Civil engineers launch nation’s first utilities pipeline and surveying institute

With the premier of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) new Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI), civil engineers have one more reason to “dig” their profession. ASCE President Robert Stevens, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE and inaugural UESI President Randall Hill, P.E., F.ASCE unveiled the new institute at the association’s 2015 Pipelines Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.    

ASCE’s 9^th technical institute, UESI will be the first national organization designed to embrace professionals engaged in utility and pipeline infrastructure engineering regardless of the products they transport, as well as surveying professionals. Once fully operational in October, the institute will establish standards and manuals of practice that reflect state-of- the-art engineering practices including planning, design, construction, operations, and asset management for utility infrastructure and surveying.  

The vision of Robert Stevens, whose leadership path began in ASCE’s technical institutes, UESI will provide a home for pipeline and utility infrastructure engineers and surveyors where they can collectively work to strengthen the two professions. “Technical excellence has always been at the heart of ASCE and its mission, says Stevens. “The establishment of UESI will give our members working in these fields an organization focused on their needs and unique opportunities to work together using ASCE’s brand to push for innovations.” 

UESI is led by a 10-member board of governors from a variety of utility pipeline and surveying disciplines. As the organization evolves, it is expected to draw up to 8,000 members.