLoy WarrenBrendon WheelerVermel WildsJunious WilliamsAudrey WingateSilky WongEric WriterNegin Yousefpour
44 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
NewsJohn Barton joins Strategic Partnerships, Inc. team Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) is proud to announce that John Barton, recently retired Deputy Executive Director for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), has joined the firm’s highly skilled team of executive consultants.
Barton brings to the SPI team more than 30 years of engineering and executive experience working in a variety of areas with TxDOT throughout the state. His TxDOT career began as a summer employee with a maintenance crew in North Texas, rising through the ranks to serve as district engineer for Southeast Texas, and finally ending with his position as the agency’s top engineer and deputy executive director. John’s broad experience and expertise earned him the respect of his peers in Texas and across the nation. He received numerous state and national awards including the inaugural Governor’s Leadership in Transportation Award, the Distinguished Graduate Award from the Texas A&M University Civil Engineering Department, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials President’s Special Award of
Merit.
Patrick Carrigan-Smith PE promoted to Project Manager For LJA’s Houston Land Development DivisionPatrick brings over five years of
engineering experience in both land development and water/wastewater design. His experience includes the design and construction of water distribution, sanitary sewer and drainage systems, paving design, TCEQ Domestic Wastewater Discharge Permit applications, coordination with governmental agencies, as well as preparation of cost estimates and construction management tasks. As Project Manager, Patrick will be responsible for working on major projects such as the Tavola and Skye Ranch developments, assisting with activities for various Municipal Utility Districts, and will act as a mentor to his team members.
Michael Coyle PE, has joined LJA Engineering as a Senior Project Manager in the Dallas Transportation Division Michael has over 16 years of experience in transportation consulting and civil engineering design that includes schematic design and PS&E, ranging from small rural safety widening projects to complicated multilevel urban interchanges and toll facilities. He has produced feasibility schematics and PS&E packages comprised of geometric layout, drainage, traffic control, utility conflict identification, retaining wall and bridge layouts, cross sections, quantities, and estimates. As a Senior Project Manager in LJA’s Dallas office, Michael’s responsibilities include project development, quality control, production, and financial performance. Since joining LJA, Michael has been involved with management and coordination of project design teams including recruiting, retention, technical development, training, mentoring, and supervision, as well as quality control and marketing pursuits. Michael is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, The Society of American Military Engineers and the Reserve Officers Association. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
ClassifiedCity of McKinney requires me to have a registered Texas engineer do a written review of my own engineer-type report, regarding an ancient brick building that their tree is slowly destroying. Alternatives considered. Details at www.McKinneyCracks.com, www.engineermonopoly.com, www.DearGovernorAbbott.info, and www.HomerTrimbleEngineer.com. Reply to [email protected].
texasce.org 45
International Boundary Marker #1Melinda Luna PEHistory and Heritage Committee Chair
The International Boundary Marker #1 was dedicated as a National ASCE Civil Engineering Landmark in 1976. The marker is the first of 276 markers to delineate the M e x i c o/ U n i t e d States boundary as described in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo of 1848. This treaty ended the war with Mexico and the United States. This survey work was done across 2,000 miles of wild, dangerous territory with very little resources. The task was given to the Corps of Topographical Engineers. The party traveled from San Diego, California to the tip of Texas in Brownsville. This was a group that eventually merged with the US Army Corp of Engineers. The mission of the Corps of Topographical Engineers was to explore, map, and design construction of federal civil works projects such as lighthouses, military/coastal fortification and navigational routes. William Emory, a West Point graduate, was selected to lead the expedition. He conducted the boundary surveys from 1848 to 1853. Emory had experience with surveying the Canadian boundary. He documented his calculations and checked them against the other surveyors in his party. He compared his results to those of Pedro Garcia Conde, and José Salazar y Larreguí, his Mexican counterparts. Emory ensured that there was a consensus on each of the determinations of the border. Later, when the railroad engineers came into layout the railroads, they found that the Emory map was very accurate. His calculations were based on astronomical observations and surveying the lines by two parties in different directions until they were in agreement. Emory used the technique of selecting elevated sites with which he could survey a line. He set gunpowder at intervals along the line and ignited it so he could make the sightings. Along the way the group built monuments or pyramids of dressed stone as markers.
The result of the surveys were documented in “Report on the United States and Mexican boundary survey:
made under the direction of the secretary of the Interior by William H. Emory, Major First Cavalry, and United States Commissioner. The report is three volumes of reports and illustrations. The report has been converted to digital form in the Biodiversity Heritage library and can be found at http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/213#/summary. The document is more than just the documentation of the border; the document contains illustrations, samples drawings of wildlife, plants, geology, resources and other information. While Emory is more known, there were botanists, surveyors, artists, geologists and many others in the expedition. A little known fact is that there were new species discovered on the survey. A number of them were incorporated into people’s names of the expedition. The report mentions around 25 people worked to get the boundary established and at the cost of 1.16 million dollars (about 29 million in today’s dollars) over five years. Emory wrote in his report that the total costs of the work came in $100,000 under budget. Emory’s personal papers are stored at the Yale archives and also give a picture of what it was like to survey the United States and Mexican border in the mid 1800’s.
46 Texas Civil Engineer | Volume 86, No. 1 - Winter 2015
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