How Movable Bridges Work
There are many different variations of a movable bridge, but they all have the same purpose; designed to move out of the way to allow the passage of boats or barges. Movable bridges obviously bring to mind “drawbridges”, however, there are other variations of movable bridges beyond just the drawbridge. In the U.S., certain regulations […]
How Concrete Dams are Constructed
A concrete dam is built in four shapes; gravity dam, concrete buttress dam, arch dam, and the arch-gravity dam. The gravity, buttress, and arch-gravity dams use their weight as strength to counteract water pressure by pushing downward. The arch dam uses the concrete as its strength by being weighed down from the pressure of water. […]
Why The Missouri River Floods
In the early 1900’s, the Missouri River was unmanageable, varying in shape and size covering entire valleys with ice and water, then resettling along a new course. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tried for several decades to tame the river and make it navigable for commercial, agriculture, and manufacturers. Finally, in the early years […]
Spotting Foundation Issues
One of the most expensive types of home repair includes foundation issues which can cost as much as tens of thousands of dollars. The cost may increase if the issue has also caused damage to other parts of the home. The best way to minimize expense is through preventative home maintenance, and knowing how to […]
My Air Conditioner is not Working Right. Can I Diagnose it Myself?
There are many reasons why your air conditioner might not be working properly, and there a few things you can check for before calling a professional. Some of these tips on troubleshooting the issue could save you time, money and hassle in the hot summer. Dirty Air Filter As time passes, the air filter collects […]
Mississippi Tornadoes | April 12, 2020
During Easter weekend a total of 134 tornadoes formed throughout the Southeastern states. One of the tornadoes was a 2.25-mile wide EF4 twister with winds of 190 mph that hit Moss, Mississippi killing 8 people and becoming the widest tornado that’s ever hit the state. Five out of the ten states that were affected by […]
Aztec Engineering Techniques and Technologies
Originally a nomadic tribe until they settled in Mexico, the Aztecs built their empire in the city of Tenochtitlan in the 14th century. They were excellent farmers and builders and prided themselves on their work, avoiding the use of animals and doing it themselves. Although they had wheeled toys and decorations, the wheel had not […]
How to Remove A Popcorn Ceiling
Popcorn ceilings were often used in the ’60s and ’70s since there was no painting required, and it was a quick and easy fix to imperfections in the ceiling. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to match if it needs to be patched up from holes and cracks, and the texture makes it difficult to clean […]
How Concrete Dams Work
Concrete dams are used for a simple reasons – change the flow/flowrate of water and generate electricity. Concrete dams are major producers, too. Together they generate 20% of electricity in the world and open new areas to permanent settlement. Although most dams are simply fill dams which are used primarily as water storage, large concrete […]
Unique Skyscrapers Around the World
Architects are always looking for ways to reinvent skyscrapers in order to keep up with modern engineering. In the past century, there has been a massive variation in the height of the tallest skyscrapers – defined as buildings that exceed 330 feet. Skyscrapers are massive investments and icons of the cities they occupy which can […]