Engineering at the Edge: Inspecting Critical Infrastructures

Each of the 90,000 dams in the U.S. plays a critical role in the community it serves — from preventing floods to generating hydroelectric power to providing a water supply for drinking, irrigation and recreation. Consistent, expert inspection of these structures is also critical, which is why HDR has a bench of nearly 70 engineers, geologists and technicians who are certified to evaluate structures in real life, suspended from ropes. 

Get a look at these courageous folks at work and read more in the article “Engineering at the Edge: Inspecting Critical Structures” in the 2026 Summer issue of USSD Dams and Levees Bulletin.