Features
By Frank S. Malits, P.E., M.ASCE
The new Satellite Operations Control Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a testimony in concrete, steel, and glass to the organization’s role in studying and protecting the environment by monitoring and controlling the nation’s weather satellites. Linked to both earth and sky, the iconic structure was designed to support on its roof an array of rotating antennas that track the orbits of various satellites in geosynchronous orbit.
By Joel T. Darnell, A.M.ASCE, and Daniel J. Heilman, P.E., M.ASCE
Constructed marshes are rarely as productive as natural ones, but a recently completed saltwater marsh in southern Texas has achieved success by featuring large swaths of fringe areas adjacent to such natural pathways as tidal channels, creeks, and ponds. Recycled nutrient-rich soils and a local nursery that provided native vegetation also helped the effort succeed.
By Cindy L. Miller, P.E., M.ASCE, Scott Burton, P.E., A.M.ASCE, and Ken Manning
Responding to declines in the quantity and quality of groundwater in the Chino basin, in Southern California, local agencies spearheaded an ambitious effort that included the design and construction of two desalters that use reverse-osmosis membranes and anion-exchange technology in a parallel configuration to produce significant quantities of high-quality drinking water from groundwater.
By Noah J. Elwood, P.E., M.ASCE, and John W. Gaythwaite, P.E., M.ASCE
Far north of the Arctic Circle, an inspection conducted above and below water revealed that a 56-year-old floating pier—which had never been intended to remain in permanent service—had serious cracks in its steel-encased concrete caissons as well as other significant forms of deterioration. The solution included encasing the damaged caissons in jackets made of a steel selected for its ability to withstand the climate, as well as the addition of a cathodic protection system and a resilient fender system.
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Arquitectonica (above) Solomon Cordwell Buenz (below)
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Columbia memorial • Perforated exterior • Tar pond remediation • Deficient levees listed • Cable-supported glass wall •Outfall redesign • Lie group mapped • Underground conveyance • Toronto’s light-rail plan • Deep immersed-tube tunnel