The Abridged Newsletter
of the Seattle Section of ASCE
March 2002
President’s Column
by Ron Borowski
The Alaskan Way Viaduct has served as both a major traffic route in the
region and as a symbol of the central waterfront, where Seattle originated. The
State and the City of Seattle have prudently embarked on an effort to considered
realistic options to repair or replace the aging structure, whose future had
been called into question by the February 2001 earthquake.
I am happy to announce that the Seattle Section is forming an expert review
team to offer an evaluation of the technical program underway for the
environ-mental process and early engineering for the viaduct and adjacent
seawall. The Seattle Section Board initiated the process in December by offering
to assist the Washington State Department of Transportation and the City of
Seattle with the Alaskan Way Viaduct (AWV) process. Under the leadership of Ted
Bell, this ASCE team will review the products of the State/City/Consultant team
charged with identifying solutions for this vital roadway to deliver an
independent evaluation of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Study by a
multi-disciplinary team of local engineers. The ASCE expert team will coordinate
its schedule with the project schedule, which anticipates EIS completion this
year, and recommendations for consideration and action in 2003.
The team is in the formation process. Various disciplines can participate,
with anticipated team elements composed of:
-
Transportation
Engineering: Traffic Operations, Highway Design, Transit
and Railroad Engineering
-
Structural
Engineering: Seismic, Bridges, Walls, Tunneling and
Waterfront Structures
-
Geotechnical:
Soils, Foundations, and Groundwater
-
Environmental
Engineering: Water, Drainage, Wastewater, and
Noise
-
Property/Rights-of-way
-
Freight Movement
The team will be guided by several objectives, which include: (1) confirming
the appropriateness of EIS alternatives for AWV and Seawall improvements; (2)
determining that all reasonable alternatives are being considered; (3) reviewing
the recommended alternative based on sound engineering and economic principles;
(4) reviewing the project development approach; and (5) providing comments on
the in-process EIS findings. If you are interested in further details on our
ASCE process, please contact Ted Bell, Team Chair, at (425) 747-5936.
ASCE members have applied their multidisciplinary skills to problem solving
elsewhere in the United States. For example, in South Carolina, civil engineers
have partnered with other professions in a volunteer technical assistance
program for over ten years. Called VOLTAG, the group has provided technical
assistance on topics including natural disasters like wind damage and
earthquakes, and building code development.
We hope this expert review process can be a model for other infrastructure
development projects in Washington. In
addition, our involvement is expected to assist proponents with making important
decisions in an accelerated timeframe, to provide visibility for the Society,
and to recognize the professional roles of the local engineering community in
infra-structure development. This is a process in which our various ASCE
committees can participate and get invested in for the greater public benefit.
Engineers’ Fair
On February 16th and 17th, the Seattle Section sponsored a booth at the
Engineers’ Fair held at the Crossroad Mall in Bellevue.
The stated purpose of the fair, coordinated by the Puget Sound
Engineering Council, was to engage younger people in activities related to
engineering. The Section’s booth
succeeded admirably—frequently surrounded by future engineers loading paper
bridges that spanned six inches. The
History and Heritage Committee provided dynamic posters on local National
Historical Civil Engineering Landmarks and the Younger Member Forum provided the
outreach activity box, which included videos—another element in the booth.
A big thanks to the volunteers who staffed the booth throughout the
weekend, many for the first time: Barbara Moffat, Kenigh Cheung, Shailesh Tatu
(both days), Jeff Highley, John Hastig, and Yang Jiang who recruited Tia Raamot.
ASCE Seattle Section Meeting
Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Place:
Ballard Yankee Grill
5300
24th Ave. NW
Menu:
Roast
Tom Turkey
with
Sherbet
Cost: $21 per person*
*A $2.00 penalty will be made
for attending without a reservation.
Spouses
and guests are invited.
Cash or checks payable to ASCE are accepted.
Social Hour...........
........5:30
Dinner........... ...........
6:30
Business Meeting......... 7:30
Program...........
8:00
Reservations
must be made by NOON, 3/11. Call
206-926-0482
(voice mail system only - leave a message)
Legislative
Building Seismic Rehabilitation
Mike Wright of Swenson Say Faget and Bill Perkins/Bob
Mitchell of Shannon & Wilson will discuss the seismic aspects of the
$90 Million rehabilitation of the Legislative Building in Olympia. The
Legislative Building sustained substantial damage during the February 28, 2001,
Nisqually Earthquake to the extent that the building was red-tagged, requiring
the State Legislature to temporarily vacate the structure. Swenson Say
Faget and Shannon & Wilson were retained to assess the short-term risk to
the structure prior to repair work, assist the with implementing emergency life
safety repairs, and provide design for the long-term seismic rehabilitation.
To accomplish this work, tasks ranged from geologic probabilistic ground motion
studies to quantify the ground shaking hazard to detailed structural evaluations
and design of the anchorages of the massive exterior stones.
Engineers’ Fair
The Seattle Section, led by YMF, will be sponsoring a team
for Rebuilding Together. Volunteers
are needed for this one-day national community service event, which takes place
on April 27. It promises to be a
fun and rewarding experience. Tasks
include painting, landscaping, small home repairs, etc., for charity.
Contact Ann Epler, 206-632-2664, aepler@hcwl.com.
Attendees:
Board Members: Ron Borowski, Ron Leimkuhler, Ray
Walton, James Wilhoit, Bob Boudinot, Arthur Fleming, Ann Epler.
PSEC Rep: Don Northey
Other Section Members: Gordon MacDonald (Kitsap Branch
President)
Other ASCE Members: Jim Carlsen (District 12 Director)
Section President Ron Borowski called the meeting to
order at 4:06 p.m.
January 9, 2002, Meeting Minutes:
The minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Report through January
2002 was reviewed and approved. Treasurer
Arthur Fleming reported that he had received several State Public Affairs (SPAG)
Grants, including $600 of the $1,000 grant for ASCE 150th Anniversary
Celebration events (more info under applicable sections of minutes).
Arthur said he had not yet researched Past President Ron Leimkuhler’s
inquiry at the January Meeting as to whether dues received to date were
consistent with to-date totals at calendar‑year end in previous years.
However, it was noted from
the report that about 50% of the projected 2001‑2002 dues receipt had been
taken in so far. President-Elect
Ray Walton questioned how accurate the projection was, since not all ASCE
members in the Section’s geographical area pay Section dues.
Arthur will research both related issues, reviewing dues records and
membership data base that National sends out, and attempt to determine how many
members assigned to the Section do not pay Section dues.
Treasurer also reported that financial records for 1999-2000 had been
delivered to the auditor last month, and that he was now turning over 2000-01
records to Susan Gardner for auditing.
Committee Reports:
Ray Walton, Bob Boudinot, Ann Epler, and Don Northey
presented status reports for the Standing Committees, Branches, YMF, and PSEC,
respectively, with additional Kitsap Branch input from Gordon MacDonald.
Standing Committees: Ray relayed report from
Linda Deboldt: Public Relations—Chair Dave Schwegel has been publicizing ASCE
Engineering Fair activities including Popsicle Stick Bridge (PSB) Competition
via press releases, offers similar publicity assistance for the infrastructure
report card and outstanding project awards. University Advisory Committee met as
scheduled Jan. 25th, in conjunction with UW Mentor Night.
Seattle U Student Chapter to have similar event in April, also planning
several activities including field trip to Diablo Dam in March, and student
recruitment at area high schools. Chapter
also had tour of new Seahawk Stadium. Ray
is looking for someone to replace him as Committee Chair, next meeting to be
held Mar. 9th at SU. History &
Heritage Committee—Chair Cindy Hirsch preparing description of Section
historian/archivist for clarification. See
also ASCE 150th Anniversary Celebration. Professional
Practices Committee—No feedback yet from Chair
re: (1) ASCE Seattle Section’s offer of assistance to government
agencies in recruitment/hiring of engineers for senior management positions in
and (2) potential of mandatory continuing professional development for PE
license renewal in Washington State.
North and Kitsap Branches:
North Branch—Reminder that next meeting to be Feb. 20th at Izzy’s in
Bellingham, with presentation on traffic calming/pedestrian design by TRANSPO.
Kitsap Branch—Gordon reported on recent and upcoming activities,
including its 150th Anniversary Celebration promotion of West Point bridge
contest for schools. He
displayed newspaper article on participating Sequim students. Most recent meeting, held at Sequim, had good attendance.
Next meeting to have presentation by Ed Heavey of Landau Associates on
Nisqually Earthquake damage, April meeting to be on Elwah Dam removal.
June field trip planned to tour Hood Canal, likely in conjunction with
overnight event, with non-Branch members welcome.
Borowski invited Gordon to attend Feb. 21st “Day on the Hill” event,
and indicated North Branch President was invited as well.
Borowski asked that both Branch Presidents appoint 150th Anniversary
Celebration coordinators, and advised Gordon to contact Michael Cook at National
for more info. Other—Bob and
Arthur are working with branches to track and account for Section funds
allocation to branches.
YMF: Ann
reported on recent and upcoming activities- PSB- Prep meetings held Jan. 23rd
and Feb. 11th, planning going smoothly, fundraising successful and SPAG Grant
received. 17 teams to participate.
Judges selected, including Ron Borowski as “celebrity” judge.
Western Regional Conference (WRYMC) to be held Mar. 1-3 in Reno NV- 7
Seattle YMFers to attend. ZOOM Into
Engineering (program for school children) training- Ann and Holly Carter to
attend. Ski trip to Mt. Hood Mar.
8-10 with Oregon group- 9 to attend from Seattle, 9 from Oregon. Rebuilding Together (Apr. 27th)- Ann and Mary Holland
spearheading Seattle participation, Ann as “House Captain” and Mary
coordinating volunteers, both to attend “Kick-off” banquet Mar. 13th.
Also noted that $2,500 invoice for participation was paid.
Other- Borowski asked Ann to make sure that branches and Committee Chairs
be included on YMF e-mailings.
PSEC: Don updated the Board on plans for
Engineering Fair Feb. 16&17, at Crossroads, and finale Banquet Feb. 23rd,
featuring Jon Magnusson speaking on area structures. Cheryl Burwell and Randy Sleight to attend from ASCE Section,
possibly others. Don announced
selectees for PSEC awards to individuals, including ASCE Section member Brook
Maples of KPFF as Young Engineer, to be introduced at Banquet by Cheryl or Ron
Borowski (it was noted that Brook had been instrumental in writing applications
for the SPAG Grants the Section had recently received). Borowski also advised
that Susan Gardner had volunteered to coordinate
the ASCE booth at Fair.
Technical
Committees: Susan Chang not present to report. Ray advised that he would be attending EWRI conference on St.
Thomas, along with vacation, departing later in the week, to be gone through
Feb. 26th. Noted also that Annual
Geotech Workshop will be held April 20th.
OLD
BUSINESS:
Awards and Grants: Leimkuhler reported— Outstanding Project Awards: 11
projects submitted- 4 structural, 2 geotech, 2 small category, 1 ports, 1 water
resources, 1 transportation. Larry
Wade Memorial Scholarship Fund: Leimkuhler
reported that almost $10,000 had been raised, and Board generally agreed that
“thermometer” graph in newsletter had been effective and should continue.
State Public Affairs (SPAG) Grants: Approved/received for YMF PBS,
“Day on the Hill” and Rebuilding Together (more info under applicable
headings in minutes).
ASCE 150th Anniversary Celebration:
History & Heritage Committee is continuing to prepare poster and
presentation for the celebration. Borowski
said he would like to use some material at the “Day on the Hill” event later
in the month if something was available.
Dues Increase for Associate Members: Ann
reported that YMF had taken a poll on this matter in order for her to give
feedback to Board as requested. Result
was that YMF did not object to a $10 increase (to same level as regular members)
as long as it was to be applied to YMF activities.
Discussion ensued on how to do this fairly, and it was suggested that
YMF’s allocation might be tied to number of associate members in Section.
Treasurer to study this issue and determine best method for dedicating
funds allocation to YMF.
Newsletter Cost‑cutting:
Ray reported that task committee had met and developed key elements for a
survey/questionnaire to membership for feedback on electronic on‑line
distribution proposals. Ray had
sent out draft questionnaire for comment and now had finished version ready for
insertion in next newsletter. Response deadline will be Mar. 15th and results will be
discussed at April Board meeting. Board discussed distribution proposals and
what kind of hard copy/mailings requirements would remain after on‑line
distribution is undertaken. Jim
Carlsen noted that some sections and organizations always mail out a hard copy
newsletter at the beginning of every year with a notification that all
subsequent newsletters during the year will be sent out or accessed
electronically only.
Public Sector Sr. Mgt. Recruitment:
See Professional Practices (Standing Committees).
Alaskan Way Viaduct Review Team
Concept: Borowski reported that he had obtained an agreement in
concept from the City of Seattle, was waiting for response from the
State.
Notices of Committee Activities: Borowski again
reminded all of importance of getting out the word about speakers and events via
the newsletter and website.
Communications During the 2002 Legislative Session:
“Day on the Hill” Legislative Reception now scheduled for Thurs. Feb.
21st at 6 PM at Indian Springs in Lacey, cost $47.50 per person, those
interested in attending should contact Jeff Highley (jhighley@hntb.com,
(425) 455-2525, fax (425) 453-9179). Noted
that SPAG Grant received can reimburse up to 42 attendees.
All attendees are encouraged to attend
a pre-meeting with Olympia lobbyist Cliff Webster at AIA Office for
pointers on talking with legislators at the reception.
Pacific Northwest Council (PNC) dues:
Noted that Section dues have now been paid.
NEW BUSINESS:
PNC Meeting Feb. 28th: Ron Borowski and Ray
Walton to attend, soliciting proposals to present.
District Representative Fees:
Jim Carlsen conveyed proposal for districts of Zone IV to share the
costs of districts without Zone Directors (Director positions rotate through the
districts in such a way that there are always some districts that do not have
Directors) sending District Representatives to Zone Leadership Conference.
He advised that California sections were pushing this proposal, and that
the Columbia section opposes it. Leimkuhler
commented that the Seattle Section had opposed this proposal in the past.
A poll was taken and the Board indicated it wanted
to maintain its previous position on the issue.
Borowski suggested to Jim that it could be a topic for further discussion
at the PNC meeting.
Section Nominations: Nominations Committee to be chaired by Leimkuhler will
include Bob Boudinot, Ann Epler, Ray Walton, and one more at-large member to be
appointed by Borowski. Will meet week of Feb. 25th.
UW Student Chapter: Board voted to spend $300 from student activity fund
(off-budget account) in order to enable chapter to send 4 people to Western
Student Conference on Leadership (WSCL).
ASCE/SEAW Cooperation: Don Northey, who serves as liaison between these two
organizations, noted that ASCE Section member was attending the ASCE Structural
Engineering Institute (SEI) Meeting on Certification and Licensing in Reston VA,
subsidized in part by SEI and SEAW. He
proposed that the Section provide some funding to support his attendance.
Borowski tabled the issue until the March meeting, at which Don will
provide an expense summary for review. Next
SEAW meeting is Feb. 26th at College Club.
Topic is Alaskan Way Viaduct. Borowski
asked that a notice be posted on the ASCE Section’s website.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
Meeting minutes recorded by James Wilhoit.
Our Civil Heritage needs YOUR help.
ASCE has a history and heritage program that honors projects that are
historically significant to the profession and the nation.
The National Historic Civil
Engineering Landmark (NHCEL) program, and regional, state, and local landmark
designation programs originate at the local section.
This requires a person to act as the Project Historical Documentarian
(PHD), who is the lead in filling out the ASCE nomination form indicating the
historical significance of the project with photo and other data documentation.
The Seattle Section History and Heritage Committee is available to provide
guidance and assistance in this task. Some projects being considered by the
Section are the Smith Tower and Deception Pass Bridges. The project nominated
should be at least 50 years old. We
need help in selecting appropriate projects, and individuals to champion a
project and serve as its PHD. Please send suggestions to and volunteer by
contacting Cindy Hirsch, Chair of the History and Heritage Committee, at cindy_hirsch@urscorp.com,
206-438-2700 (work phone).
The Water Resources Group has elected two new co-chairs:
Sara Marxen, Water Resources Engineer, Golder Associates, and Dennis
Mekkers, P.E., Hydraulic Engineer, US Army Corps of Engineers.
Sara and Dennis will work with Robin Kirschbaum for the remainder of the
year. In October 2002, Sara will
assume the role of chairperson and Dennis will serve as co-chair. In October 2003, Dennis will assume the chairperson role and
a new co-chairperson will be elected.
Hanford Thayer, P.E., passed away on January 25th at his
home on Whidbey Island. Hanford was
a prominent engineer within the government and retired as Chief of Architect
Engineering with the Seattle District, Army Corps of Engineers.
He was active in the Society of Military Engineers and ASCE, serving as
President of the Seattle Section in 1956.