Horizontal/Subsurface Infrastructure & Transportation

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.  


------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

You have been doing a very nice job to make the students understand, like and even be drawn to civil engineering profession. You must have put in a lot of time and effort to make out the presentation! It may be very rewarding for the participants!

------------------------------
Peter Singh M.ASCE
Managing Director
Kingdom Designers
Birganj
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

Original Message------

You have been doing a very nice job to make the students understand, like and even be drawn to civil engineering profession. You must have put in a lot of time and effort to make out the presentation! It may be very rewarding for the participants!

------------------------------
Peter Singh M.ASCE
Managing Director
Kingdom Designers
Birganj
------------------------------

I appreciate  the nice explanation u introduce 
for civil engineer , but also we should explain the difficulty for being civil engineer especially in the early  stage when the engineer start in the field when he faces the tough construction and dealing with subcontractor and full responsibility.

------------------------------
Amer Darwich A.M.ASCE
General Manager
Torrance CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2017 01:26
From: Muhammad Umar Ghumman
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I appreciate your step to bring awareness in students who are struggling to get the goal 

Original Message------

You have been doing a very nice job to make the students understand, like and even be drawn to civil engineering profession. You must have put in a lot of time and effort to make out the presentation! It may be very rewarding for the participants!

------------------------------
Peter Singh M.ASCE
Managing Director
Kingdom Designers
Birganj
------------------------------

Original Message------

I appreciate your step to bring awareness in students who are struggling to get the goal 

​

​I have been working in this industry for over 30-years.  I've worked in several of the western states. 

I've never seen anyone do what you have done.

One time I offered to provide a presentation like you described (I doubt it would have been one-quarter as good) for my local high school, because I knew one of the math teachers from my church (she was also a US Marine, and knew it would be good for her students).

The principal said, "No thanks--you don't have any teaching credentials--and without a background check we can't let you in our school."

The principal was certainly right --I had no credentials other than experience (and a generous spirit).

Today, perhaps 20 years later--I've never had one graduate from that high school apply for a job with our company.

Long ago, when I was in college, I noticed my professors didn't show many practical examples to showcase what we were learning in textbooks. 

I later considered this revelation; perhaps that this was because most of them didn't have any practical experience--certainly not the "typical" projects which you so generously described?

I tell my crew: "Experience is the best teacher."   You have proved the point well.


------------------------------
Scott Onishuk P.E., M.ASCE
Director
Santa Barbara CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

I'm not sure why the teacher responded that way.  I/we are not "teachers" - rather we augment their program.  In my high school district, they are working on evolving programs - first they called it "STEM" (which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and it seems to be evolving to PLTW (Project Lead the Way).  Both programs were developed to encourage young people to enter the engineering field.  It's particularly set up to encourage young girls.

My first entry into this world was when my daughters were in high school.  I just asked one of their teachers.  Now, I contact the the STEM or PLTW person at 7 or 8 high schools and several instructors and/or ASCE Student Chapters at midwest universities and set up the presentation.   One of the local high school engineering teacher has me come in and actually teach the course when I have something to offer (for instance basic beam design, you know, with the fixed end, movable end, and distributed and point load, that we all studied?) No one's ever said I wasn't qualified.

Last year I presented at 5 high schools and 4 colleges.  It was fun, especially at the college level.  



------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-18-2017 12:02
From: Scott Onishuk
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

​I have been working in this industry for over 30-years.  I've worked in several of the western states.

I've never seen anyone do what you have done.

One time I offered to provide a presentation like you described (I doubt it would have been one-quarter as good) for my local high school, because I knew one of the math teachers from my church (she was also a US Marine, and knew it would be good for her students).

The principal said, "No thanks--you don't have any teaching credentials--and without a background check we can't let you in our school."

The principal was certainly right --I had no credentials other than experience (and a generous spirit).

Today, perhaps 20 years later--I've never had one graduate from that high school apply for a job with our company.

Long ago, when I was in college, I noticed my professors didn't show many practical examples to showcase what we were learning in textbooks.

I later considered this revelation; perhaps that this was because most of them didn't have any practical experience--certainly not the "typical" projects which you so generously described?

I tell my crew: "Experience is the best teacher."   You have proved the point well.


------------------------------
Scott Onishuk P.E., M.ASCE
Director
Santa Barbara CA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

You are doing a wonderful thing! I would like to add that ASCE does offer pre-college outreach resources on their website. They have activity ideas, career fairs in a box, videos, and much more.

Pre-College Outreach | ASCE

------------------------------
Andrea Taylor P.E., M.ASCE
Hurst TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

Agree with Russel it's the big whys and how's of the practical applications that count .

Lets judge Russels photo montage easily made into active PowerPoint that could be converted into show tell instructional material for the web as 85% efficient meaning standard HS subject is 25% especially math.

Meaning our poor HS kids get a 75% Entropy load carried to college not having a grasp of the great career they are missing.

IMHO from an eng in risk management

------------------------------
Peter Baston Aff.M.ASCE
IDEAS
Boulder CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2017 09:23
From: Andrea Taylor
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

You are doing a wonderful thing! I would like to add that ASCE does offer pre-college outreach resources on their website. They have activity ideas, career fairs in a box, videos, and much more.

Pre-College Outreach | ASCE

------------------------------
Andrea Taylor P.E., M.ASCE
Hurst TX

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

Do you have a YouTube or other link for your creations?

Thanks!

------------------------------
Panos Prevedouros C.Eng, M.ASCE
Professor and Chair
Univ Of Hawaii
Honolulu HI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

Congratulations!!!
It's a great thing to do.
I really appreciate the idea. How do I get a copy of it. Do you have a YouTube link?

I stand at the same location every day and take a picture of my site. I've been doing it for a year.

Instead of site pictures, I make a video of the entire set.

When it comes to monthly meetings, i deliver a video and proceed to the actual numbers game.

It's amazing... What I've been doing since a year has doubled my experience.

I truly appreciate your efforts. Please keep up the good work.

------------------------------
Kalyan Emandi
Sr.Project Engineer
Senegal
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

I can only say to keep it simple.  College students have a better idea than high school, but neither really understands.  Some work in the industry and have a little feel for, let's say, how difficult concrete is to work with or how cold it can get on a construction site in January in northern Iowa, Minnesota, or Illinois.  But the work still has to go on, so you just dress up in Carhart and gloves and do the best you can.

The book is available at Amazon.com, just type the title "Russell Builds a Bridge" if you want copies.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2017 17:44
From: Kalyan Emandi
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

Congratulations!!!
It's a great thing to do.
I really appreciate the idea. How do I get a copy of it. Do you have a YouTube link?

I stand at the same location every day and take a picture of my site. I've been doing it for a year.

Instead of site pictures, I make a video of the entire set.

When it comes to monthly meetings, i deliver a video and proceed to the actual numbers game.

It's amazing... What I've been doing since a year has doubled my experience.

I truly appreciate your efforts. Please keep up the good work.

------------------------------
Kalyan Emandi
Sr.Project Engineer
Senegal

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------

I appreciate your efforts to bring civil engineering basic knowledge and to share your work experience through the two books and presentation to the coming generation. 

It will  help aspirants of CE profession, if you could share through YouTube or by any other sources, i.e for books amazon or direct internet link etc.

Best Regards.

------------------------------
[Syed] [Ayub Ali ] [ A.M. ASCE ]
[Project Engineer]
[National Industrial Gases Company]
[Yanbu] [Saudi Arabia]
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2017 17:44
From: Kalyan Emandi
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

Congratulations!!!
It's a great thing to do.
I really appreciate the idea. How do I get a copy of it. Do you have a YouTube link?

I stand at the same location every day and take a picture of my site. I've been doing it for a year.

Instead of site pictures, I make a video of the entire set.

When it comes to monthly meetings, i deliver a video and proceed to the actual numbers game.

It's amazing... What I've been doing since a year has doubled my experience.

I truly appreciate your efforts. Please keep up the good work.

------------------------------
Kalyan Emandi
Sr.Project Engineer
Senegal

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------
​

​I will definitely say that every school in the US is different when it comes to incorporating STEM elements into their curriculum, and all for various reasons.  In my high school in Worthington, Ohio STEM coursework was well taught, but the gap between coursework and entering the workforce after college was not really covered.  In contrast I now work with a program in Grand Rapids, Michigan (where I live and work as a Civil Engineer) that is very focused on entering the workforce.  In this program students are encouraged to pick a discipline and receive a lot of direct education in relation to choosing a career path.  I volunteer once a month with students to help them prepare for college and decide what major to initially pursue that will match their skillset and desires. I also helped give a presentation with fellow coworkers from FTCH about our (varied) careers as Civil Engineers at FTCH in terms of how a sample project would include a myriad of backgrounds.  It included traffic, wastewater, structural, and construction/inspection, but as you all know there are many more concentrations available to Civil Engineers, and we used all of our time just covering those.

While the intense pressure to select a major for college in high school as young as sophomore and junior year may not be the best approach, the opposite was perhaps equally unhelpful for me.  What is important is that younger students are strongly encouraged to enter STEM fields and that they are introduced to what Civil Engineering is.  I think it's fantastic what Mr. King is doing by giving these presentations, we all should be more apt to do so!

I think the biggest struggle in communicating what a Civil Engineer does is that it is such a broad field of study.  I took the same classes as most of my fellow students in college and we have all gone onto very diverse careers.  While no one person can hope to cover all aspects of engineering in a presentation, let alone Civil Engineering, it is important to stress to young minds how diverse the profession is.  No single concentration of Civil Engineering will interest all students, but conversely some part of Civil Engineering will be interesting to most students.  That way if a student dislikes one part of Civil Engineering they aren't discouraged from the profession as a whole.

------------------------------
James Smith A.M.ASCE
Civil Engineer
Grand Rapids, MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-21-2017 03:44
From: Syed Ali
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I appreciate your efforts to bring civil engineering basic knowledge and to share your work experience through the two books and presentation to the coming generation.

It will  help aspirants of CE profession, if you could share through YouTube or by any other sources, i.e for books amazon or direct internet link etc.

Best Regards.

------------------------------
[Syed] [Ayub Ali ] [ A.M. ASCE ]
[Project Engineer]
[National Industrial Gases Company]
[Yanbu] [Saudi Arabia]

Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2017 17:44
From: Kalyan Emandi
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

Congratulations!!!
It's a great thing to do.
I really appreciate the idea. How do I get a copy of it. Do you have a YouTube link?

I stand at the same location every day and take a picture of my site. I've been doing it for a year.

Instead of site pictures, I make a video of the entire set.

When it comes to monthly meetings, i deliver a video and proceed to the actual numbers game.

It's amazing... What I've been doing since a year has doubled my experience.

I truly appreciate your efforts. Please keep up the good work.

------------------------------
Kalyan Emandi
Sr.Project Engineer
Senegal

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------
​

Teacher unions and administrators do not want non-teachers in the building.  Anyone, who does not have a background check is met with a lot of red tape.  It is a security risk and they they do not want to take a way time that is dedicated to the required curriculum.  It's extremely unfortunate.  We had to discontinue our partnership with the Providence Children's Museum for the same reason.  We have had some success working with the Cub Scouts.

------------------------------
Chad Morrison P.E., M.ASCE
Professional Engineer
Greenville RI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-21-2017 03:44
From: Syed Ali
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I appreciate your efforts to bring civil engineering basic knowledge and to share your work experience through the two books and presentation to the coming generation.

It will  help aspirants of CE profession, if you could share through YouTube or by any other sources, i.e for books amazon or direct internet link etc.

Best Regards.

------------------------------
[Syed] [Ayub Ali ] [ A.M. ASCE ]
[Project Engineer]
[National Industrial Gases Company]
[Yanbu] [Saudi Arabia]

Original Message:
Sent: 10-19-2017 17:44
From: Kalyan Emandi
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

Congratulations!!!
It's a great thing to do.
I really appreciate the idea. How do I get a copy of it. Do you have a YouTube link?

I stand at the same location every day and take a picture of my site. I've been doing it for a year.

Instead of site pictures, I make a video of the entire set.

When it comes to monthly meetings, i deliver a video and proceed to the actual numbers game.

It's amazing... What I've been doing since a year has doubled my experience.

I truly appreciate your efforts. Please keep up the good work.

------------------------------
Kalyan Emandi
Sr.Project Engineer
Senegal

Original Message:
Sent: 10-16-2017 17:42
From: Russell King
Subject: College and High School Students to be Civil Engineers

I like to make presentations to high school and college students that think they want to study civil engineering.  Many of them do not fully (or even partially!) understand what we do in the field.  So, I used my final employment to photograph what I and my team(s) did for bridge construction and roadway widening.  Both of these projects are simple, everyday projects for those of us who have been around for a number of years but they are very important to the American population.

One project consisted of constructing new bridges over an interstate highway with concrete or steel beams.  I was assistant resident engineer, in charge of documentation and taking pictures.  I took several hundred detailed pictures for the client, put them together with brief descriptions about how we, as civil engineers, material inspectors, or surveyors were involved, and assembled them into "Russell Builds a Bridge".  I summarized it into a 45 minute powerpoint presentation for both college and high school students over the past several years.

Material inspector coordinating with the surveyor to locate and then determine the density of embankment material furnished in place. The inspector can be a registered professional engineer and the surveyor can be a registered land surveyor, both after receiving a bachelor's degree in civil engineer from approved university.

A well documented "hammer" pounds steel piles driven into the ground to support the bridge.  Inspectors for both the contractor and the resident engineer count and record the number of blows per foot and use that information to determine the proper bearing strength. Civil engineers determined formulas and then used them to calculate the resistance required by the piles to support the bridge.

A second project consisted of a simple intersection widening required to install a new driveway, improve the intersection and roadway capacity, and increased vehicular safety associated with a commercial development.  I was the resident engineer of this simple, one-man project but coordinated with a material inspection firm and surveyor for the contractor.  Again, I photographed the work with detailed pictures and then brief descriptions.  This led to a book titled "Russell Widens a Road".

The material inspector tested the sub-grade with a penetrometer. Other options to provide this documentation include a dynamic-cone penetrometer or a nuclear density gauge. Civil engineers have established minimum density requirements to support the pavement that will be constructed on it and this inspection verifies that it meets those requirements.

Concrete used for curb and gutter or bridge decks is tested for air, slump, and strength by inspectors in the field and/or at laboratories. Each of these tests must pass standards established by civil engineers before the work is accepted and paid for.

Most high school students and many college students that are considering civil engineering have little experience with construction and do not know what happens in the field.  These two books and the powerpoint presentation give them a small introduction.

------------------------------
Russsell King
Retired
Lakewood, Illinois
------------------------------
​