ENR Editor-in-Chief’s 1962 Tour Of Soviet Construction Projects.

In 1962, ENR Editor-in-Chief Waldo G. Bowman attended the 29th Executive Meeting of the International Commission on Large Dams in Moscow as part of the U.S. delegation. After three days of commission sessions, the delegates embarked on a two-week tour of dams sponsored by the Soviet Ministry of Power Station Construction. Bowman's report highlighted the use of precast concrete in Soviet construction projects and noted the competence of Soviet engineers in low-head, big river dams and hydro plants. However, he expressed puzzlement at their confidence in high concrete or rockfill dams, as they had little experience with them. The report also mentioned the extensive use of precast concrete in the Soviet housing program and the significant presence of women in the Soviet construction labor force. [Extracted from the article]