The Role of Civil Engineering Research

Abstract

The construction industry, which is served by civil engineers, is the nation's largest industry, with revenues exceeding $400 billion annually. It is also a highly competitive and fragmented industry, whose participants often only think of “today”: today's profits, today's methods, and today's culture. With the 21st century drawing near, the window of opportunity to advance the profession of civil engineering through research is narrowing. A national and unifying effort is needed to overcome the problem of lagging research. Many areas that can significantly impact the profession are identified. Attention must be paid to these areas in order to make significant and meaningful contributions to society and to the profession.