Design of Horizontal Curves for Roadways
The geometric design of roadways is the part of highway engineering that is concerned with how the physical elements are positioned, dependent on standards and constraints. The main objectives are to optimize safety and efficiency while also minimizing environmental damage and costs. Engineers aim to design roadways to provide access to business, schools, residences, accommodate […]
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. […]
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 […]
Can I Knock Out This Wall in My House?
When remodeling or thinking about remodeling a home, a common question is, “Can I just take out this wall?” The simple fact is that, yes, any wall can be removed – but the cost involved varies a considerable amount depending on a number of factors. The questions should perhaps be rephrased as, “How much is […]
How a suspension bridge works
Perhaps the most famous suspension bridge in the world is San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. The expansive bridge with its monolith towers and crisscross cables is a beauty to behold – but many do not know how these beautiful structures actually work. Understanding How a Suspension Bridge Works A suspension bridge is one of the […]
How Reinforced Concrete Works
Reinforced concrete (RC) is one of humankind’s greatest innovations in building and structures. Thanks to reinforced concrete, enormous and complicated structures are made possible. How it works is relatively simple as the basic concrete composite material encases steel reinforcement for greater strength and more durability. Typically, reinforcing incorporates steel bars – commonly known as “rebar” […]