History and Heritage

Civil engineers build the world's infrastructure. In doing so, they shape the history of nations around the world. This site provides information on the people, projects, and concepts that comprise the history and heritage of civil engineering. Feel  free to browse through the various sections to learn more about this history and ASCE's History & Heritage Program.

Goldfields Water Supply Landmark Designation approved by Board

"Engineering refers to the practice of organizing the design and construction [and, I would add operation] of any artifice which transforms the physical world around us to meet some recognized need."

from Gordon Fredrick Crichton Rogers'
The Nature of Engineering, A Philosophy of Technology

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In order to meet the need for water in Western Australia, a pipeline was designed and built between 1896 and 1903 that became longest water main in the world at that time. This civil engineering feat was acknowledged by ASCE's Board of Direction at its November meeting by approving the designation of the Goldfields Water Supply (GWS) in Western Australia as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The GWS consisted of an impounding weir at Mundaring and a 565 kilometer (351 miles) pipeline. At the time, it was also the first major pipeline in the world constructed of steel. The GWS continues to play a highly significant role in the economic development of Western Australia.

Mundaring Weir during construction - about 1902 [Image from Wikipedia article on the Goldfields Water Supply ]

Woodhead Dam Named International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

On August 1, 2008, David Mongan, President of ASCE, presented the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) with a plaque designating the Woodhead Dam, Tabletop Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa, an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Built between 1893 and 1897, Woodhead Dam was the first large masonry dam designed and built in South Africa. For more information on this dam, click here.

Below is a photograph of the plaque being presented to the officers of the SAICE. They are from left to right:

Back Row : Verelene De Koker, SAICE editor; Marie Ashpole, SAICE Outreach Officer; Marianne Van der Schuren, SAICE western Cape Branch Chair; Johan De Koker, President of SAICE; David Mongan, President of ASCE; Patrick Natale, Executive Director of ASCE; and Meggan Maughan-Brown, Director of International Affairs, ASCE.

Front Row: Anthony Murray, Chair, History & Heritage, SAICE and David Botha, Executive Director of SAICE

NEW! A Brochure on ASCE's

History and Heritage Program

The History & Heritage Committee has produced a new brochure describing all the different aspects of ASCE's program. It describes not only such well-known programs as the Landmark program but also the publications, symposia, and, of course, the Web site. This compact brochure provides members with a n easy way to promote the field's history with the public. It is also a good way for faculty to introduce their students to the wonderful heritage of their chosen field.

To request copies, please email Carol Reese, staff contact for the committee.