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Caltrans Testers Test Out New Construction Materials Program

They usually test construction materials. But this week, two dozen Caltrans and industry technicians from throughout the state were at Cal State Long Beach to test out a new program to increase quality and reduce delays on construction projects.

Supported by a $1.3 million interagency agreement with Caltrans, and implemented by CSULB, the Joint Training & Certification Program (JTCP) will deliver training and certification for materials testing technicians in the specialties of Hot-Mix Asphalt, Soils and Aggregates, and Portland Cement Concrete.

Asphalt for testingThis week’s two-day pilot class, a combination of seminar and lab, was intended to iron out any wrinkles before the first classes begin early next year. “I hope you have a great experience,” principal investigator Shadi Saadeh, a CSULB civil engineering associate professor, told the testers. “I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to offer your feedback.” Continue reading “Caltrans Testers Test Out New Construction Materials Program”

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8 Faculty Join College of Engineering

New Faculty snapshotThe CSULB College of Engineering has hired seven new tenure-track faculty, expanding expertise into technologies such as optoelectronic devices, the Internet of Things, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS), thermal fluids, visual data sensing, and therapeutic systems to promote healing. In addition, Bill Wolfe, Faculty Emeritus in Ohio State University’s Civil, Environmental, and Geodesic Engineering Department, will spearhead growth of a new engineering specialty as temporary CSULB Beavers Endowed Chair in Heavy Civil Engineering. Continue reading “8 Faculty Join College of Engineering”

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CECEM Dept Lauds Class of 2016

Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management faculty lauded the accomplishments of their graduates at the Department Graduation awards ceremony and reception Monday.

“I know sometimes you wished your journey would continue and you could stay with us,” said CECEM Chair Tesfai Goitom.

“What a happy occasion, and I’m so glad to be here,” said Dean Forouzan Golshani. “I know each one of you has a wonderful story. I’m so glad you managed to maneuver around the obstacles.”

The College of Engineering Department Graduations were intended to give grads a chance to socialize with fellow students and say goodbye to faculty. “We organized this event so you can shake hands with your professors one more time. We salute you now not as students but as professional engineers,” the Dean said.

Alumni Caleb Shen (CE) and Kris Nordbak (CEM) received Distinguished Alumni Awards for their contributions to CECEM. “It’s a privilege to be receiving this,” said Shen, who graduated in December and now works as an engineer for Granite Construction. He credited ASAE with providing many learning opportunities during his time at CSULB. Continue reading “CECEM Dept Lauds Class of 2016”

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Beavers Endowed Chair in Heavy Civil Construction Established

Hoover Dam, Boulder City, Nevada
Hoover Dam, Boulder City, Nevada

The CSULB College of Engineering will commemorate the creation of the Beavers Endowed Chair in Heavy Civil Construction on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. in the courtyard west of the Vivian Engineering Center (VEC) Building. Funded by the Beavers Charitable Trust and other major supporters, the Beavers Chair will promote interest in civil and construction engineering at CSULB, as well as strengthen the pipeline of highly skilled heavy construction practitioners.

The heavy civil engineering and construction industry employs nearly 1 million people across the country, and according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is one of the fastest-growing engineering sectors. Heavy civil engineering refers to the design and construction of highways, bridges, rail corridors, dams, and other infrastructure. Continue reading “Beavers Endowed Chair in Heavy Civil Construction Established”