George Shattuck Morison and the Development of Bridge Engineering

Abstract

George Shattuck Morison (1842–1903) was one of the major contributors to the development of modern bridge engineering practice. His career spanned the era from design by empirical “rules of thumb” to the use of mathematical analysis techniques. Morison pioneered innovations in bridge engineering practice, including the introduction of materials testing and inspection, the development of design and construction specifications, and production of project reports. His major bridges included many crossings of the Missouri River, the great cantilever railroad bridge at Memphis, Tenn., and the Boone, Iowa viaduct. Morison served as President of the American Society of Civil Engineers and was an influential member of the Isthmian Canal Commission, which selected the location of the Panama Canal.