Robert Reid

Reston

Senior Editor and Features Manager at Civil Engineering Magazine

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Articles

In Bordeaux, France, the Simone Veil Bridge does more than cross a river

2 months ago | asce.org | Robert Reid

By Robert L. ReidThe Simone Veil Bridge in Bordeaux, France, was designed to be a public space as well as a river crossing. Its seemingly simple design belies a wide range of potential applications. The new Simone Veil Bridge, which crosses the Garonne River in Bordeaux, France, is something of a contradiction in concrete and steel.
Looking for anxiety-free EV driving? In-road charging holds promise

2 months ago | asce.org | Robert Reid

The lack of easily accessed electric vehicle charging systems and the accompanying “range anxiety” that your battery might be depleted before you reach your destination are some of the greatest roadblocks to widespread adoption of EVs. But what if there was a way to recharge your EV that was not only as easy as refueling your gas-powered vehicle, but in fact even easier?
Space shuttle Endeavour stands tall in California Science Center display

Jan 2, 2025 | asce.org | Robert Reid

BOLDLY DESIGNED 1/1/2025 18 min read By Robert L. ReidSeismic concerns guided the design of a new exhibit for the retired space shuttle Endeavour. But first the orbiter and its various components had to be moved and lifted into place.
Extension to Swedish science museum features unique timber framing

Jan 2, 2025 | asce.org | Robert Reid

BOLDLY DESIGNED 1/1/2025 10 min read By Robert L. ReidAn extension to Stockholm’s science museum relied on a complex, free-form timber structure. Interestingly, most of the crisscrossing roof beams that cover the facility’s 3D experience dome were bent on-site. Wisdome Stockholm is a new 1,325 sq m extension to Sweden’s National Museum of Science and Technology that features a unique timber design.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s small but iconic theater at Taliesin restored

Jan 1, 2025 | asce.org | Robert Reid

The 100-seat theater that architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed and used as part of his 800-acre estate known as Taliesin, near Spring Green, Wisconsin, has been restored and its facilities improved following years of water infiltration, structural damage, and a lack of certain amenities for audiences and performers.
Architecture, engineering, construction business activity spikes, analysis shows

Sep 30, 2024 | asce.org | Robert Reid

By Robert L. ReidA survey of firms in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, together with an analysis of data from technical report activity generated by these firms, indicates that an initial “general optimism” about the year 2024, as recorded in January, actually turned into “dramatically” improved business activity by midyear, says Chris Connell, CEO of Quire, which provides technical report management services to the AEC sector.
What does it take to engineer under snow and ice?

Sep 2, 2024 | asce.org | Robert Reid

By Robert L. ReidUnderground work in cold regions can feel familiar at times, and at other times it may seem unique, even strange. From climate change and the impermanence of permafrost to the varying conditions under which ground must either be thawed or frozen, the subterranean world of cold regions is always challenging for civil engineers. The design and construction of underground engineering projects in the Northern Hemisphere’s cold regions can sometimes seem counterintuitive, even surreal.
The Elizabeth Line moves heavy rail beneath London

Sep 2, 2024 | asce.org | Robert Reid

By Robert L. ReidThe Elizabeth line is the first heavy rail system to pass beneath the British capital and the largest expansion of rail capacity there in 70 years. The project included 42 km of new tunnels and 10 new stations, excavated to depths of up to 40 m below grade. The city of London is famous for moving people underground. Its subway system — officially the London Underground but affectionately dubbed the Tube — was the world’s first underground railroad when it opened in 1863.
Generative design helps Brazilian utility meet wastewater treatment goals

Aug 14, 2024 | asce.org | Robert Reid

By Robert L. ReidBRK Ambiental, one of the largest private water and wastewater utilities in Brazil, is relying on a generative design software system that uses artificial intelligence technology to address a statutory requirement that 90% of Brazil’s population have access to sewage collection and wastewater treatment by Dec. 31, 2033.
Spiraling bridge linking venues at international sports event to be repurposed

Aug 5, 2024 | asce.org | Robert Reid

By Robert L. ReidA spiraling, steel-framed pedestrian bridge in Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan Province, was designed to provide access between various sports facilities during a recent international competition for student athletes and then to serve local needs following the games. The Dong’an Lake Sports Park Bridge was designed by the Chengdu-based architecture firm Atelier-Sizhou for the CR Land West China Region real estate organization.