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William S. Housel

1901-1978

Through more than 46 years on the active faculty at the University of Michigan (1924-1971), Professor Housel applied his engineering skills to the betterment of Michigan highways. His special talents and extensive knowledge in soil mechanics and foundation design made him one of the most widely sought-after consultants in his field, both in the United States and abroad, for projects ranging from airfields to highways to dams and bridges. Major contributions in 36 years as a research consultant to the Department of State Highways (1934-1970) included supervision of the foundation investigation for the Mackinac Bridge and a key role in the pavement performance survey that led to Michigan's all-season highway network.

Michigan Transportation Hall of Honor, 1978