CCEE Hall of Fame

Nationwide impact on the concrete pavement industry, leader in design and construction manuals

Inducted 2023

Dale Harrington graduated in 1964 with a Construction Technology Certificate and a BS in Civil Engineering in 1972. With over 45 years as a professional engineer, Harrington has led and founded programs and centers providing better access to technology and information.

After graduation, Harrington carried out structural research and testing for three years as a Structural Engineering Technician for the U.S. Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory. After serving with the Navy, he returned to Iowa, furthering his expertise at the Iowa State Highway Commission in the road and bridge design department. As Harrington’s career accelerated, he became a well-known leader in the civil engineering field working as a principal chief engineer for the Central Iowa Regional Association of Local Governments, the head of the engineering development division for the Polk County Engineering Department, a director for several different companies, a principal senior engineer for Snyder & Associates, and the founder, owner and engineer for HCE Services.

Harrington’s broad range of experience led him to become a major contributor in concrete research and technology projects. His heavy involvement in many facets of the construction industry has resulted in working with hundreds of engineers, designers, contractors, and publishers to develop numerous design and construction manuals pertaining to pavement applications and projects. Since the early 2000s, Harrington has authored or co-authored guides and manuals for 22 different programs. Harrington was also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 2022, he was elected as an Honorary Member of the International Society for Concrete Pavements.

At Iowa State University, Harrington founded the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center. He was also the founding director of the Statewide Urban Design and Specification Program, the only known statewide standard design and specifications manual in the United States. Harrington successfully worked with flood mitigation and general municipal programs throughout Iowa.