Structural Engineering

Pressure valves in the Chunnel involve an important design concept. The designers of the Chunnel have optimized the air dynamics inside the tunnel so that passengers inside a train feel almost no effect due to pressure changes. How did they achieve this feat? What is the Channel Tunnel?                         The Channel Tunnel, which is popularly known…

The Seikan Tunnel is one of the best examples of engineering. Its construction process provided useful technologies that have been used worldwide. Introduction                                                               The idea of building the Seikan Tunnel was introduced before the Second World War, but the actual investigation about building the tunnel was started after the war. The requirement of Seikan Tunnel…

You can see the results of the work of Elbert Dysart Botts on most modern highways throughout the world. They are the raised reflective pavement markers, or Botts’ dots, that are used as highway markers for warning drivers. Dr. Botts and Botts’ Dots Dr. Elbert Dysart Botts worked with the California Department of Transportation or Caltrans where he oversaw research concerned with road markings…

Rumble strips whether used on edges or centerline of roads are considered a road safety feature as the vibration and rumbling that they produce help to alert drivers who are inattentive. Rumble Strips as Safety Devices Rumble strips and centerline rumble strips are being used to reduce accidents and warn inattentive drivers. Rumble strips can even be laid across…

Incineration is one of the methods of waste management that is quickly taking a prominent role for municipal authorities all over the world. The advantages and disadvantages of incinerators have to be properly debated before installing such systems. Waste Management Techniques Prevention of waste is at the top of the list as far as waste…

If charged with organizing an event for the local chapter of your party or organization, you may wonder how to go about building a temporary wooden podium. First, you値l need to arrange sufficient materials for the size of the podium. When do you need to build a podium? A podium is defined as a platform…

Gone are the horse and buggy days. Nevertheless, the sad part is that we still do not notice the endless number of traffic signals. Who are the inventors of these signal lights? What makes a traffic light work? These interesting facts make up this article! Introduction Urbanization has brought rapid development in industries due to…

The ozone layer protects humanity from the effects of ultraviolet rays, but ozone itself because of its high capacity to react through its extra oxygen atom causes the need for ozone resisting material to be used for ensuring the longevity of buildings. Ozone and Its Effect on Materials Ozone is an oxidizing agent that is…

Paving for walkways and driveways is easily laid down by using decomposed granite that is available from material suppliers either in loose or mixed form. The additives for the mixture would decide the cost of the material. Decomposed Granite Is a Versatile Material Decomposed granite is granite that has broken down over long periods of…

The determining of the load capacity for any structure, is in these days of paramount importance, none more so, than for those involving concrete. Major building structures such as bridges rely on tests involving prestressed concrete beam load test to failure. Introduction For enabling concrete to support a greater load capacity, or to span a greater distance…