Energy conversion, the transformation of energy from forms provided by nature to forms that can be used by humans. Over the centuries a wide array of devices and systems has been developed for this purpose. Some of these energy converters are quite simple. The early windmills, for example, transformed the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy for pumping water and grinding grain. Other…
Inverted arch foundations are provided in the places where the SBC of the soil is very poor and the load of the structure is through walls. In such cases inverted arches are constructed between the walls. End walls should be sufficiently thick and strong to withstand the outward horizontal thrust due to arch action. The…
Elevation measurements Elevation measurements involve measurements in vertical plane. It is also known as levelling. It may be defined as the art of determining the elevations of given points above or below a datum line or establishing given points of required heights above or below the datum line. OBJECT AND USES OF LEVELLING As stated…
Air pollution occurs due to the presence of undesirable solid or gaseous particles in the air in quantities that are harmful to human health and environment. It can be defined as presence of foreign matter either gaseous or particulate or combination of both in the air which is detrimental to the health and welfare of…
Dams are one of the most impressive feats of civil engineering, holding back vast amounts of water while providing flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. But have you ever wondered how a structure can resist such enormous pressure without collapsing? In this article, we’ll break down the science behind dams and how they keep our…
Trip production Assume a study area is divided into seven zones (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) as indicated in Fig. 2.3. Transport planners wish to estimate the volume of car traffic for each of the links within the network for ten years into the future (termed the design year). Using land use data…
Three decades back, a construction site was a place where all building materials were brought in fabricated or mended as per need and then used. For example cement, sand, stonechips and water was assembled at construction site; mixed as per design and used. Brick kilns were the only manufacturing/ prefabrication done in advance for construction. Storing of…
Metal roofing materials are being used extensively due to their durability, ease of installation, and other favorable characteristics. If the metal roofing materials are correctly selected, installed, and properly maintained, they will have an extended life. Metal Roofing Materials A huge variety of metal roofing materials with different characteristics of weight, color, durability, and cost is currently on…
Mineral spirits are excellent materials that are widely being used as paint thinners and as a substitute for turpentine. The turpentine chemical formula is not much different from mineral spirits. However, mineral spirits is more popular being both more economical and more effective. What Is Mineral Spirits Mineral spirits consists of a purified petroleum distillate…
Failure of construction is an important subject for an owner or a builder, since it involves human life and money. Structural failure may be prevented by incorporation of a proper design and use of quality materials. Workmanship is also an important factor to ensure a proper structural construction. Why Construction Fails Since humans first started…