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Technical Session III Assessment and Management of Decaying Urban Infrastructure Grand challenge for infrastructure engineering will be not only to devise new approaches and methods, but to communicate their value and worthiness to society at large. Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9136.aspx • What is infrastructure? – The combination of fundamental systems that support a community, region, or country. – Everything from water and sewer systems to road and rail networks to the national power and natural gas grids. Our Focus: Transportation Infrastructure Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9136.aspx • What is current state of • 2009 Report Card infrastructure? – Aviation D – America’s infrastructure is aging and failing – Funding has been insufficient to repair and replace – Problem is particularly acute in urban areas • • • • growing populations natural disasters Accidents terrorist attacks – Bridges C – Inland Waterways D– Rail C– Roads D– Transit D • US Infrastructure GPA: D • Est. 5 Yr Investment: $2.2 Trillion (Source: http://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/) Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9136.aspx • How to improve transportation systems? – Engineering integrated transportation systems, making individual vehicle travel, mass transit, bicycling, and walking all as easy and efficient – Engineers must be engaged in issues involved in providing environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, long lasting solutions Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9136.aspx • How to build better infrastructure? – Practice of letting infrastructure wear out before replacing it must be addressed – Novel construction materials. – Entirely new construction methods. – Longer lasting solutions – Clear vision for aesthetic values that go beyond function – Green Infrastructure • pavements that reduce overhead temperatures and are permeable – Various policies and political barriers must be addressed and overcome. Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9136.aspx • Assessment and Management of Decaying Urban Infrastructure – What is current state of our infrastructure? – How to improve transportation systems? – How to build better infrastructure? Four Speakers Followed by Panel Discussion Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9136.aspx • What is current state of infrastructure? – Dr. Monica Starnes Senior Program Officer with Transportation Research Board of National Academies (SHRP II Program) Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9136.aspx • How to improve transportation systems? – Dr. Amir Mirmiran Dean College of Engineering and Computing Florida International University – Mr. Daniel Work (Dr. Alexandre Bayen) Systems Engineering Program, University of California Berkley Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9136.aspx • How to build better infrastructure? – Michael Darter Principal Engineer, Applied Research Associates Director, Pavement Research Institute University of Minnesota Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9136.aspx • Distinguished Panel Members – Dr. Nenad Gucunski, Head of CE Department Rutgers, Long-Term Bridge Performance Project – Dr. Victor Labson, Director of Crustal Imaging and Characterization Science Center of USGS – Dr. Jose Muñoz, Acting Director Office of Cyberinfrastructure, NSF Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/8996/9136.aspx