American Society of Civil Engineers - San Francisco Section

Calling all Volunteers!
Written by the Golden Gate Branch   

Rebuilding Together Oakland (RTO) is a non-profit community-based organization that helps low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners correct deficiencies in their homes. Last year 20 ASCE Golden Gate Branch members participated in the renovation of an 88-year old woman’s home in West Oakland.

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Some Words of Wisdom
Written by Eugene Bass, Esq.   

This will likely be an article that will cause you to say, “well, I know that ... isn’t it obvious...” Yet, it can be helpful for someone else to state the obvious where you might step back and realize that you have not noticed something in your own business. Call them “nuggets of knowledge” “general guidelines” or “whatever” to help avoid disputes and claims.

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March 2010 President's Column
Written by Jeremy Svehla, P.E., President, North Coast Branch   

The January 9 6.5 magnitude earthquake that shook the North Coast was a good reminder to all North Coast residents of the importance of preparedness for natural disasters. After the quake, many North Coast Engineers were called upon to assess damaged buildings and infrastructure throughout Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. This was an excellent example of the important role Engineers play in our local communities.

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Continuing Education: March 2010
Written by the SF Section   

ASCE is offering the following courses below. Call 800-548-2723 for more information.

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Golden Gate Branch: March 2010 Meeting
Written by the Golden Gate Branch   

The Dumbarton and Antioch Bridges has undergone extensive retrofits in the past few years. Mo Pazooki, project manager will present the story of how Caltrans has seismically upgraded two additional spans here in the Bay Area. Learn of the problems that were encountered and how the challenges were met on these important crossings.

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North Coast Branch: March 2010 Update
Written by the North Coast Branch   

February Meeting Review

On Wednesday, February 24 Tom Fitzgerald and Samantha Hadden of Caltrans presented the $45 million Highway 101 Mad River Bridge Replacement Project. Tom and Samantha discussed some of the challenging construction elements of the project including driving the massive piles and caged fish studies. Tom Fitzgerald, the project’s Resident Engineer, has over 13 years experience working for both private firms and public agencies.

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Redwood Empire Branch: March 2010 Meeting
Written by the Redwood Empire Branch   

March Meeting

The Redwood Empire Branch will be holding our monthly luncheon on Wednesday, March 10 at noon at Cattlemen’s. Our speaker will be Sybil Hatch with ASCE who will be discussing Infrastructure.

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San Jose Branch: March 2010 Update
Written by the San Jose Branch   

January Meeting in Review

The annual ASCE / APWA joint meeting held on January 20 at Michaels at Shoreline Restaurant in Mountain View received an overwhelming response from the two organizations. Over 70 guests attended the meeting that showcased the San Pablo Dam Seismic Upgrade Project presentation by Glen Gorski, Construction Manager and Resident Engineer, of Kleinfelder. The project won the 2009 ASCE SF Section Geotechnical Project of the year.

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Region 9 Board of Governors’ Report: March 2010
Written by Mike Thornton, Region 9 Government Relations Committee Chair   

ASCE Region 9’s Legislative Day

During these challenging budget times ($20 plus billion deficit), our State legislature faces very difficult decisions to balance the budget. And, as in every year, infrastructure funding, and cuts thereto, is always being considered. As our society, regions, sections and branches have advised, through our report card efforts, infrastructure is fast approaching failure. The catastrophic earthquake in Haiti in January is a clear message that when, not if, such an event occurs here combined with our neglected infrastructure, grave results will likely occur.

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Younger Member Forum: March 2010 Update
Written by the Younger Member Forum   

PE Exam Seismic Review Course

The PE Exam is fast approaching! YMF is offering a PE Exam Seismic Review Course to help you learn the principles of seismic design and failure. This course includes four days of instruction (4 Saturdays in March), a course handbook and practice problems. Course participants have historically experienced a high (>85%) pass rate. So if you have never been exposed to seismic design or need additional help to pass the PE Exam, sign up for this course!

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Construction Institute - March 2010 Dinner Meeting
Written by the Construction Institute   

Contra Costa Water District’s Alternative Intake Project

This $100 million project is nearing completion and includes three major components: 1) a setback levee and 20-foot high embankment for flood protection, 2) a new intake and 250 cfs capacity pump station with a state-of-the-art fish screen, and 3) a two-mile long 6-foot diameter pipeline including a 900-foot long tunnel under Old River.

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Geo Institute: March 2010 Update
Written by the Geo Institute   

March Meeting

Please join us for the March dinner meeting. We are currently in search for a new venue to hold our monthly dinner meetings and we are most interested in hearing feedback from our attendees regarding the choice of Scotts Seafood Restaurant as a focal venue for our future meetings.

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Water Resources Group: March 2010 Meeting
Written by the Water Resources Group   

March Meeting

Dischargers whose projects disturb one or more acres of soil or whose projects are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs one or more acres are required to obtain coverage under the General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water Associated.

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