Spotlight

Final Phase of La Plata Stadium Construction

By Matthys Levy, P.E.

Weidlinger Associates, Inc. was an Outstanding Award Winner for the La Plata Stadium project in the 2013 NCSEA Annual Excellence in Structural Engineering awards program (Category – International Structures over $100M).

Construction of the 53,000-seat soccer stadium in La Plata, Argentina, was interrupted in 2001, after the concrete bleachers had been poured on the earth berm and the steel-trussed compression ring had been erected to support the twin-peaked Tenstar Dome™ developed by Weidlinger Associates. Nearly a decade later, in 2012, the cable dome and an annular section of its fabric cladding were constructed, leaving a figure-eight-shaped opening in the middle of the roof. The success of the project in hosting the Copa América and, later, the inaugural Rugby Championship led to the realization that the stadium would be even more useful if the central opening were covered with translucent fabric cladding. This possibility is currently under consideration by the owners, the Buenos Aires Province. In its final configuration, the roof will feature two peaks, each with an umbrella roof covering its ventilation openings, completing the competition-winning design by architect Roberto Ferreira. Although initially conceived as a grass pitch on earth, the final playing field consists of an asphalt surface covered with removable pallets of natural grass turf. This scheme permits the rapid replacement of worn areas, and the removal of all pallets for non-sporting events such as concerts, public gatherings, and the circus. The triangulated structure of the Tenstar Dome has been shown to be extremely adaptable, allowing each node to support a variety of hanging loads and accommodate the suspension of unique lighting, banners, and sound systems and the rigging needs of circus acts and special events. This has been amply demonstrated over the past 25 years at the Georgia Dome, which was the first stadium to feature the Tenstar Dome concept. A unique characteristic of the La Plata stadium is its reliance on natural ventilation, which is provided through an open perimeter behind the seats and boxes and, in the final configuration, a 15-meter-diameter (49-foot) opening at each of the two peaks. When the fabric cladding is completed, tentlike cupolas will cover each of these holes to keep out rain or the infrequent snowfall. Two options are presently under consideration for the center cladding: the same PTFE fabric that was used for the completed section of the roof or clear, air-inflated ETFE pillows. The latter option would result in a virtually transparent center roof section. Since the cable structure is already in place, the installation of this final section of the roof will be a simple matter using scaffolding hung from the existing cables and nodes. The stadium is the centerpiece of a park that was designed by the architect as a part of the original competition, to provide the local residents a gathering place and recreational area. As a world-class entertainment complex, the site provides playing fields for both professional and amateur teams and is a frequent venue for sporting and cultural events. When the roof is finished, it will be the only completely covered stadium in South America, making it a year-round venue irrespective of the weather.▪

Matthys Levy, P.E., is chairman emeritus of Weidlinger Associates, Inc., and former director of its Building Design Group. Levy is the recipient of numerous professional awards. He is also the author of many popular books on structures and climate effects, including the classic Why Buildings Fall Down. He can be reached at matthyslevy@gmail.com.

ASSOC I A T I O N S NATIONAL COUNCI L

NCSEA News

Your Profession, Your Choice

Barry Arnold, NCSEA Board President

As a boy, I read about people with vision and passion and was amazed by their accomplishments. People committed to a cause have changed the world; the root of their success was a vision of what could be and a desire to create it. Capturing a vision can be difficult. A picture I enjoy by Pawel Kuczynski shows a person warming himself by a small fire in the shadow of a long, tall wall. Beyond the wall is bright blue sky and presumably greater opportunities. Against the wall rests a tall ladder with the bottom ten rungs cut off and being burned as firewood thus rendering the ladder useless. It is a self-created prison. The message is clear: Opportunities are plentiful for those willing to use the ladder to look over the wall and envision a new future instead of using its rungs as firewood. The desire to create is frequently found in many, but especially prevalent in engineers. I once received a totem pole with a face carved into each of its four sides; each face displays a different emotion. The totem pole is a reminder that we have the opportunity to create our day every day. We create our day by choosing our attitudes, opinions, and focus. Each day, whether we consciously make a choice or not, we make a choice in how we create our day. Knowingly making a decision to not create our day is as binding as making a decision to take control of our destiny and create our day. Each day we choose whether to dine at the big banquet table and partake of the bounty our profession has to offer, or to dine on crumbs. The choice is ours – everyday. Franklin D. Roosevelt said it best when he wrote, “Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.” The structural engineering community needs to understand and embrace the idea that we can create, improve, and modify our profession. We have been given charge of a trusted profession and we have a responsibility to all we serve to choose a destiny that will benefit us all. We have an obligation to our profession to choose to look over the wall and create a better future. But change can be difficult and engineers are traditionally suited to resist change. In our professional work we must adhere to the content of codebooks – a laborious checklist of do’s and don’ts. Our codebooks give us answers that we do not have to think about because someone else has, we assume, done the thinking for us. It is easy. We like that. The problem is that the desire for easy answers creates an addiction to dogma. Adherence to dogma is alluring because at its core is the ‘do-nothing alternative’. The do-nothing alternative is an economics principle that uses doing nothing as a baseline when comparing options. The sirens-call of the do-nothing alternative varies but often is verbalized as, “No one cares”, “It will take time”, “It will cost money”, or “They won’t let us.” Especially persuasive to those addicted to dogma are the phrases, “But that’s the way we’ve always done it.” and, “No one’s dead yet.” It is easy to follow dogma because someone else has, we assume, already done the thinking for us. It’s easy to fall into the do-nothing alternative trap, but it may, in the long run, be doing us more harm than good. Imagine what the world would be like if people like Susan B. Anthony, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and John F. Kennedy had chosen the do-nothing alternative. Each was willing to ask the question: “What if…?” Those of you that enjoy clean running water, flush toilets, and electric lights should be grateful that someone broke with the norm, chose to look over the wall, and asked themselves, “What if...?” The codes we use are revised every few years to dump outdated dogma and update our understanding of how a particular type of structure or material behaves. Should our profession also have a regular review and update? When is the last time we looked at our profession by climbing the ladder and looking into the future and asking, “What if…?” When is the last time we looked at our profession and wondered if we couldn’t and shouldn’t create something better, something that suits where we want to be ten or fifty years into the future? Should we pause and ask ourselves: Is this the direction we want to go? Or, is there a better way? We have the opportunity to create our lives and our profession every day. Not only do we get to choose our future but we also get to create it. We have an obligation to take that responsibility seriously and not seek the ease and comfort of the do-nothing alternative. We should use the ladder to peer into the distant future and make decisions that will guide us to a better destiny and provide those using our services with a better experience. NCSEA is in the process of developing a strategic plan to outline the direction the organization will take for the next five years. We are using the ladder to peer over the wall and look into the future. We are gathering the information needed to create a better profession and safeguard the public. It is your profession and you are invited to participate in that process by supplying input. Email me at barrya@arwengineers.com or any NCSEA Board member with your suggestions. Making a choice to provide your insights and thoughts will help us create a better future for structural engineering and the public.

NCSEA Webinars

November 20, 2014 Tilt-up Eats Hurricanes for Breakfast - Five Things Every Engineer Should Know When Designing Tilt-Up Panels Jeff Griffin, Ph.D., P.E., P.M.P., structural engineer and project manager, LJB Inc. December 4, 2014 2012 IBC, ASCE 7 & 2008 SDPWS Seismic Provisions for Wood Construction Michelle Kam-Biron, P.E., S.E., SECB, M.ASCE, Director of Education, American Wood Council (AWC) More information on the webinars can be found at www.ncsea.com.

These courses will award 1.5 hours of continuing education. Approved for CE credit in all 50 States through the NCSEA Diamond Review Program. Time: 10:00 AM Pacific, 11:00 AM Mountain, 12:00 PM Central, 1:00 PM Eastern. NCSEA offers three options for NCSEA webinar registration: Ala Carte, Flex-Plan, and Yearly Subscription. Visit www.ncsea.com for more information or call 312-649-4600.

NCSEA 2015 Winter Leadership Forum

January 29 – 30, 2015, Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, Florida

How do you provide additional value to your clients? What are the buyers of your services thinking, and what are they looking for? When do you compete on prices? What is your banker thinking, and how does a bank value an engineering firm? These questions and more will be addressed at NCSEA’s third Winter Leadership Forum. Structural engineering leaders and firm principals will gather to discuss the issues confronting engineering firms in today’s environment. The Forum will feature roundtable discussions, presentations from firm principals and professionals in banking and finance, and a debate between structural engineering leaders on “How to Grow.” The topics of this year’s Forum will focus on ways to grow your firm and provide additional value, as well as on issues relating to acquisition and finance. Sessions will include:

AEC Business Development: The Decade Ahead

By Scott Butcher, Vice President, JDB Engineering Inc., SMPS Foundation Trustee and Co-Chair of Thought Leadership Committee. Information is vital to anyone selling design and construction services – what works, what doesn’t and how do clients want to be sold? The SMPS Foundation interviewed more than 100 buyers and sellers of A/E/C services to answer these questions and will share their findings with attendees.

Register now at www.ncsea.com.

How Can Engineering Firms Increase Their Value to Clients?

This panel discussion will focus on ways to increase billable hours, increase and provide more comprehensive services, and improve specialties.

How To Get Your Firm Hired and Retain Relationships

Part 1 will address pre-positioning, business development, and go/no go decisions. Part 2 will address strategies for building relationships and creating repeat clients.

Organic Growth vs. Growth by Acquisition

This panel discussion will focus on the avenues for firm growth, their pros and cons, and understanding which approach, if any, is right for your firm. The session will include a debate on the two approaches.

Banking Relationships

Bank Chairman Terry Vanderaa How engineering firms and banks can develop relationships that benefit both parties, and how banks value firms.

Case Study: To Purchase or To Pass?

By John Tawresey An interactive case study will focus on whether or not to acquire another firm. Attendees will function as the Board of Directors making this decision.

More detailed information on the Winter Leadership Forum sessions and speakers can be found in the editorial on page 7.

2014 NCSEA Annual Conference exhibitors:

American Concrete Institute AISC

Atlas Tube AZZ Galvanizing Bekaert Blind Bolt Cast Connex

Chance Civil Construction CFSEI

Delta Structural Technology Design Data

Engineers Alliance for Arts

Euclid Chemical Fabreeka International Five Star Products

Fyfe Company Headed Reinforcement Hilti

Holcim Independence Tube Corp. International Code Council ITW Red Head, Ramset & Buildex ITW Trussteel Lindapter USA LNA Solutions

MiTek Builder Products, USP Structural, Hardy Frame

NCEES Nemetschek Scia New Millenium Bldg. Systems

Nucor Ecospan

Nucor Vulcraft Powers Fasteners Side Plate Systems RISA Technologies Simpson Strong Tie Steel Joist Institute Steel Tube Institute Strand7

SECB Tekla

USG

Vector Corrosion Tech

Designates NCSEA membership For information on exhibiting at the 2015 trade show, contact Susan Cross, scross@ncsea.com. NCSEA thanks the sponsors of the 2014 NCSEA Annual Conference:

Platinum

Gold

September 19, 2014

Silver

Copper DiBlasi Associates, P.C. • Euclid Chemical

Contributing Sound Structures

NCSEA News

T R U C TURAL S

ASSOC I A T I O N S NATIONAL COUNCI L

The Newsletter of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE Structural Columns

Geotechnical & Structural Engineering Congress 2016

February 14–17, 2016, Phoenix, AZ

Call for abstract and session proposals now open… We are seeking dynamic sessions and presentations on topics addressing both Geotechnical and Structural Engineering issues. Final papers are optional and will not be peer reviewed. Consider submitting either session proposals or single abstracts related to the topics and subtopics of interest to both professions. Th e 2016 Congress will feature a total of 15 concurrent tracks: there will be tracks based on traditional GI and SEI topics, and tracks on joint topics. In addition, we will be off ering interactive poster presentations within these tracks. All proposals must be submitted by April 7, 2015 (no extensions). Visit the joint conference website at www.asce.org/SEI for more information.

Errata

SEI posts up-to-date errata information for our publications at www.asce.org/SEI. Click on “Publications” on our menu, and select “Errata.” If you have any errata that you would like to submit, please email it to Jon Esslinger at jesslinger@asce.org.

Become an SEI Sustaining Organization Member

Raise recognition for your organization in the structural engineering community, and increase visibility to more than 25,000 SEI members via www.asce.org/SEI, SEI Update e-newsletter, and STRUCTURE magazine. Learn more at www.asce.org/SEI-Sustaining-Org-Membership.

New ‘Make Your Mark’ Poster Now Available

Inspire and encourage students to The job of a structural engineer is both an art and science. MAKE YOUR MARK Structural engineers design the buildings GO THE DISTANCE pursue structural engineering as a career where we live, work, go to school, and play, and the bridges we cross everyday. As buildings reach greater heights and bridges span further distances, structural engineers must design these structures with materials such as steel, concrete, masonry, and timber to resist all forces. These forces with the new Make Your Mark poster, include gravity, earthquakes, hurricanes, explosions and much more. All of this is considered to create the architect and client’s vision while creating a safe place for the public. produced by the National Council Make your mark by visiting www.ncsea.com and www.asce.org/SEI Calatrava’s Bridge Reggio Emilia, Italy by Tino Serraiocco of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA) and SEI. Include this free tool in your outreach eff orts with local students. Limited supplies of the complimentary poster are available upon request to Suzanne Fisher at sfi sher@asce.org. Be sure to include the number of posters you are requesting and where they should be sent.

Achieving the Vision: Structural Engineers as Leaders & Innovators

SEI Announces New Student Video Competition

Your student team is invited to participate in the 2015 SEI Student Video Competition. • Show your pride and vision for structural engineering. • Compete for the opportunity to network and learn with the best and brightest at Structures Congress. • Gain recognition for your team and university. Produce a short video on your team’s interpretation of the theme “Achieving the Vision: Structural Engineers as Leaders and Innovators” from the SEI Vision for the Future of Structural Engineering and Structural Engineers: A Case for Change. Th e winning video will be shown at Structures Congress April 23-25, 2015 in Portland, Oregon. Th e winning team will receive complimentary registration for up to fi ve students and their faculty advisor to participate in the full program at Structures Congress, including special opportunities for students to meet and mix with industry and academic leaders. Entries are due December 12. Learn more and apply on the SEI website at www.asce.org/SEI.

Young Professional Scholarship to 2015 Structures

Portland, Oregon, April 23 – 25, 2015 Applications due December 12

SEI is committed to the future of structural engineering and off ers a scholarship for Young Professionals (age 35 and younger) to participate and get involved at Structures Congress. Many fi nd Structures Congress to be a career-changing and energizing experience, opening up networking opportunities and expanding horizons to new and emerging trends. Th e scholarship includes complimentary registration sponsored by the SEI Futures Fund. Enter by visiting the SEI website at www.asce.org/SEI-Young-Professional-Scholarship.

Second ATC-SEI Conference

Improving the Seismic Performance of Existing Buildings and Other Structures

December 10-12, 2015 Hyatt Regency San Francisco Call for abstracts and session proposals now open

Organized by the Applied Technology Council (ATC) and the Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), this conference will be dedicated to improving the seismic performance of existing buildings and other structures. All proposals must be submitted by January 22, 2015 (no extensions). See the conference website at www.atc-sei.org for more information.

Enter the 2015 SEI Student Structural Design Competition

Gain valuable professional and networking experience, compete for cash prizes, and raise visibility for your team and university. Awards include complimentary registration, sponsored by the SEI Futures Fund, to participate and present finalist projects at Structures Congress April 23-25, 2015 in Portland, Oregon. Learn more and enter at www.asce.org/SEI-Student-Competition by January 5, 2015. The SEI Fellow grade of membership recognizes accomplished SEI members as leaders and mentors in the structural engineering profession. The benefits of becoming an SEI Fellow include recognition via SEI communications and at the annual Structures Congress along with a distinctive SEI Fellow wall plaque and pin, and use of the F.SEI designation. SEI members who meet the SEI Fellow criteria are encouraged to submit application packages online by December 1 to advance to the SEI Fellow grade of membership and be recognized at Structures Congress, April 23-25, 2015 in Portland, Oregon. Apply at www.asce.org/SEIFellows.

Search for New SEI Director

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is currently searching for a Director to manage the day to day and strategic operations of ASCE’s structural engineering specialty institute, SEI, creating value added products and services, and ensuring its programs are responsive to the needs of its members and consistent with the overall mission and vision of the Institute. Responsibilities include: managing overall operations of the institute; developing staff; establishing budgets; developing and implementing programs in conjunction with institute leadership – i.e. conferences, publications, and standards; managing technical, educational, professional activities and facilitating committee work in those areas; developing and implementing strategic plan with Board of Governors’ approval; and networking with other similarly aligned organizations and identifying opportunities to partner. Ideal candidates will have a degree in civil engineering plus an advanced degree. An advanced degree in structural engineering is highly desirable. Candidates must possess or be able to shortly become a registered professional engineer. Ten to fifteen years’ experience in structural engineering with demonstrably increasing responsibility is required. Association management experience would be considered a plus but is not required; however, candidates are expected to be familiar with the many products and activities developed by SEI. See the ASCE website at http://asce.applicantpro.com/jobs/ for more information.

2015 Fazlur R. Khan Lecture Series at Lehigh University

Lehigh University is proud to announce the speakers for the 2015 Fazlur R. Khan Distinguished Lecture Series. The series, co-sponsored by the Departments of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Art, Architecture & Design, honors Dr. Fazlur Rahman Khan’s legacy of excellence in structural engineering and architecture. • Friday, February 20, 2015 – 4:30 pm

William Pedersen, Founding Design Partner, Kohn

Pedersen Fox Associates, New York, NY

Balancing • Friday, March 20, 2015 – 4:30 pm

Glenn R. Bell, Chief Executive Officer, Simpson

Gumpertz & Heger, Waltham, MA

Structural Engineering at Mid-21st Century:

Reengineering Our Roles • Friday, April 17, 2015 – 4:30 pm

Peter Marti, Professor of Structural Engineering, ETZ

Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Science and Art of Structural Engineering New for 2015 – The Structural Engineering Institute-Lehigh Valley Chapter will be awarding 1 PDH credit for each lecture to eligible attendees. Visit the Lecture Series website at www.lehigh.edu/~infrk for additional information about the Fazlur R. Khan Distinguished Lecture Series.

New Structural Publications from ASCE

Snow-Related Roof Collapse during the Winter of 2010–2011 Implications for Building Codes

This report describes an investigation into nearly 500 roof collapses and snow-related roof problems that occurred in the northeastern United States during the winter of 2010–2011.

Engineering Investigations of Hurricane Damage Wind versus Water

This book provides civil engineers with the background and guidance necessary to conduct engineering damage investigations of structures following hurricanes, focusing particularly on distinguishing between wind damage and water damage.

Guideline for Condition Assessment of the Building Envelope Standards ASCE/SEI 30-14

Standard ASCE/SEI 30-14 provides a guideline and methodology for assessing the condition and performance of existing building envelope systems and components. Visit the ASCE Bookstore at www.asce.org/Bookstore to purchase these books and browse the many other structural publications available.

CASE in Point

CASE Contracts – Now Available!

CASE #6 – Commentary on AIA Document C141 Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant, 1997 Edition and AIA Document C142 Abbreviated Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant, 2009 Edition This document provides a form letter of agreement to be used with adoption by reference to AIA Document C401. This Agreement is intended for use when the owner-architect agreement is an AIA B-series. A scope of services is included. The purpose of the commentary is to point out provisions that merit special attention. CASE #6A – Commentary on AIA Document B-141 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect with Standard Form of Architect’s Services, 1997 Edition The purpose of this Commentary is to point out provisions which merit special attention, or which some have found to contain “pitfalls”. CASE #8 – An Agreement Between Client and Specialty Structural Engineer for Professional Services This document is pertinent when structural engineering services are provided to a contractor or a sub-contractor for work to be included in a project where you are not the Structural Engineer of Record, but you are a specialty structural engineer. Your contractual relationship differs from the norm and the typical contract forms will not suffice. The CASE #8 document is tailored to this particular situation. CASE #9 – An Agreement Between Structural Engineer of Record and Testing Laboratory The Structural Engineer of Record may be required to include testing services as a part of its agreement. If a testing laboratory must be subcontracted for this service, CASE # 9 may be used. It can also be altered for use between an Owner and a testing laboratory. These publications, along with other

CASE documents, are available for purchase at www.booksforengineers.com.

WANTED

Engineers to Lead, Direct, and Get Involved with CASE Committees!

If you’re looking for ways to expand and strengthen your business skillset, look no further than serving on one (or more!) CASE Committees. Join us to sharpen your leadership skills – promote your talent and expertise – to help guide CASE programs, services, and publications. We have a committee ready for your service: • Toolkit Committee: Develops and maintains documents such as business practices manuals and policies for engineers under CASE’s Ten Foundations for Risk Management. Expectations and Requirements To apply, you should: • be a current member of the Council of American

Structural Engineers (CASE), • be able to attend the groups’ two face-to-face meetings per year: August, February (hotel, travel reimbursable), • be available to engage with the working group via email and conference call, and • have some specific experience and/or expertise to contribute to the group. Please submit the following information to htalbert@acec.org • Letter of interest • Brief bio (no more than 2 paragraphs) Thank you for your interest in contributing to your professional association!

CASE Risk Management Convocation in Portland, OR

The CASE Risk Management Convocation will be held in conjunction with the Structures Congress at the Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Hotel and Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR, April 23-25, 2015. For more information and updates go to www.seinstitute.org. The following CASE Convocation sessions are scheduled to take place on Friday, April 24: 7:00 AM – 8:15 AM

CASE Breakfast: The Future of Structural Engineering

Sue Yoakum, Donovan Hatem 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Addressing Hidden Risks in Today’s Design Contracts

Speakers – Rob Hughes, Ames & Gough; Brian Stewart, Collins, Collins, Muir & Stewart 10:30 AM – 12 Noon

How to Succeed Without Risking It All!

Moderator – John DalPino, Degenkolb Engineers 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Lessons Learned From Structural Cases in Litigation

Speaker – Jeffrey Coleman, The Coleman Law Firm 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

SE Practice for Quality and Profitability – Panel Discussion

Moderator – Stacy Bartoletti, Degenkolb Engineers

Strengthen your Competitive Edge: Increase your Decision-Making Skills

Does your company have data but lack insight? Is the rapid pace of change a challenge to timely decision-making? Is valuable time wasted searching for just one more piece of data? As a leader of a small firm, you face increasingly complex decisions – decisions that are filled with ambiguity, uncertainty and risk. To remain competitive, you can’t wait for complete data and certainty. To save time and money you must decide and decide now. It’s easy. Successful leaders know the secret. They gather as much information as feasible and they pay attention to intuition – gut feelings. Powerful decisions come from balancing cognition and intuition in a skilled internal calculus. New research in neuroscience reveals the proven processes your brain uses to perform that calculus. Now you can harness that power for the management of your firm and development of future leaders. Through these sessions, discover practical skills that put neuroscience to work for you and your business so that you can avoid the pitfalls of over-thinking; sidestep analysis paralysis; learn techniques to simplify complex decisions; and develop future leaders who are both smart and insightful. Increase your decision-making skills now at ACEC’s Small Firm Council’s (SFC) annual Winter Meeting, February 20-21 in Nashville. Speaker, Coach and Author, Shelley Row, P.E., of Shelley Row Associates LLC will ignite an interactive exploration of complex decision-making based on her personal interviews with over 70 leaders. The data confirms that the most effective leaders make decisions by gathering information while trusting their intuition. That remarkable combination is what Shelley calls infotuition™. Don’t over-think it! Join the discussion today. Infotuition… You’ve got it. Are you using it? SFC was established to protect and promote the interests of the smaller firms within ACEC. Its winter meeting provides an exclusive forum for small firm principals to attend seminars, network with peers, address key issues affecting their firms, learn and share new ideas. Attendees provide valuable input that helps SFC direct the business and legislative agenda for the coming year. To learn more about SFC, visit www.acec.org/sfc.

ACEC Business Insights

NEW AMAZON PORTAL

Knowledge is power – and your firm’s greatest asset. Whether it’s keeping ahead of the competition or improving your bottomline, beefing up your firm’s know-how can only help. And laying your hands on trustworthy A/E and business resources is about to become a whole lot easier. In mid-August, ACEC launched its new webstore, the ACEC Business Resource Center, on the Amazon e-commerce platform. Now ACEC members, as well as A/E professionals worldwide, can enjoy fast access to hundreds of engineering and general business resources published by ACEC and other publishers through one convenient hub. As an added benefit, current Amazon Prime members can continue to enjoy the privileges of Prime membership – including free 2-day shipping – when making purchases at the ACEC Business Resource Center. Visit the ACEC Business Resource Center at www.ACECEngineeringBookCenter.org.

Standard Form of Public-Private Partnership Agreement Published

Public-private partnerships (P3) are a way for governmental entities to leverage the expertise, resources, and financing of the private sector to implement needed public improvements. Because developing P3 contracts from scratch can be very time-consuming and expensive, the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC), of which ACEC is a sponsor, recently published its new document EJCDC P3-508, PublicPrivate Partnership Agreement. EJCDC P3-508 is the first standard P3 contract form for use in the United States developed by a non-profit, industry professional organization. Under a P3 contract, the private entity is retained to design, build, finance, operate, and/or maintain a public improvement for a concession term that usually extends for many years. EJCDC P3-508 addresses these items, together with provisions on revenue to which the private entity will be entitled, revenue adjustments during the concession term, management, future improvements, and other topics relevant to P3 contracts, but is sufficiently-flexible to allow users to tailor it to the specific needs of each separate P3 contract. Where enabled by law, P3s can be used for implementing improvements such as public utilities, transportation infrastructure, schools and other public buildings and structures, and others. EJCDC created EJCDC P3-508 in recognition of the growing number of government entities seeking private partners in jurisdictions where laws and regulations allow P3s. While it can be used with a variety of design and construction or design-build documents, EJCDC’s Design-Build (D-Series) documents are well-suited for use in conjunction with EJCDC P3-508. Visit www.acec.org/bookstore and click the “Contracts” link for EJCDC P3-508 and the full library of EJCDC documents.