Current News
Our Challenges
by Kam K. Movassaghi, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
President, Transportation and Development Institute of the ASCE
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It is indeed an honor and privilege to serve as president of T&DI. I pledge to do all I can to meet your expectations. This is a young but vibrant organization. Since its founding, in 2002, the institute has been led by a group of internationally recognized leaders in the field of transportation. My immediate predecessor, Professor Lou Cohn is no exception. Over the past year, I have witnessed Lou’s dedication, hard work and leadership, and for that our institute is much stronger today.
In celebration of the 5th anniversary of the institute, the Board of Governors decided to conduct a leadership event in conjunction with our first meeting of the new fiscal year. As part of this event, we have invited all committee and council chairs to join the Board of Governors for a series of round table exchanges and discussions regarding the institute’s past, present and future. The outcome from this event will set the agenda for our activities over the next few years. This event is scheduled for November 30th and December 1st. On behalf of the board, I invite your comments and input.
To read the full article please click here.
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Call for Papers
2008 Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference
Seattle, Washington
October, 2008
The 2008 Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference will be located in Seattle, Washington taking place in October, 2008. This conference is designed for planners, designers, owners, researchers, and contractors on the frontline who are constantly challenged to construct and rehabilitate airport and highway pavements that are durable, smooth, quiet, efficient, cost effective, and capable of supporting projected traffic operations. This conference will offer the attendee the opportunity to participate in technical sessions, several workshops along with a technical tour of Boeing’s Everett Assembly Facility, led by knowledgeable engineers participating in the 787 development program and of the new runway at Seattle – Tacoma Airport (Sea-Tac). The deadline for submitting abstracts is November 15, 2007.
To submit an abstract please click here.
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Journal of Transportation Engineering
Special Issue on Air Transportation
Call for Papers
The Airport Planning and Operations Committee of the ASCE Transportation and Development Institute is soliciting papers for a Special Issue of the Journal of Transportation Engineering on current topics in air transportation. The committee is interested in papers on all aspects of airport planning and operations, in particular intermodal issues in aviation, aircraft-airport compatibility, runway safety, airfield capacity and delay, implications of the Next Generation Air Transportation System for airport operations, terminal planning and design, airport land-use compatibility, airport finance and lessons learned from airport development. In order to encourage additional submissions, the deadline for receipt of full papers has been extended to February 1, 2008 to provide authors additional time to prepare their papers.
For more information please click here.
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First International Symposium on
Transportation and Development Innovative Best Practices
The First International Symposium on Transportation and Development Innovative Best Practices to be held in Beijing, China, April 24-26, 2008 is shaping up to be the premier event in China for engineering and planning professionals from around the world seeking to present and learn about innovative best practices in transportation and development. Held in conjunction with Asia’s largest transportation technology exhibition, TRANSPO2008 (www.transpo.com), the event will mark T&DI’s formal entry into the world’s largest developing nation. High-ranking public officials will be participating, including the China Vice Minister of Communications, who will personally open the program.
For more information please click here.
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TDIBP Beijing Conference Program Update
by Lou Cohn, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE
Past President, Transportation and Development Institute of the ASCE
Things are going very well with the technical program for the TDIPB Beijing Conference to be held April 24-26, 2008. This is in large part due to the terrific response we had from our call for co-author assistance we made in September. Approximately 400 of our members volunteered to help, and we were able to match the 71 Chinese authors who needed help with experts in the specific area of their topics, in order to improve the English so it would be up to ASCE standards. At this time, it appears that 45 of these 71 papers will produce the quality we need. On behalf of the conference steering committee, I want to thank all those who volunteered to help.
For more information please click here.
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Nation’s First Freight Train Equipped with New, Safer Brake Technology Begins Operations
The first train fully equipped with electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake technology began hauling coal today in southwestern Pennsylvania under a waiver approved by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), announced Administrator Joseph H. Boardman.
Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) is the first railroad to operate revenue service trains equipped with ECP brakes under the waiver, Boardman said. BNSF Railway also received waiver approval and is expected to operate trains with the new, safer brake technology before the end of 2007.
“These railroads understand using ECP brake technology can bring significant safety and business benefits, and I encourage other railroads to follow their lead,” Boardman said.
In contrast to conventional air brake systems, which operate sequentially from one rail car to the next, ECP technology applies the brakes uniformly and instantaneously on every rail car in a train, Boardman explained. ECP brakes lead to better train control, shorter stopping distances and a lower risk of derailments.
For more information please click here.
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New T&DI Board Members
T&DI would like to welcome two new Board Members, Marsha Anderson Bomar A.M.ASCE and Imad L. Al-Qadi, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE. Marsha was elected by T&DI’s membership to a 4-year term on the Board of Governors. Marsha will serve as Treasurer during her first year on the Board. Marsha previously served on the Board as the appointed Governor representing the Institute’s Technical Activities Division. Imad was appointed by the Board to serve a 2-year term representing the Institute’s Technical Activities Division. This is Imad’s first time serving on the Board of T&DI. He previously was the Chair of T&DI’s Design, Construction and Maintenance Council. Scott Murrell P.E., M.ASCE will be assuming the responsibilities as Chair of the Design, Construction, and Maintenance Council. Marsha is the President of StreetSmarts, a consulting firm headquartered in Duluth, Georgia. Imad is the Founder Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Scott is the chief civil engineer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Rotating off of the Board will be Past-President Eva Lerner-Lam M.ASCE. We would like to thank Eva for her years of service and welcome the new additions to the T&DI Board.
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October 10th was “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day”
The seventh annual “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” (PBFD) was celebrated on October 10th by many communities throughout America. The message shared was that there are approximately 43,000 fatalities annually (118 fatalities every day and one every 12 minutes) occurring on our highways, roads and streets. Drivers, passengers, pedestrians or cyclists were encouraged to take extra caution on this day to prevent crashes from occurring. They should also continue improving their habits for driving, riding and walking every day of the year. In the last six years (2001 – 2006) there have been 257,006 highway related fatalities.
In 2007 T&DI of ASCE became the lead national organization for the PBFD Program. The T&DI Safety Committee created a PBFD subcommittee to work with other partner organizations to maintain a web site (www.brakesonfatalities.org) with traffic data, a brochure that can be copied, posters and stickers that can be ordered, and a tool kit that provides example public service announcements and commemorative day proclamations plus other material for creating a local event. The web site provides material for use by ASCE members, our partners and any individual or organization who wanted to become involved.
For more information please click here.
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Update on Current Transportation Issues
Update from Washington: Transportation appropriations legislation is still pending in congress. President Bush has promised to veto spending bills that push federal spending over his proposed budget. While there is widespread agreement in congress on fully funding surface transportation systems in line with SAFETEA-LU guarantees passed in 2005, it remains to be seen how serious the president is about his veto threats, and which bills might be vetoed. Become a Key Contact at http://www.asce.org/keycontacts to receive weekly updates on this and other issues affecting transportation engineering.
ASCE members have testified three times this fall on transportation and bridge safety following the Minneapolis bridge collapse, with another appearance scheduled next week. View testimony at http://www.asce.org/pressroom/publicpolicy/inside_congtest.cfm
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T&DI Would Like to Recognize the Winner of the Robert Horonjeff Award
The Robert Horonjeff Award was created to recognize and honor a person, persons, organization or organizations for outstanding achievements in, and contributions to the advancement of the field of air transportation engineering; the Robert Horonjeff Award was established by the former Air Transport Division of the Society.
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2007 T&DI President Lou Cohn Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE and the 2007 Robert Horonjeff Award Winner Edward L. Gervais, P.E., F.ASCE |
This year’s award recipient was Edward L. Gervais, P.E., F.ASCE who began his career with Boeing in 1966. He has since been involved with production, engineering or support of all Boeing commercial airplanes currently being produced. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Washington, is a registered Professional Engineer, and is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has spent over 30 years of his career with Boeing specializing in pavement design and evaluation, and is responsible for evaluating airport compatibility requirements for Boeing commercial aircraft.
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T&DI Would Like to Recognize the Winners of the Elmer A. Sperry Award
The Elmer A. Sperry Award is presented to every year in recognition of a distinguished engineering contribution which, through application, proved in actual service, has advanced the art of transportation whether by land, sea, air, or space. The Sperry Award is presented jointly by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, SAE International, and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
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2007 T&DI President Lou Cohn Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE and the 2007 Elmer A. Sperry Award Recipients (from left to right) Peter T. Mahal, James C. White and Pam L. Phillips. To the right of Ms. Phillips is
William A. Fife, P.E., M.ASCE. |
This year’s recipients were Robert F. Cook (Aircraft Dynamic Loads Consultant), Peter T. Mahal (ESCO), Pam L. Phillips (Port Authority of NY & NJ), and James C. White (FAA). Together these four individuals were responsible for developing the Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) and were responsible for its initial installation at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The EMAS system is a safety system that is designed to help slow or stop an aircraft that overruns the runway, which results in a deceleration rate that is safe to both the passengers and to the aircraft itself. Over the past 10 years the team has worked on a number of product improvements that have been incorporated into the EMAS technology including a jet blast resistant coating allowing the EMAS material to be placed as close as 35 feet (10.7 meters) from the runway end.
Announcements
Federal Rail Administration (FRA) is Looking for a
Director, Office of Passenger and Freight Programs
Transportation impacts every facet of American life, providing people access to work, school, loved ones, and nature’s rich bounty. As a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) employee, you will become a part of the dedicated workforce who works day-to-day to make measurable improvements in our transportation system, the security of our nation, and the quality of American life.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), an Operating Administration under DOT, was created to promote and enforce safety throughout the U.S. railroad system, consolidate Federal financial support for rail transportation, and support research and development to benefit rail transportation for passengers, railroad employees and the general public.
The mission of the Office of Passenger and Freight Programs is to develop, implement, and administer policies, plans and programs relating to Federal financial assistance for intercity passenger rail and freight rail service, provide program oversight of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and support development of intercity passenger rail policy.
The FRA is ranked by its employees as one of the top-rated agencies in which to work, according to the Office of Personnel Management 2006 Federal Human Capital Survey.
For more information please click here.
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Call for Members – ASCE/T&DI/ICPI Structural Design of Interlocking Concrete Pavement Standard Committee
The Transportation and Development Institute (T&DI) of ASCE and the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) are seeking members for the Structural Design of Interlocking Concrete Pavement Standards Committee. The committee is developing a consensus guideline for the design of pavements using interlocking concrete pavers in applications of full traffic loading. Membership on the T&DI/ASCE/ICPI standard committees is open to all those who might reasonably be expected to be or who indicate they are directly affected by the activity without dominance by any single interest group: Producer, Consumer and General Interest, including Regulatory. Those interested in applying to the committee should contact Phillip Mariscal, ASCE Standards Administrator, for an application at pmariscal@asce.org or (703) 295-6338.
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T&DI Transportation Safety Committee Seeks New Members
T&DI's Transportation Safety Committee is seeking people interested in becoming a member of the committee. The committee's responsibilities include dissemination of safety information and to provide education and training pertaining to safety issues related to the planning, design, construction and operation of transportation facilities. The Transportation Safety Committee is also the lead T&DI technical committee in planning the Put the Brakes on Fatalities program. If you are interested in becoming a member of T&DI's Transportation and Safety Committee, please send an e-mail to tanddi@asce.org to obtain a committee nomination form.
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Help ASCE Recognize Greatness
Colleagues who have contributed to civil engineering through their outstanding leadership, research or substantial career accomplishments merit the accolades of their peers. The Society’s Honors and Awards Program invites your nominations for the 2008 selection cycle. Of more than 80 ASCE awards, Transportation and Development Institute members will be especially interested in the following:
Awards for achievement:
Honorary Member
OPAL
Harland Bartholomew Award
James Laurie Prize
Frank M. Masters Transportation Engineering Award
Wilbur S. Smith Award
Francis C. Turner Award
Robert Horonjeff Award
For more information please click here.
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2006 T&DI Applications of Advanced Technology in Transportation
The 2006 T&DI Applications of Advanced Technology in Transportation Conference Proceedings are now available in bound format. The proceedings can be purchased through the Publications Department of ASCE. To view the table of contents and an abstract or to order your own copy please click here.
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2006 T&DI Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference Proceedings
The 2006 T&DI Airfield and Highway Pavements Conference Proceedings are now available in bound format. The proceedings can be purchased through the Publications Department of ASCE. To view the table of contents and an abstract or to order your own copy please click here.
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Key Contact Program
Public policy information you should know in easy to read briefs. That’s what ASCE’s Key Contact Program can provide to T&DI members. T&DI members are invited to join ASCE’s Key Contact Program and receive “This Week in Washington” a weekly email newsletter with information on issues active in Washington, D.C. and the state capitals. In addition, Key Contacts receive periodic Key Alerts asking for grassroots action from ASCE members on a specific issue.
For more information please click here.
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Renew your ASCE Membersship and Get a Free Research Library Gold Card
ASCE members who renew their 2008 membership by October 31 will receive a free Research Library Gold Card, granting access to articles from across all proceedings and journals contained in the ASCE Research Library and the newest developments in civil engineering research. Plus, thanks to ASCE’s new relationship with Engineers Without Borders – USA (EWB-USA) members can renew or join the humanitarian organization as a professional member at a 40 % discount. Ensure you continue receiving the personal and professional resources ASCE offers to help you meet your goals.
>> Renew online (www.asce.org/renewal) and check out prizes and early renewal drawing dates. (www.asce.org/renewal/renewalprize.cfm)
Committee Updates
Airfield Pavement Committee Meeting
The Airfield Pavement Committee held a general meeting in August during the 29th International Air Transport Conference in Dallas, Texas. The meeting was attended by approximately 40 committee members and non-members. The meeting was highlighted by a presentation on Boeing’s 787 and 747-800 by Karen Dix-Colony. Congratulations to APC member Ed Gervais, recipient of the Robert Horonjeff Award – a presentation was made at the conference.
One topic of substantial discussion at the meeting was the core purpose of the Airfield Pavement Committee. The official ASCE purpose statement is “to study and report on airfield pavement developments and requirements.” Discussion further defined the importance for APC members to help direct the future research requirements relating to airfield pavements through programs like the Airport Asphalt and Airport Concrete Pavement Technology Programs (AAPTP & ACPTP), as well as the FAA National Airport Pavement Test Facility. Expect this discussion to be continued at the annual January meeting in Washington, D.C. (tentative date Sunday, January 13, 2008).
For more information please click here.
Continuing Education
Webinars
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 ~ 12 Noon - 1:30pm Eastern Time Tort Liability, Part II: How Transportation Liability Impacts Civil Engineers
Thursday, October 25, 2007 ~ 12 Noon - 1:30pm Eastern Time An Introduction to Roadside Delineation and Safety Systems
Thursday, November 1, 2007 ~ 12 Noon - 1:30pm Eastern Time Traffic Impact Studies
Thursday, November 15, 2007 ~ 12 Noon - 1:30pm Eastern Time Traffic Control Devices
Seminars
2007
Design and Evaluation of Highway Bridge Superstructures Using LRFD,
November 1-2, Los Angeles, CA.
Techniques for Pavement Rehabilitation, December 5-7, 2007, San Antonio, TX.
2008
Design and Evaluation of Highway Bridge Superstructures Using LRFD,
February 14-15, Phoenix, AZ.
Techniques for Pavement Rehabilitation, February 27-29, Las Vegas, NV.
Planning & Designing Service & System Interchanges in Urban & Suburban Areas, March 27-28, Las Vegas, NV.
To sign up for either a seminar or a Webinar please go to the Continuing Education page on ASCE's website located here.
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Become An ASCE Continuing Education Instructor
Share your professional experience and technological advances with your colleagues through ASCE Continuing Education Seminars. As your professional society we need to continually offer the latest information regarding advances and breakthroughs in your field. To do this we need your help - "the practicing engineer". if you are working on something innovative or cost saving that would be of benefit to ASCE consider sharing the news.
For more information please click here.
Upcoming Conferences
IBTTA 2007 Transportation Finance Summit, December 2-4, 2007, Washington D.C.
(T&DI is a co-host organization)
For more information please click here.
First International Symposium on Transportation and Development Innovative Best Practices (TDIBP 2008), April 24-26, 2008, Beijing, China.
(T&DI is a co-sponsoring organization)
For more information please click here.
10th International Conference on the Application of Advanced Technology in Transportation, May 27-31, 2008, Athens, Greece.
(T&DI is a co-sponsoring organization)
For more information please click here.
International Conference on Transportation Engineering, July 22-24, 2008, Chengdu, China.
(T&DI is a co-sponsoring organization)
For more information please click here.
Product Information
The Transportation & Development Institute in conjunction with Lands' End Outfitters are pleased to announce the addition of the T&DI logo to the Lands' End Family. This logo can be placed on shirts, jackets, sweaters, etc. from Lands' End. Contact Lands' End at www.landsend.com or by phone 1-800-963-4816. Please reference our logo number #0352715W. (There is a fee for the addition of the logo to the garment.)
The Transportation and Development Institute newsletter is a bi-monthly publication of the Institute for its members. Please direct any questions or comments about the newsletter to tanddi@asce.org
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