Prominent structural steel industry professionals receive top awards

CHICAGO — Roberto Leon, William Segui, Atorod Azizinamini, David Platten, Reidar Bjorhovde, Karl Frank, David I. Ruby, and Jon Magnusson are honored by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) for their contributions to the advancement of the structural steel design and construction industry. The award recipients will be recognized on May 11 at the 2011 NASCC: The Steel Conference in Pittsburgh.

The Special Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated notable achievements in structural steel design, construction, research, or education. This award honors individuals who have made a positive and substantial impact on the structural steel design and construction industry. This year’s award recipients are:

• Roberto Leon, P.E., Ph.D., professor, Georgia Tech. Leon has made significant contributions to the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings and the AISC Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings. He is honored for his research in the design of composite steel/concrete structural systems.
• William Segui, P.E., Ph.D., professor, University of Memphis. Segui has fulfilled the educational needs of countless faculty and students with the publication of his textbook, Steel Design. In his book, he explains the design of steel structures clearly and thoroughly with many useful design examples.
• Atorod Azizinamini, professor, University of Nebraska. Azizinamini is honored for his development of a new short-span bridge concept using a folded plate and inverted tub configuration.
• David Platten, Walter P Moore. He is honored as structural principal in charge of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium for its innovative and record-setting long-span structure.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made a difference in the advancement of the structural steel design and construction industry. The award gives special recognition to individuals who have provided outstanding service over a sustained period of years to AISC and the structural steel design/construction/academic community. This year’s award recipients are:

• Reidar Bjorhovde, P.E., Ph.D., president of The Bjorhovde Group. Bjorhovde is honored as a long-time contributor to AISC publications. His many contributions include serving as Editor of the Journal of Constructional Research, authoring around 250 industry papers, serving on the AISC Specification Committee for more than 20 years and also in the education field as a professor at the University of Alberta, University of Arizona, and University of Pittsburgh.
• Karl Frank, Ph.D., emeritus professor, University of Texas, Austin. Frank is honored as a long-time contributor to AISC programs. He developed the AASHTO Specifications related to steel bridges and is the newest member of the Partners in Education committee. He also serves as a member of the Research Council on Structural Connections.
• David I. Ruby, S.E., P.E., Ruby + Associates. Ruby is honored for his contribution of expertise through publications, seminars, and articles covering good practices in design and construction, and constructability. He is a strong industry advocate and is involved with many organizations including AISC, CASE, and SEAMI.
• Jon Magnusson, P.E., chairman and CEO, Magnusson Klemencic Associates. Magnusson is honored for his significant achievements in steel design and construction, and he served as a key voice of reason in the discussion of structural robustness and integrity following the 9/11 attacks.