Big Organizations: Restructure Them into Small Ones
Engineering firms and agencies grow in two ways: horizontally as the number of specialized support divisions increases, and vertically through new positions in the hierarchy. The traditional...
Assessing the Effects of Water Contamination
The threats to potable water are examined. An assessment of human ill effects of contaminated water requires a knowledge of the quality of water throughout the world and a corresponding...
How Should We Dispose Hazardous Wastes?
Our inability to successfully dispose hazardous wastes has led to extensive land, groundwater and surface water pollution. The question is not whether we have the technology to do the...
Superfund Cleanup Sites
Cleanups of four Superfund hazardous waste sites are described, two in Pennsylvania, one in Tacoma, Wash., and one in Globe, Arizona. The key chemical wastes were polychlorinated bipheynls,...
Limited Field Inspection vs. Public Safety
The traditional role of the design engineer in providing field inspection services has been an important component of public safety in the construction industry. The various aspects of...
Instant Expertise: A Danger of Small Computers
The low cost and easy access afforded by small computers have made it easy for an engineer to become an instant expert. Because low-cost software is available for almost any field of endeavor,...
Competitive Strategies for Growth
A discussion is given on the approach of Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. to the question of specialization versus diversification in a consulting engineering firm. It was easy to opt...
RCRA EP Toxicity Test Applied to Dredged Material
A set of 25 Great Lakes harbor sediment samples were subjected to bulk sediment analysis and the EP Toxicity Test. Based on the results of this pilot study, there appears to be little,...
Improved Techniques for Removal of Sediments Contaminated with Hazardous Materials
Realizing the need to improve the capabilities of response personnel in dealing with cleanup operations involving contaminated sediments, the U. S. Coast Guard and the U. S. Environmental...
Development of Response Plans for Toxic Spills
A plan is proposed for managing the response to a toxic spill into a river system and the minimization of its effects on water utilities, industry and the environment. As technical aids...
Overtopping of Flood Control Levees and Floodwalls
The risk of overtopping can be significant for flood control levees or floodwalls, and the consequences can be costly and potentially catastrophic. Designs using superiority can force...
Report on Task Committee's Scope and Findings
A Task Committee for the Design of Outlet Control structures studied the state-of-the-art practices concerning the hydraulic function, water quality, public safety, maintenance and aesthetic...
Safety, Maintenance, and Aesthetic Considerations Associated with Outlet Control Structures for Stormwater Detention Ponds
Findings of the Task Committee for the Design of Outlet Control Structures, an ASCE Technical Committee, regarding maintenance, safety and aesthetic considerations for stormwater detention...
Forecasting and Warning for Mt. St. Helens Streams
The eruption of Mt. St. Helens in southern Washington on May 18, 1980, created great devastation both by the blast itself and by mudflows generated by melting snow and ice. Several hydrologic...
Software Development: For Experts Only?
Civil engineering firms tend to buy ready-made software rather than develop it themselves. But if existing software for specific applications is unavailable or of poor quality, then the...
EPA's New Land Disposal Rules�A Closer Look
Despite some initial enthusiasm for the new EPA regulations on land disposal of hazardous waste, many critics are now expressing concern for the long-term environmental impact. The dependence...
Land Treatment of Hazardous Waste
Land treatment is one of several available alternatives to the use of landfills and surface impoundments for the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste. Using this technique, hazardous...
Arresting a Toxic Plume
At an abandoned gravel pit in New Hampshire turned into a dump site for hazardous liquid chemical wastes (as well as drummed solid waste), engineers had to race against the clock to stem...
Transportation Brokerage in a Bi-State Area
Transportation brokerage is a coordinated management approach to meeting transportation consumer needs with existing transportation providers. In doing so, brokerage fosters increased...
Nuclear Safety: A Problem of Technology or Ideology?
The issue of nuclear safety is examined. It is debated whether the public reaction to the issue is emotional or rational and whether nuclear safety is a problem of ideology or technology....
Return to search