Civil Engineering (The Magazine of the American Society of Civil Engineers)
November 2008 Vol. 78, No. 11
Contents
Features
42 Will Supermolecules and Supercomputers Lead to Super Construction Materials?
By Charles R. Welch, Ph. D., M. ASCE, William F. Marcuson Ⅲ, Ph. D., P. E., Hon. M. ASCE, and Ilker Adiguzel, Ph. D., M. ASCE
Over the next several decades, developments in the area of carbon nanotubes and in the ability of computer programs to accurately model molecular behavior could lead to buildingmaterials that perform dramatically better that existing materials.
54 Ahead of the Times
By Jeffrey A. Callow, P. E., A. M. ASCE, Kyle E. Krall, P. E., and Thomas Z. Scarangello, P. E., M. ASCE
When the New York Times Company decided to construct its first new headquarters in 94 years, the design process led to a technically and architecturally sophisticated structure that is one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan. The 52-story tower—topped by a 300 ft (91 m) mast—features a structural frame of external, exposed steel columns and bracing that makes the building appear light and transparent, and the unique facade system seems to disappear into the sky.
64 French Connection
By Michel Moussard, P. E., and Michel Virlogeux, Ph. D.
A nes lift bridge in Rouen, France, features two movable spans 120 m in lenth that are operated independently by the structure’s elegant system of pulleys—the “butterfly”—atop the piers.
70 Karst and Complications
By Peggy Hagetry Duffy, P. E., M. ASCE
The presence of sinkholes and related features can complicate construction in regions with karst geology. Such was the case with the recent development of a new hospital in southern Indiana, which involoved designing and installing stable structures capable of conveying storm-water runoff belowground without erosion. After some of the underground features became unstable during construction, quick action and creative field techniques were required to keep the project on track and on budget.
Departments
8 Letters
10 Polity Briefing
12 Civil Engineering News
Historic church renovation
PPPS for transportation
Winged canopy
Broadway revised
Canal best for delta
Minneapolis bridge opens
Mideast sewer tunnel
Hydroelectric dam in Alaska
Illinois brownfield remediated
News Briefs
34 Technology
36 History Lesson
41 Editor’s Note
76 Books
96 The Law
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