flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Legendary structural engineer Gene Corley passes away at 77

Legendary structural engineer Gene Corley passes away at 77

Corley served as team leader for the FEMA investigation of the 9/11 collapse of the twin towers.


By CTLGroup | March 4, 2013
Legendary structural engineer Gene Corley passes away
Legendary structural engineer Gene Corley passes away

CTLGroup, an expert engineering and materials science firm located in Skokie, Illinois, is saddened by the news that W. Gene Corley, Ph.D., S.E., P.E., Senior Vice President, died on March 1, 2013 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 77.

With a legendary career that spanned over 50 years, Dr. Corley developed his structural engineering expertise at CTLGroup and its predecessor, the Portland Cement Association. His diverse work included applied research, structural evaluations and repairs, and structural forensic investigations.

Dr. Corley, dubbed the “preeminent expert on building collapse investigations and building codes” by the American Society of Engineers (ASCE), built his reputation as one of the world’s experts on structures damaged by natural and manmade disasters as he investigated some of the most notable building failures in recent U.S. history. As Team Leader, he directed the FEMA investigation into the September 11, 2001 collapse of the World Trade Center’s twin towers.

A recognized industry leader, Dr. Corley was at the forefront of the structural engineering profession and the development of building codes and standards. He served in key leadership roles of numerous technical and professional organizations. Gene was a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers where he helped establish the Structural Engineering Institute and served as Chair of the Technical Council on Forensic Engineering.

He was also a Fellow of the American Concrete Institute where he served as Chair of the Institute’s Committee 318, Structural Concrete Building Code. Gene was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2000, one of the highest distinctions accorded to an engineer, for his leadership in raising the standards of the engineering profession for building and bridge construction.

“The management and staff of CTLGroup want to acknowledge Gene’s contributions to the firm and his exemplary technical and professional accomplishments,” said Jeffrey L. Garrett, Ph.D., S.E., CTLGroup President & CEO. “Gene’s legacy in the structural engineering profession is unparalleled. He was an innovative thought leader who consistently contributed generous amounts of his time and knowledge to the profession.”

Dr. Corley’s leadership in the development of CTLGroup’s forensic engineering capabilities laid the foundation for CTLGroup to become the expert consulting engineering and materials science firm that it is today. Thanks to Gene’s example, CTLGroup’s thought leaders continue to apply their diverse expertise to solve our clients’ most challenging problems as CTLGroup grows, expands and diversifies.

Over the years, CTLGroup has broadened its capabilities, expert services and geographical coverage to serve significant markets within the engineering and materials science industries. The firm’s senior management and staff include many industry leaders, providing consulting and materials science expertise in such diverse markets as the Transportation Industry, Buildings & Facilities, Energy & Resources, Litigation & Insurance, Materials & Products, and Advanced Technologies.

About CTLGroup
CTLGroup is an internationally-recognized expert consulting engineering and materials science firm that provides engineering, testing and scientific services to our clients in the following markets: Building & Facilities; Energy & Resources; Litigation & Insurance; Materials & Products; Transportation; and Advanced Technologies. Our 125-person staff includes professionals from the fields of civil, structural, geotechnical and mechanical engineering, architecture, geology, chemistry, ceramics and materials science. Our ability to deliver unique insights and solutions for our clients’ complex challenges is what makes CTLGroup an industry leader. Serving clients from around the globe, CTLGroup maintains corporate offices, consulting offices and laboratories in Chicago (Skokie, Illinois), as well as consulting offices in Washington, D.C., Austin, Texas, and Naperville, Illinois. Services for clients in New York and North Carolina are provided through CTL Engineers & Construction Technology Consultants, P.C. Website: www.ctlgroup.com.

Related Stories

Sponsored | Reconstruction & Renovation | Jan 25, 2022

Concrete buildings: Effective solutions for restorations and major repairs

Architectural concrete as we know it today was invented in the 19th century. It reached new heights in the U.S. after World War II when mid-century modernism was in vogue, following in the footsteps of a European aesthetic that expressed structure and permanent surfaces through this exposed material. Concrete was treated as a monolithic miracle, waterproof and structurally and visually versatile.

Coronavirus | Jan 20, 2022

Advances and challenges in improving indoor air quality in commercial buildings

Michael Dreidger, CEO of IAQ tech startup Airsset speaks with BD+C's John Caulfield about how building owners and property managers can improve their buildings' air quality.

3D Printing | Jan 12, 2022

Using 3D-printed molds to create unitized window forms

COOKFOX designer Pam Campbell and Gate Precast's Mo Wright discuss the use of 3D-printed molds from Oak Ridge National Lab to create unitized window panels for One South First, a residential-commercial high-rise in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Jan 12, 2022

Total steel project performance

This instructor-led video course discusses actual project scenarios where collaborative steel joist and deck design have reduced total-project costs. In an era when incomplete structural drawings are a growing concern for our industry, the course reveals hidden costs and risks that can be avoided.

Architects | Dec 20, 2021

Digital nomads are influencing design

As our spaces continue to adapt to our future needs, we’ll likely see more collaborative, communal zones where people can relax, shop, and work.

Urban Planning | Dec 15, 2021

EV is the bridge to transit’s AV revolution—and now is the time to start building it

Thinking holistically about a technology-enabled customer experience will make transit a mode of choice for more people.

Healthcare Facilities | Dec 15, 2021

MEP design considerations for rural hospitals

Rural hospitals present unique opportunities and challenges for healthcare facility operators. Oftentimes, the infrastructure and building systems have not been updated for years and require significant improvements in order to meet today’s modern medical demands. Additionally, as these smaller, more remote hospitals are acquired by larger regional and national healthcare systems, the first step by new ownership is often to update and rehabilitate the building. But how can this be done thoughtfully, economically, and efficiently in ways that allow the engineering and facility staff to adapt to the changes? And how can the updates accurately reflect the specific needs of rural communities and the afflictions with which these areas most commonly face?

Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Oct 15, 2021

7 game-changing trends in structural engineering

Here are seven key areas where innovation in structural engineering is driving evolution.

Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Oct 1, 2021

Seizing the Daylight with BIPV Glass

Glass has always been an idea generator. Now, it’s also a clean energy generator.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021