A Day in the Life of … a Bridge Engineer

"I thought I wanted to design hi-rise buildings but before I graduated I knew that I wanted to be a bridge engineer," said Bob B., 18 year veteran bridge engineer for ARCADIS.

8:00 a.m. Arrive at the office.
Project in progress: Request for Proposal (RFP) for a pedestrian bridge that will span 150 feet of open water between a pier and a park; bridge can be movable or fixed but must accommodate specific ship traffic; bridge is within view of the Cleveland Browns Stadium and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; will be used by thousands of tourists and local citizens.

"This project is exciting. I've been working with architects and engineers to create conceptual bridge solutions that will excite our potential client."

10:30 a.m. Conference call with architect in our Cleveland office. Discuss proposal in progress.

"There's tons of research and lots of conference calls. A signature bridge must be designed for this project. I've been consulting with one of our premier bridge engineers in France on this one. We've also pulled in a national architect from Maryland and a bridge firm from New York City specializing in movable bridges to brainstorm. All of us work as a team — project manager, bridge engineer, roadway engineer, lighting engineer, environmental engineer and architects. Everyone is focused on this goal."

12:15 p.m. Grab a bite to eat from the deli downstairs. Take a call on my cell from my wife.

"It is nice to take a break to talk to my wife about our young children.  It helps me regain perspective before I dive back in to my work."

1:00 p.m. Received call from county engineer requesting ARCADIS inspect a steel arch bridge that is currently being rehabilitated. A crack was discovered.

"One minute I'm writing a proposal for a bridge and the next I'm called to inspect a bridge for safety.  I like the variety of work I get to be involved with."

2:00 p.m. Arrive at bridge with cracked steel. I inspect the bridge with the owner and the contractor and we discuss our findings.

"There is a lot of pressure in a situation like this. The public must be protected but at the same time they don't want to be inconvenienced with a closed bridge. I enjoy being a part of these difficult decisions. And being consulted speaks highly of our reputation."

4:00 p.m. Back in the office. Check e-mail and phone messages. Work continues on RFP.

"I imagine a stadium full of people viewing a bridge that I designed. I see thousands of people using it. I envision my peers admiring the design. This is why I love being a bridge engineer."

5:00 p.m. Track RFP delivery schedule. Record billable time. Lights out.

"Bridge engineering gives me more control over the product. I like that."