President's Message

Good day everyone! I am grateful to assume the role of President of the Minnesota Section for a one-year term. As I reflect on the various ASCE positions I have held over the years, I recall how consistent the overall program has been – a professional organization you could count on. You could count on a September construction tour, followed by a mix of lunch and dinner section meetings that consisted of handshakes, a pretty good meal and a presentation from our colleagues on a relevant and timely topic. In the Spring, we would converge on the University of Minnesota to hand out student awards (books 😊) and often a scholarship from the Structural Committee to those deserving. Then, wrap it up and start planning for the following year. The Board has persevered through this disruption in our normalcy with the goal of being an organization that you can continue to count on to redeem value for your membership. Thank you very much for seeing things through!

This year you will see a blend of in-person and on-line activities. Many in-person events have already taken place, as we had a successful construction tour of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project in September. Our student chapters and Younger Member Group (YMG) are also very busy with social activities. Some of our section meetings, such as the October, will be on-line, while we hope to have a few in-person a little later in the year.

A highlight for the upcoming year will be the publishing of Minnesota’s 2nd ASCE Report Card! This will happen in late February or early March as we determine when the most appropriate time is. Our last Report Card was published in 2018, if you would like to read it, we have it posted on our website. Check it out at ascemn.org. While you are there, check out the Section’s upcoming events, and if you would like to get involved in ASCE, I would like to direct you to our Committees. I started my involvement in ASCE as a member of the Structural Committee (nka the Structural Engineers Institute). One of my most gratifying experiences while serving ASCE was during this time when we were celebrating our 100th Anniversary as a Section in 2014. During the event at Saint Anthony Falls, I presented a plaque to the Minnesota Department of Transportation to signify the Stone Arch Bridge as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a program where ASCE recognizes historically significant local, national, and international civil engineering projects, structures, and sites. We have eight committees that has something to offer any civil engineer, so please reach out to the listed point of contact and start being a part of something our members can count on.

Thanks again to our membership for persevering and I hope to see you soon at an ASCE event. Please reach out to me directly at president@ascemn.org if you have comments or questions.

Andrew Nordseth, P.E.

President, ASCE-MN

St. Thomas' ASCE MN Student Chapter Update

Our first general meeting was with Udai Singh from MWMO. He taught us about the many soft skills it takes to be an engineer. This includes networking, communication, leadership, and management skills. Our next general meeting will be on October 14th with a guest speaker from Alliant Engineering. There will be snacks and a chance to meet more ASCE members!

Our first Steel Bridge meeting was held on October 7 th. The team met for the first time and discussed leadership roles, goals for the group, and they got familiar with the project and the rules. The next steel bridge meeting will be on October 14th to discuss design ideas.

General Meetings

Alliant Engineering Meeting

Thursday, October 14th

12:00 - 1:00 PM

OSS 127

Steel Bridge Meeting #2

Thursday, October 14th

12:00 - 1:00 PM

FDC 317

ASCE MN Report Card Update

The 2022 Report Card for Minnesota's Infrastructure is getting close to its final stages before release! We are ramping up our social media presence (plug to follow us and share posts!) as we get into our editing and fact checking. Stay tuned for the Save-the-Date for our March 2022 release.

It's also that time of year: Renew your ASCE membership today! And when you do, please consider a voluntary contribution. The ASCEMN Board has elected to send all voluntary contributions to report card fundraising. These funds help pay for printing, outreach, document editing, and lobbyist efforts, to name a few. Help us build on the momentum of the 2018 Report Card that's helping us be a part of the conversation as we prepare the next draft. We look forward to sharing our updates with you!

Mentorship Opportunity

The SEI subcommittee of ASCE is looking to provide mentorship to the University of Minnesota and University of St. Thomas steel bridge teams, and the University of Minnesota’s concrete canoe teams. If others in ASCE overall are interested in providing mentorship they can contact James Winters (James.Winters@kimley-horn.com) .

Synthetic Turf Fields Are Green, But How Green?

Synthetic turf fields have seen an uptick in popularity across Minnesota in the last several years, partially due to the newest generation of turf consisting of long fiber carpet with rubber infill, which came on the market in the late 90s. Schools and cities have seen the benefit in pairing synthetic turf fields with natural turf fields to keep up with the high demand of use, varying weather conditions, and decreasing availability of land dedicated to playfields. Synthetic turf can support almost indefinite use without being impacted by the elements. A new synthetic turf field can cause sticker shock for some, but after the cost-per-player-per-hour benefits combined with the ever-evolving sustainability practices, benefits compared to the natural grass cost, will outweigh initial costs.

Synthetic turf fields can ease the brunt of natural resource usage through conserving water, eliminating fertilizer usage, and using recycled infill materials. However, they have a burden to bear in recycling and limiting waste associated with building and operating the fields. Sustainable practices are becoming more of a requirement and less of a perk in many aspects of daily life, whether socially, economically, or environmentally. The turf industry is no different, keeping up with sustainable design, construction, maintenance, and replacement is more crucial than ever before.

Microplastics Containment

Microplastics defines small material, less than 5 millimeters, which results from the disposal or breakdown of products and waste. Over the years, the term has most commonly been used in the cosmetics industry. Microbeads wash off and enter the sewage system, passing through treatment, such as clarifiers and filtration systems, potentially causing problems to downstream water supplies. Microplastics in the synthetic turf industry cause concern due to the loss and migration of turf fibers and infill that may affect waterways and aquatic- and land-based environments over time. This topic of issue has been gaining momentum in Europe in recent years and is now becoming part of the conversation in the western hemisphere.

Through conscientious design, construction, and maintenance practices, microplastic migration in turf fields can be minimized through:

• Use of proper turf fibers that reduce the amount of infill splash, therefore containing the migration of infill during use, as well as in wet weather or snow plowing.

• Specify UV stabilization and durability of turf fibers that would otherwise breakdown through premature aging.

• Use of shock padding under the carpet to add resiliency and reduce the need for deeper infill material.

• Use of organic infill as an alternate to recycled tires (SBR), such as cork, coconut, walnut husks, or recycled wood.

• Implement proper drainage, such as subsurface drainage where possible, impermeable layering to block water and infill from penetrating the subsurface, and provide filters at drain inlets to capture any migrating infill.

• Introduce cleat and shoe cleaners at exit gates to capture infill material.

• Implement proper maintenance practices and clean grooming equipment prior to leaving the field.

Recycling and Repurposing

Environmental benefits of synthetic turf fields range from repurposing millions of discarded tires for raw building materials, eliminating millions of pounds of fertilizer, and reducing water usage for irrigation by trillions of gallons annually. However, the turf industry has realized the need to move in a direction to creatively recycle and repurpose the ever-increasing number of new and aging turf fields. A typical soccer field is over two acres in size, which has the potential to generate hundreds of tons of waste in carpet and infill materials. Add to that, the amount of jobsite waste, such as turf scraps, wood pallets, plastic wrapping, etc. The need to control the amount of material that is directed to landfills is critical.

Innovative and exciting efforts to control waste in the synthetic turf arena include:

• Use of harvesting equipment to allow 80 percent of infill materials to be reclaimed for reuse.

• Repurposing recycled yarn and polyurethane backing to create recycled timbers for landscape edging and turf nailer boards, extruded composite pellets for a greener infill option, and recycled plastic for underlayment and shock pad materials.

• Use of patent pending processes that install a new field on top of the existing surface, instead of removing and disposing of an aged field.

Sustainability in Synthetic Turf

Synthetic turf fields provide many benefits over natural grass fields for a variety of reasons, nevertheless there is always a need for improvement when it comes to conserving and protecting our ecosystems. Through methodical and conscientious design, construction, and maintenance practices, we can limit microplastic migration into our environments, while also taking the opportunity to recycle materials that would otherwise take up space in landfills. Sustainability in synthetic turf fields is not only a trend, but a need.

Jay Pomeroy, PLA

Principal Landscape Architect

Jay.Pomeroy@bolton-menk.com

MNSU-Mankato Chapter Update

September 2nd - Angie Smith from Bolton & Menk came in to talk about environmental documentation, as well as cultural and natural resources. Angie was enthusiastic, humorous, and extremely knowledgeable on the topic. Freshman to Seniors enjoyed the presentation alike. Angie's expertise will be coming to MNSU-Mankato again in the spring when she presents to the Senior Capstone groups.

September 24th - Annual golf scramble with professional and students.

October 7th - Highway Clean Up & Softball game.

October 14th - Rachel Pichelmann from SEH will be coming in to talk about a hydraulics related case study.

Seeking UST Student Chapter Capstone Partners

St. Thomas is looking for companies to partner with for senior design (capstone) projects for this fall and spring. These could be for teams of all civil or interdisciplinary of civil, mechanical, electrical, and/or computer engineers. We need several projects this year. Please contact Senior Design Project Coordinator Tiffany Ling with questions or to discuss next steps at tiffany.ling@stthomas.edu.

Basic information for our senior design program:

• Senior design is a full school year course (September to May)

• Each team is assigned a faculty mentor who meets with them weekly. As the company sponsor, you decide how much you want to meet with the team. It could be only a few times a semester or an hour a week. It’s up to you and the project needs

• A PE will not be signing off on this project

• Teams have access to the St. Thomas labs and software

• There is no cost to the company unless some type of built prototype is involved

Emmanuel Detournay Receives the Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies Charles W. Britzius Distinguished Engineer Award

Emmanuel Detournay Receives the Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies Charles W. Britzius Distinguished Engineer Award Saint Paul, Minn., 5/10/2021 – Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies (MFESTS) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Minnesota Section have named Emmanuel Detournay as the 2021 recipient of the Charles W. Britzius Distinguished Engineer Award.

The Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science and Technology Societies (MFESTS) presents this award annually to a nominated individual submitted by MFESTS member societies which includes the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Minnesota Section. The award will be presented at the 2021 MFESTS Board Meeting held on June 22, 2021.

The Charles W. Britzius Distinguished Engineer Award recognizes outstanding lifetime achievements in the practice of engineering, contributions to the engineering profession, and actions enhancing the image of engineering in our society. Charles W. Britzius was the epitome of the distinguished engineer, having excelled in all three areas recognized by the award: he was the founder of Twin City Testing, Inc.; was a long-time contributor to the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers, Minnesota Section; served as mayor of Deephaven; and was a tireless supporter of numerous professional and civic causes.

Roseville, MN resident Emmanuel Detournay holds a graduate engineer degree, a Master of Science degree in Geoengineering from the University of Liège, Belgium, and a PhD, Geoengineering from the University of Minnesota.

He is a Professor at the University of Minnesota, where he teaches courses to undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, drilling mechanics, and poromechanics. Emmanuel mentors graduate students through training and research as they progress toward and obtain MS and PhD degrees. Research activities involve training graduate students and performing scientific research in the areas of fluid-driven fractures and rock drilling.

"The MFESTS award nomination process realizes many career benefits such as reflection for our members to take stock of unique contributions and motivates our members to seek feedback to achieve further stretch goals" said Cathy Krier, MFESTS 2020-2021 President. "Based on the nomination channels, the MFESTS recognition process ultimately boosts the immediate and long-term visibility of the member’s science/engineering contributions across the widest range of engineering disciplines collectively represented by the member societies, reaching the broader Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics community in Minnesota."

Professor Emmanuel Detournay was nominated in recognition of his scientific achievements, is contributions to engineering education, and his research activity leading to technology transfer. He is a world-renown expert in the mechanics of fluid-driven fractures and the mechanics of drilling. The trademark of Detournay is his ability to develop creative answers to practical engineering problems using rigorous mathematical tools and well-conceived physical concepts, and perhaps even more important, is his ability to instill in his students this first-principled approach to solving applied problems. His research is far-reaching, from the development of theoretical solutions for modeling the hydraulic fracture process, to the design of an apparatus to determine the compressive strength of rock. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2016 for these outstanding achievements.

MFESTS is an umbrella organization comprised of engineering-related member societies

within the State of Minnesota. There currently are nineteen societies/chapters, representing

approximately 6,000 individuals, that are members of MFESTS.

MFESTS three primary mission are:

1) To provide service to the Societies that are members of the Federation.

2) To provide a service to the community at large and especially to young people in hope of helping them learn more about potential careers in the fields of engineering, science, and technology.

3) To provide professional development services to professionals in engineering-related careers.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is one of the member societies of MFESTS. It is a non-profit professional organization founded in 1852 with over 150,000 members worldwide. Locally, the Minnesota Section was established in 1914, and represents more than 1400 members that work in all levels of government, academia and the private sector to design, construct and maintain our State’s infrastructure. One of ASCE’s key responsibilities is to advocate for infrastructure stewardship in an effort to protect the public’s health, safety, and improve our quality of life. The Minnesota Section represents all of Minnesota except for the Counties in the northeast portion of the state, which are part of the Duluth Section.

Ariel Christenson Receives the Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies Young Engineer of the Year Award

Ariel Christenson Receives the Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies Young Engineer of the Year Award

Science, and Technology Societies Young Engineer of the Year Award Saint Paul, Minn., 5/10/2021 – Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies (MFESTS) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) - Minnesota Section have named Ariel Christenson as the 2021 recipient of the Young Engineer of the Year Award.

The Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science and Technology Societies (MFESTS) presents this award annually to a nominated individual submitted by MFESTS member societies which includes the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Minnesota Section. The award will be presented at the 2021 MFESTS Board Meeting held on June 22, 2021.

The Young Engineer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an engineer 35 years of age or younger by December 31st prior to the Engineers Week Awards Banquet. Nominees are judged based on educational and collegiate achievements; professional society activities; civic and humanitarian activities; continuing competence; engineering achievements; and overall professional experience.

New Brighton, MN resident Ariel Christenson holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Master’s of Science – Civil Engineering both from the University of Minnesota. She works for Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH), Incorporated in Saint Paul, as a Structural Engineer. SEH is an employee-owned engineering, architectural, environmental, and planning company that helps government, industrial and commercial clients find answers to complex challenges. At SEH, Inc. Ariel manages the development of structural construction documents for primarily water and wastewater treatment plants with an emphasis in concrete structures. She frequently manages the structural engineering of multiple concurrent projects while maintaining client relationships during design and construction administration.

"The MFESTS award nomination process realizes many career benefits such as reflection for our members to take stock of unique contributions and motivates our members to seek feedback to achieve further stretch goals" said Cathy Krier, MFESTS 2020-2021 President. "Based on the nomination channels, the MFESTS recognition process ultimately boosts the immediate and long-term visibility of the member’s science/engineering contributions across the widest range of engineering disciplines collectively represented by the member societies, reaching the broader Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics community in Minnesota."

Ariel Christenson was nominated in recognition of her work as an accomplished Structural Engineer and Project Manager who has garnered more than 10 years of design experience. During her professional career, she has designed buildings, water and wastewater treatment plant structures, airport buildings, and other structures. Her experience in water treatment began with a role as an intern in the water treatment industry where she often traveled to several sites per day performing on-site engineering and maintaining regular client communication. Currently, Ariel manages the development of structural construction documents for primarily water and wastewater treatment plants with an emphasis in concrete structures. She manages multiple projects, seeing each through design, drafting, bidding, and construction phases.

The Minnesota Federation of Engineering, Science, and Technology Societies (MFESTS) is an umbrella organization comprised of engineering-related member societies within the State of Minnesota. There currently are nineteen societies/chapters, representing approximately 6,000 individuals, that are members of MFESTS.

MFESTS three primary mission foci are:

1) To provide service to the Societies that are members of the Federation.

2) To provide a service to the community at large and especially to young people in hopes of helping them learn more about potential careers in the fields of engineering, science, and technology.

3) To provide professional development services to professionals in engineering-related careers.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is one of the member societies of MFESTS. It is a non-profit professional organization founded in 1852 with over 150,000 members worldwide. Locally, the Minnesota Section was established in 1914, and represents more than 1400 members that work in all levels of government, academia and the private sector to design, construct and maintain our State’s infrastructure. One of ASCE’s key responsibilities is to advocate for infrastructure stewardship in an effort to protect the public’s health, safety, and improve our quality of life. The Minnesota Section represents all of Minnesota except for the Counties in the northeast portion of the state, which are part of the Duluth Section.

Report Card Committee Meeting Recap

20 members of the ASCE-MN Report Card Committee met this morning as part of ongoing collaboration for the 2022 Report Card release. Agency coordination is ongoing - the team discussed logistics of how to engage agencies throughout the 2022 Report Card development. We are coordinating across categories and discussing asset management. Props to MnDOT, their Asset Management Program is available to us this round!