American Society of Civil Engineers

American Society of Civil Engineers
Name	American Society of Civil Engineers
Founded	05 November 1852
Headquarters	Reston, Virginia
Key people	Marsia Geldert-Murphey (President)
Website	asce.org

American Society of Civil Engineers. Founded in 1852 in New York City, it is the oldest national engineering society in the United States. The organization serves over 150,000 members worldwide, dedicated to advancing the profession of civil engineering and enhancing public welfare through the development of infrastructure. Its mission encompasses technical excellence, professional development, and advocacy for sustainable and resilient built environments.

History

The society was established on November 5, 1852, by twelve engineers led by Alfred W. Craven in the office of Croton Aqueduct engineer John B. Jervis. Its formation marked a pivotal moment in the professionalization of engineering in America, coinciding with major national projects like the First Transcontinental Railroad. Early members were instrumental in landmark works, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Panama Canal. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded its influence, establishing key committees and moving its headquarters to Reston, Virginia. The society's growth mirrored the development of the Interstate Highway System and the rise of environmental engineering.

Organization and governance

The society is governed by a Board of Direction elected by its membership, which includes the President, President-elect, and regional directors. It is structured into geographic Institutes and technical Technical Divisions focusing on areas like structural engineering and water resources. Key operational units include the ASCE Foundation and ASCE Publishing. Local activities are conducted through over 80 Sections and 150 Younger Member Groups across the United States and internationally.

Publications and standards

The society is a premier publisher of civil engineering knowledge, issuing numerous peer-reviewed journals including the flagship Journal of Structural Engineering and Journal of Environmental Engineering. It produces authoritative manuals such as the ASCE 7 standard for minimum design loads. Other key publications include Civil Engineering Magazine and the ASCE Press book series. The organization also develops consensus standards on topics like seismic design and pipe flow through committees that include experts from Arup and CH2M Hill.

Notable projects and awards

The society commemorates engineering achievements through the Historic Civil Engineering Landmark program, which includes sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hoover Dam. Its premier award is the OPAL Award for outstanding lifetime achievement. Other significant honors are the Norman Medal for technical papers and the Civil Engineering Research Foundation awards. The Report Card for America's Infrastructure, issued periodically, is a widely cited assessment of national infrastructure conditions, influencing policy debates in Congress.

Advocacy and public policy

The organization actively engages in advocacy through its Government Relations staff in Washington, D.C., promoting increased investment in national infrastructure. It provides testimony to committees like the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and collaborates with agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. Key policy positions support the Water Resources Development Act and resilient design standards. It also partners with groups like the American Road & Transportation Builders Association on legislative campaigns.

Education and professional development

The society supports education through accreditation via the ABET and student chapters at universities like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It offers extensive continuing education through the ASCE Continuing Education center, webinars, and conferences such as the Structures Congress. Professional development resources include the Body of Knowledge framework and preparation for the PE exam. Partnerships with the Society of American Military Engineers and scholarships from the ASCE Foundation further support the engineering pipeline.

Category:Engineering societies based in the United States Category:Professional associations based in Virginia