• Design resolves flooding and water supply problems
WASHINGTON, DC, Mar. 11, 2009 -- CDM of Cambridge, Mass., is a finalist in the American Council of Engineering Companies' 43rd annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition for the Marina Barrier and Reservoir project in Singapore.
ACEC is the Washington-D.C.-based engineering industry association representing the business and political interests for owners and principals of approximately 5,700 independent engineering companies throughout the United States.
Although Singapore receives nearly 100 inches of rainfall a year, it has limited natural catchment area to ensure a reliable water supply for its 4.8 million residents. The heavy rains also contribute to stormwater and tidal flooding problems across the populated areas.
CDM designed the 1,150-foot-long tidal barrier and nine 100-foot-long hydraulically operated steel crest gates to convert former port waterways into a major new reliable freshwater supply -- the 2.5-billion gallon Marina Reservoir.
The project is among 168 engineering projects from across the nation that are being recognized by ACEC as preeminent engineering achievements for 2008. Judging for the prestigious Engineering Excellence Awards -- known industry-wide as the "Academy Awards" of engineering -- took place in February, and was conducted by a distinguished panel of 36 engineers and architects, along with representatives from government, media, and academia. Criteria for awards included uniqueness and originality, technical, social and economic value, complexity, and success of the projects in meeting goals.
All winners, including 16 Honor Awards, eight Grand Awards and the "Grand Conceptor Award" for the best overall engineering achievement, will be recognized at the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala, to be held Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of America's engineering industry, representing nearly 5,700 independent engineering companies throughout the United States engaged in the development of America's transportation, water and energy infrastructure, along with environmental, industrial and other public and private facilities. Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional organizations.
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