CI Forum Promotes Dialogue Between Industry Vets and Younger Members
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On January 15 and 16, 2009, the Construction Institute held a Leadership Forum in Los Angeles, CA. CI’s Younger Members Directorate organized this opportunity to “Meet the Leaders” and hear about the concerns and struggles of four construction industry veterans, including Bob Alger, President of Lane Construction, Tom Draeger, President of Bechtel Construction Operations and 2007 OPAL award winner, Steve Shive, Executive VP at Parsons, and Larry Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and 2009 ASCE Construction Management Award winner. |
Following the sessions, the participants attended a project site tour to witness the 66 story Ritz-Carlton Residences under construction, and a private party at the VIP Luxe suite at LA Live’s Lucky Strike. The second day's sessions, conducted by CI’s Services Directorate, surrounded the theme of Coping with Industry Trends in Finance, Technology, and Information Exchange. CI is continuing to plan future opportunities for multi-generational dialogue about the state of the construction industry. Check out the Forum site for photos, presentation slides, and more! |
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CI to Offer OSHA-Sponsored Training for Engineers and Supervisors on Crane Safety at Construction Sites
Recent costly and high profile crane accidents demonstrate a need for specialized training and certification for crane erection, jumping, and dismantling. The objective of the CI training course is to provide a program for Project Managers, Project Engineers and others whose responsibility includes the installation, movement, use and dismantling of cranes and lifting devices utilized on construction sites. With a focus on raising awareness of safety issues and the causes and cost of crane accidents, while addressing the changes being put forth with OSHA’s proposed rule for cranes and derricks, this program will increase the ability of engineers and supervisors to utilize their technical training and management skills on the construction site, to implement
safe crane operations.
Training Modules Include:
- Factors to Consider when Working with Cranes
- Establishing a Crane Safety & Lifting Program
- Lift Plans and Engineered Lifts
- Alternative Lift Methods
- Factors Leading to Accidents
- Regulations, Standards, Certifications and Legal Issues
- Rigging
If you are interested in attending a training session or hosting a session, contact Erin Santiago at (703) 295-6076. Classes are scheduled to begin Summer 2009.
ASCE Maryland Section Seeking to Start Local Construction Institute Chapter
Engineers' responsibilities in construction management have significantly changed. Today’s project engineer needs to be versed in engineering analyses and the limitations of various procedures, in order to choose the appropriate course of action to provide a safe project environment for workers and the public.
In this interest, the Maryland Section has proposed the formation of a Maryland Section Construction Institute (MSCI). The objectives of the MSCI will be to foster and promote:
- Safe application of modern construction innovations
- Education that advances the practice of engineering in construction
- Networking among professionals around common causes in the construction industry
For more information about the next meeting of the proposed MSCI, contact Erin Santiago at (703) 295-6076.
EJCDC Hosts Document Conference
Billions of dollars are being spent on construction litigation today. Most experts agree that good contract documents are the first step in avoiding litigation. Learn how Engineers Joint Contract Committee (EJCDC) documents can benefit Owners, Engineers and Contractors.
Get a detailed review and analysis of key provisions of EJCDC C-700, Standard General Conditions of the Construction Contract, which establishes the basic terms between the owner and the contractor, and details the contractor’s basic duties and responsibilities, including bond and insurance, progress and final payments; owner’s responsibilities; changes in the work; and other key project concerns. On Friday Feb 27, 2009, the EJCDC will be holding a forum and reception for users of the EJCDC documents designed for attorneys, presidents, vice presidents, owners, project managers, architects, engineers, controllers, accountants and contractors. For questions or more information, please contact Erin Santiago at (703) 295-6076.
Building a Sustainable Future
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The Construction Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the University of Washington will be hosting the 2009 Construction Research Congress in Seattle, WA, from April 5-7, 2009. The sessions will revolve around the theme, "Building a Sustainable Future." Check out the conference site for more information. |
New ASCE Journal Keeps Members Current with the Changing Pace of Legal Affairs during Engineering and Construction Practice
New in 2009, the Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction, volume 1, issue 1 can be viewed online now for FREE at http://ascelibrary.aip.org/lao. Thought-provoking papers cover numerous topics in legal affairs for the knowledge and enlightenment of readers. For instance, Kathleen Harmon’s A Case Study as to the Effectiveness of Dispute Review Boards on the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, one of the articles in the first issue, explains an important alternative dispute resolution application.
As a crucial technical reference in order to avoid future liability problems and for the success of Engineering and Construction projects, the journal provides insight into the legal relationships arising out of the changing nature of project delivery systems, dispute avoidance and resolution, sustainability concerns, and effective project execution. Editor-in-Chief Amarjit Singh, Ph.D., P.E. of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, with an impeccably credentialed editorial board presents interesting papers written by experienced attorneys and professionals.
View the First Issue for FREE at http://ascelibrary.aip.org/lao
Subscribe Now at http://pubs.asce.org/journals/legalaffairs/subscribe
Call for Papers: Submit Your Papers Online at http://www.edmgr.com/jrnlaeng
CI Offers Webinar on Practical Design for High Performing Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
On May 29, 2009 from 12:00–1:00 pm, CI's Bituminous Materials Committee is offering a Webinar on Practical Design for High Performing Hot Mix Asphalt. National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) Hot Mix Asphalt Hall of Fame member and ASCE Honorary Member, Carl L. Monismith, and Dr. K. Wayne Lee, ASCE Fellow, will be presenting the topic.
Asphalt/binder aggregate mixes used in paving and other engineering applications are complex. Extensive research knowledge has been developed in the past 20 years which has led to improved understanding of materials behavior and the ability to measure requisite characteristics. Learn how to utilize new research to respond to changed loading conditions and take advantage of new materials.
More details and registration can be found at http://www.asce.org/webinar/list.