World Bank Update: In Deep Water
The World Bank has announced a dramatic shift in water policy that will nearly quadruple its spending in this area while it shifts the emphasis toward sustainable development. Instead...
Hong Kong: The US$10 Billion Dollar Question
Connections, deep pockets and perseverance were important in the awarding of contracts for Hong Kong's US$10.5 billion airport megaproject. The author notes many of the firms...
The Inflation Equation
The authors, a Brazilian and an American involved in a US$1 billion-plus project to build schools in the state of Rio de Janeiro, discuss how they managed despite monthly inflation of...
The Key is Constructability
Construction generally involves the collective efforts of owners, designers, contractors and suppliers. During the design phase, the engineer should be mindful of such critical elements...
Planes, Trains and the Games
Olympics-related construction in Atlanta isn't limited to sports facilities. The city is also gearing up for the 1996 Summer Games by accomplishing some major transportation infrastructure...
Precepts of Project Management
Considering the importance of project management to the practice of consulting engineering and the fact that most engineers are expected to be able to manage projects at some point in...
The Engineer As Preservationist
Engineers in the U.S. have been involved in historic preservation at least since 1966, the year ASCE's Committee on the History and Heritage of Civil Engineering designated...
Offshore Rescue
Restoration of wastewater ocean outfalls can be difficult, dangerous and environmentally challenging. Two recent projects, however, serve as examples of innovative outfall rehab. The first...
Constructing Around Contamination
When soil and ground water contamination are found at a construction site, completing the project on time and within budget is always a challenge. Typical problems include constraints...
ISTEA Enhances Transportation
The aim of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 was to integrate communities with transportation programs. Engineering professionals now have the responsibility...
Escaping the Niche
In today's business climate of increasing competition and shrinking markets, your company must get the most out of its marketing energy and budget. Finding new clients is...
Vietnam: Firsthand Feedback
Impressions and advice on doing business in Vietnam. Black & Veatch was the first U.S. engineering firm in Vietnam. Wayne West, BV's man in Hanoi, and James Patton,...
The Mexican Migration
The North American Free Trade Agreement has made Mexico an attractive market for U.S. firms, particularly in the environmental field. At the same time, privatization (as with toll roads...
Argentina: Back in Business
Having achieved democracy and stabilized its economy, Argentina is working to improve its transport, telephone and power systems and to ease its housing shortage; the local construction...
Water on Stone
Schal Bovis, a Chicago construction-services firm, has shown that Japan is not entirely a closed market. With more than a dozen major Japanese projects under its belt, it has broken through...
Building the Urban Environment
Experts from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank offer tips for architects and others taking their first plunge into international markets. The hottest market, they...
Getting Together for Sustainable Development
With environmentally sound development getting increasing attention, there is a need to bring experienced environmental engineers together with counterparts in the developing world who...
Applying Sustainable Development
Experts hoping to lessen the harsh effects of development on Earth's ecosystem have turned to the concept of sustainable development. Engineers are finding old ways to put...
Jet Grouting Gains
Jet grouting, a soil stabilization technology developed in Europe, was introduced in the U.S. in the early 1980s. Due, in part, to the use of inappropriate equipment, jet grouting got...
Quality Assurance for Hazardous-Waste Projects
An important aspect of an environmental Quality Assurance (QA) Program, as with any system designed to improve quality of performance, is the specification of objectives which, if met,...
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