AARON SWAN
Aaron Swan and Associates
SAY IT LOUD - SOUTH DAKOTA Exhibitor
South Dakota Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
At one time, I was active in the South Dakota engineering Society and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Some of the members were high achievers and they inspired and motivated me to be a better professional.
AARON SWAN
Bio:
Aaron Swan is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, receiving his BSCE degree from SDSU in 1962. He was employed by SDDOT from 1962 to 1975, lastly as Acting Chief Structural Designer for the Bridge program. In 1975, he founded Aaron Swan and Associates, Inc., in Pierre SD. He was licensed as a Professional Engineer in SD, ND, MT & UT and his firm provided engineering, architectural, land surveying and construction materials testing services in the Midwest and other areas of the US.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
High school teachers discussing careers generated my interest in becoming a design professional. It just seemed like an interesting area to be working in.
What do you do?
During my employment with the SDDOT, I provided rehabilitation design for many bridge and drainage structures located throughout SD. During my private practice years, I did likewise for many other government agencies.
What excites you in the work you do?
Most of the projects I worked on were public works projects. When the projects were completed, it was existing to see people making use of the project.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
At one time, I was active in the South Dakota engineering Society and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Some of the members were high achievers and they inspired and motivated me to be a better professional.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am proud of the many various projects that we worked on and completed. Knowing that these projects needed to be done and that people were benefitting from the completed project, I have a feeling of accomplishment for a mission well done.
Featured Project Name:
Medicine Creek Bridge
Featured Project Location:
Located on BIA 10, Lower Brule Reservation, South Dakota
Featured Project Completion Date:
Completed in 2016
Role in Featured Project:
Civil Engineer/ Lead Design
Featured Project Description:
The Medicine Creek Bridge is a 265' 3 span continuous steel beam bridge using wide using 5 wide flange beams. The beams are weathered steel ASTM A709 Grade 50. The reinforced concrete deck is 39' out to out and 36'-4" clear roadway width. The deck is 8.5" thick with a 1.5" haunch and a 2'4" edge overhang. The substructure consists of two reinforced concrete integral abutments founded on steel piles and two steel pile bents with reinforced concrete caps.
