ASCE Publications: What separates this journal from others in the field?

Antonio Nanni: In my mind, JMCE is truly a unique publication. The journal consists of four sections that cover the material systems used in civil engineering. One covers cementitious material, one for asphalt, one on geo-materials, and finally a section on hybrids that is really a catch-all: steel, timber, masonry, and composites. When a reader gets a copy of the journal, they can get a sense of what is happening in the entire civil engineering arena. The reader can really leverage the knowledge of one specific area of materials to another. This makes JMCE unique and comprehensive.

Another defining element of this journal, is in using the term civil. Having a paper published in the JMCE journal that speaks to the civil engineering community may be more far reaching than publishing in a niche area. This is the primary reason that authors from all over the world look to publish with us. We represent a professional organization, not a for-profit publisher, and that is fundamental to our appeal.

ASCE Publications: What are the hot topics in your space?

Antonio Nanni: I would start by saying that innovation and progress really depend on what we do in materials. Our journal, JMCE, is central to the development of new technology with respect to the built world. The key topics that come to mind, that are true across the board, are sustainability and durability. This is the case for cementitious material where we are looking at alternatives to Portland cement. It’s true for asphalt; it’s true for any system. The idea of recycling has become central to the topics we are covering.

Another key topic for the research community is nanotechnologies and how we in civil engineering can benefit from this type of technology that has already been applied in other industries.

ASCE Publications: Have you seen changes in your field during your tenure as editor?

Antonio Nanni: In the 19 years I have served as editor, the biggest change has been the growth of the journal and how the internet has affected publishing. When I started, ASCE sent me abstracts by fax and then mailed manuscripts. From an organization and management perspective, things have changed dramatically.

But I think there is a downside as well. Today it’s difficult for the reader and researcher to distinguish between information and knowledge. There is a dramatic repetition of work and an academic obsession with publishing. While there is no doubt we’re benefiting from the invention and use of the internet, it has created a proliferation of articles, and a lack of global vision in the research community worldwide. Papers are repeated across the globe.

I’d like to see the journal take a leadership role and establish a philosophical approach to research instead of being reactive and publishing what people do in their labs. Journals ought to be a means for recognizing what the community needs and for seeing the long-term picture. I also would like more archival contributions that move the profession forward and stay relevant for several years.

ASCE Publications: What drew you to Civil Engineering?

Antonio Nanni: In my case it was a childhood dream. I was always fascinated by structures; they are incredible. Although I have converted more to materials because innovation is in materials, my original passion and love is structures. Over the years, my interest for constructed facility has grown. We might not be as sexy as other disciplines, but the quality of life depends very much on what civil engineers do. To me this was a mission; realizing that the quality of life, especially urban life, depends on the work of civil engineers, and that social responsibility was inspiring.

In my professional career I have had the opportunity to do both academic work and practical application (forming my own consulting company to facilitate use of composite materials in both new and repair construction). I’ve had quite a bit of professional experience, being involved in some of the major repair jobs with construction in the US in the late 90s and early 2000s as the engineer of record. It has helped me understand the relevance of our discipline, but it has also given me almost an anchor to the things I teach in the classroom. I encourage my colleagues to expose themselves to practice because then they can see their work come to life in the deployment.

ASCE Publications: What are your aspirations for future of the journal?

Antonio Nanni: My goal is for JMCE to remain a reference for civil engineers interested in materials worldwide. JMCE is well-established, but it’s an aspiration that needs to continue. I would like to see JMCE become the anchor for ASCE to develop agreements (MOUs) with other professional organization so that we can consolidate publications. In my mind there will be two classes of journals: (1) those anchored to professional organizations, and (2) journals published by publishers for various means. I envision a future where journals and JMCE, in particular, become the means for creating networks with other professional organizations within the field of civil engineering.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the new generation of engineers, students, is very different today. They make total use of the internet. Printed textbooks are obsolete. ASCE and JMCE need to find a way of becoming as relevant today, as we have been in the hard-copy world. How do we maintain our position in the paper-less world? We need to be strategic. We need to be predicting what we need to be doing in five to ten years. We need to be proactive and understand how the readership will use and access the information we provide.

ASCE Publications: Any advice for new researchers starting out?

Antonio Nanni: Thinking as possible authors for JMCE, I implore you to publish only what is only worth publishing. Does the paper disclose things that others can build upon, and that will last over time? I am interested in quality. Quality not only in the delivery of knowledge, but in the standard of work.

I would also urge researchers to remember that the work we do has to have a component of practicality. We have to translate it into practical application. Tie what we do practice. This is another challenge particularly for civil engineering researchers, to stay pertinent, and to implement the knowledge they create.

Learn more about contributing to the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering.