In previous posts, we have defined engineering design and the engineering design process. As we have seen, engineering design is an important component of our society. But its benefits extend beyond the creation of useful things. Engineering design is also a thinking tool, and as such it offers several benefits to children. Introducing kids from…
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Engineering design is all around us. It has been used to create everything from the chair you may be sitting on, to the device you are using right now to read these words. And yet, despite its ubiquity and importance, this field remains little understood. So much so, that the most common question related to…
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Few people are as focused, organized, and goal-oriented as project managers. The secret of their mental and emotional discipline is a series of project management habits that anyone can adopt. Be Prepared One of the main tasks of a project manager is assessing potential setbacks. Risk management allows project managers to stay on top of…
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Successful project management can be the difference between outstanding results and a project filled with disagreement and delays. From guidelines to a solid kickoff meeting to a simple way to ensure that a project stays on track, here are three keys for successful project management. Getting Off to a Good Start is Essential for Succesful…
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The engineering design process is a crucial concept to understand engineering and the engineering mindset. However, people doing research on the Internet may find it strange that there are different versions of this process. Some champion a brief model with as few as four steps, while others propose a 12-step process. Faced with these diverging…
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While bridges are structures essential to modern life, their origins date back to antiquity. Egyptians, Minoans, and Assyrians developed techniques to build bridges. However, it was with the Romans that bridge construction reached a degree of excellence that almost defies belief. Bridges and bridge building were part and parcel of life in Ancient Rome. The…
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People tend to use the terms “cement” and “concrete” interchangeably; however, they are different materials. Cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mix of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel, while the paste consists of water and Portland cement. But what is Portland cement? Read on to learn more…
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The term “tilt-up” was coined in the 1940’s to refer to a construction method that is quick and cost-effective and eliminates the formwork that is necessary for pour-in-place concrete walls. An Apt Term As you will see, the name is quite apt, since this construction method entails casting slabs of concrete horizontally on the construction…
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What are the most important qualities a project manager must have? Project management is a complex discipline that requires both a hands-on inclination and a knack for abstract thought. Although this may sound like a contradiction in terms, a great project manager meets these requirements and then some, as we are about to see. A…
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The Golden Gate Bridge is an achievement of civil engineering. When it opened great acclaim on May 27, 1937, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge, and still stands as an enduring symbol of the power of resilience and ingenuity., Against the Odds The builders of the Golden Gate Bridge faced all sorts of difficulties.…
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