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After nearly 50 years of observing National Engineers’ Week (NEW), has it changed the stature or understanding of structural engineering? Many more arguments than not suggest no or maybe, rather than “yes.” First proclaimed in 1951 by our nation’s 33rd president, NEW was established to create awareness of the contributions of engineers for the good of humanity. One of its main objectives was and is to educate the public and students about who engineers are, what they do, and the benefits they provide to society (structural engineers included).
The national event, celebrated Feb. 14-20 this year, has been held continuously around the middle of February beginning with Presidents’ Day. Presidents’ Day is particularly significant in that it is near the date of the birthday of George Washington, our first President. The date is no coincidence since many in the engineering profession consider Washington a member of their group, as he was a land surveyor and an engineer. His many design and construction projects, in addition to planning the nation’s capital — Washington, D.C. — included building innovative canals, locks, dams, roads, bridges, and harbors, and involvement in water supply and land development.
For structural engineers in the United States, February is not just the month of Washington’s birth, but also that of two daring engineering pioneers who greatly influenced the direction our industry and country has taken. Can you guess who they are? Here are some clues. One of them was born on Feb. 14,1858, and the other was born Feb. 16, 1870. Both were raised on farms, one in the East and the other in the West. Both went to prestigious colleges in mid-state New York and became legends in their own time. They were articulate, yet unassuming. However, the iconic structures they created were anything but unassuming. Each was the tallest of its kind when completed. One remains today as one of the greatest civil engineering achievements of modern times. The other, while no longer in existence, remains an inspiration for those building increasingly taller, and more space-age-looking versions of this American engineer’s original design.
So, who were these two engineers and for what structures are they most known? And, who was the president who first proclaimed NEW?
As part of the celebration of National Engineers Week, engineers and engineering achievements will be spotlighted. There will be opportunities to participate in the public activities calling attention to why engineering is such a wonderful profession and how it can be an inspirational career path for America’s youth. So, it is a good time to test your knowledge of engineering history within the United States, and that way, you’ll have ready examples of some engineering heroes of the past.
In the three photographs shown, one person is the 33rd President of the United States, and the other two are engineers. Can you identify them and name their iconic projects? (The answers will be given in my next column in March. Or, if you can’t wait, send me your answers by e-mail and I’ll let you know if you’re right.)
Richard G. Weingardt, P.E., is CEO and chairman of Richard Weingardt Consultants, Inc., a Denver-based structural engineering firm. He can be reached via e-mail at rweingardt@gostructural.com.
