ASEP Through the Years: 1996-1998

1996-1997

• The 7th International Convention was held on May 15-17, 1997 at the Manila Midtown Hotel. Theme for this year's convention is "Structural Engineering: Facing the Challenge of Economic Growth". A total of 22 topics are discussed under 13 technical sessions from local and foreign experts.
  
  
• The ASEP Forum committee held the following a) Aerated Autoclaved Concrete and Nelson Stud Anchor technology; b) Precast Building Structures - Seismic Design for Precast Floors and Other Precast Structures. This is under the chairmanship of Engr. Emilio Daniel G. Tible III.
  
  
• Dr. Benito M. Pacheco was the official ASEP representative to the committee meeting of the Concrete Model Code for Asia held on March 4-6, 1997 in Hyderabad, India. Participants to this committee meeting were from Australia, India, Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan and Philippines.
  
  
• Another seminar-workshop funded by the AusAID was held in Melbourne, Australia on November 20-22, 1997 which is the Harmonisation of Structural Loading Design and Construction in APEC Countries. The purpose of this seminar-workshop is to explore the possibility of regional consistency in the way loading or buildings are specified. This was divided into three (3) topics:
  
  
  1. load combination rules and general design requirements attended by Dr. Benito M. Pacheco;
  2. wind loading attended by Prof. Jose Ma. De Castro; and
  3. earthquake loading attended by Engr. Carlos Villaraza.
  
  
• The Philippine Applied Technology Council (PATC) Committee was formed under the initiative of ASEP together with other engineering organizations in the Philippines such as PICE. Its primary goal is to improve the seismic resistance of engineering structures in the Philippines by developing improved seismic design standards and construction practices.
  
  
• Another new committee under the Chairmanship of Engr. Octavio A. Kalalo is the Committee on Professional Fees and Foreign Consultants. A draft of a suggested Schedule of Minimum Professional Fees for Structural Engineering Design Consultancy Services was presented to the ASEP board for approval.
  
  
• Under the Chairmanship of Engr. Adam C. Abinales, the 2nd ASEP Bowling Tournament was held on December 7, 1996 at the SM Megamall Bowling Center.
  
  
• For the ASEP Publications, the National Structural Code of the Phil. (NSCP) Vol. I (Buildings) and the ASEP Steel Handbook were reprinted due to increasing demand. Under revisions are the following: National Structural Code of the Phil. (NSCP) Vol. II (Bridges) and the NSCP Vol. I.
  
  
• Under the Chairmanship of Engr. Roland E. Cruz, additional books are related materials for the ASEP Library were purchased from the American Concrete Institute (ACI), Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (ERRI) and Parry's Book Center.
  
  
• The ASEP Headquarters was renovated on April 1997 including repair of leaks on the roof (tinsmitting works), replacement of ceiling and flooring and painting. This is under the chairmanship of Engr. Jose S. Abad.

1997-1998

• The Conference of Concrete Art, Science and Technology (CAST '98) was initially held on June 5-6, 1998 at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. Co-organized with the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), this was repeated in Davao on July 9-11, 1998 and was likewise held in several key cities. Under the Chairmanship of Dr. Benito M. Pacheco, the theme for this conference was "Innovations and Initiatives to Make Quality Concrete Structures.
  
  
• The ASEP Forum committee headed by Engr. Richard Sipin held the following fora:
  
  
  1. Jacinto Steel Deck (November 24, 1998);
  2. Application of Selected Foundation Techniques to Philippine Ground Condition (March 24, 1998);
  3. Industrial Steel Grating and Handrails (April 24, 1998);
  4. Pretension Spun Concrete Piles (June 23, 1998).
  
  
• Committee chairman Engr. Adam C. Abinales released two ASEP Newsletters. This is the November-December 1997 issue and January-March 1998 issue respectively.
  
  
• For the ASEP Library, the following books were purchased for this year:
  
  
  1. Uniform Building Code (1997) with CD-ROM;
  2. LRFD Manual with CD-ROM;
  3. ASD Manual. These books are vital for the revision of the NSCP Vol. I that was started by the committee.
  
  
• The NSCP Vol. II - Bridges, 1997 Edition was formally launched on March 4, 1998 at the Dusit Hotel Nikko. Signing NSCP Vol. II - Bridges, 1997 Edition was formally launched on March 4, 1998 at the Dusit Hotel Nikko. Signing ceremonies were witnessed by Director Bienvenido C. Leuterio, Bureau of Design DPWH.
  
  
• The Asian Concrete Model Code committee meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 12, 1998 was attended by ASEP President Engr. Nicanor M. Mayoralgo.
  
  
• Board Resolution No. 3 endorsing unanimously the two (2) Proposed Professional Regulations Commission with modifications was passed by the Board of Directors. The PRC-BCE Resolutions involved the following.
  
  
  1. Rules and Regulations Governing Foreign Civil Engineers Allowed by Law to Practice their Professions in the Philippines.
  2. Rules and Regulations Clarifying the Scope and Definition of the Practice of Civil Engineering.
  
  
• Under the chairmanship of sports Committee Chairman Engr. Luis I. Mallonga the 3rd ASEP Bowling Tournament held on December 13, 1997 at the Colorado Lanes, Makati City was participated in by 12 engineering firms led by its major sponsors LKS Construction Corp.
  
  
• To facilitate communication among members and other affiliates, the ASEP availed of the Internet service, asep@compass.com.ph.