George S. Richardson (engineer)

George Sherwood Richardson (1896–1988) was an American engineer known for his elegant bridges, innovative construction techniques and skillful planning of highways.[1] Designer of many bridges in the Pittsburgh and Allegheny County areas in the 20th century, he has been called "the dean of Pittsburgh bridge engineers".[2]

Born in Georgetown, Colorado, he served in World War I prior to graduating from the University of Colorado in 1920.[3] After a stint with the Wyoming Department of Highways and time on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, Richardson went on to rise to be assistant chief engineer of the Allegheny County Department of Public Works.

In 1939 he founded his own firm, Richardson, Gordon & Associates, which has been involved in the planning and design of a number of major highway projects across the United States. In the 1980s, the company was acquired by international architectural and engineering conglomerate HDR, Inc. [4]

Among other notable work, the firm created the erection process and custom equipment used to put up the Eero Saarinen-designed Saint Louis Gateway Arch.

Richardson died of a heart attack at the age of 92 in the home to which he had retired in Colorado Springs, Colorado.[5]

Notable projects

Industry service

Awards

References
  1. Norman R. Voigt, PE, PLS (2011). Transportation Depth Reference Manual for the Civil PE Exam. www.ppi2pass.com. p. ix. ISBN 9781591260943.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. Marylynne Pitz (July 21, 2013). "Pittsburgh bridges a showcase of engineering ingenuity". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  3. http://www.colorado.edu/engineering/deaa/cgi-bin/display.pl?id=51
  4. History of Excellence: 90th Anniversary, 1917-2007 (PDF). HDR, Inc. 2007. p. 31.
  5. "Obituaries: George S. Richardson, Designer of City Bridges". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. August 30, 1988. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  6. Helen Wilson, Todd Wilson PE (2015). Pittsburgh's Bridges. Arcadia Publishing. p. 21. ISBN 978-1467134248.
  7. http://pghbridges.com/articles/haer/liberty_PA448/liberty_HAER448.htm
  8. Historic Landmark Plaques 1968-2009 (PDF). Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation. 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
  9. http://pghbridges.com/pittsburghW/0583-4476/ft_pitt_br.htm
  10. "Engineer Receives Award". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. February 22, 1963. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
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