The Heights School, Arlington VA - May "Lunch" Meeting, May 19th at 1 PM - ASCE-NCS
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May 2020 Volume 66, Number 8 Visit ASCE-NCS on the web: http://www.asce-ncs.org
The Heights School, Arlington VA
May “Lunch” Meeting, May 19th at 1 PM
Located right on
Wilson Boulevard off Please join us virtually on Tuesday,
of downtown Rosslyn, May 19 at 1 PM for a modified
the new Heights ASCE National Capital Section
school opened in time May Lunch Meeting! The program
for the 2019–2020 will approximately consist of a
academic year and one‑hour presentation with a webi-
enrolled 775 6th nar format and one (1) PDH credit
through 12th grade will be awarded. The cost will be
students in Arlington $5 for all members, non-members,
County. Bjarke Ingels and students. For questions, please
Group (BIG) is the contact president@asce-ncs.org.
architectural mas- Please click here to register by
termind behind the Monday, May 18. To add the event
cascading terraces and interlocking, and working with complex structures. to your calendar, click here.
yet floating, boxes. The building fans Jason received his Master of Science
around a pivot point, which serves as in Structural Engineering as well as a
the building’s core both for the structure Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering preconstruction through completion.
and circulation. As the structural engi- from the University of Nebraska. In that time, he has served in various
neer of record, Silman worked closely roles and has worked on a variety of
with the design team to preserve the As a project manager for the structural projects ranging from high schools to
open concept for the occupiable space engineering of a project, he has worked museums. Tyler recently completed
while developing a helical load path on multiple new construction projects, The Heights Building and is currently
around the pivot point. Early involve- including the recently completed struc- managing construction of the Arlington
ment from Gilbane, the construction ture for The Heights Building, as well as Public Schools’ New Elementary School
manager at-risk, proved successful in renovation projects, coordinating the at the Reed Site and the design-build
proactively planning, understanding, scope and schedule with the agency, Metro DC Headquarters. He received his
coordinating, and ultimately executing architect, and other engineers in accor- BAE in Architectural Engineering from
the design team’s vision. dance with the guidelines of the project. Pennsylvania State University.
Jason provides oversight in the form of
About the Speakers quality assurance and quality control to During preconstruction, Tyler oversaw
maintain communication and consis- and coordinated project meetings and
Jason Myers, PE, SE, LEED AP tency throughout the project’s duration. consultation, cost estimates, project
BD+C, Associate – Silman schedules/phasing, constructability
Role: Project Manager, Structural Tyler Swartzwelder, Project reviews, site logistics planning, and
Engineering Executive – Gilbane Building procurement, as well as development
Company of the GMP. He was responsible for the
Role: Project Manager, Construction day-to-day supervision of the procure-
ment process by participating in the
development of a bidding strategy and
bid package breakdown. n
Jason Myers joined Silman in 2013 as a
structural engineer and was promoted
to Associate in 2014. Jason has a strong
background in the technical design
of new construction and renovation Tyler Swartzwelder, project executive
of existing buildings. His experience at Gilbane Building Company, has 14
focuses on long-span steel structures, years of industry experience, focusing
concrete structures, floor vibration, on all aspects of project delivery from
President’s Corner
While much of the DMV is simultaneously be attentive neighborhood every week – I’ve
under stay-at-home orders, to their kids at home with been able to try food that I other-
many of our fellow civil them. We can’t see all the wise wouldn’t.
engineers are “essential friends and family that we
workers.” We have mem- would like to. ■ My co-workers host a virtual happy
bers who still go into work hour every Friday afternoon – I’m
everyday to make sure But – and I am fully aware normally out in the field a lot and
people have clean water to of how fortunate I am – for don’t always get to catch up with
drink and wash with, pro- me, the current situation my co-workers.
cess waste and recycling, has given me opportuni-
and maintain and construct ties to do things that I I know we’ve all been told that “we’ll
critical infrastructure. I want to thank wouldn’t have necessarily experienced get through this”. It’s true. We will.
these individuals for continuing to otherwise… If there is any way that the ASCE
do their job for the benefit of soci- community can help you, please do
ety. I am also incredibly grateful for ■ My 9-month old daughter started not hesitate to reach out (president@
other essential workers, like doctors crawling – I was home with her to asce-ncs.org). I look forward to seeing
and nurses, grocery and pharmacy see it instead of her daycare. everyone at a future event and hope
employees, cleaning crews, and deliv- that you all continue to stay safe and
ery personnel, among others. ■ I go on a family walk with my hus- healthy!
band and two children every after-
No one knows exactly how long the noon – Typically during the week I Best,
current health crisis will impact our only see my family for a few hours
society and each one of us has been in the morning before work or in the
impacted in different ways. Many peo- evening after work.
ple have lost their jobs. People have Kelly Cronin, PE
gotten sick. Many people – including ■ My civic association has a dif- ASCE NCS President 2019–2020
myself – are struggling to work and ferent food truck come to our
Upcoming Events
Until further notice, all in-person ASCE NCS events have been cancelled. Opportunities for virtual events will be
announced as they are planned.
Newsletter National Capital Section
Maria Raggousis, Editor Officers (2019–2020) Norine Walker, Director
Kelly Cronin, President Elizabeth Wheeler, Director
September 2020 Issue Deadline: August 15, 2020
Mike Venezia, Vice President Lisa Anderson, Director
To Submit Articles: newsletter@asce-ncs.org Vic Crawford, Treasurer Tricia Wolfbauer, Director
Jameelah Ingram, Secretary Shainur Ahsan, Reston Branch
NCS eNewsletter Archives: go to www.asce-ncs.org and view along President
Emily Dean, Past President
the sidebar.
Brian Barna, Previous Past Committee Chairs
Address Changes: Call 1-800-548-ASCE, e-mail member@asce.org, President Please refer to the NCS website for
visit www.asce.org, or write: ASCE – Membership, 1801 Alexander Bell Maria Raggousis, Newsletter a current list of NCS committees
Editor and chairs.
Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Include your membership number.
Joe Whartenby, YMF President
2 | ASCE-NCS eNewsletter: May 2020 http://www.asce-ncs.org
Region 2 Director’s Report
Jack A. Raudenbush, P.E., F.ASCE, your Hurricane Agnes, but remained open
Region 2 Director is a member of the as a widely used pedestrian bridge and
Central Pennsylvania Section. Jack will recreational amenity.
be representing you at the next Board
meeting in Reston, Virginia, on July On January 20, 1996 two spans of the
10–11, 2020. West Channel bridge were lifted by
an ice jam during a flood and carried
We have all heard and read about downstream where it became temporar-
COVID-19 over the past few months. ily lodged beneath the Market Street
ASCE has been proactive since this Bridge.
novel virus was realized here in the US
and has instituted multiple webinars, Shout-Out to – Loujin Daher, P.E.,
communicated with civil engineers, M. ASCE – The Central PA Section
elected officials, and governing bodies just gained an excellent member on
and continues to offer a multitude of its Board. Ms. Daher was recently
support programs to our members to appointed Vice President of the Section
specifically help with this life chang- and she adds another young member
ing event. While more information is to its vibrant leadership. She gradu-
being shared everyday by ASCE, we ated from Bucknell University with a
currently have several references that Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
are helpful: where she was awarded the Jack Kent
Cooke full tuition scholarship. Five years
Thursday’s at 3 – weekly webinar ago, she graduated and began working
roundtable discussing current and rel- for Gannett Fleming, Inc., in Camp Hill,
evant topics affecting ASCE members. iron truss bridges produced by the PA. Her current responsibilities include
And COVID-19 Virtual Resources. Go to: Phoenix Bridge Company. directing and managing field explora-
https://collaborate.asce.org/covid-19/ tion, conducting engineering analyses
virtual-events Civil engineer Samuel Reeves founded on earthen structures, and perform-
the Phoenix Bridge Company. Wendell ing technical calculations needed for
Plot Points Podcast – thru the Bollman, inventor of the Bollman Truss, engineering projects. Loujin has been a
month of April, COVID-19 Community created the company’s Phoenix col- member of ASCE since 2015. She is also
Calls are available as daily podcasts. umn – a circular compression mem- a Connected Women Ambassador, and
Go to: https://news.asce.org/tag/ ber assembled from flanged, rolled Sergeant at Arms of Gannett Fleming
asce-plot-points/ wrought-iron segments. The superstruc- Toastmasters Club.
tures of these bridges were completely
Visit an ASCE designed historic prefabricated of wrought iron in the Loujin says that she will take advan-
site. These sites illustrate the creativity company’s plant at Elizabethtown, tage of the opportunities within ASCE
and innovative spirit of civil engineers. Pennsylvania. to build her network, build leadership
Visit https://www.asce.org/landmarks to skills, advance civil engineering and
find sites near you. Share photos of your The Phoenix Bridge Company prided serve the public good. Thank you to
travels with me and I will post in Region itself on its ability to deliver written Loujin for her enthusiastic participation
2 correspondence and on our Region’s estimates based on the answers to five in this great organization!
social media pages. questions, each regarding span, width,
and clearance. As such, the company I look forward to seeing you at ASCE
The Walnut Street Bridge, was a major force in the explosive events.
Harrisburg, PA. When completed in expansion of the transportation infra-
1890, it’s fifteen truss spans with an structure in the United States. Jack A. Raudenbush, P.E., F.ASCE
overall length of 2820 feet, the Walnut Director, Region 2
Street Bridge was the finest and largest The bridge was closed to vehicular traf- jraudenbush@navarrowright.com
example of the standardized wrought fic in 1972 as a result of floods during 717.944.0883
3 | ASCE-NCS eNewsletter: May 2020 http://www.asce-ncs.org
Dr. Z’s Corner
To optimize, or not to Optimize, that is the
Question for the Construction Industry
As stated by the famous mathemati- The added value created by improved development of AECI is expected to be
cian and astronomer Leonhard Euler: productivity and production of near- severe. More specifically, a hypothetical
“Nothing happens in the universe not optimal solutions establish the need for scenario of 10% average material usage
relying on the rules of maximum or algorithmic aid in structural design. The reduction is achieved on 5% of the proj-
minimum.” The use of the mathemati- added value is generated by reducing ect volume of AECI, the cost reduction
cal term of optimization can be identi- design cost and time while increasing translates to USD 15.0 billion for 2016;
fied to the era of great mathematicians, responsible material usage, eco-friend- while the environmental benefit trans-
physicists and astronomers like Cauchy, liness and construction cost efficiency lates to 6.0 million metric tons of CO2
Lagrange, Kepler and Newton while of projects. Numerical optimization is reduction, equal to the annual emission
minimization was presented a lot prior the means of transportation from a far- of cities like Pittsburgh, Paris, Milan or
by Euclid. Notwithstanding these early optimal design to a near-optimal one Athens.
advancements, engineers discovered with respect to predefined parameters,
Worth noticing are the pioneering
the value of optimization not before restrictions and goals.
steps in the field of structural engineer-
1950 when research innovation on
Optimization in the ing design optimization performed
optimization algorithms was supported
engineering profession by OptiStructure, a startup recently
by computing power. Nevertheless, civil
Since the 1960’s many research studies established in London UK, that aims to
engineers remain skeptical in incorpo-
on applied structural design optimiza- institute value engineering revolution
rating optimization in their professional
tion have been published, where struc- in AECI via structural design optimi-
practices.
tural design optimization was effective zation. OptiStructure optimization
Trial and error vs optimization in various problems. However, civil services have recently been applied
The first production-worthy light engineers (especially structural engi- to a 535 meters high-rise reinforced
globe was the outcome of a long and neers) seem susceptible to applying concrete building, to be constructed in
repetitive trial-and-error procedure by optimization-based design procedures. the Persian Gulf area. The environmen-
Thomas Edison for identifying the opti- Nevertheless, mechanical and aero- tal benefit achieved by the optimized
mal material. While Edison had limited space engineers have already adopted design delivered corresponds to 12.7%
knowledge on material properties as optimization into their profession and 11.2% reduction on GHG CO2
electrical resistance and conductance, practice. For instance, in the automotive emissions and energy consumption,
modern engineers present remarkable industry, BMW has adopted optimiza- respectively; while cost reduction of 8%
technical experience and knowledge tion procedures in the development of was achieved that corresponds to USD
that empowers them to deliver high- new diesel engines. While in the aero- 6.8 million.
quality designs based on their exper- nautic industry, Airbus used a design
Construction technology leaders are
tise. Designs’ weaknesses are detected optimization approach for developing
preparing for a massive storm of inno-
via testing and are corrected through the wings of the aircraft A380.
vation as the AECI moves to a digital
experience-based make-it-and-break-it
First steps of optimization in era. As optimization represents a pillar
procedures.
AECI, what is the benefit of digitizing construction and BIM tech-
Advancements in available comput- Aiming to identify the benefits of nology, we expect that structural engi-
ing hardware technology and software adopting optimization-based struc- neering will undergo a lot of changes
enabled the development of numerical tural engineering by the Architectural, in the near future. OptiStructure since
prototypes of designs, used for perfor- Engineering & Construction Industry its inception has been present in
mance assessment prior to construc- (AECI), it is important to underline that: Singapore, Indonesia, India, United
tion while time and cost efficiency of (i) The Building Sector (BS) is the higher Arab Emirates, Greece, UK, Mexico and
the trial and error phase was improved. contributor to global greenhouse gas the USA looking constantly to expand
It is worth pointing out that there exist (GHG) emissions (30% of GHG emis- its reach and impact. If you are inter-
two constraints that restrict further sions) while it also consumes almost ested in partnering with OptiStructure,
efficiency improvement. The first one 40% of global energy, 25% of global please do not hesitate to contact me
is the significant workload demand for water, 40% of global resources, (ii) BS at nikos.lagaros@optistructure.com or
interpretation of design cycles of the estimated worth is around 10% of the via our LinkedIn page at https://www.
trial and error approach. The second global GDP (USD 7.5 trillion) with more linkedin.com/company/optistructure/,
factor concerns the balance between than 120 million people employed, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/
project complexity and uniqueness whereas (iii) AECI is expected to nikos-lagaros-086323/ anytime. We are
versus human intuition. The physical expand by 85% to USD 15.5 trillion constantly looking for new partners.
limitations of the human brain in com- worldwide in 2030, with U.S., China
About the Author
binatoratorial calculations have been and India accounting for almost 60%
Prof. Nikos D. Lagaros is
exceeded by the computational abilities of this growth. With respect to the
the Dean of the School
of available hardware technology. The above issues, the question for AECI
of Civil Engineering at
inventive solutions of engineers are is: “To optimize, or not to optimize?”.
the National Technical
limited by time and cost but could be The answer to this question is straight-
University of Athens
assisted in achieving near-optimal forward, definitely Yes; if AECI adopts
(NTUA), Greece and advi-
design solutions in an algorithmic design optimization principles the
sor at OptiStructure.
manner. environmental impact and economic
4 | ASCE-NCS eNewsletter: May 2020 http://www.asce-ncs.org
Civil Engineering and You
Setting the stage: Calumet “K” by Merwin-Webster
by Ranjit S. Sahai, PE, F.ASCE
Calumet “K” inspires me to leap over
seemingly unsurmountable hurdles.
The novel was published in 1901. It is
the story of Charlie Bannon, a con-
struction manager, who knows what
it takes to get things done in time, and
proceeds to do so against all odds – be
it a lack of transportation, corruption,
insubordination, or other unforeseen
events. Charlie is the epitome of an
efficacious, thinking, problem solving
mind – a portrayal so rare in modern
fiction.
The project
Calumet “K” is a grain elevator that
must be built by the midnight of
December 31, if the grain trading com-
pany that commissioned it is to avoid
ruin. (The color illustration of the grain
elevator above was cropped from an
image on the cover of the novel repub-
lished in the 1960s.) transportation. Concrete reinforced About the author
with twisted steel reinforcing bars is of this article
The location gaining traction for the construction of Ranjit, a Past President (2013–14) of
Calumet is a small town in the south- major structures such as skyscrapers ASCE-NCS, is a principal and founder
ern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. and bridges. US stock market crashes of RAM Corporation, a firm serving
Ledyard, Michigan, a town North East for the first time in 1901. State DOTs with a focus on traffic
of Calumet and a major material sup- engineering design,
plier for the project is a day ride away What’s to come stormwater facility
by railroad. Starting with the September issue of inspections, and IT solu-
this newsletter, this article provides tions for engineering
Historical backdrop a front row seat, spanning several workflows.
US Steel becomes the first billion- issues, to the story of the construction
dollar corporation in 1901. Railroads of Calumet “K,” and Charlie’s indomi-
are the dominant mode of surface table spirit.
ASCE-NCS Newsletter Patrons
5 | ASCE-NCS eNewsletter: May 2020 http://www.asce-ncs.org
FGIA transitions Summer Conference to virtual event
Schaumburg, Illinois (April 21, 2020) – afternoon, with plenty of breaks in
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry between.
Alliance (FGIA) will hold its Summer
Conference virtually due to the spread “While the format has changed, the
of COVID-19 and requests by govern- quality level will be what participants
ment leadership to shelter-in-place. This have come to expect from FGIA,” said
event, previously intended to be held in Yglesias.
Chicago, will be hosted on Zoom for the
convenience of participants. The event Despite the platform change, network-
dates remain largely unchanged with ing will still be a part of the conference,
the conference taking place Tues., June as it is with in-person events.
23 through Thurs., June 25. Registration
for the virtual Summer Conference will “We know those who come to our world
open the week of May 4. class in-person events love doing so
for the networking,” said Yglesias. “To
“FGIA will provide the same high-qual- meet this need, FGIA will be host-
ity industry content that participants ing optional ‘happy hours’ following
have come to expect from our events, of Fame NFL player for the Chicago Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s content.
only in an online format,” said Janice Bears, will address the importance of Meet up in a themed ‘room’ online with
Yglesias, FGIA Executive Director. leadership and adapting to change. up to 10 other participants and enjoy
“There will be one track, making it An overview of the most recent FGIA moderator-led discussions of topics you
easy to connect to the event and know market study, now in development, also care about most or elect to join a social
you will be in the right ‘room’ for the will be given including forecasts for the ‘room’ for general conversation and
sessions.” U.S. fenestration market. Discussions catching up.”
on COVID-19’s impact on the industry
As the event gets closer, FGIA staff will also will take place including lessons For more information about FGIA and its
announce a blended slate of associa- learned, financial relief packages and activities, visit fgiaonline.org.
tion business sessions, as well as panel forecasting of what is to come.
discussions, speakers and other content Your trusted industry resource, setting
of most value to those in the industry in Three or four meeting sessions will be the standards for fenestration and
these unusual times. Keynote speaker hosted each day beginning at 10 a.m. glazing. n
Dan “Danimal” Hampton, a retired Hall Central time and concluding in the late
Employment Clearinghouse
Now Hiring: You can find the list of The NCS provides the Employment employers. If you have questions,
companies hiring during the COVID-19 Clearinghouse as a free service to are seeking employment or would
pandemic at RePicture.com/covid- its membership. The Clearinghouse like to post a position please contact
19DCjobs. If your company is hiring allows members to post short notices the newsletter editor and visit our
civil engineers in the Washington, DC for available positions or candidates jobs page.
area and is not currently on the list, seeking employment. All employers
email jobs@RePicture.com. listed herein are equal opportunity
ASCE-NCS Newsletter Patrons
continued on page 6
www.mkceng.com
6 | ASCE-NCS eNewsletter: May 2020 http://www.asce-ncs.org
ASCE-NCS Committee and Branch News and Updates
Education Committee – health of all and looking forward to areas, low marsh plants are transition-
Collegiate hopefully resume in-person classes in ing inland as high marsh plants die off
By Jameelah M. Ingram, P.E., M. ASCE the fall. due to more frequent inundation. When
Encouraging Words from ASCE these ecosystems are damaged, we
NCS Student Chapter Presidents. The ASCE NCS Education Committee lose more than an important source
The National Capital Section is usu- also looks forward to the time where of biodiversity. Coastal ecosystems
ally teeming with students and their we can gather in-person, as an ASCE act as a barrier during storm events by
absence is recognizable. As the world community once more. Until then, ASCE dampening storm surge and providing
works to overcome the coronavirus, Collaborate, is an excellent tool for a place for wave breaking. As a result,
students at colleges and universities professional and student members to there is a strong interest in maintaining
will be completing their semesters remain connected. or expanding these ecosystems as an
from a distance. Despite these recent alternative to traditional gray coastal
challenges, the ASCE NCS Education ASCE NCS Geo-Institute protective infrastructure. In the future,
Committee believes that students, our Announces Winner of 2020 Student geotechnical engineers could expand
future engineers, are both nimble and Essay Contest their practice by collaborating with
determined! Two students from the (News provided for the Education coastal ecologists to implement green
National Capital Section shared encour- Committee section by Shana M. Carroll, or green-gray systems of coastal protec-
aging updates below: PE, LEED BD+C, President of ASCE NCS tive infrastructure.”
Geo-Institute)
Bryan Minarczyk, President at the The ASCE NCS Geo-Institute hosted “There is a strong interest in cutting
Catholic University of America ASCE a student essay contest. The topic for back on carbon emissions in order to
Student Chapter (CUA ASCE), wrote: this year was “What is your vision of reduce atmospheric warming and ocean
the future of geotechnical engi- acidification. Today, the geotechni-
After receiving the news from the neering?” ASCE NCS GI is happy cal practice relies on Portland cement
University, I returned home to New to announce that Abby Burke from concrete as a construction material for
York where I am continuing with online Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State foundations, dams, ground improve-
classes and interning remotely. While University has been ment, and other applications. However,
both have been an adjustment, it is selected with the best concrete production is an extremely
amazing to see how resilient everyone essay. She will receive carbon-intensive process: about 410
is in adapting under the given circum- the prize of USD 1,000 kg of CO2 are emitted per cubic meter
stances. Faculty members remain com- and free attendance for of concrete produced. To address this
mitted to student success and look for the Annual Geotechnical problem, geotechnical engineers could
innovative ways to engage students via Symposium in 2021. take the lead in developing and imple-
online office hours, group projects, and Please take a moment to menting more sustainable construction
presentations. Though the means and read her essay and background below materials.”
methods have changed, I am confident and give her some cheers.
that I am still being challenged and “Geotechnical engineers of the future
receiving a great education. Abby Burke received her undergradu- will need to understand how environ-
ate degree in civil engineering from mental conditions are changing so that
Lobna Youssef, Co-President at the the University of Kentucky and is cur- they can be leaders in developing resil-
George Washington University ASCE rently pursuing her master’s degree in ient, sustainable communities.” – Abby
Student Chapter (GW ASCE), expressed geotechnical engineering at Virginia Burke 2020.
the following: Tech. Her graduate research is funded
by the Center for Geotechnical Practice Corporate Relations Committee
Transitioning to online classes has been and Research and focuses on potential By Lynn Mayo, RePicture Engineering
a strange and new experience. The CEE impact and opportunities within geo- Looking for a new job under normal
Department at George Washington has technical practice resulting from climate conditions can be stressful. Looking for
been very accommodating and flexible change. In her free time, Abby enjoys a new job during the COVID-19 shut-
with this transition to online classes, hiking and backpacking in the Blue down creates many new challenges.
trying their best to keep their students Ridge Mountains. Abby intends to start
engaged while maintaining the caliber a career in geotechnical consulting after As many of you know, there are several
of our education. Our Dean, John Lach, graduating in December 2020. companies that planned to hire staff in
has been sending frequent updates March that have now put all hiring on
about new academic policies to help Her essay highlighted how the effects of hold, until the impacts of COVID-19 are
ease this transition, as well as holding climate change can provide opportuni- better known. However, some compa-
town hall meetings to allow students ties for geotechnical engineering. nies are going forward with their hiring
to voice their concerns. Although it is process during COVID-19.
disappointing not to see my classmates “Global change processes are also
every day, the sense of camaraderie and impacting ecosystem health, espe- Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to
community is still extremely present. cially in coastal regions experiencing know which companies are suspend-
We are hoping for the safety and good rapid seal level rise. In many coastal ing hiring and which are going forward
continued on page 8
7 | ASCE-NCS eNewsletter: May 2020 http://www.asce-ncs.org
with hiring. Based on my review of
hundreds of job postings on dozens
of company websites, it appears that
many companies, especially smaller and
mid-sized companies, have not updated
their job postings since the COVID-19
stay-at-home orders. Some local civil
engineering company websites have job
postings that are several years old!
Therefore, I’ve created a list of compa-
nies that are still hiring civil engineers From Ariana White, Vice President
in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and
Maryland. The list includes companies
that have posted a new job opening
on their website since April 2 (after the
area’s stay-at-home orders). In addition, From Joseph Whartenby, President
the list includes companies that have
notified me that they are still hiring.
You can find the list of companies hir-
ing during the COVID-19 pandemic at
RePicture.com/covid19DCjobs. If your
company is hiring civil engineers in the
Washington, DC area and is not cur-
rently on the list, email us at jobs@
RePicture.com and we’ll add your com-
pany. Also, please let us know if a com-
pany should no longer be on the list for
hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. From Amanda Frosztega, Co-Social Chair From Sarah Shay, Secretary
During this challenging time, there Stay Connected! Check out photos person who registers at each office will
is reason to be hopeful for those of and stay up-to-date with YMF events be responsible to send in a completed
us in the civil engineering industry. by visiting the new YMF Facebook sign-in sheet within 1 hour of seminar
According to the ASCE national web- page (ASCE National Capital Section ending for participants to receive their
site, the CARES Act recently signed into Younger Members Forum), following us PDH credit. Click here to register. Dial in
law in response to COVID-19 includes on Twitter (@asce_ncs_YMF), connect- instructions will be sent one week prior
$25 billion for transit grants, $1 billion ing with us on LinkedIn (ASCE National to the webinar.
for Amtrak, $10 billion for the Airport Capital YMF), and following us on
Improvement Program, $56 million for Instagram (@asce_ncs_ymf) Emergency Rock Slide Stabilization
the Essential Air Service and a provision with Shear Pins: Design,
that unlocks the Harbor Maintenance Get Involved! Are you interested in Construction, the Media
Trust Fund which helps ports that need getting involved with more Younger The presentation will cover the emer-
dredging work. Members activities? Do you have ideas gency response to stabilize a massive
for social events or volunteering activi- rock slide in Central Pennsylvania that
Hopefully all companies will soon be ties? The NCS Younger Members Group was endangering a shopping plaza, a
back to normal hiring practices. In the is always looking for new members! Let gas line, and electrical utilities located at
meantime, let’s come together and us know if you are not already on our its toe (see picture below). The presen-
help each other by sharing available job mailing list! If you would like to become tation will cover the design and con-
opportunities. more active with the YMF or would like struction of the remediation using shear
more information on our events, please pins (uncased micropiles). The project
email the YMF President. received significant media attention due
to the eminent threat it represented.
Geo-Institute – National continued on page 9
Capital Chapter
Younger Members Forum By Shana Carroll
By Sarah Shay, YMF Secretary/Newsletter Please be advised the March 19th
Monthly Happy Hour. The YMF hopes luncheon has been cancelled due to
that all ASCE-NCS members and their the coronavirus pandemic. If you have
loved ones are staying safe and healthy already registered and paid, refunds
this month! To celebrate the shift from have been processed.
office work environments to mostly
working from home, the YMF Executive This presentation has been rescheduled
Board has shared some of their new to May 13th (12pm – 1pm) as a webinar.
home office setups! The cost is $30 per connection. The
8 | ASCE-NCS eNewsletter: May 2020 http://www.asce-ncs.org
The positive and negative aspects of a 6 week guided online course with
the media’s role in the project will be online, on-demand videos and activities.
highlighted. https://www.asce.org/making-the-case-
for-sustainable-infrastructure/
About the speaker: Sebastian Lobo-
Guerrero Ph.D., P.E., is a Project The course launched Monday, April 27,
Manager/AAP laboratory man- but registration will stay open through
ager at American Geotechnical and May 9 (two weeks into the 6 week
Environmental Services. (A.G.E.S.) at course). The videos and activities are
the Pittsburgh, Pa., released weekly and are on-demand,
headquarters. He has so anyone joining through May 9 will
more than 18 years of be able to catch up with the others.
experience in geotech- Shaft on April 8 on line and grade. A The course requires about 2 hours per
nical engineering and phenomenal feat of surveying com- week, again, on demand to fit into your
has authored more than ing off a 150 ft. baseline and advanc- schedule.
60 technical papers ing 16,000 ft without any intermediate
published in scientific shafts to check line. It is an impressive This course is ASCE’s first course to
journals, geotechnical magazines, and feat that the crews continued to work address “making the case” for infra-
conference proceedings worldwide. He to get the job done with the current structure: it follows our extensive
was a co-author (and instructor) of the pandemic situation and we are happy to efforts to recognize and promote
Delaware Department of Transportation report that the crew is healthy. sustainability in the industry. ASCE
2016 LRFD Bridge Design Manual. He recognizes the leading role civil engi-
is a former chair of the Pittsburgh G-I EWRI Committee neers have in planning, designing,
chapter, and a former Director of the By Ken Klewicki building, and ensuring a sustainable
ASCE Pittsburgh Section. He is also a The EWRI NCS chapter is planning on future by providing the bridge between
member of the DFI Tiebacks and Soil hosting a monthly webinar series begin- science and society. In this role, engi-
Nailing Committee, and the chair for the ning in late May or early June. Watch neers actively promote and participate
DFI-45 National Conference in National your emails for further details or contact in multidisciplinary teams with other
Harbor MD 2020. Ken Klewicki at Klewicki_Joseph@ professionals, such as ecologists,
bah.com or 571-277-4920 for more economists, and sociologists, and work
Construction Committee information. with communities to effectively address
By Ivan Carrasco the issues and challenges of sustainable
Shane Yanagisawa, Project Director- Sustainability Committee development. The knowledge gained
Salini-Impregilo/Healy JV informed that by Alex Rosenheim throughout this course will enable you
the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Boring ASCE’s new course “Making the Case to secure support for sustainable think-
Machine holed through at the W Street for Sustainable Infrastructure” is ing and resilient infrastructure. n
A Telecommuter’s Guide to Work-Life Balance
By Shana Carroll
Do you telecommute? I often talk to on their daily commute. While working
young professionals who want to have from home may seem easier, balanc-
a more flexible work schedule. In one ing your personal life with a “9 to 5”
recent study, 75% of millennials polled schedule can actually be more difficult
by Deloitte would like to work from than if you report to a traditional office
home more. There are different reasons building.
workers want to report from a home
office. Some people believe they are If you love your work, and become
more productive when working from adept at telecommuting, you are likely
home. Others desire a more flexible to find it difficult to leave work at the
schedule, or to save time and money “office,” when you should be spending
time with friends or family. It is easy to
work extra hours in the evening, or on or preparing spreadsheets. While this is
weekends, when your office is so acces- great for my company and my business
sible. For example, I work with engi- relationships, the relationships in my
neers, estimators, and project managers personal life suffer.
within my company and many different
types of external clients every day. I love One of the widely known benefits to
my work and enjoy helping people solve working from home is the ability to bet-
their problems. I want to be a respon- ter balance work and family. However,
sive team player so much that I often just like working from a traditional
find myself sitting at the kitchen table office, your work-life balance can be
after dinner with a laptop, writing emails continued on page 10
9 | ASCE-NCS eNewsletter: May 2020 http://www.asce-ncs.org
A Telecommuter’s Guide to Work-Life Balance
continued from page 9
negatively affected. Two recommenda- task I had an idea for, and then started cross it off some list? Soon after, you
tions to maintain a work-life balance gardening earlier in the day. realize you’ve spent too many hours
are to use a separate physical space for working and something slipped in your
your home office, and use timers for Set timers for your work: home life. The result is that you become
your work. Even if you are able to abide by the more vigilant with your time, for a short
boundary you set between your office while, and within a few weeks, you find
Divide your office from and the rest of your home, you will the cycle repeats. Rather than continue
the rest of your house: likely find yourself putting in extra this way, schedule your time and use
If you have a room dedicated as your hours when you work from a home accountability tools to be sure you stick
office, and only work when you are office. A 2010 study by Brigham Young to the schedule. For example, if you
in that space, it will be easier to “turn University claims that telecommuters have a report you’d like to review, set a
off” when you need to. Consider the can work, on average, 19 more hours stopwatch for the anticipated amount
doorway to your office to be a bound- (as compared to employees who work of time you need. Once the timer ends,
ary. Once you’ve set this boundary, at an office daily) before a work/life stop working. I prefer to use the timer
it becomes easier to leave work at conflict occurs. However, these conflicts function on my iPhone. However, if you
the office and focus on other aspects still occur and if you don’t set limits on are easily distracted by having your
of your life. This isn’t to say that you your work time, they can cause havoc in phone nearby, try a virtual timer. One
should never work outside of your your life. that I like is the Tomato Timer, which
typical work hours. On the contrary, solely operates in 25 minute increments
because your brain is not wired to gen- One study has shown that if you are based on the Pomodoro method of
erate great ideas only during the work happy with your job on a day-to-day time management. Another option is to
day, you may find that you want to send basis, you are more productive. While use a friend or family member as your
an email or work on a project on a week- an increase in number of hours worked accountability tool. You can schedule
end. When this happens, simply walk to was not analyzed in this study, it is an activity with them so that you have
your office and complete the task. If, like intuitive that the more you like your job no choice but to put your work down,
me, you allow yourself to work in differ- the more hours you want to put in. This or you can let them know that you
ent parts of the house, you run the risk can be a dangerous position, however, would like to be interrupted in X min-
of getting caught up in work and spend- as the more hours you spend working, utes and ask that they call at that time.
ing more time than you allotted. Last the less time you have for family and Remember, there will always be “one
weekend, for example, my goal was to home life. For many of us, the problem more thing” that you can, and probably
spend Saturday morning gardening. As I is that we love what we do for a living so want to, finish; to keep a work-life bal-
brewed the morning’s coffee, however, I much that we get caught up in the task ance, set a timer and abide by it.
had an idea about how to make a project we are working on and time seems to
design better so I opened the laptop, fast-forward. When you work from a home office,
and started working. Three hours later, it can be easy to neglect your home
there I was sitting on the couch working Time flies never to be recalled. life. Two ways you can help avoid this
through a company presentation (that – Virgil unbalance are to use a separate physi-
had nothing to do with the initial reason cal space for your home office, and use
I turned on the computer) instead of How often have you finished working on timers for your work. By keeping this
working on my garden. In comparison, if one thing, and then, instead of turning balance, you will go to sleep knowing
I had walked to my office to do the work, off the computer, you start working on that you’ve given adequate care and
I likely would have completed the single something else because you want to attention to all aspects of your life. n
10 | ASCE-NCS eNewsletter: May 2020 http://www.asce-ncs.orgUpdates from National ASCE
Updated: April 29, 2020 at 11:52 a.m. EDT
In response to the global outbreak committee meetings, conferences and information will be updated as events
of the coronavirus (COVID-19), ASCE events. In addition to urging that busi- warrant – always with the health and
is committed to reducing the risk of ness be conducted via teleconference or safety of our event attendees, exhibitors
adverse health impacts to the thou- videoconference whenever possible, we and staff as our top priority. n
sands of ASCE members, guests and have reviewed and updated our event
staff that participate in numerous ASCE policies and procedures. The following
Impact of Coronavirus on Scheduled National ASCE Programs
Event Schedule Date Status
Jack E. Leisch Fellowship 2020–2021 Cancelled
ASCE Week Orlando March 22–27, 2020 Cancelled
Offshore Technology Conference Asia March 24–27, 2020 Postponed | August 17–19, 2020
Younger Member Leadership
March 27–29, 2020 Cancelled
Symposia Alumni Summit
All ASCE Student Conferences and
Multiple Dates in April 2020 Cancelled
Society-Wide Final Competitions
Continuing Education Seminars Multiple Dates in April and May 2020 Cancelled
AEI FORUM April 1–3, 2020 Cancelled
AEI International Student Design Competition April 2, 2020 Virtual Offering | April 2, 2020
SEI Structures Congress April 5–8, 2020 Virtual Offering | April 7, 2020
Earth & Space Conference April 20–23, 2020 Cancelled
ASCE OTC Hall of Fame Gala May 5, 2020 Cancelled
EWRI Congress May 17–21, 2020 Cancelled
Watershed Management Congress May 20–21, 2020 Cancelled
EMI/PMC Conference May 26–29, 2020 Postponed | May 25–28, 2021
ASCE International Conference on
May 26–29, 2020 Cancelled
Transportation & Development
UESI Surveying & Geomatics Conference May 31–June 2, 2020 Postponed | TBD, 2021
National Concrete Canoe Competition June 13–15, 2020 Cancelled
LTPP Data Analysis Contest July 1, 2020 Postponed | September 1, 2020
11 | ASCE-NCS eNewsletter: May 2020 http://www.asce-ncs.orgYou can also read
