Exploring the Role of Environmental Engineers in Sustainability

Schlaich Bergermann Partner is an international structural engineering and consulting firm, with a specialty in bridges, stadia, and complex roof/canopy design. Some of their notable projects include the 1988 Williamsburg Bridge renovation, the skylight above Moynihan Train Hall, the Olympic Aquatics Center in Paris, and the spire and glass paneling of the World Trade Center.​

This summer I researched the carbon footprint of two current projects, the​ Williams Crossing Pedestrian Bridge in Tulsa, OK, and the Ralph Wilson Park Bridge in Buffalo, NY. The goal was to estimate the difference between the projected and actual CO2 emissions, and determine the cause of that difference.​

I also developed an beam-optimization tool that, given load requirements, determines the shape, strength, and material with the lowest CO2 footprint. With this tool, I produced a few design ideas for the railing of the Cedar Park Bridge in Cedar Park, TX using Rhino, a 3D modeling software.​

I particularly enjoyed designing the railing, as it blended creativity and technicality into a visually aesthetic and highly functional result. My work this summer definitely influenced my career path and has made me consider environmental engineering and engineering sustainability for the future.

Internship funded by the Annual Fund For Career Readiness provided by Mark E. Patterson '97.​