What civil engineers are reading this week

• Civil engineers should ‘weigh in on the real impacts’ of shutdown on infrastructure, experts say

  The government shutdown began Oct. 1 and has resulted in a slew of funding freezes, including an estimated $26 billion for U.S. infrastructure projects. The pause in funding could cause major issues for projects.

• It wasn’t space debris that struck a United Airlines plane; it was a weather balloon

  The question of what happened to a United Airlines aircraft, and its severely damaged front window, appears to be answered in the form of a weather balloon.

• How can you guide your team successfully through major, disruptive project pivots?

  When sudden pivots occur, it can be difficult to keep a team motivated. But there are ways to improve morale and even spin setbacks into opportunities. These engineers share how they’ve gone about it.

• New earthquake model solves decades-old mystery

  A new lab earthquake model connects real fault contact areas with earthquake dynamics, paving the way for improved prediction and early warning systems.

• US has a new road map for fusion energy, but it still lacks signposts

  The Department of Energy has released a plan for the U.S. to realize the dream of harnessing fusion energy, although details remain vague, considering it relies on breakthroughs yet to be achieved. 

• Hey, what’s the big idea? The Society seeks yours as call for content opens for ASCE2027

  ASCE2027 – a new kind of infrastructure event that will be more like an experience than a typical conference – comes to Philadelphia in March 2027. The call for content is open, and and bold ideas are encouraged.