Civil Engineers: Guardians of the Infrastructure By Reed Brockman, PE Sr. Structural Engineer / Inspection Specialist DMJM Harris
Before I start preaching to the converted… Who am I? –An engineer inspecting and designing for DMJM Harris –A volunteer, working to make sure we have a great next generation of civil engineers –A dad
Once upon a time…
And along came us
And we developed… And developed…
Mostly good
Some things needing work…
So here we are today
Heroes? Do we keep the public safe? Do we solve problems that make real differences? Do we leap tall buildings in a single bound?
Infrastructure TLC Maintain what was built in the PAST Alter or add in the PRESENT Make sure it will be maintained in the FUTURE
Taking care of the PAST Not just inspection How ARE things? –Be part of the public! –Sense the symptoms early –Was it good to begin with? –Understand the past and what has changed!
Alter or add in the PRESENT Solve the right problem –We don’t design in a vacuum –Not all infrastructure is good infrastructure –Why are we doing this? Make it SUSTAINABLE Make it INSPECTABLE Make it both FUNCTIONAL and AESTHETIC Let the world know what you’ve done!
Think to the FUTURE! Be a MENTOR Provide TRAINING opportunities Encourage kids Work with college students I consider it an important part of our job
Problems with the FUTURE TECHNOLOGICAL ILLITERACY Misconceptions of Engineering Fighting against “easy-way-out” mentality
Technological Illiteracy “Black box” products –Dispose over fix –Can’t fix it yourself Few out there explaining their work Students hungry for hands-on design challenges
Misconceptions of Engineering “Really complicated and hard work, with lots of math & science” “Not a job that makes any money” “Doesn’t do anything to help people” “Just sitting in front of a computer all day”
Easy–way-out Mentality Bring communities together with your projects; have people help others Avoid too many virtual models Remember how everything got here Encourage thoughts of the Future!
Ways to Reach Out – Easy Starting Points Start local West Point Bridge Contest –Meet many schools quickly Run a regional Future City or Model Bridge Contest –These are more “face-to-face” –Get to know the teachers Join educational committees or Start a TV Show
THANK YOU!