Civl Engineering
September 2009

Civil Engineering

The Magazine of the American Society of Civil Engineers

September 2009  |  Volume 79, Number 9


LBR & Arquitectos

ON THE COVER:
Dimitri Mitchell, P.E., M.ASCE, views the power of virtual design, in all its many forms, as lying in its ability to eliminate errors, encourage collaboration, and exceed clients’ expectations. (Photograph by Ben Weddell & Associates)

Features

First Person:
The Promise of Virtual Design

By Dimitri Mitchell, P.E., M.ASCE

An engineering manager for Black & Veatch in Kansas City, Missouri, explains how virtual design goes beyond the role of modeling, serving as a powerful tool for communication, collaboration, and efficiency.

Designed for Performance

By Craig M. Schwitter, P.E., M.ASCE, and Denzil Gallagher

Considered one of the world’s largest multipurpose spaces, the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center emerges from a steep hillside on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. This unique structure—secured to the slope by some of the longest permanent rock anchors in North America— is home to an equally innovative functional program that combines art and technology. 

Expanding In Place

By Timothy Glessner, P.E.

A Pennsylvania drinking water provider recently doubled the capacity of its surface water treatment plant, from 20 mgd (75,700 m³/d) to 40 mgd (151,400 m³/d), while maintaining the same overall facility footprint. To achieve this feat, Forest Park Water installed membrane technology within the area previously dedicated to gravity sand filters. Thanks to several additional process upgrades, the utility is well positioned to meet more stringent regulatory requirements in the future.

Coastal Connection

By Tanarat Potisuk, Ph.D., P.E., and Daniel J. McIntier, P.E., M.ASCE

The design of a replacement bridge on U.S. Route 101 along the Oregon coast incorporates the arch form that is valued by regional residents while maintaining an appropriate defense against earthquakes, scour, and the occasional tidal wave.

 

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