What civil engineers are reading this week

• New bridge in eastern Rwanda brings transformative benefits to residents on each side

  A permanent suspension bridge will provide access to schools, hospitals, markets, and transportation routes. The engineers on the project share their firsthand recollections about the work with ASCE.

• Why plugging in all those EVs could actually save the power grid

  As utilities switch to renewables, you’ll get paid to send battery power back into the system, making it stronger and cheaper for everyone.

• To win AI race, the US needs expanded pumped storage hydropower, report says

  Faster permitting and project development will expand pumped storage hydropower and meet growing electricity demand related to artificial intelligence, a report says. Why is the technology ideal for AI data centers?

• Team uses fiber-reinforced polymer to repair concrete-filled steel piles at Port of New Orleans

  The Nashville Wharf was restored while remaining operational, avoiding the significant costs and disruption associated with large-scale pile replacement.

• Banned from owning power plants, NY utilities now want to build solar and wind farms

  The state forced utilities to sell off power plants in the 1990s to encourage competition. Now, the companies want to generate wind and solar power to help meet state climate goals and shore up the grid.

• New ASCE companion manuals explore overhead power line and substation foundations

  The two new manuals establish a broad resource for engineers working on transmission line and substation foundation projects.