Civil and Environmental Newsletter by Auburn University College of Engineering

January 2024

CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1................................................. From the Chair 2................................................. Faculty Spotlights 4................................................. Research 6................................................. Accomplishments 7................................................. Out of the Classroom 8................................................. Students in the News 10.................................................Graduates Recognition and Awards 11................................................. CEE Golf Tournament 11................................................. Donation and Dedication 12................................................. Student Organizations 14................................................. Community Engagement 15................................................. Outstanding Alumni 15................................................. CEE Advisory Board 16................................................. Events

Cover Photo: Students from the summer Minority Introduction To Engineering (MITE) program visit the AU Stormwater Research Facility and the NCAT Pavement Test Track. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Benjamin Bowers

Editor: Mary Beth Sayre ceenews@eng.auburn.edu 238 Harbert Engineering Center Auburn, AL 36849

FROM THE CHAIR DR. ANDRZEJ NOWAK

Department Chair

Welcome to a new year and new semester! The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Auburn has stayed true to our mission statement, “we are dedicated to produce highly desired graduates and generating knowledge through innovative research that advances the science and practice of civil engineering”. Committed to excellence, our educational program is supported by cutting-edge teaching facilities. Our graduates are in high demand, showcasing the success of our dedicated faculty in preparing students for diverse career paths. At the heart of our department’s innovation is the newly completed Advanced Structures Testing Lab (ASEL), a state-of-the-art facility setting national standards. Our faculty’s expertise spans various research areas, solidifying our position as a leader in advancing civil engineering knowledge. We are proud to be where education meets innovation, and students transform into accomplished civil engineers. What sets us apart is the robust support from our alumni, who actively contribute through the CEE Advisory Board and its committees: strategic planning, development, academics, and nominations. This dynamic collaboration propels our department forward, fostering a community where expertise meets commitment, and innovation thrives. Join us in exploring the intersection of knowledge and alumni engagement, shaping the future of civil and environmental engineering. I wish you a happy New Year and War Eagle,

FACULTY

SPOTLIGHTS ALI KHOSRAVI

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (GEOTECHNICAL)

Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of Colorado - Boulder

Dr. Ali Khosravi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. His academic journey began at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, where he completed his BS in Civil Engineering and MS in Geotechnical Engineering. In January 2007, Dr. Khosravi moved to the United States to pursue his PhD in Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, completing his studies in 2011. Following his PhD, Dr. Khosravi returned to Iran and served as an assistant professor at Sharif University of Technology. During this time, his research was primarily focused on unsaturated soil mechanics and soil testing, contributing significantly to the field. In 2016, he returned to the US, initially working as a researcher at UC Davis, and then as a research associate in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University. He joined Auburn University as an Assistant Professor in January 2022, specializing in geotechnical engineering. Dr. Khosravi’s research focuses on the quantification of water flow and its impact on the mechanical behavior of geotechnical structures, especially in both saturated and unsaturated soils. His research encompasses several areas: unsaturated soil-structure interaction; hydro-mechanical behavior of collapsible and expansive soils; land subsidence; multiphase flow processes in fractured rocks; and energy piles. His methodologies include numerical simulations, theoretical analyses, satellite imaging, remote sensing, physical models, and field studies. His current ALDOTfunded project involves using satellite data and remote sensing to measure ground deformation along Alabama highways.

Dr. Khosravi has a strong interest in advancing bioinspired geotechnics, an innovative field where concepts from biology are applied to solve challenges in geotechnical infrastructure. His contributions in this area are significant and cover two primary aspects. First, he has explored bioinspired self-burrowing systems, which are crucial for utility installation and site characterization. This work has contributed to a variety of funding opportunities for his research endeavors. A notable project is his team’s recent NSF-funded research, which focuses on the interaction between morphing structures and soil properties for underground burrowing and drilling applications. Secondly, Dr. Khosravi’s research tackles the significant issue of soil erosion, a problem often intensified by heavy rainfall and rising sea levels. To combat this challenge, he employs innovative techniques such as microbially and enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP and EICP). These methods are particularly effective in controlling erosion and preventing slope failures, proving crucial in scenarios involving extreme weather conditions. In addition to his work in bioinspired geotechnics, his expertise extends to the modeling of particulate materials and rock mechanics. This has steered him towards the field of sea ice modeling. The objective of his research in this area is to enhance sea ice models by comprehensively understanding the connections between the micro- and macro-scales of sea ice. This work aims to provide a deeper insight into the structural and behavioral aspects of sea ice, contributing to a better understanding of its dynamics in the context of climate change. Therefore, Dr. Khosravi is a vital asset to our academic community, and his research can pave the way for a brighter more innovative future.

SHIQIANG (NICK) ZOU

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (ENVIRONMENTAL)

Ph.D. Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech

Meet Professor Shiqiang (Nick) Zou, the visionary force driving wastewater and resource recovery research at the ZOU Lab. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Beijing, Dr. Zou embarked on a diverse academic journey, culminating in a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2019 and postdoctoral training at Stanford University. Joining the Auburn family in 2021 as an Assistant Professor, he passionately extracts valuable resources from diverse waste streams, focusing on electrochemical transformation processes seamlessly integrated with the sustainable power grid. Leading a dynamic team comprised of researchers from Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Mexico, and the United States, Dr. Zou envisions transforming waste management municipalities into resource-supplying hubs. Dr. Zou’s expertise synergistically integrates applied electrochemistry with existing separation and purification processes, creating energy-efficient engineering systems for resource recovery. His team currently addresses various environmental challenges, including extracting selenium from power plant wastewater, reducing PFAS (a human-made carcinogenic pollutant) in inland desalination, mitigating nutrients in stormwater runoff to safeguard the Gulf Coast ecosystem, tackling chemicals released from tire wear particles on highways, and conditioning Alabama’s expansive soil using non-destructive electric field techniques. Supported by multiple state and federal agencies since 2021, including projects under the Department of Energy’s National Alliance for Water Innovation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Zou’s impactful research has earned recognition, including the American Chemical Society’s Certificate of Merit Award and the Early Career Travel Award from the Electrochemical

Society.

In addition to his pioneering research, Dr. Zou shares his knowledge through teaching courses such as Civil Engineering Analysis, Biological Principles of Environmental Engineering, Biological Wastewater Treatment, and Electrified Water Treatment at Auburn. As a faculty advisor to the Auburn Water and Environmental Student Association, Dr. Zou exemplifies dedication to cutting-edge research and fostering the next generation of environmental engineers.

ZOU Lab members working on electrochemical water treatment projects. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Shiqiang Zou

RESEARCH 4

Mechanically Stabilizing Earth (MSE) Wall Testing

Photo Courtesy: Chukwuma Okafor

by Chukwuma Okafor Grade separation, often required in highway infrastructure, is usually provided by retaining walls. Mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall technology is a combination of soil and tensile reinforcement to efficiently achieve grade separation requirements. A typical MSE wall is made up of a level pad, select backfill, tensile reinforcement (e.g., steel or geosynthetics), facing elements, and the retained fill. This composite offers a host of advantages over conventional reinforced concrete and gravity walls including up to 50% lower cost, reduced construction time, and up to 76% less CO2 emissions. Because the MSE does not rely solely on external

support, the design outcome must satisfy both internal and external stability criteria. External stability requires that the external supporting features (the foundation) remain stable throughout the design life of the retaining wall and one of such considerations is the imposed bearing stress versus available bearing capacity of the foundation. The internal stability checks against modes of failure associated with the tensile reinforcing elements (i.e., pullout, breakage, and connection strength). In principle, the MSE technology is flexible and can tolerate significant deformations without losing structural integrity, however, in the current design evaluations for the bearing capacity requirement, the functions used for the calculations assumes that the Dr. J. Brian Anderson and Graduate Student, Chukwuma Okafor, wall is a rigid block. The functions were not originally standing on top of the retaining wall built in the AU Advanced developed by measuring actual stresses from typical Structural Engineering Lab. Photo Courtesy: Chukwuma Okafor MSE walls, but from other classical solutions for gravity structures and rigid footings. It turns out that this assumption leads to an overestimation of the bearing stresses to be supported, thereby leading to a more stringent requirement that have not been justified experimentally or otherwise. This has led to expensive foundation remediation programs in past highway infrastructure projects, a concern that has been raised by the Bureau of Material Testing. It became clear that there is a need to revise the functions adopted in the assessment of the bearing capacity criteria through representative full-scale testing. To do this, a full scale MSE wall, 16 ft tall, was constructed in the Geotechnical Chamber at the Advanced Structural Engineering Laboratory (ASEL). The foundation sand was first placed and compacted in lifts of 12 inches. The compaction was done using a remote-controlled vibratory compactor which suited the safety concerns associated with operating heavy diesel-engine machinery inside the Geochamber. Construction of the wall was completed by repeatedly following the process of placing the facing panels, placing, and compacting of the crushed stone aggregate, placing the steel reinforcing elements and placing and compacting the next aggregate lift. An extensive instrumentation package including earth pressure cells, strain gages, string potentiometers, settlement plates and 3D scanners were used to monitor the wall behavior as it was subjected to post construction differential settlement and a series of surcharge loading to simulate normal traffic loads and extreme loading. The observations have shown promising results, which will inform recommendations to current design

5 Figure 1. (left) Typical MSE wall system (https://freyssinet.co.id/ product-services/msewall-reinforced-earth/) (right) MSE wall configuration in the Geochamber.

practices to make the design output more efficient and reduce the perceived over conservatism. This will further reduce costs and improve environmental friendliness.

Sponsoring Agency: Alabama Department of Transportation Contributing Partners: The Reinforced Earth Company and Vulcan Materials Company Investigator(s): J. Brian Anderson Graduate Student: Chukwuma Okafor

Auburn University Research Team Releases Handbook to Tackle WRong-Way Driving Nearly 400 Lives Lost Annually in Wrong-Way Crashes – Handbook Aims to Change That by Dr. Huaguo Zhou

In a significant effort to combat the rising toll of wrongway driving accidents on American highways, Auburn University’s Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, HUAGUO ZHOU, and his dedicated research team have unveiled the “Wrong-Way Driving Solutions Handbook.” This groundbreaking publication, released in August, is set to be distributed to all 50 state Department of Transportation offices, marking the first concerted effort to address the pressing issue of wrong-way crashes. The journey towards this momentous handbook began in 2019 when Zhou was appointed as the principal investigator for a substantial $600,000, 30-month project. Collaborating with Research Team present results in Washington D.C. researchers from Auburn University, the University of South Florida, Photo Courtesy: Dr. Huaguo Zhou Rowan University, and Arora and Associates, Zhou embarked on a mission to reshape the landscape of road safety. Their project was funded by the Transportation Research Board’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program. However, Zhou’s passion for combating wrong-way crashes stretches back over a decade. It all began when the Illinois Department of Transportation reached out to him for assistance in investigating wrong-way crashes in Illinois. Zhou’s tireless efforts resulted in sweeping changes statewide, including the implementation of more prominent wrong-way signage on interstate off-ramps and ramp terminals. Upon joining Auburn University in 2013, Zhou secured funding from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), American Traffic Safety Service Association, and Regional University Transportation Centers to pioneer engineering solutions to wrong-way driving crashes. These comprehensive research endeavors led to the introduction of directional rumble strips, which produce vibration and sounds to alert errant motorists traveling in the wrong direction on off-ramps. Additionally, Zhou’s work prompted the transformation of several interchanges and the development of training materials for transportation agencies. Zhou emphasizes that a substantial portion of wrong-way crashes stems from impaired driving. In collaboration with Caltrans, Zhou and his team recently completed a research project focused on identifying the most effective traffic control devices for impaired drivers through an immersive driving simulator study, working hand-in-hand with experts from the Department of Psychology. To turn the tide on this issue, states must take the recommendations laid out in the Wrong-Way Driving Solutions Handbook and allocate resources to establish robust wrong-way driving monitoring programs. Zhou acknowledges that change won’t happen overnight but underscores the potential to save lives, one location at a time, over the next five to ten years. The handbook also explores various advanced strategies for preventing wrong-way driving. Among these approaches is a technology-based intelligent system. As an exemplar, spearheaded the installation of a state-ofthe-art smart wrong-way alert system on Heisman Drive within Auburn’s campus. This innovative system promptly triggers bright red LED lights when it detects a vehicle moving in the wrong direction, and it has successfully detected several hundred instances of wrong-way driving over the last two years.

RESEARCH

DR. MICHAEL PEREZ will collaborate with the Alabama Asociation of Conservation Districts on a $275k Technical Assistance and Training grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide educational resources and stormwater managment workshops for communities in Alabama’s Black Belt. DR. SHIQIANG (NICK) ZOU AND DR. MICHAEL PEREZ are collaborating with the University of South Alabama on a three-year, $1.3 million project to upgrade geotextiles to filter excessie nutrients from stormwater runoff into the Gulf Coast ecosystem. DR. JEFFREY LAMONDIA recieves $4.4 million grant from CDC in collaboration with Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Live Well Alabama Thriving Communities team to help communties meet their local active transportation needs. DR. BENJAMIN BOWERS, DR. JEFFREY LAMONDIA, DR. NAM TRAN, AND SURI GATIGANTI work together on $1.25 million grant funded by the Federal Aviation Administration through the Airfield Pavement Technology Program cooperative agreement managed by the National Asphalt Pavement Association. DR. MATTHEW YARNOLD AND DR. ANTON SCHINDLER earned a $336k grant to improve the long-term functionality of bridges in Alabama by focusing on how to improve deck slabs that connect bridge decks without using traditional deck joints.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

DR. LAUREN BECKINGHAM recieved the W. Allan & Martha Reed Endowed Professorship.

DR. ROBERT BARNES, DR. ANDRZEJ NOWAK and Dr. Victor Aguilar Vidal (MS ‘18, PhD ‘20) were presented with the Mete A. Sozen Award for Excellence in Structural Research. They recieved the award based on their co-authored paper, “Strength Reduction Factors for ACI Strut-and-Tie Method for Deep Beams.” This award recognizes a paper with “a notable achievement in experimental or analytical research that advances the theory or practice of structural engineering and recommends how to apply the research to design.” DR. ANDRZEJ NOWAK was honored by the American Concrete Institute with the Charles S. Whitney Medal, given Photo Courtesy: Samuel Ginn College of annually for noteworthy engineering development work in Engineering, Auburn University concrete design or construction. DR. DAVID TIMM was recently elected to the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists (AAPT) Board of Directors for a two-year term. This organization, with over 800 members, is a leading world-wide community dedicated to excellence and advancement of asphalt paving technology. This is Dr. Timm’s second time to serve on the board. DR. LARRY RILETT recieved the prestigious Steinberg Award by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), which annually recognizes “an individual who has made remarkable contributions to transportation education and research.” The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering had numerous faculty (see names below) that were promoted and/or promoted with tenure beginning Fall 2023. DR. FRANCES O’DONNELL DR. MICHAEL PEREZ DR. DAVID ROUECHE DR. JORGE RUEDA

DR. J. BRIAN ANDERSON DR. ROBERT BARNES DR. JEFFREY LAMONDIA DR. JOSE VASCONCELOS

(L to R) Dr. Jeffrey LaMondia, Dr. Robert Barnes, Dr. Jose Vasconcelos, and Dr. J. Brian Anderson stand with Aubie at the 2023 AU Promotion and Tenure Reception. Photo Courtesy: Auburn University

OUT

OF THE

CLASSROOM

DR. DAVID ROUECHE and his Timber Design class toured the West Fraser Opelika Mills facility. They had the opportunity to see the process from timber logs to sawn lumber with their own eyes.

Photo Courtesy: Dr. David Roueche - LinkedIn

CIVL 3310 STUDENTS get the opportunity to utilize the very first Insitu Soil Testing undergraduate laboratory located at the Advanced Structural Engineering Lab (ASEL). Photo Courtesy: Dr. J. Brian Anderson

DR. LAUREN BECKINGHAM and her research group at the OASIS wellsite visit this Fall. They took a trip to the National Carbon Capture Center in Wilsonville, AL and the OASIS wellsite, a DOE funded project evaluating CO2 injection at this site. (also in Wilsonville, AL).

(Above L to R): Nora Lopez Rivera (PhD), Otis Williams (PhD), Dejene Legesse Driba (PostDoc), and Lauren Beckingham. photo courtesy Dr. Lauren Beckingham

(Above L to R) Dejene Legesse Driba (postdoc), Jamie Newsome (MS), Nora Lopez Rivera(PhD), Mohammad Kariminasab(PhD), Md. Fahim Salek (postdoc), Lauren Beckingham, Otis Williams(PhD), Abdullah Al Nahian(PhD), Zhuofan Shi (postdoc). Photo Courtesy: Dr. Lauren Beckingham

STUDENTS FOX HARRIS

UNDERGRADUATE Fox Harris, a senior from Memphis, Tennessee, is on the cusp of a significant milestone in his academic journey – graduation. During his time at Auburn University, Fox found his passion in Water Resources Engineering. Keeping his interest in mind, he seized the opportunity to work as an undergraduate TA for the CIVL 3110 Hydraulics course for the last two semesters. His post-graduate plan is to pursue a professional career with a focus in surface water. Fox is currently the President of Auburn University’s Chi Epsilon chapter. As the national civil engineering society, Chi Epsilon recognizes and celebrates students who have achieved excellence in civil engineering. Through this role, Fox has had the opportunity to extend his influence beyond the Photo Courtesy: Fox Harris classroom, fostering connections with students and faculty alike. The experience has not only enriched his understanding of the subject but has also allowed him to hone his leadership skills in a practical setting. Outside the engineering realm, Fox made his mark in the Auburn University Student Government Association. In 2022, he served as the College of Engineering Senator, acting as a bridge between the student body and the university’s administration. This experience provided him with valuable insights into governance and a platform to advocate for the needs and concerns of his peers. Fox is an active member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Auburn where he has served on the executive board for two terms, demonstrating a blend of academic focus and social engagement. As Fox approaches the end of his undergraduate career, he reflects on his education, experiences and friendships formed along the way. Fox attributes a significant portion of his success to the dedicated staff and faculty of Auburn’s civil and environmental engineering department. Their guidance and support have played a pivotal role in shaping his academic and leadership journey. •

• • •

STUDENT AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

PhD student, CJ GERBER, received a $35,000 Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship from the USDOT/Federal Highway Administration. This fellowship is in support of his current research activities into developing spatial performance measures of resilience planning. DON GUY BIESSAN and ELIZABETH TUROCHY each recieved $10,000 Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowships from the USDOT/Federal Highway Administration. SEGUN OSIBODU won 3rd place in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition at Auburn Engineering’s 11th Annual Graduate Engineering Research Showcase (GERS). Auburn University’s chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) competed in the 2023 National ASCE Don Guy Biessan (Left) and Elizabeth Turochy Championship. They placed 12th overall and top 5 in design (Right) with their Dwight D. Eisenhower TransportationFellowships. proposal. PhotoCourtesy:Dr.BenjaminBowers

IN THE NEWS...

AU research students installing instrumentation for the NOAA Effects of Sea Level Rise Program at Fort Morgan, AL. Photo Courtesy: Dr. J. Brian Anderson

Velocity and scour depth data acquisition from bridge BIN 013310. Students pictured: Murilo Tarozzo and Luis Castaneda. Photo Courtesy: Luis Castaneda

Robbins and Morton host the ASCE Student Chapter for a site visit of the Graduate Hotel currently under construction on W. Magnolia. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Michael Perez

PAUL BEAUCHAMP GRADUATE

Paul Beauchamp is a driven and accomplished individual who recently graduated from Auburn University with a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering in December. Prior to this, he completed his undergraduate studies at Auburn in Civil Engineering in May 2022. Paul’s academic journey has been marked by dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. Throughout his time in the Department of Civil Engineering, Paul embraced opportunities beyond the traditional classroom Photo Courtesy: Paul Beauchamp setting by actively engaging in research and teaching. These experiences, both in research and teaching, played a vital role in Paul’s personal and professional growth. During his graduate coursework, Paul had the privilege to delve into research. Under the guidance of Dr. Anton Schindler, he focused on predicting the creep and shrinkage of concrete in segmental bridge applications for the Alabama Department of Transportation. This research not only showcased his academic abilities but also demonstrated his commitment to contributing valuable insights to the field of structural engineering. Paul’s leadership skills were further honed while serving as vice president of Auburn’s student chapter of the American Concrete Institute. While in this role, they organized Lunch and Learns, successfully raised funds for the ACI convention, and spearheaded a community service project. As Paul embarks on the next phase of his journey, he has secured a position with LBYD Engineers in their Auburn office as a structural design engineer. This transition into the workforce marks the beginning of an exciting chapter, and Paul and his wife, Emily, are grateful to continue living in Auburn. The connections and opportunities provided by Auburn University have not only shaped Paul’s educational experience but have also paved the way for a promising career in structural engineering.

GRADUATES RECOGNITION AND AWARDS BANQUET by Dr. David Timm

MR. DON VAUGHN SPEAKING TO THE GRADUATES. Photo Courtesy: Dr. David Timm

The CEE faculty, staff, and students gathered on November 14 to celebrate the Fall 2023 graduates. This graduating class includes 37 students earning a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, 14 earning MS degrees, 2 earning MCEs, and 7 earning PhDs. At the graduates recognition and awards banquet, organized by Chi Epsilon and supported by Stone Building LLC, students were recognized for their academic accomplishments and participation in CEE student organizations. Mr. Don Vaughn (Auburn Civil Engineering Class of 1971 and member of the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame) spoke to the graduates about his time at Auburn, the need to harness new technologies in their careers and embracing unexpected opportunities.

FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS ATTEND THE BANQUET HONORING THE CEE GRADUATING STUDENTS. Photo Courtesy: Dr. David Timm

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE CEE GRADUATES RECOGNITION AND AWARDS BANQUET PLEASE CONTACT DR. DAVID TIMM AT TIMMDAV@AUBURN.EDU

CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 11

GOLF TOURNAMENT

The 27th Annual Civil and Environmental Engineering Scholarship Endowment Golf Tournament was held on October 5, 2023. The prestigious event promised a thrilling four-man scramble tournament set against the backdrop of the magnificent Ballantrae Golf Club in Pelham, Alabama. Designed by world-renowned golf architect Bob Cupp, this Scottish-themed championship course seamlessly combines beauty and challenge. Beyond the competition, the Annual Civil and Environmental Engineering Scholarship Endowment Golf Tournament serves a noble cause of providing essential scholarship funds for deserving (L to R) Bill Dawson, Guy Locker, Harry Auburn University CEE students. The tournament has become a Chandler, and Brad Kleckley are members of cornerstone in supporting the educational aspirations of bright the Alabama Water Utilities, Inc Team. Alabama Water Utilities, Inc is a Tournament minds, thanks to the generosity and commitment of the participants Level Sponsor. Photo Courtesy: Charles Marsh and sponsors. This year, we raised approximately $21,000 for CEE Scholarships, highlighting the impact our collective efforts can make in shaping the future. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made this event possible. The commitment to fostering education and supporting aspiring engineers is extraordinary.

DONATION AND

DEDICATION

On November 6, 2023, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering received an honored donation— an antique brass theodolite and transit. This generous gift, presented by Benjamin (Ben) Simpson, Jr. and Cheryl Simpson, pays tribute to Mr. Simpson’s late father, Auburn University Graduate Benjamin C. Simpson. Born on September 28, 1926, in Montgomery, Alabama, Benjamin C. Simpson moved to Tampa, Florida, at an early age. After completing high school in 1944, he spent a year at the (L to R) Cheryl Simpson, Benjamin Simpson University of Tampa before enlisting in the US Naval Air in 1945. with Dr. Andrzej Nowak as they donate his Utilizing the GI Bill after discharge, Simpson pursued a Civil father’s antique surveying equipment. Engineering degree at Auburn University, graduating in 1950, marking the beginning of his successful civil engineering career. Simpson began his career with Stanley Mundy Engineering in Tampa, overseeing projects like storm drain installation, before proceeding to projects such as pipeline construction from Norfolk, VA, to Virginia Beach. His contributions expanded to building piers for the US Navy in Southport, NC, known today as “Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point,” one of the world’s largest military terminals and the largest US Terminal on the East Coast. Returning to Tampa in January 1954, Simpson joined the State Road Department (now the Florida Department of (L to R) Cheryl Simpson, Benjamin Simpson, Dr. Andrzej Nowak, Dr. Jorge Rueda, Dr. Mark Transportation, FDOT), becoming the first civil engineer on the Barnett FDOT survey crew. Progressing through the ranks, he attained the position of Assistant District Engineer in Bartow, FL, in 1964, actively participating in major projects like the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the I-4, US 301 interchange. In 1972, Simpson’s career reached new heights as he was promoted to District Engineer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, overseeing substantial projects, including the reconstruction of the Florida Keys bridges, including the iconic 7 Mile Bridge. After dedicating 30 years to the FDOT, Simpson retired in 1989, leaving a legacy of hard work in the field of civil engineering. He passed away in January 2000. The antique surveying equipment donation stands as a fitting tribute to his contributions to the field.

student

ORGANIZATIONS

ASCE This Fall, the Auburn University chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) hosted a Photo Courtesy: Lauren Flannelly highly successful Career Fair, bringing together students and industry professionals in an engaging and fruitful Photo Courtesy: Lauren Flannelly event.. The response from both students and participating organizations was overwhelming, with all available booths sold out and an impressive attendance of 204 students. This success could not have been possible without the collective efforts of everyone involved. A heartfelt thank you is extended to all faculty, staff, and students who actively promoted the career fair, encouraging their peers to attend. In addition to the triumphant Career Fair, the ASCE chapter introduced a new event, “ASCE Unplugged,” which proved to be a resounding success. It is a new lunch series that is piloted with the intent of getting to learn more about the faculty outside of the classroom. Dr. Timm put together a wonderful presentation, “Road to the Stars” and Dr. Anderson’s “Loud Guitars, Fast Cars, and Working Large” were both a hit. Furthermore, the ASCE chapter at Auburn University continues to shine with its dynamic and active leadership. The commitment to fostering a thriving community is exemplified by the chapter’s hosting of 3-4 events each week. These events include their weekly lunch series that happens every Tuesday at 12:30 pm, the Montgomery branch golf tournament, restaurant fundraisers, biweekly sustainable solutions team meetings, the ASCE General Body Meeting, as well as the Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge teams holding weekly meetings. In conclusion, the ASCE chapter at Auburn University is flourishing, thanks to the tireless efforts of its members, leaders, and supporters. The commitment to professional development, education, and community building is evident in the diverse range of events and activities hosted by the chapter. As we celebrate the recent successes, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and impact of this vibrant community. All are encouraged to get involved and join in the exciting journey of the ASCE chapter at Auburn University.

Photo Courtesy: Lauren Flannelly

WESA

Water and Environment Student Association (WESA) is a dynamic student organization dedicated to environmental engineering and water conservation. At WESA, we unite under a common love for water and strive to amplify awareness about safeguarding our planet’s invaluable resources. Our passionate members collaboratively engage in impactful endeavors, leveraging educational campaigns, community outreach, and hands-on initiatives to empower individuals and foster collective action for a greener environment. WESA hosts monthly general body meetings and bi-weekly lunch and learn events that feature speakers from renowned entities in the environmental specialty, including Jacobs, Hazen and Sawyer, Engineers of the South; Municipal facilities such as Auburn Water Works and Opelika Utilities; And esteemed research labs like Environmental Resource Analysts. Our involvement extends beyond meetings, as we actively participate in events like E-day, Earth Day, Sustainability Picnic, Alabama/Mississippi Water Conference, with fees covered! If you share our passion for environmental engineering or are WESA officers present at the 2023 Earth Day Extravaganza for simply interested in environmental and water environmental awareness promotion and club member prize drawing. Photo Courtesy: WESA conservation, we invite you to drop by and discover more about WESA. Stay tuned for our spring meeting schedules, which will be shared through departmental emails. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join us in making a positive impact on our environment. War Eagle!

CHI EPSILON The Auburn University Chapter of Chi Epsilon, the national honor society for civil engineering, gathered in BrownKopel Grand Hall on November 28, 2023 for their initiation ceremony. As part of the initiation process, students are required to engage with faculty members while donned in business professional attire. Fall 2023 Initiation, Photo Courtesy: Fox Harris Meeting with the faculty serves multiple purposes. It encourages students to establish connections with their mentors, provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their dedication to their academic pursuits, as well as provides a platform for faculty to acknowledge and support the next generation of civil engineers.

COMMUNITY

engagement

STEP UP Alabama: Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian in Underserved Communities Program in Alabama

In a significant stride towards enhancing community infrastructure, Alabama’s rural Black Belt region is moving toward substantial improvements in its pedestrian facilities. This transformation is made possible by a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE program, specifically designed to engage neighborhoods anchored by public housing authority properties in planning and designing pedestrian facility improvements. The community engagement effort is being led by The Fifty Fund. The AUBURN UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE (AUTRI) will manage the overall project and oversee the engineering design work. DR. ROD TUROCHY is the primary contact at Auburn. AUTRI, collaborating with community leaders, aims to identify current shortcomings in pedestrian infrastructure, propose improvements aligning with current best practices, and ensure compliance with ADA accessibility guidelines. The product of the effort will be a set of design plans that are Dr. Rod Turochy is checking cross-slope for ADA “construction ready”. compliance. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Rod Turochy With pedestrian safety as the top priority, these plans will not only enhance accessibility for wheelchair users but also offer safer alternatives for residents navigating the communities. This project is entirely federally funded, alleviating any financial burden on the participating communities. The collaborative process involves community “walkarounds” and input sessions to develop plans for improved pedestrian facilities. These conceptualized ideas will then be translated into comprehensive designs by engineering consulting firms hired by Auburn through the grant. Ten cities are included in this transformative project: Demopolis, Enterprise, Eufaula, Eutaw, Georgiana, Greenville, Opp, Selma, Troy, and Tuskegee. According to Dr. Rod Turochy, “this is an excellent way to leverage the university in its land-grant mission to benefit historically underserved communities across Alabama’s Black Belt region”.

ROUNDABOUT Time in Downtown Eufaula, Alabama DR. JEFFREY LAMONDIA and his transportation students were hard at work in Downtown Eufaula, Alabama, transforming the intersection of North Orange and East Broad streets with a new roundabout, enhancing safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Allie Logan, the Alabama Extension coordinator for Barbour County, led the ALProHealth coalition in collaboration with Alta Planning and Design to create an Active Transportation Action Plan. Dr. LaMondia highlighted roundabouts’ advantages in managing traffic flow, emphasizing increased visibility and safety. Through the ALProHealth program, LaMondia and the coalition implemented engineering designs, including specialty resin paint and reflective tape, showcasing successful collaboration between Alabama Extension, Auburn’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the city of Eufaula. Photo Courtesy: Dr. Jeffrey LaMondia

OUTSTANDING • •

ALUMNI

JORDAN ROSS, CEE Advisory Board member, was Chairperson of Auburn Engineering Young Alumni Council and served on the board for 6 years. He also served on HOAR Construction’s Leadership Council from 2019 2022. WILL CHILDS was named the 2023 recipient of the Javier F. Horvilleur Outstanding Young Professional Award at Walter P. Moore. The Horvilleur Award is presented annually to one young professional at the firm who has exemplified excellence in technical design, client service, and business acumen. • HU (OLIVER) ZHAO, CEE Graduate and Stone Leadership Award Winner, recieved the Engineering Achievement Award in Student Welfare from UCLA School of Engineering. • VICTOR AGUILAR VIDAL was presented with the Mete A. Sozen Award for Excellence in Structural Research along with AU CEE Faculty, Dr. Robert Barnes and Dr. Andrzej Nowak. ANGELA FANNÉY, Vice President of Kimley-Horn and member of the CEE Advisory Board, was selected to the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) ChangeMakers Cohort of 2023. This prestigious cohort has earned recognition by elevating their communities through remarkable developments, insightful brokerage, brilliant engineering, notable placemaking, creative policies, and selfless service.

CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

ADVISORY BOARD

Edward Austin Alabama Department of Transportation Auburn ‘91

Angela L. Fannéy Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Auburn ‘04, ‘05

Casey Robinson Troutman Georgia Power Auburn ‘00, ‘04

Ben Carmichael Nuclear Development Southern Nuclear Operating Company Auburn ‘00

Linda Figg President/CEO Figg Bridge Group Auburn ‘81

Jordan Ross Senior Preconstruction Manager HoarConstruction Auburn ‘09, ‘12

Jonathan F. Childs Director -State and Local Government Client Center Senior Vice President BARGE Design Solutions Auburn ‘94, ‘96

Alison Frazier City Engineer (Auburn) Engineering Services Auburn ‘95

David Stejskal JACOBS Auburn ‘00, ‘02

Brad Christopher President LBYD, Inc Auburn ‘91, ‘93 Jim Cooper President Cooper Construction Auburn ‘81 Kaye C. Davis Bureau of Materials and Tests Alabama Department of Transportation Auburn ‘94, ‘96 Joe Downey Managing Principal ARDURRA Auburn ‘85, ‘88

Christopher Kramer Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC Auburn ‘94 Charles A. Marsh Territory Manager ACIPCO Auburn ‘01 Justin S. McDonald Coastal Resiliency Program Manager USACE, Mobile District Auburn ‘05, ‘07 Frank McFadden McFadden Engineering, Inc. Auburn ‘81, ‘84 George McGlamery Senior Commercial Consultant ExxonMobil Global Services Company Auburn ‘86

Jeff Stone (Emeritus) Brasfield and Gorrie, LLC Auburn ‘79 Donald W. Vaughn (Emeritus) Auburn ‘71 Derrick D. Vincent JACOBS Auburn ‘99 Jordan Watkins CEO PTAC Consulting Engineers Auburn ‘12 Dale York (Emeritus) Auburn ‘76, ‘78

EVENTS PAST

OCTOBER 5, 2023 :: CEE Golf Tournament - Ballantrae Golf Club, Pelham, AL OCTOBER 17, 2023 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 :: Alabama Road Safety Conference - Florence, AL NOVEMBER 14, 2023 :: Graduates Recognition and Award Banquet - Auburn, AL NOVEMBER 28, 2023 :: Chi Epsilon Initiation - Auburn, AL

upcoming

MARCH 14, 2024 :: 2024 ASCE Alabama Section Winter Meeting - Auburn, AL MAY 7, 2024 - MAY 9, 2024 :: NCAT Test Track Conference - Auburn, AL MAY 13, 2024 - MAY 14, 2024 :: Hands-On Erosion and Sediment Control Installer Training Day - Auburn University - Stormwater Research Facility, Auburn AL MAY 15, 2024 - MAY 17, 2024 :: 10th Annual Municipal Wet Weather Stormwater Conference - Auburn, AL MAY 18, 2024 :: Annual Erosion and Sediment Control Field Day - Auburn University Stormwater Research Facility, Auburn, AL

LET’S GET SOCIAL

If you have an article, award or upcoming event that you would like to feature in future issues of the CEE Newsletter please contact ceenews@eng.auburn.edu