Cotter Celebrates National Engineers Week

The dictionary defines an Engineer as “a person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works.” They are the cornerstone of a developed and flourishing society, and their contributions to lived environments keep our cities and communities running smoothly and efficiently. While there are many different kinds of Engineers, the desire to create lasting structures, systems, and materials that serve functional roles in our daily lives is a unifying feature that can be found in them all. February 18th-24th is  National Engineers Week, and in celebration we asked Cotter employees who have obtained a P.E. license and/or an Engineering degree to answer a few questions keeping in line with this year’s theme: “Welcome to the Future”!

Every civil engineer has a favorite tool or gadget that they can’t live without. What’s yours, and how has it been a game-changer in your projects?
Come Alongs! It is a very simple and old tool, but it is still used so much. We used it to roll-in Metra bridge over Golf Rd. into its final location. Due to very short working windows, the bridge superstructure was built on the side, and an 8-hour overnight window was used to roll it into a permanent place and connect the rails. The bridge was moved 32 feet in a little over 6 hours.

Looking ahead, what trends or innovations do you foresee shaping the future of civil engineering?
Looking back at the civil engineering field, especially construction, and how it changed/advanced over the last couple of centuries, I would say none. I hope we start using new technologies to help us speed up construction and documentation processes.

What groundbreaking project or technological advancement in civil engineering are you most proud to have been a part of, or are excited about even if not directly involved?
Automation – Mechanical and Robotic automation systems that integrate into our supply chains provide a radical shift in how we handle goods and materials. I’ve managed multiple upgrades in Healthcare and Manufacturing and seen firsthand how these systems can dramatically improve delivery speed, reduce supply chain issues, and reduce client costs. Now, with the advancement of AI and computing power, these systems can be trained faster and have vastly different capabilities than ever before. I’ve been very proud to be a part of this next wave of industrial revolutions.

What inspired you to pursue a career in civil engineering, and how has your journey shaped your passion for building a better world?
 I got into engineering to be a part of the green revolution and worked on many solar/wind projects that were very rewarding. Over the years, though, working in other fields, I’ve grown more appreciative of engineering because of its ability to create tangible solutions to complex problems. Being able to step back after a project is complete and see that solution built and working for your client is incredibly satisfying.

What groundbreaking project or technological advancement in civil engineering are you most proud to have been a part of, or are excited about even if not directly involved?
I am proud to be a part of a project in Illinois that tested various asphalt types and thicknesses. It was a study done by the University of Illinois. There was about a 5-mile stretch of road, and every 2500 feet or so, we changed the ingredients of the asphalt and/or the thicknesses of the base course and the surface layer. After we finished, the University periodically checked the asphalt’s condition to determine the best combination for future roads. I never did find out the results, but I often wonder what the data revealed. I am also proud of a project in the same area that included rumble strips down the centerline of a 2-way road, which had experienced many head-on collisions resulting in bad injuries or death. This was new then, but I see it a lot now.

Share a memorable teamwork moment that made a project successful. Who are the unsung heroes you’d like to acknowledge?
One moment I will never forget includes Pat Cotter. I remember we were supposed to check the rebar in a barrier wall on the Dan Ryan project. I had one year of interning under my belt, and it was his first year, I believe. I had checked the rebar on several barrier walls before and had never seen one with the incorrect rebar. I asked him if we should bust out the plans or just look it over based on previous walls I looked at. Like a good intern, he said, “We better get the plans!” So, we did, and sure enough, they had installed the rebar wrong. We went and told the RE and had the contractor fix it before pouring the concrete. The RE gave us a “pat on the back,” and I’ve always checked the plans since.

What groundbreaking project or technological advancement in civil engineering are you most proud to have been a part of, or are excited about even if not directly involved?
The Handford Vitrification Project. The process converts liquid radioactive and chemical waste into a solid, stable glass, eliminating environmental risks.

Every civil engineer has a favorite tool or gadget that they can’t live without. What’s yours, and how has it been a game-changer in your projects?
I always carry a utility knife. You never know when you need it.