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This paper examines mutual recognition of professional engineering qualifications and the globalisation of accreditation of engineering education by US organisation ABET. Scrutiny of the Washington Accord on mutual recognition and a recent attempt to gain ABET accreditation for a UK civil engineering degree programme highlights differences between ABET and the UK Engineering Council. The ambiguity of the Washington Accord also means it may be interpreted differently by signatories. It is suggested that ABET accreditation and the US professional engineer (PE) qualification may become the de-facto global standard due to lack of significant competition from the UK or Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2001 and 2005, around £250 million was spent on construction research in UK universities. The funds were either directly allocated to projects or indirectly as core funds to support research infrastructure. The latter were allocated according to the standing and vitality or ‘power’ of the research groups, the average of which in 2001 showed a dramatic but little publicised improvement over 1996. This paper describes the process used to assess that research power and then analyses the data for the last assessment in 2001. It concludes that the UK has around 700 or so civil engineering research academics who are recognised as international in their outlook and whose performance is well above average, despite belowaverage support. It urges the UK construction professionals to take more advantage of this hidden resource on their doorstep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Getting ahead in civil engineering today is, like most other professions, very much down to an individual's own efforts. Based on in-depth interviews with senior civil engineers and human resources managers at five major UK engineering organisations, this paper concludes that the traditional hierarchical, linear and predictable nature of civil engineering career development no longer exists. Promotion today depends very much on how individuals manage their own careers. Civil engineers need to make the best use of the support resources available to them and then follow their passions, be proactive and grasp opportunities. They should also build and share expertise, take considered risks, use positive politics, raise their visibility, promote their profiles, network and find role models and mentors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings in mainland Britain have suffered from several serious blast incidents over the past two decades, from the 1992 St Mary Axe bomb in the City of London to the Buncefield oil depot explosion in 2005. This paper is based on the authors' experiences of investigating and repairing the resulting damage to many of the major buildings involved in these incidents. It describes how forensic investigation - including laboratory and on-site testing and computer modelling and analysis techniques - was vital to these investigations to assess dynamic response, extent of damage and residual strength of the buildings and structural elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article details how rope-access techniques are being used for the inspection of bridges and viaducts and Great Britain and argues the benefits for more civil engineers to be trained in rope-access work. The article discusses the methods and techniques for the planning, examination and inspection of high-level steel and masonry structures using rope access. The author argues that the use of qualified engineers in the task provides the client with a better and mire accurate service.

The article provides information on the report entitled "Flooding: Engineering Resilience" released by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). The report shows how the infrastructure in Great Britain including power stations, water plants, and transport systems is still too far from the danger of flooding.

The article reports on the call of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) to members of the British parliament to back the new Planning Bill in May 2008. ICE is urging the government not to vote against the proposed independent infrastructure planning commission. According to ICE, the new body is needed to improve the inadequate planning system and ensure delivery of essential infrastructure projects across the country. In relevance, an ICE-led meeting in May outlined the industry-wide support of the engineering sector concerning the said independent commission.

The article reports on updates to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Benevolent Fund. The fund, which was founded in 1864, aims to support ICE members throughout their careers. The changes include a free 24-hour helpline, an outplacement career service, and a simple document called "Where is it kept,". The 24-hour helpline offers assistance on employment law, which includes advice on debt problems, insurance disputes, and consumer issues, among others. The outplacement career service aims to help members find employment in the engineering sector. The document "Where is it kept,", which can be downloaded from the website www.bfice.org.uk, is designed for engineers and their spouses or partners.

The article offers information on the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and its attempt to have a balanced and authoritative policy to be able to assist stakeholders, members, as well as the society in deciding what should be done on the vast and controversial issue on climate change. It is noted that despite the wide range of ideas and options on adjusting to climate change, ICE has learned that sustainability if the right solution. In fact, it has patronized measures like landfill tax and advocated policies such as the "polluter pay" policy.

The article presents news related to the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in Great Britain. Senior ICE representatives recently met with the British government's chief scientific advisor and head of the Office of Science and Technology (OST), David King. During the meeting and subsequent talks with OST director Tony Whitehead, ICE was pleased to hear the importance King places on the engineering aspects of his role. The ICE's new online application system for would-be graduate members was launched in July 2005, offering a paperless and more convenient alternative to the existing application process.