Rapid advances in computer technology and telecommunication networks have already ushered in a new era of global economy. Our ability to respond to new needs and opportunities will be severely restricted by the infrastructure inherited from the past. The civil engineer of the 21 st century will face new challenges. Most of our built infrastructures are falling below capacity or urgently need repair and replacement. According to a recent study by the Civil Engineering Research Foundation, nearly 60 of our major airports are currently experiencing serious congestion, and 40 percent of our bridges are structurally deficient.
Water resources are at all time low, and more than half of the rivers around the globe are polluted.
To maintain the current quality of life, civil engineers need to develop new strategies in order to do more with fewer resources. Research and education in the field of civil engineering will need to be geared towards developing different kinds of technologically innovative products, processes, and systems for improving the future performance of public facilities. An interdisciplinary approach in education will prepare civil engineering students for forthcoming shifts in technologies. Robotics, computer aided design, wireless communications, data base management and information technologies have already found widespread applications in the construction of dams, hi-rise buildings and intelligent transportation systems. We at the Department of Civil and Materials Engineering foresee that the key to the revitalization of our infrastructure is in the hands of our students.