Name: Justin McNeel
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Beaumont
Major: Civil Engineering
Research Topic: Bridge removal and reconstruction
Synopsis of Research: The national bridge system has been in the public eye recently due to safety problems. Many aging bridges require repair and rehabilitation. McNeel spent the summer of 2007 in New York City working on the removal of an aging bridge and reconstruction of a new bridge to replace it. As a field engineer intern, his responsibilities included field layout for the old bridge demolition and new bridge installation within 60 days. He tracked daily costs, oversaw and assisted labor crews and performed safety walks. His work made a contribution to the successful completion on time of an important bridge project. His faculty mentor, Dr. Robert Yuan, has encouraged him to document his field findings in a written report or thesis.
Dates of Research: Summer 2007
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Yuan, P.E.
Justin McNeel: “You’re confident in what you know because they were there to help you along the way. I have a solid background. I know what I know, and if I don’t know it, I’ll ask questions and try to learn just like I have in school.”
