David B. Byers
Principal, Genesis Structures, Inc.

Bridge structures have increased in complexity throughout the modern era with the development of advanced analysis techniques, materials and an increased public appetite for “signature” structures that serve as landmarks in their community.  With this increase in complexity comes challenges to the engineering and construction community to both erect and remove structures in a safe and efficient manner. This presentation will explore the erection and float-in of two 440-foot network tied arches in Little Rock, Arkansas and the surgical demolition of a 1232-foot self-anchored suspension bridge in Kansas City, Missouri.

David Byers is a founding Principal of Genesis Structures where he specializes in the design, erection and demolition of complex bridge structures of all types.  David earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1999 while working in the bridge design office of HNTB Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri.  In addition to his professional practice, Dr. Byers has been involved in several teaching assignments at the university level and is a registered professional engineer in 24 states as well as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE).  David resides with his wife, Sharon, in the quiet countryside near Kansas City, Missouri.