ENR 'Inspects' San Francisco's Signature Span
| For the first issue of 2005, we take a look at how one of the world’s most recognizable suspension bridges is being strengthened to help it survive “The Big One”—an earthquake of magnitude 8.3 on the San Andreas Fault . Contractors are now finishing the second part of an intricate three-phase seismic upgrade of San Francisco’s Golden Gate. To better understand and document the complex project for ENR, Associate Editor Joann Gonchar and Contributing Photographer Michael Goodman traveled to the Bay Area to see the work first hand. For Gonchar, an architect, the behind-the-scenes tour of the world-renowned structure was a look into the sphere of pure engineering. “Joseph Strauss’ design was very sculptural—like some of the best buildings,” she says. Gonchar has written about architectural icons such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water and Santiago Calatrava’s Milwaukee Art Museum. Goodman, who has visited more than 30 countries to shoot construction projects, ranks the Golden Gate experience high on his list. “Not only is it a beautiful bridge and location, it’s an engineering marvel,” he says. In an ENR tradition, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the first issue also announces The Top 25 Newsmakers. To select the individuals who best served the construction industry, ENR’s editors pored over the stories they had written in the past 12 months. One of these individuals has already been selected to receive ENR’s highest honor, the Award of Excellence. The Newsmakers and the Award of Excellence winner will be honored at a black tie dinner in New York City on March 30. Information about attending will be posted shortly on enr.com. |
