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Civil engineering—specialized 
HIGHWAYS. While much highway engineering work is done by the engi- 
neering staffs on the National Forests, there is more advanced work in this 
field for which special training is required. This includes road design using 
digital computers, the establishment of design standards, preparation of 
general construction specifications, economic analyses of proposed programs, 
and other related responsibilities that are not normally delegated to a forest 
staff. This type of work is accomplished by civil engineers who are specialists 
in highway engineering. 
BRIDGES. Specialists in this branch of civil engineering are employed for 
the design of the many bridges needed in the forest road system. In contrast 
to the work of State Highway Departments, Forest Service requirements for 
bridges permit little use of so-called standard designs which can be adapted 
for use in various locations. Usually each bridge site presents a special 
problem that requires a high degree of professional competence. The type of 
foundation must be considered in each instance. For the bridge design, 
sometimes it is found that a concrete arch is most suitable. At other sites 
rigid frames, trusses, concrete or steel beams, or suspended spans may be 
used. The bridge engineer must be qualified to give each of these options 
careful consideration. In reaching the best solution he must rely on his 
training and experience plus a maximum use of his own initiative and 
ingenuity. 
STRUCTURES. Civil engineers who specialize in structures are engaged in 
the planning, design, and construction of a wide range of facilities as well as 
their reconstruction, repair, and maintenance. Structures required by the 
Forest Service include the conventional items such as offices, warehouses, and 
residences needed by any large organization plus many others peculiar to 
Forest Service use. Large and small dams, retaining walls, fire control in- 
stallations, and research laboratories are examples. In addition to design 
work at the drawing board, the structural engineer may be assigned as 
construction inspector or as resident or project engineer. He may do other 
types of fieldwork. As a forest land management agency, the Forest Service 
encourages the use of timber engineered designs, but it provides ample oppor- 
tunities for experience in designs using masonry, reinforced concrete, and steel. 
