Imagine, if you will, civil engineers carefully studying data. They nominate a project for an ASCE Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Today we stand before the ASCE National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark Plaque. It signifies a project’s lasting contribution to society. This program by the American Society of Civil Engineers celebrates significant engineering achievements.
ASCE’s Historic Civil Engineering Landmark program recognizes historically significant projects. These can be local, national, or even international. The program aims to increase public appreciation for civil engineering. It also fosters historical awareness among civil engineers.
ASCE provides a physical plaque for the site. It maintains an online historical record open to everyone. The program encourages preservation of historic civil engineering works. This includes documenting and maintaining the landmark. It also promotes including landmark information in encyclopedias and guidebooks.
But what makes a project worthy of this designation? The nominated project must possess national historic civil engineering significance. Its size or technical complexity alone isn’t enough. It should represent a significant aspect of civil engineering history. The project doesn’t need to be designed or built by a civil engineer. Projects should have some uniqueness. This could be a first project of its kind. Or it could have made a significant contribution through design or construction.
The project itself must have contributed to the development of the nation. A project that didn’t lead to further developments might not qualify. Even if it was the first or only one of its kind. Designated landmarks should be generally accessible to the public. Safety or geographic isolation may restrict access. Nominated projects need to be at least 50 years old. This is measured from substantial completion to the plaque presentation.
ASCE provides a 19” x 13” plaque. A place viewable by the public must be available to mount it. Nominations must come from an ASCE organizational entity. A related engineering society can also nominate. The History and Heritage Committee studies the nominations carefully. They compare the project to similar projects. Detailed documentation must support all claims.
The review process can take up to a year. Sometimes a worthy nomination is deemed not nationally significant. In those cases, HHC might suggest local or state designation. These designations are equally important. They honor the profession and the region’s people.
The Los Angeles Section has several National Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks. These include the Colorado River Aqueduct and Arroyo Seco Parkway. Also listed are the Tehachapi Pass Railroad Line and the First Owens River-Los Angeles Aqueduct. Other landmarks are the Tustin Blimp Hangars and Morris Dam.
Designation as an ASCE landmark is voluntary. It doesn’t create legal obligations for owners or operators. It doesn’t impose restrictions on altering or replacing the Landmark.
So next time you see an ASCE plaque consider its significance. It represents engineering achievements that shaped our world. It also celebrates the ingenuity and dedication of civil engineers.