Ellie Gabel explores the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for modernizing America’s infrastructure to meet 21st century demands in transportation, energy, water, and broadband.
Infrastructure professionals are experiencing one of the most promising yet volatile periods of change. Grid technology, wastewater transmission, internet access, and countless other national utilities require varying degrees of improvement to accommodate modern life and business operations.
The United States has relied on outdated assets for years, but can we expect a seamless transition?
Current state of infrastructure
Modernization is a long-standing issue and has emerged as a major focus of several administrations.
This was most evident in November 2021 when a bipartisan infrastructure bill was passed, investing unprecedented federal funds into everything from bridges to power cables.
While the nation and its people have witnessed several enhancements over the past decade, it still requires significant progress and financial support to reach its full potential.
Considering the technological and utility needs of the 21st century economy, the United States has underperformed. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the nation’s comprehensive infrastructure a C grade on its report card, an improvement from its previous rating.
While policies and advocacy for U.S. infrastructure investments and operations have been helpful, the following are key areas where progress is needed.
Transportation: publicly available options, developing high-speed rail, strengthening ports for climate resilience, and repairing roads. Energy: modernizing the power grid, monitoring cybersecurity, improving transmission technology, and integrating renewable energy generators. Water: Enhanced treatment strategies, pipe replacements, updated quality standards, groundwater recharge solutions. Broadband: Cheaper internet service and faster access in rural and remote areas.
The biggest barrier between these projects is money. Policymakers will need to address funding gaps through legislation to enforce and standardize expectations for infrastructure development in the United States.
Need for upgrades and modifications
Much of America’s infrastructure is reaching the end of its useful life. These structures are designed and engineered for sparsely populated and technologically backward societies, so they cannot keep up with modern demands. Other motivations for modernization include:
Introduction of new pollutants into waterways. implementation of high-energy technologies such as artificial intelligence; Demand for sustainable operations and green technology. Inoperable or obsolete technology. Increased wear and tear on roads and bridges due to urbanization. Increased severity of cyber-attacks. We need to close the digital divide.
Additionally, climate stress is also a significant catalyst. Over the past decade, many U.S. cities have seen an increase in flood days and wildfires compared to previous years.
These events disrupted infrastructure security, leading to the destruction of buildings and a public health crisis. In the future, climate-resistant equipment will be required to minimize recovery time from disasters.
modernization methods
These are the best ways to propel America toward greater infrastructure.
Leverage evolving materials and technology
If industries such as construction can move beyond traditional materials, modern infrastructure could become more accessible.
Many older options, such as those containing heavy metals, are difficult to obtain and often require environmental degradation to obtain them. Additionally, if infrastructure sectors do not combine a diverse range of material options, supply chain concerns and availability will slow progress.
Newly developed materials such as galvanized steel, low carbon cement, mass timber and fiber optic cables are focused on increasing durability and reducing carbon emissions.
For example, Recygénie saved around 6,000 tons of natural resources with a large apartment building built with aggregate obtained from recycled construction and demolition waste.
Innovative technologies such as sensors, the Internet of Things, and digital twins can also be integrated into the infrastructure to provide real-time insights.
Use the Dig Once policy
The Dig Once policy is an infrastructure development approach that focuses on collaboration. Combine multiple sectors such as water, electricity, and sewerage to execute projects simultaneously in the same region.
This means you can root your efforts in one area. Experts can dig up the ground and temporarily disrupt habitats and societies, but there is no need to dig again in such a large-scale way.
Extensive case studies in New York and California show that this can be achieved with great success.
Focus on data-driven asset management
Data centers and battery energy storage systems are being built in many parts of the world because they can bring automation and economic prosperity to nations, as seen in the AES Andes Solar IIB power plant.
These resources are powered by analytics to provide scalable solutions for the future of your infrastructure. Eventually, everything from water distribution to power transmission will be able to automatically manage loads and prevent interruptions based on historical information and current usage.
Leverage public-private partnerships (P3)
Companies can work together, but working with P3s is even more powerful. They expand funding opportunities and expand access to insider expertise in specific industries.
This partnership also provides companies with permitting opportunities, allowing them to make changes that have a greater impact on their communities and public spaces. Regulatory oversight is a huge advantage for private businesses.
As of May 2024, there were 42 P3-based transportation projects in the United States with a minimum investment of $100,000. All of this has been completed, representing a 24% increase in these efforts compared to seven years ago. They are on the rise because they have a higher chance of success and a tendency to innovate.
make modern times a reality
It is possible to make America’s infrastructure meet the wants and needs of its people. Whether the goal is to build greater climate resilience or expand communication, experts in their fields can work together to build the society we all expect.
Despite underreporting, the country has everything it needs, including the workforce and the necessary technology, to propel its infrastructure into a new era of productivity, sustainability, and innovation.
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