Civil Engineering: Real-life Impacts

Importance of Civil Engineering

• Integral to daily life: roads, clean water, buildings, etc.
• Enhances lives and communities

Featured Civil Engineers and Their Projects

James Wanaberg: Blue Plains Tunnel

• Location: Washington D.C., Potomac River
• Role: Resident engineer for Blue Plains Tunnel
• Project: Part of D.C. Clean Rivers Project
  • Objective: Eliminate sewer overflows, improve water quality
  • Tools: 30-ft high, 400-ft long tunnel boring machine (drill)
  • Function: Bores tunnels, installs precast concrete rings to form permanent pipes
• Highlights:
  • Handles earth pressures and hydrostatic forces
  • Captures and treats stormwater after rain events
  • Excitement and mission-driven work
  • Emphasis on both visible (roads, bridges) and invisible (underground infrastructure) civil engineering

Maggie Jakes: Clean Water Restoration in Haiti

• Location: Marmon, Haiti
• **Background: Prof. presented issues in Haiti during junior year
• Problem: Lack of clean drinking water, annual cholera outbreaks
• Initiative: Traveled to Haiti in 2011
  • Conducted repairs on the damaged water system
  • Provided vital clean water, boosted community hope
• Impact: Highlighted importance of clean water access
• Reflection: Civil engineering offers myriad opportunities to help communities

Erin White: Hurricane-Proof Roof at Marlins Park

• Location: Marlins Park, Florida
• Project: Design of the first hurricane-proof retractable roof
  • Category 5 hurricane resistance
  • Innovative design allows release of wind pressure
  • Cost-efficient mechanization ($10 in electricity to open/close)
• Considerations: Ensured roof would not interfere with batted balls using NASA equations
• Misconception: Engineers work with varied people, not isolated

Conclusion

• Civil Engineers have impactful, creative, and innovative jobs
• They make tangible differences, improving daily life
• Call to action: Consider civil engineering for a career that makes a difference