ASCE adopts new post-disaster assessment manual
RESTON, VA. — A new manual that outlines polices and procedures for conducting engineering assessments in the wake of natural and human-caused disasters has been adopted by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The Post-Disaster Assessment Manual was developed by ASCE’s Task Committee on Engineering Review Procedures (TCERP) in response to a recommendation from an independent task force that the society’s procedures for such assessments be compiled into a single, readily accessible source. The task force, led by retired congressman and the former chair of the House Science Committee Sherwood Boehlert, was commissioned in late 2007 to review how the society participates in engineering studies of national significance.

ASCE’s purpose in doing such assessments is twofold. First, the behavior of engineered facilities that have been exposed to extreme forces must be evaluated so that engineers may learn from the disaster. Then, and perhaps more importantly, those lessons learned must be documented to inform the future actions of both the profession and society. In a letter to then ASCE President David G. Mongan, P.E., F.ASCE, Boehlert noted that “ASCE possesses the expertise, resources, and commitment to public service that the job requires.”

ACI seeks papers for 2010 conventions
FARMINGTON HILLS, MICH. — The American Concrete Institute (ACI) is seeking papers for the following sessions taking place during the ACI Spring 2010 Convention in Chicago and the ACI Fall 2010 Convention in Pittsburgh:

Adhesives and Adhesive Anchors — ACI Committees 355, Anchorage to Concrete, and 548, Polymers and Adhesives for Concrete, seek papers for their technical session “Adhesives and Adhesive Anchors for Use in Concrete.” This session will take place during the ACI Spring 2010 Convention in Chicago, March 21-25, 2010.

Corrosion Resistant Reinforcement — ACI Committee 222, Corrosion of Metals in Concrete, seeks papers for its technical session “Corrosion Resistant Reinforcement — Current Performance and Alternative Materials.” This session will take place during the ACI Fall 2010 Convention in Pittsburgh, Oct. 24-28, 2010.

More information about current calls for papers can be found by visiting www.callforpapers.concrete.org

SEI’s continuing education initiative seeks proposals
RESTON, VA. —The Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) is very interested in developing a strong continuing education program for its members and the profession. To address that need, SEI established the Administrative Committee on Continuing Education (ACCE).

This program is separate and distinct from ASCE Continuing Education courses in several important ways. First, the ACCE seminars will be delivered primarily through SEI Local Activities Division, local SEI committees or similar organizations (state structural engineering association, local SECA structural committees, etc.) rather than through a centralized structure.

Second, the cost and schedule will appeal to practicing engineers. SEI intends that the cost will be nominal ($50-$250 depending on the length and content) or free. Third, the course content will be tightly focused on the practical application of recent knowledge (technology transfer as opposed to discussions of recent research or overviews of broad topics). Finally, some of the courses may be designed to be highly portable to enable local expects to present the material with minimal preparation.

If you or a committee on which you serve has one or more ideas for such seminars, fill out a proposal form (available at seinstitute.org), and email it to sei@asce.org. The ACCE committee will review your proposal at their next scheduled meeting.

NCEES approves new P.E. exam in software engineering
CLEMSON, S.C. — The NCEES Board of Directors approved development of a new P.E. exam for software engineers. The decision came during the board’s Aug. 11 meeting in Louisville, Ky., in conjunction with the organization’s annual business meeting.

In accordance with existing exam development policies, 10-member licensing boards of NCEES presented letters supporting the proposed P.E. Software exam.