The Infrastructure and the Civil Engineer

Abstract

The civil engineer has played a major part in the development of this nation's vast infrastructure. Today, the infrastructure is in serious need of repair. The problem today is severe, and encompasses roads, bridges, dams, mass transit systems, and sewage and water systems. A poor infrastructure causes inconveniences, costs money, inhibits growth, and is unsafe. What should be the civil engineer's role in resolving the infrastructure problem? Civil engineers must find and announce infrastructure problems. They must be creative in their work. Civil engineers must stress the importance of maintenance and the fallacy of reducing maintenance to save money. They must reevaluate engineering standards in accordance with current engineering considerations. Finally, the civil engineer must become politically involved to take greater control of public works projects.