Bob Niccoli, PE, SE, Practice Leader – Structures, TEC, Inc. and SEI Boston Chapter Chair
On Wednesday, March 25, the Asean Auditorium at Tufts University was packed not just with eager civil engineering students and young engineers, but renowned professionals of the structural engineering and contracting world. A crowd of over 100 gathered to listen and participate in a panel discussion on bridge constructability hosted by the Structural Engineering Institute Boston Chapter. Four panelists, two bridge engineers and two contractors, sat down to field a list of handpicked questions designed to spark a lively, yet civilized discussion. On the engineering side was Jody Trunfio of TEC, Inc. and Joe Gill of Gill Engineering Associates, Inc. On the contracting side was Kurt Cormier of Northern Construction Services, and Ed Breed of Skanska. What resulted was a collaborative and enthusiastic effort from all panelists to educate on the importance of constructability through the eyes of the engineer and the contractor, literally bridging gaps in understanding.
Panelists were asked a variety of questions, including what constructability means to them, common constructability issues (utilities, utilities, utilities!), and advice for early-career engineers. All of the panelists were quick to emphasize to young professionals to get out into the field and take advantage of opportunities to witness and be a part of construction. Panelists had several stories to share where quick thinking and communication allowed for a timely solution. When questions were opened to the audience, many were eager to jump in, even after the “strict” cutoff time of 8:00pm!
At the end of the panel the message was clear: whether an engineer, contractor or owner, the responsibility falls on all of us to design and construct a safe and serviceable bridge for the traveling public. This can only be achieved by working together, solving problems, settling misconceptions, and striving for a “constructable” future.