In the late 19th century, advances in steel manufacturing enabled bold engineering feats. The Firth of Forth in Scotland, a two-mile-wide estuary, long hindered travel between Edinburgh and the Highlands. Building a bridge there required record-setting foundations and innovative methods to withstand harsh conditions. In 1882, Sir Benjamin Baker, Sir John Fowler, and Sir William Arrol accepted the challenge, drawing on past successes like the Eads Bridge and lessons from failures such as the Tay disaster. Completed in 1890, the Forth Bridge revolutionized bridge design, showcasing steel’s potential and pioneering the cantilever method, shaping 20th-century engineering.
Raymond “Paul” Giroux is a distinguished member of ASCE and a member of the National Academy of Construction. He earned his BS in construction engineering from Iowa State University and spent 45 years with Kiewit, contributing to landmark projects such as the Fort McHenry Tunnel, Boston’s Big Dig, and the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge East Span. Currently, Paul is a professor of engineering practice at Purdue University. A renowned author and speaker, he has delivered over 500 presentations worldwide and played key roles in major engineering anniversary events. His numerous awards reflect his dedication to advancing civil engineering history and practice.