Larry Rolwes

Background

About Larry Rolwes

I enjoy building things. This often requires finding practical solutions to challenging problems. I have spent nearly two decades in the bridge industry doing just that for agencies and contractors, both nationally and internationally. I take pride in the engineering solutions I develop and believe if it can’t be built then I am wasting my time. As a son of a home-builder, I understand what it takes to build things having worked in the industry through college and then going on to build my first home and renovate a second. Building is a craft, and I believe the best engineers are craftsmen at heart. Early in my career, while working on a large regional bridge project, I had the opportunity to engage with a local contractor. I enjoyed the experience very much and appreciated the perspective they brought that aided in development of the design. Several months later this same company invited me to interview with them, explaining that they enjoyed working with me and appreciated my practical dispositions. Though I stayed with the consulting industry, this was a huge complement as it reinforced my natural instincts in how I approach my profession. From the Stan Musial Bridge in St. Louis, MO, to the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia, I have garnered experience in analysis, design, and rehabilitation of a variety of structure types including long span steel girders, arches, cable-stay, trusses, and post-tensioned structures. I have performed seismic analysis and design in challenging regions such California and New Madrid in Southern Missouri. I have worked with innovative materials and construction methods to meet specific project challenges such as UHPFRC, precast elements, and bridge launching.